44 NUTRITION OF GRAMINIVORA. 



functions. The inorganic constituents of the body 

 are, iron, lime, magnesia, common salt, and the alka- 

 lies. 



IX. The nutritive process in the carnivora is seen 

 in its simplest form. This class of animals lives on 

 the blood and flesh of the graminivora ; but this 

 blood and flesh is, in all its properties, identical with 

 their own. Neither chemical nor physiological dif- 

 ferences can be discovered. 



The nutriment of carnivorous animals is derived 

 originally from blood ; in their stomach it becomes 

 dissolved, and capable of reaching all other parts 

 of the body ; in its passage it is again converted into 

 blood, and from this blood are reproduced all those 

 parts of their organisation which have undergone 

 change or metamorphosis. 



With the exception of hoofs, hair, feathers, and 

 the earth of bones, every part of the food of carni- 

 vorous animals is capable of assimilation. 



In a chemical sense, therefore, it may be said that 

 a carnivorous animal, in supporting the vital })ro- 

 cess, consumes itself. That which serves for its 

 nutrition is identical with those parts of its organ- 

 isation which are to be renew^ed. 



The process of nutrition in graminivorous animals 

 appears at first sight altogether different. Their 

 digestive organs are less simple, and their food con- 

 sists of vegetables, the great mass of which contains 

 but little nitrogen. 



