x.] CARNIVORA. 173 



In nearly all the Carnivora the hyoidean apparatus is con- 

 structed on the same plan as described in the Dog, having a 

 narrow, transversely elongated, curved basihyal, either round 

 or compressed from above downwards, a nearly straight 

 compressed thyrohyal, not ankylosed with the basihyal, and 

 a well-ossified anterior cornu, composed of three distinct 

 pieces of subequal length. In the Lion, Tiger, and Leopard, 

 however, the anterior arch is imperfectly ossified, the dif- 

 ferent bones being small, and connected together by long 

 ligamentous intervals ; but in the Puma, Cheetah, Lynx, and 

 Cat, the bones are large, and in close relation with each 

 other. 



In the Seals the brain-cavity is very broad, round, and 

 rather depressed. The orbits are large, and the interorbital 

 portion of the skull greatly compressed. The olfactory 

 chambers of the nasal cavities are consequently very narrow, 

 and the ethmo-turbinals little developed ; but in front of the 

 orbits the cavities widen, and the maxillo-turbinals are very 

 large and complex. The mesethmoid is of considerable 

 vertical extent, and its ossified portion, which is extensive, 

 terminates anteriorly in a straight vertical line. In some 

 forms, as Cystflp/tora, this ossification extends in front of the 

 nasals. The hyoid resembles that of the typical Carnivora, 

 all the elements being well ossified and distinct. The 

 Otariidir, or Eared Seals, also called Sea Bears or Sea 

 Lions, are intermediate in most of their cranial characters 

 between the true Seals and the Bears. 



The skulls of the animals composing the Order INSEC- 

 TIVORA present great variations. 



In some of the higher forms, as Galeopithccus, Tupaia, 

 Macroscelides, and Rhynchocyon, the cranium much resembles 

 that of the Ltmurina, having a considerable and vaulted 



