96 



THE CAMBRIDGE MASTODON. 



Appear- 

 ance. 



Tusks. 



The skeleton, as it now stands, is lessened in its dimensions, but pre- 

 sents one of the most imposing and valuable specimens in existence. Its 

 height, from the anterior dorsal spinous processes to the ground, is eight- 

 feet six inches ; its length, from the anterior part of the muzzle to the 

 first caudal vertebra, ten feet five inches ; and, from this point to the 

 extremity of the tail, four feet four inches. 



The situation of the tusks was carefully examined ; and they have been 

 inserted, in relation to their sockets, with as much exactness as possible. 

 They are both in a state of partial decomposition, and some portions have 

 been displaced apparently ; but I could not make the attempt to restore 

 them, without danger of displacing them irrecoverably. 



The skeleton thus restored was transferred to Cambridge ; and, in the 

 latter part of the autumn of 1850, presented to the President of the Uni- 

 versity, the late Governor Everett, Professors Agassiz and Wyman, and the 

 members of the Scientific School. 



Besides the skeleton in question, there were obtained from the spot 

 where it was exhumed, four very perfect heads, a number of fine teeth, and 

 other bones sufficient to excite the hope that further investigation ' would 

 produce abundant relics to complete another skeleton. 



