The peculiar feature of this jaw is its remarkable extension back of
the molar series (a feature which has not been noticed heretofore),
the distance from the last tooth to the angle being greater than the
length of the entire molar series. From beneath the last molar, the
lower margin curves gently up to the symphysis. The alveolar border
is but slightly curved. Behind the last molar the lower margin forms
a sigmoid curve, much more decided than in _P. major_ (first upwards
and then downwards), and the ramus thins out rapidly to the angle,
where it has a slightly raised border; at the diastema the ramus
curves outwards so as to throw the canines out of the line of the
molars. The symphysis is long.
_Dentition._--The incisors, three in number, from length and shape
indicate a semi-circular arrangement, as in most Perissodactyles.
They increase from first to third. The crown of the first resembles
very much that of the ruminants, but has a straight posterior
basal ridge. Its forward edge is worn so as to expose a small tract
of dentine. The second is larger, but very much like the first in
conformation; while the third has an acute conical crown with a
strong basal ridge.
Of the _premolars_ the first is wanting in this specimen. The second
is bilobed, the anterior lobe much the larger. It has a small
accessory tubercle on its anterior slope. The outer face is rounded,
the inner nearly flat. The posterior lobe is very small and obtuse,
and with the inner face slightly grooved. In third and fourth the
valley between the lobes and the groove on their faces enlarge; while
the anterior lobe becomes relatively smaller.
_Measurements of Lower Jaw._
M.
Diastema between canine and first premolar ·024
Length of entire molar series ·143
Distance between last molar and extremity of angle ·147
Depth of jaw at last molar ·070
Among the first discoveries on Cottonwood Creek, in connection with
the lower jaw of _P. paludosus_ just described, were an ulna and
radius, and part of the manus and scapula of the same. These have
been figured, together with other fragments belonging to the same
species, in Plate III., and form an interesting complement to the
nearly complete hind limb of _P. major_ previously described.
The _scapula_ has a shallow oval glenoid cavity, which is concave
longitudinally. Separated from it by a narrow notch is a strongly
recurved coracoid, placed on the inner side of the bone. Above the
coracoid the border is thin, and arches inwards and then forwards;
while the glenoid border is much straighter, rising from a slight
tuberosity. The spine rises gradually from the glenoid, and does not
bear any indication of an acromion.
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