394 Mr. Pentland's Description of some Fossil Remains from Bengal. 



must have been one-third smaller than the lesser species discovered in the ter- 

 tiary formations of central France, and of Cadibona near Genoa. We may 

 therefore conclude that it forms a new species, to be added to the two already 

 known, of the genus Anthracotherium ; and I propose therefore to establish 

 it as such under the name of Anthracotherium Silistrense, a specific denomi- 

 nation derived from one of the many names by which the great Brahm-putra 

 river appears to have been designated by ancient geographers. 



Mr. Colebrooke having already pointed out the analogies which exist 

 between the deposits of Caribari and those of this island, it becomes un- 

 necessary for me to enter into any detail respecting the other animal remains 

 imbedded in them. I shall merely observe, that they present us with the same 

 association of organized remains which accompanies the tertiary strata of Eu- 

 rope, in which extinct genera of the Pachydermata have been discovered ; and 

 that the marine shells found along with them are identical in genera, if not in 

 species, with those which characterize the most modern antediluvian forma- 

 tions, — those described by MM. Cuvier and Brongniart under the title of 

 upper marine formation in the Paris basin, and to which are to be referred 

 the extensive marine deposits encircling the shores of the Mediterranean, which 

 cover the less elevated countries of central Europe, and which appear to ex- 

 tend, as far as the Lake of Aral, into the interior of the continent of Asia. 



The tertiary deposits of Caribari appear to form a band at the base of the 

 Thibetian mountains, since we find them extending to Silhet, where they 

 contain nummulites similar to those imbedded in the modern limestone of the 

 pyramids ; and of frequent occurrence in the tertiary calcareous rocks of 

 northern Italy. How far the same formation may be prolonged in a southerly 

 direction along the peninsulas of Malacca and of Hindoostan, it is impossible 

 to say, although we possess proofs of its existence at Madras, where it contains 

 the same species of shells as on the Brahm-putra; and at Pondicherry, where 

 it envelops the great masses of silicified wood found near that city. 



I may hereafter take an opportunity of presenting to the Society some 

 further observations on this interesting subject. In the mean time I trust that 

 you will receive this communication (which my occupations at this moment 

 have prevented me rendering more detailed) with your usual indulgence ; 

 and not without some interest as connected with the recent discovery of 

 gigantic remains of animals of the same order in another part of India. 



Believe me, my dear Sir, 



With great truth, yours very faithfully, 



J. B. Pentland. 

 W. H. FiTTON, Esq. M.D. P.G.S. &c. &c. 



