| OCR Text |
Show 314 MR. P. L. SCLATER ON WILD GOATS. [May 18, The variation in position of these apertures is of importance, because certain genera (e. g. Urochceta, Eudrilus, Rhinodrilus) are characterized by the different position of the male pores, which are almost always (Perichceta, Perionyx, Meyascolex, Anteus, and Microchceta) upon the 18th segment. In one instance (No. 6) there were two pairs of male generative orifices on following segments (14, 15), and on segment 16 a pair of orifices which appear to be papillae, since they are not furnished with the prostates of the anterior orifices. The presence of two pairs of male orifices, each with their own prostate, is of importance, since a genus (Acanthodrilus) is mainly distinguished on account of this very peculiarity. The normal individuals of Perionyx excavatus have no genital papillae, which are so characteristic of many species of Perichovta ; in the variety just mentioned, as well as in No. 8, there were a pair of similar papillae. Nephridia.-In one instance I observed an alternation in the position of the nephridial pores, confined, however, to a single pore, which was placed considerably nearer to the dorsal median line than the pores on the preceding and ensuing segments. In conclusion I would again point out that the variations recorded in this paper mainly affect the generative system, which is known to exhibit such characteristic differences in various genera and species. I have not noticed any prominent variations in other organs. 3. Remarks on the various Species of Wild Goats. By P. L. S C L A T E R , M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S., Secretary to the Soeiety. [Eeceived May 17, 1886.] (Plates XXXI. & XXXII.) The male Sinaitic Ibex which we received as a present from Mrs. Laing in December 1884' has now become a fine animal. As the first of the species that has reached the Society's Gardens, I have thought that a portrait of it would not be inappropriate to the Society's 'Proceedings;' and I have accordingly had the accompanying sketch (Plate XXXII.) prepared by Mr. Smit, which will give a good idea of the original. The animal stands about 31 inches high, and is generally of a dark rusty brown colour, with black dorsal stripe and limbs, the latter being white on the inner sides and on the knees. I take this opportunity of offering a few remarks on the known species of Wild Goats and their distribution. I will mention them in geographical order, commencing with the westernmost species, and proceeding eastwards, alluding especially to those of which we have received living specimens. 1 See P. Z. S. 1S85, p. 2. |
