Manchester liTemoirs, Vol. hit. {\gi2), No. I. 9 



similar to that of Pteroplax and gives further evidence of 

 the wide distribution of the t3'pe, and I have some evi- 

 dence that in the Coal Measure Microsauria an analogous 

 condition obtains. On the other hand no paiate with 

 large vacuities like that of Eiyopsox Capitosaiiuis has ever 

 been found in Carboniferous rocks. 



These characters of the palate, which I have shown 

 above to be common to all the early Stegocephalia, are 

 exactly the features which are depended upon to show 

 the reptilian character of such a skull as Seyiiwiiria, and 

 leave in my mind no doubt that the reptilia were separated 

 off very early on in the history of the Stegocephalia, 

 preserving features which were rapidly lost by the latter 

 group, which had a much accelerated evolution. 



But striking as are the resemblances between the.se 

 skulls and the early reptilia, comparison w^th ]\IegalicJit]iys 

 .shows an equall}- marked resemblance to the Crossoptery- 

 gian fish. 



The Basisphenoid of Megalichthys has sometimes 

 carotid foramina just as in Loxomnia. It has small but 

 distinct basi-pterygoid processes which are, however, not 

 provided with articulating surfaces but with sutural ones. 

 The long parasphenoid extends forward to the premaxilke 

 as it may do in Pteroplax. Its lateral borders are in 

 contact with the Pterygoids, to which they afford support, 

 and the bone is cotniected with the roof of the skull by a 

 fused ethmoid. 



The Pre-vomer is identical with that of " Loxomnia " 

 in the majority of its attachments, carries one large tusk 

 and a pit for the replacing tooth. It meets its fellow of the 

 opposite side, and forms the front of the posterior naris ; 

 it is doubtful, however, if it meets the palatopterygoid. 



The Palatopterygoid of Megalichthys is exceedingly 

 like the palatine and pterygoid of Pteroplax. They have 



