MEGALADAPIS. I I3 



jaw, the posterior premolar has one outer cusp, a fore and 

 hind inner cusp (each joined by a crescent to the outer cusp), 

 and a central inner cusp ; the three molars have two outer 

 and three alternating inner cusps, and to the outer side a 

 basal cingulum ; the posterior molar has a strongly cusped 

 heel. 



Megaladapis madagascariensis, Forsyth Major, the only 

 species of the genus, presents many marsupial and insectivorous 

 characters and features which show some approach towards the 

 South-American Howlers [Alouatta), a specialisation "not in the 

 least," according to Dr. Major, " implying a near relation- 

 ship, but probably only an adaptation to a corresponding 

 function " implied in the " vocal organs of unusual size," which, 

 he believes, Megaladapis to have possessed. Lemurine char- 

 acters, however, predominate. In the shape of its molars it 

 is related to Lcpidolemur, and still more closely to Microcebus 

 and Chirogak, while by the characters of its inter-orbital 

 region it approaches to the Sifakas {Fropif heats) and the 

 extinct Adapts. 



The small diameter of its orbits suggests, according to Dr. 

 Major, that in habits this extinct giant Lemur was diurnal ; 

 and from the conformation of its lower jaw *' there exists," 

 continues the same distinguished investigator, "a strong 

 assumption that, as in Alouaita^ it was provided with vocal 

 organs of unusual size. 



The age of this Howling Lemur, estimated either geologi- 

 cally or by years, cannot be of very great antiquity. Its 

 remains were found associated with those of the giant Moa- 

 like bird, the yEpyor?i{s, of Tortoises and Hippopotami, all 

 now extinct, and of Crocodiles still living in the interior lakes 

 of the island. Some of tliese animals were certainly contem- 

 3— V. I 1 



