338 Dr. C. W. Andrews — Exjjedition to the Fayum, Egypt. 



supplying the basis upon which selection could bring about a rapid 

 increase in the dimensions of these early proboscideans, and, 

 indirectly, give rise also to the remarkable series of changes 

 (described elsewhere) which culminated in the production of that 

 characteristic structure in this group, viz. the prehensile trunk. 



This year remains of Moeritherium have been found in the Upper 

 Eocene, a fine skull having been collected by Mr. Beadnell and 

 a good set of lower teeth by me. It is probable that the species is 

 distinct from those found in the beds below, in which, it should be 

 noted, no trace of Palceomastodon occurs. 



A considerable series of remains of ArsinoitJierium Zitteli, 

 Beadnell,^ was obtained, one of the most important specimens in 

 the whole collection being a fine skull and mandible, the first, as far 

 as I am aware, that have been found in actual association. Further- 

 more, evidence of the existence of two other species of the genus 

 has been discovered. One of these was a much smaller form, and is 

 represented only by a portion of the upper dentition, but the other 

 was a considerably larger animal. For instance, the dimensions of 

 a fine left ramus of the mandible are in the proportion of about four 

 to three of those of the mandible of A. Zitteli. The teeth in this jaw 

 are excellently preserved, and the premolars present some peculiar 

 features. The maxillary teeth as well as some vertebras and limb- 

 bones of the same individual were also collected. 



The occurrence of a large Hyracoid belonging to a new genus 

 (see description below) is noteworthy. Already two species named 

 Saghatherium antiquum and S. minus have been described,^ and I am 

 acquainted with fragmentary remains of at least two other species, 

 one of which belongs to a third genus. The presence of five 

 Hyraces in these beds indicates that these animals must at that time 

 have been an important factor in the fauna, and that the com- 

 paratively small members of the group now existing are the 

 degenerate descendants of a once important stock. At least, one large 

 species, Plioliyrax grcBCUs, is known to have persisted till the Lower 

 Pliocene, and has been found in beds of that age in Samos and 

 Pikermi. As remarked below, the Egyptian species are already 

 similar to the recent forms both in the structure and arrangement 

 of their teeth, so that we seem as far as ever from finding a clue to 

 their exact relationship to other ungulates. 



The mandibular ramus of a large Creodont is described below and 

 referred to a new species of Pterodon. It is worthy of note that 

 Ancodus and Pterodon seem to be the only two genera of mammals 

 found in these beds (so far as at present known) which also occur in 

 pre-Miocene beds in Europe. Fragmentary remains of at least two 

 smaller species of Creodonts were also found. 



No new Eeptilia were found, and the only specimen of value 

 collected was a fairly complete carapace and plastron of the gigantic 



1 "A Preliminary Note on Arsinoitherium Zitteli,''^ by H. J. L. Beadnell, Survey 

 Department, Cairo, 1902. 



^ "A Preliminary Note on some New Mammals from the Upper Eocene of 

 Egypt," by C. W. Andrews & H. J. L. Beadnell, Cairo, 1902. 



