THE ANATOMY OF THE INDIAN ELEPHANT. 19 



from the unciform bone, and from a ligamentous band uniting 

 the unciform and pisiform bones. The slips run side by side to 

 their insertion into the ulnar side of the sesamoid on the head 

 of the fifth metacarpal. 



Not in C. and L. 



Opp6nens minimi digiti arises from a prominence upon the 

 unciform bone, opposite the articulation of the fourth meta- 

 carpal, and is inserted into the radial side of the sesamoid of the 

 fifth digit. 



Not in C. and L. 



Interossei (manus). — There are three palmar interossei, which 

 arise near together from the carpus, opposite the articulation of 

 the third metacarpal. They diverge to be inserted — the first 

 into the expansion of the extensor communis digitorum on the 

 ulnar side of the second digit ; the other two in the same manner, 

 but on the radial sides of the fourth and fifth digits. The inser- 

 tion corresponds, therefore, with that in the human subject. The 

 dorsal interossei are also three in number, and form short, thick 

 muscles. That of the index digit consists of two distinct por- 

 tions, one arising from the base of the first metacarpal and the 

 adjacent surface of the trapezium ; the other from the base of 

 the second metacarpal. They are inserted together into the 

 sesamoid of the index. The interosseus of the third digit arises 

 from the base of the third metacarpal, and is inserted like the 

 preceding. The interosseus of the fourth digit is quite similar to 

 that of the third. Each of the dorsal interossei shows a distinct 

 separation into lateral halves, one to each division of the sesa- 

 moid. The interossei are invisible from the dorsal side of the 

 manus. 



Not in C. and L. 



Of the foot as a whole, and this remark applies to both 

 fore and hind extremities, the separate mobility of the parts 

 is greater than would be suspected from an external inspection, 

 and much greater than in most Ungulates. The palmar and plantar 

 soles, though thick and tough, are not rigid boxes like hoofs, but 

 may be made to bend even by human fingers. The large develop- 

 ment of muscles acting upon the carpus and tarsus, and the 

 separate existence of flexors and extensors of individual digits, is 

 further proof that the elephant's foot is far from being a solidj 



