RIGGS: HOPLOPHONEUS OCCIDENTALIS. 39 



dental, cranial, and skeletal characters will later be shown to be 

 consistent with those already described in Hoplophoneiis. 



The distinctive characters of H. occidentalis as shown by the 

 Kansas University specimens are: Its size, which exceeds that of 

 any other member of the genus by one-fourth; its markedly con- 

 cave sagittal crest; its strongly recurved canine, trenchant and 

 denticulate at the point, but rounded at the margins throughout 

 three-fourths of its length; the third lower premolar much reduced, 

 and lower sectorial with postero-internal cusp, but heel rudimentary. 



The material upon which this restoration and description is 

 based is composed of parts of two skeletons found almost together 

 and in exactly the same horizon, just below the bullatus layer of the 

 Oreodon beds. They differ somewhat in size, but no more than 

 might be due to age or sex. The smaller of the two shows by the 

 less completely ossified epiphyses and the slightly worn teeth, that 

 it was a younger animal; while the firmly ossified sacrum and the 

 well worn teeth of the larger one indicate an older animal. Be- 

 tween the two specimens the skeleton is anatomically complete, 

 save the lower incisors and canines, some whole vertebrae and 

 many of the pophyses, the sternum and most of the ribs, half of 

 the scapula and radius, the shaft of the fibula, half the bones of 

 the hind feet, and nearly all those of the front feet. In the resto- 

 ration I have had for comparison the skulls (more or less complete) 

 of Dinictis felina, D. pai/cidetis, HoplopJionciis i-obusttis* and H. 

 primcevus, a mandible of Pogcynodon sp., together with various bones 

 of the skeleton of Z>. paucidcns, and H. robust us. Also a skeleton 

 of Felis leo, Felis concolor, Fclis domcsticus, and Lynx rufus. Where 

 parts were wanting, they have been supplied by comparison with 

 other members of the genus so far as the parts were present, but 

 frequently I have had to rely upon the African Lion. In the 

 description I have used H. robustus along with the lion for com- 

 parison. 



The material above mentioned forms part of the paleontological 

 collection of the University of Kansas. For the privilege of its 

 use and for his careful direction and criticism in the preparation of 

 this description and restoration I am indebted to Dr. Williston. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE SKELETON. 

 The skull is complete in the smaller specimen, save the upper 

 canines and the crowns of the lower canines and incisors. An 

 almost complete canine from the larger one, however, shows the 



*Adams. Amerifan Naturalist, Junuary. 189ti. 



