CHAPTER FOUR. 



ORDER CARNIYORA. 



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- 



