CARNIVOROUS MAMMALIA. 4(39 



The fore feet rest on the ground by means of tlie 

 second of the three joints of which each toe is com- 

 posed. The last phalanges are raised at right 

 angles to the former, for the purpose of supporting 

 the claws in an erect position. It has been consi- 

 dered of such importance to preserve these formid- 

 able instruments constantly sharp, and in a condi- 

 tion fitted for immediate use, that an express 

 contrivance has been resorted to for this purpose. It 

 consists in a sheath, within which the claws, when 

 not employed, are kept retracted, by means of an 

 elastic ligament, which constantly tends to with- 

 draw them within the sheath : and they are at the 

 same time so connected with the tendons of the 

 flexor muscles of the toes, that the moment these 

 muscles are thrown into action, which is the case 

 when the animal aims a stroke with its paw, the 

 claws are instantly drawn out and combine in in- 

 flicting the severest lacerations.* 



Connected with the superior strength of the 

 hind extremities, we find the pelvis extending 

 farther backwards, and more in a perpendicular 

 line with the femur. This latter bone is longer and 

 more slender than in the horse, but it is more com- 

 pact in its form, and its processes are more strongly 

 developed : the fibula is a separate bone from the 

 tibia. The muscles, in general, are more divided 

 into portions, and are thus capable of greater di- 



* In consequence of a different arrangement of the ligaments of 

 the claws in the fore and hind feet, those of the former are capable 

 of being more completely retracted than those of the latter. There 

 exists, concealed in the tuft of hair, at the extremity of the lion's 

 tail, a small conical and slightly curved claw which is attached to the 

 skin only, and not to the last caudal vertebra : its use is probably to 

 increase the eftect of blows given with the tail. 



