Hector.—On the Fossil Reptilia of New Zealand. 337 
Not having examined the Amuri district, where the best sections of the 
formation containing Reptilian remains are exposed, I will not, at present, 
discuss their stratigraphical position, but refer to the reports of Dr. Haast and 
Captain Hutton, already quoted. That they belong to the upper part of the 
mesozoic period, representing the horizon of the cretaceous period of Europe, is 
rendered pretty certain by the associated fossils, which belong to the following 
genera :— 
Ammonites, Scaphites, Nautilus, Belemnites (three species). 
Turbo, Neptunea, Aporrhais, Conchothyra, Scalaria, Natica, Pleurotoma, 
Dentalium. 
Terebratula. 
Panopea, Cytherea, Lucina, Eriphylla, Protocardium, Crassatella, Astarte, 
Crenella, Myacites ? Trigonia (three species), Cucullea, Axinwa, Leda, 
Pecten, Radula, Plagiostoma, Inoceramus (four species), Mytilus, 
Chama, Gryphea, Ostrea, Aucella. 
Teredo, Pentacrinus, Corallines, Foraminifera, fish teeth and scales, 
With the view of assisting collectors in determining the portions of 
Reptilian remains which are most likely to be found, I offer the following 
artificial diognoses of the genera in which they have been provisionally placed :— 
SAUROPTERYGIA. 
Vertebree with both ends flat, or concave. 
Teeth curved, with striated, sharp-pointed crowns ; are found in the rock 
matrix free from the jaws. 
A—PLESIOSAURUS. 
Centrum of dorsal vertebra short as compared with its width, which is 
greater than its height ; flat, or only slightly concave at both ends. Humerus 
prismatic, with a round proximal surface ; distal end expanded and flat. 
B— PoLvcoTYLus. 
Centrum of dorsal vertebra nearly equal in length to its diameter, 
constricted, articular surfaces circular, concave, with an elongated tubercle in the 
centre of the depression. Humerus slender and long in proportion to the size 
of the vertebra, with two articular facets on the proximal end. 
C—MAVUISAURUS. 
Centrum of dorsal vertebre equal in length to the diameter, with smooth, 
concave sides, and an inferior mesial ridge; articular facets circular, flat, with 
a deep pit in the centre. Humerus with a large tuberosity. 
D—IcHTHYOSAURUS. 
Vertebree consist of deeply biconcave disks. 
A2 
