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Show 462 T H E SECRETARY O N ADDITIONS TO T H E MENAGERIE. [June 6, also the legs are somewhat shorter in the northern species, and the is broader behind. There is considerable difference in the coloration between the young and adult. As is shown by m y figure and description of the former, the reddish-yellow tint is mixed with the grey over the whole upper surface, leaving the underside white, separated at the sides from the more homogeneous reddish grey colour of the upper surface. In the adult these three colours are more completely separated from each other, only the middle of the back being grey, the sides of the body yellow, and the underside white. This separation, already indicated on the head of the young animal, is continued as it becomes older over the whole body, as is also the case in the Patagonian species, which shows the grey on the front of the body gradually getting darker towards the rump, where it is nearly black. This black shade very well marks the specific difference between the two species; for in the northern (D. salinicola) the grey colour is more clear and of a more pure whitish-grey; but in the southern species (D. patagonica) the tint is somewhat yellower, resembling more an ash-grey. From the middle of the back this colour becomes darker in both species, till it forms over the region of the pelvis a large dark patch, the posterior edge of which is sharply defined from the white of the lower parts in a transverse line, which crosses the rudimentary tail, and extends to the haunches, where the white and yellow colours are shaded into each other. This patch affords a good diagnostic character for the separation of the species, its colour in the Patagonian species being blackish brown and in the northern species blackish-grey ; for in the latter there are a number of white punctuations which are totally wanting in the former. In all other respects the colour is the same ; so that many observers would believe the new species to be only a variety of the other species, if they were not aware of the differences in the skulls already pointed out in m y former description. 1 regret not being able to give any further particulars as regards the skull and skeleton of this Dolichotis, as I was not allowed to kill one of the specimens ; but as soon as one of them dies I will send to the Society a full description of it. Buenos Aires, 28th March, 1876. June 6, 1876. Dr. A. Gunther, F.R.S., V.P., in the Chair. The following report on the additions to the Society's Menagerie during the month of May 1876 was read by the Secretary :- The total number of registered additions to the Society's Menagerie during the month of May 1876 was 99, of which 23 were by birth, 33 were by presentation, 28 by purchase, 4 by exchange, and 11 were received on deposit. The total number of departures during the same period by death and removals was 11 5. The most noticeable additions during the month were :- 1. A fine specimen of the Tooth-billed Pigeon (Didunculus striyi-rcstris), purchased May 9th, being the third example of this rare bird received alive by the Society. |
