[matthkw] 



PALAEOZOIC BATRACHIAN FOOTPRINTS 



111 



For the convenience of those wishing to use the "tail" impres- 

 sions as a means of distinction, a separate column is introduced describ- 

 ing this mark. 



In this table the prints showing five toe marks for each foot are 

 taken lirst, and then those showing less numerous' toes. Minor 

 divisions are based, or the slenderness or stoutness of the toes as 

 shown by the impressions, the weight of the heel, etc. 



The geological horizon (L. (7.=Lower Carboniferous and C. 

 ^Middle Carboniferous) and the date of publication are shown in 

 columns, as Avell as the number of toes on each foot, as shown by the 

 figures and descriptions of the several species. 



And here I may remark that in the old method of representing 

 those impressions by drawing and wood-cut there is wide scope for 

 the exercise of the imagination, therefore, I may say that in their 

 accurate representation there is more than usual advantage in the 

 use of the camera, as the object is thus brought before us exactly as 

 it appears^ and we can apply to it the written description of the 

 naturalist who has made observations upon it. 



To the anatomist there may seem but small advantage in recording 

 the aspect of the footmarks of an animal whose skeleton is unknown, 

 but I will venture to say that fac-similes of footprints such as the 

 camera preserves for us, will appeal to the unskilled observer more: 

 forcibly than a description of the anatomical details of the extinct 

 reptile itself, as given in the usual descriptions of species. 



There is also the hope that of the footprints cited in the following 

 catalogue, some at least may eventually be referred to the creatures 

 which made them, by the discovery of their skeletons. In the mean- 

 time their footprints recovered from the hardened mud flats of the 

 Carboniferous age, may tell us some few incidents of their life-history. 



Classification of Pal.ïiozoic Batrachian Footprints— United States 



AND Canada. 



