THE LEOPARD. 
89 
the nature of the food renders at once unnecessary and 
impracticable. 
To assist in the laceration of their food, the tongues 
of the Cats are armed, especially towards the hinder 
part, with numerous close-set bristly or rather prickly 
papillae, the points of which are directed backwards ; 
and their palates offer a series of transverse ridges 
covered with rough and projecting tubercles. The 
opening of the mouth is of great extent in proportion 
to the size of the animals ; a fact which is frequently 
illustrated in a striking manner in travelling exhibitions, 
the keepers of which are in the habit of thrusting their 
heads into the Lions' mouths, to the no small amuse- 
ment of some, and the almost equal terror of others, 
among the gaping spectators. The muscles which move 
the lower jaw are also of great bulk, and the point on 
which they immediately act is brought so far forwards, 
in consequence of the breadth and shortness of the 
muzzle, as to give them the highest degree of attainable 
force. 
The claws of all the genuine species of Felis are of 
considerable length, much curved, with sharp cutting 
edges, and finely pointed extremities. The edge and 
point of these destructive organs is preserved unim- 
paired by a particular provision, which enables them to 
be entirely withdrawn within sheaths appropriated for 
the purpose, enclosed within folds of the skin which 
covers the extremity of the toes. These are five in 
number on the fore feet and four on the hind ; and are 
remarkably short and obtuse. Their under surface is 
furnished with several distinct callous tubercles, on 
which the animal rests in progression, no other part of 
the feet being applied to the ground. The Cats are 
consequently truly and typically digitigrade ; they pos- 
sess no sole, and the part which corresponds with the 
