36 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



that the name Zorillo (fox's cub), which the 

 Spaniards applied to those fetid animals of 

 America was given to it. It has, however, 

 nothing in common with them except the nails 

 adapted for delving. This circumstance indi- 

 cates a subterraneous mode of life, which might 

 induce us to distinguish this species from the 

 other polecats. 



The Martens, properly so called, (Mustela, Cuv.) 



Differ from the polecats by an additional false molar 

 above and below, and by a small interior tubercle in 

 their carnivorous tooth below. Two characters 

 which somewhat diminish the cruelty of their nature. 

 Europe has two species very nearly approaching 

 to each other, 



The common Marten (Mustela Martes, L.) Buff. VII. xxin. 



Brown, with a yellow spot under the neck ; in- 

 habits the woods. 



The Fouine. (Mustela Foina, L.) Buff. VII.xvuu 



Brown, with all the upper part of the throat and 

 neck whitish. Frequents houses. Both these 

 species occasion much mischief. 

 One species is known in Siberia. 



The Sable (Mustela Zibellina) Pall. Spic. Zool. XIV. , 

 in. 2. Schreb. CXXXVI. 



So much celebrated for its rich fur. It is 

 brown, with some spots of white on the head, 



