288 DE. C. W. AXDEEWS OX A XEW PLESIOSAUR [vol. Ixxvili, 



saurus hrancai Wegner, from the Wealden of Germany,^ the para- 

 sphenoid seems to have been very similar to that of our specimen ; 

 but, on the other hand, the orbits are much larger in proportion 

 to the temporal fossa and much longer than high. Flesiosaurus 

 cajyensis Andrews ^ is also A^eiy similar to the specimen now 

 described in the form of its parasphenoid ; but here also differences 

 are noticeable. Thus in P. ca.jjensis the orbits are larger, the 

 pterygoids narrower where they form the outer side of the posterior 

 interpterj^goid vacuities, and there is an anterior interjDterj^goid 

 A^acuity ; this last character may, however, be a consequence of the 

 crushing to which the skull has been subjected. On the whole, 

 the skull seems to resemble that of P. ccqjensis most nearly, and 

 probably like it had a short snout somewhat widened in the pre- 

 maxillary region. It will be shown below (p. 291) that the likeness 

 to P. cajyensis extends to the cervical vertebras. 



The vertebral column is represented by (1) ten cervical 

 centra from the anterior part of the neck, eight being developed 

 out of the matrix; (2) nine or ten posterior cervicals (the anterior 

 five being represented by the arches only) ; three or four transitional 

 (thoracic) vertebrae (both arches and centra preserved), then six 

 dorsals, the posterior three represented by the arches only : all 

 these form a united series ; (3) about six dorsal centra free from 

 the matrix ; and (4) two or three caudal centra. Some neural 

 arches still remain in the block of matrix. 



The anterior cervical centra (PI. XIV, figs. 3 & 4) are very 

 imperfect, and much deformed by cracks filled with calcite. The 

 smallest one must have come from immediately behind the axis : 

 it is too imperfect to supply complete measurements, but its length 

 in the mid- ventral line is about 19 mm., and its width is consider- 

 ably greater than its height. From this and two or three rather 

 larger specimens of cervical centra it can be seen that the articular 

 face was formed b}'' a broad, somewhat convex, outer rim within 

 which is a well-defined deep central concavity. At the bottom of 

 this concavity in some cases, a pit marking the position of the 

 notochord can be seen. The third of the cervical centra (PI. XIY, 

 fig. 3) in point of size measures 2*2 cm. in length, 2*5 cm. 

 in width, and 2*5 cm. in height. Another from rather farther 

 back in the neck is better preserved, and shows very well the deep 

 concavity of the central portion of the articular sm'face surrounded 

 by a broad convex border. The central depression on the anterior 

 face seems to be more strongly defined than that of the posterior 

 face. The dimensions of this centrum are: — length = 25mm.. ; 

 width=38mm. ; height = 30 mm. ; one of the cervical ribs is 

 present, its base occupying nearly the wdiole length of the centrum. 

 The last of the free centra (PL XIV, fig. 4) also has one rib (r.) 

 attached; its dimensions are : — length in mid- ventral line = about 



^ Branca-Festschrift. Leipzig. 1914, p. 235. 

 2 Ann. S. Afr. Mns. vol. vii (1911) p. 309. 



