1890.] Address, 55 



Dr, Hendley lias published an illustrated work on " Ulwar and its 

 Art Treasures. 



Colombo 3Iuseum. I learn from Mr. Haly that the only subject 

 likely to be of interest is the acquisition of a skeleton of a whale found 

 on the shores of the Gulf of Manaar. Unfortunately it is not complete, 

 the jaw-bones being missing, but it is hoped that they may yet be re- 

 covered. It seems to have been killed by a steamer, from the damage 

 done to the head. It is evidently one of the Physeteridoe, Cachalots or 

 Spermaceti Whales, and is a high-finned Cachalot. This find is of great 

 importance because only one high-finned Cachalot, is known, viz., Phy- 

 seter turio, Linn. ; and that only from a description by Sibbald of one that 

 came into the Frith of Forth in 1859. There are no bones of any animal 

 of this species in any Museum in the world, so that the present find may 

 probably be what Dr. Gray called " the great desideratum of Zoology," 

 an almost complete skeleton of Physeter turio. If it is not this, it must 

 be entirely new to science. 



Sioyal Botanic Garden Calcutta. The chief improvement effected 

 within the year 1888-89, was the extension and completion of the Palm 

 House, which now forms a magnificent conservatory in the form of an 

 octagon, the length of each side being 85 feet and the diameter of the 

 whole 210 feet. The approaches to the garden have been much improved 

 by the continuation of the road along the river bank from Howrah, which, 

 when completed, will affoi'd a pleasant and convenient means of reaching 

 the garden. A commodious landing-stage has also been constructed at 

 the liver gate. 



The Herbarium collections have received considerable accessions, in- 

 eluding a large collection from the Shan Hills, received from Brigadier- 

 General H. Collett, C. B. From Kew, a third set of Mr. 0. B. Clarke's 

 extensive collections in the Eastern Frontier countries, made during his 

 last visit to India, has been received. The value of the collection is 

 greatly enhanced by each specimen being accompanied by a note in 

 Mr. Clarke's own hand. A large number of specimens were received 

 from, the Perak Museum, also a set of the Dipterocarps of Penang from 

 Mr. Curtis of the Forest Department of the Straits Settlements. Some 

 interesting specimens from the N. W. Himalayas were received from 

 Mr. Duthie. 



Zoological Garden Calcutta. From the last report of this garden for 

 1888-89, it is satisfactory to learn that it continues to thrive and be a great 

 source of amusement and instruction to the Calcutta public, as well as to 

 the large number of strangers who flock to Calcutta, The income from 

 visitors showed a large increase. Daring the year the new lying in den 

 for the lioness was built, and the new sheltei'ed bird-house, referred to in 



