A CHAT WITH PROF. COPE CONTINUED. 353 



were found in a wash above their base. Others 

 led the way to a ledge forty or fifty feet from both 

 summit and foot, where, stretched along in the yel- 

 low chalk, lay the projecting portions of the whole 

 monster. A considerable number of vertebrae were 

 found preserved by the protective embrace of the 

 roots of a small bush, and, when they were secured, 

 the pick and knife were brought into requisition to 

 remove the remainder. About this time one of the 

 gales, so common in that region, sprang up, and, 

 striking the bluff fairly, reflected itself upwards. So 

 soon as the pick pulverized the rock, the limestone 

 dust was carried into eyes, nose, and every available 

 opening in the clothing. I was speedily blinded, and 

 my aid disappeared into the canyon, and was seen no 

 more while the work lasted. Only the enthusiasm 

 of the student could have endured the discomfort, 

 but to him it appeared a most unnecessary " con- 

 version of force " that a geologist should be driven 

 from the field by his own dust. A handkerchief tied, 

 over the face, and pierced by minute holes opposite 

 the eyes, kept me from total blindness, though dirt 

 in abundance penetrated the mask. But a fine relic 

 of creative genius w r as extricated from its ancient 

 bed, and one that leads its genus in size and explains 

 its structure. 



On another occasion, riding along a spur of a yel- 

 low chalk bluff, some vertebrae lying at its foot met 

 my eye. An examination showed that the series en- 

 tered the rock, and, on passing round to the opposite 

 side the jaws and muzzle were seen projecting from 

 it, as though laid bare for the convenience of the ge- 



