44 



There Is ii beaiitiriil mechanism in the 

 whole of this. The toes were drawn together, 

 or bended, when the paw Avas bent : this was 

 owing to the shortness of the tendons which 

 pass over the toes, and from the toes being set 

 in the circumference of a circle, as our fin- 

 gers are. Therefore, when the paw was bent, 

 the tendons would consequently be much 

 stretched ; and, since they are inserted into 

 the toes, must of necessity have bent them 

 when the foot was bent ; and when the paw or 

 foot was extended, the flexors would again re- 

 lax, and allow the toes to become expanded, — 

 to seize its prey, rend, and annihilate it. 



From this rapid review of these majestic 

 remains it must appear^ that the creature to xvhwi 

 they belonged was nearly 60 feet long^ and 2 

 feet high ! 



Beins: armed with claws, sheathed and re- 

 tractile ; having the powers, from the forma- 

 tion of his ribs, of extending and contracting 

 his body to a great degree, in order to make 

 more prodigious bounds ; and appearing to be 

 endowed with the passions and appetites of the 



