Quadrupeds. 7337 



Death of the old Lion at the Zoological Gardens, Regent's Pari. — I regret (o have 

 to record the death of a large and very valuable aniiual. Mr. Bartleit, Resident 

 Superintendent of the Zoological Gardens, kindly sent me notice tliat the old patri- 

 arch lion, who has so long been an ornament to the carnivora-hoiise and the admira- 

 tion of visitors, had died very suddenly ; and at the same time he invited me to be 

 present at the examination of the body. It appears that the lion was quite well on 

 Siiturday night hist, and ate his food heartily as usual; but when the keeper came on 

 Sunday morning, behold ! the poor beast extended full length, dead and stiflf upon the 

 straw, having apparently died without a struggle. Alas ! poor lion. On arriving at the 

 Gardens on Jlonday morning I found that the skin had been removed, which I much 

 regretted, as a dead lion forms an admirable and rarely-to-be-met-with study for 

 artists. However, having hauled the huge skinless carcass upon a table, in company 

 with a few scientific medical gentlemen, we carefully searched for the cause of death, 

 and found that both lungs were exceedingly congested, and almost impervious to air. 

 We also ascertained that there was some appearance of congestion about the base of 

 the braio ; and the verdict was death from congestion of the lungs, caused probably 

 by the excessive cold. Dr. Crisp, who was present, remarked how curious it was that 

 all the cat tribe are so rapidly affected by the cold, and that in a few hours they fall 

 victims to its effects.— i^. T. Bv.ckland, in the ' Field' of December 29, 1860. 



Notes on the Fauna of Shetland. By W. D. Crotch, Esq. 



Having spent the months of August and September in Unst, the 

 most northern of the Shetland Isles, I am tempted to give some 

 record of observations and captures made during that period ; incor- 

 porating much information liberally afforded me by ray kind friend 

 and host Dr. Edtnonston, who is too well known to zoological science 

 to bear panegyric from me. However, the present list, especially as 

 regards the Entomology, is most meagre ; this is in paTt owing to the 

 ungenial character of the past summer, but I hope in the following 

 spring to make great additions. 



The Mammalia of Shetland are few in number, viz. : — 



Lutra vulgaris. Common, affecting especially the sea coast. 



Phoca vitulina. Numerous, though shy from recent persecution. 



P. barbata. This fine species is sadly diminished in numbers, and 

 not more than one or two pairs now remain in their old haunts at 

 Burrafirth. 



Mus sylvaticus, M. musculus and M. decumanus. The latter has 

 not, apparently, spread beyond Lerwick, from the absence of piers, 

 by which its landing in these islands might be effected from the 

 various vessels. 



VOL XIX. G 



