FOOT OF STEINBOK. 



337 



wild pig, whose feet {see Fig. 185) spread out a good deal 

 more than those of the Steinbok {see Fig. 202), is much 

 better through " dirt" (to use a racing and hunting expression) 

 than this speedy South African antelope ; but is far inferior to 

 him in a gallop over hard ground. We may, therefore, infer 



Fig. 202.— {After Gaudry.) FOOT OF Steinbok. 



that the decrease in the number of the digits of the horse's 

 foot has been due to residence, during thousands, if not 

 millions, of generations on dry soil. With the loss of lateral 

 play in the foot, there has been a consequent increased of spee, 

 which was necessary for protection against the attacks of 

 carnivorous animals, like the cheetah [(PI. 2), lynx (PI. 17), 



z 



