THE DOCILE MAMMALS. 



259 



markable than in the orders which we have already con- 

 sidered. The lion's or cat's skull (Fig. 257) is massive, 

 the canine teeth very large, and the feet have large retrac- 

 tile claws. 



FIG. 257. Skull of the Lion. 



But hefore we describe the genuine Carnivora, we must 

 draw attention to the seals (Fig. 258) and their allies, 

 which are admirably adapted to an aquatic life. Their 

 limbs are modified into "flippers" for use in swimming, 



FIG. 258. Rough Seal (Phoca hispida). 



the toes being webbed; the hinder pair extended back- 

 wards, so that it is impossible for them to walk. They live 

 for the most part in the sea on fish, occasionally shuffling 

 out of tbe water and lying on the rocks by the shore. 



