146 



EXTINCT MONSTERS. 



After examining the bluffs for half a day without result, a few 

 bone fragments 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 yellow 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 pulverised the rock, 

 the limestone dust was carried into eyes, nose, and every available 



FIG. 4ia. Skull of Platecarpus. Upper Cretaceous. North America. 

 (After Cope.) 



opening in the clothing. I was speedily blinded, and my aid 

 disappeared in the canon, and was seen no more while the work 

 lasted. 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 was extracted from its ancient bed, and one 

 that leads its genus in size, and explains its structure." 



" On another occasion, riding along a spur of yellow chalk 

 bluff, some vertebrae lying at its foot met my eye. An examina- 

 tion showed that the series entered the rock, and, on passing 

 round to the opposite side, the jaws and muzzle were seen pro- 

 jecting from it, as though laid bare for the convenience of the 



