44 



SUBKINGDOM VERTEBEATA. 



digs out of their burrows, leaving dangerous trap-holes for 

 the unwary traveler. 



Mg. BU. 



Fig. 05. 



Taxidla americ3,na. Badger. ,'i. 



The Wolverine inhabits the northern parts of Europe and 

 America. Extravagant stories are told by trappers of its 

 strength and ferocity,* whereas it is harmless to man, and 



only annoying by de- 

 vouring animals caught 

 in tra]>s, and by destroy- 

 ing the hunter's hoards. 

 With a sagacity rarely 

 permitting it to be en- 

 snared, it skillfully tears 

 the trap to pieces, and 

 carries off the bait. 

 The River Otter has 

 but one species in North America, though it ranges from 

 Hudson's Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Its webbed feet exhibit 



Gulo hi^ci'x, Wolverine or " Glutton.' 



* TbuB we are gravely informefl ihat the Wolvi'rini' will drop from a tree npon 

 the back of an animnl pasBinff nnderneatli, and, clinging to itn neck with long tren- 

 phant claws, tear open the blood-veBsels until the poor victim falls lifeless. 



