408 



THK MECHANICAL FUNCTIONS. 



vertebra has a largely developed spinous process, 

 for supplying levers for the muscles which have to 

 perform these and other actions in which the head 

 is concerned. 



The whole of the remaining part of the skeleton 

 of these animals is constructed with reference to 



their predatory nature. The sudden springs with 

 which they pounce upon their prey must impart to 

 the whole osseous frame the most violent concus- 

 sion. The first stroke with which they attempt the 

 destruction of their victims is given with the fore 

 leg : so that had the limb been rigidly connected 

 with the sternum by means of an entire clavicle, its 

 motions would have been too limited, and danger 

 of fracture would have been incurred. The scapula 

 is broad, and the humerus of great length, com- 

 pared with the same bones in ruminants ; and the 

 latter has besides a large surface for its articulation 

 with the former of these bones, thus allowing of 

 a great range of motion : the radius and ulna are 

 perfectly distinct, and play extensively on each 

 other. 



