144 
EXTINCT MONSTERS 
was saved. In order to complete the outline, Professor Marsh 
made use of the corresponding parts, fortunately preserved, in 
another specimen of an allied species, viz. Anchisaurus solus, 
found in the same locality. Although it would doubtless be 
preferable to make restorations from a single specimen only, 
because the result would be free from all doubt (except perhaps 
in some of the positions assigned to limbs, etc.), yet this is seldom 
possible. Those who make extinct forms of life their study are 
frequently obliged to adopt the method of scholars in reconstruct- 
ing the text of some classical author, who, when breaks, or 
lacunce, occur in one manuscript, consult another one which they 
consider trustworthy, and from it fill in the gaps. 
The restoration of this Dinosaur shown in Plate XVII. is 
based on the figure of the skeleton shown above. The Anchi- 
saurus colurus was one of the most slender and delicate of all the 
Dinosaurs yet discovered, being only surpassed in this respect by 
the little bird-like form, from the Solenhofen slate, known as 
Compsognathus, the skeleton of which is reproduced for com- 
parison on p. 138. This was the creature of which Professor 
Huxley remarked that no one could look at it without con- 
cluding that it must have hopped about on its hind feet, like a 
bird. The position chosen for the Anchisaurus, as represented 
in our Plate, is one which, doubtless, the creature was in the 
habit of assuming during life. But, at the same time, there 
can be but little doubt that it was also in the habit of pro- 
gressing on all-fours. In fact, some persons may think that it 
looks a little “ top-heavy,” so to speak, in this semi-erect position 
assigned to it. But, as other carnivorous Dinosaurs of a later 
period must have walked erect on their hind legs, we may be 
allowed to follow Professor Marsh in this matter, and to adopt 
his conclusion. 
