822 CRETACEOUS PALEONTOLOGY. 



1892. Baculites ovatus Whitf., Pal. N. J., vol. 2 (Monog. U. 



S. G. S., vol. 18), p. 275, pi. 46, figs. 3-9. 

 1896. Baculites ovata Say, Bull. Am. Pal., vol. i, No. 5, p. 19 



(289). 

 1905. Baculites ovatus Johns., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil., 



1905, p. 181. 



Description. Shell attaining a rather large size, elongate, 

 gradually tapering, cross-section ovate, the ventral or siphonal 

 side somewhat more narrowly rounded than the opposite. The 

 dimensions of the cross-section of a large individual are 45 mm. 

 by 26 mm. Surface of shell usually smooth, the sides of the 

 living chamber sometimes with ill-defined, broadly curved, 

 obliquely transverse ribs or undulations whose greatest forward 

 extension is on the ventral side; the apertural margin doubtless 

 conformed with these undulations, having a long tapering exten- 

 sion on the ventral side, narrowly rounded at the extremity, the 

 dorsal margin being more broadly rounded and the lateral mar- 

 gins with rather broad and deep sinuses just in front of the 

 dorsal lip. The septa show considerable variation in different 

 individuals as to their distance apart, some being crowded while 

 others are more or less remote; the ventral or siphonal lobe is 

 broad, with two terminal, widely separated, somewhat spreading 

 branches, each of which is secondarily lobed upon the sides and 

 extremity; first lateral saddle about as wide as high, but nar- 

 rower than the ventral lobe, bifid at the extremity, each division 

 being secondarily lobed ; first lateral lobe deeper than wide, rather 

 deeply bifid, each division with several secondary divisions ; sec- 

 ond lateral saddle similar to the first ; second lateral lobe broader 

 and shorter than the first, but somewhat similarly divided ; third 

 lateral saddles occupying the dorsal side, smaller than the others, 

 bifid at the extremity with the inner division higher than the 

 outer, and both of them secondarily lobed ; dorsal lobe very small, 

 smaller than or no larger than the terminal divisions of the adja- 

 cent lateral saddles. 



Remarks.* There has always been more or less difference of 

 opinion as to the relationship of this species with B. compressus 



