488 



THE CAT. 



[chap. XIII. 



The Felib.t. differ from the Viverrid^e, in that in the Feh'cke : 



(1) The head is more rounded ; 



(2) The limbs are generally longer in proportion to the trunk ; 



(3) The claws are generally more completely retractile ; 



(4) The teeth are more sectorial, and the premolars and 



tubercular molars are fewer, there being never more than 

 one tubercular molar (an upper one) in any living species ; 



There are no conspicuous scent-glands ; 



There is no ali-sphcnoid canal save in certain extinct genera ; 



The division of the bulla is hardly perceptible exteriorly, 

 while the two chambers into which it is internally divided 

 are not placed one quite behind the other ; 



The carotid foramen is always very small, and the carotid 

 canal indistinct, except in some extinct genera ; 



(6) 

 (~) 



(8) 



Fig. 208.— Section of the Auditory Uulla of the Tioer (Flower). 



am. Meatus auditorius externus. 

 JiO. Uasi-occipital, 

 f. Eiistacliian ciiiial. 

 i c. The inner cliainbers. 

 c. The outer cliainber. 



* Tlie aperture of communication between the 



chauibers. 

 rt. Petrosal, 

 s. Se]ituni. 

 .Siy. Squamosa 



(9) The par-occipital process (though applied to the bulla) may, 

 in large species, devclopc a marked process ; 

 (10) The meatus auditorius externus is never mcdianly fissured 

 below. 



Tlie Feliu.e differ fi-om the IIyii;xiD^ in that : 



(1) Their licad is more rounded; 



(2) Their claws are retractile ; 



(3) The body does not droop so much posteriorly ; 



(4) The teeth are more perfectly sectorial in form ; 



(5) The premolars arc less numerous ; 



