THE MALTESE FOSSIL ELEPHANTS. 105 
skeletons possess this bone, and from a comparison of the distal articulations of various 
fifth metacarpals and fifth metatarsals of the Asiatic, I am inclined towards the belief 
that there are considerable differences in its outline in individuals. I think, however, 
as far as the distal articulations of the bones just described extend, that they show 
relatively more extensive surfaces than in the recent, just as I have observed in the first 
phalanges of the first and second toes, thus perhaps adding to the pliability of the foot 
and to the activity of the animal! The proximal facet of Pl. XX. fig. 10 is almost 
circular; and, only that it is of the opposite side, it fits exactly to the opposing surface 
of the fifth metacarpal Pl. XIX. fig. 11, being 1-6 inch broad by 1-4 in height. The 
distal articulation has unfortunately been recently injured, and only a small portion 
of its very convex facet is preserved, for which a proportionate concave surface would 
be required. This might be supplied by Pl. XIX. fig. 14, which, if not the terminal 
phalanx of the outer, must be that of an inner toe; and as regards the latter, it is 
scarcely applicable, inasmuch as the forms of the opposing surfaces are concave in one, 
and, although convex in the large form, there is no provision for the projecting lower 
border a, fig. 14, which is accommodated on the lower aspect of the distal articular 
surface of Pl. XX. fig. 10. JI am therefore inclined to consider this bone a second or 
ungual phalanx of the fifth fore toe of the large form. Its plantar length is 1-4 inch 
from @ to the point, but only 0°8 on the dorsal line. The proximal facet is oblique to 
follow the internal curve of the tips of the fifth toe. There is a scar on the under 
surface at the tip. The specimen is referred to at p. 91. 
B Type.—The next proximal phalanx of the fifth digit I shall describe differs much 
from that of Pl. XX. fig. 10. Its outline is shown in woodcut fig. 9, no. 4 (p. 103), so 
as to contrast with the others and display its affinities to the Asiatic. Here we have a 
decided leaning towards the latter ; and if the characters shown are borne out by a series 
of equivalent bones of the two recent, there can be no question in regard to the Asiatic 
alliance. The one under consideration is slender and concave on its internal border 
and subconvex externally, with a slight saddle-backed distal articulation and projection 
inwards of the internal angle. The proximal facet is oval, with the large end directed 
inwards, and is slightly concave, more especially towards its inner surface. The length 
of the phalanx is 1°6 inch, breadth at middle of shaft 1:3, proximal facet 1-4 by 1:5 in 
depth. There is the same inconspicuous facet for the ungual phalanx as in the 
Asiatic. 
C Type.—In support of the very diminutive elephantine bones before referred to, 
there is the remarkably small phalanx Pl. XX. fig. 14. I am doubtful, however, 
whether to consider it as belonging to the second or fifth toe; but no matter to which; 
it takes its place with the smallest bones. 
In the youngest skeleton of the recent species I have had an opportunity of in- 
specting (I refer to that in the Oxford-University Museum’), the first phalanx of the 
1 The comparisons I have been fortunate enough to obtain from this suggestive example of a very young Asiatic 
VOL. Ix.—PaRTI. November, 1874. P > 
