

719 



4633. The skeleton of a Slender Lemur (Stenops gracilis). 



The vertebral formula is : 7 cervical, 14 dorsal, 9 lumbar, 3 sacral : the caudal vertebrae 

 are wanting. The first lumbar vertebra differs from that in the preceding skeleton in having 

 a pair of long and slender processes formed, apparently, by anchylosed rudiments of a fifteenth 

 pair of ribs. The transverse processes of the succeeding lumbar s consist of short diapophyses : 

 the transverse processes of all the cervical vertebrae are perforated. A metapophysial tubercle 

 is developed upon the diapophysis in each of the twelve anterior dorsal vertebrae ; in the 

 thirteenth it takes the place of the diapophysis, and in the fourteenth it extends forwards and 

 presents an articular surface for the outer side of the posterior zygapophysis : it has the same 

 disposition and connections throughout the lumbar series, where the diapophyses are serial 

 repetitions of the base supporting the anchylosed rib hi the first lumbar vertebra. The most 

 remarkable feature in the cranium is the expanded frame of the orbits, which are closely 

 approximated above the nasal bones ; they, however, communicate by wide apertures with 

 the temporal fossae. The nasals overhang the premaxillaries, the most produced part of 

 which forms the lower boundary of the external nostril, from which the premaxillaries slope 

 downwards and backwards to the incisive alveoli, which are extremely minute. The temporal 

 ridges are widely separated along the upper part of the cranium, where the coronal and fronto- 

 sagittal sutures intersect each other at right angles. All the cranial sutures are like harmonise. 

 The humerus is perforated above the inner condyle, and has a wide intercondyloid vacuity. 

 The iliac bones are long, slender, and extended almost hi the same line with the sacrum. The 

 pubic bones meet at an acute angle, and form a very short symphysis. There is a small ossi- 

 fied patella. The feeble development of the vertebrae in the long lumbar region, the small 

 sacrum and contracted pelvis, are points of resemblance with the Bat-tribe ; and, together 

 with the long and slender bones of the extremities, relate to the slow movements of this 

 climbing quadruped. The capacious orbits relate to its nocturnal habits. 



Purchased. 



4634. The skull, wanting the left malar bone, of the Slow Lemur (Stenops tardi- 

 ffradus). 



The orbits are less closely approximate than in the Stenops gracilis, and the anterior sur- 

 face of the small premaxillaries is more nearly vertical. The vomer divides the nostrils to 

 their posterior apertures, as hi Stenops gracilis. 



Hunterian. 



Genus Lemur. 



Dental formula : i ^, c j^|, p 5^5, ^| = 36. 



4635. The skeleton of the Black-fronted Lemur (Lemur nigrifrons). 



The vertebral formula is : 7 cervical, 12 dorsal, 7 lumbar, 3 sacral, and 21 caudal. The 

 transverse process of the atlas is perforated lengthwise and vertically, by the vertebral artery, 

 which afterwards pierces the neural arch. The transverse processes of the hist cervical are 



