274 THE HORSE AND ITS RELATIVES 



beginning to assume the form of a true molar. The 

 hand [fore-foot] bore four digits, with a vestige of 

 the first (thumb) in the form of a splint-bone 

 probably entirely concealed within the skin.* /x The 

 more progressive hind-foot had but three toes, with 

 a remnant of the fifth. 



Front View of the Bones of the Left Fore (a) and Hind (b) Feet of the 

 American Eohippus pernix, % natural size 



" Eohippus was a small animal about eleven 

 inches in height at the shoulder, and in general 

 suggestive of the carnivores rather than of the 

 ungulates of to-day. The back was arched, the 

 head and neck were short, and the limbs of 

 moderate length, showing no especial adapta- 

 tion for speed. This genus has a remarkable 



