TEE SOTAZ TIGER OF BENGAL. 9 



interesting. The claw and the phalanx into which 

 it is fitted are kept in the retracted position by an 

 elastic ligament, which connects the two phalanges. 



Fia. 2. 



FELINE OEAW OE EOEE FOOT PABTLT EXTENDED. 



A, Proximal phalanx, b b, Extensor-tejidon, helps to exBert 

 and steadies the claw, o, Lateral Hgament. d, Fold of claw- 

 sheath. J!), The claw, p, Distal phalanx, o, Flexor perforana. 

 H, Elastic ligament, i, Second phalanx, k, Flexor perforatue. 

 i,, Annular ligament. 



It is unsheathed by the action of a flexor muscle 

 (flexor profundus), which opposes the action of the 

 ligament, and can be exerted at will. The claw 

 phf,lanx when retracted by the ligament is drawn' to 

 the outer or ulnar side of the second phalanx, not on to 

 it, the joint that connects them being so formed as to 

 admit of this oblique action. By this arrangement 

 the claws during ordinary progression are withdrawn, 



