46 ZOOLOGY. 
Z00LO0GY. 
Carsonrrerous REPTILES or Onto.—Prof. Cope made some 
observations before the Philosophical Society at Philadelphia on — 
the extinct Batrachian Fauna of the Carboniferous of Linton, — 
Ohio, based on studies of materials obtained by Prof. S. J. New- 
berry, director of the Geological Survey of Ohio. Twenty-seven 
species had been discovered up to the present time, twenty-three 
of which were referred to the following genera. Pelion Wyman, 
1; Sauropleura Cope, 3; Tuditanus Cope, 4; Brachydectes Cope, — 
1; Oestocephalus Cope, 6; Cocytinus Cope; Molgophis Cope, l; 
Phlegethontia Cope, 2; Colosteus Cope, 3; Eurythorax Cope, L. 
Tuditanus, Cocytinus and Phlegethontia were described as new 
genera. The first represented Dendrerpeton Owen, but possessed 
thoracic shields. Plegethontia embraced slender snake-like forms 
without armature, ribs or limbs, and was allied to Molgophis. 
Cocytinus was defined as a branchiferous animal somewhat resem- 
bling Necturus, but without fore limbs and well ossified vertebra. 
weak posterior limbs only present, head lanceolate ; ventral arm — 
ture consisting of closely packed osseous rods arranged en chevron; — 
spines of the vertebra ‘an-shaped. Three new species were des- 
cribed, one of which was the smallest of fossil Batrachia, being | 
scarcely four inches long and represented by beautiful specimens: — 
Two new species of Sauropleura, three of Tuditanus, one % — 
Coc ytinus, two of Phlegethontia and one of Colosteus (C. pauc- 
radiatus) were added to the system. Eurythorax sublevis Cope — 
was a large form of four feet in length with the pectoral shield i 
very broad and nearly smooth. 
Pelion and Tuditanus were pointed out as the proad-headed 2 
types. It was stated in conclusion that no reptiles proper ha’ — 
been yet discovered in the coa' measures and that Sauropleurā : 
looked much like a Lacertilian with its long limbs, neck, etc.. J ar . 
it had the armature of the belly and other structures of the Be 
trachia. This class has then forms resembling the serpents (Moligo — : 
phis), lizards (Sauropleura) and crocodiles (Labyrinthodon) among : | 
true reptiles. | 
Nore on tHe Prarie Dog.—The graphic account of the habits 
of Cynomys ludovicianus given by Prof. Jillson in the Naturavis? — 
for March, 1871, refers to the small amount of water used by as 4 
