124 



Marvels of the Universe 



environment. In this truism probably lies the explanation of the extinction of the Sabre-toothed 

 Tiger, in some respects the most highly organized of all the cat family. 



The word "sabre-toothed" explains itself, and alludes to the tremendous development of the 

 canine teeth of the upper jaw, which were compressed, sharp-edged and blade-like, and projecting 

 in some species six inches or more below the gum, constituted the most formidable stabbing instru- 

 ments within the limits of the carnivora. The term " tiger," however, can only be applied to this 

 great cat in a very general sense to indicate its equality in size and strength to that well-known 

 species. In no other particular can it be supposed that close resemblance existed between them. 

 Judging from the skeleton, the Sabre-toothed Tiger [M achcerodus) was a short-tailed, heavily-built 

 beast, with massive fore-quarters, suggesting very limited leaping powers and little speed of foot, 

 while the immense fangs and the muscular development required to give force to their stroke affected 

 the shape of the head in a remarkable degree, especially by lessening the space between the ear 

 and eye. The cat-like physiognomy must have been still further altered by the massive develop- 

 ment of the chin. Since there are reasons for supposing these animals inhabited more or less open 

 country, it may be inferred that, like lions, they were self-coloured, and analogy suggests that their 

 cubs were perhaps longitudinally banded. 



In spite of their final extinction these animals held their own for long ages — that is to say, from 

 Oligocene to Pleistocene times — and were widely distributed. Remains of many species have 

 been discovered in England and other parts of Europe, and in India as well. Probably from Asia 

 they made their way into the United States and passed thence into South America. How the very 

 long-fanged species killed their prey and fed has been a much debated question. That they did not 

 bite in the ordinary way seems certain from the weakness of the lower jaw and from the impossibility 

 of its clearing the points of the fangs, at all events to any great extent, when open. Very possibly 

 they used their fangs for piercing tlie carotid arteries of their victims, and, like weasels, subsisted 

 lai'gely by blood-sucking. 



WASPS AND THEIR TOOLS 



BY JOHN J. W.\RD, F.E.S. 



In the early history of a wasp city there are two kinds of individuals only — the queen and her 

 daughters. The latter resemble their mother somewhat considerably, but are diminutive in size 

 and sexuall}' imperfect. Consequently, the queen-wasp is the only perfect female in the city. 



I'hoto bt/l 



[J. J. \l'(inl. 



THE THREE CLASSES OF WASP. 



This group includes the three types of Wasp found in each nest. In the centre is the female or queen, noticeable for her 

 superior size. On the left is the male or drone with his longer feelers; and on the right is the active little worker 



