MAMMALS 



491 



being lodged in a deep pit, an arrangement which is doubtless 

 of a protective nature, besides which it may perhaps render 

 suckling more easy. Maternal affection is very strongly mani- 

 fested among Cetaceans, as whale-fishers have often found to 

 their cost. At the approach of danger the Greenland Whale 

 shelters her young one under her flippers. Most of the Ceta- 

 ceans are markedly 

 gregarious, being as- 

 sociated together in 

 large "schools". 



Flesh-eating Mam- 

 mals (Carnivora). — 

 The helpless young 

 which we have so far 

 considered are safe- 

 guarded by being 

 brought up in a shel- 

 tered dwelling, or it 

 may be that the 

 mother carries them 

 about with her. The 

 young of Carnivores 

 are quite unable to 

 look after themselves 

 when born, as familiarly 

 exemplified by kittens 

 and puppies, but in 

 this case their safety 

 mostly depends upon 

 the natural weapons with which their parents are liberally pro- 

 vided. 



Among land Carnivores (Fissipedia) no general rule can be 

 given as to the number of young, for this varies considerably 

 within the limit of the group. A large family is usually typical 

 of members of the Dog tribe {CanidcB), while three or four is 

 the common limit in Lions, Tigers, and other large species of 

 the Cat Family {Felicias), and in the large Bears {U^'sida) the 

 number is usually restricted to one, two, or possibly three (fig. 

 1004). The safe up-bringing of the young is often furthered by 

 the existence of some sort of dwelling or lair. It will suffice to 



Fig. 1004. — Cubs of Brown Bear {Ursus arcios\ at play 



