CARNIVORA. 
5 
for obtaining it by various personal differences, which 
have also furnished zoologists with the means of se- 
parating the order into minor subdivisions. These 
will be found so much the more important, when it 
is considered, that they harmonize in a perfect man- 
ner with the intellectual dispositions and inclinations 
of the animals they distinguish ; that the intention 
of the Creator is made apparent by them ; and that 
they evince each animal to have been made for its 
habits, and not its habits for, the animal. While, 
therefore, they are confined to a physical description 
of the person, they may be considered as having 
equal reference to moral character, and the degree 
of ferocity may be inferred from the extent of the 
weapons afforded for making it available. 
The extremities and the teeth are perhaps the 
principal among many personal differences, which 
distinguish animals of various inclinations j and it is 
to these, therefore, chiefly that it will be requisite 
to advert. They are the most obvious, and are suf- 
ficient for the intended purpose. 
Celerity of motion is an adjunct absolutely ne- 
cessary to quadrupeds that can live only on flesh ; 
for they would too often lose a supply of food, if 
escape from them were matter of ease to their prey. 
Independently, therefore, of their always possessing 
nails more or less sharp, as distinguished from the 
obtuse extremities of the hoofed animals, they move 
only on the toes, without bringing any part of the 
foot, from the toes to the heel, which is clothed with 
hair, into contact with the ground, by which means 
