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Show 792 MR. A. H. GARROD ON PHOCA VITULINA. [Nov. 20, still considerable uncertainty. That it is not allied to the New- World type is evident from its vomer not extending downwards to join the osseous palate posteriorly. That it is not Cervuline is Brain of Hydropotes inermis (still-born). equally certain on account of its tarsal cuneiform bones being free from the naviculo-cuboids. Its large hepatic Spigelian lobe favours the view suggested by Sir Victor Brooke1, that it is most closely allied to the Rusine Deer. 7. Note on the possible Cause of Death in a young Seal. By A. H . G A R R O D , M.A., F.R.S., Prosector to the Society. [Eeceived October 17, 1877.] On October 1, 1877, Mr. G. Mellin presented to the Society a female C o m m o n Seal (Phoca vitulina), which died on the 9th of the same month. He obtained it from the Scilly Islands on September 27th, when it had attached to it the rudiments of the umbilical cord, which dropped off on the 30th, three days later. It must therefore have been born only a few days. When in the Society's Gardens it sucked milk freely from a baby-feeding bottle, and exhibited no pathological symptoms. As it did not take kindly to the water, it remained almost entirely on laud. On post-mortem examination it was found to be three feet two inches in length from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail, along the back. The lungs were of a dark red colour, collapsed, containing scarcely any air, and scarcely floating in water, otherwise also resembling those of a suffocated new-born child. The kidneys were 1 P. Z. S. 1872, p. 525. |