The Cat Tribe. 



59 



withdraws the claws into the sheaths provided for 

 them, and protects them from injury by the ground ; 



Claw of Lion, sheathed. 



as soon, however, as the paw is thrust forward to 

 strike or grasp the prey, they are mechanically thrown 

 out ready for use, the tendons being stretched, and 

 therefore pulling them forwards. 



Claw of L'on, protruded. 



Most people have had their hand licked by a 

 favourite dog as a mark of affection, and know that 

 his tongue is wet and smooth. Not so that of the 

 cat, which is comparatively dry, and provided with a 

 number of sharp, file-like points, pointing backwards, 

 and serving to scrape every particle of flesh from the 

 bones of a slaughtered animal. 



