298 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 



The atlas possesses an acuminate median diapophysis, curved back, and 

 with arterial perforation on one side. Spinal canal narrowed below, vertical 

 depth 5-5 inches; breadth above 3-5, below at middle, 2. A strong inferior 

 posterior process as in Beluga. Articular surfaces continuous. 



The second, third and fourth cervicals with large completely united supe- 

 rior and inferior lateral processes. Neural canal broad, depressed ; centrum 

 transverse quadrate. Seventh cervical without inferior lateral process ; the 

 Buperior compressed slightly descending, equal depth centrum, 6 inches. 

 Articular surfaces of ribs on third to sixth dorsals, crescentic. Dorsal verte- 

 bra? preserved, eleven : probably one or more have been temporarily removed. 

 Neural spines elevated, especially on lumbar region, where the zygapophyses 

 Btand at only one-fifth the height of the arch and spine. 



First rib, measurements : 



ft. in. 



Length, with curve of middle 2 11*5 



Width at small tuberosity 4"75 



" end 75 



middle 5-5 



One of the longer ribs, with a slight ala on one edge, six feet Ions'. 



There are some peculiarities of the present individual which render its 

 identification with the Sibbaldius laticeps not yet entirely established. 

 Rudolphi observes that the acromion is vry rudimental in his type, while in 

 ours it is like the coracoid, well developed. Lilljeborg and Gray, 1. c, state 

 the dorsal fin to be compressed and fulcate, while in the Mobjack specimen it 

 is rudimental and conic. The hvoid bone is precisely as figured by Rudolphi. 

 The dorsal fin resembles that of the S. boreal is Fisch. (gigas Van Beu.), but 

 the species differs markedly in the following points : 



Dubar says the posterior dorsal median line is keeled ; according to Dr. Talia- 

 ferro this one has several humps. Dubar's figure of the first rib differs very 

 much from ours : former, end emarginate, its breadth 2 the length ; the latter, 

 end entire, breadth 4 the length. Our specimen is entirely adult at a length 

 of 43 feet (axial) ; Dubar's specimen had attained 102 feet. This difference 

 is important, as growth ceases with the coalescence of the epiphyses, as in 

 other mammals. Lastly, Dubar's type possessed an inferior lateral process 

 on the seventh cervical, wanting in ours. > 



The following extract from the Richmond Enquirer of Eighth month 23d, 

 1858, furnished me by Prof. Taliaferro, gives a lively account of the capture 

 of this specimen : 



"On Wednesday, the 4th inst., an unusual excitement was manifested 

 among the fishermen at the mouth of North and Ware Rivers, on Mobjack 

 Bay, and in a few moments scores of canoes might have been seen pulling up 

 stakes and anchors, and making for the shore in every direction. It was soon 

 reported that an immense fish, supposed to be a whale, of incredible dimen- 

 sions, was cutting all sorts of capers in the Bay : blowing like ever so many 

 bulls, spouting water, and amusing himself by making a great rumpus, to the 

 great terror and peril of some of the citizens of the commonwealth, who ' go 

 down to the sea ' in small canoes. But after the lapse of a few hours nothing 

 more was seen or heard of the monster, and the report of his visit scarcely 

 excited attention, even if it commanded credence. 



"On the Monday morning following, however, an extraordinary noise on 

 the river (North J near Belle Ville. the residence of Warner T. Taliaferro, 

 Esq., attracted the attention of the family about daybreak, and on hastening 

 to the shore, they beheld the creature aground ou a bar near the landing. 



" The gentlemen, determined to attempt his capture, instantly le.iped into 

 a boat, and sent off for gigs, (small harpoons use I by our fishermen for strik- 

 ing the bonito, ) pulled around him to reconnoitre whilst the weapons were 

 being procured. 



[Oct. 



