494 C Proc - B.N.F.C., 



whalebone whales were land animals with a hairy covering for 

 the skin. The nippers of whales are modified fore limbs of 

 mammals, with adaptations and modifications to suit aquatic 

 life. In the number of bones in flipper the whale closely 

 resembles the extinct ichthyosaurus. This is not a conclusive 

 proof that both have sprung from a common stock, though it 

 may be fairly assumed that both represent a modification of 

 different types as an adaptation to the same mode of life. The 

 hind limbs are not to be detected on the surface of the body, 

 but embedded in the trunk are certain bones, rudimentary hip, 

 thigh, and in some cases leg bones, but of very small size. The 

 significance of their presence supports the theory that the 

 cetacea were originally four-limbed animals. Many facts about 

 the teeth of whales were then stated. In dealing with the tail 

 as an organ of locomotion, the lecturer said there are no data 

 to decide the relative efficiency of a whale's tail as compared 

 with a modern screw propeller, but there is at least one point 

 in which the tail has an advantage — its internal structure is 

 specially adapted to its function, its fibres run in the direction 

 to give the maximum of strength with the minimum of material. 

 The lecturer discussed the various theories as to the origin of 

 whales. He favoured the view that the toothed whales were a 

 more ancient group and differed more from ordinary mammals 

 than the whalebone whales. The attempts to prove that the 

 whales have descended from the carnivora or the ruminants had 

 not been very successful. On the whole, the facts at present 

 known favoured the hypothesis that both groups of whales 

 departed at a very remote period from the primitive 

 mammalian stock, the evidence at present available being too 

 incomplete to justify any dogmatic assertions. In conclusion, 

 the Professor expressed his indebtedness to Miss Patterson, a 

 member of the Club, for assistance given in the preparation 

 of the numerous illustrations. The lecture gave rise to a very 

 interesting discussion, in which the Chairman and several of 

 the members joined. 



