AFFIXITIES OF .ELUROPUS MELANOLEUCUS. 165 



This bone has uo jjai-allcl Tor size and shape iu the Carnivora. A radial extra-carpal of 

 large size has been described in some Rod(mtia and Insectivora, but in the Carnivora as 

 iiitlierto described it is always small, and especially small iu the lar^'er forms fsee 

 Bardeleben, Troc. Zool. Soc. 1889, p. 259). 



When we compare the carpus of ^luropus with that of the Bears, we find that there 

 is only a very minute bone in UrsHs corresponding; to the large radial extra-carpal of 

 ^Eiurojms. In JElnnts, on the other hand, a radial exti-a-carpal of relatively large size 

 — but not so large proportionately as that of ^Eluropns — is present. In Trocijon the 

 radial extra-carpal appears not to be developed or to be minute. 



In regard to this bone, then, ^Inropus differs markedly from Ursiis and agrees, though 

 not closely, with jEUwus. We are not acquainted with the mechanical requirements in 

 the use and movements of the fore-foot which its jji-esence subserves. 



A close comparison of the bones of the forearm of Mluropus with the corresponding 

 bones of Ursus, ^Muriis, and Proci/ou, as also of the bones of the thigh and leg of the same 

 genera, confirms in many minute particulars the proposition that Mluropus differs from 

 Ursus, awdi agrees with ^lurns awA Pi-ocijon, and, moreover, agrees more closely with the 

 former than witii the latter of these two (see PL 20. figs. 5, 6, 7). 



The comparison of the femora is very convincing in this respect, details of the form and 

 curvature of articular faces and of the devcloj^ment of the trochanters showing an amount 

 of minute coincidence as between ^THuropm and ^Nuriis which can only be interpreted 

 as the indication of close genetic affinity. 



Having satisfied myself on these points, I icquested ^Ir. Lydekker, who had not pre- 

 viously examined the limb-bones of ^Slnropiis, to go over the specimens and to give me 

 the result of his observations. He entirely accepted my conclusion that -Eluropns must 

 be removed from association with the Bears, and associated with ^Elnnis and Froci/o/i. 

 It has accordingly Ijeen removed to that position in the exhibition gallery of the 

 Museum, and is no longer to be spoken of as "the Parti-c(jloured Bear," but as "the 

 Great Panda." 



It seems to me that ^-Elurojms is probably an earlier form than either ^'Eluriis or 

 Procyoii, and it would not be surprising were affinities between it and extinct forms 

 discovered. In the meanwhile, the division of the Arctoidea into three families, the 

 Ursidae, Procyonidae, and MustelidiB, may be maintained, Avith the assignment of 

 ^Eluropus to the Procyonidse alongside of ^Eltu-m and Pmcyon. 



One peculiarity of the l)ones of JEluropus should, I think, be placed on record. I refer 

 to their great specific gravity. Not only are the bones (such as the lower jaAV and skull- 

 bones) powerfully built and of great actual thickness, but their weight is extraordinary. 

 I do not know any l)ones of terrestrial Mammalia of similarly high specific gravity. 



Mr. Lydekker has kindly draAvn up for me a minute descriptive accoiint of IJic 

 skull and limb-bones of ^Eluropus and the details of their comparison with those of Vvsm, 

 JElunis, and Procyon. This account follows. 



The illustrations of the skulls and limb-bones given in the Plates have been prepared 

 under my supervision by ^Ir. Gron\^ald at the Natural History Museum. 



26* 



