Page:Natural History (1848).djvu/80

70 elastic ligaments. From this position it is in an instant extended by the contraction of a muscle beneath the toe, the tendon of which passes under the head of the last joint, as under a pulley, and is attached to the base of the claws. When the contraction ceases, the claw again springs back to its place, and lies concealed in a deep fold of the skin.

The noiseless step of the cat, by which it is enabled to steal unperceived on its victim, is no doubt owing in part to the retractation of the claws; but this is much aided by the spongy pads which are seen beneath the toes. These serve also by their elasticity to break the shock which other- wise would accrue to the nervous system in those vigorous bounds with which the Kelide ordinarily spring upon their unsuspecting prey.

In conformity with all these indications, the natural food of the Felidæ is exclusively animal; the warm and quivering flesh, and gushing blood of creatures struck down and slain by sudden violence. The herbivorous Mammata constitute the chief supply of the larger species; which do not, however, hunt or pursue the prey, as the Canidæ do, nor associate in packs, but lie in wait, at the spots to which the unthinking animals are known to resort, as the ponds and river margins in tropical countries, whence they pounce upon them with an irresistible force, and with one stroke of the fore paw fell them to the ground. The smaller species prey extensively on birds, small monkeys, and rodentia, and are expert and agile climbers of trees.

The Family is spread over the whole globe, with the exception of Australia and the Arctic Re-