1896.] Geology and Paleontology. 4*5 



clnlophu* is less oblique than in Pnlnplnth* rimn and is more as in Meso- 

 hipjiifs. In the lower molars of Aiieltii<>j,hu* the metaconid is not re- 

 duplicated, and the crescents are in form more like Palaeothrium. 



From the fact that Kowalevsky, in studying the podial elements of 

 Aiichilop/tux, concluded that this genus could not be in the true Equine 

 series, adds mnch weight to the view of its non-persistence. Again, we 

 have seen that the molars of Anr/il/nphi'.*. are wanting in a number of 

 important elements which are present in all later genera leading to 

 Equus. The above evidence points to tbe fact that Anchilophns must 

 be considered as another aberrant form not leading to permanent re- 

 sults. — Charles Earlk. 



Reclamation of Deserts.— The shifting of the sand dunes in 

 the Sahara desert frequi on of fertile oases. To 



prevent the encroachment of the dunes upon the arable land has long 

 been a problem with the French. Commandant Godron has inaugu- 

 rated a system of tree planting in the neighborhood of Aiu-Sef-ra, 

 Ouargla and El-Golea from which excellent results have been ob- 

 tained. Following out the theory that tree plantations would prevent 

 the dunes being at the mercy of the wind, and finally make them sta- 

 tionary. M. Godron planted a neighboring dune with seedlings of 

 various species of trees and shrubs. To prevent the sand from shifting 



alfa straw was spread over the ground. This was found to effectually 

 shield the sand from the action of the wind. 



In making a plantation, Mr. Godron combines seeding, cuttings and 

 plants already rooted. The species best adapted for growing on the 

 dunes have proved to be the Barbary fig, peach, aspen, Italian poplar, 

 weeping willow. driun, grape-vine, Spanish broom, acacia and roses. 



To supply the demand for cuttings and rooted plants for this new 

 desert industry, M. Godron has established local nurseries at Aiu-Sefra 

 and at El-Golea. The water supply for maintaining the growth of 

 vegetation is from artesian wells. The J 



