108 ANIMAL FUNCTIONS. 



the 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 canine are the longest 

 of all the teeth, deriving their name from their resem- 

 blance 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. 



311. In comparing the organs of mastication belonging 

 to the human species with the corresponding organs of 

 other animals, we shall observe many striking differences. 

 The general difference between the teeth of the carnivo- 

 rous and herbivorous tribes,, has already been pointed out, 

 but we shall here illustrate this subject by means of 

 drawings, that the studgnt may observe for himself the 

 distinctions which nature has impressed on several differ- 

 ent races in this respect. 



312. Teeth of the Tiger. As an example of the mas- 

 ticating apparatus with which the feline race is furnished, 

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



Fig. 76. 



of this apparatus are evidently formed for the destruc- 

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



What are the uses of the canine teeth? What office do the molar teeth 

 perform '! 



