CARNIVORA. 



471 



propensity and structure in a higher degree 

 than any of the others. 



Skeleton. The structure of the skeleton in 

 the cat tribe exhibits, in the greatest imaginable 

 degree, all the requisites of fleetness, activity, 

 and power, for the purpose of pursuing, sur- 

 prising, overpowering, and tearing the living 



prey on which, in a state of nature, they 

 wholly subsist. In the less typical forms we 

 find these attributes possessed to a modified 

 extent, but still admirably adapted to their 

 respective habits. 



As an example of the typical structure, the 

 skeleton of the lion (Jig. 189) shews, in the 



Fig. 189. 



configuration of the bones, in their articulation, 

 and in the developement of the different points 

 of muscular attachment, such a combination of 

 lightness of form with vast power, as must 

 strike every one as being exactly equivalent to 

 the natural requirements of the animal. The 

 spine is flexile, yet of great strength, and the 

 extent and robustness of the lumbar portion of 

 the vertebral column seem at once adapted for the 

 exercise of that flexibility, and for the location 

 of powerful muscles. The ribs are narrow 

 and far asunder ; the limbs long, powerful, and 

 so constructed as to afford the greatest facility 

 and extent of motion, an object which is 

 greatly promoted by placing the point of rest 



Fig. 



at the extremity of the toes ; the whole of the 

 feet, excepting that part, being thus made sub- 

 servient to the object in question. The cra- 

 nium is broad and short, and fitted for the 

 exercise of almost incalculable force in holding 

 and tearing their food. 



In the weasel tribe the legs are shorter, the 

 vertebral column elongated and in the highest 

 degree slender and flexible, the lumbar region 

 being as long even as the dorsal, a structure 

 by which they are enabled to creep with almost 

 a serpentine motion in quest of the small and 

 sometimes subterraneous animals on which 

 they subsist. 



In the bear tribe (fig. WO) there is a still 



190. 



