THE SKELETON OF LION. 



principal source of this structure. The use of the bony ridge is not quite certain ; but 

 it seems likely that it may play an important part in guarding the brain from the severe 

 shocks which must be occasioned by the movement of the animals when they leap upon 

 their prey. 



Reverting to the exterior form, and passing from the head to the neck, we find that 

 the two first vertebrae partake of a similar enlargement to that which has already been 

 observed on the back of the skull. The vertebra which is nearest to the head, and is 

 called the " atlas," is broad and strong, and spreads laterally, while the second, or 

 " axis," is long, and is developed upwards into a very powerful crest. 



The ribs are beautifully formed, and placed rather widely apart, giving plenty of 

 room for the heart and lungs to perform their duties effectually. The vertebrae that fill 

 the space between the ribs and the hip-bones are very large, and so exquisitely jointed 

 together, that they unite a graceful flexibility of movement with great muscular 

 power. 



The limbs exhibit in their structure a beautiful unison of strength and lightness. 



SKELETON OF LION. 



Powerful as are the bones which support the limbs, and heavily as they are framed, 

 they are but just sufficient for the attachment of the enormous muscles which can carry 

 the animal through the air for vast distances, and can strike down an ox with a single 

 blow of the paw. So easy and so apparently gentle are the movements of the Lion's 

 paw, that their power can only be judged by the effects. I have seen a Lion just wave 

 his paw, and with that quiet movement send his mate rolling over and over on the 

 ground, although her weight was but little inferior to his own. 



The muscles in which such terrible power resides, move so easily that they hardly 

 give any external indications of their true character. But when the skin, with its thick 

 covering of hair, is removed, the iron muscles stand out in all their marvellous strength. 

 Needs be, that the anatomist who undertakes the dissection of an adult Lion should be 

 furnished with a large supply of the sharpest and most highly tempered knives ; for the 

 muscles are so hard and tough, that they make sad havoc with delicate instruments. 



It will be seen, on reference to any member of the cat tribe, that the mode of walking 

 employed by these creatures is different from that of man, monkeys, or bats. The weight 

 of the body rests only on the toes, and not on the entire foot. This manner of walking 



