. Annals of the South African Museum = Annale van die Suid-Afrikaanse Museum. Natural history. 328 ANNALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM The more diagnostic features of these Cape of Good Hope nautiloids are elucidated by the accompanying illustrations. In general physiognomy, this form is reminiscent of similar-sized Aturias from the Americas. Because of the width and shape of the umbilical lobe of the sutures, it can be said to belong in a group typified by Aturia angustata (Conrad) of the Oligocene and Miocene of the North American Pacific coastal region. The nearest geographic occurrence of t
. Annals of the South African Museum = Annale van die Suid-Afrikaanse Museum. Natural history. 328 ANNALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM The more diagnostic features of these Cape of Good Hope nautiloids are elucidated by the accompanying illustrations. In general physiognomy, this form is reminiscent of similar-sized Aturias from the Americas. Because of the width and shape of the umbilical lobe of the sutures, it can be said to belong in a group typified by Aturia angustata (Conrad) of the Oligocene and Miocene of the North American Pacific coastal region. The nearest geographic occurrence of the genus is that of A. lotzi Bohm at Bogenfels, some 500 miles north. Insofar as we can tell from the published information in regard to the type specimens of that species, they are conspecific with those we are studying. All of them came from a sandstone which carries a fauna generally identified as Miocene. Each of the four specimens under consideration represents a different portion of the phragmocone, and it is possible that all are parts of a single large individual, which (including the body chamber) had a diameter of 250 mm., or more. In every case, the surface is smooth and polished but, nevertheless, bears serpuloid worm tubes, even on the exposed septa. Clearly, the pieces lay loose on the bottom of the sea and were dissociated. It should perhaps be stated that Aturias are known from latitudes as far north and south as 55 or 60 degrees. Specimens have been collected from Tierra del Fuego, Tasmania, and New Zealand. Therefore, their discovery near southernmost Africa is not surprising. REFERENCE Miller, A. K.: Tertiary nautiloids of west-coastal Africa: Mus. Congo Beige, Ann., S6r. in 8°, Sci. GeoL, vol. 8, pp. 1-88, pis. 1-31. Fig. 2.—Aturia lotzi Bohm. Drawing traced from a photograph to show position of siphuncle. This excellently preserved specimen was obtained by the South African Museum from off Cape Columbine, Saldanha Bay area, after this paper had be
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