70 PROFESSOR STRUTHERS. 



where the annular platform is most raised, the thickness of the 

 epiphyses is greater. This is well seen when the epiphysis 

 happens to be broken. The posterior epiphysis of the 2nd 

 lumbar, f inch at the edge, is f inch at I5 inch in from the 

 edge. The anterior epiphysis of the 11th caudal, scarcely | inch 

 at the abrupt edge, is almost 1 inch further in. On the 15th, 

 IGth, and l7th caudal, which admit here of being measured 

 throughout, the anterior epiphysis is ^ inch thicker than the 

 •posterior of the same vertebra, and is not thicker internally than 

 at the edge. From the 12th to the 17th caudal, the bodies can 

 be exposed and are seen to be convex on both aspects where 

 covered by the epiphyses, rendering the deep surface of both 

 epiphyses cupped. The length of the bodies was measured from 

 the annular elevation, giving the greatest length. 



6. Form of the Bodies — Markings on the Ends. — Megaptera 

 differs from B. musculus in the appearances presented by the 

 ends of the bodies. In Megaptera the streaked annular plat- 

 form for the capsular part of the intervertebral disc is broader 

 in proportion to the enclosed pulp-area, is more raised, and has 

 its lines more pronounced than in B. musculus. There is a 

 groove between them in Megaptera owing to the elevation of 

 the capsular ring especially at its inner part, while in B. mus- 

 culus the central area stands out more abruptly owing to the 

 flatness of the ring. The greater relative breadth of the ring 

 in Megaptera is seen throughout the spine, and increases back- 

 wards. At the 6th lumbar vertebra, the proportions of the 

 ring to the pulp-area are, in Megaptera, If and 6i inches; in 

 B. musculus, 1^ and 7^ inches ; at the 6th caudal, in Megaptera, 

 2^ and 5^ inches ; in B. musculus, If and 7f inches. [In B. 

 musculus the ring is flat, becoming a little convex in the caudal 

 region. B. borealis in these respects resembles B. musculus in 

 contrast with Megaptera.] 



Form of the Ends. — The ends of the bodies in front of the 

 caudal region are flat. They may undulate a little from the 

 slight projections at the pedicles and transverse processes, and 

 appear slightly convex from the falling away external to the 

 elevated part of the capsular platform, but on the whole the 

 end is flat. After the 1st caudal, one on both ends become 

 convex. From the 2nd to the 8th the convexity is not great 



