146 
EXTINCT MONSTERS. 
After examining the bluffs for half a day without result, a few 
bone fragments were found in a wash above their base. Others 
led the way to a ledge forty or fifty feet from both summit 
and foot, where, stretched along in the yellow chalk, lay the 
projecting portions of the whole monster. A considerable 
number of vertebrae were found preserved by the protective 
embrace of the roots of a small bush, and, when they were 
secured, the pick and knife were brought into requisition to 
remove the remainder. About this time, one of the gales, so 
common in that region, sprang up, and striking the bluff fairly, 
reflected itself upwards. So soon as the pick pulverised the rock, 
the limestone dust was carried into eyes, nose, and every available 
Fig, 41a . — Skull of Platecarpus. Upper Cretaceous. North America. 
(After Cope.) 
opening in the clothing. I was speedily blinded, and my aid 
disappeared in the canon, and was seen no more while the work 
lasted. A handkerchief tied over the face, and pierced by 
minute holes opposite the eyes, kept me from total blindness, 
though dirt in abundance penetrated the mask. But a fine relic 
of Creative Genius was extracted from its ancient bed, and one 
that leads its genus in size, and explains its structure.” 
“ On another occasion, riding along a spur of yellow chalk 
bluff, some vertebrae lying at its foot met my eye. An examina- 
tion showed that the series entered the rock, and, on passing 
round to the opposite side, the jaws and muzzle were seen pro- 
jecting from it, as though laid bare for the convenience of the 
