663 
Basal processes (Basalstümpfe) are absent in the trunk. In the young 
specimen, a low ridge on the ventral aspect of the second vertebra, 
was all that could be found and that only on one side (Fig. 3). 
Its homology is pretty certain, from its position, and from the 
relation to the arteria vertebralis of the fibrous band running from 
it to the rib-carrier. 
The cartilage of the rib-carrier is quite continuous with that of 
the rib, even in the adult. The separation is only indicated by the 
absence of the ensheathing bone, 
the change of direction and the 
smallness of the cartilage cells 
(Fig. 3) +). 
The dorsal buttress of the 
rib, (“dorsale Spange” Gap- 
PERT) is similarly continuous 
with the dorsal portion of the 
rib-carrier. In the young spe- 
cimen the cartilage of this 
dorsal process is continuous 
Fig. 3. Spelerpes fuscus, juv. Transverse section of second trunk vertebra. 
R. T, rib-carrier. R. rib. N. neural arch, D. P. dorsal process of rib-carrier, 
with that of the rib-carrier, but it is always separated from the 
neural arch, to which it is closely applied, by a thin lamella of bone 
(Fig. 3, left side). In Spelerpes only a few of the anterior ribs 
are bicipital, the change to the single condition being effected by the 
fusion of the dorsal portion of the rib-carrier with its postero-superior 
aspect. 
Some of the caudal vertebr&@ present a vertical foramen in the 
base of the transverse process. It is very minute, is not symmetrical 
always, and is absent in the young specimen. 
II. Plethodon erythronotus. 
The nerves pierce the neural arch as in Spelerpes, but the 
dorsal and ventral roots are separated by a ridge of bone on the 
inner surface of the neural arch. The foramen of exit, however, is 
single. (Vide infra, Desmognathus.) 
The transverse processes present basal process, rib-carrier, and 
dorsal process in most of the trunk segments. The arteria vertebralis 
1) E. G&prert, Morphologie der Fischrippen. Morphologisches Jahr- 
buch, Bd. XXIII, Taf. XVI, Fig. 14. 
