734 MANUAL OF ZOOLOGY. 



CHAPTER LXXV. 



CARNIVORA. 



ORDER XII. CARNIVORA. The twelfth order of Mammals is 

 that of the Carnivora, comprising the Ferce, or Beasts of Prey, 

 along with the old order of the Pinnipedia, or Seals and Wal- 

 ruses, these latter being now almost universally regarded as 

 merely a group of the Carnivora modified to lead an aquatic 

 life. 



The Carnivora are distinguished by always possessing two 

 sets of teeth, which are simply covered by enamel, and are always 

 of three kinds incisors, canines, and molars differing from one 



another in shape and size. The incisors are generally 



(except in some seals) ; the canines are always - , and are 



invariably much larger and longer than the incisors. The prce- 

 molars and molars are mostly furnished with cutting or trenchant 

 edges ; but they graduate from a cutting to a tuber culate form, as 

 the diet is strictly carnivorous, or becomes more or less miscellaneous. 



Fig. 423. Permanent dentitition of the Lion (Felts leo). In the upper jaw the letter /3 

 indicates the upper carnassial, while in the lower jaw the letter m indicates the 

 lower carnassial. 



In the typical and most highly specialised Carnivores (such 

 as the Felida), the last praemolar in the upper jaw, and the 

 first molar in the lower jaw (fig. 423, pm* and m) are specially 

 developed, and are known as the " carnassial " teeth, having a 



