NEW SPECIES OF PARADOXURUS. 



81 



and numbers : but the canines are sharper and rather more curved, and 

 the processes of the molars are much more acute and longer too, in the 

 Catarse than in the Muchabha. The scull of the Muchabha measures 4|- 

 inches in length, 2 and | in width, and Ifth in height : That of the Catarse 

 in length. If in width, and 1| in height. In proceeding with this com- 

 parison the osteology of the Muchabba will be chiefly detailed, the differ- 

 ences, merely, presented by that of the Catarse being noticed as they occur. 



The cervical vertebrae are seven, and measure together 4 inches. The 

 lateral processes or alae of the atlas are broad and strong, as is the spine or 

 crest of the vertebra dentata. 



The six anterior vertebrae only of the neck are pierced in the trans- 

 verse processes by the canal of the vertebral arteries ; and, with the excep- 

 tion of the two first and the last, all have strong transverse processes 

 resembling those of the lumbar ones. To this may be attributed the 

 strength and thickness of neck so prominent in the animal when alive 

 and so essential to his predatory habits. The vertebral arteries enter the 

 -spinal canal in the articulating cup of the atlas, having a tortuous course 

 through its body, and they penetrate the condyles of the occipital bone 

 immediately after entering the scull. The seventh cervical has all the charac- 

 ters of the dorsal vertebrae except the depression for the articulation of the 

 rib. In the Catarse the cervical vertebrae are seven as in the Muchabba ; 

 but they are so much longer in the former animal as to measure one-third 

 more, or six inches. The crest too of the vertebra dentata is higher and 

 arched, giving that graceful bend of the neck so noticeable in the living 

 Catarse. 



Dorsal vertebrae 13, smaller in their bodies and transverse processes 

 than the cervical ones. The 10 anterior ones have spinous processes point- 

 ing backwards : the three posterior ones have no transverse processes for 

 the articulation of the ribs, which are merely articulated with a small 

 depression on the anterior end of the body of the vertebrae. The lumbar 



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