on the Sivatherium giganteum. 281 



In most of the Ruminantia, where the molars are in a contiguous unin- 

 terrupted series, the interval from the first molar to the anterior border of 

 the incisive bones is nearly equal to the space occupied by the molars j in 

 some greater, in some a little less, and generally the latter. In other 

 Ruminantia, such as the CamelidcB, where the anterior molars are insym- 

 metrical with the otlicrs, and separated from them by being placed in the 

 middle of the diaiteiiie, this ratio does not hold j the space from the first 

 molar to the margin of the incisives being less than the line of molars. In 

 the ■Sivathei-ium, the molars are in a contiguous series, and if on this 

 analogy we deduce the length of the muzzle, we get nearly 10 inches for 

 the space from the first molar to the point of the incisives; and 28-85 inches 

 for the whole length of the head, from the border of the occipital foramen 

 to the margin of the incisives ; these dimensions may be a little excessive, 

 but we believe them not to be far, out, as the muzzle would still be short 

 for the width of the face, in a ruminant. 



The orbits next come to be considered. The size and position of the 

 eye form a distinguishing feature between the Buminantia and the Pachy- 

 dermata. In the former it is large and full, in the latter smaller and 

 sunken ; and the expression of the face is more heavy in consequence. In 

 the Sivatherium the orbit is considerably smaller in proportion to the 

 size of the head than in existing ruminants. It is also placed more forward 

 in the face, and lower under the level of the brow. The rim is not raised 

 and prominent, as in the Ruminantia, and the plane of it is oblique ; the 

 interval between the orbits at their upper margin being 12'2 inches, and at 

 the lower, 16 2 inches. The longitudinal diameter exceeds the vertical in 

 the ratio of 5 to 4 nearly, the long axis being nearly in a line from the naso- 

 maxillary sinus across the hind limb of the zygomatic circle. From the 

 above we infer that the eye was smaller and less prominent than in ex- 

 isting ruminants; and that the expression of the face was heavier and more 

 ignoble, although less so than in the Pachydcrmata, excepting the horse; 

 also that the direction of vision was considerably forwards, as well as la- 

 teral, and that it was cut ofFtowards the rear. 



This closes what we have been led to infer regarding the organs of the 

 head. With respect to the rest of the skeleton we have nothing to offer, 

 as we are not at present possessed of any other remains which we can with 

 certainty refer to the Sivatherium *. Among a quantity of bonesf collected 

 from the same neighbourhood with the head fossil, there are three singu- 

 larly perfect specimens of the lower portions of the extremities of a large 

 ruminant, belonging to three legs of one individual. They greatly exceed 

 the size of any known ruminant, and excepting the Sivatherium giganteum, 

 there is no other ascertained animal of the order, in our collection, of 

 proportionate size to them. We forbear from fiu'ther noticing them at 

 present, as they appear small in comparison for our fossil : and besides^ 

 there are indications in our collection, in teeth and other remains, of 

 other large ruminants, different from the one we have described. 



The form of the vertebra2, and more especially of the carpi and tarsi, 

 are points of great interest to be ascertained; as we may expect modifica- 

 tions of the usual type adapted to the large size of the animal. From its 



* See note to page 201. — Sec. Asiat. Soc. 



f We note iiere a very perfect cervical vertebra of a ruminant in our posses- 

 sion, which must liave belonged to an animal of proportions equal to that of tlie 

 Sivtit/icrium ; but from certain characters, we arc inclined to suspect that it is allied 

 to some other gigantic species of ruminant, of the existence of which we have 

 already tolerable certainty. Of the existence of the elk, and a species of C'a- 

 melida, Lieut, liaker of the Engineers has shown us ample proof. 



Third Series. Vol.9. No. 54?. Oct. 183G. 2 K 



