665 



parts of the transverse processes of these vertebrae overlap each other, and, in the sixth, form 

 hatchet-shaped plates. The metapophyses appear above the diapophyses in the second 

 dorsal, and so continue to the ninth dorsal : in the eleventh they rise upon the prozygapo- 

 physes, and in the twelfth become distinct from the anapophyses. These are well developed 

 in the lumbar vertebrae, and underlap the prozygapophyses of the vertebra behind. The 

 vertebra reckoned in the above formula as the first sacral has the characters of a lumbar ver- 

 tebra on its left side. There appear to have been no haemapophyses in the caudal vertebrae, 

 but hypapophyses are developed in pairs, from the under part of the sixth and succeeding 

 caudals. Nine pairs of ribs directly join the sternum, which consists of eight bones. There 

 are no clavicles. The scapula is subquadrate, crossed obliquely by the spine, with the supra- 

 spinal fossa larger than the infraspinal one. The coracoid is sub-bifid, the acromial tubercle 

 slightly produced. Both humeri are perforated between the condyles, and the right one is 

 perforated above the inner condyle. There is a surface for a fabella above each condyle of 

 the femur. 



Presented by William Crozier, Esq., Surgeon H.E.I.C. 



4113. The skull of an old male Ratel (Ratelus mettivorm). 



All the sutures are obliterated. This skull resembles in form that of the Badger, but 

 differs in the greater breadth of the occipital region, the larger and more convex tympanic 

 bulls, the smaller ant orbital foramina, the less close articulation of the lower jaw and its 

 deeper ascending ramus ; in all these particulars it resembles the skull of the Polecat. 



Presented by Colonel Everest. 



The following, to No. 4131 inclusive, are parts of the same skeleton of a female Ratel 

 (Ratelus mellivorus) : 



Hunterian. 



4114. The skull. 



The entocarotids pierce the inner border of the tympanic bullae. The transversely extended 

 base of the paroccipital is applied to the back part of the bulla. 



4115. The atlas. 



The anterior articular surfaces are continued below into each other, corresponding with 

 a similar continuation of that surface between the lower borders of the occipital condyles, 

 whereby the atlas articulates directly with the basioccipital. The vertebral artery perforates 

 the base of the diapophysis horizontally and vertically in two places, and then perforates the 

 upper part of the neural arch. The hinder articular surfaces of the atlas unite, like those in 

 front, to form one continuous surface. 



4116. The dentata. 



The two anterior articular surfaces are continued into each other beneath the odontoid. 

 The spine is lofty and much extended, both forwards and backwards. 



4o 



