SKELETON OF CARNIVORA. 



489 



wide intervals of the neural canal. The bones of the neck are 

 modified to allow of great extent and freedom of inflection. The 

 perforated transverse processes of the third to the sixth cervicals 

 inclusive are remarkable for the distinctness of their di- and pleur- 

 apophysial parts. Metapophyses arc developed on the last five 

 dorsal vertebra : the strong hypapophysial ridge of the lumbar 

 vertebrae divides into two tuberous processes. These processes 

 indicate the great developement of the anterior vertebral muscles, 

 e.g. the ^ longi colli ' and ^ psoag,' and relate to the important share 



335 



larp Seal (Plioca grcvnhmdica) . Lxxiil' 



which the vertebra and muscles of the trunk take in the loco- 

 motion of the Seal-tribe, especially when on dry land, where they 

 shuffle along on their belly. 



In the Sterrink or Saw-toothed ^Qni {StenorhyncMis serridens),. 

 with 15 dorsal, 5 lumbar, 3 sacral, and 11 caudal, the metapo- 

 physes commence as tubercles outside the prezygapophysis on the 

 second dorsal, are distinct on the third dorsal, pass on the fore 

 part of the diapophysis in the fourth, and continue rudimental as 

 far as the tenth dorsal, on which they are well and distinctly 

 developed ; they again pass upon the outside of the prezygapo- 

 physis in the eleventh and twelfth dorsals, and so continue 

 throughout the lumbar, sacral, and anterior caudal vertebra?. 

 The anapophyses are mere rudimental projections from the back 

 part of the diapophysis. The transverse processes of the axis are 

 more developed than in the Phoca grcenlandlca ; they show^ as 

 distinctly as in the other cervicals, but on a smaller scale, the 

 pleur- and di-apophysial parts of the process. The cervical and 



