232 STRUCTURE AND ADAPTATION OF TEETH 



The incisor teetli are six in number in eacli jaw, 

 the outer pair being much larger than the two 

 front pairs, and conical in form, to assist the 

 action of the canines in seizing prey. In conse- 

 quence of the space between the third or outer 

 incisor, and the canine, the effective power of these 

 teeth is greatly increased, the canines being thus 

 permitted freely to pass each other, and very con- 

 siderably to overlap the gum, in the opposing 

 jaws, when closed. 



These canines, conical and incurved, are most 

 formidable weapons, implanted in very deep 

 sockets, which impart great breadth to the face. 

 The molars are four in the upper, and three in the 

 lower jaw, on each side, of which the last in each 

 series is the only true molar. 



The first upper premolar is of very insignificant 

 size, with a blunt crown and a single fang. The 

 second premolar is much larger, of somewhat 

 conical form, flattened laterally, with one or two 

 small lobes, and having two powerful fangs. The 

 third is the true flesh- cutting tooth ; it is deeply 

 notched, and has sharp, flattened cutting edges. 

 (See Fig. 35.) The crushing, or tubercular true 

 molar is represented in the Felidae, by a small 

 oblong tooth placed transversely, but which ob- 

 tains a far greater development in some other 

 genera of carnivorous animals. In the lower jaw, 

 the premolars are of a compressed conical form, 

 with an anteiior and posterior tubercle. The third 



