19 



The Silver Gray and the Cross Fox are also North 

 American species. 



Common Kox. Mink. 

 Arctic Fox. Ermine. 

 Polecat. 



From D. Appleton & Co.'s " Elements of Zoology, Science Series." 



GROUP 12.— The Weasels, Family Musteiida?. This 

 large family is divided into three sub-families, including 

 over twenty genera. The first division is composed of 

 the otters. 



The Canada Otter (I.utra canadensis). This is the 

 common Species, formerly inhabiting the entire continent 

 of America ; but, like many other animals, it has retired 

 steadily before civilization, the eastern shore of Maryland 

 having been once a favorite locality for it. The most 

 characteristic habit of this otter is that of sliding down hill 

 as if for pleasure ! Audubon and others testify to seeing 

 otters even in summer, snow or ice being absent, select 

 some steep bank, and indulge in this play, apparently with 

 the keenest enjoyment. 



The Sea Otter {Enhydris marina) is almost as much 

 a sea-going creature as the eared seals. It feeds exclu- 



