v 



Skull of Saber-tooth Tiger. 



The use of the sabers has been a standing puzzle and all manner 

 of usts have been assigned them, from holding to the ice flows, to 

 the climbing of trees. One suggests instruments of defense by a 

 downward thrust, another as prehensile organs in capturing food and 

 tearing the flesh into shreds, but the most probable use was that of 

 stabbing its prey. These cats were not fish eaters and henee could 

 not have developed these teeth in the way the walrus developed its 

 tusks, and the remarkable elaws present, would suffice for clinging; 

 and, judging from its size, this animal likely lived upon the ground 

 and sprang upon its victim from that position. It would seem as a 

 means of defense since it was the largest of its kind, that such 

 sabers were unnecessary, and also as its great claws would be for- 

 midable weapons against attack from wolves, coyotes, etc. It being 

 in comparative peace with the lion, it had no fears from that source 

 so long as there was plenty of vegetable eaters about, and the herbi- 

 vores would of course give no trouble. It would therefore seem that, 

 there was no occasion to bring these teeth into play :is means of 

 defense. 



30 



