No. VIII. THE DOG TRIBE. 



UPON examining the respective skeletons of one of 

 the cats and of a member of the dog family, we 

 shall see that the distinctions are very apparent. The 

 form of the cat is evidently that of an animal which is 

 intended to creep up stealthily to its intended victim, 

 and then to despatch it by means of a single bound. 

 Almost every detail of the cat tells the same story ; the 

 structure of the skeleton, the pads beneath the feet, 

 the retractile claws, and the powerful fore-limbs all 

 unmistakably pointing to the same conclusion. 



But the members of the dog tribe are as evidently 

 intended for the pursuit of prey by rapidity of foot 

 alone. The limbs are formed more for speed than for 

 strength, and the head and shoulders do not possess the 

 massive power found in the cats, which bury their 

 teeth in the flesh of the victim, and retain their hold 

 until the death-blow is given. 



The members of the dog tribe, including the wolves, 

 jackals, and foxes, differ from the cats in many points 

 both of structure and habits. 



It will be remembered that the latter animals feed 

 chiefly upon prey captured by themselves; the dogs, on 

 the contrary, will devour with equal avidity the flesh 

 of any slaughtered animal which they may find, as well 

 as offal of all sorts. 



A glance at the feet will at once point out the 



