366 NATURAL SCIENCE [December 
number. The sternum, or breast bone, is very short and broad, 
while the coraco-scapula is much like that of a cassowary. The 
wing is reduced to a mere rudiment, namely a small humerus and 
one other bone which seems to represent the whole of the rest of 
the limb. The hind-limb has three toes, and there also seems to 
have been a rudimentary hallux, though this has not yet been 
found, The specimen in the Museum is appropriately placed by 
the side of Dinornis and the ostrich, and is one of the most striking 
additions to the collection of fossil birds acquired during recent 
years, 
SWEDISH ARCTIC EXPLORATION 
WE are very glad to learn that the Swedish Arctic expedition, 
which Prof. A. G. Nathorst has been advocating for some time, is 
likely to take definite shape next year. The necessary means have 
at last been procured, thanks chiefly to the liberality of King Oscar 
and the late Baron Oscar Dickson. The main objects of the expedi- 
tion, Prof. Nathorst informs us; are the scientific, and especially 
the geological, investigation of the east coast of Spitzbergen, which 
as yet is very little known ; the charting and exploration of Kung 
Karl’s Land; and, should time permit, of the little known islands 
between Spitzbergen and Franz Josef Land. It is proposed to take 
an observer specially familiar with the study of recent land move- 
ments and glacial action, a botanist, two zoologists, who amongst 
other things will, together with the hydrographer, make observations 
on the plankton; the hydrographer will also be a meteorologist. 
In addition there will be a combined cartographer and photographer, 
and a specialist in degree-measurement. An are of the meridian 
will be carefully measured on the east coast of Spitzbergen, but 
during the course of one summer it will only be possible to make 
the preliminary studies for this work. Professor Nathorst himself 
will continue his previous studies in both the botany and geology of 
the region, as well as having the command of the expedition. He 
hopes to be able to take three scientific helpers in addition to those 
mentioned, but this will depend on the size of the vessel that is 
obtained. 
With the notable exception of Andree’s bold attempt, Sweden 
has of late not taken her usual share in Polar exploration, but the 
names of Torell, Loven, Nordenskidld, and other Swedes are so 
intimately connected with Spitzbergen that the forthcoming expedi- 
tion is but the natural sequel to a long series of scientific voyages. 
With the fresh forces now at his command for attacking the prob- 
lems of the Arctic seas, Professor Nathorst may expect, and we 
sincerely hope that he will meet with, even more success than his 
predecessors. 
