344 LIFE, 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 
greatest ease and precision. 
The sharp and prominent bony ridges of the skull, the 
strength and form of the zygomatic arches, and the size of 
the temporal fossa, in- 
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. 
Skull of Tiger. There is no approach 
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 arc 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 flows freely, and this appears to be eminently 
grateful to the palato of tho 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 tho common 
