422 



CLASS MAMMALIA. 



in one or two species to the Weasel family, instances of 

 partial exception to the above general observation. 



To avoid repetition, we shall not dilate generally on the 

 physical characters of this genus, but merely in recapitula- 

 tion of the text, remind the reader, that their bent trenchant 

 retractile claws, drawn into a sheath, when inactive, and 

 thus constantly preserved sharp for use, the small number 

 and carnivorous character of their cheek-teeth, the number 

 of their toes, five before, and four behind, their short 

 muzzle, powerful jaws, and aculeated tongue, added to 

 their moral character of natural ferocity, and appetite for a 

 living prey, prevail in all the species. 



A more particular description, however, of the fourth or 

 flat cheek-tooth, found in the upper jaw of some of the 

 Felinae, may not be unacceptable, to which we shall, with 

 all deference, add a few observations on the eye-pupil of 

 the genus. 



In the upper jaw of most of the species is found a flat 

 cheek-tooth, altogether differing from the rest, and which, 

 from its singular shape, position, and apparent office, we 

 should be inclined to call an auxiliary tooth. It is so 

 situated as not to be seen, except by opening the mouth 

 wide, and looking upwards. It does not protrude from the 

 edge of the jaw, like the other teeth, but a little way up 

 the inner inclined surface of it, and takes a direction across 

 the lower part of the last carnivorous tooth. It is flat at 

 the top, and seems to be intended as an anvil to receive the 

 cutting edge of the large lobe of the last lower carnivorous 

 tooth, so as to render it more available in acting on the 

 food. From its situation in the mouth, it may easily escape 

 observation; whence it is not unfrequently said, that 

 the cats have only three cheek-teeth in each jaw. The 

 second figure on the opposite plate is intended to show this 

 auxiliary tooth. 

 The pupil of the eye is in some species oval, and in others 



