1847-] On the Cat-toed Subplantiyrades. 1117 



Urva and Helictis, and, in a less degree the Badger, but not the Bear- 

 Badger (Ursitax) nor the Bear, whose backs are uncurved, and their 

 bounds more directly forward, and less digital quoad the hind feet, 

 when in quick movement. In its power and mode of climbing the Wah 

 most resembles the Paradoxuri, but also much the Martens, and far 

 surpasses the Bears which can climb only in youth, and in descending 

 are obliged to let themselves slip or slide down, tail foremost, whereas 

 the Wahs, like the Potos, throughout their lives climb steadily and 

 firmly, upwards and downwards, without any necessity for "turning 

 their backs on themselves," or any dependance on slope or on spring, 

 their high scansorial faculty being the joint result of their ursine 

 powerful and highly articulated limbs and of their sharp feline talons, 

 as in the case of the Paradoxuri, animals which the Ailuri intirely 

 resemble in the substance, and I think* also in the details, of these 

 most singular structural combinations, combinations to which we must 

 also refer the mode of fighting peculiar to both genera, viz. by grap- 

 pling and scratching with all four extremities at once. Neither the Para- 

 doxures nor the Ailures are wont to use the erect attitude of the Bears 

 on these occasions. On the contrary, they roll on the ground, whilst 

 hugging and tearing each other : nor did I ever observe either employ 

 the hands as the Racoons and Coatis and Bears do to facilitate the 

 process of eating. The Wahs, as I have observed above, sleep much 

 by day, though not strictly noctivagrant, and they repose frequently in 

 an upright attitude resting on the large broad palma and planta with 

 the head tucked between the fore-legs and under the chest, like 

 Racoonsf and Lemurs, J but more generally, like Dogs or Cats, that is, 

 laid on the side and rolled into a ball, the head being concealed by the 

 bushy tail which is carefully drawn round so as to cover the eyes and 

 exclude the light. The Wahs have little of that eminent development 

 of the senses which distinguishes most animals as opposed to man : 

 their touch, sight, and hearing are dull ; their smell not very acute, 

 though the quickest sense they have ; and hence they are easily taken, 

 having moreover little speed, cunning, or ferocity to protect them. 



* I speak doubtfully, because I have not the entire skeleton of Ailurus now to refer to, 

 nor copy of the paper above alluded to as sent to the Zool. Society in 1833, in which the 

 bard anatomy was throughout detailed from several perfect specimens. 



t Regne Animal, II. p. 249. % Idem. I. p. 325. 



