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Show 1896.] RONTGEN-RAY PHOTOGRAPHS OF A SNAKE. 547 the modifications of the syrinx and the muscles of the leg. In Alca, Phaleris, Lomvia, Uria, and Synthliborhamphus the syrinx does not show the extraordinary modification described in Ceratorhina and occurring also in Lunda and Fratercula. In the three latter genera the ambiens is present, but the accessory femorocaudal is absent. The exactly reversed condition characterizes four of the first mentioned genera1. Uria Columbia, however, has a syrinx which is an approach towards that of the more differentiated types. May 5, 1896. Dr. JOHN ANDERSON, F.E.S., Vice-President, in the Chair. The Secretary read the following report on the additions to the Society's Menagerie during the month of April. The registered additions to the Society's Menagerie during the month of April were 99 in number. Of these, 32 were acquired by presentation, 30 by purchase, 6 were born in tbe Gardens, 30 were received on deposit and 1 in exchange. The total number of departures during the same period, by death and removals, was 141. Amongst these attention was called to a young male Indian Elephant (Elephas indicus) from Burmah, purchased of Mr. Cross of Liverpool, April 10th2. Mr. W. E. Hoyle, M.A., exhibited some photographs of a snake in the act of swallowing a mouse, taken by aid of the Eontgen rays, so that the skeleton tissues of both animals wTere clearly shown. The snake in question was a common grass-snake (Tropidonotus natrix), belonging to M r . V. H . Sugden, of the Owens College, who kindly superintended that portion of the experiment connected with it. As the snake did not appear hungry, its mouth was opened and the mouse pushed down its throat; when about two-thirds of it had passed between the jaws the first exposure was made, but this failing owing to movement on the part of the snake, ether was administered and complete repose thus secured. Three exposures were subsequently made-one from above and one from the side,-in which the expansion of the jaws to take in the comparatively large prey was well shown. The third exposure was made when the mouse was completely within the snake's throat, and the contrast between the natural aud the distended diameter of the body was very marked. By the kindness of Prof. Schuster, F.E.S., the experiments were made in the Physical Laboratory of the Owens College, and the electric apparatus was superintended by Mr. A. T. Stanton. Phaleris is exceptional in having neither ambiens nor accessory femorocaudal. 2 This Elephant, on the 4th of June, was found to weigh 11 cwt. 1 qr. 7 lbs. |
