ORDER CARNASSIER. 283 



another. The first dawn of animal life is so nearly allied to 

 vegetable existence, that we are puzzled in concluding 

 which to call it : organization improves, and the semivege- 

 table zoophites are exchanged for others, in which animal 

 life assumes a more decided form : we then pass, imper- 

 ceptibly, by an infinite number of species, linked, as itwere, 

 in some one or more particulars, one with another, through 

 the insects and worms, mollusca and crustacea,to the osseous 

 animals. Here again, as with the rest, nothing is constant 

 but inconstancy ; no two species are alike; and, although 

 many may be found corresponding almost altogether in 

 construction, faculties, and pursuits, yet they will differ 

 from each other relatively to the means bestowed on each. 



Among the flesh-eating animals, the Felinae and the 

 Hyaenas (to be treated of shortly) maybe considered as 

 purely or perfectly carnivorous. Their powers are more or 

 less calculated for offensive warfare, and their teeth are not 

 adapted to the mastication of any other than animal food. 



The various species hitherto known by the name of 

 Weasels, with the exception of a few, stand, in this re- 

 spect, next in order among the carnivorous quadrupeds, 

 since the physical character of the teeth shows, that they 

 are destined to seek in flesh their principal aliment; though 

 a slight departure from the carnivorous form indicates 

 a corresponding approach to the substitution of a vegetable 

 diet. Their disposition, nevertheless, is extremely cruel ; 

 but from inferiority in size and powers, they are eapable 

 only of an inferior degree of mischief. 



They have a large, perfect molar tooth, placed behind 

 the carnivorous teeth, in the upper jaw. The other cheek- 

 teeth also, although they have cutting or carnivorous lobes 

 on the outer side, are more or less tuberculated on the inner ; 

 a character, which indicates a slight approach to the use of 

 a vegetable diet, as it enables them, though in a small 

 degree, and very clumsily, to masticate this sort of food. 



The last or molar tooth takes a direction inwards with 



