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 PI. 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 PI. 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 PI. 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 PI. XX. fig. 10. I 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 a 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 PI. 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 

 inwai'ds, 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 



' The comparisons I have been fortunate enough to obtain from this suggestive example of a very young Asiatic 



VOL. IX. — PAKT I. November, 1874. p - 



