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Show 320 ON ZOOLOGICAL SPECIMENS IN ROTTERDAM, ETC. [June 1, Museum of Comparative Zoology at Cambridge, in which also a Fierasfer has been imbedded in the substance of the shell. In this case, as well as in ours, the fish, instead of introducing itself into the cavity between the two halves of the mantle, penetrated between the mantle and the shell, causing irritation to the mollusk, which the latter resented by immediately secreting the substance with which the intruder is now covered. It is remarkable to note that the secretion must have taken place in a very short time, at any rate before the fish could be destroyed by decomposition. Mr. Sclater made some remarks on the most interesting objects noticed in the Zoological Gardens of Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Cologne, Antwerp, and Ghent, which he had lately visited. In Rotterdam a pair of Bar-headed Geese (Anser indicus) had nested and the female was sitting; and a pair of Black-footed Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) had twice laid eggs. Mr. Sclater had never known either of these species breed in captivity before, but believed that the former had bred at Antwerp. Specimens of a Lcucopternis (sp. inc.), Epimachus albus, and Carpophaga goliath were seen in the aviaries. In Amsterdam the series of Cranes, Herons, and Storks were, as usual, very complete and the specimens in fine condition, particularly those of Ardea sumatrana and A. herodias. The Spoonbill was breeding in one of the aviaries. Other rare birds noticed were examples of Conurus luciani, Alauda tatarica, and Cacalua gymnopis. At Cologne a fine young male Burchell's Zebra, born in the Gardens 19 months ago, had been much admired, and would, it was hoped, be secured for the Society's Gardens. The Gardens at Antwerp were in their usual excellent condition and very fully stocked. The flock of Barbary Sheep (Ovis traye-laphus) and herds of Lamas, Guanacos, Alpacas, and Vicunas were much admired. Amongst other noticeable objects were a pair of Isabelline Antelopes (Cervicapra isabellina), three young examples of Casuarius uniappendiculatus, and several specimens of Ara glauca, one of which had been obtained for the Society's collection. At the small but well-kept Garden of the Societe Royale d'Histoire Naturelle at Ghent was observed a fine male example of the Ostrich of Somali-land (Struthio molgbdophanes), distinguishable when alive by its naked bluish skin, and the large red plaque in front of the tarsus. A letter was read from Mr. J. M . Cornely, of Tours, C.M.Z.S., stating that his pair of Michie's Deer (Elaphodus mwhiunus) had bred, and that a young one had been born on the 1 5th May. The young one was stated to be nearly of the same colour as the mother, showing only a few indistinct spots. The following papers were read :- |