ORDER CARNASSIER. 303 



been very generally confounded with the transatlantic 

 animals; a confusion which results from the similarity of 

 the African Zorillo to the Mephitic Weasels, as well as 

 from the former animal being improperly called by an 

 American name ; but little additional information can be 

 expected on this subject, except from those who have for 

 some time resided in America, and are urged to observation 

 by an energetic and inquisitive mind. 



Major Hamilton Smith, though he admits the confusion 

 of writers, or the varieties of the species, is not prepared 

 to discard any that have been described and figured as 

 different. He inclines to think the Coase of Buffon, though 

 not corresponding with any animal elsewhere described, is 

 distinct, principally because the character of the figure has 

 something positive, which a mutilated skin could hardly 

 have produced. He thinks it may be one of a race, also, 

 but little known, namely, the smaller Gluttons or Grisons, 

 of at least three undescribed species of which the Major 

 has made drawings ; and he would, consequently, not 

 dismiss it as factitious, but leave the matter open for future 

 investigation. 



The Major acknowledges, also, the Conepatl of Buffon, as 

 well as the Chinche, which he has frequently seen, and is 

 well figured in Buffon's work. Catesby's animal he also has 

 little doubt is distinct. It is longer, more slender, has the 

 nose more pointed, and the markings very different from 

 the Conepatl, or any other. The Mouffette de Chili is very 

 nearly allied to a drawing in the Major's collection, though 

 it differs in some degree, resulting, possibly, from the type 

 being found in a different part of the country from that of 

 Buffon's animal. 



The opposite figure is of the male, of the animal com- 

 monly known in America by the name of Skunk. The white 

 marks differ in shape in the female. The hairs are long in 



