ANATOMY OF THE CALIFOENIAN SEA-LION. 231 



inferior ends of the bifurcated os is slightly filled up by the coating of mucous mem- 

 brane, the urethra opening just behind the lower end of the os, on the inferior aspect of 

 the glans. About an inch from the apex of the penis the mucous membrane is deve- 

 loped into a sort of reflected corona of loose skin ; if this is expanded it forms on each 

 side a sort of triangular flap, attached dorsally and ventrally to the median lines of the 

 penis (vide fig. 3 a, PI. L.). This description differs in several particulars from that 

 given by Dr. Murie ; but his specimen had sustained a fracture of the penis, and 

 consequent damage to the glans, so that the discrepancies of the two may be due to 

 accidental causes. 



Until examples of other species and more specimens of these animals have been 

 dissected, it will be impossible to say how much taxonomic importance ought to be 

 attached to certain differences between Otariajubata and 0. gillespii, indicated in the 

 present communication ; but at present the anatomical evidence seems to be in favour 

 of retaining the two forms under a common generic title, as is here done. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATES. 



PLATE XLVIII. 

 Fig. 1. s Otaria gillespii, from the specimen lately in the Southport Aquarium 



(coat dry). 

 Fig. 2. S Otaria gillespii, from the specimen formerly living in the Brighton Aquarium 



(coat wet). 



PLATE XLIX. 

 Head of i Otaria gillespii : \ natural size. 



PLATE L. 



Fig. 1. Pectoral fin of 0. gillespii: \ natural size. 

 Fig. 2. Pelvic fin of 0. gillespii : \ natural size. 

 Fig. 3. Glans penis of 0. gillespii : about natural size. 

 Fig. 3 a. The same, viewed from the front. 



