52 



The point of the symphysis is broken off at its base, but the 

 fractured surface indicates that it was only very imperfectly 

 developed. When compared with that of Elephas primigenius, 

 the chin is less prominent and the point not so much depressed. 



2. Upper Molar of Elephant. — This has been much injured 

 by having been exposed in the bed of the river ; the fangs are all 

 broken oif, and a portion of its anterior extremity has been 

 destroyed, so that its original size cannot now be ascertained. 

 What the entire number of plates was on this tooth previous to 

 its coming into use it is also impossible to say. The fact, how- 

 ever, that all but four have become abraded, indicates that it had 

 been a long time in action. Its shape and proportions indicate 

 that it was an ultimate molar from the upper jaw. 



The following table gives the dimensions and weight of the 

 tooth as compared with those of a right and left corresponding 

 molar discovered at Zanesville, Ohio, and now in the collection of 

 the late Dr. J. C. Warren. 



Greatest length ..... 



Height when resting on the grinding surface 



Length of grinding surface 



Breadth of grinding surface 



Whole number of laminae 



Laminfe of grinding surface 



Weight in pounds and ounces . 



14 



8J 



lo' 



19 

 15 

 19 J 



From the above comparisons, it will be seen that while the 

 dimensions of the three molars vary but little, the number of 

 plates is quite different in the specimen from the Brazos from 

 what it is in those from Zanesville; there being from 10 to 11 

 more in the latter than the former. Is this a mere variation, or 

 is it an indication of a specific ditFerence ? This question cannot 

 be answered until we know more accurately than is now known, 

 the normal range of variation in these animals. So great a 

 variation as this in one and the same species has not as yet been 

 noticed. 



