MEGATHERIUM. 
159 
Feet and legs thus heavily constructed, must 
lave been very inefficient organs of rapid loco- 
inotion, and may consequently seem imperfect, 
considered in relation to the ordinary func- 
lons of other quadrupeds; hut, viewed as in- 
s ruments adapted for supporting an almost sta- 
tionary creature, of unusual weight, they claim 
our admiration equally with every other piece of 
animal mechanism, when its end and uses are 
understood. The perfection of any instrument 
can only be appreciated by looking to the work 
It IS intended to perform. The hammer and 
anvil of an anchorsmith, though massive, are 
either clumsy nor imperfect; but bear the same 
proportionate relation to the work in which they 
tools of the 
liony Armour. 
Another re.narknble character of the Me»a- 
thr'Ac”’ “ “PP™=>ches most nearly ,o 
hi htrf ’ Chlamyphorns. consists! in 
Ijonv ^ probably been covered with a 
Of an ^ armour ; varying from three-fourths 
iiic 1, to an inch and half in thickness, and 
flsuL' cKw'k P™^rlions, from the three more elongated and 
Pecefc, " d:,T,t "" f"'"' » 
‘*y ficlapted for digging. 
