SKELETON OF THE LAND CAENIVORA. 



SKELETON OF LION. 



In the spine, or vertebral column, there is not much to notice beyond the great size of the first 

 two vertebrae, or those which support the head, and the development of strong spines or processes for 

 the attachment of muscles. 



In the limbs there are certain points of considerable interest and importance. If a Bear and a 

 Lion be watched while walking, a great difference will be observed in their gait : the Bear's movements 

 are far clumsier and less springy than those of the Lion. A little further observation will show that 

 this is due, chiefly, to the manner in which their feet are set on the limbs, for it will be seen that the 

 Bear keeps the sole of his foot flat on the ground, and, as his foot is very large, he has something of 

 the awkward, sprawling movement of a man walking in shoes too big for him. The Lion, on the other 

 hand, has his wrist and his heel lifted well above the ground, and so walks, not on the sole of his foot, 

 but on his toes, the under surfaces of which are furnished with beautifully soft leathery pads, so as to 

 ensure a soft, silent footstep. Then what looks like the knee of a Lion, Cat, or Dog is really his wrist, 



SKELETON OF FOLAH BEAK, 



