ELEPHAS PRIMIGENIUS. 



243 



Nat. size. Mammoth. 



side of the tooth, and leave a single undulating or dsedalian 

 line on the other : this is shown in the Mammoth's molar 

 figured in pi. 20, fig. 7, of Parkinson's " Organic Remains," of 

 which a new and more accurate figure is here given, showing 

 the long and strong compressed 

 fang, which is developed from 

 the base of the crown of a 

 tooth so worn down, (fig. 95.) 



A consideration of the ana- 

 tomical structure and an exten- 

 sive comparison of the teeth in 

 question have led me to the 

 conclusion, that whilst some of 

 the supposed specific characters 

 are due to effects of changes 

 produced by age, the others 

 depend upon the latitude of variety, to which the highly 

 complex molars of the Elephas primigenius were subject. 



In proof of such variety we have the analogy of existing 

 species : that such variety is the characteristic of a particu- 

 lar part of the enduring remains of the Mammoth may be 

 inferred from the absence of any corresponding differences 

 in the bones of the Mammoth that have hitherto been 

 found ; all of which indicate but one species. And this 

 conclusion harmonizes with the laws of the geographical 

 distribution of the existing species of Elephant. 



Throughout the whole continent of Africa but one species 

 of Elephant has been recognized. A second species of 

 Elephant is spread over the South of Asia and some of the 

 adjacent islands ; and extensive and accurate observations 

 of this species, whilst they have made known some well- 

 marked varieties, as the Mooknah, the Dauntelah, &c., 

 founded on modifications of the tusks, have more firmly 



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