34 THE STRUCTURE OF THE FOWL 



The adult metatarsus, or tarso - metatarsus 

 (Fig. 9), is represented by one long bone 

 composed of second, third, and fourth meta- 

 tarsal bones in union. The proximal end 

 is very irregular and provided with two con- 

 cavities, which articulate with 

 the tibia. In the male a conical 

 and slightly curved projection 

 from the medial side of the bone 

 serves as a support for the spur. 

 The distal end of the metatarsus 

 divides into three articular 

 projections, thus revealing the 

 composite nature of the bone. 

 A rudimentary first metatarsal 

 bone is connected by ligament 

 with the inner and posterior 

 Fig. 9.— Right Meta- aspcct of the distal part of the 

 tarsus. common bone. The fifth meta- 



mS: ' Mu/meLrsal ^^^s^l bouc Is represented in the 

 bones ; s, bony core of embryo by a small cartilaginous 



nodule which soon disappears. 

 Of the four digits carried by the metatarsus, 

 three project forwards, one backwards. The 

 first digit, directed backwards, is composed 

 of two phalanges ; the second of three ; the 

 third of four ; and the fourth of five phalanges. 



m? 



Mt? 



