NO. 2086. 



SOME MAMMALS OF THE PLEISTOCENE— HAY. 



549 



length. The bases of the second and fourth metatarsals of both sides 

 are present, but as their distal ends are missing nothing can be 

 determined regarding their length. The greatest diameter at the 

 base of the second is 15 mm. The greatest diameter of the fourth 

 somewhat below the articular surface is 22 mm. The correspond- 

 ing diameter in the same bones of Equus hemionus are, respectively, 

 14 mm. and 20 mm. The first and second phalanges of the third 

 digit present the following measurements and indices : 



Measurements of phalanges of hinder foot in millimeters, with indices. 



Arabian. 



Length of first phalange along the outer border. . . 



Width across upper end, greatest 



Side to side diameter at middle of length 



Width across distal articular surface 



Length of second phalange along the outer border 



Width across upper end 



Width across lower articular surfaces 



It will be observed that the first phalange has almost exactly the 

 same length as that of E. hemionus, but in all of its diameters it is 

 smaller. On the other hand, the second phalange is considerably 

 shorter but relatively broader. None of the hoof phalanges of 

 E. francisci has been preserved. 



On making a comparison between the lengths of the radius, the 

 third metatarsal and the hinder first phalange of E. francisci with 

 the lengths of the corresponding bones of the Davenport Arabian 

 horse, already mentioned as having had a height of 14.2 hands, the 

 conclusion is reached that the former had a height at the shoulders 

 of about 11.4 hands, 45.6 inches, 1,159 mm. Accepting this result 

 and making a computation as to the relative sizes of the head in the 

 two species, it will be found that that of E. francisci ought to have a 

 basilar length of 395 mm. ; this length is, in fact, 414 mm. 



3. MEASUREMENTS AND INDICES OF SKULLS OF VARIOUS EQUIDS. 



It is not the intention of the writer to enter upon any exhaustive 

 discussion of the horses of the Pleistocene of Europe. It would 

 require much time to study the abundant literature on this subject; 

 likewise, the opportunity would be needed to examine at first hand 

 the materials which have accumulated in European museums. Never- 

 theless, it must be granted that the American species of Equus are 

 closely related to those of the Old World, and that in the study of the 

 former the latter must not be neglected. Researches in Europe have 

 demonstrated that in that country wild horses, resembling closely 

 some of the domestic breeds, have existed from the time of the late 

 Pliocene down to historical times. How these were related to the 



