u & Jfcto pechncn of 

 $Ht*ozoit (Eanoib Jfish, JJholftophoms, 

 from the (Dxforb kp of oBepmxih. 



By ARTHUR SMITH WOODWARD, F.L.S. 



(Read Feb. 17th, 1S97.) 



pHOLIDOPHORUS is an extinct herring-shaped fish, 

 specially interesting as being one of the most 

 highly organised members of the great tribe of 

 Ganoids, or fishes with enamelled scales. While 

 agreeing with the typical Ganoids in retaining a 

 fringe of fulcra on the fins, and while still 

 exhibiting rhombic scales articulated by a peg-and- 

 socket joint, it seems to be much more nearly a 

 Teleostean in the structure of its mandible and vertebrae. In fact, 

 it is the abundant occurrence of fishes like this among fossils 

 which makes it impossible any longer to regard the familiar 

 divisions Ganoidei and Teleostei as scientifically defined groups. 

 The genus first appears in the Upper Trias, and ranges throughout 

 the Jurassic Formations, finally becoming extinct before the period 

 of the Chalk ; and there is thus ample opportunity for studying its 

 characters and observing the multitude of variations it undergoes 

 in time and space. 



