134 ANNUAL RECORD OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 



scries were obtained of the bones of animals previously known 

 only by a few fragments, thus supplying much better infor- 

 mation as to their affinities and position in the system. Near- 

 ly the entire skeleton of a large fish, provided with teeth of 

 immense power, was exhumed. This animal is to bear the 

 name oiPortheus molossus / and its remains occurred in such 

 abundance as to demonstrate that it must have been a char- 

 acteristic and very formidable inhabitant of the cretaceous 

 seas. 



Another discovery was that of a reptilian form related to 

 or intermediate between the tortoises and serpents. The ribs 

 of this animal were long and attenuated, but, instead of be- 

 ing united in the carapace, as in the tortoise, remained sepa- 

 rate, possibly united by membrane. If built at all on the 

 chelonian pattern, the expanse would have been at least twen- 

 ty feet. This is to be called Protostega gigas. 



During his explorations in 1 870 Professor Marsh ascertained 

 the existence of a species of pterodactyl, or flying lizard, in 

 the cretaceous strata of the West, and additional specimens 

 of the same or another species were found by Professor Cope 

 during the expedition just referred to. The most gigantic 

 reptiles met with by him this year were species of Liodon, 

 Polycotylus, and PJlasmosaurus. Of these, Liodon was found 

 most abundantly, and one specimen will probably prove to 

 be the largest of all known reptiles. Elasmosaurus had the 

 most massive body, and must have presented an extraordi- 

 nary apj)earance, in consequence of the great length of its 

 neck. 



HEAD WATERS OF THE YELLOWSTONE. 



Por many years past the terra incognita of the United 

 States has been the region forming the head waters of the 

 Yellowstone River, to the north of the Wind River Moun- 

 tains. Traditions have prevailed for a long time of the ex- 

 istence there of a large lake, and of boiling springs and spout- 

 ing fountains,, of terrific waterfalls, and other wonderful works 

 of nature. Trappers have looked into the mysterious region 

 from tlie summits of the neighboring mountains, but did not 

 dare any nearer approach, owing to the physical obstacles 

 and the fear of Indians. Colonel Raynolds, in his last ex- 

 pedition into the Upper Missouri region, in which he was ac- 



