MAMMALIA-—SEAL. 203 
pounce with her paws upon the head of the marten, in such a way that the 
claws may destroy or wound its eyes, while her teeth are embedded in its 
neck; and if she can accomplish that, the fate of the marten is decided. 
That, however, if done at all, must be done in a moment; and if it be lost, 
there is no repairing the mistake. he spring of the wood cat is larger than 
that of her opponent, and the cat takes up her position so that she shall, 
if possible, alight upon his head with her full spring and impetus. To dis- 
tract her attention, he keeps moving his head from side to side, and if he 
succeeds in his object, he rushes to close quarters by a side movement 
If the spring of the cat takes proper effect, there is a struggle, but not of 
long duration; and it is the same with the opposite result, if the cat miss 
and the marten fasten, during the short pause of exhaustion after the 
spring.” 
A singular animal has recently been discovered in the island of Java, 
which seems the connecting link between the cat and ferret tribes. It has 
the lengthened muzzle, and slender body of the latter, with the sheathed 
and retractile claws of the former. Dr Horsfield denominates it Prionodon 
gracilis. 
FAMILY ITI—AMPHIBIA. 
THESE animals have the feet short, enveloped in the skin, in form of fins ; 
the posterior in the direction of the body; number of incisors variable, often 
six, and sometimes four above, more generally four, and sometimes two 
below. 
THE SEAL. 

ie 
Baers =~ si 
EIT Na ON 

Tus animal has its head round, like that of the human species; its snout 
1s broad, like the otter’s ; the eyes, large and elevated ; little, or no external 
ur lower 
e lower 
es large 
¢; four ab- 
1 Phoca vitulina, Lrx. The genus Phoca has six or four upper and two 
incisors ; two upper and two lower canines ; ten ox twelve upper and ten o 
molars. Molars all cutting or conical; five toes on all the feet; tail sho 
nostrils closing at the will of the animal; head round; external ears w 
dominal mamme. 



