wrist by means of the strong _flexor_ (or bending) muscles, which are placed along the under surface of the fore-arm and hand. The end of the string-like tendons of one of these muscles divides into four slips, one for each toe, and, running along the under surface of the first two phalanges, is inserted into the corresponding surface of the third, and, this under surface being bent upwards by the elastic ligament, the tendon is, when the claw is retracted, put upon the stretch. But when the flexors come into play, they pull upon the ungual phalanx, causing it to turn through a quarter-circle upon its articulation, and thus protruding the claw from its pouch. Immediately the flexors relax the elastic ligament is again allowed to act, and the claw springs back into its place of repose. [Illustration: TENDONS AND LIGAMENTS OF A CAT’S TOE. (_Twice Natural Size. From a Sketch by T. J. Parker._) A, with the claw retracted; B, with the claw exserted; _mtc_, the metacarpal; _ph. 1 _, the first; _ph. 2_, the second; _ph. 3_, the third phalanx; _h_, the bony “hood;” _c_, the claw; _l_, the elastic ligament; _t_, the flexor tendon; _a_, a ligamentous loop, through which the tendon passes.] This arrangement is of great importance, as the Cat family always attack their prey in the first instance by a stroke of the powerful fore-paw, and not, as do the Dogs, by a grip of the teeth. Not less characteristic of the Cat family than the points we have just considered are the number and form of the teeth, which here attain the most perfectly carnivorous character, being so constructed as to be wholly incapable of grinding, thus making it impossible for their possessor to live upon any but highly nourishing animal food. In the front part of the Cat’s upper jaw are six small teeth with chisel-like edges--three on each side of the middle line. These teeth are, in shape, not unlike our own front teeth, and, like them, are single-fanged, but their small size, when compared with those that follow, is remarkable. They are borne by a bone quite distinct in young skulls from that which carries the other teeth--the premaxillary bone--and are, therefore, classed as _incisor_ teeth. Corresponding with them in the lower jaw are six similar teeth--the lower incisors; so that the incisors of the Cat are said to be (3-3)/(3-3), that is, three on each side above and below. [Illustration: LION’S CLAW, SHEATHED AND UNSHEATHED.]