OSTEOLOGY OF THE PIGMY WHALE. 95 



than 6J inches. The corresponding measurements of some individuals of Balcenoptera 

 were as follows : — 



Balanoptera rostrata, 15x9. 

 Balanoptera " huttoni" 14|- x 8i '. 

 Bahenoptera musculus, 50 J x 33. 



It is clear therefore, from a comparison between these measurements, that the 

 scapula of NeohaUena marginata is distinctly longer in proportion than it is in 

 Balceiioptera ; a fortiori it is much longer in proportion than is the scapula oi Balcena, 

 which, as is well known, is a high scapula. 



The blade-bone is thin and slightly curved, when viewed from above, in an S-like 

 direction. It is neither definitely concave nor convex on either side. The com- 

 paratively wide flat acromion is about three times the width of the coracoid process. 

 When the scapula is looked at from above, the coracoid is seen to project very strongly 

 inwards, and the acromion, though but slightly, outwards. The effect of the fore- 

 shortening is that the scapula seems to end anteriorly in three prongs. In the Rorquals 

 the same state of affairs is to be noticed ; and, as in Balcena australis the coracoid 

 projects distinctly outwards, we have here another feature in which Neohalcena is more 

 akin to the genus Balcenoptera than it is to Balcena. 



In the larger and more mature specimen the scapula was a little different in form. 

 It has the more regularly fan-shaped outline of that bone in the Rorquals ; but it 

 has not the appearance of so great an antero-posterior elongation as in the smaller 

 Neohalcena. Measurements confirm this appearance. 



The two blade-bones of this individual only diff'er in the fraction of an inch, 20 and 

 f inches was the length as against 11 and f inches vertical diameter, and 13^ oblique. 

 Thus the proportions in this individual are not so un-Rorqual-like. But at the same time 

 it will be noted that while in Balmnoptera the height is to the length as 1 : If, the same 

 proportions in the larger Neohalcena are as 1 : 1| ; thus showing that there is really 

 the same difference here as in the smaller example, though not quite so pronounced. 

 It may well be that the indented upper margin of the scapula of the smaller specimen 

 indicates incompleted ossification ; it appeared rough to the touch, which is so far 

 evidence, as bone embedded in cartilage, which will continue to ossify, ends abruptly 

 in that way. 



The Pectoral Limb. 



As will be seen from an inspection of Plate VII., the fore-limb of Neohalcena is of 

 relatively small size. Its proportionate length compared with the length of the body 

 of the creature is small as compared with that of the Rorquals, and smaller still when 



' I enclose the specific name in inverted commas since tie name on the label attached to the specimen is 

 not certainly correct. I believe it to be B. rostrata. 



VOL. XVI. — PAKT II. No. 2, — August, 1901. p 



