CARNIVOROUS MAMMALIA. 531 



is composed. The last phalanges are raised at 

 right angles to the former, for the purpose of 

 supporting the claws in an erect position. It 

 has been considered of such importance to pre- 

 serve these formidable instruments constantly 

 sharp, and in a condition fitted for immediate 

 use, that an express contrivance has been re- 

 sorted to for this purpose. It consists in a 

 sheath, within which the claws, when not em- 

 ployed, are kept retracted, by means of an 

 elastic ligament, which constantly tends to with- 

 draw them within the sheath : and they are at 

 the same time so connected with the tendons of 

 the flexor muscles of the toes, that the moment 

 these muscles are thrown into action, which is 

 the case when the animal aims a stroke with its 

 paw, the claws are instantly drawn out, and 

 combine in inflicting the severest lacerations.* 



Connected with the superior strength of the 

 hind extremities, we find the pelvis extending 

 farther backwards, and more in a perpendicular 

 line with the femur. This latter bone is longer 

 and more slender than in the horse, but it is 

 more compact in its form, and its processes are 

 more strongly developed : the fibula is a sepa- 

 rate bone from the tibia. The muscles, in 



* There exists, concealed in the tuft of hair, at the extremity 

 of the lion's tail, a small conical and slightly curved claw, which 

 is attached to the skin only, and not to the last caudal vertebra : 

 it is difficult to conjecture what can be its use. 



