FELIS SPELAA. 149 
§ 3. Conclusion. —This diversity of opinion as to the actual affinities of Fvlis spelea flows 
from two causes—the imperfection of the fossil remains, and the fact that the variations in 
the form and size of living feline species were not recognised. In the present Monograph 
we have attempted to arrive at the truth by a strict analysis of the evidence afforded by 
the Mendip Caves, which has never been submitted to the judgment of other naturalists. 
In assigning a specific value to differences between Lion and Tiger, we have realised the 
great amount of variation in size and form within the limits of a species, insisted 
upon by our great philosophic naturalist, Mr. Charles Darwin. Our labours have resulted 
in our being unable to admit that any other differences than the following are constant 
in the Lion and Tiger. 
In the Lion the frontal processes (7, Pls. VII—X) of the maxillaries extend as far 
back as a transverse line passing through the naso-frontal suture; their apices are 
pointed. The inner bounding line of the nasal aperture, viewed in front, forms an even 
curve. The frontal ends of the nasal bones are flat. In the frontal bones the inter- 
orbital space is flatter and wider than in the Tiger. The temporal length of the frontais is 
smaller, and consequently the post-orbital process is placed further back, and the 
extension of the sagittal crest on the bone is less in the adult skulls. The comparatively 
shorter space between the posterior palatal foramen (Pl. VIIL, 7) and the orbital edge 
of the palate relative to the basal length of the skull is also to be reckoned characteristic. 
Tn the lower jaw (Pl. I, a) the ramal process is invariably present. 
In the Tiger the frontal processes of the maxillary bones never extend so far back as 
a transverse line passing through the naso-frontal suture ; their apices are truncated ; the 
internal bounding line of the nasal aperture, when viewed in front, presents a double 
curvature. The frontal portions of the nasals are bent downwards, so as to form a median 
depression at their symphysis. The post-orbital processes have a larger frontal develop- 
ment (see page 56), and cause the inter-orbital surface to be more concave and narrower 
than in the Lion. ‘The greater temporal length of the frontals causes the long-waisted 
appearance of the skull, and the greater development of the sagittal crest on the frontals of 
the adult. The posterior palatal foramen is further removed from the orbital edge of the 
palate relatively to the basal length of the skull. The ramal process is invariably absent 
from the lower jaw. ‘These are the only points of difference that we find constant in the 
large series of leonine and tigrine skeletons in Oxford and London. The bones of the 
trunk and the extremities presenting such variations in size and form that we are unable 
to recognise any to be constant. 
What, then, is the position of Felis spelea in relation to these two animals, for the 
form of the lower jaw and of the skull forbid its comparison with the Jaguar?! ‘The 
result of a minute comparison of its skeleton with those of the two former animals leads 
us to the following conclusions :—First, that Felis spelea is more leonine in character 
than the recent Lion, and more divergent from the tigrine form. If the remains of the 
1 See Chapters I—VI. 
