THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. 71 



CABNIVOBA. 



THE name given to this order of Mammalia is quite 

 explanatory of the mode of life of the animals so termed. 

 It is derived from two Latin words, which mean " flesh- 

 devouring," and, as you have already been told, their teeth 

 are particularly adapted for obtaining and masticating 

 their food. Thus, in the Feline or Cat race which are the 

 most ferocious and blood-thirsty of the whole order there 

 are four long sharp fangs in the front of the mouth, which 

 the beasts of prey belonging to this group strike into the 

 bodies of the unfortunate animals they pounce upon ; 

 these are called Canine teeth, and between these are six 

 sharp incisors in each jaw, and the molar or side teeth 

 are flat on one side, and have sharp edges notched like 

 the teeth of a saw ; these work against each other, and so 

 chop up the flesh like a large pair of shears would do. 



The Carnivora are divided into 



Plantigrade, or such as walk on the soles of their feet. 



Digitigrade, such as walk on their toes only. 



Amphibious, such as are adapted for spending part 

 of their life in water ; and 



Insectivorous, or feeding entirely upon insects. 



Fig. 32. Fig. 33. 



FRONT FOOT OF A BEAR. HIND FOOT OF A BEAR. 



Plantigrade Carnivora. The Bear tribe fully repre- 

 sent these, as they put their whole sole upon the ground, 

 and are able to raise themselves upon their hind feet. 

 They have thus been taught to walk on two legs and to 

 dance a cruel thing, as it is evident that nature never 



