124 DISTINCTION INTO SPECIES. 



MASTODON TAPIROIDES. 



Mastodon A species called Mastodon Tapiroides from a supposed resemblance to 



Tapiroides. 



the Tapir, and more nearly approximating to the Mastodon Giganteus than 

 any other species, having been much noticed by palaeontologists, we must 

 mention in this place. It was based by Cuvier on a single tooth discovered 

 near Orleans ; other similar teeth have since been found in various places. 

 Their peculiarities consist principally in the formation of the cusps of 

 the mammillEe, which, in a degree, resemble those of Mastodon Giganteus, 

 but are less notched or crenated. This seems to be a very imperfect 

 foundation for the support of a new species ; and Professor De Blainville 

 scarcely mentions it as such. Dr. Harlan at one time believed the Tapi- 

 roides to exist in North America ; but he was probably deceived by some 

 little variety in the form of a tooth of Mastodon Giganteus, and ultimately 

 abandoned his opinion. The Tapiroid species is said to form a link in the 

 chain connecting the Dinotherium and Mastodon Giganteus. 



SOUTH AMERICAN MASTODONS. 



south Having already described the species of Mastodon we are most per- 



American 



Mastodons, fectly acquaiitted with, that of North America, we shall next say something 

 of the South American, as most naturally following the former. Two species 

 have (I speak with diffidence) been established, viz. the Mastodon Andium 

 and Mastodon Humboldtius ; between which, however, no distinction is 

 made by M. Alcide D'Orbigny. 



MASTODON ANDIUM. 

 In the British Museum, in July, 1851, I saw a very perfect head and 



