136 



PROFESSOR STRUTHERS. 



STERNUM. 

 37. TABLE VII. Measurements of the Sternum, given in inches. 



38. CHARACTERS IN COMPARISON WITH THOSE OF B. MUSCULUS. 

 The form of the sternum is shown in fig. 18. 1 



To understand the differences of form presented by the 

 sternum in Megaptera and B. musculus it is necessary to con- 



1 For remarks on the interpretation of the sternum in Fin-Whales, the essential 

 and non-essential parts, and the variation of the latter, with a drawing (fig. 4) 

 showing its two places of articulation with the first rib, I may refer to my paper 

 on B. musculus in this Journal, vol vi., November 1871. Reference may also be 

 made to the figure given by Eschricht (loc. cit., p. 139, fig. 47), showing the true 

 relation of the sternum to the first ribs in a foetal Megaptera, with his remarks on 

 that point. Also to the figures of the sternum in B. musculus, B. borealis, and 

 B. rostrata by Professor Flower (Proc. Zool. Soc., 1864, p. 393). The sternum of the 

 Fin- Whales is so liable to variation according to age and individual peculiarity, 

 that care must be taken in attaching importance to the form presented by any 

 individual specimen. 



