40 SUBKINGDOM VERTEBRATA. 



Different species abound in all parts of the world. 



Fig. hi. 



Yulpes mdgSris, Fox. jV- 



Mustelidse. — The Weasels are greatly diversified in size, 

 habits, color, etc. All iiave fine fur, short legs, and slim, 

 flexible bodies, which enable them by gliding movements to 

 pursue their prey through small openings. Nearly all have 

 glands secreting a disagreeable odor. Differences in denti- 

 tion and manner of walking afford a means of tabulation : 



"41 

 o 



t/j 



Terrestrial. 



Aqua-tic. 



DIGITIGEADE. 



Teeth - 

 Tekth = 



r 



Mustela 



SEMI 

 I DIQITIGKADE 



■) 



Teeth = 31. 



Teeth = 

 Teeth = 



pennantii, 

 americana. 

 Putorius ermineus, 

 " lutreolus, 

 Mephitis mephitica, 

 Taxidea americana, 

 Gulo, luscus, 

 Lutra canadensis. 



Fisher. 



Sable. 



Weasel. 



Mink. 



SJcunk. 



Badger. 



Wolverine. 



Otter. 



The Fiulier and the Satle are the representatives of the 

 Genus Mustela in ISTorth America. The former is the largest 



meet, in order to deceive the dogs ; it will run at full jump to the crest of a hill, then 

 quickly lie down, while the headlong speed of its pursuers carries them pell-mell to 

 thehottom; and even if caught it will feign death, permitting itself to be handled, 

 kicked about, and carried away, without showing any sign of life until tt chance of 

 escape offers, when it will suddenly dash off to the intense surprise of those whom it 

 has so cleverly duped. 



* So varied, however, are their individual markings according to age and locality 

 that naturalists disagree as to the number of species in North America, or whether 

 there is more than one genus. 



