1880. ] On the Extinct Cats of America. 851 
species described, or as in the large recent Uncig, but the points 
of origin of the muscle indicate that it was relatively stronger 
than in the domestic cat and the lynxes. Its single premolar is 
very small, so that the dentition for practical use is reduced, in 
the upper jaw, to the canine and sectorial. Both have been most 
effective instruments in the performance of their respective func- ’ 
_tions. The sectorial has a distinct anterior basal lobe. The 
Space for the accommodation of the brain is relatively more 
ample than in any other feline of the formation, and the inner 
wall indicates that the convolutions of the hemispheres were well 
developed. This species, if the cranium were of usual propor- 
tions, was about the size of the red lynx (Lynx rufus). 
The unique specimen of this species was found by Mr. J. L. 
Wortman in the bad-lands of Camp creek, one of the head tribu- 
taries of the Crooked river, in Central Oregon. 
Hoplophoneus strigidens Cope. 
Represented only by a part of a canine tooth. This tooth be- 
longed to an animal of about the size of the Æ. cerebralis, an 
perhaps to that species. If so, it indicates for it a longer canine 
than usual, as its extremely compressed form points to a position 
at a considerable distance beyond the base of the crown. The 
probabilities are against reference to the D. cerebralis. 
The tooth is the most elegant in form and perfect in its details 
yet found. As a cutting instrument it is superior to anything of 
human manufacture which I have seen. 
Found by C. H. Sternberg on the John Day river, Oregon, 
in the Truckee beds. - 
FELID. 
As defined in the preceding pages, the family of the true cats 
is of comparatively modern origin, We know that they existed 
during the Pliocene epoch, and it is very probable that they have 
been found in the Upper, and perhaps in Europe, in the Middle 
Miocene. If Pseudelurus and Proelurus pertain to it, the family 
dates from the Upper Eocene (Phosphorites). 
Like the Nimravide, the Felid@ has its sabre-tooth division, 
With the long superior canine, reduced inferior canine, and flared 
lower jaw already described. In both divisions,species are known 
which exceed in size any of those of the older family which have 
yet come to light. Such animals constitute the most formidable 
_ type of Carnivorous Mammalia. 
