Marvels of the Universe 53 



there is a sharp rim. Altogether the general form and graceful curves of this species are such 

 as to fit it eminentlj^ for the purposes of the decorative artist. As already indicated, in their earlier 

 underground condition there is little to distinguish them from Puff-balls. As a matter of fact, 

 they were all at one time reckoned as Puff-balls, the Earth-stars being distinguished as 

 Starrv Puff-balls : but it will be seen that the outer iackct constitutes a real distinction. 



Pholobyl i /.'. >',/., /■./.. .s 



BRIA.NT'S EARTH-STAR. 



A rarer form, in which the spore-receptacle is seen to be stalked, and to have a distinct nozzle. The specimen in the 

 background has distributed its spores and is no\v drying out of shape. 



THE GIANT REPTILE OF WYOMING 



BY R. I. POCOCK, F.R.S. 



It is a common supposition, true in some cases, but not in all, that animals of past times greatly 

 exceeded their modem representatives in size ; but no one whose acquaintance with reptiles was 

 limited to crocodiles, tortoises, snakes and lizards could dream of the extent to which some reptiles 

 of the Mesozoic period, well termed " the Age of Reptiles," surpassed in bulk the living representatives 

 of the class. These animals were not closely related to any existing species, except the crocodiles, 

 but belonged to a special division — the Dinosauria ; and strange as it may seem, it is none the 

 less true that this group, containing species colossal alike in size and stupidity, is the stock whence 

 birds took their origin. 



One of the most wonderful, if not quite the largest, of these huge dragons was Diplodocus, skele- 

 tons of which have been found in Wyoming in the United States. Even at the shoulder this animal 

 was as high as the largest living elephant, while the height at the hind-quarters was not many 

 inches short of thirteen feet. To support a body over twelve feet long and of huge bulk the limbs 

 were massive and upright, and the broad, five-toed feet were armed with three strong, curved claws, 

 the two outer toes of each foot being bluntly rounded. The neck was long, like that of a swan, 

 but more robust and less flexible, and supported a comparatively small head, measuring not more 

 than about two feet in length. The eyes were set high up, the nostrils were apparently just in front 

 of them, as in most birds, and the jaws were armed in front with slender teeth set close together, 



