FOSSIL VA RA NID AB AND M KG A LA NID AB. 
3f7 
figured by Roger, present a centre of somewhat shorter and more massive 
structure, the cup being of elliptical shape, considerably extended broadwise ; 
this may suggest these vertebrae having, as Roger says, formed part of 
the «Brustwirbelsäule», which fact is also made conspicuous in com» 
parison with the vertebrae of V. griseus Baud, for instance. The diver¬ 
gence could therefore only be explained by the difference in the position 
of the respective vertebrae in the vertebral column (of V. marathonensis 
no vertebrae have as yet been forthcoming from the corresponding region) 
and thus cannot prove against an eventual identity. Another note¬ 
worthy feature is that Roger’s measurements referring to the larger vertebra, 
concord almost absolutely (the variation not exceeding 1 mm) with the 
dimensions of the dorsal vertebra examined by me in V. marathonensis 
which circumstance would seem to prove equality of proportions. 
The morphological characters appear therefore to affirm an identity, al¬ 
though final elucidation in the matter could naturally only be afforded 
by comparison of the original fossils, unless further remains of more 
abundant material belonging to one of these forms did not contain ver¬ 
tebrae of entirely corresponding position, which would 
eventually permit a decisive opinion to be based on description and figures. 
It must be observed however that Roger's photographs are nowise 
perfect enough to allow a closer examination of particular morphological 
features as is the case with several figures in De Stefano’s work for 
instance, which are not subject to the disturbing influence of imperfect 
placement and primitive retouche. If thus a conformity in morpho¬ 
logical characters could be supposed, the question arises whether — 
considering Ihe small number of remains at my disposal — an identity 
of species may be established between the lower Miocene V. Hof - 
manni and the Pliocene-Praeglacial (even Postglacial) 
V. marathonensis ? 
An important difference in age certainly exists between the Stätzling 
«Dinotheriensande», the Pikermi «Leichenfeldei», the bone breccias from 
Csarnóta and the remain from the cave of the Arene Candide, and 
this circumstance, especially in the case of a vertebrated-sp e- 
c i e s, most decidedly needs due consideration with regard to its 
life-time, biology and development or rather transform a- 
t i o n, for — as V. marathonensis Weith. from Pikermi and V. deser¬ 
ticola By. from Csarnóta (and most probably the Arene Candide- 
remain) being beyond doubt identical — the duration of 
this species would then extend just over two geological pe¬ 
riods, from the Neogene (— younger Tertiary) to the beginning 
■of the Quarterly period. However taking for granted that later on, 
