Zoological Club, 549 



lie pointed out their distinguishing characters, and at the same 

 time the circular succession of affinities by which they succeed 

 each other. 



July 26. — Mr. Bell exhibited a series of specimens of the 

 Chelonian Reptiles^ and more particularly of the genera Testudo^ 

 Auct., Emys^ Brongn., Terrapene^ Merr., and Kinosternoriy 

 Spix. He dwelt on these two latter genera in particular, which 

 compose the group commonly known by the name of Box Tor^ 

 toises ,' and he illustrated the characters of a new genus which he 

 had added to the group, his genus Sternoihcerus^ from specimens 

 which he laid before the meeting. 



November 8. — A paper was read entitled " Descriptions of 

 some new species of birds belonging to the genera Phytotoma^ 

 Gmel., Indicatory Vieill., and Cursorius^ Lath.^^' by Mr. Ben- 

 jamin Leadbeater, F.L.S. 



November 22. — The Secretary exhibited a specimen of the 

 Tabuan Parrot, Psittacus Tabuensis^ Lath., belonging to Mr. 

 Leadbeater, and which that gentleman requested to be laid be- 

 fore the meeting. In the course of some observations on the 

 occasion, the Secretary entered into the history of the specimen, 

 which is one of the two individuals brought home from the 

 Island of Tongataboo by the late Captain Cook. He afterwards 

 explained the situation of this rare species in the family of 

 Psittacidce, referring it to the genus Platycercus^ one of the lately 

 characterised groups of that family. 



Mr. Brookes exhibited several specimens of Birds referable io 

 the genera Dendrocolaptes, Herm., Synallaxis, Vieill., &c. One 

 of these presented a new type of the family of Laniadce, 



Mr. Vigors read a continuation of the " Catalogue of New 

 Holland Birds in the Collection of the Linnean Society;" by 

 Dr. Horsfield and himself. 



On November 29, the second Anniversary Meeting of the 

 Zoological Club took place, when the following members were 

 appointed Committee and Officers for the year ensuing. 



J. E. Bicheno, Esq. Sec. L.S. Chairman; J. F. Stephens, Esq. 

 Treasurer ; N. A. Vigors, Esci. Secretary ; Joseph Sabine, Esq., 



