20 
The following were, perhaps, the most noticeable addi- 
tions to the collection of Mammals in the Society’s Mena- 
gerie during the year 1866 :— 
1. A young male Sea-bear, or Eared Seal (Otaria 
hookeri), from Cape Horn, South America. This acquisi- 
tion was one of great interest, as no example of this 
peculiar group of the marine Carnivora had ever before 
been exhibited alive in this country. The habits and ex- 
ternal form of the Kared Seals were previously very little 
known; stuffed specimens of these animals in museums 
being usually much distorted and set up in impossible 
attitudes. The Sea-bear was brought to this country in 
the summer of 1865, and exhibited in various places by its 
proprietor, Leconte. In the month of February last year 
it was purchased by the Society for the sum of £130, and 
at the same time Leconte was taken into the Society’s ser- 
vice, in order that the animal might have the benefit of the 
care of a person who was accustomed to it, and to whom 
it manifested an extraordinary degree of attachment. The 
Sea-bear lived in the Gardens in good health until the 
month of March of the present year, when it died from a 
violent attack of inflammation, brought on, itis believed, by 
having swallowed a fish-hook which had remained con- 
cealed in one of the fishes with which it was fed. Its loss 
is much to be regretted, as that of an animal not only 
attractive to the public, but also of great scientific interest, 
and the Council have made arrangements to endeavour 
to obtain another individual of the same species to re- 
place it. 
2. A male Gayal (Bos frontalis). A pair of this fine 
species of Bovine animal were shipped at Calcutta for the 
Society by their excellent benefactor and Corresponding 
Member, the Babu Rajendra Mullick, in the autumn of 
1865. The female unfortunately died upon the passage. 
The male reached us in safety, but was lost, along with 
several other Ruminants, during the summer. The Babu 
has, however, another pair of Gayals destined for the 
Society, and the Council have lately sent out to Calcutta 
an agent to bring home these and other Indian animals 
destined for the Menagerie. 
3. A female Formosan Deer (Cervus taivanus), purchased 
for the Society in China by Mr. Swinhoe, and more par- 
ticularly acceptable, as a male of this fine new species had 
been now for some time in the Menagerie without a mate, 
