Cases 15 to 22

[unclear: contain] the Carnivora, or Flesh-eating animals. They are distinguished by their large and projecting canine teeth. They are sometimes divided into two sections, six. Those that walk on their toes only (digitigrade), and those that walk with the whole of the toot on the [unclear: ground] grade); but there are many connecting links. [unclear: The](Felis leo), of which the Museum at present possibles only a Lioness, and the Leopard or Panther ([unclear: the] leopardus) inhabit both Asia and Africa, while the Tiger (Felis tigris) is found only in Asia. The Jaguar (felis onca) represents the Leopard in S. America; it is distinguished by having a central spot in each circular group. The Wild Cat of Nubia (Felis maniculatus) is supposed by many naturalists to be the progenitor of the domestic cat. The Lynx (Felis lynx) inhabits Northern Europe and America; it is remarkable for its long limbs and short tail. In the Civet Cat (Viverra zibetha) and the Genet (Genetta senegalensis) the muzzle is elongated, page 12 and so lead us to the Weasels (Mustelidœ), The Polecat (Puiorius fœtidus) is the original stock of the Ferret. It is very variable in colour. The fur of the Stoat or Ermine (Mustela ermina) used to be a symbol of royalty. It lives not only in England, Europe, and America, but also in N. Africa. It is, however, only in very cold climates that it gets in the winter the pure white colour with a black tip to its tail that makes it so valuable The Glutton, or Wolverine, (Gulo borelis) which is found in Northern Asia, Europe and America connects these animals with the Bears (Ursidœ) Otter (Lutra vulgaris) lives chiefly on fish; it is remarkable for its long body and short legs. The Badger (Meles taxus) is a solitary animal, living in holes, The Mongoose (Herpestes griseus) is often kept domesticated in India, to keep the house clear of snakes.

The Canidœ, or Dogs are widely distributed. Wolf (Canis lupus) is the largest of the family. The domestic Dog (Canis familiaris) is represented by the Esquimaux Dog. The foxes differ from the other dogs in having a longer muzzle and a bushy tail. The [unclear: Arc] Fox (Canis lagupus) is found only in the Arctic region N. America. The common Fox (Canis vulpes) [unclear: is] fined to Europe. The Bears (Ursidœ) are entirely [unclear: pla] grade, walking on the soles of the feet. The Brown Bear of Europe (Ursus arctos) is often exhibited in the streets, as it is very harmless. The Sloth Bear India (Ursus labiatus) feeds only on vegetables; it has large claws for tearing up roots. The Kinkajou (Cercoleptes caudivolvulus) is remarkable for its long prehensile tail. It lives in trees in Central America. The Racoon (Procyon lotor) is a native of N. America; is [unclear: a] animal, sleeping all day.

The Seals (Pinnipedia) are in the centre of the hall, They are represented by the Crested Seal ([unclear: Chrysto] cristato) and the Common Seal of Britain, &c. (Calloce-phalus vitulinus)

Note.—For the other seals in this enclosure see New Zealand Collections.