98 



skeleton, and in part by others made according to Dr. S.'s judg- 

 nnent. In forming the imitation-cartilages of the ribs, Dr. S. 

 attached six of them to the sternum, that being the number of 

 true ribs in the Society's skeleton of the elephant, and the infer- 

 ence being a fair one that, the number of dorsal vertebrae and ribs 

 being the same in the Mastodon and elephant, the number of true 

 ribs would also correspond. 



The skeleton is to be placed on a platform in the shape of a 

 double cross, and to be supported by strong iron rods, arranged so 

 as to be nearly out of sight when the skeleton is viewed laterally : 

 viz., the anterior part of the chest by a rod in the shape of an in- 

 verted II between the anterior extremities, to which each of these 

 is attached by a clamp ; while its weight is sustained by an iron 

 T secured to the carpus ; and the posterior part of the trunk by iron 

 bars crossing each other in the shape of an X, and attached above by 

 bolts to the lower part of the pelvis, and below to the cross. Each 

 posterior extremity is sustained in position by an iron T screwed 

 to the tarsal bones, while the head of the femur is secured in the 

 acetabulum by a strong bolt ; the head is made firm by two cross 

 bars (similar to those used for the posterior part of the skeleton,) 

 attached above to the most anterior part of the cranium, and 

 below to the platform and between the fore feet. Two other 

 rods, placed longitudinally, are arranged so as to serve as braces. 



In mounting this skeleton, every exaggeration has been studi- 

 ously avoided, it having been the endeavor of Dr. S. to put the 

 bones as nearly as possible in their natural position as indicated 

 by their articulating surfaces and by analogies. 



Dr. S. also mentioned that the skeleton of the largest Asiatic 

 elephant hitherto brought to this country, would soon be mounted, 

 and remain permanently in the city. 



Dr. Gould exhibited a collection of shells, sent from 

 Tavoy, in Burmah, by the Rev. Mr. Mason. Among them 

 he distinguished and characterized the following undescribed 

 species : 



Helix saturnia. Testa magna, lenticularis, pallide rubido- 

 cornea, ad peripheriam costato-carinata, late et profunde umbili- 

 cata : anfr. 5 planulatis, spira depresso-conica, sutura nr^^ ^m. 



