FOSSIL MAMMALIA. 95 



The generic characters of the lophiodons are as follow : — 

 Six incisors and two canines in each jaw ; seven molars in 

 each side in the upper jaw, and six in the lower, with an empty 

 space between the canine and the first molar, points in which 

 they resemble the tapirs. 



A third hillock to the last lower molar. This is wanting in 

 the tapirs. 



The anterior lower molars are not provided with transverse 

 hillocks, as in the tapirs, but exhibit either a longitudinal series 

 of tubercles^ or one isolated conical tubercle. 



The upper molars have their transverse hillocks more oblique, 

 and in this respect resemble those of the rhinoceros, from which, 

 however, they differ in the absence of crotchets on these same 

 hillocks. 



The rest of the osteology of the lophiodon, as far as it is 

 known, exhibits close relations with the tapirs, the rhinoceros, 

 and sometimes with the hippopotamus. But it must be re- 

 marked, that many essential points of this osteology are yet 

 unknown, particularly the number of toes on each foot, and 

 the form of the nasal bones. 



There are twelve species of the lophiodon pretty well deter- 

 mined : three found at Issel, the largest of which was again 

 found at Argenton ; three other species at Argenton, altogether 

 distinct from the former ; two species at Buchsweiler ; one of 

 Montpellier ; two of Montabusard near Orleans, the largest 

 of which was of gigantic size, being calculated by the Baron 

 to have been nine feet (French) in length ; and one in the 

 Laonnois. Besides which there was a humerus found in the 

 last-mentioned place, and a pelvis in the Vale of Arno, which 

 M. Cuvier as yet regards as doubtful. 



The most important point relative to these animals is con- 

 nected with the theory of the earth. Their debris, wherever 

 it has been possible to authenticate their localities, are enve- 

 loped in rocks or earths, exclusively filled with shells of the 

 fresh water, and which, consequently, have been deposited in 



