7C8 MAMMALIA. 



as in the Camel or Giraffe, such is the length of the neck, that, even 

 with a disproportionately small head attached to the extremity of so long 

 a lever, incessant and violent muscular exertion would be needed to 

 sustain or to raise it from the ground. This difficulty is obviated by a 

 very simple and elegant contrivance : a broad band of ligament, com- 

 posed of the same elastic tissue as that composing the ligamenta subflava 

 of the human spine, is extended from the tips of the elongated spinous 

 processes of the back, and sometimes even as far backwards as the lumbar 

 and sacral regions. This ligament, strengthened by additions derived 

 from most of the vertebral processes over which it passes, runs forward 

 to be fixed anteriorly to the crest of the occipital bone, and to the most 

 anterior of the cervical vertebrae. The whole weight of the cranium and 

 neck being therefore fully counterbalanced by the elasticity of this sus- 

 pensory ligament, the muscles of the neck act with every possible advan- 

 tage, and all the movements of the head are effected with the utmost 

 grace and facility. 



(2209.) The RTJMINANTIA are generally distinguished as having 

 " cloven feet ;" and in fact, both the hind and fore feet present a very 

 characteristic formation. The bones of the fore-arms, as well as the 

 tibia and fibula, are more or less completely consolidated, especially to- 

 wards their distal extremities. The carpal and tarsal bones resemble 

 those of the Horse, and are similarly situated. The metacarpal and 

 metatarsal or cannon bones are respectively composed of two lateral 

 halves united along the mesial line ; and to each of these halves is at- 

 tached a toe composed of three phalanges, the last phalanx of each being 

 encased in a strong hoof. In some genera two rudimentary lateral toes 

 are also distinctly recognizable ; but these are too small to be used in 

 locomotion. 



rig. m 



Skeleton of Armadillo. 



(2210.) The EDENTATA, forming the next order of quadrupeds, are so 

 called from the deficiency of teeth observable in the fore part of their 

 mouth. In the most perfect tribes, as, for example, in the Armadillo 

 (fig. 389), the skeleton is well developed in all its parts, and presents 



