[Illustration: FIG. 332.--AFRICAN OSTRICH, × ¹⁄₂₀. (Order?)] CHAPTER XIV MAMMALS (BEASTS AND MAN) SUGGESTIONS.--A tame rabbit, a house cat, or a pet squirrel may be taken to the school and observed by the class. Domestic animals may be observed at home and on the street. A study of the teeth will give a key to the life of the animal, and the teacher should collect a few mammalian skulls as opportunities offer. The pupils should be required to identify them by means of the chart of skulls (p. 194). If some enthusiastic students fond of anatomy should dissect small mammals, the specimens should be killed with chloroform, and the directions for dissection usual in laboratory works on this subject may be followed. There is a brief guide on page 223. The following outline for the study of a live mammal will apply almost as well to the rabbit or squirrel as to the cat. =The Cat.=--The house cat (_Felis domestica_) is probably descended from the Nubian cat (_Felis maniculata_, Fig. 333) found in Africa. The wild species is about half again as large as the domestic cat, grayish brown with darker stripes; the tail has dark rings. The lynx, or wild cat of America (_Lynx rufus_), is quite different. Compare the figures (333, 335) and state three obvious differences. To which American species is the house cat closer akin, the lynx (Fig. 335) or the ocelot (Fig. 334)? The domestic cat is found among all nations of the world. What is concluded, as to its nearest relatives, from the fact that the Indians had no cats when America was discovered? It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians, and after death its body was embalmed. The =body of the cat= is very flexible. It may be divided into five regions, the head, neck, trunk, tail, and limbs. Its eyes have the same parts as the eyes of other mammals. Which part of its eye is most peculiar? (Fig. 333.) What part is lacking that is present in birds? How are the eyes especially adapted for seeing at night? Does the pupil in the light extend up or down or across the iris? Does it ever become round? [Illustration: FIG. 333.--WILD CAT OF AFRICA (_Felis maniculata_), × ¹⁄₈.] What is the shape and position of the _ears_? Are they large or small compared with those of most mammals? They are fitted best for catching sound from what direction? What is thus indicated in regard to the cat’s habits? (Compare with ears of rabbit.) Touch the _whiskers_ of the cat. What result? Was it voluntary or involuntary motion? Are the _nostrils_ relatively large or small compared with those of a cow? Of man?