76 STRUCTURE ADAPTED TO WANTS. 



as to make them exactly the best for the purpose of 

 the animal. 



Thus, these bones ' are recognised in the fin of the 

 whale, in the paddle of the turtle and in the wing of 

 the bird. We see the corresponding bones, perfectly 

 suited to their purpose, in the paw of the lion or 

 the bear.' * 



The claws of the lion and the dog are other striking 

 examples of the same thing. It is necessary for the 

 dog to have claws rather to help it in running long 

 distances, and to protect the foot, than to seize an 

 enemy. And so this is just what it has. But the lion 

 must not only have strong claws, but they must be 

 kept sharp to seize and hold the prey. It would 

 never do for its claws to be exposed like the dog's. 

 They would soon get blunted and useless. And 

 so by a beautiful contrivance the lion's claws are 

 withdrawn into a sheath, and kept there till he 

 springs on his prey, when at once they are brought 

 into use, and strike deep into the flesh of the victim. 



We are now prepared, I think, to find wonders of 

 construction in the bee ; and \ve shall not be dis- 

 appointed. I will mention^ a few, but only the 

 simplest. Some of the most striking, relating to the 

 internal parts, you would not understand. 



We will take, in the first place, and examine, one 

 of the hind legs, of which here are illustrations when 

 greatly magnified. 



Now you will notice that it is divided into several 

 portions, of which two are larger than the others, and 

 of a peculiar flat shape, and if you look closely you 

 *Bell on the Hand. 



