CARNIVORA. 
£57 
THE ORISON* LE ORISON. 
Viverra Vittata. L. 
It must be borne in mind, that this and the 
following animals, which, when they were first de- 
scribed, were arranged with the weasels, either in 
the family of viverrae, or that of mustelge, of Linnaeus, 
are plantigrades, and in this respect differ from the 
weasels materially. 
The grison is an American animal, about fifteen 
inches in length ; and the tail measures about six 
inches more. The head is flat ; the forehead is 
of a whitish colour ; and a broad band of a pure 
white, which tapers to a point at both ends, passes 
across the face, immediately above the eyes, and 
terminates above each shoulder. Some individuals 
have this band of a lighter colour, and more distinct 
than others. The hairs covering the upper parts 
and sides of the animal are black some way up from 
their roots, but have the extremities of a yellowish 
white. All the rest of the animal is black. The 
tail is always carried horizontally. The toes are 
semiwebbed. When irritated, it emits a musky 
smell. 
This is said to be a very ferocious little animal in 
a state of liberty; and, although apparently docile 
while confined and well supplied with food, it will, 
