1o)606- Fietp Museum or Naturat History — Zoétoey, VOL. XI. 
few hibernate during the cold weather. The majority of mammals are 
thickly covered with hair, but a few are provided with an armor of 
hard, scaly plates (Armadillos); and others, with long, sharp quills 
(Porcupines). In size they vary from the tiny Shrew to the gigantic 
Sulphur-bottom Whale, having a length of 85 feet or more and a weight 
of as many tons. 
THE OSSEUS SYSTEM. 
Having learned what mammals are, it is essential that the student 
should know something of their anatomy. To enable him to study 
them intelligently he must know at least the names and locations of 
the more important bones of the skeleton. For ordinary purposes this 
can be learned better from a chart than from detailed descriptions, 
Skeleton of a Bear. 
a, Skull; b, vertebral column or back-bone; c, cervical ; 
vertebra; f, sacral vertebra; g, caudal vertebre; h, ribs; i Sie 
carpals; n, carpal bones or carpus; 0, phalanges; p, femur: 
u, phalanges; v, tarsal bones; w, scapula; x. pelvic girdle or hip’b 
d, dorsal vertebre; e, lumbar 
i, humerus; J, ulna; 1, radius; m, meta- 
r, tibia; s, fibula; t, metatarsals; 
one 
food scarcity. The condition varies in duration and intensity in di 
Some hibernate for only short periods during the Ghee eee a 
remain for months in a comatose condition. In the latter the bodily temperature 
and action of the respiratory organs are greatly affected. While Gudeeeredi 
due originally to climatic conditions, the habit has become hereditary, as illustr ta 
by certain southern species, which continue to hibernate when the occasion f 5 it 
no longer exists. Further remarks are unnecessary here, as the subject is di rh 4 
more fully ater in connection with the habits of the various species. secs 
