WEASEL TRIFiE. 
47 
gale ( 601 ); the latter conspicuous for their black-and-white 
coats^ but having a bad reputation on account of the intensely 
disagreeable and evil- smelling fluid they emit when provoked. 
(3) The Lutrina^, or Otter group (case 24), have short feet, 
Avebbed toes, small claws, and long powerful tails. There are 
about 15 species known, all A'ery similar externally in colour. 
Fig. 2G. 
Skull of the Otter {Lutra vulgaris), 
i, incisors ; c, canine ; premolars ; ?n, molars. 
size, and general proportions — the English Otter, Lutra 
vulgaris^ or Ij. lutra ( 591 ), being the typical member of the 
group. The most peculiar is the Sea-Otter, Lataw lutris ( 594 ), 
which has its hind-feet partially modified into flippers, someAvhat 
as in the Seals. This animal frequents the salt water, and Avas 
once abundant on all the coasts of the North Pacific ; but 
OAving to the merciless persecution to which it has been 
subjected for the sake of its valuable fur, its numbers have 
been so much thinned that it is sure to be exterminated unless 
effectual measures be taken for its protection. A fine skin has 
been sold for over £200 sterling. 
All the members of the Weasel tribe have thoroughly 
carnivorous habits, and therefore strong and well-developed 
teeth. Skulls of the Otter and Badger are mounted so as to 
show the teeth from below. The latter animal has its lower 
jaw so articulated to the cranium that it cannot be separated 
from it Avithout breaking the bone. All Mustelidce have broad 
flattened skulls, long and Ioav bodies, short legs, and feet fitted 
either for running, digging, or swimming. In the Sea-Otter 
