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Show 1871.] THE SECRETARY ON ADDITIONS TO THE MENAGERIE. 625 worth, F.Z.S., July 17th. It embraces examples of the following species, mostly new to the Society's collection:- 1 Paddy-field Deer (Cervus porcinus, var.). 1 Cheela Eagle (Spilornis cheela). 2 Ceylonese Spur-fowl (Galloperdix ceylonensis). 4 Indian Crows (Corvus splendens). 1 Russell's Viper (Vipera russelli). 3. A n example of the Long-nosed Crocodile of Western Africa, Crocodilus (sive Mecistops) cataphractus, purchased July 19th. I am not aware that we have ever before possessed living individuals of this very distinct and unmistakable Crocodilian. 4. Six Dorsal Squirrels (Sciurus dorsalis, Gray), purchased July 20th. W e have placed these and some previously acquired examples of this beautiful species in one large cage together, and have great hopes that they will breed with us. The clever sketch by Mr. Keulemans, which I now exhibit, will serve to show the great variations in colour to which this species is subject. The total number of registered additions to the Society's Menagerie during the month of August 1871 was 122; of these, 10 were by birth, 34 by presentation, 47 by purchase, 5 by exchange, and 26 were received on deposit. The total number of departures during the same period, by death and removal, was 91. The most noticeable of the additions were :- 1. A third specimen of the Tamandua Ant-eater (Tamandua tetradactyla), probably from Brazil, obtained by purchase August 7th, and agreeing generally in external characters with the specimen purchased on June 27th. 2. Two Bonteboks (Damalis pygarga), purchased August 11th, being the only examples of this beautiful Antelope that have reached us for the last twenty years*. 3. Two Peruvian Thicknees (CEdicnemus superciliaris, Tsch.), * Mr. E. L. Layard gives me the subjoined note concerning this Antelope:-• " The Bontebok is very nearly exterminated, and, but for the fostering care of the Messrs. Breda and Van der Byl would be quite so in a couple of years. " They are confined to the extreme south of the continent of South Africa, to a portion of country called the ' Strand Veldt.' It is an extensive flat, bordered by the sea on the south-west, south, and south-east, and by a range of undulating country or low hills rising to the Caledon Ranges and Zwart Bergen on the northern side. It is, in fact, the nearest plateau to the L'Agulhas bank, and is called ' Cape L'Agulhas.' The whole of this country belongs chiefly to the families of Breda and Van der Byl; and they preserve the animals as much as they can. A Government permit is also required to shoot them, which must be visa'd by the magistrate at Bredasdorp, the name of the village on this range of land. " They are, however, poached and destroyed by one or two small holders, who have small patches of land surrounded by the large properties, and who refuse all offers of purchase, and plant corn on purpose to tempt the animals into it, and then at night shoot them. They roam in herds of about eight or ten, or twenty; but sometimes fine old bucks are found solitary. They are usually shot from a cart, which they will suffer to approach them, or from horseback. If wounded and approached they will charge desperately; and I have heard of a Hottentot being killed by them thus." |