484 Anatomy of Ailurus, Porcula, and Stylocerus. [Nov. 



spatulate. Reverting to the spinal column we note that the vertical 

 and lateral processes of the cervical vertebrae are very inconspicuous, 

 while the spinous processes of the dorsals are of perfectly uniform and 

 very inconsiderable height. These are interesting points, having such 

 harmonious and direct reference to the short neck and light head and 

 horns of the Mantjacs. The processes of the lumbar vertebrae, on the 

 other hand, are well developed ; the spinous chiefly in depth (fore and 

 aft), and the transverse in length. The spines of the lumbar and dor- 

 sal vertebrEe are about equal in height. The vertebree of the neck and 

 back, possess extreme mobility. The sacrals are anchylosed, and have 

 but small vertical or lateral processes. The ilia of the pelvis are united 

 to the first, and first only, of the sacral vertebrae. The pelvis has the 

 usual characters of elongation parallel to the spine in all its parts, even 

 the symphysis pubis or pubic bridge being perfectly longitudinal and 

 not less than If inch in extent. The bones of the extremities have the 

 ordinary number and character with one signal exception, to wit, that 

 the humerus and femur 51 " are nearly as long as the radius and tibia, the 

 length of the metacarpus and metatarus being I think proportionally 

 diminished. To those who are conversant with Anatomy this elonga- 

 tion of the 1st joint of the legs will seem strange, and the more so 

 when I add that the whole bones of the forelimb of the Ratwa are so 

 far from any approach to perpendicularity or rigidityf that they are 

 signally remarkable, even among Cervines, for the opposite characters. 

 The fact is that the Ratwa has no powers of sustained speed or exten- 

 sive leap : but it is unmatched for the facility with which it passes 

 unscathed and delayed under that low, tangled and rigid undergrowth 

 of the forest which forms its constant abode. I have seen the Ratwa 

 often chased to death in an hour by a couple of the rude bowmen of 

 these hills, aided by 3 or 4 chiens de rue. And on the other hand, I 

 have, whilst stalking the Ratwa, myself been constantly foiled and 

 amazed by the rapidity with which the creatures would glide out of 

 sight and reach amid dense thickets of bamboo by a succession of 



* Length of humerus 4| inches, of radius 4-^ inches, of femur 5f inches, of 

 tibia 6 T 3- inches. 



"f* See Bell's fine remarks on the rationale of the structure of the limbs in fleet 

 quadrupeds, and especially of their fore extremities. {Treatise on the Hand, p. 54, 

 et alibi.) 



