THE 
AMERICAN: NATURALIST. 
Vo. xiv. — DECEMBER, 1880. — No. 12. 
ON THE EXTINCT CATS OF AMERICA. 
BY E. D. COPE. 
P following the general series of the Carnivora, we pass, as in 
other orders, from the generalized 2 the specialized gain 
That we should begin with the Procyonid )andtheirallies, 
is indicated by all the characters to be especially considered i in the 
case. They have five toes on all the feet and are plantigrade, re- 
sembling in these points all primitive Mammalia They have the 
original number of molar teeth, seven on each side, and of these 
none are distinctly developed sectorials. The condyloid and 
carotid foramina are distinct, and there is a postglenoid foramen. 
If, starting from this point of departure, we arrange the succeed- 
ing families of Carnivora according to their resemblances and dif- 
ferences in these respects, we have a tolerably consecutive series 
of divisions, 
Passing at present over the families J/ustelide, Viverride, Cryp- 
loproctide and others, with five toes on all the feet, we reach those 
in which the hind foot has lost a digit, leaving the number 5—4. 
These are the Protelide, Canide and Felide. We can take but 
one step further in this order, that is, to those species where the 
anterior foot has also lost a toe, which constitute the. family 
Hyenide. The toes are therefore here 4—4. For the well- 
marked characters of the three families mentioned just before, I 
refer to another page, and prdceed to define, briefly, the division | 
Which has been heretofore termed the Fedide. In doing so I am 
compelled to omit several of the characters generally employed 
1 See Homologies and Origin of Sip of Molar Teeth of Mammalia educabilia. 
Journal Academy Phila., 1874, Mar 
VOL, XIV.—No, x11. 54 
