"True molars I ( or A in lellivcra ) . Mo alisphenoid canal. In 
i 
the upper molar the inner tubercular portion is always longer in 
the antero-posterior direction than the. secant external portion; 
the degree of inflation of the auditory bulla is but alight; and 
the palate is generally much produced behind the last molars, as is 
the case with the preceding family / Procyonidae ]. The postglemucl 
process cf the cranium is generally considerably curved over the 
glenoid fossa, so as to hold very tightly the condyle of the man¬ 
dible. The humerus may or may not have an entepicondylar foramen. 
Except in the Otters, the kidneys resemble those of the Procyonidae 
in being cf simple structure ." 
’’This family is a large and widely distributed one, especially 
. 
ir. the northern temperate regions of the earth. The different 
genera, which are very difficult to arrange in any natural order, 
are rather artificially divided, chiefly according to V-# characters 
i 
cf t^eir feet and claws, into the Otter-liko (Lutrine), Eadgor-llke 
( feline), and Weasel-liko (Musteline) forms". ( -lower at | V ' -er ). 
On surveying the members of the family Mustelidae the mamma1- 
ogist is at once impressed by the wide range of variation in the 
structural details of the contained genera and species, necessitat¬ 
ed by the diverse conditions of their lives. All are carnivorous, 
but the kinds of animals preyed upon are so various that the pur¬ 
suit of them demands various structural modifications. For this 
reason some of the Mustelidae , notably the Badgers, are fossorical 
and subterranean; some, like the Wolverine, Martins, Weasels, etc.. 
are terrestrial or arboreal; the Minks pursue their quarry on the 
