STKUCTUEE OF CARNIVOROUS ANIMALS. 



355 



which, though screened by the veil of darkness, vainly endeavours 

 to escape detection. 



According to their various modes of life, the quadrupeds are 

 amply provided with the means of defence or aggression. The 

 carnivorous animals, destined to prey upon others, required, of 

 course, to be specially equipped for active war; and as the seal 

 of perfection is stamped upon all the Almighty's works, their 

 structure exhibits, in the greatest imaginable degree, every 

 quality which a life of rapine and violence requires. 



Thus, for instance, the skeleton of the lion shows, in all its 

 parts, a masterly combination of lightness of form with colossal 

 power. The spine is flexible yet of great strength, while the 



Skeleton of Lion. 



extent and robustness of the lumbar portion of the vertebral 

 column seem at once adapted for that flexibility, and for the 

 location of powerful muscles. The ribs are narrow and far 

 asunder, the limbs so constructed as to afford the greatest facility 

 and extent of motion, and the massive proportions of the cranium 

 and jawbone give evidence of the enormous development of 

 muscular power necessary for cutting and tearing in pieces the 

 hard tendinous portions of the animal's prey. 



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