274 THE MANUS. [chap. 



The three bones of the proximal row are constant, 

 and may easily be identified as corresponding to the scap- 

 hoid, lunar and cuneiform of human anatomy, or the 

 radiale, intermedium, and ulnare of Gegenbaur. The middle 

 one is usually the largest and most thoroughly ossified. v 



The three bones of the distal row are generally represented 

 by distinct ossifications (corresponding apparently with the 

 trapezoid, magnum, and unciform) in the genera Hyperoodon, 

 Beluga, and Monodon. 



In most cases (see Fig. 99) the bones of the distal row of 

 the carpus are reduced to two, which appear to correspond 

 best with the trapezoid and unciform, the magnum being 

 either absent or amalgamated with the trapezoid. 1 



The trapezium appears never to be present as a distinct 

 bone, although the first metacarpal so often assumes the 

 characters and position of a carpal bone, that it may easily be 

 taken for it. 



The cuneiform always directly supports the fifth meta- 

 carpal, and frequently some part of the fourth. Moreover, 

 in those species in which the ulnar side of the carpus is 

 greatly reduced, as Globiocephalus, the fifth metacarpal is 

 even connected with the ulna. 



In the Cachalot {Physeter) many of the carpal bones, in 

 addition to the usual central nucleus, have epiphysial ossifi- 

 cations developed in the periphery of the cartilage, which 

 ultimately unite with the central piece of bone. 



All the Cetacea with teeth have five digits, though the 

 first is usually rudimentary, and in close contact with the 

 metacarpal of the second. In some forms, as Physeter, 

 Byperoodon, Monodon, Beluga, Inia, Platan is fa, and Or en, 

 the manus is short, broad, and rounded at its distal 



1 For the reasons for these determinations, see " On the Osteology of 

 the Sperm Whale ; " Trans. Zoological Society, vol. vi. p. 360. 



