418 



identical with the dog; and an animal with which we are now 

 unacquainted, partaking somewhat of the characteristics of 

 the bears, and perhaps, also, of the hyaenas." Mr. Ball 

 observed that the discrimination of skulls of bears presented 

 zoological difficulties quite sufficient to account for the erro- 

 neous views which had been taken ; the alterations of age in the 

 occipital and sagittal crests, the dropping of the premolars, 

 and, in some cases, of the incisor teeth, were quite sufficient 

 to mislead, and had often misled naturalists ; but the struc- 

 ture and arrangement of the molar teeth, and the peculiar 

 depressed form of the bullae tympanicEe, are unerring proofs of 

 the ursidse, at all times distinguishing them from dogs. 



Mr. Ball then proceeded to remark, that if any evidence 

 were wanted to prove that the skulls alluded to were Irish, 

 he could supply it by producing a cast of a third specimen, 

 form which he had been kindly allowed to take a mould for 

 the University Museum by its owner, Mr. Cooke, of Par- 

 sonstown, the original had been found in Mr. Cooke's 

 neighbourhood, as Mr. Ball understood, in deepening a river. 

 He mentioned also that he had heard from the late Mr. John 

 Robinson, of that locality, of the discovery and wanton des- 

 truction of skulls on his grounds, which were very possibly 

 those of bears. It is probable that the bear and great Irish 

 deer were involved in one common catastrophe, and perished 

 together. 



Mr. Ball stated, that being desirous of confirming the 

 accuracy of his own views, he submitted casts of the skulls 

 to the greatest living authority, merely stating that they 

 were supposed to be Irish, and requesting an opinion as 

 to their species. The following note is the reply to his 

 questions : 



" College of Surgeons, London, Dec. 7, 1849. 



" My dear Ball, —The casts of the fine crania of bear 

 duly arrived, and I have been comparing them this morning. 



