176 TRANSACTIONS, NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASHOW. 



the striped hyena of Northern Africa. In height it stands 

 about 19 inches. This Maanhaar, the name by which it 

 is most commonly known, may be found over all tlie Orange 

 River Colony and the Transvaal, but in Cape Colony and Natal 

 it is rare. It is nocturnal in its habits. Its food consists of 

 insects and reptiles, as well as small animals and birds. It has 

 been a matter of discussion recently whether or not it attacked 

 sheep, but its molar teeth are so small and irregular, that the 

 idea of its being able to chew bones, like the common Red Ratel, 

 may be set aside. There is, however, a strong presumption that, 

 in some parts of the country, it has recently acquired the habit 

 of killing lambs with the same object as have the baboons, which 

 are known in certain localities to destroy lambs for the sake of 

 the curdled milk found in their stomachs. The Cape Ratel is 

 fairly common on the Vaal. Although well known to naturalists, 

 comparatively little is known of its habits. This probably arises 

 from the fact that it is extremely dangerous, and is shunned by 

 both natives and Boers. It burrows in holes among tree roots, 

 and hides itself in hollow trees. It lives on insects, small birds, 

 and reptiles. 



Dr. Johnstone M'Fie exhibited a mounted specimen of the 

 Wild Cat, trapped some time ago in INIorven, Argyllshire. The 

 animal is now becoming very rare, being destroyed by game- 

 keepers whenever it is met with. 



Mr. Hugh Boyd Watt read a paper entitled "A Census of 

 Glasgow Rookeries " (see page 21). 



The Rev. G. A. Frank Knight, M.A., Vice-President, read 

 "A Narrative of a Scientific Cruise on the Fishery Board 

 steamer 'Garland'." Through the courtesy of the Fishery Board 

 for Scotland, Mr. Knight, with three other Members of the 

 Society (Profesor Malcolm Laurie, D.Sc, F.R.S.E., Dr. Rankin, 

 and Dr. Gemmill), had the opportunity of somewhat extended 

 marine research. In view of the work of compiling lists of the 

 Clyde fauna in connection with the forthcoming visit of the 

 British Association to Glasgow, there was a desire to investigate 

 certain parts of the estuary which had been comparatively little 

 dredged. The party accordingly spent a number of days trawl- 

 ing and dredging in the Clyde waters, principally between 

 Cumbrae and Arran, from Pladda to Turnberry, round Ailsa 



