1885.] Geology and Paleontology. 67 
GEOLOGY AND PALAONTOLOGY. 
RODENTIA OF THE EUROPEAN TERTIARIES.'—In this important 
monograph of 161 pages M. Schlosser has given us a much 
needed account of a series of Mammalia which has been hitherto 
much neglected. Comparatively little information as to the char- 
acter of many of the European genera has been accessible hith- 
erto, and we therefore welcome this work as filling an important 
hiatus in our literature. The greater number of the extinct 
species of Europe belong to the Hystricomorpha and the Sciur- 
omorpha; and in the former suborder the important family of the 
Theridomyidz is especially characteristic of that continent. To it 
M. Schlosser refers the genera Theridomys Blv. Protechimys g. n., 
Archeomys L. and P., and Trechomys Lart., which M. Schlosser 
remodels. The total number of species belonging to this family 
recognized, is fifteen. An important new genus is added to the 
Hystricomorpha, Nesokerodon Schloss., with two species from 
the French Phosphorites. Considerable attention is given in the 
monograph to the rooting of the molar teeth. The book is well 
illustrated with eight 4to plates. 
A few blemishes appear in the text, such as the printing of the 
synonyms separately and in the same type as the correct names 
of the species. Also there is a good deal of confusion in the 
names and ‘authorities which are quoted from the American 
literature of the subject. 
MARSH ON AMERICAN JuRAssic DINOSAURIA? Part vur.—In 
introducing the description of the principal characters of the skele- 
ton of the carnivorous Dinosauria Professor Marsh remarks that, 
“Although much has been written about these reptiles since 
Buckland described Megalosaurus in 1824, but little has really 
important parts of the skeleton in good preservation, has afforded 
the writer an opportunity to investigate the group.” The best 
preserved remains belong to species of Allosaurus and Cerato- 
saurus. The latter genus proves to be one of the most curious of 
the Dinosauria. Marsh finds that the bones of the pelvis are 
coossified as in birds; and ina subsequent article (2. c\ that the 
metatarsals are coossified also, giving a metapodium a good d 
like that of a penguin. These facts quite close the argument in 
favor of the descent of the birds from the Dinosauria, although 
. ropaischen Tertiars nebst Betrachtungen ü. d. diami 
oe h, Eatvickelung 55 Nager überhaupt; von M. Schlos i : Paleontographica 
July, 1884 princ cipal characters of American Jurassic Dinosaurs, Part VIN, order 
Beers ire On the United Metatarsal bones of Ceratosaurus. Amer. Sot Sct. 
rts, 1884, Pt. 1, 329; Pt. I1, p. 161. | 
