©RANG OUTANG- 



15 



The pelvis approaches much nearer to that part 

 in the baboon than in the human skeleton. The 

 ossa ilia, instead of forming a cavity by the incur- 

 vation of their upper portion, are flat anteriorly, and 

 extend considerably above the sacrum, reaching to 

 within a short distance of the lowest ribs. The 

 upper part of the ilia in our specimen, was sur- 

 rounded by a cartilaginous rim, 0.2 inch in dia- 

 meter. The brim of the pelvis is much longer from 

 the pubis to the top of the sacrum, than from side 

 to side. The ossa pubis, with the ischia, are of a 

 more square form than in man ; the former is deep- 

 er at the symphysis ; and the foramen thyroideum 

 has its smallest angle pointing upward. The low- 

 er aperture of the pelvis is extremely different from 

 the form in the human body. It is a very large and 

 patulous opening, as bounded by the crura of the 

 pubis, and the tendons stretched between the coccyx 

 and the tuberosities of the ischia. The sacrum and 

 coccyx, are placed so high above the tuberosities of 

 the ischia, that they can scarcely be said to form 

 any part of the boundary of the bottom of the pel 

 vis. This peculiar form of the basin, militates a- 

 gainst the erect posture being considered as the na= 

 tural one of this animal ; for it would thus be more 

 liable to abortion in the gravid state. The sacrum 

 is narrow, like that of the baboon ; and like it con- 

 sists of five vertebras, which probably are united in- 

 to one in the adult animal. The coccyx consists 

 oi three pieces ; but two were cartilaginous. Ik 



