FLESH-EATERS. 



27 



which Hves in IVIadagascar. Its incisor teeth are like 

 those of the Rodents, its middle finger is exceedingly 

 elongated and slender, and its tail is bushy. 



Some kinds of Monkeys imitate the actions of men, 

 and their efforts of this sort are often ludicrous. 



Flesh-eaters, or Carnivora. 



These animals have their teeth and claws very sharp, 



and they capture and devour other animals for food. 



In the Cats, the back teeth, 



or molars, have sharp 



edges, and those in the two 



jaws shut by each other 



like the blades of scissors, 



and thus cut the flesh into 



pieces fit for swallowing. 



In others, like the Bears, 



the back teeth are fitted for 



,. , , , Fig. 42. — Teeth of a Flesh-eater, 



grmdmg, and such do not 



live exclusively on flesh. Cats, Hyenas, Dogs, Civets, 



Weasels, Bears, and Seals are the chief Carnivora. 



Cats. 



Of all the Carnivora the Cats have the keenest senses 

 and the quickest movements, and they are the inost 

 rapacious. Their tread is noiseless, the bottoms of 

 their feet being like a cushion ; they stealthily approach 

 their prey, and when near enough, seize upon it with a 

 sudden spring. The name Cat is given not only to the 

 domestic varieties of this sort, but also to the Lion, 

 Tiger, Panther, Leopard, Puma, Lynx, Jaguar, and 

 Wild Cat. The Lion, Panther, and Leopard inhabit 



