MEGALADAPIS, F143 
jaw, the posterior pre-molar has one outer cusp, a fore and 
hind inner cusp (each joined by a crescent to the outer cusp), 
and a central inner cusp; the three molars have two outer 
and three alternating inner cusps, and to the outer side a 
basal cingulum ; the posterior molar has a strongly cusped 
heel. 
MEGALADAPIS MADAGASCARIENSIS, Forsyth Major, the only 
species of the genus, presents many marsupial and insectivorous 
characters and features which show some approach towards the 
South-American Howlers (4/ova/fa), a specialisation ‘not in the 
least,” according to Dr. Major, “implying a near relation- 
ship, but probably only an adaptation to a corresponding 
function” implied in the “‘ vocal organs of unusual size,” which, 
he believes, JAZegaladapis to have possessed. Lemurine char- 
acters, however, predominate. In the shape of its molars it 
is related to Lepidolemur, and still more closely to AZtcrocebus 
and Chirogale, while by the characters of its inter-orbital 
region it approaches to the Sifakas (Propithecus) and the 
extinct Adapts. 
The small diameter of its orbits suggests, according to Dr. 
Major, that in habits this extinct giant Lemur was diurnal ; 
and from the conformation of its lower jaw ‘there exists,” 
continues the same distinguished investigator, “a strong 
assumption that, as in A/ouatta, it was provided with vocal 
organs of unusual size. 
The age of this Howling Lemur, estimated either geologi- 
cally or by years, cannot be of very great antiquity. Its 
remains were found associated with those of the giant Moa- 
like bird, the -Zyornts, of Tortoises and Hippopotami, all 
now extinct, and of Crocodiles still living in the interior lakes 
of the island. Some of these animals were certainly contem- 
3—V. 1 I 
