FELIS SPEL.EA. 45 



proportions of their parts. We cannot, therefore, admit the tigrine affinity of Felis spelaa 

 to be shown in the slightest degree either of the suborbital arch or foramen. From the 

 postero-inferior angle of the facial surface springs the stout malar process, firmly articu- 

 lated to the malar bone by an oblique suture. It is vertically convex on the outside ; the 

 inner side, vertically convex, horizontally concave, joins the posterior or orbital surface, 

 which is inclined downwards from the suborbital foramen to the alveolar border behind 

 the molar series, and articulates with the lachrymal and the vertical plate of the palatine. 

 The orbital surface presents many small foramina for the nerves and arteries which 

 supply the teeth, and affords attachment to the "inferior oblique muscle"^ for the rotation 

 of the eye, immediately below the lachrymal suture. The inferior or palatine surface is 

 horizontal and very slightly concave in both directions. Posteriorly it is articulated to 

 the horizontal plate of the palatine, on the inner side to its fellow^ by a straight symphysis, 

 which rises on the nasal surface into a sharp crest for the reception of the vomer. From 

 the posterior palatine foramen (^)," which we have already described in the palato- 

 maxillary suture, a liroad shallow groove runs forwards the whole length of the bone, for 

 the reception of the nerves and blood-vessels of the palate. In part it is joined to the 

 premaxillary by a nearly straight suture, running obliquely forwards and outwards, 

 passing into the alveolus of the canine, interrupted by a free oval space, which constitutes 

 the posterior border of the naso-palatine canals. On its external edge is the alveolar 

 border, for the reception of the canine and molar teeth, the alveoli of which will be 

 described along with the dentition. At the postero-external angle is a round and deep 

 cavity, which from its function of receiving the posterior blade of the lower sectorial 

 molar may be called the "sectorial fossa {h). The internal or nasal surface of the bone 

 follows the contour of the palatine and facial surface. The large fangs, however, of the 

 teeth necessitate large alveoli, which leave very little space for the antrum of human 

 anatomy. To a ridge on the vertical portion of the surface the ethmoidal bone is 

 attached. 



Muscles. — To the facial surface of the bone the following muscles^ are attached : — 

 To the upper part of the frontal process the rhinasus, a double muscle for the elevation of 

 the nostrils and upper lip ; to the anterior edge of the orbit, close to the lachrymal suture, 

 one of the roots of the palpebral, a muscle for the closing of the eyelids. Between these 

 two points arises the elevator of the upper lip. The buccinator is not attached to the 

 alveolar border, as in man, but is reduced in size, and confounded with the labial. The 

 smaller branch of the lesser zygomatic springs from the alveolar border in front of the 

 sectorial tooth, and its function is to aid in raising the lip. In no respect do the attach- 

 ments of these muscles in Felis spelaa indicate any difference between that animal and 

 the lion. 



^ Straus-Durcliheim, op. cit., vol. ii, p. 207. 



2 These are erroneously termed " trous gustatifs " by Straus-Durckheitn. 



3 Straus-Durckheim, op. cit., vol. ii, pp. 203, 207, 210, 21 1. 



