BERYCOPSLS. 7 



destroyed in the original of fig. o, but is sliowii in otlier specimens, c (/., the 

 original of fig. 2. Its exposed portion is longer than broad, and gradually widens 

 in front, Avliere its anterior margin is deeply excavated by a re-entering angle. Its 

 vertical extent is also considerable, as shown hj an imperfect small specimen, 

 B. M., no. P. 6049. The basioccipital region, as exposed in one specimen (B. M., 

 no. P. 5G83), is much laterally compressed, and there is a basicranial canal. The 

 prefrontal or ectethmoid element (fig. 2, j)]-/.) is seen to be large and deepened. 

 There are sometimes remains of an ossified sclerotic. 



The mandil)ular suspensorium is nearly vertical, only slightly inclined forwards ; 

 and the mandibular articulation is below the hinder niaroin of the orbit. The 



Fig. 2. Berycopsis elegans, Dixon ; restoration, about one half nat. size. — English Chalk. The 

 pelvic fins and the greater part of the anal and caudal fins are based on probabilities. The extent 

 of the sqnamation over the rays of the dorsal and anal fins is indicated by a dotted line. 



hyoinandil)ular (fig. 2, hut.) is a long and narrow lamina, strengthened on the 

 upper part of its outer face by three radiating ridges, one ending in the point of 

 suspension (.s.) for the operculum, the other two diverging respectively to the 

 postero-superior and aiitero -superior angle of the bone. Its truncated lower end 

 meets the symplectic and the hinder half of the upper margin of the quadrate. 

 The latter element (qu.) is deeply notched for the reception of a rather large 

 symplectic, and has the usual thickened articular prominence for the mandible 

 below. The large and delicate laminar metapterygoid {mpf.) adjoins the anterior 

 margin of the hyomandibular and the anterior half of the upper margin of the 



