SKELETON OF THE LION. 203 



the fourth and fifth digits; nnd the pisiforme, which pro- 

 jects far backwards, like a small calcaneum: there is also 

 a supplementary oscicle wedged in the interspace between 

 the prominent end of the scapho-lunar bone and the 

 proximal end of the metacarpal of the pollex. The pollex 

 is retained on the fore-foot, and, like the other toes, is 

 terminated by a large, compressed, retractile, ungual 

 phalanx, forming a deep sheath, for the firm attachment 

 of the large curved and sharp-pointed claws. 



The pelvis, 62, 63, 6-i, the femur, 65, the tibia, 66^ and 

 fibula, 67, offer no remarkable modifications of structure; 

 the patella, QQ, is well ossified, and there is a fabella, 67, 

 behind each condyle of the femur. The tarsal bones are 

 the astragalus; the scaphoides; the calcaneum; the cu- 

 boides, which, like the unciforme in the carpus, supports 

 the two outer digits; the cuneiforme externum, which, 

 like the magnum, supports the middle digit ; the cunei- 

 forme medium, which, like the trapezoides, supports the 

 second digit; and the cuneiforme internum, which sup- 

 ports the rudiment of the metatarsal of the first or inner- 

 most digit. 



The last or ungual phalanx, in both fore and hind feet, 

 has a bony sheath at its base for the firmer implantation 

 of the claw; and its joint is at the back part of the proxi- 

 mal end of the phalanx, whereby it can be drawn upwards 

 upon the second phalanx, when the claw becomes con- 

 cealed in the fold of integument forming the interspace 

 of the digits. 



This state of retraction is constantly maintained, except 

 when overcome by an extending force, by means of elastic 

 ligaments. The principal one arises from the outer side 

 and distal extremity of the second phalanx, and is inserted 

 into the superior angle of the last phalanx; a second arises 



