Animal and vegetable physiology, considered with reference to natural theology, by Peter Mark Roget .. . predatory nature. The sudden * The suppleness of the spine might at once be inferred, onthe simple inspection of the skeleton, from the circumstance thatthe vertebrae of the neck and loins have a comparatively smalldevelopement of their spinous processes. VOL. I. MM 530 THE MECHANICAL FUNCTIONS. springs with which they pounce upon theirprey must impart to the whole osseous frame themost violent concussion. The first stroke withwhich they attempt the destruction of theirvictims is given with
Animal and vegetable physiology, considered with reference to natural theology, by Peter Mark Roget .. . predatory nature. The sudden * The suppleness of the spine might at once be inferred, onthe simple inspection of the skeleton, from the circumstance thatthe vertebrae of the neck and loins have a comparatively smalldevelopement of their spinous processes. VOL. I. MM 530 THE MECHANICAL FUNCTIONS. springs with which they pounce upon theirprey must impart to the whole osseous frame themost violent concussion. The first stroke withwhich they attempt the destruction of theirvictims is given with the fore leg: so that hadthe limb been rigidly connected with the sternumby means of an entire clavicle, its motions wouldhave been too limited, and danger of fracturewould have been incurred. The scapula isbroad, and the humerus of great length, com-pared with the same bones in ruminants; andthe latter has besides a large surface for itsarticulation with the former of these bones,thus allowing of a great range of motion: theradius and ulna are perfectly distinct, and playextensively on each The fore feet rest on the ground by means ofthe second of the three joints of which each toe CARNIVOROUS MAMMALIA. 531 is composed. The last phalanges are raised atright angles to the former, for the purpose ofsupporting the claws in an erect position. Ithas been considered of such importance to pre-serve these formidable instruments constantlysharp, and in a condition fitted for immediateuse, that an express contrivance has been re-sorted to for this purpose. It consists in asheath, within which the claws, when not em-ployed, are kept retracted, by means of anelastic ligament, which constantly tends to with-draw them within the sheath: and they are atthe same time so connected with the tendons ofthe flexor muscles of the toes, that the momentthese muscles are thrown into action, which isthe case when the animal aims a stroke with itspaw, the claws are instantly drawn out, andcombi
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