262 THE MANUS. [chap. 



As the toes are nearly always armed with large, strong, 

 curved, and sharp claws (see Fig. 89), the ungual phalanges 

 (//z3) are large, strongly compressed, and pointed, and they 

 develop from their base a broad thin lamina of bone (^), 

 which is reflected over the root {a) of the horny claw, and 

 holds it more firmly in its place. In those genera, as Fclis^ 



Fig. 89. — The phalanges of the middle digit of the manus of the Lion {Felis leo), \. 

 ph^ proximal phalanx: pli- middle phalanx; pli^ ungual phalan.x ; a the central 

 portion forming the internal support to the horny claw ; b the bony lamina reflected 

 around the base of the claw. 



in which the claws are retractile, the middle phalanx i^ph ^) 

 is deeply hollowed on its ulnar side to receive the ungual 

 phalanx when folded back upon it, in the quiescent state ©f 

 the foot. 



In the Finnipedia, the manus is broader and flatter 

 than in the terrestrial Carnivora. The scaphoid and lunar 

 coalesce. The ulnar side of the carpus is much reduced, 

 the unciform being especially small, and consequently the 

 fifth metacarpal articulates partly with the cuneiform of the 



and the Digitigrade, or those that walk only upon the phalanges, the 

 metacarpals and metatarsals being vertical and in a line with the fore- 

 arm or leg. This distinction, however, is quite an artificial one, and 

 every intermediate condition exists between the extreme typical planti- 

 grade gait of the bears and the true digitigrade action of the cats and 

 dogs. In fact, the greater number of the Carnivora belong to neither 

 of these groups, but may be called " subplantigrade," often, when at 

 rest, applying the whole of the sole to the ground, but keeping the heel 

 raised to a greater or less extent when walking. 



