492 FOSSIL ELK OF IRELAND. 



fate probably overwhelmed every existing creature ? 

 Could deer have been the only living beings at that 

 period ? Was Ireland part of a great continent when 

 this catastrophe occurred, and were these unfortunates 

 the first emigrants to our Isle from that great centre 

 from whence the globe was supplied with occupants, 

 and did they perish before other animals less influenced 

 by enterprise, and less endowed with physical strength, 

 could have followed their example ? These problems 

 I confess myself unable to solve, and shall not presume 

 to obtrude my many reveries upon this and other points, 

 which have originated in the discovery of a few bones, 

 upon those who I know are so much better competent 

 to form a sound opinion. I shall, I hope, be able to 

 send the antlers, which are very fine, on the 15th of this 

 month. 



" If you have a desire to make any use of this letter, 

 I can only say I have no objection. I remain, dear Sir, 

 with feelings of great respect, 



" Yours most truly, 



" WILLIAM W. MAUNSELL." 



Of this skeleton, the most perfect hitherto found, the 

 following interesting description is given by Mr Hart, 

 in his memoir. 



" This magnificent skeleton is perfect in every single 

 bone of the framework which contributes to form a part 

 of its general outline : the spine, the chest, the pelvis, 

 and the extremities, are all complete in this respect ; and, 

 when surmounted by the head, and beautifully expand- 

 ed antlers, which extend out to a distance of nearly six 

 feet on either side, forms a splendid display of the re- 



