CARNIVORA. 573 



CHAPTER LXXIX. 



CARNIVORA. 



Order IX. Carnivora.— -The ninth 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 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 — differ- 

 ing from one another in shape and size. The incisors are 



3 — 3 

 generally — — (except in some seals) ; the canines are always 



— — and are invariably much larger and longer than the in- 



cisors. The prsemolars and molars are mostly furnished with 

 cutting or trenchant edges ; but they graduate from a cutting 

 to a tuberculate form, as the diet is strictly carnivorous, or 

 becomes more or less miscellaneous. In the typical Carnivores 

 (such as the Lion and Tiger), the last tooth but one in the 

 upper jaw and the last tooth in the lower jaw are known as 

 the " carnassial " teeth, having a sharp cutting edge adapted 

 for dividing flesh, and generally a more or less developed 

 tuberculated heel or process. A varying number, however, of 

 the molars and praemolars may be " tuberculate," their crowns 

 being adapted for bruising rather than cutting. As a general 

 rule, the shorter the jaw, and the fewer the prsemolars and 

 molars, the more carnivorous is the animal. The jaws are so 

 articulated as to admit of vertical but not of horizontal move- 

 ments; the zygomatic arches are greatly developed to give 

 room for the powerful muscles of the jaws ; and the orbits are 

 not separated from the temporal fossae. The intestine is com- 

 paratively short. 



In all the Carnivora the clavicles are either altogether want- 

 ing, or are quite rudimentary. The toes are provided with 

 sharp curved claws. The teats are abdominal ; and the pla- 

 centa is deciduate and zonular. 



The order Carnivora is divided into three very natural sec- 

 tions : — 



Section I. Pinnigrada or Pinnipedia. — This section com- 

 prises the Seals and Walruses, in which the fore and hind 



