904 | The Condylarthra. [ September, 
them, much less marked than in Phenacodus, but not so flat as 
in Periptychus. The neck is elongate, and the distal articular 
surface is convex in every direction (Figs. 27, d, 28, ¢). 
The number of toes in Meniscotherium is unknown. Meta- 
podial bones preserved are rather nar- 
row, leading to the supposition that the 
digits are similar to those of Phenacodus 
and Periptychus. The posterior keels of 
the distal extremities of the metapodials 
are distinct. eee 
This genus is an interesting exempli- 
fication of a general truth. That is, that 
at any given geological epoch a few gên- 
eral types predominate, and that to ai 
few must be referred forms whose varie’ 
characters would, on. superficial exami- 
nation, lead to a belief in an equally 
varied representation of higher divisions. 
Thus Meniscotherium exhibits a ene 
tion decidedly Perissodactyle, and to t ‘ 
order I accordingly referred it roe 
BA originally discovered it. But the pie 
dence of abundant material shows > 
be undoubtedly Condylarthrous, wea 
it enters the same order as thew i 
- Thus the only possible Pere 
Fic. 27. — Meniscotherium has been removed from the Puer 
lerrerubre ; limb bo | 
front; fon tee Three species of the genus are aig 
and calcaneum an ot be all from the Lower Wasatch be 
mal xcs efron We. New Mexico. The type, M. elame 
j “xico. Cope is undoubtedly Wasatch. eS 
terrerubre is about the same size. It is about the size of Be 
but with a very different physiognomy. The profile 15 ye 
the muzzle short, and the eyes large. The body is not 50 
der as in Phenacodus or a fox, having the more robii E ot 
tions of a raccoon. The fore and hind legs were a the 
and of equal length, so that the rump was flattened 3 (linea! 
9g. There was a large tail. The species is one-third o 
_ larger than the Ayrax capensis. It was probably a V 
(Figs. 25-26), 
