INTRODUCTORY. 



The present catalogue includes all the fossil species in 

 the classes mentioned on the title page, of which there 

 are representatives in the Museum. In cases where such 

 remains are numerous the specimens are not catalogued 

 individually ; and since the Siwalik collection has been 

 already catalogued [ Trans. R. Dub. Soc. (2) vol. III. art. /f. 

 (jS84..)\ only the more important specimens cf each species 

 are entered here. Species which are found fossil in Ireland 

 are denoted by an asterisk. 



The most noticeable features in the collection are as 

 follows — : (i) The fine and extensive series of remains 

 of the Gigantic Irish Deer (Elk). (2) The large and 

 unique collection of remains from the Irish cavern-deposits. 

 (3) The rare and almost unique specimens included in the 

 Siwalik collection. (4) The magpificient series of so-called 

 Enaliosauria (Ichthyopterygia and Sauropterygia) from 

 the Lias. In this series the genus Thaumatosaurus is re- 

 presented by almost complete skeletons of three species, 

 and in this respect is the finest in the United Kingdom. 

 The number of entire skeletons oi Ichthyosaurus tenuirostris, 

 or the closely allied /. lattfrons, from Barrow-on-Soar is 

 also worthy of mention. (5) A large number of Laby- 

 rinthodont remains from the Kilkenny coal-measures : 

 many of them unfortunately much injured by pyritous 

 decomposition. 



The types of five species and one genus are contained 

 in the collection ; viz. Felts subhimalayana, Arctosaurus 

 osborni, Thaumatosaurus cramptont, Anthracosaurus edgei, 

 and Dolichosoma huxleyi. It is not improbable that the 

 Plesiosaurian vertebra from the Rhaetic of Bristol entered 

 in the sequel indicates a new species. 



R. LYDEKKER. 



