OF THE VALLEY OF THE CONNECTICUT. 
219 
quarries at Turner’s Falls. They indicate animals of diminutive forms. Their peculiarity 
consists in the great disproportion between the hind and fore feet, in which respect they 
resemble some existing batrachian reptiles, lizards, salamanders, &c. 
Fig. 1 was discovered by Mr. Marsh, whose cabinet contains a fine collection of this 
class of fossils. Figs, a , b, and c are consecutive impressions. The distinctive character 
of this species consists in each foot having four tapering, radiating toes, and in a prolong¬ 
ed depression backward of the tarsal bone. The fore foot is planted in advance, and a 
little outward of the hind foot, while in Fig. 2 the fore foot falls within the impress of the 
posterior member, and in Plate IX., Fig. 1, it is directly in advance. These impressions 
are so perfect as to show marks of the sharp claws terminating the toes. In the short 
stride it differs from 
Fig. 2, the stride of which is nearly twice as great, although the foot is smaller. An¬ 
other distinction consists in the form of the toes, which are massive, broad, and blunt, and 
lie in contact. I may remark here, that the position of both a and b , Fig. 2, is erroneous. 
Fig. 2, a , should point obliquely to the left , precisely like Fig. 4; and Fig. 2, b, should 
also be reversed. The mistake was caused in transferring the outline, and was not dis¬ 
covered in time to be corrected. The impressions are remarkably fine, and are derived 
from Mr. Marsh’s museum, although I discovered this species several years ago. The 
fore foot is usually placed within the hind one ; in Fig. 2, a, the small foot is partially 
obliterated by the impress of the hind one. Unlike Fig. 1, there is no prolonged depres¬ 
sion backward from the foot; but, in place of it, the tarsal impress is perfect. There are 
four toes; the two outer ones of equal length nearly; the two inner ones are shorter. 
A line connecting «, 6, c, Fig. 1, is abrupt; that connecting Fig. 2 is nearly direct. The 
animal, therefore, had very long legs, which the stride also indicates, and small feet, with 
exceedingly thick toes. I have seen rows of ten consecutive impressions. 
Fig. 4 is strictly identical, although much larger than Fig. 2, and between them there 
occurs a regular gradation of size. 
Fig. 3 is a remarkable example of quadrupedal imprints, and one which is difficult to 
understand ; for, unlike the preceding figures, the impress of the fore foot appears to be 
wanting. It is taken from a series of seven pairs of deep impressions. Each foot has 
four toes pointing obliquely outward, and, unless upon the supposition that the impress of 
the fore foot was too slight to be retained, I cannot comprehend the movement by which 
the animal advanced. Mr. Marsh has a larger specimen, apparently identical, in which 
the same difficulty exists. In both instances, the footprint is deep and imperfect, show¬ 
ing that considerable change happened to the stratum subsequent to its impress; and 
this might suffice to obliterate a slight impression of the fore foot. 
