154f 
CARNIVORA. 
that, although animals in a wild state, in general, 
are much less subject to vary than those that are 
domesticated, yet this tribe of weasels may be more 
particularly liable to this influence, whence indi- 
viduals of the same species may have been described 
so differently, and treated as distinct. 
The above observations are intended to convey, 
as nearly as possible, the opinions of the greatest 
zoologists of the day on these singular animals ; which 
opinions, however deserving of respect in themselves, 
have generally been formed by those, who, from ne- 
cessity, study the fallible writings of travellers more 
than the book of nature itself. Individuals of the 
mephitic family of weasels are very seldom brought 
to this country; and the zorilla of the Cape, which 
has been occasionally to be seen in our menageries 
and collections, has been very generally confounded 
with the transatlantic animals ; a confusion which 
results from the similarity of the African zorilla to 
the mephitic weasels, as well as from the former 
animal being improperly called by an American ap- 
pellative. But little additional information can be 
expected on this subject, except from those who 
have for some time resided* in America, and are 
urged to observation by an energetic and inquisitive 
mind. 
Major Smith has favoured me with his opinion 
on these animals, which, though he admits the con- 
fusion of writers, and the varieties of the species, 
* This was not received from Guernsey until after the previous 
observations on these animals had been written. 
