100 
Lagothri« Humboldtii. 
Chiropotes satanas. 
Penelope pipile. 
as cristata. 
Boa constrictor. 
The imperfect knowledge which we possessof the zoology of Trinidad, 
and the proximity of that island to the Spanish Main, where so many 
interesting forms abound, render the support of Lord Harris a most 
valuable addition to the strength of the Society; and it is to be 
earnestly hoped that the liberal and unhesitating manner in which 
his Lordship, as well as the Governor of Singapore, have acceded to 
the applications which were made to them for assistance in promoting 
scientific objects, will be rivalled by the governors of our other colo- 
nies, who have necessarily effectual means of conferring the most im- 
portant aid towards the progress of zoological inquiry. 
The following papers were read :— 
1. On SuHark Fisnine at KurracHee. In A LETTER FROM 
Dr. Buist, LL.D., F.R.S. erc., or Bompay, TO COLONEL 
Sykes. (CommunicatTeD By CoLoNeL Syxkes*.) 
There are thirteen large boats, with crews 
of twelve men each, constantly employed in 
the shark fishery at Kurrachee ; the value of 
the fins sent to market varying from 15,000 ‘ 
to 18,000 rupees, or 1000 to 1200 rupees for 
each boat, after allowing the Banian or factor 
his profit. One boat will sometimes capture 
at a draught as many as one hundred sharks 
of different sizes. The fishermen are very 
averse to revealing the amount of their cap- 
tures. Inquiries of this sort are supposed 
by them to be made exclusively for the pur- 
pose of taxation. The average capture of 
each boat probably amounts to about 3000, 
so as to give the whole sharks captured at not 
less than 40,000 a year. The Great Basking 
Shark, or Mhor, is always harpooned : it is 
found floating or asleep near the surface of 
the water; it is then stuck with a harpoon 
: dy ae ‘ Line, 600 fathoms. 
of the size and form indicated in the annexed Gangistates aire 
Iron shaft, 1 foot 6 inches. 
woodcut. Barb, 5 inches. 
The fish, once struck, is allowed to run ; 
till tired ; it is then pulled in, and beaten with clubs till stunned. A 
large hook is now hooked into its eyes or nostrils, or wherever it 
* Dr. Buist’s informant wrote from Kurrachee, in Scinde, to Dr. Buist in Bom- 
bay; who sent the analysis of the letter to Colonel Sykes; and Dr. Buist added 
the export of sharks’ fins from Bombay.—W. H. § 
ee 
