17 



The Bosch Vark is the first living specimen which 

 has reached Europe, and forms an interesting addition to 

 the series of African Wild Hogs, of which the Society now 

 possesses all the known species. 



The Mexican Jaguar, on comparison with the speci- 

 mens of Felis onca which the Society have received from 

 South America, appeared to be specifically distinct from 

 them, and has been described in the 'Proceedings' for 185 7, 

 by Dr. Gray, under the name of Leopardus hernandesii. 

 The only information which has hitherto reached the 

 Council in reference to this valuable animal is that it was 

 captured near Mazatlan, more than two years since, by 

 Mr. Knight, through the liberality of whose sister it was 

 presented to the Society. Further particulars have been 

 requested from Mr. Knight, which will be published as 

 soon as his communication is received. 



Among the BIRDS exhibited for the first time, the 

 most interesting Raptorial form is the Urubitinga Eagle, 

 for which the Society is indebted to the untiring zeal of 

 His Excellency W. D. Christie, Her Majesty's Plenipo- 

 tentiary in the Argentine Republic, to whom the Council 

 have had occasion to record their thanks on many previous 

 occasions. 



The Purple Plantain-eater is one of the most bril- 

 liant and remarkable species of the family to which it 

 belongs. The delicacy of its constitution has hitherto pre- 

 vented its successful introduction into this country, and 

 the specimen which has recently reached the Society is 

 certainly unique in Europe. 



The Crested Guinea Fowl is a very desirable addi- 

 tion to the fine series of Gallinaceous Birds now contained 

 in the Collection. A single female unfortunately is the only 

 representative of this species which the Council have been 

 able to obtain ; but as it is not uncommon in South-eastern 

 Africa, it is to be hoped that the communication now 

 rapidly developing with that portion of the African conti- 

 nent will at no distant period put the Society in possession 

 of not only this, but many other desiderata of import- 

 ance. 



The Council have availed themselves of the co-operation 

 which Dr. Livingstone, with his characteristic zeal for the 

 advancement of science in all its branches, offered to them 

 during his short residence in London ; and the Council 



B 



