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Show 262 MR. P. L. SCLATER ON A LEAF-INSECT. [May 21, The radius and the ulna of Theriodesmus are of a simple generalized type, in some points resembling those of Reptiles ; but the olecranon has more or less mammalian characters. So far as this specimen carries us, Theriodesmus cannot be said to belong to any known order of Mammals, but it is also not a Reptile in the modern sense of the word. This animal shows, in its forearm, its caudal vertebrae, and its centralia, such very low (although mammalian- like) characters, that it ought to be placed between the Reptiles and Mammals. If not the " Promammal " of Haeckel, it may perhaps have been a near relative of some such transitional form, whose existence and characters may be thus postulated on retrospection. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXX. Praepollex and Praehallux of Mammals. Figs. 1, 4, 5, nat. size. Figs. 2 & 3, slightly enlarged. Fig. 1. Right manus of Pedetes capensis, palmar surface. 2. The supporting skeleton of the same. 3. The supporting skeleton of the corresponding manus of Baihyergus maritimus. 4. Right manus of Theriodesmus phylarchus, Seeley. 5. Restoration of the carpus of the same. Reference letters. ce1., re.2, centralia. cu., cuneiforme. ep., epiphysis. /**<., lunare. mg., magnum. pi., pisiform (postminimus). pi.d., distal bone of pisiform, pi.p., proximal bone of pisiform. Pp., praepollex. Pp.d., distal bone of priepollex. Pp.p., proximal bone of priepollex. P., radius. Sc., scaphoid, le)., trapezoid. Im., trapezium, u., unciform. U., ulna. I, II, III, IV, V, metacarpals. 1, 2, 3, phalanges. May 21, 1889. Prof. Flower, C.B., LL.D., F.R.S., President, in the Chair. Mr. Sclater exhibited and made remarks on the mummy of a Falcon which had been obtained at Thebes in Egypt by Mr. Arthur J. Scott, F.Z.S., last winter, lt was believed to be that of a Kestrel (Tinnunculus alaudarius). Mr. Sclater exhibited and made remarks on a series of photographs, taken at Antipodes Island, south of New Zealand, by Messrs. Dougall, of Invercargill, New Zealand, and representing groups of the marine birds (Penguins, Cormorants, and Alhatroses), and of the Sea-lions, which frequent that island for breeding-purposes. Mr. Sclater exhibited a drawing of a Leaf-insect living in the Society's Insect-house, and probably referable to a not quite adult stage of Phyllium gelonus, Gray. This specimen has been received |