Etheridge—New Reptiles in the Coal. 



, — On the Discovery op several New Labykinthodont Eeptiles 



IN THE CoAL-MeASURES OF IRELAND. 



Communicated by Eobert Etheridge, F.R.S.E., F.G.S., Palaeontologist to the 

 Geological Survey of Great Britain. 



EEGRET that this short but important communication was too 

 late for insertion in the December number of the Geological 

 Magazine, as it was intended to announce the discovery of no less 

 than four, if not five, new Genera of Amphibian Labyrinthodont Eeptiles 

 from the true Coal-beds of Jarrow Colliery, Kilkenny, Ireland. 



In the latter part of November, 1865, Professor Huxley visited' 

 Ireland for the purpose of examining some collections, chiefly formed 

 by the labours of Mr. Brownrig and Dr. E. P. Wright, which were 

 brought together for his inspection. It has resulted hi the discovery 

 and determination of the existence of five new and remarkable forms 

 of Eeptilia, truly Amphibian and Labyrinthodont, all of which are 

 from the workable Coal-seam of the above-mentioned Colliery 

 (Jarrow). To this rich harvest of Eeptilian Vertebrata of the Car- 

 boniferous epoch, must also be added a new genus of fish (probably 

 Ganoid) possessing an unossified notochord, and strong, bony, much 

 recurved ribs. This new form Prof. Huxley has termed " Gampy- 

 lopleuron.'' It will shortly be described and figured with the 

 Eeptilia. 



It is, however, to the new Amphibian Eeptilia that he is anxious 

 to draw the attention of Palseontologists as being perhaps one of the 

 most important discoveries and additions made to Palseontological 

 research during the past ten years. Three, out of the five forms, of 

 these Amphibians are undoubtedly new to science, and, in all pro- 

 bability the remaining two also. 



The first, and most remarkable genus. Prof. Huxley has named 

 '• Ophiderpeton," having reference to its elongated, snake-like form, 

 rudimentary limbs, peculiar head, and compressed tail. In outward 

 form Opliiderpeton somewhat resembles Siren lacertina, and Ampliiuma, 

 but the ventral surface appears covered with an armature of minute 

 spindle-shaped plates, obliquely adjusted together, as in Arch<s- 

 gosaurus and PhoUdogaster. 



The second new form, which he names Lepterpeton, possesses an 

 eel-like body, with slender and pointed head, and singularly con- 

 structed hour-glass shaped centra, as in Thecodontosaurus. 



The third genus which Professor Huxley names IcJithyerpeton, 

 has also ventral armour composed of delicate, rod-like ossicles ; the 

 hind-limbs have three short toes, and the tail was covered with 

 small quadrate scutes, or, apparently horny scales. 



The fourth new Amphibian Labyrinthodont, he appropriately 

 names Keraterpeton, a singular salamandroid looking form, but 

 minute as compared with the other associated genera. Its highly 

 ossified vertebral column, prolonged epiotic bones, and armour of 



