114 ME. G. BUSK ON THE ANCIENT OR 



biur, and slightly ascending for about four inches, where it is broken off. So far as can 

 be judged from such a fragment, it resembles that of C. elaphus of the same dimensions. 



15. Jaws and Dentition. 



The number of detached teeth and more or less fragmentary jaws of the large Cervus 

 collected in the Genista Cave and East Fissure was very great ; but it is remarkable 

 that a very small proportion of them belong to the upper jaw. My study of the teeth, 

 therefore, has been mostly directed to those of the mandible. 



As in all large collections of similar remains, specimens from animals varying a good 

 deal in size occur. Instances of this are shown in PI. XXI. figs. 1 & 2. But upon a 

 survey of the entire collection it becomes obvious that no definite distinction, even as to 

 size, can be traced ; whilst in all other respects the close similarity of the jaws and teeth 

 proves that they all belong to one and the same species, the differences being due in all 

 probability solely to age, sex, or individual peculiarity, Although the smaller form is 

 perhaps more abundant in the upper or more recent deposits above the stalagmite floor, 

 and belonging, it may be assumed, to the human period, nevertheless even amongst the 

 specimens from this situation are several of quite as large size as, and otherwise identical 

 with those from the deepest recesses of the Genista fissure. 



The remains indicate animals of all ages, from that at which the third milk-molar is 

 retained, up to extreme old age, when the teeth ai-e worn down to mere stumps. 



In dimensions, proportions, and sculpture the teeth are identical with those of 

 C. elaphus. So far as the dimensions and proportions are concerned, this will be seen 

 at a glance at the odontograms Nos. 24, 25, <& 35 (PI. XXVIL), the first showing the 

 mean size and relative projiortions of the Gibraltar mandibular teeth, the second those of 

 the Deer which occurs so abundantly in the Thames-valley deposits, and the third of a 

 Highland Stag. The close similarity between these diagrams is so obvious as to require 

 no comment. 



In other respects, also, the Gibraltar teeth correspond with those of C. elaphus. 

 It appears therefore to be evident that the larger Gibraltar Cervus is undistinguishable 

 from that which accompanied R. hemitcechus in the valley of the Thames, and which, 

 there is no reason to doubt, is represented at the present day by the Red Deer. 



It may be remarked also that as among the remains referred to C. elaphus in the 

 Genista-Cave collection there are some of rather smaller size than the rest, which 

 Dr. Falconer and myself were inclined to look upon as belonging to C. barbarus, so, in 

 the ancient forms of the Thames, two forms, very distinct in size not only of the bones 

 but of the teeth, are to be distinguished, but otherwise both possessing the characters 

 of C. elaphus. The dental characters of the smaller of these forms is shown in the 

 odontogram No. 36. 



16. Cervus dama. 



One of the most interesting specimens in the Gibraltar collections is represented in 



