586 Davis—On the Fossil Fishes of the Chalk of Mount Lebanon. 
On the anterior margins of the first and second rays there are traces of transverse 
striations, which are characteristic of this genus. The third, fourth, and fifth 
rays are similar to the posterior area of the second; they enlarge towards the 
extremity in a similar manner, but diminish gradually in length, the latter being 
only 0°8 inch in length; they are striated in the same way as those already 
described. There are additional rays, but their arrangement is somewhat con- 
fused ; there were probably not more than a total of eight. 
Since the description was written by Pictet many examples of Chirocentrites 
have been discovered, and several are comprised in the collection made by 
Professor Lewis. Unfortunately no single specimen has been found which is 
perfect, or even exhibits the whole length of the fish. An example 14:5 inches 
in length, and extending forwards from what has apparently been the peduncle of 
the tail, is at its anterior extremity 4:0 inches in height; this diminishes gradually 
to 15 inch at the point nearest the caudal extremity, which is preserved. The 
vertebral column comprises, in this example, fifty-six vertebra; those near the 
tail are considerably longer than high, but they become gradually higher than 
long further forwards. The whole specimen is covered with scales, and, in 
consequence, the arrangement of the spinous processes cannot be easily identified. 
The neural and hemal spines attached to the caudal vertebre are regular and 
simple; the neural spines and the ribs situated further forwards have a more 
complicated arrangement, and, as was remarked by Professor Pictet, they appear 
to be as numerous as, and similarly arranged to, those of the recent herrings. 
The scales are large and thin, with a convex posterior margin; their exposed 
surface is 0°5 inch in height and 0°3 inch in width; the posterior margin is 
smooth and rounded, and the surface is devoid of striz. Along the lateral line, 
on the anterior part of the body, there are seven scales in a length of 2 inches; a 
transverse line in the same region embraces ten to twelve scales. 
The evidence of fins is very incomplete. A series of fragmentary rays, which 
may with probability be taken as the base of a dorsal fin, extend backwards from 
a distance of 6:0 inches from the caudal extremity here preserved, but its extent 
or size cannot be ascertained. 
Formation and Locality Hard Chalk: Hakel. 
Ex coll_—Museum at Geneva (type). 
Genus. Spaniodon. PIcter. 
Pricret, J. F., 1850. ‘‘ Desc. des quelques poissons fossiles du M. Liban.,” p. 33. 
Picrer et Humperr, 1866. ‘ Nouy. rech. sur les poiss. foss. du M. Liban.,” p. 84. 
This genus was established for the reception of some fossil fishes from the 
soft chalk of Sahel Alma. They are nearly related to members of the family 
