THREE EXTINCT SPECIES OF ELEPHANT. 253 



figure of the same species. And this is a coincidence of perhajjs 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 tlie African type in E. melitensis, and a corresponding 

 resemblance to the Indian in E. falconeri. 



2. Other Vertebrae. 



Several fragments of the spines of dorsal vertebrae are contained in the collection, of 

 which two are i-epresented in PI. LI. figs. .34 and 36 (the largest and most instruc- 

 tive of which is shown in fig. 84). 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 oiE. melitensis before described, and which is figured in PI. XLVI. 

 The corresponding facets in that vertebra measure 0"'7x0"-5; whilst the transverse 

 width across from the outer edges of the facets, at the widest part, is, in the one case, 

 l"'l, 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. Ells. 



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 ^. melitensis, described in page 241, and figured in PI. 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 E. falconeri it is rounded and without any excavation 

 whatever. 2. In E. melitensis the anterior surface of the bone in the expanded portion 

 is very concave, and ui 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 



* In the Indian Elephant, both in the very young animal and in one nearly fuU-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 E. melitensis. As in that species, however, the anterior and inner border of the bone in the upper or cuiTcd 

 part is acutely angular, whilst on the other hand the neck is compressed and evenly rounded on the upper 

 Eispect, and not thick and hollowed as it is in .£. melitensis. 



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