OCR Text |
Show 1885.] GENUS P A R A D O X U R U S . 793 hinder edge of the posterior molars. Muzzle generally produced and narrow, but varying in length. Upper sectorial tooth narrow, the inner lobe small and at the distal extremity of the tooth, so that the greatest breadth, at right angles to the outer margin, is at that extremity. This breadth is about two thirds the length of the tooth measured along the outer margin. The inner margin of the tooth between the inner and hinder lobe distinctly concave. Colour blackish grey to brownish grey. The fur in general long, and with long ragged coarse black tips, but these are naturally much more developed in the cold season. Underfur, when present, ashy Fig. 1. Half palate and dentition of P. niger. (Specimen no. Brit. Mus. 46.11.9.9.) or brownish ; the longer hairs, beyond the underfur, pale grey with long black tips. As a rule there are no stripes on the back; but indistinct dark bands and rows of spots are sometimes fouud, especially in young specimens. Feet and the greater part of the legs, with the terminal portion of the tail, frequently one half or more, quite black. The tip of the tail in some individuals is white. The head-markings are variable, the face is generally black or blackish, with a distinct white or grey spot below each eye ; another, generally to be detected, on each side of the nose, amongst the vibrissse, and very often another above the eye. There is not, however, in this form, as usually in the next, a distinct whitish band across the forehead. Vibrissa? black ; occasionally, but rarely, a few of the lower are whitish or white towards the base. Dimensions. Head and body of a male 22| inches long, tail 19^ ; of a female 17T 7o an& ^ (Elliot). Hodgson gives similar measurements, except that in the female the head and body measured 20 tail 17|. The skull is about 4\ to 4\ inches long. Distribution. This form of Paradoxurus is peculiar to the |