66 Zoological Society, 



the lower jaw of Didelphys, Opossum, and some of the large species 

 of Sorex. 



In a memoir to be brought forward on another occasion, Mr. 

 Owen intends to describe the other genus found at Stonesfield, and 

 for which, on account of its marsupial affinities, he proposes the name 

 of Phascolotherium. 



ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



May 22, 1838. — Richard Owen, Esq., in the Chair. 



A letter was first read, dated Sierra Leone, February 19, 1838, 

 from F. Strachan, Esq., Corresp. Memb., in which the writef, refer- 

 ring to the Chimpanzee, observes, that only two had been brought 

 over to Freetown during the late rains, both of which he believes to 

 be on their way to England ; he also remarks, that there would be 

 no great difficulty in procuring a young Hippopotamus, and that it 

 might probably outlive the voyage to England if brought home in a 

 man of war. 



Mr. Waterhouse then laid before the Meeting a collection of spe- 

 cimens received from Mr. Cuming, consisting of a considerable num- 

 ber of birds, with skins oi Mammalia, &c.: among the latter were 

 several new or rare species, including specimens of the genera Tar' 

 sius, Galeopithecus, Sciurus, and Paradoxurus. 



The scientific value of the above donation was much increased by 

 some manuscript notes made by Mr. Cuming upon several of the ani- 

 mals, giving their native names, and information relative to their habits. 

 Of one of these, a species of Galeopithecus, Mr. Cuming remarks : — 



" The Caguang is an inoffensive animal, inhabiting lofty trees in 

 dark woods, and is known to feed upon the leaves of the Nanka or 

 Jack Fruit; it suspends itself from the upper branches of the tree by 

 all its feet, which gives it a large appearance, as it brings them all 

 four together. 



" It flies heavily for about a hundred yards on an inclined plane, 

 but readily ascends the trees by its strong claws ; it makes a weak 

 noise similar to geese when at rest : when the calls of nature ope- 

 rate on the animal, it erects its tail and membrane up to the back 

 part of the neck, which gives it a most singular appearance. They 

 are easily taken by the natives throwing nets over them, or by cut- 

 ting down the tree on which they are ; and before they can clear 

 themselves of the branches are taken hold of by the hand. I never 

 saw one of them attempt to bite. When the female has young she 

 is very easily taken. They appear much attached to their young, 

 which are always hanging at the breast. Of late years great num- 

 bers of them have been taken for the sake of their skins, which meet 



