36G NATURAL SCIENCE [December 



number. The sternum, or breast bone, is very short and broad,, 

 while the coraco-scapula is much like that of a cassowary. The 

 wing is reduced to a mere rudiment, namely a small humerus and 

 one other bone which seems to represent the whole of the rest of 

 the limb. The hind-limb has three toes, and there also seems to 

 have been a rudimentary hallux, though this has not yet been 

 found. The specimen in the Museum is appropriately placed by 

 the side of JDinornis and the ostrich, and is one of the most striking 

 additions to the collection of fossil birds acquired during recent 

 years. 



Swedish Arctic Exploration 



We are very glad to learn that the Swedish Arctic expedition, 

 which Prof. A. G. Nathorst has been advocating for some time, is 

 likely to take definite shape next year. The necessary means have 

 at last been procured, thanks chiefly to the liberality of King Oscar 

 and the late Baron Oscar Dickson. The main objects of the expedi- 

 tion, Prof. Nathorst informs us, are the scientific, and especially 

 the geological, investigation of the east coast of Spitzbergen, which 

 as yet is very little known ; the charting and exploration of Kung 

 Karl's Land ; and, should time permit, of the little known islands 

 between Spitzbergen and Franz Josef Land. It is proposed to take 

 an observer specially familiar with the study of recent land move- 

 ments and glacial action, a botanist, two zoologists, who amongst 

 other things will, together with the hydrographer, make observations 

 on the plankton ; the hydrographer will also be a meteorologist. 

 In addition there will be a combined cartographer and photographer, 

 and a specialist in degree-measurement. An arc of the meridian 

 will be carefully measured on the east coast of Spitzbergen, but 

 during the course of one summer it will only be possible to make 

 the preliminary studies for this work. Professor Nathorst himself 

 will continue his previous studies in both the botany and geology of 

 the region, as well as having the command of the expedition. He 

 hopes to be able to take three scientific helpers in addition to those 

 mentioned, but this will depend on the size of the vessel that is 

 obtained. 



With the notable exception of Andree's bold attempt, Sweden 

 has of late not taken her usual share in Polar exploration, but the 

 names of Torell, Loven, Nordenskibld, and other Swedes are so 

 intimately connected with Spitzbergen that the forthcoming expedi- 

 tion is but the natural sequel to a long series of scientific voyages. 

 With the fresh forces now at his command for attacking the prob- 

 lems of the Arctic seas, Professor Nathorst may expect, and we 

 sincerely hope that he will meet with, even more success than his 

 predecessors. 



