SWAN AGE FOSSIL CROCODILE. 



357 



Tilgate Forest ; several teeth are figured by 

 Baron Cuvier, in Oss. Foss. torn, v., and in my 

 " Fossils of Tilgate Forest." In the latter work 

 portions of dermal bones, or scutes, are repre- 

 sented, and described as belonging to the fresh- 

 water turtles called Trionyces ; and it was not 

 until I discovered more perfect specimens, that 

 the true nature of these bones was apparent. The 

 gigantic Gavial of the Ganges, has rows of osseous 

 scutes, which are deeply pitted on the external 

 surface. Those of the Swan- 

 age Crocodile are distinguished 

 by a lateral conical projection, 

 which fits into a corresponding 

 depression on the under sur- 

 face of the opposite angle of 

 the adjoining plate. Nume- 

 rous hexagonal and pentagonal 

 scutes, articulated together by 

 marginal sutures, also entered 

 into the composition of the cui- 

 rass of this reptile, which there- 

 fore, must have constituted a 

 flexible and impenetrable coat 

 of armour, capable of resisting the attack of the most 

 formidable assailant. The teeth of the Goniopholis 

 (lign. 80) resemble in form those of the crocodile, 



LIGN. 30. — TOOTH OP THE 

 SWANAGE CROCODILE. 



(Goniopholis crassidens.) 



