152 YERTEBEATA. 
LION AND TIGERS. 
ORDER 5. CARNIVORA. 
The term Carnivora, signifying Mesh-eaters, is applied generally to creatures tliat feed on 
animal substances; hence it is often used to include not only the Carnivora proper, hut the 
two orders Cheiroptera and Insectivora. We, however, restrict the order to the various animals 
in which the thirst for hlood has its highest development, including the following families : The 
Zfrsides, or Bears ; Viverrides, as the civets, genets, &c. ; Canides, as dogs, wolves, foxes, &c. ; 
FcUdes, as the lion, tiger, and cat kind generally ; Htjenides, or Hyenas ; and Mustelides, or the 
weasel kind. 
The Carnivora are all true quadrupeds, living on the land, though some of them are arboral 
in their habits. The teeth are variable, but generally the molars show, by their compressed 
form and sharp cutting edges, that they are intended for the division of flesh. All three kinds 
of teeth are always present. The incisors are small, six in number, and placed in a transverse 
row across the front of the mouth ; the canines are always of a large size, conical, curved, and 
