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17. On a Neir Type of Cynodont from the Stormbcrg. By R. 



BROOM, M.A., D.Sc. 



(Plate XXII., Figs. 30-36.) 



AMONG the specimens recently placed in my hands for deter- 

 mination, by the Director of the South African Museum, is a most 

 insignificant-looking fragment of a small skull bearing a number 

 of teeth most of which are broken ; but small and imperfect as it is, 

 it is one of the most interesting finds made within recent years. 

 The fragment was picked up by Dr. M. Eicono at Paballon, 

 Mt. Fletcher District, Griqualand East, and given to Mr. Schwarz, 

 of the Geological Survey, in 1902, by whom it was placed in the 

 collection of the South African Museum. 



The fragment consists of a large portion of the left maxilla with 

 the roots of 7 teeth and two immature but perfect teeth, portion 

 of the left jugal, and a fragment of the left palatine, of a small 

 Cynodont reptile. 



The maxillary bone as preserved measures 25 mm. in length, but. 

 there is probably at least 10 mm. missing from, the front. The tooth- 

 bearing portion is narrow and deep and extends behind the origin 

 of the jugal arch. The jugal arch is extremely massive and the 

 maxilla sends a process outwards to strengthen the front of it. At 

 the front of the base of this process is a well-marked maxillary fora- 

 men towards which the sides slope in. The depth of the maxilla 

 in the plane of the foramen is 15 mm. There is clear evidence 

 of a well-developed secondary palate. 



The jugal is unusually robust. It passes well inwards behind the 

 outward process of the maxilla, and forms the margin of the orbit. 

 In the suture between the jugal and the lachrymal there is a fora- 

 men probably for a branch of the maxillary nerve. No part of the 

 lachrymal is preserved. 



The teeth are apparently all similar, to judge from the roots. 

 It is unfortunate that almost all the teeth are broken off below 



