PROCEEDINGS OF METROPOLITAN SOCIETIES. 301 



rodon mofco, Cavia australis, and C. rufipes, a Lemming, two spe- 

 cies of Echymys (distinct sub-generic forms), and Cervus rufus and 

 C. nemorivagus, which last appeared to be different from that recog- 

 nised by the same name in the museums of this country. 



June 12th. — An excellent paper was read by Dr. Canter on a 

 new genus of Hooded Serpents from India, which that gentleman 

 had previously characterized in the Asiatic Researches, under the 

 name Hamadryas. The species exhibited was the only one which 

 he had personally ascertained, although he had received information 

 of two others, which were distinguished by separate Hindoo names. 

 They grew to a large size, and the species to which he drew the at- 

 tention of the meeting attained a length of twelve feet. It was 

 stated to inhabit hollow trees, and to prey on other Serpents and 

 arboreal Lizards, which regarded it with much instinctive dread. 

 Its power of abstinence is very inferior to that of the Cobras and 

 other allied genera. From experiments with its venom, it ap- 

 peared that this is less intense than in the Cobras, though still of 

 alarming virulence. It was found to redden litmus paper, and 

 more readily after being kept for a short time ; but on keeping it 

 long it became gradually inert, as Mr. Owen affirmed had also 

 proved to be the case with the venom of another serpent with which 

 he had experimented. An interesting account of its habits and 

 mode of attacking prey was then detailed, as personally witnessed 

 by the author ; who bestowed on it the specific appellation ophio- 

 phayus. This notice was illustrated by some admirably executed 

 representations of the anatomy, and of the reptile, taken from life, 

 in the peculiar attitude it assumes when about to seize its prey. 

 Mr. Owen then read a minute description of the respiratory organs 

 of the Apteryx, which presented several interesting peculiarities. 

 There were no abdominal air-cells ; and the thoracic were separated 

 from the other viscera by a stout diaphragm. The general structure 

 indicated that although this remarkable bird may run very swiftly 

 for a time, as is known to be the case, it apparently could not pro- 

 tract its exertions, but would soon become wearied : considered in 

 this light, its degree of locomotive ability is perhaps lower than in 

 any other of the class. Its nocturnal habits are evidently in accor- 

 dance with this conformation. Mr. Harvey next exhibited some- 

 specimens of fishes and zoophytes procured in the vicinity of Teign- 

 mouth ; and the remainder of the evening was occupied in discuss- 

 ing the communications of Dr. Canter and Mr. Owen. 



