762 



MANUAL OF ZOOLOGY. 



The most striking features in the structure of the Cheiroptera are those 

 connected with the conformation of the limbs (fig. 442). The fore-limb is 

 larger than the hind-limb, the strong and moderately long humerus ar- 

 ticulating with a very large scapula. The clavicles are complete, and the 

 sternum is keeled. The radius is long and well developed, but the ulna 



Fig. 442. Skeleton of the Mouse-coloured Bat (Vespertilio murinus). a Humerus ; 

 b Scapula ; d Radius, with the rudimentary ulna at its proximal end ; e Carpus ; 

 f Thumb ; gg Metacarpal bones; ss Sternum;^ Pelvis; z Supplementary bone 

 attached to the calcaneum. 



is reduced to a mere splint-bone, which is anchylosed with the proximal 

 end of the radius, all power of rotation of the fore-arm being thus lost. 

 The thumb is short, and its last phalanx carries a claw. The index is 

 long, but is shorter than the other digits, and often consists of its metacar- 



