204: SKELETON OF THE LION. 



from the outer side and proximal end of the second pha- 

 lanx, and passes obliquely to be inserted at the inner side 

 of the base of the last phalanx. A third, which arises 

 from the inner side and proximal extremity of the second 

 phalanx, is inserted at the same point as the preceding. 

 The tendon of the flexor profundus perforans is the an- 

 tagonist of the elastic ligaments. By the action of that 

 muscle, the last phalanx is drawn forwards and down- 

 wards, and the claw exposed. In order to produce the 

 full efi'ect of drawing out the claw, a corresponding action 

 of the extensor muscle is necessary, to support and fix 

 the second phalanx ; by its ultimate insertion in the ter- 

 minal phalanx, it serves also to restrain and regulate the 

 actions of the flexor muscle. As the phalanges of the 

 hind-foot are retracted in a different direction to those of 

 the fore-foot, i. e. directly upon, and not by the side of the 

 second phalanx, the elastic ligaments are differently dis- 

 posed, but perform the same main office. 



It seems scarcely necessary to allude to the final inten- 

 tion of these beautiful structures, which are, with some 

 slight modifications, common to the genus Felis. The 

 claws being thus retracted within folds of the integument, 

 are preserved constantly sharp, and ready for their des- 

 tined functions, not being blunted and worn away in the 

 ordinary progressive motions of the animal ; while at the 

 same time the sole of the foot, being padded, such soft 

 parts only are brought in contact with the ground as 

 conduce to the noiseless tread of the stealthy feline tribe. 

 This highly-developed unguiculate structure, with the 

 dental system and concomitant modifications of the skull, 

 complete the predatory character of the typical Carni- 

 vora. 



