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Show 1867] MR. HILL ON THE REPRODUCTION OF KANGAROOS. 475 more strictly to the true Quails, and should be made the type of a new genus proposed to be called Malacoturnix. A communication was read from Dr. A. Leith Adams, containing a description of a new fossil Dormouse from the quaternary formations of Malta, proposed to be called Myoxus melitensis. This paper will be published in the Society's 'Transactions.' Dr. J. Murie read a memoir on the dermal and visceral structures of the Kagu (Rhinochetus jubatus), Sun-bittern (Eurypyga helias), and Boatbill (Cancroma cochlearia), as observed in specimens of these birds recently deceased in the Society's Gardens. This paper will be published in the Society's ' Transactions.' The following papers were read :- 1. On the Passage of the Young to the Pouch in the Kangaroos (Macropus and Halmaturus). By E. S. HILL. Communicated, with Remarks, by Prof. O W E N , F.R.S., F.Z.S., &c. [I have been favoured by an esteemed correspondent with the following letter, which, from past experience of his accuracy of observation, I confidently communicate as a document of genuine scientific value, in elucidation of the interesting problem in animal-generation to which it relates. I am not aware that the phenomena of the transport of the young to the pouch have been previously observed in Kangaroos in their native wilds; at least I know of no record of such observations. What physiology has hitherto taught on this subject has been based on experiments on Kangaroos in captivity made a few hours after the uterine foetus had become a mammary one, and on the single observation by the Knowsley superintendent of the parturition of a captive Potoroo (Bettongia), recorded by the late Earl of Derby in the 'Proceedings' of this Society for November 12th, 1844.-R. O.J " Woollahra, Sydney, 23rd January, 1867. " Recently I visited the caverns (breccia caves of Wellington Valley) discovered by Sir T. L. Mitchell, our once Surveyor General, situated about 280 miles from Sydney, for the purpose of reporting whether it would be desirable to have a collection from that quarter. Mr. Krefft, of our Museum, was sent, and what bones he got will figure at the Paris Exhibition. Winter is the proper time to work there, and not less than two months for the purpose. "At the risk of being tedious, I am about to mention a fact which occurred at the early part of last winter, one which may never occur to m e again, and which in all probability has not occurred before under observation. |
