MANGUSTA JAVANICA. 
and distinguish it from its affinities. As a relation of analogy must always depend 
on some marked property, or point of structure, and as that of affinity which con- 
nects two groups, becomes weaker and less visible as these are more general, it is 
not at all surprising that what is only an analogical correspondence in one or two 
particulars, should often have been mistaken for a general affinity." — Horai Entom. 
Vol. I. p. II. jp. 364. — These remarks explain at once, and remove the difficulties 
which have occurred in the classification of the Felis gracilis. By regarding its rela- 
tions of analogy alone, which I presume I have observed in the grinders, and 
particularly in those of the lower jaw, it has (as far as appears to me) improperly 
been classed with Yiverrine animals ; and it has therefore been my endeavour to 
shew that its relations of affinity associate it with Feline animals. 
Directed and confirmed by these views, I shall in future consider the Felis 
gracilis as the type of a distinct genus in the family of Feline animals, and desig- 
nate it by the name of Prionodon, wliich has already been proposed for a 
section of the genus Felis. This name accords with the character of the teeth. 
Comparatively with those of other Feline animals, the teeth are not only more 
numerous, but they are more compressed and elongated ; their crowns are more 
strongly notched or serrated, exhibiting numerous acute points ; and a lateral view 
of them may aptly be compared to a saw, the teeth of which are jagged or uneven. 
The name is accordingly compounded of two Greek words (#pa» and dobs), explaining 
the character of the teeth. 
