m 



DESCRIPTION OF THREE 



and its distad extremity is dilated into a large articulating surface for 

 the attachment of the wrist. The ulna, as is usual where the radius 

 is capable of rotation and forms the chief articulation with the carpus, 

 becomes gradually smaller towards its end where it terminates in a round 

 point. In both animals it enters but sparingly into the wrist joint, being 

 articulated with one carpal bone only. The bones of the carpus are 

 seven : those of the tarsus are seven also : the metacarpal and metatarsal 

 ones are five,* corresponding to the number of fingers. The latter bones, 

 as well as those of the digits, are all nearly of equal length. The articula- 

 tion of the metacarpal and metatarsal bones with the carpus and tarsus is 

 free, affording much power of motion on one another. These bones admit 

 also of flexion and extension on the wrist and ankle ; instead of forming 

 a compact arch, as in the Catarse, where they are raised from the ground. 

 The five digits of the hands and feet are all produced to the front, the 

 thumbs not being retracted as in the Catarse ; and they are armed with 

 feline talons. Each digit has three phalanges endowed with the most 

 extensive motion. To all these peculiarities of structure it is owing that the 

 Muchahba is enabled not only to climb trees with ease and rapidity, but 

 in its own defence as for purposes of aggression to grasp an object with 

 considerable strength and with the feet as well as the hands. It cannot 

 of course bend the digits on the palms, but with one hand opposed to the 

 other and the free rotation of the radius on the ulna the Muchahba clasps 

 the branch of a tree or the body of its antagonist when fighting with the 

 greatest ease, and apparently with much force. The Muchahba in these 

 respects differs much from the Catarse, whose efficient fingers are, besides, 

 only four, with a small fifth, one behind and before, but of little use from 



* There are also two small sesamoid bones placed over the articulation of each metacarpal 

 and metatarsal with the first phalanx, to serve as fulcra for the digits. 



