328 



MR. W. H. FLOWER ON THE OSTEOLOGY OV THE SPERM-WHALE. 



The Cervical Vertelrw exhibit in a very marked degree the antero-posterior compres- 

 sion so characteristic of the Cetacean neck. The length of the bodies of the seven 

 vertebrae of this region taken together, when compared with their own width, or with 

 the length of the whole vertebral column, appears to be less than in any other 

 Mammal. 



The atlas is distinct from the other vertebrae ; the remaining six are united by their 

 bodies and spines into one consolidated mass, which, in the case of the Tasmanian 

 specimen, is further united with the body of the first dorsal vertebra. This disposition 

 of the cervical vertebrae (the distinctness of the atlas and union of the posterior six) 

 appears to be the rule in all Cachalots' skeletons, although unknown among other Ceta- 

 ceans. In the most nearly allied forms, Kogia, Hyperoodon, and Micropteron, they are 

 all united into one solid mass, as in Balcena among the true Whales. In Platanista, 



* The vertebrae in this region, as is usually the case in Cetacean skeletons, contain much more oil than at 

 other parts, which partially accounts for their great weight. Elsewhere the vertebra! were free from oU, and 

 dry at the time they were weighed. 



t Processes so much injured that accurate measurements cannot be made. 



