56 ON THE EXTINCT MAMMALIA OF 



lono'ed basal angles of the inion. The paramastoid processes are narrower and more 

 pointed than in the Panther, and project obliquely backward and outward. In the 

 side views of the skull they are conspicuously seen projecting from above the base of 

 the mastoid processes. 



The occipital condyles and foramen have about the same form and relations as in 

 ordinary cats. 



Inferior view. — The base of the skull of Drepanodoii primcevus is narrower in 

 relation with its length than in the Panther. The basi-occipital and basi-sphenoid 

 are much narrower. The former is produced into quite a deep gutter, by the 

 downward projection of the lateral borders, internally to the position of the auditory 

 bullas. 



The latter are broken away in the only specimen in which the base of the cranium 

 is visible, but appear to have been proportionately as well developed as in the 

 ordinary cats. The interval between the comparatively large mastoid and the root 

 of the zygoma appears strikingly narrow in comparison with that of the Panther. 



The glenoid articular cavity has nearly the same form and direction as in the 

 latter, but is situated much lower from the strong downward projection of the root of 

 the zygoma. In the Panther the articular surface is on a level with the basi- 

 sphenoid, but in the fossils under examination is half an inch below it. The 

 post-glenoid tubercle is nearlj' like that of the Panther, but more vertical; the 

 ant-glenoid tubercle is wider, but not so long nor so distinct. The space enclosed by 

 the zygoma, palate and pterygoid is much shorter in relation with its breadth. 



The neural foramina of the sphenoids hold about the same relative position as in 

 the cats. 



The hard palate has nearly the same form as in the latter. The transverse palate 

 suture is convex anteriorly, and not notched as in the Panther. The posterior 

 palatine foramina pierce the palate plates of the maxillaries on a line with the 

 intervals of the first and second premolars. 



The posterior palatine notch is cordiform, and is more narrowed posteriorly than in 

 the Panther. Its bottom extends on a line with the tubercular molar teeth. 



Forms and connections of the hones of the sladl. — The co-ossified parietals are pro- 

 portionately shorter and deeper than in Fells. The antero-inferior angle, joining the 

 alisphenoid, is wider than in the latter, as is also the case with the bone just 

 mentioned. The squamosal is less wide, but proportionately somewhat deeper. The 

 frontals co-ossified at an early period, as is observed in a specimen in which most of 

 the other sutures are open, and the permanent canines had but partially protruded. 



The fore part of the parietals together exhibit an angular notch receiving the 

 summit of the frontals. 



