112 ANIMAL FUNCTIONS. 



food in the manner of a wedge, and thus reducing it into 

 pieces of a convenient size to be easily managed by the 

 muscles of the mouth. The canini are the longest of 

 all the teeth, deriving their name from their resemblance 

 to a dog's tusk. There are two of these in each jaw, 

 and not being calculated for dividing, they appear to be 

 designed for laying hold of substances. Of the molares, 

 or grinders, there are ten in each jaw, the use of which 

 is to finish the process of mastication, by reducing the 

 food into a proper state of division to be swallowed. 

 The crowns of the fourth and fifth grinders have com- 

 monly five points, or protuberances, two of which are 

 on the inner, and three on the outer part. 



In comparing the organs of mastication belonging to 

 the human species, with the corresponding organs of 

 other animals, we shall observe many striking differ- 

 ences. The general difference between the teeth of the 

 carnivorous and herbivorous tribes has already been 

 pointed out, but we shall here illustrate this subject by 

 means of drawings, that the student may observe for 

 himself the distinctions which nature has impressed on 

 several different races in this respect. 



Teeth of the Tiger. As an example of the masticat- 

 ing apparatus with which the feline race is furnished, the 

 head of the Tiger, Fig. 76 is represented. All parts of 

 Fig. 76. 



this apparatus are evidently formed for the destruction 

 of life, and for tearing and dividing the fleshy fibres. 



What are the use* of the eanine teeth 1 What office do the molar 

 teeth perform 1 



