OF CREATION. 



169 



The shoulder-bone, already alluded to, works upon 

 a kind of blade-bone, but is not 

 fitted into a deep socket. Its 

 form somewhat resembles that 

 of the corresponding bone in 

 birds; and this bone, as well 

 as the two which represent 

 the fore-arm, are distinct, but 

 very short and broad in pro- 

 portion to their length, espe- 

 cially the two latter, which 

 are often nearly round, and 

 sometimes broader than they 

 are long. Then come a num- 

 ber of small round bones, which 

 represent those of the wrist, 

 and complete two ill-defined 

 rows. After them succeed a 

 multitude of little bones (see 

 figure), arranged in distinct 

 rows and fitting one another, 

 but not exhibiting any mark 

 of that division into fingers, 

 which may be traced in the 

 skeleton even of the most aquatic of the mammalia. 

 The bones increase in number as they diminish in 

 size, to the termination of the paddle. They form 

 from three to six series, and are so dovetailed toge- 

 ther as to constitute an uniformly resisting framework, 

 acting as a simple oar. 



Such was the skeleton of this fin, or paddle, as 

 made known by various examples, some of them 

 quite perfect ; but we are fortunately in a condition to 



ICHTHYOSAURUS. 

 (Restored Paddle.) 



