62 



ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. 



Cod, (Fig. 43), there are two flat and broad bones, one 

 of which, the ulna (rf), presents a long point, anteriorly. 



Fig. 43. 



The bones of the carpus are represented by four nearly 

 square little bones. But in these again, there are considera- 

 ble variations in different fishes, and in some genera they 

 are much more irregular in form. The fingers are but im- 

 perfectly represented by the rays of the fin (g), which are 

 composed of an infinitude of minute bones, articulated with 

 each other. As to the humerus and shoulder, their analo- 

 gies are variously interpreted by different anatomists. 



178. The form of the members is so admirably adapted 

 to the special offices which they are designed to perform, 

 that by a simple inspection of the bones of the arm, as re- 

 presented in the preceding sketches, one might infer the uses 

 to which they were to be put. The arm of man, with its 

 radius turning upon its ulna, the delicate and pliable fingers, 

 and the thumb opposed to them, bespeak an organ for the 

 purpose of handling. The slender and long arm of the 

 sloth, with his monstrous claws, would be extremely incon- 

 venient for walking on the ground, but appropriate for seizing 

 upon the branches of the trees, on which these animals 

 live. The short fingers, armed with retractile nails, indicate 

 the lion, at first glance, to be a carnivorous animal. The 

 arm of the stag, with his very long cannon-bone, and that of 

 the horse also, with its single solitary finger enveloped in a 

 hoof, are organs especially adapted for running. The very 

 slender, and greatly elongated fingers of the bat are ad- 

 mirably contrived for the spread of a wing, without in- 



