36 



MAMMALIA. 



FAMILY III. CARNIVORA. f 



Four thick and long canine teeth ; six incisives in each jaw, 

 the root of the second of the lower ones being placed a little 

 more inwards than the others ; the molars are entirely tren- 

 chant or have blunted tuberculous parts, but never bristled 

 with conical points. The anterior molars are the most tren- 

 chant, they are called false molars ; next comes a molar larger 

 than the others and which has generally a tuberculous heel 

 more or less wide, it is called carnivorous', then follow one or 

 two small teeth perfectly flat, and denominated tuberculous. 

 These animals are more or less carnivorous in proportion to 

 the quantity of the tuberculous surfaces, the acuteness of the 

 false molars and the length of the canine. Those genera 

 having the fewest false molars and shortest jaws are best 

 adapted for biting ; upon these differences they are most sa- 

 tisfactorily established. Three tribes. 



Tribk 1. Plantigrada. 



Animals walking upon the entire sole of the foot, and 

 having no hair upon this part; five fingers on all the feet. 

 In the slowness of their movements and in their nocturnal 

 habits they resemble the Insectivora, and, like them, want 

 the caecum. The greater number of those who inhabit cold 

 countries pass the winter in a torpid state. Three remark- 

 able genera. 



Genus I. Ursus, Lin. Bear. 



A variable number of very small false molars behind the 

 carnivorous teeth ; three large molars on each side of each jaw, 

 entirely tuberculous; canines rounded and very large; body 

 stout ; limbs thick ; tail very short. These Mammalia possess 

 great prudence, and are less formidable than is ordinarily sup- 

 posed. Nearly fructivorous, or at least omnivorous, by their 

 dental system, they prefer fruits to flesh ; and it is only when 

 pressed by famine, that they attack other animals. They are 

 found in all regions of the globe; their fur and their fat cause 

 them to be actively pursued ; the chase, however, is not without 

 danger, on account of their obstinate courage and their great 

 strength. There are countries, notwithstanding, where the 

 people make no scruple of attacking them, without other 



