76 Miscellaneous. 



galensis) will be manifest to every one. The difference, however, is 

 not only in size, but in all the proportions of the head. 



In the H. minor there is a uniform convexity of the upper surface 

 of the cranium from orbit to orbit, and between the occiput and ossa 

 nasi ; while in the common species the orbits are remarkably ele- 

 vated, and the intermediate surface is concave. The orbit is placed 

 about midway between the occiput and snout, and the latter is 

 consequently short ; while in the large species the orbits are placed 

 about one-third the distance between the occiput and snout. The 

 H. minor has only two canines in the lower jaw ; the false molars are 

 proximate to the canines ; and the base of the zygomata is in the 

 same plane with the upper maxilla. 



The second skull of this species (which is of the same length as 

 the other) is that of a younger animal ; for the sutures are open, and 

 the teeth in the process of changing from the deciduous to the per- 

 manent set. The posterior molars are only partially protruded, and 

 rise obliquely from the jaws, like those of the elephant and mas- 

 todon. 



Dr. Goheen, who assured me from the first that he could find no 

 notice of this animal in the systematic works, has obligingly favoured 

 me with the following memorandum in relation to it : — " This animal 

 abounds in the river St. Paul's, and varies in weight from 400 to 

 700 pounds. They are slow and heavy in their motions, yet will 

 sometimes stray two or three miles from the river, in which situation 

 they are killed by the natives. They are extremely tenacious of life, 

 and almost invulnerable, excepting when shot or otherwise wounded 

 in the heart. When injured they become irritable and dangerous, 

 but are said by the natives never to attack them when in their 

 canoes. The negroes are very fond of the flesh, which seems to be 

 intermediate in flavour between beef and veal." 



My comparisons with the common hippopotamus have been made 

 on four specimens (three of which are fully grown) ; two from the vi- 

 cinity of the Cape of Good Hope, and two from the Senegal river. — 

 Proceedings of the Acad. Nat. Sciences of Philadelphia, Feb. 27, 1844. 



KENTISH BIRDS. 



To the Editors of the Annals of Natural History. 



Gentlemen, — In my last letter I complained of not having the 

 wind N.E. by E., which for the Kentish coast is the best wind for col- 

 lecting birds. It has been in that direction for some time and produced 

 a good supply, particularly the Whimbrel, which has oocurred in im- 

 mense numbers, and so tame, that on their first arrival there was no 

 difficulty in getting a good shot at them. Greenshanks rather thinner 

 this year than usual, but the Redshank in great abundance. I have 

 also got two specimens of the Wood Sandpiper : I only saw three, 

 and succeeded in killing two, male and female. About the 8th of 

 last month I shot four beautiful specimens of the Purple Sandpiper, 

 which are in good condition. I have also some very fine specimens 

 of the Lesser Tern, Common Tern and Sandwich Tern, with all of 



