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Show 102 MR. H. E. DRESSER ON EUROPEAN BIRDS' EGGS. [Feb. 7, by presentation, 15 by purchase, and 3 by exchange, 3 animals having been received only on deposit. The total number of departures during the same period, by death and removals, was 82. The following were the most noticeable amongst the additions :- 1. A second living specimen of the Kakapo, or Ground-parrot of New Zealand (Strigops habroptilus), deposited January 24th by the captain of the vessel in which it was brought over, until it could be ascertained for whom it is really destined. I have reason to believe it is intended for this Society, hut that the letter announcing its arrival has miscarried. 2. Two Derbyan Screamers (Chauna derbiana), imported from Santa Martha by one of the Royal Mail Steampacket Company's vessels, and received January 29th. These birds are, no doubt, from the same district as those formerly obtained for the Society by Mr. Greey (cf. P. Z. S. 1864, p. 74, and 1866, pp. 368, 369). 3. A n Annulated Snake (Leptodira annulata) from Panama, purchased on the same day. This is a well-known Central-American species, but has not been previously exhibited alive in the Society's Menagerie. 4. A pair of the Splendid Grass-Parrakeet (Euphema splendida, Gould, B. of Austr. v. pl. 42). These are, I believe, the first examples of this beautiful Grass-Parrakeet ever brought alive to this country. W e purchased them on January 30th from a London dealer, who states that they were received from a vessel coming from Adelaide. Mr. Gould (Handb. B. of Austr. ii. p. 79) has already spoken of the occurrence of this species in South Australia. Mr. E. Ward, F.Z.S., exhibited a skin of white variety of the Tiger (Felis tigris), obtained from an animal killed in the Mirzapore district, North-west Provinces of India. Mr. W . B. Tegetmeier, F.Z.S., exhibited a specimen of an Eel of a variety believed to be new to the fauna of Great Britain. It had been obtained from fresh water in the Scilly Islands, and had been referred by Dr. Gunther to the Pimperneau of Cuvier (Anguilla cuvieri, Kaup). Mr. J. E. Harting, F.Z.S., exhibited a specimen of the Red-breasted Goose (Anser ruficollis, Pallas), recently shot at Maldon, on the Essex coast. Mr. H . E. Dresser exhibited specimens of the eggs of some European birds (hitherto unknown), and made the following remarks on them:- "Amongst some eggs which I have lately received from Dr Kriiper and from Dr. Dybowsky, through M . Jules Verreaux, are some of considerable interest to collectors; and 1 have therefore |
