94 



CHARACTERS OF VERTEBRATE ANIMALS 



with dogs, these seeming to have a more varied origin. It is 

 possible that the Dingo or Native Dog {Cants dingo) of AustraHa, 

 which is especially interesting from the paucity of higher mammals 

 in that continent, ought not, properly speaking, to be regarded 

 as a wild form in the ordinary sense, but as the descendant of 

 domesticated dogs introduced by man. 



Foxes, as represented by their more characteristic species, are 

 distinguished from wolves by a narrower snout, larger ears, shorter 

 legs, and more bushy tail. The pupil of the eye, instead of being 

 circular, is a vertical oval. A good type is our native species, the 

 Common Fox {Cams vulpes), which is as widely distributed as 

 the wolf, and represented by many different varieties. No animal 

 figures more prominently in fable and legend, a somewhat exagger- 

 ated estimate being usually taken of its wisdom. Among related 

 species the smallest and prettiest is undoubtedly the Fennec or 

 Sahara Fox {Canis zerda), distinguished by the very great size 

 of its ears (fig. 60). 



BEARS 



These are carnivores which walk upon the soles of the feet, 

 or in other words are plantigrade (fig. 61), and their teeth are not 



so specialized as in cats and dogs, some of 

 the molars possessing crowns adapted for 

 crushing food instead of merely dividing 

 it. This is in accordance with the diet, 

 which commonly includes both animal and 

 vegetable items. 



The group is divided into three fa- 

 milies: — I. Small Bears (Sub-Ursidse); 

 2. Large Bears (Ursidse); 3. Badgers, 

 Weasels, and Otters (Mustelidse). 



I. The Small Bears (Sub-Ursidae) are 

 probably best known in the person of the 

 Common Raccoon {Procyon lotor), a very 

 active and inquisitive creature native to the 

 forests of North America. As the specific 

 name indicates (Lat. lo^or, a washer), it has 

 the curious habit of washing its food (fig. 62). 



2. Bears (Ursidse) are much larger and clumsier animals, 

 familiar to all from menagerie and zoo specimens. Though pretty 



Fig. 61. — Skeleton of Hind-limb of 

 Bear, to illustrate the Plantigrade Struc- 

 ture, r, Radius ; u^ ulna; t, ankle-bones; 

 ?« and if, bones of digits : ca, heel-bone. 



