204 ORDER CARMVORA; GENERAL CHARACTERS. 



adapted to the same purposes. "We do not find sucli differences 

 in the structure of the anterior and posterior linihs, as we have 

 seen in Man, the Bats, and the Mole ; all of them are equally 

 adapted for supporting the body 0:1 the ground, and for enablim: 

 it to execute rapid and energetic inoveiiients upon the surface of 

 the earth, as in running, leaping, c. The onlv exceptions to 

 this principle are among the aquatic species such as the Otter 

 and Seal, in which we find an adaptation, more or less complete, 

 for residence 1 in the water ; and the comparatively s1u;jxnsh 

 Bears, a lar^e part of whose life is passed amonn; trees. The 

 muscular energy of the Carnivora is very great ; their respiration 

 and circulation very active; and the demand for food, therefore, 

 (on the principles cist 1 whore stated, ANIM. PHY.SIOL., 140). is 

 very constant. The rapid movement which they require for 

 pursuing a living prey is provided for in the structure of their 

 limhs, which are usually loner, and moved hy powerful muscles. 

 As these limhs have but little variety of movement (their action 

 in running and leaping being; simply backwards and forwards), 

 a clavicle is hut little required ; and this hone is usually very 

 small, not uniting the shoulder to the breast-bone, and is some- 

 times almost entirely deficient. In the Bears, however, whoso 

 fore-limbs must be kept more apart, for the purpose of climbing, 

 and must be provided with strong muscles to draw them 

 together, we find a more complete clavicle than in most others 

 of the order. The two bones of the fore-arm still remain distinct, 

 and are capable of beiiiL r m SOUK; degree rotated, one on the other, 

 as in Man. 



1 S4. In regard to the arrangement of the bones of the hands 

 and feet, we find a marked variation in different species. In the 

 most active, and especially in those which have the greatest 

 powers of le;ip'n'_r. these bones are so connected with those above, 

 as to form ii"arly a continuous line with them ; and the animal 

 rcsN upon the points only of the toes. But in others, the hands 

 and. feet are s > united with the limbs above, that the animal 

 bears upon its palms and soles, thus acquiring a firmer footing, 

 but losing in activity. The animals which have the former con- 

 formation an; said to be diyitif/rdilc ; those po.-sessing the latter 



