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XXI. Descriptions of two Quadrupeds inhabiting the South of 
Africa, about the Cape of Good Hope. By Andrew Smith, 
M.D., Member of the Wernerian Society of Edinburgh, Super- 
intendent of the South African Museum, and Assistant Surgeon 
to the Forces. Communicated by Sir Everard Home, Bart., 
FERS; F.L.S., 4c. 
Read June 19, 1827. 
Mosr of the larger quadrupeds of South Africa are now known 
by names, yet few, comparatively speaking, by perfect descrip- 
tions. That such should be the case is not at all to be won- 
dered at, when we consider that almost all the knowledge we 
possess regarding them has been obtained either from dried 
skins or from the works of travellers, —a class of individuals 
usually but little versed in natural history, and whose temporary 
residence, even if better informed, affords but few opportunities 
for making such experiments and observations as are absolutely 
necessary to advance science. 
To describe animals with accuracy, they must be studied when 
alive, examined when young, observed when old, and closely 
watched through every stage between those periods; and to do 
that requires long and actual residence in the spots where they 
occur: circumstances which point out the propriety of local in- 
stitutions for such purposes in all places whose natural produc- 
tions are not thoroughly known. If such a plan had long ago 
been pursued at the Cape, doubtless the two animals now about 
to 
