Zoological Society, 63 



the smallest leaves of this magnificent tree, and the bottom of the 

 nest was about seventy feet from the ground, at which elevation the 

 leaves began to shoot. 



" It had been abandoned by the wasps, and its exterior walls were 

 much injured by the monsoon rains and storms, which left the ter- 

 races unprotected and unsupported, except by their interior pillars : 

 and the natives were in consequence unable to lower it from such a 

 height without destroying some of the lower terraces. 



** I shall not attempt to enter further on this subject, a structure 

 so well known to naturalists. The appearance of the nest, as it 

 hung upwards of seventy feet from the ground, the shaft to it per- 

 fectly bare ; and the larger leaves (used by the natives as umbrellas 

 and tents) waving over it, presented a very singular appearance : and 

 I hope its remains may reach England in a state of preservation 

 sufficient to satisfy the inspection of the curious. 



" W. Williams, Lieut. R. Artillery.'* 



January 8th, 1839. — Professor Owen in the Chair. 



Dr. Harlan read a paper entitled, " Description of a new species 

 of Meriones inhabiting the United States of North America.'* 



** A male and female specimen of the species which it is now 

 proposed to add to the Fauna of the United States, were taken 

 some time during 1836, on the farm of Mr. Beck, in Philadelphia 

 County, a few miles north-east of the city. The female at the 

 moment of her capture carried several young, which adhered to the 

 teats firmly, notwithstanding the violent eiForts and leaps of the pa- 

 rent. 



" In the descriptive details which follow, the usual allowance 

 must be made when such are drawn from impaled skins." 



Meriones microcephalus. Mer. superne nigro fiavoque mixtis, flavo 

 apud later a prevalent e ornatus ; corpore suhtus albescente,fiavido 

 lavato ; aurihus mediocribus, pilis flavis et nigris intermiwtis, 

 intiLS atque extus instructis, 



" Male. Length of the body, three inches ; of the tail, four inches ; 

 total length of the hind leg, one inch four-eighths ; of the thigh, 

 three-eighths ; of the leg, five eighths ; of the foot, four- eighths. Five 

 toes behind ; four before ; with a rudimentary nailed thumb ; all the 

 toes sparsely hairy, and terminating in strong, sharp claws. 



" Colour above, plumbeous, interspersed with reddish fawn ; be- 

 low, white, similarly interspersed in a less degree, a lateral longi- 

 tudinal band of reddish fawn colour separating the sides from the 

 abdomen ; tail, sparsely hairy, dark coloured above, white beneath. 



