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Show 72 ON BONES OF THE LYNX FROM DERBYSHIRE. [Jail. 16, There is also a terminal phalanx. In form these phalanges are similar to those of the corresponding series in the British Museum Lynx. In that skeleton the longest and stoutest phalanx is that which articulates with the third metatarsal bone and measures 1*71 inches; but it is not nearly so stout in build as the Cales Dale phalanx, which is 1*65 inches long. Moreover, the British Museum bone in question is rounded on the under side, whereas the Cales Dale one widens out into ridges at the distal end on the under side. Measurements of Metapodials of F. lynx {borealis). Brit, Mus. 1230 A. Length Transverse diameter (proximal end) ... Trail; verse diameter (distal end) Lea-t circumference of shaft Left manus. inc. 2. 27 '55 •42 •8 me. 3. 30 •45 •43 •8 mt. 2. 37 •4 '5 •92 Left nit. 3. 4-08 '52 '5 103 pes. mt. 4. 41 •3 •44 •95 mt. 5. 37 •31 •41 72 1 In the British Museum skeleton the longest phalanx of the manus is that which articulates with the third metacarpal, and it measures 1'62 inches. The other mammalian bones found with those enumerated above throw no fresh light upon the question of the period at which the Lynx lived in this country. They include Wild Cat, Fox, and another species of Canis (probably Wolf), Badger, Hare, Babbit, Water- Yole, Bank-Yole, Sheep, Goat, and Ox. Wild Cat is represented by a fragment of the left ramus of the mandible, containing the third and fourth premolars and the first molar. Mr. E. T. Newton, F.R.S., kindly identified the bird and amphibian bones, which are as follows :-small Domestic Fowl (or possibly Pheasant), small Grouse, Raven, Jackdaw, Kestrel, Common Gull, Toad, and Frog. Among the unidentified bones is the premaxilla of a foetal carnivore, and a number of phalanges of a very young or foetal animal. In conclusion, I desire to thank Dr. C. W . Andrews for the practical advice and help which he has given with regard to the identification of the mammalian bones. And my thanks are also due to Mr. Newton for the assistance given by him as already mentioned. |