

CHAPTER FOUR. 
ORDER CARNIVORA. 
FLESH EATERS. 
This order is represented within our limits by—species of— 
genera contained in—distinct families. It deserves to rank as 
one of the highest, if not the highest order, if specialized differ- 
entiation in one direction and within narrow limits are points 
sufficient to justify the claim. Although actually as a group, 
of little economic interest, except it be on account of inroads 
upon domestic animals, no order secures more popular atten- - 
tion and interest than this. Lions and tigers, bears and wolves, 
these and others are familiar and dreaded names from the nur- 
sery. Besides this, the constant and household companions 
which man has selected from the ranks of the lower animals 
belong to this order. Domestic cats and dogs introduce to us 
the larger and more intractible cousins of the wilderness. 
In spite of the considerable variation in external appearance 
exhibited by different members of the order, it is very homo- 
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