PROFESSOR OWEN ON THE FOSSIL MAMMALS OF AUSTRALIA. 
235 
fessor Owen meets the argument in my paper by the assertion that the condyle of Pla- 
giaulax is ‘ pedunculate, as in the predaceous marsupials.’ If so, I invite him to adduce 
the instance, bearing in mind that the question here is one of degree*”. 
The virtual acceptance of this “ invitation ” had been given years before in the instance 
of the Phascolotheref, which, like Plagiaulax , is an extinct marsupial carnivore from 
an oolitic deposit. 
The required structure is shown in the Cut (fig. 11, b) of the articular extremity of 
Fig. 11. 
Articular end of mandible, Thylacinus cynocephalus : two-thirds nat. size. 
the mandible in Thylacinus cynoceplialus%. In nearly the same degree is the condyle 
pedunculate in Potamogale (fig. 3), and in a somewhat less degree in Sarcophilus 
(fig. 12, b). 
Fig. 12. 
Mandible of Sarcophilus ursinus (after nature). 
I may assume that the extent of condylar prominence and position in the instances 
cited will be admitted to have justified, as, indeed, they formed the basis of, the assertion 
of the community of the “ pedunculated condyle,” such as it is shown in figs. 10 & 11 at b. 
* X. p. 362; XI. p. 447. 
7 Transactions of the Geological Society of London, 2nd series, vol. vi. (1839) p. 58, pi. 6. 
I See ‘ Descriptive Catalogue of the Osteological Series contained in the Museum of the Royal College of 
Surgeons of England,’ 4to, 1853, p. 347. nos. 1903-1908. 
