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Show 546 MR. O. THOMAS ON MAMMALS FROM NYASSALAND. [NOV. 1, Total length of Pr. nigro-aculeata, measured in the flesh, 31 inches, while Gervais gives as the greatest length of Pr. bruijni 24 inches. Hab. Charles Louis Mountains, Dutch New Guinea. I append here for reference the habitats of the other two described forms of Proechidna :- Pr. bruijni and its varieties P. villosissima and P. leucocephala : Arfak Mountains, Dutch New Guinea. Pr. novce-guineee: Fiuisterre Mountains, German New Guinea. i 2. AcROBATES PULCHELLUS, Sp. 110V. I venture to think that this discovery of the late A. Bruijn's will prove of extreme interest to zoologists as adding a second species to a genus hitherto represented by a single form, and also as proving the much wider geographical distribution of a highly specialized genus. This species differs from Acrobates pyymeeus of N e w South Wales in its more purplish-brown colour, its broader and more robust head, much shorter tail, aud comparatively smaller body. On the ventral surface it is much whiter than A. pyymeeus, and the whole of the throat and sides of the lower jaw are pure white, while in A. pyymeeus they are yellowish grey. Round the eyes and reaching almost to the nostrils is a blackish-brown patch. Ears rather smaller than in A. pyymeeus. Tail in A. pulchellus 2\ inches long, while in A. pyymeeus it is 3\. Hab. One of the small islands in Northern Dutch New Guinea. 2. On Mammals from Nyassaland. Bv OLDFIELD THOMAS, F.Z.S. [Received August 20, 1892.] By the kindness of Mr. Sclater I have been entrusted with the examination of the fine series of Mammalia sent home to him by Mr. H. H. Johnston, C.B., F.Z.S., Consul-General of Mozambique and H.M. Commissioner for Nyassaland, under whose auspices they were collected by Mr. Alexander Whyte, F.Z.S., a trained naturalist and collector on Mr. Johnston's staff, who is engaged in investigating the fauna and flora of Nyassaland. It is impossible to speak too highly of the scientific energy and public spirit of Mr. Johnston in thus furthering our knowledge of the natural productions of the region which he is called upon to govern-conduct very greatly in contrast to that of many Englishmen in official positions, who, under the name of sport, exterminate the native fauna of many most interesting localities, without a thought either for the needs of science at large or for those of their own National Museum in particular. Of the specimens now sent home a full set is presented by Mr. Johnston to the Museum, as is also the case with the birds, reptiles, and animals of all classes, as well as with the plants which he has been instrumental in getting collected for the benefit of science. |