307 



GENUS MUSTELA.— Cuv. 



DENTAT, FORMULA. 



Incisive -^ ; Canine z — = ; Molar 7=— p. = 38. 

 6 ' 1 — 1 ' 6—6 



Head, small and oval ; muzzle, rather large ; ears, short and round ; 

 body, long, vermiform ; tail, usually long and cylindrical ; legs, short ; 

 five toes on each foot, armed Avith sharp, crooked, slightly retractile 

 claws. No anal pouch, but a small gland which secretes a thickish 

 offensive fluid. Fur, very fine. 



This genus differs from the genus Putorrts, having four carnivorous 

 teeth on each side, in the ujjper jaw, instead of three, the number the true 

 weasels exhibit, and, the last carnivorous tooth on the lower jaw, has a 

 rounded lobe on the inner side, w^hich renders this genus somewhat less 

 carnivorous in its habit than Putoriu.", and consequently a slight dimi- 

 nution of the cruelty and ferocity displayed by animals of the latter 

 genus, may be observed in those forming the present. 



There are about twelve species of true Martens known, four of which 

 inhabit North America. 



The generic name Mustela, is derived from the Latin word nmstela, 

 a weasel. 



MUSTELA CANADENSI S.— Schreber. 



Pennant's Marten or Fisher. 

 Black Fox or Black Cat of the Northern Hunters. 



PLATE XLI Male. Natural size. 



Capita et humeris cano fuscoque mixtis ; naso, labiis, cruribus, et 

 Cauda, fusco-nigris. 



