MAMMALIA. 649 



lumbar and sacral regions. This ligament, strengthened by addi- 

 tions derived from most of the vertebral processes over which it 

 passes, runs forward to be fixed anteriorly to the crest of the 

 occipital bone, and to the most anterior of the cervical vertebrae. 

 The whole weight of the cranium and neck being therefore fully 

 counterbalanced by the elasticity of this suspensory ligament, the 

 muscles of the neck act with every possible advantage ; and all 

 the movements of the head are effected with the utmost grace and 

 facility. 



The RUMINANT i A are generally distinguished as having " cloven 

 feet ;" and, in fact, both the hind and fore feet present a very cha- 

 racteristic formation. The bones of the fore-arms, as well as the 

 tibia and fibula, are more or less completely consolidated, espe- 

 cially towards their distal extremities. The carpal and tarsal 

 bones resemble those of the Horse, and are similarly situated. 

 The metacarpal and metatarsal or cannon bones are respectively 

 composed of two lateral halves united along the mesian line ; and 

 to each of these halves is attached a toe composed of three pha- 

 langes, the last phalanx of each being encased in a strong hoof. 

 In some genera two rudimentary lateral toes are also distinctly 

 recognisable, but these are too small to be used in locomotion. 



fig. 303. 



(730.) The EDENTATA, forming the next order of quadrupeds, 

 are so called from the deficiency of teeth observable in the fore 

 part of their mouth. In the most perfect tribes, as, for example, 

 in the Armadillo (Jig. 308), the skeleton is well developed in all 

 its parts, and presents nothing to attract our special notice, except, 

 perhaps, the large proportionate size of the distal joints and claws 

 that arm the toes ; but in the Sloths (Bradypus) so unusual is 



