OCR Text |
Show 1868.] THE SECRETARY ON ADDITIONS TO THE MENAGERIE. 261 It has been a matter of much surprise to me to find such distinct and consistent differences between the species that I have had the opportunity of observing alive, even where they are closely allied to one another as regards their shells; and I have found these differences of great assistance in determining them. May 14, 1868. George Busk, Esq., F.R.S., V.P., in the Chair. Mr. P. L. Sclater called attention to some of the recent additions to the Society's Menagerie, amongst which were particularly noticed the following:- 1. A young Caiman from Paraguay, presented by George Wilks, Esq., C.M.Z.S., February 4th. This specimen had been determined by Dr. Gray as belonging to his species Jacare longiscutata *, and was of interest as indicating the true patria of this rare species. 2. A Smooth-headed Capuchin Monkey (Cebus monachus, F. Cuv.), remarkable for its large head covered with short recumbent hairs, very different from those of the Cebi ordinarily seen in the Society's Menagerie, where this species was believed to have never been exhibited before. The present individual had been deposited by Mrs. Pascoe Dupre Gren fell, on the 26th of "February, and appeared likely to do well in the Menagerie. 3. A Thick-tailed Opossum (Didelphys crassicaudata, Desm.), from the Argentine Republic, presented by George Wilks, Esq., C.M.Z.S., March 5th, being a fine example of this rare species. 4. A Burrowing Owl (Pholeoptynx cunicularia, Mol.) from the same locality, and presented by the same donor. No sooner had this bird been placed in its cage than, true to its habits, it had excavated a hole in the soil at the bottom, into which it always retreated when threatened. 5. A Wrinkled Hornbill (Buceroscorrugatus, Temm.) from Borneo, obtained by purchase on the 27th March. This bird differed from Temminck's figure (Pl.Col. 531) in having the ends of the tail-feathers white instead of rufous-and increased the species of Hornbills now living in the Society's Gardens to seven in number (Cf. P. Z. S. 1867, p. 890). 6. A male example of the Bornean Fire-backed Pheasant (Euplocamus nobilis, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1863, p. 119, t. xix.) obtained at the same time, and believed to be from the same locality. 7. A Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis) from the Shire River, Eastern Africa, presented by Lieut. R. M. Sperling, R.N., and of much interest as proving that this species, and not * Trans. Zool. Soc. vol. vi. p. Ki4, t. xxxiv. |