VIVERRIDE 525 
ment of the sabre-toothed or macherodont dentition, the most 
specially carnivorous type of structure known. 
Other species of Alacherodus are found in the Pliocene de- 
posits of Europe and Asia. The accompany- 
ing woodcut exhibits the last two upper teeth 
of the Indian Jf siralensis, from which it will 
be seen that the inner tubercle of the carnassial 
is much reduced in size, while the molar is 
very minute. 
Fumily VIVERRIDZ. 
Premolars $ or 4. Molars + or 3. Upper 
carnassial usually without an anterior lobe, and Sp ee 
the lower one with a well-developed talon; of the tet upper carn 
second lower incisor (as in all the following 24 molar of Mack 
families) raised above the level of the first and “"”*"** 
third. Auditory bulla externally constricted, and divided by a 
septum. An alisphenoid canal (with very rare exceptions). Carotid 
canal distinct as a groove on the side of the bulla. Humerus 
usually with an entepicondylar foramen. Digits usually 5-5, but 
sometimes the pollex or hallux or both may be wanting. Dorsal 
vertebre 13 or 14. Limited in distribution to the Old World. 
The subfamily Cryptoproctine contains the single genus C'rypto- 
prota  Dentition: i 3, ¢ 4, p 4+, m 4+; total 36. The teeth 
generally closely resemble those of the Felide. The first premolar 
of both jaws is very minute and early deciduous. The upper 
carnassial has a very small inner tubercle, quite at the anterior part 
of the tooth. The true molar is very small and placed transverselv. 
The lower carnassial has a large trenchant bilobed blade, and a 
very minute talon, but no inner cusp. Skull generally like that of 
Felis, but proportionately longer and narrower. Orbit widely open 
behind. Vertebre: C 7, D 13, L 7,8 3, C 29. Body elongated. 
Limbs moderate in size. Feet subplantigrade ; five well-developed 
toes on each, with sharp, compressed, retractile claws. Ears 
moderate. Tail long and cylindrical. 
The only known species, C. feror, the “ Foussa” of the Malagasy, 
is peculiar to Madagascar, being the largest carnivorous animal in 
the island. It is about twice the size of the common Cat (5 feet 
from nose to end of tail), with short close fur of nearly uniform 
pale brown. Little is as yet known of its habits, except that it is 
nocturnal, frequently attacks and carries off goats, and especially 
kids, and shows great ferocity when wounded, on which account it 
is much dreaded by the natives. 
The remaining numerous specific and generic modifications found 
1 Bennett, Trans. Zool. Soc. vol. i. p. 137 (1833). 
