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Show 1879.] DR. DOBSON ON CHIROPTERA FROM ZANZIBAR. 715 attacked by another set of ants, and hurry off to protect their nest. By repeatedly applying the same matter to a nest,* the ants at last become so annoyed that they emigrate, carrying their females and eggs to a distance and forming a new colony. This plan is not generally known, even here in tbe State of Antioquia ; and I have thought that our colonists might profitably be made acquainted with it. By its use we may ward off an unexpected attack by the invader until an opportunity offers of exterminating the brood ; and when this cannot be done, it may constitute the only means of defence for crops.. The vegetable matter spoken of is naturally an excellent manure, as I have observed in the case of rose-bushes which I have protected by its use. Should you consider the above observations to be useful, I trust that you will be so good as to make them known to the Society. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, ROBERT B. WHITE. The following papers were read:- 1. Notes on some Species of Chiroptera from Zanzibar, with Descriptions of new and rare Species. By G. E. DOBSON, M.A. [Eeceived October 6, 1879.] To the kindness of Dr. Robb, H.M. Indian Army, I owe the material which has furnished the following notes. Seven species are represented in the collections; and all the specimens are well preserved in alcohol. I. EPOMOPHORUS MINOR, n. sp. With the exception of Ep. pusillus, this is the smallest species of Epomophorus yet discovered. In the form of the palate-ridges it certainly very closely resembles E. macrocephalus, the ridges being similarly shaped, the fifth ridge • having, in most specimens, the same peculiar lozenge-shaped depression in the centre, hitherto considered by m e to be characteristic of that species. The head, however, is of very different proportions, being comparatively much smaller ; and there is less difference between the males and females in the length of the muzzle ; the width of the palate is also greater in proportion to its length. Tail rudimentary, but distinct, about quarter of an inch iu length. Fur greyish-brown, with a slightly yellowish tinge both above and beneath; paler beneath, but no white patch on the abdomen of 1 See Catal. Chiropt. Brit. Mus. 1878, pi. ii. fig. 2. |