ORDER CARNASSIER. 305 



Weasels. His observations were principally made on such 

 as are met with in North America. 



M. F. Cuvier, in his lithographic work, gives a figure and 

 description of the Chinche, but as he seems to think it the 

 same animal as the Yagouare of d'Azara, we shall avail 

 ourselves but little of it. His individual sat habitually on 

 its paws, with the tail elevated. 



The Teledu {Mydaus Meliceps of Dr. Horsfield) is very 

 nearly allied to the Mephitic Weasels of America, but 

 differs from them in its truncated pig-like muzzle, and 

 shortened tail : it is also more decidedly plantigrade than 

 those animals. 



The figure of this animal, from a drawing by Major 

 Hamilton Smith, of a specimen in Paris, differs from the 

 beautiful engraving by Taylor, in Dr. Horsfield's work, 

 principally, in having the transverse white stripe lower 

 down on the shoulders. 



" The Teledu," says Dr. Horsfield, " has a peculiar ex- 

 ternal character and physiognomy. Although it generally 

 agrees in size with the Polecats of Europe and America, the 

 circumstances which influence its appearance are entirely 

 different. The heavy form of the body, as well as the head 

 gradually narrowed to an obtuse point, call to mind the 

 figure of a Hog. The shortness and strength of the neck, 

 and the manner of walking, by placing the entire sole of the 

 foot on the ground, contribute further to give to the animal 

 a sluggish appearance. The eyes are placed high in the 

 head, and in their size and disposition have considerable 

 resemblance to those of a Hog ; the eye-lids are rigid, and 

 well provided with eye-brows, consisting of minute bristles ; 

 the irides are of a dark colour, and the pupil is circular. 

 The ears are nearly concealed by the hairy covering of the 

 body; but these organs are provided externally with an 

 oblong concha, which surrounds the posterior part, and 

 passing the lower extremity of the meatus auditorius, 

 Vol. If. X 



