MEGATHERIUM. 
155 
The toes of the fore-foot are terminated by 
^I’ge and powerful claws of great length ; the 
ones, supporting these claws, are composed 
partly of an axis, or pointed core, (o,) which 
ed the internal cavity of the horny claw ; and 
partly of a bony sheath, that formed a strong 
case to receive and support its base. These 
claws were set obliquely to the ground, like the 
digging claws of the Mole, a position which 
made them instruments of greater power for the 
purpose of excavation. 
Posterior Extremities. 
'Ihe pelvis of the Megatherium (PI. 5, pjg, 
p.) IS of vast solidity and expanse ; and the 
enormous bones of the ilium (r) are set nearly at 
g it angles to the spine of the back, and at 
jeir outer margin, or crest, are more than five 
leet asunder, very much exceeding the diameter 
across the haunches of the largest Elephant : the 
uest of the ihum, (s,) is much flattened, as if by 
the pressme of the armour. This enormous size 
ot the pelvis would be disproportionate and in- 
convenient to an animal of ordinary stature and 
mstrument of peculiar power for the purpose of digging; and 
the extraordinary enlargement and elongation of 
dve claws'"^ aTpI 1 
animuk = ' ^ a"terior parts of these 
‘■‘^Pi'eseuted, and show how large a [noportion the 
ws bear to the other parts of the body. 
