GENERAL REVIEW OF THE SKULL. 59 
ORDER CARNIVORA. 
Sub-order FISSIPEDIA. 
Comprises the Cats, Dogs, and Bears. Cuvier 
divided the sub-order into two groups : 
Plantigrada, walking on the sole of the foot; and 
Digitigrada, walking only on the toes. 
The distinction is not one of any great importance, 
seeing that almost every intermediate condition exists. 
Section A*LUROIDEA. Comprises: the eat-like 
forms, and includes the following families : 
1. Felidge. Skull usually short, especially facial 
portion. In /. wxc:a (the Ounce) the facial portion 
is much broader than in any other member of the 
family, the nasal bones being broad and flat. Zygo- 
matic arch prominent. Mastoid process often absent, 
never very conspicuous. Auditory bulla smooth, 
rounded, and large; with an almost complete bony 
septum between the two chambers of the bulla. There 
is no ali-sphenoid canal; and the canal for the passage 
of the carotid artery is very small. Condylar and 
elenoid foramina small. An interesting fossil (Eocene), 
form Eusmzlus, grouped under this family, has four 
incisor teeth in the lower jaw, and small canines, which 
are separated from a single premolar and true molar 
by a diastema. 
2. Viverridz. Includes such forms as the Civet- 
Cats, Ichneumons. Skull more elongated in the facial 
