MR. W. H. FLOWER ON THE OSTEOLOGY OF THE SPERM-WHALE. 337 
spicuous and important process on the neural arch, corresponding with those which in 
the lumbar region form such a characteristic feature in the Cetacean vertebral column. 
Owen has pointed out, in the description of the skeleton of Delphinus delphis (Cat. 
Osteol. Prep. Mus. Roy. Coll. Surg. vol. ii. p. 450), that these processes belong to the 
metapophyses of his system, as, although near their commencement they bear the 
so-called prozygapophyses, they soon become distinct from them. This is less readily 
demonstrated in the Sperm-Whale. 
Upper transverse processes for the articulation of the tubercles of the ribs (diapo- 
Fig. 5. Fig. 6. 
Eighth dorsal vertebra, epiphysis removed. Ninth dorsal vertebra. 
physes) exist from the first to the teuth vertebra inclusive, arising in all from the side of 
the neurapophysis, at nearly the same height throughout. They gradually decrease in 
Tenth dorsal vertebra. 
length from the first to the tenth (see Pl. LVIII.). The first is compressed from before 
backwards ; the next two subcylindrical; the following four are very short, thick, and 
