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VERTEBRATA. 
Genus GALICTIS, Galictis, contains two species, the Grison and the Taiba. The former, O. 
vittata^ the Viverra vittata of Linnseus, and Guiana marten of Buffon, in its general color is nearly 
black, but gray on the top of the head and beneath the throat, with a yeflowish band along the 
back, and descending on either side to the shoulders. It is nearly plantigrade, is highly carnivo- 
rous, and inhabits the woods throughout a large part of South America. 
The Taira, G. harhara, the Mustela harhara of Linnseus, the Taira or Galera of Buffon, is 
larger than the preceding, and is of a blackish -brown color, the fore-parts shaded with gray; there 
is also sometimes a light spot on the throat, and the back part of the neck. It is a burrowing 
animal, and diffuses a musky odor. The body is long, and the strength great for the size. It is 
found in Guiana, Brazil, and other parts of South America, A specimen was presented to the Lon- 
don Zoological Society from Peru; this was gentle and playful, and displayed the same aversion 
to Avater 
Genus MARTEN: Mustela. — This includes several remarkable species, all of which climb with 
facility, and having long, lithe bodies, with short legs, are able to enter holes and wind through 
passages from which even the smallest cats are excluded. They are all endowed with voracious 
appetites, and devour great numbers of eggs, birds, and small quadrupeds. Some of them intro- 
duce themselves into the poultry-yards, and make immense havoc among the feathered inhabitants. 
Most of them are noted for their valuable peltry, and some produce the finest and most luxurious 
furs that are known. Though nearly allied to the weasels and polecats, which are distinguished 
for their offensive odor, the martens only diflPuse a musky and not disagreeable scent. 
MAETBN. WEASEL. 
The Common Marten of Europe, M. martes, — M. Foina of Linnasus; the Beech Marten and 
Stone Marten of the English; the Fouine of the French; Foina and Fouina of the Italians; 
Hauss Marder and Stein Marcler of the Germans, — ^is found in Northern and temperate Europe 
and Western Asia, but not in America. Its head is somewhat triangular, the muzzle pointed, the 
eyes prominent and lively; the body much elongated and very flexible; the tail long, thick, and 
;bushy; the toes naked, but at times, probably in the winter, covered beneath with thin soft 
