THE GREAT FISH-LIZARDS 65 



the workmen to keep for him all the remains they might find. 

 In this way he finally obtained the co-operation of all the quarry- 

 men in the county. 



When, however, he complains of the Philistine dulness and 

 stupidity of quarrymen, who often, in their ignorance, break up 

 finds of almost priceless value, we can fully sympathise. 



In general contour the body of the fish-lizard was long and 

 tapering, like that of a whale (see Plate IV.). It probably showed 

 no distinct neck. The long tail was its chief organ of propulsion. 

 We notice two pairs of fins, or paddles ; one on the fore part of 

 the body, the other on the hinder part, like the pectoral and 

 abdominal fins of a fish. The skin was scaleless and smooth, or 

 slightly wrinkled, like that of a whale. No traces of scales have 

 ever been found ; and if such had existed, they would certainly 

 have been preserved, since those of fishes and crocodiles of the 

 Jurassic period have been found in considerable number and 

 variety. It is therefore safe to conclude that such were absent 

 in this case. In the Lias strata, at least, the specimens are often 

 preserved with most wonderful completeness (see p. 70). 



The long and pointed jaws are a striking feature of these 

 animals. The eyes were very large and powerful, and specially 

 adapted, as we shall see presently, to the conditions of their life. 



It might, perhaps, be asked whether the fish-lizards breathed, 

 like fishes, by means of gills. That question can easily be 

 answered ; for if they had possessed gills for taking in water and 

 breathing the air dissolved therein, they would reveal the fact by 

 showing a bony framework for the support of gills, such as are to 

 be found in all fishes. These structures, known as " branchial 

 arches," are absent ; therefore the fish-lizards possessed lungs, and 

 breathed air like reptiles of the present day. Their skulls show 

 where the nostrils were situated ; namely, near the eyes, and not 



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