BRA CHIOP ODA . 
29 
extends a not very large triangular platform, which is vaulted, and supported 
by a median partition not extending beyond its anterior margin. This plat¬ 
form is enclosed by low, rounded ridges which originate near the pedicle-furrow; 
its surface is flattened medially, but concave on the sides. Of muscular im¬ 
pressions nothing can be observed.* In the dorsal valve the cardinal margin 
is but little thickened and slightly curved. In the middle it bears a thickened 
process, which is directed somewhat upward and inward, extending partly into 
the apical cavity of the other valve. From beneath this process, a short thick¬ 
ened platform takes its origin; it is not even on the upper surface, but to all 
appearances spirally rolled; it is concave in the middle and bears on both sides 
elevated crests with sloping lateral faces; its anterior margin is curved inward, 
and the whole platform seems to be excavated below. From its sides diverge 
two bifurcating ridges, and a median septum extends nearly to the anterior 
margin. Near the lateral margins two sharply defined spaces are enclosed by 
narrow ridges. The interiors of both valves are marked with radiating strirn. 
Shells small; shell substance very thin. 
Type, Lakhmina linguloides, Waagen, op. cit., p. 764, pi. lxxxv, figs. 3-6. 
In the present state of our knowledge, this genus must be regarded as the 
earliest representative of the Trimerelloid brachiopods. Its occurrence is in the 
so-called “ Obolus-beds ” of the Salt-Range of India, in association with several 
other peculiar inarticulate brachiopodous genera, e. g., Neobolus, Discinolepis, 
Schizopholis, etc. At the date of the description of these genera (1885), 
this formation was considered as conformable with the overlying Carboniferous 
and Permian rocks of the “ Productus-limestone ” series, and was, therefore, 
referred to the Carboniferous age. The fauna bears upon its face a primordial 
expression, and, before the detailed study of the brachiopods, was regarded by 
Mr. Wynne, Dr. Stoliczka and Dr. Waagen himself, as of primordial age. 
But the subsequent determination by Mr. R. D. Oldham, of great unconformity 
* Dr. Waager does not consider the lateral impressions seen on his figure (which, he says, represent 
these features too sharply) as of muscular origin, but as the deepened spaces outside the crescent. They 
certainly are similar in position and extent to the terminal scars as developed in some species of Monomer- 
ella and Trimerella. 
