212 
ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. 
distinguished from the other Carnivora by several ob- 
vious characters, derived from modifications in the most 
essential organs. The teeth consist, besides the six 
incisors and two canines in either jaw common to nearly 
the whole Order, of three false molars, one lacerator, 
and two tuberculars on each side of the upper jaw, and 
of the same number in the lower, with the addition of a 
fourth rudimentary false molar placed anteriorly to the 
rest. In no other animals, except in those which are 
usually referred to this genus, are the tubercular teeth 
two in number both above and below ; the Viverrine 
groups, which form the nearest approach to them, 
having but one such tooth in the lower jaw, although 
furnished with two in the upper. The upper incisors 
terminate in three more or less deeply indented lobes, 
while the lower have only two ; the canines are strong, 
conical, pointed, and slightly curved ; the false molars 
gradually increase in size from before backwards, each 
of the posterior being furnished with an additional 
lobe ; the single points of the upper lacerator, and the 
double projections of the lower, are continued into 
sharp cutting edges ; and the tuberculars expand into 
a broad flattened surface. Most of these modifications 
in the cheek-teeth indicate a diminution of carnivorous 
propensities in these animals when compared with the 
Cats, or even with the Weasels, and this is further 
confirmed by the smoothness of their tongues ; but the 
strength of their canines, and more especially the form 
of their lacerators, demonstrate that the Dogs are still 
possessed of a high degree of aptitude for preying upon 
animal food. Their internal organization is also emi- 
nently fitted for the digestion of flesh. 
In the organs of locomotion we find similar indica- 
tions. Their increased length of limb gives to the canine 
races a superior degree of fleetness in the chase, which 
