286 



PICTURESQUE SKETCHES 



The species characteristic of the second group of 

 Anoplotheres, called Xiphodon (see fig. 124), was 

 very different, both in its proportions, its size, and 

 its habits, from the more common species just de- 

 scribed. It is called gracile, or slender, as an indica- 

 tion of its superior agility and slender proportions ; 

 and, indeed, the graceful elegance of the bones of its 

 skeleton reminds one more of the structure of the 

 gazelle than of any other quadruped. Its height was 

 about as large as that of a goat, but its head and trunk 

 would indicate a much smaller animal, as the bones 



Fig. 124 



ANOPLOTHERIAN ANIMAL. 

 (XipTiodon.') 



of the extremities were excessively elongated, and in 

 striking contrast to the species first described. Light 



