On the Remains of a large Crustacean, probably indicative of a new Species of Eurypterus , or allied Genus ( Eurypterus? Stevensoni ), from the Lower Carboniferous Series (Cementstone Group) of Berwickshire

Abstract

1. Introduction .—Of the genus Eurypterus , so largely represented in the Upper Silurian rocks of Great Britain, and much more sparingly in the Old Red Sandstone, we have but a single Carboniferous species, Eurypterus Scouleri , Hibbert, from a freshwater limestone of the Lower Carboniferous Limestone series at Kirkton, near Bathgate, Linlithgowshire. The bibliography of this species is not heavy. We have first Dr. Scouler's original description under the name of Eidothea , next the memoir of Dr. Hibbert† wherein the specific name is suggested, then a notice by the late Mr. J. W. Salter‡, and lastly Mr. H. Woodward's more detailed description and magnificent figures§. Last year Mr. W. Stevenson, of Dunse, presented to the collection of the Geological Survey of Scotland three fragmentary specimens of great interest, which he had collected at Kimmerghame quarry, near Dunse. I at once saw, as had previously been surmised by Mr. Stevenson, that these specimens were, in all probability, portions of a very large Eurypterus , of far larger size than E. Scouleri , Hibbert. A rough drawing of one of the fragments was sent to my friend Mr. H. Woodward, F.R.S., who, so far as he was able to form an opinion from the drawing, confirmed my view. Since Mr. Stevenson presented his specimens to the Survey Collection, one of the fossil-collectors of the Scotch branch of the Geological Survey (Mr. A. Macconochie) has visited Kimmerghame quarry in the course of his duties, and succeeded in obtaining five more specimens, similar, speaking generally, to those found