86 



ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. 



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

 the ulna, (d,) presents a long point, anteriorly. The bones of 



9 e 



Fig. 43. 



the carpus are represented by four nearly square little bones. 

 But in these again there are considerable variations in dif- 

 ferent fishes, and in some genera they are much more irreg- 

 ular in form. The fingers are but imperfectly represented 

 by the rays of the fin, (g,) which are composed of an infini- 

 tude of minute bones, articulated with each other. As to 

 the humerus and shoulder, their analogies are variously in- 

 terpreted 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 single inspection of the bones of the arm, as repre- 

 sented in the preceding sketches, one might infer the uses to 

 which they are 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 solitary finger enveloped in a hoof, are 

 organs especially adapted for running. The very slender 

 and greatly elongated fingers of the bat are admirably con- 



