Belemnoteuthis[405] (J. C. Pearce). [Lign. 145].—Within the last few years much additional knowledge has been obtained regarding the nature of the extinct Cephalopoda, by the discovery in the Oxford clay, at Christian Malford, not only of several examples with the receptacle and ink-bag in their natural relative positions, but also with the remains and impressions of the mantle, body, tentacula with their hooks, and the fins!
[405] For the history of this interesting Cephalopod consult Phil. Trans. 1848, and 1850; Ann. Nat. Hist. June 1850; Petrif. p. 459, &c.
Lign. 145. Belemnoteuthis antiquus. (Pearce.)
Oxford Clay. Christian Malford. (1/2 nat. size.)
| a. The uncinated arms and tentacles. |
| b. Remains of the head and eyes. |
| c. The mantle, with indications of fins. |
| d. The pigmental sac or ink-bag. |
| e. The osselet: the transverse lines indicate the septa of the phragmocone, which is covered by a horny sheath or capsule. |
| f. The solid terminal apex of the osselet. |
BELEMNOTEUTHIS ANTIQUUS
Certain argillaceous strata of the Oolite, as well as of the Lias, appear to have been peculiarly favourable for the preservation of the muscular tissue and integuments, and in many specimens of Belemnoteuthis, the arms, the large sessile eyes, the funnel, a great proportion of the muscular parts of the mantle, remains of the two lateral fins, the ink-bladder and duct, and the phragmocone, are well displayed, as in the beautiful example, [Lign. 145], for the drawing of which I am indebted to S. P. Woodward, Esq., of the British Museum. (See also Lond. Geol. Journ. pl. xv. and xvi.)