PLEISTOCENE GEOLOGY OF THE THAMES VALLEY. 351
are referred to Rana temporaria since they agree in every respect
with the corresponding bones of that species. We have also the
distal portion of a female humerus, which, from its size, may
possibly be referable to Rana esculenta.
Bufo vulgaris. A left scapula in Mr. Johnson's collection
from Grays agrees so closely with that of the recent Toad in the
character of its curvature, proportions and processes, that we
have no hesitation in referring it to this species. We have seen
no other bones from Grays which could unquestionably be said
to represent Bufo, but some of those referred to Rana may
probably belong to this genus. Both the frog and the toad are
known from the "Forest Bed," and also from Pleistocene
strata. The toad is, however, a new record for the Drift of the
Thames Valley.
PISCES.
By E. T. NEWTON, F.R.S., F.G.S.
The search for small vertebrate remains in British Pleisto-
cene deposits has, within the last few years, made known to us
many species of Mammals and Birds in the fossil state in Britain,
which were previously only recognized as living species. The
remains of fishes from deposits of this age, however, have been
but seldom met with, and any discoveries in this direction are
worthy of being placed on record. Messrs. Hinton and Kennard
have for some time past been searching the beds at Grays
Thurrock, and by means of careful sifting have obtained a
number of bones and teeth of small Vertebrata, among which are
a goodly series of fish teeth and hones, all very small, but at the
same time sufficiently perfect in many instances to allow of
specific determination.
Acerina vulgaris ? Cuvier (Ruff). Twelve otoliths vary-
ing in size from 2.5 mm. to 5.0 mm. in length are provisionally
included in this species. The outline and form of the sulcus
agree most nearly with what is found in the otoliths of the Ruff;
but as the Grays specimens are all somewhat denuded their
points and serrations are not so sharp as in the recent fish, and
consequently there may be some little doubt as to their specific
identity with the Ruff. These otoliths correspond very closely
with the one from the Norfolk Forest Bed (Pliocene) which was
likewise referred to this species.