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Show 1875.] THE SECRETARY ON ADDITIONS TO THE MENAGERIE. 565 EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. PLATE LXI. Fig. 1 represents a view of a portion of the external surface of the late Mr. Henry Deane's specimen of Farrea spinifera, X 61 linear. Fig. 2 represents a portion of the dermal surface of Farrea spinuUnia, with its numerous quadrifurcate spinulo-sexradiate stellate retentive spicula, X 80 linear. Fig. 3. One of the quadrifurcate spinido-sexradiate stellate spicula, X 666 linear. Fig. 4. A sexradiate stellate spiculum with attenuated radii, from Alcyoncellum speciosum, to compare with those of Farrea spinulenta, X 666 linear. PLATE LXII. Fig. 1. A portion of the skeleton-rete of Farrea aculeata, exhibiting the general structure of the sponge and the characteristic mode of disposition of the aculei, X 61 linear. Fig. 2 represents a portion of the outer or inhalant surface of Farrea robusta, with the dermal membrane in a fine state of preservation, with its numerous retentive and defensive spicula in situ, X 80 linear. Fig. 3. One of the contort bihamate retentive spicula, X 666 linear. Fig. 4. One of the minute bidentate equianchorate retentive spicula, X 666 linear. Fig. 5. A fully developed subspinulate attenuato-acuate internal defensive spiculum, entirely but incipiently spinous, X 666 linear. Fig. 6. One of the rectangulate sexradiate internal defensive organs, entirely but incipiently spinous, based on a portion of the skeleton-fibre, and projected into one of the areas of the skeleton-rete, X 666. November 16, 1875. Dr. Gunther, F.R.S., V.P., in the Chair. The Secretary read the following report on the additions to the Society's Menagerie during the month of October 1875. The total number of registered additions to the Society's Menagerie during the month of October was 73, of which 39 were by presentation, 16 by purchase, 2 by exchange, 5 by birth, and 11 were received on deposit. The total number of departures during the same period, by death and removals, was 130. The most noticeable additions during the month of October were as follows :- 1. A Scolopaceous Courlan (Aramus scolopaceus) from South America, purchased 6th October, 1875. This bird was iu a very weak condition when received, and did not live long, but is of interest as being the first example of this aberrant form yet received alive. 2. A Binturong, from Malacca, presented by Capt. A. R. Ord, October 19th. W e have likewise now in the Gardens a Grey Binturong (Arctictis albifrons, F. Cuv.) from Borneo, presented by Sir Harry Ord in 1873; so that we may hope eventually to solve the question whether this and the Black Binturong (A. binturong) are really different species, as considered by F. Cuvier, or mere varieties. |