SOME AMERICAN MONSTERS. 
149 
Gypseous series of Montmartre, revealed the existence of a very 
extensive fauna, especially of new types of mammals ; and his 
restoration of the Palgeotherium, a tapir-like animal, and other 
forms, created a vast amount of interest, and greatly stimulated 
the study of extinct animals. As we have already remarked, the 
science of palseontology may be said to have been founded by 
Cuvier (see Introduction, p. 5). 
But now the scene shifts once more from Europe to the wilds 
of the Far West. American geologists tell us that a long time 
ago (during the Eocene period) there was a great tropical lake in 
the Wyoming territory, on the borders of which roamed, amidst 
luxuriant vegetation, a large number of strange and primitive 
quadrupeds, together with many otlier forms of life. The most 
wonderful group of animals that haunted the shores of this lake, 
or series of lakes, was the Dinocerata so fully described by 
Professor Marsh, in his exhaustive monograph.^ The name 
implies that they were terrible horned monsters, but whether 
Nature provided them with true horns, like those of horned 
cattle to-day, is at least open to doubt. 
Fig. 42 shows the skeleton of one of these, namely, Tinoceras 
in gens. Its length was about 12 feet without the tail. Its 
weight, when alive, is calculated to have been six thousand 
pounds, or about two tons and three quarters. 
Plate XIV. is a restoration of the Tinoceras, made by our artist, 
after much consideration and careful study of the valuable cast 
exhibited in the Natural History Museum at South Kensington, 
which was generously presented by Professor Marsh (Gallery L 
Case MM on plan). In planning this and other restorations, both 
artist and author have received valuable assistance from Dr. Henry 
Woodward, F.R.S., Keeper of the Geological Department of the 
Museum, who is ever ready to help with his great knowledge 
those who come to consult him. 
^ The Dinocerata^ a monograph by O, C. Marsh, United States Geological 
Survey^ vol. x. 
