Page:Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society of London, vol. 31.djvu/845

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ROCK-FISSURE CAVERN IN CRESWELL CRAGS.
689

10. Left tibia, including the distal articular extremity, which fits one of the astragali.

11. Several astragali, right and left.

12. A left calcaneum fitting the astragalus which accords with the tibia.

13. Several right calcanea, one pairing with the above.

14. A perfect os lunare, dark-coloured and heavy, in which respect it differs from most of the other bovine bones.

15. A right cuboid, in the same condition.

16. Distal extremity of a metacarpal.

17. An entire metacarpal with

18. An os magnum, and

19. Four corresponding phalanges.

20. About 12 more phalanges of the same size and character. The dimensions and general character of these bones are such as to leave no doubt of their belonging to Bos primigenius.

2. Cervus.

1. C. tarandus.

Numerous bones of the Reindeer, some quite entire, together with portions of the skull with the bases of the horns remaining, and several portions of antlers, show that that species was abundant in the fauna of the Cave-period in that district. These remains call for no special remark beyond this, that they are generally of rather small size. A perfect metacarpal, for instance, measures 7⋅4 inches in length, the proximal end being about 1⋅4 inch in transverse diameter, and the distal 1⋅7. The various sizes, however, of the acetabulum in different specimens render it evident that there was considerable individual variation in stature.

2. C. megaceros.

The Irish Elk is represented by:—

1. A perfect metacarpal measuring 14⋅8 inches in length. It is evidently that of an old animal; and the bone is morbidly enlarged at the distal end above the articular epiphysis.

2. The lower two thirds of the left tibia, old and gnawed, which fits

3. An astragalus, to which again fits

4. A perfect calcaneum.

5. A corresponding scapho-cuboid.

All these appear to belong to one individual; but besides them there are:—

6. Three or four other astragali, right and left, two of which are much gnawed, but the others quite perfect.

7. Several phalanges.

8. Portions of a right and left femur, probably pairing with each other.

9. A splintered fragment of a metatarsal, probably split by Hyæna.

10. A much worn and very old upper molar.