ADAMS: SKULL OF THE WOLF-EEL. 351 



dorsally, so that the posterior end is slightly forficate. The 

 outer part of this downwardly inclined part is depressed 

 sharply along the upper part of the face, where it fits against 

 the inner face of the quadrate, the edges of this depression be- 

 ing serrated. 



Ar'ticulations. 



It has five : Anteriorly with the palatine and the prefrontal ; 

 dorsally with the mesopterygoid ; posteriorly with the quadrate. 

 It touches the metapterygoid. 



Palatine. (Plate XXV, Pal.; plate XXXV, fig. 58.) 



The palatine is a very heavy, thick bone, and bears teeth on 

 the ventral edge. The bone may be called triangular in shape, 

 with the base dorsal. A long prolongation extends forward 

 and outward from the dorsal outer angle of the bone. 



The outer face is slightly concave both ways. The upper 

 dorsal edge is cut down obliquely at the posterior part and is 

 drawn out posteriorly from the ventral side, the posterior part 

 being cut out behind the teeth, and extends dorsally at right 

 angles for a short distance and then runs posteriorly. (Plate 

 XXXV, fig. 57, P.) In front of the anterior end of the 

 oblique dorsal edge the edge dips down and makes a notch, and 

 in front of this the anterior projection starts and extends for- 

 ward. This prolongation narrows down at the anterior end 

 and becomes quite small. 



The inner face is slightly concave both ways. The oblique 

 part is serrated, and is drawn out laterally. On the anterior 

 part of the prolongation at the base there is a small protuber- 

 ance, which furnishes the articulating surface with frontal. 



The dorsal face of the palatine is concave at the posterior 

 half and is inclined obliquely posteriorly. The edges are ex- 

 tended dorsally, making a groove for the pterygoid. Anterior 

 to this articulating surface the bone drops ventrally and then 

 rises, making a notch. The bottom of this is marked by several 

 foramina. Anterior to this the prolongation starts forward. 



The ventral face is tooth-bearing and has from five to seven 

 teeth. The teeth are in a single row anteriorly, and posteriorly 

 they may be paired. These are good-sized teeth, and work 

 against those on the mandible as they are close to the vomer, 

 lying on each side of it. All of the palatine teeth have rounded 

 surfaces. 



