21 
same habit, moreover, causes a certain modification of the animal’s range 
with the settling of a country; in clearing off forests the Gray Fox 
is forced to seek elsewhere; although in effect the circumstances that cause 
removal of ene species are precisely those that invite the other, the Red 
Wox being able to exist in settled regions where the other could find no 
suitable resorts. It is this that makes the Red a greater nuisance to the 
farmer: it sticks clese to the farm-yard, being forced, in a measure, to 
thus supply itself, owing simply to its being in more cultivated districts. 
The Gray Fox subsists more extensively upon the wild game of his habi- 
tat. Another distinctive feature is the climbing powers of the Gray Fox, 
much greater than would be expected from an animal with non-retractile 
claws, and no great ‘‘ hugging” powers. When hard pressed the Gray 
Fox is treed as regularly as the Red is earthed. The climbing seems 
to be simply an agile leaping along an inclined trunk, or from bough to 
bough, though it has been noted that the animal can climb a small 
trunk by clasping; or even with its claws like a cat or raccoon.” 
FAMILY MUSTELIDA. 
The Mustelide are a strictly defined family of carnivorous mammals, 
of which the Weasels and Martens are the typical representatives. It 
includes, also, the Skunks, Badgers, and Otters. Species of the family 
are found in ali parts of the earth, excepting the Australian region. 
The genera and species are most abundant and differentiated in the 
Northern Hemisphere (Arctogeea), where the group attains its most per- 
fect development. The most generally distributed and inclusive genus 
in both hemispheres, is Putorius, the true Weasels, although some twenty 
genera are recognized altogether. 
The commercial importance of the family is indicated by the high 
price set on the pelt of the Otter, Sable, Ermine, and others. 
In 1868, the Hudson’s Bay Company sold over 800,000 Sables, 73,000 
Mink, 14,000 Otters, 6,000 Skunks, 1,100 Wolverines, 1,500 Badgers, 123 
Sea Otters. Beside these, many were handled by other companies. 
They possess other relations to man worthy of observation. Mink 
and Weasels are destructive to poultry. The fcetid liquid secreted by 
the anal glands of most Musteline, is the means of offense and defense 
in the Skunks, ranking them among the most disgusting and offensive 
of animals; and they may, moreover, by their bite, occasion one of the 
most horrible diseases (Rabies mephitica) to which the race is liable. The 
Wolverine is the worst enemy of the fur hunter, destroying his traps 
and game. The cruel method of hunting the Badger has added a verb 
to the language; indeed, it may be said there is scarcely a family of un- 
