Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 4 (1846).djvu/372

1538 the superior one of which is curved downwards and the other upwards, so as to form a nearly perfect ring, which is completed by a cartilage ; in this circle is placed anteriorly an oblique anterior head of the se- cond rib.

The remaining dorsal vertebræ have at the base of the spinal pro- cesses an appendage on either side, which is directed towards the head ; transverse processes wide and depressed.

First rib very much widened towards its junction with the sternum, which is sub-cartilaginous. The lengths of the ribs are as follows : — * First, 1 foot; second, 17 in. ; third, 20 in.; fourth, 20⅓ in. ; fifth 20⅓ in.; sixth, 18⅔ in. ; seventh, 18 in.; eighth, 17⅔ in.; ninth, 16⅓ in.; tenth, 16 in. 2 lines ; eleventh, 14 in. ; measured in a straight line from their point of insertion with the vertebra to their opposite extremity.

Lumbar vertebræ, shaped the same as the last dorsal, and present- ing nothing worthy of notice ; the twelfth has a slight rudiment of an inferior process.

Sacral vertebræ, resembling the first caudal, but having a remark- able inferior process, which is bent and directed backwards.

Caudal vertebræ; these go on decreasing in size insensibly from the first to the last, their spinal and transverse processes go on dimi- nishing in length proportionally, so that they become obliterated on the last vertebra. The lateral appendages of the base of the spinal processes (where these exist) are placed anteriorly and are perpen- dicular to the vertebrae, instead of being directedjbrwards, as in the dorsal vertebrae. Inferior processes shaped as rounded or obtuse Vs. The ten last vertebrae are more or less cubical in shape, but rather irregular, and are without processes or appendages of any kind.

Limbs, &c. The scapular measures 11 inches in greatest width, and 17f inches in greatest height, its coracoid process is three times as large as the acromion ; humerus short, longer than wide, it mea- sures 44: inches in length ; radius and cubitus slightly curved, and measuring 7 inches in length ; bones of the carpus placed in two rows, the external ones the largest; metacarpal bones rather large, especially those corresponding to the inferior finger.

Fingers; the first or upper formed of three phalanges, the second of six, the third of seven, and the inferior one of four.

All these bones are very much compressed; the three last of the second finger, and last four of the third are transverse.

The Belgian foot differs somewhat from the English, but this is of very little consequence, as all the dimensions are relative.