(_i_) The _alimentary canal_ (text-fig. 7) is beautifully preserved as a cast in three specimens of the American branchiosaur species _Eumicrerpeton parvum_ Moodie (471) from the Mazon Creek beds. The nodules which contain these interesting little fossils measure less than 3 inches in long diameter. The fossil salamanders, about 30 mm. in length, are preserved on their backs and occur as nearly as is possible in the center of the nodule. If it were not for the fact that the œsophagus became loosened and dropped from its place shortly after death, the alimentary canal would be in place and would immediately recall a freshly dissected specimen of a recent salamander. The anterior end of the œsophagus lies obliquely across the chest region with its tip pointing slightly downward. The length of the œsophagus proper, in one specimen, is only about 3 mm. As it is preserved, the œsophagus lies in a semi-sigmoid curve with the convexity anterior, and enters the cardiac portion of the stomach by a gradual constriction. The stomach is clearly preserved as a distinct sac-like organ with two lobes which correspond to the cardiac and pyloric limbs. It measures about 7 mm. in length by 2 mm. in its greatest diameter. The muscular constriction which divides the organ into pyloric and cardiac divisions occurs at a distance of 4 mm. from the upper end. The pylorus is designated by a rather pronounced constriction which may be partly accidental, although it recalls the pylorus of modern frogs. From this constriction, which lies on the left side of the fossil, as it is preserved, the duodenal portion of the intestine makes a straight course posteriorly to near the anal region, where it takes a sharp bend and curves back to run parallel with itself for the distance of 4 mm. In its upward course the intestine enlarges, and practically the same enlargement continues throughout the remainder of the course to the anus. At a distance of 1 mm. from the anal end, the rectum dilates probably 0.125 mm. to form the cloaca. After the intestine has continued its parallel course for the 4 mm., as above stated, it turns abruptly to the right for a distance of 2 mm. It then runs posteriorly for a short distance, then bends back and under itself to again make a double sigmoid curve, when at a distance of 6 mm. from the anus it assumes a straight course, which it continues to the end. [Illustration: Fig. 7.--Alimentary canal of Coal Measures salamander as illustrated by the smaller specimen of _Eumicrerpeton parvum_ Moodie, from the Mazon Creek shales. × 3. Original in Yale University Museum. _a_, anus; _dd_, duodenum; _in_, intestine; _l_, impression of liver(?); _oes_, œsophagus; _st_, stomach.]