16 MANUAL OF NATURAL HISTORY 



nails strong. Some have the power of rolling 

 themselves up. 



Y. OKDER— Rapacious Mammals (Carnivora). 



Teeth more or less trenchant, canines large and 

 pointed, six incisors in each jaw; muscular energy 

 great. By a comparison of the tubercular portions 

 of the teeth with the cutting parts, the degree of 

 sanguinary appetite, in these animals, can be deter- 

 mined. 



1. Family. — Dogs (Canidse). Muzzle lengthened; 



jaws with three false molars above, five be- 

 low ; two true molars, behind each carnivor- 

 ous tooth; tongue smooth; limbs lengthened ; 

 tail generally more or less bushy ; feet digi- 

 tigrade. The diurnal Canidse have the pupils 

 round; the nocturnal have them elliptical; 

 and many have the feet furred beneath. 



2. Family. — Civet Gats (Viverridse). Muzzle long ; 



form lengthened, comparatively low ; body 

 somewhat compressed ; one true molar in 

 lower jaw, two in upper jaw, two tubercles 

 on inner side of lower carnivorous tooth ; 

 tongue covered with sharp papillae; claws 

 semi-retractile ; anal pouch with glands 

 which secrete an odorous matter ; fur gene- 

 rally spotted, that of tail annulated. 



3. Family. — Gats (Felidse). Muzzle short and 



rounded ; jaws short ; number of teeth small, 

 no true molar in lower jaw, one very small in 



