CARNIVORA. URSID^E. 19 



its arch, which is convex upwards, accommodating it to the con- 

 cavity of the upper jaw. 



Dimensions of the Skeleton. 



in. t'ths. 



Length of the skull, .... 1 6 

 Greatest breadth posteriorly, . . .06 

 Length of the lower jaw, ... 9 



Tail, 2 9 



Whole skeleton, .... 7 



Observations. By comparing these dimensions with those in 

 the " Fauna Americana," it will be seen that there is an essential 

 difference. Having, however, the skeleton before me, I am able 

 to express myself confidently as it regards the measurement now 

 given, and also as to the entire accuracy of the whole description. 



FAMILY IV. URSID^E. The Bear Family. 



Characters of the family. This family is distinguished by the 

 form of the feet, being, as it is termed, plantigrade. They have 

 the long canine teeth of the true carnivora, but the form of their 

 molars is such, that they may feed on roots, grain, &c. Their 

 nose or snout is generally elongated. They are capable of sitting 

 on their haunches, and using their fore feet in conveying food to 

 the mouth. 



Two species only are now known to belong to this State, 

 the Black Bear and Raccoon. The Badger may possiby be 

 found on the Green Mountain range. My information, however, 

 is too imperfect to enable me to speak confidently in relation to 

 it. The same may be said of the Gulo, or Glutton. 



Genus Ursus. 



Generic characters. Dental system ; incisors f- ; canines § ; 

 molars -fEf > — 42. In the upper jaw the two anterior molars 

 small, the three posterior tuberculated, the last of which is the 

 roughest. Ears and tail short ; feet plantigrade. 



