The fragment of a megalonyx tooth has the diameters respectively 16 mm. and 24 mm. It is thinner fore-and-aft than other specimens, but this may be an individual variation.
It is believed that this loess belongs to the Sangamon interglacial stage. The geology of the locality and the species found there are discussed on page [339]. Also, the fossils were described by the writer in 1920 (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. LVIII, pp. 109–117). The presence of this sloth-like beast appears to indicate that the climate was at that time mild.
3. Galena, Jo Daviess County.—In 1870 (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1870, p. 13), Dr. Leidy brought to the notice of the Academy the fossil remains of two species of much interest. These had been presented to the Academy by Henry Green, of Elizabeth, Jo Daviess County, and were reported as having been found in a narrow crevice of the lead-bearing rocks in the vicinity of Galena, at a depth of 130 feet. One fossil was a metacarpal bone of Megalonyx jeffersonii, the other was identified as a last lower molar of Bison antiquus. Leidy mentioned three other species, Platygonus compressus, Procyon priscus, and Anomodon snyderi as having been found about Galena in similar situations. The geological age of the Vertebrata found in the lead crevices about Galena has not been well determined, but the present writer has regarded them as being probably of late Wisconsin time. The Bison tooth may have been that of the yet existing species. However, the possibility is that these fossils are pre-Wisconsin.
VIRGINIA.
(Map [3].)
1. Saltville, Smyth County.—Mr. O. A. Peterson, in 1917 (Ann. Carnegie Mus., vol. XI, p. 472, figs. 4, 5), reported the discovery of the symphyseal portion of the lower jaw of Megalonyx at Saltville. It was referred with some doubt to M. dissimilis Leidy. Further mention of the specimen will be made on page [352].
2. Ivanhoe, Wythe County.—On a page devoted to the consideration of a considerable number of species found by Cope near Ivanhoe, in Wythe County, mention will be made of Megalonyx jeffersonii. Only fragments of teeth were secured by Cope.
WEST VIRGINIA.
(Map [3].)
1. Green Brier County.—In a cave situated somewhere in this county were found the bones described in 1799 by President Thomas Jefferson (Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., vol. IV, pp. 246–260) under the name Megalonyx. Colonel John Stewart became interested and saved some of the bones from being carried away by curious inhabitants of the region.