THE MEMBERS. 



187 



eral surface, and, in general, in inclination from above to below, but 

 at the same time they augment gradually in number, compactness, and 

 resistance. Surrounded in their superior sections by voluminous and 

 powerful muscles, they are, as it were, reduced inferiorly almost to 

 skin and bone. These are fortunate dispositions, whose effect is to 

 disseminate and attenuate the combined actions of the weight and the 

 velocity, and to furnish an adequate surface for the attachments of the 

 muscles, all preserving to the centre of gravity all the elevation com- 

 patible with the extent of its displacements, and conferring upon the 

 trunk gracefulness, harmony, and elegance of support. If the members 

 were covered with muscles throughout their entire length, their weight 

 would be excessive, and the step heavy and slow on account of the volume 

 of the extremities and the consequent lowering of the centre of gravity. 



During locomotion these motor columns are alternately elevated 

 from the ground ; they receive the body- weight which falls on them, 

 and impress it with the needed impulsive force, and are then lifted, 

 projected in advance, and again touch the ground. 



Function. — The function of the anterior limbs is very different 

 from that of the posterior. 



The Anterior members, situated in advance of and close to the 

 centre of gravity, and bearing consequently more weight than the 

 others, have a secondary office, being principally endowed with the 



Fig. 50.— From an instantaneous photograph of the author's. 



function of support and dispersion of concussion. Their propulsive 

 action is not very marked, excepting at a slow pace and when the animal 

 moves a heavy load. Under these circumstances (Fig. 50) the body. 



