Fossil Cetacea

Abstract

DURING the recent extensions of the fortifications of Antwerp, which have occupied some years, very fine opportunities have been offered, as is well known to geologists, for studying the Crag formations (Diestien and Scaldisien systems) of Antwerp, of which we have remnants on our own east coast. It is not however, so well known that the Belgian Government during the excavations used every care to preserve the remains of Cetacea and other marine mammalia thus disinterred. The workmen were instructed to give up all such remains for the Government, and were not allowed to sell them. Parts of the Black and Grey Crags proved to be a complete charnel house—so abundant were the remains—and these have been quietly brought together and placed under lock and key for the last eight years. The richness of the fauna disinterred may be judged from the fact that it is stated that eight new genera of Ziphioid Cetaceans are indicated besides sixteen new species belonging to known genera. Many of the forms are represented by far more complete portions of the skull than have hitherto been known from these beds, also portions of the trunk, limbs, and lower jaw in connection with these. Portions of the skull of the fossil Walrus, tusks of which occur in the Suffolk bone-bed and have been described as Trichecodon, have been obtained, as well as remains of seals. All these specimens are under study by the Vicomte du Bus, and are not open to the inspection of even professional palæontologists. They are being carefully and freely engraved, and will soon, it may be hoped, be made known to the world.