344 



LTFE, IN ITS HIGHER FORMS. 



lower ones shut close within the upper. Hence the action 

 of these teeth is exactly that of the blades of a pair of 

 scissors, and the flesh and sinews are divided with the 



The sharp and prominent bony ridges of the skull, the 

 strength and form of the zygomatic arches, and the size of 

 .ggaT — 7~~^> r -^_ =a> ^ the temporal fossa, in- 



to that lateral working of the jaws upon each other, 

 which we practise when we eat; nothing but a chopping 

 or cutting action, the jaws having only a hinge movement. 

 The muscles of the neck and breast are also particularly 

 large and powerful in the Cats, to enable them to carry 

 off or drag away their prey. A Lion has been seen to 

 bear away a young bullock in his mouth, as a cat would 

 carry a rat. 



During the process of cutting up and swallowing the 

 flesh of the still quivering and palpitating prey, the warm 

 blood flours freely, and this appears to be eminently 

 grateful to the palate of the carnivorous tribes. They 

 frequently pause in the process to lick the flesh, and thus 

 to promote the flow of blood by exposing new blood-vessels. 

 To enable them to effect this, there is an exquisite provi- 

 sion. Every one is aware that the tongue of the common 



greatest ease and precision. 



dicate the immense 

 extent and volume of 

 the muscles that move 

 the jaws, the force of 

 which is increased by 

 the simplicity of the 

 movement required. 

 There is no approach 



Skull of Tiger. 



