much indobtod for many very pxcellont illustrations of this 

 department. 



Two specimens of that extra'>rdinary animal (the existence 

 of which was for a time doubted) the Duck-billed Mole (Pla- 

 typus Anatinus), a native of New Holland, have been con- 

 tributed by Mrs. Henry Croasdill. These with the small 

 Guinea Musk (Moschus Pygmseus) , presented by W. Gunnell, 

 Esq., are decidedly to be ranked among the most interesting 

 of Quadrupeds. Three specimens of North American Squir- 

 rels, two of which are used extensively in commerce, have 

 also been added by Mr. J. Brent, Jun. 



The Cases appropriated to Reptiles have been enriched by 

 Mr. Couchman's valuable series of Snakes, &c. from Dema- 

 rara, many of which retain the pristine beauty of their colors 

 and elegantly varied markings. 



The Conchological series is also gradually becoming richer 

 in specimens : during the past season the Helix Otis, a rare 

 species, has been presented by a valued friend to the Institu- 

 tion, the Rev. G. R. Leathes, Shropham Hall, Norfolk ; 

 that truly beautiful shell, the Murex Palma Rosse, has been 

 given by Mrs. R. Small ; and the Spondylus Aurantiacus, a 

 shell equally rare and beautiful, by the Curator. It is grati- 

 fying also to be enabled to add the name of Mr. G. Sowerby, 

 as a contributor in this department. 



The accession to the collection of Insects has this year been 

 less considerable than on former occasions, but the Society is 

 indebted to the Rev. G. R. Leathes, and Mr. J. Dix, for some 

 rare British Specimens ; and also to Robert Ramsden, Esq. 

 of Spratton, Northamptonshire, for the Emperor of Morocco, 

 an insect equally scarce and beautiful, and which derives an 

 extraneous interest from the verse of Peter Pindar. 



Wm. Hulke, Esq. has presented a magnificient specimen of 

 the Monoculus Polyphemus (King Crab), from the Chinese 

 seas : this is the most extraordinary specimen of the division 

 Crustaccse of which the Museum is possessed. 



