IN THE BATH MUSEUM. 



283 



near the base, which is much mutilated. The apex is unfor- 

 tunately broken off", but enough remains to show that, w r hen 

 perfect, it described a reversed curve at the end, as in fig. 38, 



38 



Spine of Hybodus. 



c. Another peculiarity is the barb, or recurved hook, near 

 the point — a, which, in your specimen, may have been broken 

 off. Unfortunately, no part of the tri-lobed bony base is at- 

 tached to this specimen, which has been broken into four 

 pieces. Two of the three fractures occurred before it was 

 found ; and I think the curved form of the dorsal aspect is in 

 a great measure owing to the edges of the fractured parts not 

 being in exact juxta-position, the interstices being filled with 

 day. 



Two peculiarities, in addition to those above enumerated, 

 I consider to be worthy of notice. One is a raised and ob- 

 lique lateral line, as seen in fig. 38, a; and the other, a num- 

 ber of nearly parallel stria or rug<B on the dorsum, which so 

 nearly resemble those upon the palatal or dental bones of the 



Acrodus , (vulgate Leeches of the quarrymen), that I 



cannot help thinking this is rather a palatal than a nasal ap- 

 pendage, notwithstanding its extraordinary shape. Whether 

 it may be identical with your specimen, or belong to some 

 kindred species, or be altogether foreign to it, you must your- 

 self judge ; at any rate, it appears to me an object of interest, 

 and you are perfectly welcome to make what use you please 

 of this communication, which I can only regret is not more 

 satisfactory both in figure and description. 1 



Yours very sincerely, 



H. Woods. 



Editor of the Magazine of Natural History. 



1 The specimen was found in the lias at Weston, a village two miles west 

 of Bath ; and was presented, about twelve or thirteen years ago, to the Mu- 

 seum of the Institution, by Jacob Wilkinson, Esq. 



