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Show 426 MR. KREFFT ON DIOPLODON SECHELLENSIS. [Jlllie 9, for the tibial side of tbe third digit; this latter arises in addition from nearly the whole length of the metatarsal hone of the second digit. The interosseus for the fibular side of the second digit arises from a small portion close to the head of its own metatarsal bone, left unoccupied by the last muscle; the one for the fibular side of the third digit arises from the whole length of the same side of its own metatarsal bone; the one for the tibial side of the fourth digit arises from the same side of its own and the base of the metatarsal of the third digit; that of the fibular side of this digit arises close to the head of its own metatarsal bone on the same side. The interosseus of the fibular side of the fifth digit arises from the cuboid ; that of the tibial side from the extremity of tbe fourth metatarsal bone and from the whole length of its own. These are all attached to the sides of the phalanges of their respective digits, uniting together over the dorsum, and are inserted into the penultimate phalanx, precisely in the way that occurs in the hand. 7. Notes on the Skeleton of a a rare Whale, probably identical with Dioplodon sechellensis. B y G E R A R D K R E F F T, C.M.Z.S., F.L.S., &c. A few days ago I purchased for the Australian Museum the nearly perfect skeleton of a small Whale, which I believe is the Dioplodon sechellensis, whereof the skull and lower jaw only have been yet known. The specimen is not yet cleaned ; but I do not wish to delay giving a short account of the number and size of its vertebrae and ribs. The total length of the skeleton, without cartilage, is 14 feet 8 inches ; the head measures 2 feet 5| inches in length, and the lower jaw 2 feet 3 inches in length. The first three cervical vertebrae are anchylosed; the next oue is more or less free; and the remaining three are anchylosed again. The dorsals are ten in number, the last bearing a short rib 8 inches in length. Five of these ribs are jointed direct to the sternum ; the following two meet the cartilage of the fifth rib. The sternum is composed of four pieces 20 inches long, with a width of between 5 and 7 inches. It is not yet sufficiently cleaned to enable me to have it photographed; this, however, will be done as soon as possible, and copies forwarded to the Society. The lum-bars number twenty, the last nine having V bones attached. The fifth lumbar is 17z inches high, 4 inches wide at the top, and 11\ inches at the base, including the side processes. The eleventh lumbar is the widest, being 4J inches at the top. The caudals probably amounted to 13 ; but five of these are missing ; the base one is very small, about the size of a pea; and as it was firmly attached to the second last, there can be no mistake about it. The head is 2 feet 5| inches long and 14 inches across at the widest part; the lower jaw 2 feet 3 inches long and 6\ inches high |