Cervical VertebrcB of the Ichthyosaurus. 193 



severe and logical demonstrations, that fill these volumes vt^ith proofs of wise 

 design in the constant relation of the parts of animals to one another, and to 

 the general functions of the whole body. Nothing can surpass the perfection 

 of his reasoning in pointing out the beautiful contrivances, which are provided 

 in almost endless variety, to fit every living creature to its own peculiar state 

 and mode of life." If I have succeeded in adding one instance to those 

 amassed by the illustrious Cuvier of " conformity of design," I trust the im- 

 perfections of the foregoing memoir may be pardoned. 



Since this paper was written, I have received from Mr. Hawkins (whose 

 splendid collection of Lias Saurians far exceeds any I believe in the world) 

 the atlas and axis of an Ichthyosaurus tenuirostris found near Street. (Plate 

 XIV. fig. 12.) The bones are firmly anchylosed together. The articulating 

 facet on the front of the atlas is large. The second subvertebral bone is 

 in situ, and is much smaller in proportion to the first than those I have before 

 seen. The third subvertebral bone is entirely wanting. This interesting- 

 specimen confirms the statement I have before ventured, that modifications 

 in the forms and proportions of the cervical apparatus, would probably be 

 found in animals of different species and age. 



vol.. v. SECOND SERIES. 



