_Pelvis_, height of ilium above acetabulum 9
_Femur_ and _tibia_ by actual measurement, allowing for
bend at the knee 26
_Tarsus_, from astragalus, and cuboid 3
_Metatarsus_ and _phalanges_ (estimated from manus of
_P. paludosus_) 8
--
46
It is probable that the fore-shoulders were of the same height. From
the atlas, axis, and from other cervicals, several dorso-lumbar
vertebræ, and part of the sacrum, a rude estimate places the length
of the animal at sixty-seven inches, or nearly six feet, including
the head, and excluding the tail.
In general features it strongly resembled the tapir, with stout
body, slender tail, and very short neck, compensated by a proboscis
of considerable length. In comparing the heads of the ancient and
modern representatives of this class of Perissodactyles, the points
of contrast are the wide stout zygomas, the deep temporal fossæ, the
protruding nasals, and the narrow gaps in the dental series of the
older type.
There are also strong points of resemblance in the structure of the
_Palæosyops_ and _Palæothere_. Some of the cranial homologues have
been detailed by Dr. Leidy. The femur of the Palæothere is shorter,
the tibia longer; they are both much stouter. The tarsus of the
_Palæosyops_ is narrower, while the remainder of the Pes is very
similar. The pelvis, and particularly the ilium and acetabulum of
_Palæosyops_, is more palæotheroid than tapiroid. The similarity of
the fore-shoulder in the two types is also striking. The neck of the
_Palæosyops_ was probably shorter.
In the descending series of _Palæotheres_ terminating in the
diminutive _P. minus_, and characteristic of the upper eocene of
France, we have an interesting counterpart in the large family of
_Palæosyops_, of equal diversity of size and characteristic of our
lower eocene, and it is hoped that future discoveries will render a
complete discussion of this interesting coincidence possible.
LIMNOHYUS, Leidy.
Proceedings Academy Natural Sciences, Phil., 1872, p. 242;
_Palæosyops_; Marsh, American Journal Sci. and Arts, 1872, p.
122; Hayden's Survey, 1872, p. 592, Cope.
_Generic characters._--Resembles _Palæosyops_ in general features.
Distinction founded on the possession of two conic tubercles, of the
inner series, on the last superior molar instead of one.
Limnohyus laticeps, Marsh.
_Palæosyops Laticeps._ Am. Journ. of Sc. v. iv. p. 122.
_Specific characters._--"Cranium is broad. The zygomatic arches much
expanded. The nasals are narrow and elongated, and more like the
corresponding bones in Hyrax than those in the larger pachyderms."
Fragments of the upper molar and premolar series. The species is
determined by measurements given by Dr. Leidy of the second upper
molar.