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Show T18 ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE MUSK-OX. [June 19, skull, (3) form of horns, (4) small and peculiarly formed ears, (5) shape of muzzle, (6) short tail, (7) short and thick legs, and (8) comparatively large lateral hoofs. The difference with regard to the shape of the skull has already been discussed. To judge from Milne-Edwards's figures, which give the impression of being remarkably well made, I must confess that I fail to see any resemblance with regard to the shape of the horns except that they are curved in both animals. The ears of the Musk-ox, which are not so very small (13-14 cm. in length in the salted and dry skin of a cow, that is 35 per cent. of the basilar length of the skull, but of course longer in lifetime), do not seem to have the same form as those of Budorcas (see Milne-Edwards's figures), but are straight and more pointed. This is, however, a small matter upon which to found relationship. The shape of the muzzle is quite different, as Budorcas has a central groove. A short tail is a feature common to so many different ruminants that it is hardly worth while to lay much stress upon it, but it can just as well be quoted as indicating the resemblance between Budorcas and the Sheep. The lateral hoofs of Budorcas are, according to Milne-Edwards's figures, of an absolutely different shape from those of Ovibos, as the former are much more elongate and resemble in shape those of a Beindeer or a "Wild Hog. The flatness and broadness of the canon-bones of Budorcas are very remarkable : but in this respect Budorcas is more different from Ovibos than the latter is from the Goats. This can be seen from the following table of comparative measurements of Budorcas, published by Milne-Edwards (op. cit. p. 376). Budorcas. Ovibos tf. Capra hircus. Front canon-bone: length in m m 103 155 112 Transverse diameter of the same in per cent, of length 42*7 23-4 16-9 Thickness of the same in per cent, of length 19-4 130 116 Hind canon-bone: length in m m 151 161 120 Transverse diameter of the same in per cent, of length 21-1 167 133 Under these circumstances I do not think it advisable to lay too much weight on this characteristic either; and I suppose that Matschie'g attempt of classing Ovibos and Budorcas together in one and the same group " Ovibovince" must be regarded as a failure. A subfamily with such a name can, of now living animals, only include Ovibos alone. |