On a Nearly Perfect Skull of a Neu- Species of the Gorgonopsia. 11 



inwards towards the pterygoid, but between the two there seems to 

 be another element. If this is so it will probably prove to be the 

 alisphenoid. As the specimen is slightly crushed one cannot be 

 quite positive on this point. 



There is an elongated stapes not unlike that of Cynoqnathus, which 

 stretches from the quadrate to the foramen ovale, which lies as in 

 the Anomodonts in the process formed by the basioccipital, basi- 

 sphenoid, and doubtless the pro-otic and opisthotic. 



The basioccipital is a small bone which appears to form most of 

 the single occipital condyle. The foramen for the IXth, Xth, Xlth, 

 and XTIth nerves is as in the Anomodonts far back by the side of the 

 condyle. 



The basisphenoid meets the basioccipital very much as in the 

 Anomodonts, but in front the bone differs in having a strong deep 

 median keel as in Bauria. 



The pterygoid is rather peculiar. It has a large posterior process 

 towards the quadrate and also a broad support along the basi- 

 sphenoid. It has, as in most Therapsida, a powerful lateral process 

 by the side of the mandible, but the anterior development is smaller 

 than in any other of the Therapsida except the Anomodonts. I fail 

 to find any teeth on the pterygoid. 



The transpalatine is well developed but also of an unusual 

 character and quite unlike that of the Therocephalia. It forms 

 quite a large part of the bony palate and the anterior part of the 

 lateral descending process. 



The palatine is a large bone which takes the place usually occupied 

 by the anterior part of the pterygoid. It also forms most of the 

 bony palate. On the inner part are a few fairly large teeth. 



The vomer is not displayed, but probably is as in Gorgonops and 

 Scymnognatlius a true median vomer. 



The greater part of each mandible is preserved. The dentary is 

 powerful but the coronoid process probably short. The splenial 

 is also well developed but does not extend far back. The angular 

 is apparently pretty similar to that of Scymuognathus. It passes well 

 forwards between the dentary and splenial. The exact nature of 

 the articular region cannot be made out with certainty. Besides 

 an articular it seems there may be a prearticular. 



The skull is particularly interesting as showing that the Gorgono- 

 psidae differ in many important characters from the Therocephalian 

 type seen in Scylacosaurus, and also by showing some striking resem- 

 blances to the skulls of Anomodonts and Cynodonts. In the structure 

 of both the upper cranial region and the palate there is a fore- 



