324 
MAMMALIA. 
upon the whole surface of the foot, and are remarkable for their 
thick- set forms, — these are called Plantigrades ; others, as Cats, 
Dogs, &c., only touch the ground with their toes, and have a 
more slender body and a more agile gait, — these are called Digiti- 
grades. Between these well-marked types are ranked various 
species, which more or less partake of both characteristics. 
These characteristics, derived from the mode of walking, are 
useful in the distinctions of genera, hut they are not of sufficient 
importance to become the starting-point for any general division 
of the Carnivora into two great tribes, such as was made by 
naturalists at the commencement of the present century. 
The senses of the Carnivora are very highly developed, hut 
the characteristics of all are not alike. Hearing and sight attain 
their maximum in the kinds that feed chiefly on flesh ; whilst a 
fine perception in smell and taste is the attribute of those ; 
whose food is more or less of a vegetable nature. Most of the 
Feline or Cat tribe have their eyes organised for nocturnal 
vision. 
The Carnivora are superior in intelligence to all the Orders of ' 
animals which we have previously noticed. Their brain is volu- 
minous, and always presents circumvolutions in its texture. 
These animals are also highly endowed by nature in respect of 
their covering. A great number of them furnish furs which are j 
much in request, either for the brilliancy of their colours or for j 
their fineness. We may mention, particularly, the skins of the ! 
Marten, the Sable, the Ermine, the Fox, the Lion, Tiger and 
Panther, the Bear, and generally all the coats of the Feline tribe. ; 
This Order is spread in considerable numbers over the whole 
surface of the globe, except in Australia, where, as we have seen, 
they are represented by the Marsupial Mammals. The most 
formidable species are those found in the torrid regions of Asia, 
Africa, and America. The largest species of this order, which is 
at present an inhabitant of Europe, is the Bear. However, this 
part of the world has not always been so devoid of wild beasts. 
Bears much larger than those of the present age used to be 
common, as well as Hyenas and Panthers. 
The Carnivora are divided into six great families. (1) The 
Mustelidce family, the type of which is the Weasel (Mustela) ; (2) 
the Hycenince , or Hyenas ; (3) the Felince , or Cat tribe ; (4) the 
