B. Type specimen of Amphibamus thoracatus Moodie. Original in United States National Museum. × 2 (For description see P. 132.)

A dissection of several species of modern caudates has resulted in the discovery that the adult condition of the alimentary canal of all the species dissected (Amblystoma punctatum, Necturus maculosus, Diemyctylits torosus, D. viridescens, etc.) is much more complex than that exhibited by the specimen under discussion. A very near approach to the condition found in Eumicrerpeton parvum is found in an immature branchiate individual of Diemyctylits torosus, 56 mm. in length, from a fresh-water pond on Mount Constitution, on Orcas Island, Puget Sound, Washington.

The similarity of the intestinal structure is of considerable importance to our understanding of the relationship existing between the Carboniferous Branchiosauria and the modern Caudata, and only confirms other arguments, offered in another place ([459]), concerning their immediate relationship.

The branchiosaurian affinities of the present species are almost too evident to need discussion. The entire structure is essentially similar to that of other genera of the order.

The third specimen of this species (No. 4400 of the U. S. National Museum) is almost as perfectly preserved as were the other two specimens. The skull structure, the intermediate position of the pineal foramen, the epiotic notch, and the shape of the skull are essentially similar to the described specimens of the species. The present specimen is more developed than the other two and probably represents an adult. The alimentary canal is perfectly preserved.

It is nearly half again as long as the smallest of the above-described specimens, and the skull is proportionately longer and wider. There is preserved also an impression of the anterior ends of both clavicles. The right humerus is imperfectly preserved, as is also the right femur and tibia; other than these the fossil is merely an impression.

The skull is so similar to those described above that additional description is unnecessary. The pineal foramen is quite large and lies on a line which cuts the orbits into equal longitudinal parts. The interorbital space is about equal to the long diameter of the orbit. Traces of sclerotic plates are observed in the left orbit, but they are quite imperfect.

The alimentary canal ([fig. 14a]) is unlike the previously described structures, in that the intestine is longer and more convoluted. It lies in five longitudinal folds and ends in an enlarged cloaca, near which there are impressions of two glands, or the posterior ends of the oviducts, as was suggested for the Yale specimens. The creatures undoubtedly fed on small plants and animals much as do the recent salamanders.

Measurements of Eumicrerpeton parvum Moodie.

No. 803 ([222]), Yale University Museum:mm.
Length of animal37.5
Length of skull 4.5
Posterior width of skull at table 6
Long diameter of eye 1.75
Transverse diameter of eye 65
Length of left humerus 1.50
Number of ventral armature rods in 1 mm10
Length of femur 1.75
Width across base of tail impression 3.5
Length of tail from base to tip17
No. 802 ([471]) Yale University Museum:
Length of animal30
Length of skull 4
Posterior width of skull 5
Length of œsophagus 3.5
Length of stomach 6
Width of stomach 1.33
Estimated length of intestine18
Width across base of tail impression 2.5
Length of tail from base to tip 7
No. 4400, U. S. National Museum:
Length of entire animal45
Length of skull 6
Width of skull 9
Transverse diameter of orbit 1.50
Long diameter of orbit 2.25
Interorbital space 2.50
>Diameter of pineal foramen50
Length of body from back of skull to pelvis22
Greatest width of body 9
Length of tail 16
Width of tail at base 5
Length of humerus 3
Length of femur 2.50
Length of tibia (fibula?) 1.75
Length of stomach 3
Length of intestine (estimated) 5.6
Width of intestine 1

MOODIE