MANGUSTA JAVANICA. 



and distinguish it from its affinities. As a relation of analogy must always depend 

 on some marked property, or point of structure, and as that of affinity which con- 

 nects two groups, becomes weaker and less visible as these are more general, it is 

 not at all surprising that what is only an analogical correspondence in one or two 

 particulars, should often have been mistaken for a general affinity." — Horce Entom. 

 Vol. I. p. II. p. 364. — These remarks explain at once, and remove the difficulties 

 which have occurred in the classification of the FeUs gracilis. By regarding its rela- 

 tions of analogy alone, which I presume I have observed in the grinders, and 

 particularly in those of the lower jaw, it has (as far as appears to me) improperly 

 been classed with Viverrine animals ; and it has therefore been my endeavour to 

 shew that its relations of affinity associate it with Feline animals. 



Directed and confirmed by these views, I shall in future consider the Felis 

 gracilis as the type of a distinct genus in the family of Fehne animals, and desig- 

 nate it bjr the name of Prionodon, which has already been proposed for a 

 section of the genus Felis. This name accords with the character of the teeth. 

 Comparatively with those of other Fehne animals, the teeth are not only more 

 numerous, but they are more compressed and elongated ; their crowns are more 

 strongly notched or serrated, exhibiting numerous acute points ; and a lateral view 

 of them may aptly be compared to a saw, the teeth of which are jagged or uneven. 

 The name is accordingly compounded of two Greek words {v^iuv and olohi), explaining 

 the character of the teeth. 



