Evening star., 1912-11-17
SCIENTIFIC TREASURES
FOUND IN MARYLAND
Fossil Remains of Prehistoric
Animals Discovered in
Cave, Says GidIey.

Announcement Of the discovery near
umoerland. Md. Of a cave filed with
fossil remains. some OF which have been
definitely identified as being those OF the
eland, an animal common to Africa. but
never suspected of having inhabited this
continent, was made last night before
meeting Of the Biological Society of
Washington by J. w. Gidley, assistant
curator of the new National Museum.
The deposits were declared to be among
the most valuable ever unearthed in this
country, and will. II is believed. throw
considerable light upon the fauna Of pre-
MIS- oric ages. Some OF the fossils are
thought to be Of entirely new species and
may develop the fact that mammals un-
known to science existed on this con-
tinent thousands of years ago. it was
stated.
The fossils We're discovered in lime
stone hill near Cumberland through
which an excavation was made last sum-
mer by the Western Maryland Railroad
Company. They We're imbedded 100 feet
from the surface. Publication of the un-
earthing of the beds was withheld. pend
ing investigation .y the National Museum
authorities.
Discovery Important.
This work has been in charge of Mr..
Gidley, who told the members Of the
Biological Society last night that 1t has
progressed sufficiently to indicate beyond
doubt that the discovery will constitute
great addition to the worlds biological
lore
Further excavations are to be made,
and 1t Is believed that still more i'm
portant biological data will be OBJ
tained. The deposits are thought to
have been made in the pliocen age.
Mr.. Gidley stated that the teeth and
one side of the upper jaw of an eland
had been discovered. There can be
no double. he declared, but that the de-
poslts prove that this animal once in
habited this continent, although science
never suspected the fact before.
Fossils of the pica small rabbit
which is to be found nowhere east of
the high peaks of the Rocky noun
tains, also We're unearthed, he an
nounced, while other fossils found re-
main unidentified, the musuem experts
being unable to group them according
NAL species.
The deposits. according to Mr.. Cid
ley. indicate that the bones in many Of
the animals were broken. 1t is be-
mammals falling into the cave. AS yet.
only the surface of the bed has been
explored.
NOuucS AS surprise.
Mr. Gidley was announced to speak
on "A New Cave Fauna" None Of the
members knew that the meeting was
to be marked by the formal announce
ment of the discovery of rare pre-
historic data that would be of interest
to the entire scientific world. At the
conclusion of his address, Mr. Gidley
was interrogated by scores of mem
bers concerning further details Of the
discovery.
The meeting was held in the lecture
hall of the Cosmos Cub. The only other
speaker was w w. Cooke, whose sub
ject was The Presen Status and the
Future of Ducks and Geese in the
United States" Mr.. Cooke urged leg
isla ton which will make unlawful the
shooting of ducks in the spring. when
they are returning to northern breed
ing grounds. There should be a ma
tional law also. he said, which would
do away with the market hunter. The
present supply of ducks and geese may
be main aimed indefinitely. he declared.
if legislation along these lines is en-
acted