426 MR. KREFFT ON DIOPLODON SECHELLENSIS. [June 9, 
for the tibial side of the third digit; this latter arises in addition 
from nearly the whole length of the metatarsal bone of the second 
digit. The interosseus for the fibular side of the second digit arises 
from a smal] portion close to the head of its own metatarsal bone, 
left unoccupied by the last muscle; the one for the fibular side of 
the third digit arises from the whole length of the same side of its 
own metatarsal bone; the one for the tibial side of the fourth digit 
arises from the same side of its own and the base of the metatarsal of 
the third digit ; that of the fibular side of this digit arises close to the 
head of its own metatarsal bone on the same side. ‘he interosseus of 
the fibular side of the fifth digit arises from the cuboid; that of the 
tibial side from the extremity of the fourth metatarsal bone and 
from the whole length of its own. These are all attached to the 
sides of the phalanges of their respective digits, uniting together 
over the dorsum, and are inserted into the penultimate phalanx, 
precisely in the way that occurs in the hand. 
7. Notes on the Skeleton of a a rare Whale, probably iden- 
tical with Dioplodon sechellensis. By Gurarp Krerr, 
C.M.Z.8., F.L.8., &e. 
A few days ago I purchased for the Australian Museum the nearly 
perfect skeleton of a small Whale, which I believe is the Dioplodon 
sechellensis, whereof the skull and lower jaw only have been yet known. 
The specimen is not yet cleaned; but I do not wish to delay giving a 
short account of the number and size of its vertebre and ribs. 
The total length of the skeleton, without cartilage, is 14 feet 8 inches ; 
the head measures 2 feet 53 inches in length, and the lower jaw 
2 feet 3 inches in length. The first three cervical vertebre are 
anchylosed ; the next one is more or less free; and the remaining 
three are anchylosed again. The dorsals are ten in number, the 
last bearing a short rib 8 inches in length. Five of these ribs are 
jointed direct to the sternum ; the following two meet the cartilage 
of the fifth rib. 
The sternum is composed of four pieces 20 inches long, with a 
width of between 5 and 7 inches. It is not yet sufficiently cleaned 
to enable me to have it photographed; this, however, will be done 
as soon as possible, and copies forwarded to the Society. The lum- 
bars number twenty, the last nine having V bones attached. The 
fifth lumbar is 173 inches high, 4 inches wide at the top, and 
114 inches at the base, including the side processes. The eleventh 
lumbar is the widest, being 4? inches at the top. 
The caudals probably amounted to 13; but five of these are miss- 
ing ; the base one is very small, about the size of a pea; and as it 
was firmly attached to the second last, there can be no mistake 
about it. 
The head is 2 feet 53 inches long and 14 inches across at the 
widest part; the lower jaw 2 feet 3 inches long and 63 inches high 
