Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 May 2009
This Plesiosaur was collected from the Oxford Clay at Peterborough by A. N. Leeds, Esq., F.G.S., and was acquired for the Hunterian Museum, Glasgow University, by Professor J. W. Gregory. The specimen has many striking resemblances to Cryptocleidus oxoniensis, but detailed examination showed that it could not belong to that species, and the differences existing in the paddle, shoulder-girdle, number of vertebræ, and conditions of ossification are such that it cannot be retained in that genus as now defined. The paddle closely resembles that of Tricleidus, but the shoulder-girdle alone is sufficient to prevent the inclusion of the specimen in that genus. It seems advisable to create a new genus, and as it may be some time beforea full description can be published a preliminary account is here given.
page 341 note 1 The name Apractocleidus, meaning idle or functionless clavicle, has been adopted to accord with the names of the related genera Tricleidus and Cryptocleidus. For the suggestion of the name I am indebted to the Rev. Gavin Warnock, B.D.
page 342 note 1 Williston, S. W., Water Reptiles of the Past and Present, 1914, pp. 80 and 91.Google Scholar
page 342 note 2 Andrews, C. W., Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), vol. xv, p. 345, 1895.Google Scholar
page 343 note 1 Seeley, , Q.J.G.S., vol. xxx, pp. 449, 1874Google Scholar; Proc. Roy. Soc., vol. li, p. 149, 1892Google Scholar.
page 343 note 2 Andrews, B. M.Cat., Marine Reptiles of the Oxford Clay, pt. i, pp. 195–6, 1901.Google Scholar
page 343 note 3 Op. cit., pp. 190–1.