CARNIVORA. 



The Genus Chiromys Aye- Aye may be mentioned 

 here, but its true place has been regarded as somewhat 

 doubtful. The Aye-Aye furnishes us with an example 



of a synthetic or comprehensive type ; that is, a type which combines within itself char- 

 acteristics which belong to two or more distinct 

 groups. This strange animal inhabits Mada- 

 gascar, and has a body about the size of that of 

 a cat, and its tail is long and bushy and curves 

 downward. In the form, structure, and mode 

 of growth of its incisor teeth the Aye- Aye is 

 like the Rodents; but in the form of its head 

 and body, and in the opposable thumb of its 

 hind feet, it is allied to the Quadrumana. The 

 body is covered with short and soft grayish 

 hair, and longer hairs of a very dark brown 

 color. Its hand is unlike that of any other 

 animal, being especially remarkable on account 

 of the slenderness of the middle finger. So far 

 as is known, the Aye-Aye is nocturnal in its 

 habits. It readily climbs trees, and sometimes 

 suspends itself by its hind feet head downward, 

 in which position it is said to comb its tail with 

 its long fingers ! Its food is believed to be 

 mainly fruits and insects. The Aye- Aye is probably the type of a distinct family. 



Aye-Aye, C. Madagascarensis, Cuv. 



SUB-SECTION III. 



THE ORDER OF CARNIVORA, OR CARNIVOROUS ANIMALS. 



THE Order of Carnivora comprises all the Mammalia 

 which feed wholly or mainly upon flesh, and with few 

 exceptions they capture the animals upon which they 

 prey. They are distinguished from all other animals, 

 not only by their general ap- Fig. 25. 



pearance, but especially by 

 their sharp teeth and claws, 

 and by their internal diges- 

 tive apparatus. They have 

 six incisors in each jaw, the 

 lateral ones the largest, a 

 long, stout canine in each 



Side Of both j aWS j USt behind Teeth of carnivorous animal. 



