
ProyinciAL Museum Reporr. M 11 




more or less caudally directed papille on either side of the genital organ in the same relative 
position as the hind limbs which I have described in this paper. In Kiikenthal’s Stage I. (an 
embryo 82 mm. in length) the rudiments are best developed and are 1.2 mm. long. In Stage II. 
(an embryo 28 mm. long) the rudiments are somewhat less distinct, reaching a length of 0.8 mm. 
In Stage III. (an embryo 380 mm. long) the hind-limb rudiments have still more decreased in 
size and appear as minute papille. 
Kiikenthal has also discovered hind-limb rudiments in embryos of Phocena communis and 
P. dalli, and Guldberg has recorded them in embryos of Lugenorhynchus aculus and Phocwna 
communis. 
Kiikenthal states that the hind-limb rudiments are found in later embryonie stages of the 
Mystacoceti than in the Odontoceti, and concludes that in the evolution of cetaceans the hind 
limbs lost their functional character in the Odontoceti earlier than in the Mystacoceti. 
Since Kiikenthal’s and Giuldberg’s researches have shown that external hind-limb rudiments 
are still present in some cases in embryonic life, it is by no means impossible that these vestigial 
organs should continue their growth and persist until the adult stage. I believe that that is 
exactly what has occurred in the specimen which I have described above, and that we are 
confronted with a clear case of partial reversion to a primitive quadripedal condition. 
The limbs, according to the statements of the whalers, were symmetrical; they are in the 
exact position in which the hind-limb rudiments have been found in embryonic Megaptera; there 
are strong indications that the cartilaginous femur was attached to the pelvic elements; they . 
are homologous in many respects to the flippers, or fore limbs, and were this a teratological 
ease it is doubtful if these homologies would exist. 
Unwilling as are many evolutionists to accept reported cases of reversion, I can see uo 
other explanation for the facts presented here. That this condition is extremely rare must 
certainly be true, for, so far as I am aware, this is the only recorded case among cetaceans. 
The presence of rudimentary hind limbs would almost certainly attract the attention of whalers 
under any condition and eventually be reported to a scientific institution: as was done in the 
case under consideration. Although hundreds of thousands of whales have been killed, especially 
in the last fifty years since the beginning of shore-whaling, no other instance has been reported. 
We are greatly indebted to Mr. Ruck and Mr. Lawson for their quick appreciation of the 
importance of their discovery, and I wish again to express my thanks to Mr. Kermode for 
giving me the privilege of describing it. 
ORNITHOLOGY. 
While no field-work has been done by the Department in the branch of ornithology, several 
persons who are very much interested in bird-life of this Province have made presentations of 
specimens to the Museum. One of the most rare specimens taken was presented by Mr. J. G. 
French, of Sooke, a white-winged dove (Melopelia asiatica), A.O.U. No. 819. This is the farthest 
northern record of this dove. The range of this bird in Lower California, Southern Arizona, 
Texas, Florida, south to Cuba, Jamaica, and Costa Rica. Accidental in Washington, one specimen 
being taken by Mr. J. H. Bowles, of Tacoma, November 7th, 1907. Concerning the specimen 
collected by Mr. J. G. French at Sherringham Point, Renfrew District, Vancouver Island, in 
July, 1918, he informs me that there were two of the birds together on that occasion, and 
without doubt this is now the most northerly record for this accidental visitor. 
Other birds and specimens collected by several persons and presented to the Museum are 
herewith listed below. 
ACCESSIONS. 
Black Merlin (Falco columbarius suckleyi). Presented by Mr. W. Long, Mount Douglas, 
Victoria, B.C., January 18th, 1921. 
Killdeer Plover (A@gialitis vocifera). Two specimens presented by Mr. Arthur Trill, 
Errington, B.C., April 19th, 1921. 
North-western Red-wing (Agelaius phaeniceus caurinus). Presented by Mr. Arthur Trill, 
Errington, B.C., April 19th, 1921. 
North-western Red-wing (Agelaius phaniceus caurinus). Presented by Mr. H. Rawlings, 
Parksville, B.C., April 19th, 1921. 
Killdeer Plover (4%giulitis vocifera). Presented by Mr. H. Rawlings, Parksville, B.C., 
April 19th, 1921. 
