1885.] 



GENUS PARADOXURUS. 



793 



hinder edge of the posterior molars. Muzzle generally produced and 

 narrow, but varying in length. Upper sectorial tooth narrow, the 

 inner lobe small and at the distal extremit}- of the tooth, so that the 

 greatest breadth, at right angles to the outer mai-gin, is at that 

 extremity. This breadth is about two thirds the length of the tooth 

 measured along the outer margin. The inner margin of the tooth 

 between the inner and hinder lobe distinctly concave. 



Colour blackish grey to brownish grey. The fur in general long, 

 and with long ragged coarse black tips, but these are naturally much 

 more developed in the cold season. Underfur, when present, ashy 



Half palate and dentition of P. niger. (Specimen no. Brit. Mus. 46.11.9.9.) 



or brownish ; the longer hairs, beyond the underfur, pale grey with 

 long black tips. As a rule there are no stripes on the back, but 

 indistinct dark bands and rows of spots are sometimes found, especially 

 in young specimens. Feet and the greater part of the legs, with the 

 terminal portion of the tail, frequently one half or more, quite black. 

 The tip of the tail in some individuals is white. The head-markings 

 are variable, the face is generally black or blackish, with a distinct 

 white or grey spot below each eye ; another, generally to be detected, 

 on each side of the nose, amongst the vibrissse, and very often 

 another above the eye. There is not, however, in this form, as 

 usually in the next, a distinct whitish band across the forehead. 

 Vibrissas black ; occasionally, but rarely, a few of the lower are whitish 

 or white towards the base. 



Dimensions. Head and body of a male 22| inches long, tail 19| ; 

 of a female l/jV ^nd 18 (Elliot). Hodgson gives similar measure- 

 ments, except that in the female the head and body measured 20, 

 tail 17|. The skull is about 4^ to 4^ inches long. 



Distribution. This form of Paradoxurus is peculiar to the 



