324 MAMMALIA. 



upon the whole surface of the foot, and are remarkable for their 

 thick-set forms, — these are called Plantigrades; others, as Cats, 

 Dogs, &c., only touch the ground with their toes, and have a 

 more slender body and a more agile gait, — these are called Digiit- 

 grades. Between these weU-marked types are ranked various 

 species, which more or less partake of both characteristics. 



These characteristics, derived from the mode of walking, are 

 useful in the distinctions of genera, but they are not of sufficient 

 importance to become the starting-point for any general division 

 of the Carnivora into two great tribes, such as was made by 

 naturalists at the commencement of the present century. 



The senses of the Carnivora are very highly developed, but 

 the characteristics of all are not alike. Hearing and sight attain, 

 their maximum in the kinds that feed chiefly on flesh ; whilst a 

 fine perception ia smell and taste is the attribute of those 

 whose food is more or less of a vegetable nature. Most of the 

 Feline or Cat tribe have their eyes organised for nocturnal 

 vision. 



The Carnivora are superior in intelligence to all the Orders of 

 animals which we have previously noticed. Their brain is volu- 

 minous, and always presents circumvolutions in its texture. 



These animals are also highly endowed by nature in respect of 

 their covering. A great number of them furnish furs which are 

 much in request, either for the brilliancy of their colours or for 

 their fineness. We may mention, particularly, the skins of the 

 Marten, the Sable, the Ermine, the Fox, the Lion, Tiger and 

 Panther, the Bear, and generally all the coats of the Feline tribe. 



This Order is spread ia considerable numbers over the whole 

 surface of the globe, except ia Australia, where, as we have seen, 

 they are represented by the Marsuj)ial Mammals. The most 

 formidable species are those found in the torrid regions of Asia, 

 Africa, and America. The largest species of this order, which is 

 at present an inhabitant of Europe, is the Bear. However, this 

 part of the world has not always been so devoid of wUd beasts. 

 Bears much larger than those of the present age used to be 

 common, as well as Hyenas and Panthers. 



The Carnivora are divided into six great families. (1) The 

 Mustclidce family, the type of which is the Weasel {Mustela) ; (2) 

 the Sycminm, or Hyenas ; (3) the Felinm, or Cat tribe ; (4) the 



