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Show 142 SIR V. BROOKE ON A N E W GAZELLE. [Feb. 1 7, decidedly from Gazella arabica. In the latter the hair is short, close-set, and of a rich grizzled bay ; whilst the coats of the Muscat Gazelles are remarkably long and soft, and of a very beautiful silvery grey colour. In size they are inferior to G. arabica, and in delicacy of form and beauty even exceed that lovely species. From G. dorcas, to which species they bear more resemblance, the Muscat Gazelles differ in their smaller size, in their very different and much darker colour, and in the intensity of the facial and lateral markings. These differences can be appreciated at a glance in the Society's Menagerie, where the two species are represented in adjoining yards. I propose to confer upon this species the name of Gazella musca-tensis. For the explanation of the terms used in the following description, and for the exact value I attach to the term " species " as applied to the different modifications of Gazella, I must refer to m y former paper on the genus. GAZELLA MUSCATENSIS, sp. nov. (Plate XXII.) Hair very soft and long. Central facial band rufous fawn on the forehead, becoming darker as it descends, forming a distinct dark nose-spot. Light facial streaks very distinct, running over and stopping immediately above the eye, white; dark facial streaks distinct, black, becoming more rufous as they approach the angles of the mouth. Spot under and behind the eye, space round the muzzle, chin, throat, breast, belly and rump white. Dark lateral band very distinct, grizzly black. Knee-brushes and tail black. Neck and limbs below the carpal and tarsal joints fawn-colour, this colour being almost rufous on the limbs. Back, sides, and haunches silvery grey. Horns rather slender, compressed laterally, strongly and closely annulated, with their points in both sexes turned inwards and forwards. Ears long. Size inferior to that of Gazella dorcas. Hab. Muscat. A large number of skeletons of Gazelles received lately by Mr. Edward Gerrard from North-eastern Africa (which specimens Mr. Gerrard, with his usual kindness, has given me every facility for examining) have shown me an error in m y former paper which I am anxious to take this opportunity of correcting. At page 552, I thus write : - " In no existing Gazelle have I as yet been able to discover the smallest trace of the external digits in either extremity." I now find from an examination of rough uncleaned specimens that in Gazella scemmeringii, G. lavipes, and G. isabella, long filamentary second and fifth metacarpals are present, but no sign of the corresponding metatarsals. The unequal phalanges of the external digits of the hind extremities appear to be also represented. The delicacy and rudimentary condition of these bones causes them to be frequently lost in Museum specimens. |