390 SYSTEMATIC ZOOLOGY. 



and especially in their skulls, there is great resemblance to 

 the bears and otters in particu ar. As has been said, their 

 feet are modified into paddles, and only the distal region 

 is distinct from the body. Lowest are the large walruses, 

 of which there are two species in northern seas, in which 

 the upper canines are enormously developed. They can 

 use their hind feet in walking. The eared seals are so- 

 called because they have small external ears. The largest 

 of these are the sea-lions, but the most valuable are the 

 fur seals, of which two species are known. The one which 

 occurs in the southern hemisphere has been almost 

 exterminated, while the Alaskan species is rapidly follow- 

 ing the same road. 



The true seals lack all external ears, and since their skins 

 are less va uable, a longer lease of life seems assured them. 

 They occur on all shores, and from their fish-eating habits 

 are frequently a nuisance to fishermen. 



ORDER XI. PRIMATES. 



The term Primates is given to that group which includes 

 the monkeys, apes, and man, from the fact that they are 

 the first or highest group in the animal kingdom. Collar- 

 bones are always present; the feet are very primitive, and 

 the fingers and toes are armed with nails, claws but rarely 

 occurring. Intelligence, not structure, assigns them the 

 leading place. 



Lowest come the group of lemurs or 'half apes/ which 

 have their metropolis in Madagascar, but have relatives in 

 Africa and in the East Indies. They are largely nocturnal, 

 and eat fruit or insects or other small animals. They are 

 noticeable from the fact that the second finger is pro- 

 vided with a claw. 



