THE MAMMALS 241 
ertheless belong to one family (the weasel family, Mustelid@), 
and are more or less valued for their fur. Almost all are 
characterized by a fetid odor, especially the skunk, which 
is notoriously offensive, and in consequence is avoided by 
all other animals. 
The dog family is represented by several widely distrib- 
uted varieties of the red fox (Vulpes pennsylvanicus) and 
gray fox (Urocyon cinereo-argentatus), and by the coyotes 
ae Se > a 
Fie. 136.—Silver fox (Vulpes pennsylvanicus, var. argentatus). Photograph 
by W. K. FisuEr. 
(Canis latrans) and wolves (Canis nubilus). The domestic 
dog (Canis familiaris) is probably the descendant of the 
wolf, and owing to man’s careful breeding during thou- 
sands of years has formed several widely differing varieties. 
The cat family, comprising the most powerful, savage, 
and keenest-scented carnivora, is represented by the lion, 
tiger, jaguar, and hyena. In this country the group is 
represented by the lynx (Lynx canadensis), the wildcat 
(Lynz rufus), and the panther or puma (Felis concolor), 
which attains the length of nearly five feet. The domestic 
cat has, like the dog, been domesticated for centuries, and 
has possibly descended from an African species (felis 
