72 Mr. Home's Description of the Anatomy > 
the leg and foot, to the end of the web, is about three inches. 
On each foot there are five toes, united together by the web, 
which is very broad, and is continued beyond the points of 
the toes, for nearly an inch. On each toe there is a rounded 
straight nail, which lies loose upon the membrane forming 
the web. The palms of the feet are covered with a strong 
cuticle; and there is a small prominence at the heel. 
The hind legs are nearly of the same length as the fore legs, 
but stronger. Each leg has five toes, with curved claws ; these 
are webbed, but the web does not extend beyond the points of 
the toes. The four outer toes are at equal distances from each 
other; but the inner one is at a much greater distance from the 
one next it. The under surface of the foot is defended by a 
strong cuticular covering. 
In the male, just at the setting on of the heel, there is a strong 
crooked spur, \ an inch long, with a sharp point, which has a 
joint between it and the foot, and is capable of motion in two 
directions. When the point of it is brought close to the leg, the 
spur is almost completely concealed among the hair ; when di- 
rected outwards, it projects considerably, and is very conspicu- 
ous. It is probably by means of these spurs or hooks, that the 
female is kept from withdrawing herself in the act of copulation ; 
since they are very conveniently placed for laying hold of her 
body on that particular occasion. The female has no spur of 
this kind. 
The tail, in its general shape, is very similar to that of the 
beaver. The hair upon its upper surface is long and strong; it 
has a coarse appearance. The under surface, if superficially 
examined, appears to have no hair; but, when more closely 
inspected, is found to be covered with short straggling hairs. 
