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XX [. Descriptions of two Quadrupeds inhabiting the South of 

 Africa, about the Cape of Good Hope. By Andrezv Smith, 

 M.D., Member of the JVernerian Society of Edinburgh, Super- 

 intendent of the South African Museum, and Assistant Surgeon 

 to the Forces. Communicated by Sir Everard Home, Bart., 

 V.F.R.S., F.L.S., 4'c. 



Read June 19, 1827. 



Most of the larger quadrupeds of South Africa are now known 

 by names, yet few, comparatively speaking, by perfect descrip- 

 tions. That such should be the case is not at all to be won- 

 dered at, when we consider that almost all the knowledge we 

 possess regarding them has been obtained either from dried 

 skins or from the works of travellers, — a class of individuals 

 usually but little versed in natural history, and whose temporary 

 residence, even if better informed, affords but few opportunities 

 for making such experiments and observations as are absolutely 

 necessary to advance science. 



To describe animals with accuracy, they must be studied when 

 alive, examined when young, observed when old, and closely 

 watched through every stage between those periods ; and to do 

 that requires long and actual residence in the spots where they 

 occur : circumstances which point out the propriety of local in- 

 stitutions for such purposes in all places whose natural produc- 

 tions are not thoroughly known. If such a plan had long ago 

 been pursued at the Cape, doubtless the two animals now about 



to 



