lower jaw ; and the second (now the first) shows its true analogies
by its double implantation, as well as by the position of its crown
behind the first in the upper jaw (p 1.) In the Stoats (fig. 1),
Skunks and Ratels, the premolar series is further reduced by the
loss of the anterior tooth in both jaws, and by the diminution
of the size of the second, thus become the first in both jaws,
and which is also now implanted by a single fang. In a South
American Skunk (Mephitis Humboldtii, fig. 11), the second premolar
disappears in the upper jaw, leaving there only the
analogues of the third and fourth, which latter is always the
sectorial in the Mustelicla:, as in other terrestrial Carnivora. This
tooth, under all its modifications, retains the blade with the lobe,
corresponding to the middle one in the feline sectorial, generally
well developed and sharp pointed: the differences are principally
manifested by the proportions of the inner tubercle, and the relative
size of the third root supporting it. But the upper sectorial,
being a premolar, and therefore requiring less modification
of the crown to adapt it for its special functions, manifests
a more limited extent of variety than the lower sectorial, which,
being a true molar, requires greater modification of the typical form
of its crown to fit it for playing upon the opposite blade of the
flesh-cutting pair of teeth.
185. Melidce.—In this sub-family I comprise the European
Badger (Meles), the Indian Badger (Arctonyx), and the American
Badger (Taocidea); which, with respect to their dentition, stand at
the opposite extreme of the Mustelidts to that occupied by the
predaceous Weasel, and manifest the most tuberculate and
omnivorous character of the teeth. The formula (PL 128, fig. 13,
PI. 129, fig. 1.) is :—
Incisors B canines — ; premolars — ; molars;«!*: = 30.
The canines (PI. 129, fig. 2 and 5,) are strongly developed,
well pointed, with a posterior trenchant edge : they are more compressed
in Arctonyx than in Meles. The first lower premolar (pi)
is very small, single-fanged, and, generally, soon lost. The first
above, (PL 128, fig. 13, Pl. 129, fig. 1, p 2) corresponding with
the second in the Dog, is also small and implanted by two connate
MELIDÆ. 499
fangs. The second upper premolar (ib. p 3) has a larger, but
simple, sub-compressed, conical crown, and is implanted by two
fangs : the third (ib. p 4) repeats the form of the second on a
larger scale, with a better developed posterior talon, and with the
addition of a tri-tuberculate low flat lobe, which is supported by
a third fang: the outer pointed and more produced part of this
tooth represents the blade of the sectorial and the entire crown
of the antecedent premolars. The true molar in Meles (Pl. 129,
fig. 1 & 3 m 1.) is of enormous size compared with that of any of the
preceding Carnivora: it has three external tubercles, and an extensive
horizontal surface traversed longitudinally by a low ridge and
bounded by an internal belt, the cingulum of Illiger: this tooth has
a similarly shaped, but relatively smaller crown in Arctonyx (Pl. 128,
fig. 13, m 1). The second premolar below (ib. p 2) is commonly the
first, through the early loss of the minute one in front: its fangs are
usually connate, as in its analogue above. The third and fourth
premolars slightly increase in size, have simple compressed conical
crowns and two fangs each. The first true molar below (Pl. 128,
fig. 13, m 1, Pl. 129, fig. 6, m 1) now retains little of its sectorial
character, the blade being represented only by the two anterior
small, compressed pointed lobes; behind these the crown
expands into an oval grinding surface, narrower in Arctonyx than
in Meles, supporting three tubercles and a posterior tuberculate
ridge : it has generally two principal roots and a small intermediate
accessory fang as in the Otter. The second molar (ib. m 2)
which terminates the series below, is of small size and has a rounded
flat crown, depressed in the centre and with two small external
tubercles : its two short fangs are connate. In the Labrador Badger
(Taasidea) (l) the last premolar has a larger relative size, the part
(1) Trans. Zool. Society, vol. n, p. 343, pl. 59. The genus Meles intervenes between Lutra
and Canis in the description of the teeth of Mammalia by M. F. Cuvier. Mr. Waterhouse
(Proceedings of Zool. Soc. 1837.) and Prof. Wiegmann (Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, 1838,
p. 257.) have recognised the closer affinity of the Badgers to the Mustelidce than to the Ursidce,
The value of the generic distinction of the European and Indian Badgers is very doubtful;
that proposed by Mr. Waterhouse for the North American species is better supported by
the dental and cranial modifications; but unnecessary multiplication of names is much to be
deprecated.
K K 2