THREE EXTINCT SPECIES OF ELEPHANT. 253 
a 
figure of the same species, And this is a coincidence of perhaps some moment when it 
is regarded in relation with the difference already pointed out between the ischial border 
of the obturator foramen in the two small Maltese Elephants—a difference which also 
indicates an approach toward the African type in E. melitensis, and a corresponding 
resemblance to the Indian in E£. falconeri. 
2. Other Vertebre. 
Several fragments of the spines of dorsal vertebra are contained in the collection, of 
which two are represented in Pl. LI. figs. 34 and 36 (the largest and most instrnc- 
tive of which is shown in fig. 34). It consists of the base of the neural spine, and a 
small portion of the arch. On the under surface the two posterior articular facets are 
left quite entire, and on the dorsal aspect a great part of the left anterior articular facet 
also remains. The perfect facet measures about 0-6 x 0!"4. As well as can be judged 
from such an imperfect fragment, the vertebra to which it belonged was probably the 8th 
or 9th, or 10th; and the specimen consequently admits of easy comparison with the 7th 
or 8th dorsal vertebra of EL. melitensis before described, and which is figured in Pl. XLVI. 
The corresponding facets in that vertebra measure 0-7 0”-5; whilst the transverse 
width across from the outer edges of the facets, at the widest part, is, in the one case, 
1-1, and in the other 1-55, proportions corresponding with those of the other bones. 
The other fragments agree in all respects so closely with the one described that there 
can be little doubt of their belonging in all probability to the same individual. 
3. Ribs. 
The only portion of the ribs distinctly recognizable from its dimensions is a fragment 
(nearly three inches in length) of the second right rib (fig. 37). The fragment is a good 
deal worn, and the surface is much eroded, as if by weathering. It is consequently not 
in nearly so advantageous a condition for comparison as the corresponding portion of 
the second left rib of E. melitensis, described in page 241, and figured in Pl. XLV. fig. 8. 
It nevertheless affords several distinctive characters beyond its mere size, which is at 
once obvious. 
1. In the rib of E. melitensis the upperside of the neck is excavated into a large 
and deep fossa; whilst in that of EZ. falconeri it is rounded and without any excavation 
whatever. 2. In £. melitensis the anterior surface of the bone in the expanded portion 
is very concave, and in E. falconeri nearly level*. 3. In E. melitensis a very acute and 
prominent ridge or angle descends for a considerable distance from the anterior part of 
* Jn the Indian Elephant, both in the very young animal and in one nearly full-grown (Chuny), the anterior 
surface of the rib at the part indicated is, if any thing, rather convex, and quite unlike the condition presented 
in Z, melitensis. As in that species, however, the anterior and inner border of the bone in the upper or curved 
part is acutely angular, whilst on the other hand the neck is compressed and evenly rounded on the upper 
aspect, and not thick and hollowed as it is in Z. melitensis. 
2n2 
