L82 



VERTEBRATA. 



The Zebra Hkmig u b, //. zebra, the only species, is like the linsangs in its size and general 

 colorings. Eta complexion on the head and sides of the neck is fawn, barred with brown; the 

 r,-t of the form is blackish brown. The length of the body is fifteen inches. It is found only 

 in Borneo. 



Genua EUPLERES: Eupleres. — The single speciesof this genus, E. Goudolii, is of a slender 

 form, aboul a fool in length, low <>n its legs, digitigrade, with a tail half the length of the body. 

 [ta color is a brownish fawn; its fur thick and woolly. Its teetli indicate an insectivorous 

 tendency. It is found in Madagascar. 



'• em \ ANI'INIA: Nandinia. — The only known species, N.binotata, is a beautiful animal of 

 the size of the genet, with soft fur, of a brown complexion, and spotted with black. It is a good 

 climber, and has claws partially retractile. Its habitat is the island of Fernando Po, and the 

 adjacent territories of < ruinea. 



i . 



THE CRYPTOPROCTA FEROX. 



Genus ( RYPTOPROCTA : Cryptoprocta. — The only species, C. ferox, is but fifteen inches 

 loi g, but its strength is great. Its disposition is ferocious and sanguinary in the highest degree. 

 Tin- body is slender and the bade arched; the color russet, the head round, and the claws 

 retractile. In these respects, this animal greatly resembles the cat family, but it has odoriferous 

 glands, which class it with the genets. 



Gt nu8 BASSARIS : Bassaris. — AVc now come to the only American animal in the long list of 

 \ iverrides — the Rihg-taileb Bassaris, B.astuta. It has a sharp, pointed nose, and a cunning 

 • \pn —ion, reminding one of a fox or raccoon. Its resemblance to the latter animal has given it 

 the nam.- of Ring-tailed Raccoon with the Texans. The body is eighteen inches long, and the tail 

 one foot tw... The general color is blackish gray above, and yellowish brown on the lower parts 

 of the sides, there being a Borl of brindled appearance over the head and along the back. The 

 tail is distinctly branded with black and white. 



tn disposition, this animal is lively and playful, running along on the branches of the trees 

 with the agility of ;i squirrel. It is shy and retiring, and speedily Hies to its retreat, which is a 

 in :i tree, Upon the Bllghtesl alarm. Its food consists of birds, insects, and small quadrupeds; 

 it i- -aid also to fed on the pecan and oilier nuts, though this is doubtful. Sometimes it scolds 

 or barks at an intruder, holding its tail curled over its back. It is easily tamed, and among the 

 Mexicans it i> domesticated, when it becomes a playful pet, and catches rats and mice. It 



