THE CATS. 



13 



and pinched in on the sides. Moreover, in all the large Cats 

 the orbit, or socket for the eye, is partially open posteriorly, as 

 the descending process from the frontal bone is not sufficiently 

 elongated to meet the ascending one from the zygomatic or 



Upper surface of the skull of the Jaguar. 



cheek- arch ; but in some of the smaller Asiatic species the 

 union is complete. 



Another peculiarity of the Cats is to be found in the struc- 

 ture of the tongue, the upper surface of which is covered with 

 numerous horny papilias, having the points directed backwards, 

 the effect of which may be observed, when a Lion or any large 



