102 
In this specimen we have a good example of the teeth of the 
great hyaena, which was contemporary with the cave lion. The 
last molar tooth is deserving of especial notice, from its close re¬ 
semblance to that of the lion above mentioned; it differs, however, 
in possessiug two small tubercles, one at each end of the base of 
the crown, that on the posterior margin being the larger and * 
better marked: but this slight deviation in form is very significant, 
as it indicates greater strength, and implies an additional use to 
that of mere fiesh-dividing. 
The spotted hyaena (H. crocuta) of the Cape, although greatly 
inferior in size, is the animal which most nearly approaches this 
extinct species; now it is well-known that the fierce crocuta lives 
to a great extent upon the putrifying carcases of dead animals, 
having a decided preference for the bones and marrow, and we 
consequently find that both the form of the teeth, and the unusually 
large and powerful* muscles which work the jaw are specially 
adapted to allow the free indulgence of this creature’s appetite for 
marrow bones. The great extinct species was equally well pro¬ 
vided for; not only are the stout conical teeth of the very best 
form for breaking bones, but each tooth is provided at its base with 
a prominent collar of enamel, the use of which was evidently to 
protect the gum from injury by any sharp splinters of bone. It is 
said that a late eminent engineer, upon seeing the jaw of a hysena, 
at once fixed on these teeth as affording the best possible model for 
a hammer for breaking stones upon the roads. The fossil remains 
of this extinct cave hyaena are comparatively rare in the un¬ 
stratified drift, but in many of the caverns and fissures in the lime¬ 
stone rocks formerly used by these creatures as dens, their bones and 
teeth occur in great abundance. In the celebrated cave at Kirkdale, 
in Yorkshire, Dr. Buckland estimated the detached teeth which he 
had himself either discovered or seen, as belonging to between 200 
and 300 individuals, of all ages. The caverns in the Mendip Hills, 
more par Ocularly at Bleadon and Ban well, were probably the head 
quarters of the troops of these powerful animals who once scoured 
over our quiet chalk downs. 
3. Fox (Cams vulpes ), fragment of lower jaw, left side, containing 
portion of canine and four molar teeth. Deposited by Dr. 
Blackmore. 
4. Lower third of humerus. Deposited by Dr. Blackmore . 
As far as we can judge from the two smalL fragments of bone 
hitherto found at Fisherton, the fossil fox differed in no respect 
from its cunning descendant of the present day; even its habits 
and tastes seem unaltered, as the impression of its teeth on No. 112 
still bears testimony of its former partiality for goose. 
This specimen closes the list of Carnivora as yet discovered at 
Fisherton; a list short and imperfect indeed, but one that every 
year of careful search will doubtless considerably increase. 
