4932 THe ZooLtocist—May, 1876. 
Prof. Newton exhibited and remarked upon a copy of a Dutch translation 
of Pliny, containing a figure of the dodo (Didus ineptus) and belongiug to 
the Rev. Richard Hooper, which seemed to be an earlier edition of the 
same work which’ was formerly in the possession of the late Mr. Broderip, 
and was described by him in the Society's ‘Transactions’ (vol. iv., p. 183). 
Mr. R. Bowdler Sharpe exhibited a specimen of the true Swedish Surnia 
ulula, obtained many years ago at Amesbury, in Wiltshire, being the first 
recorded British-killed example of this species. 
Mr. A. H. Garrod read a paper in which he gave a description of the 
organs and some of the most important muscles of the darter (Plotus 
anhinga), from specimens which were recently living in the Society's 
collection. 
Mr. Edward R. Alston read a paper on the genus Dasyprocta, and gave 
a description of a new species, from Central America, for which the name 
Dasyprocta isthmica was proposed. The geographical range and synonomy 
of the other Agoutis were reviewed; D. punctata of Central America was 
regarded as distinct from D. Azare of 8. Brazil, and D. variegata was 
shown to extend into New Grenada. In all ten species of Agouti were 
recognised as distinct. 
A paper by Mr. P. L. Sclater and Mr. O. Salvin was read, in which they 
gave descriptions of fifteen new species of birds from Bolivia. Amongst 
these was a singular new form belonging to the Tanagride, proposed to be 
called Malacothraupis dentata. A second paper by the same authors 
contained a revised list of the Neotropical Anatide.—P. L. Sclater. 
Death of Mr. John Joseph Briggs.—The readers of the ‘ Zoologist’ will 
read with regret the announcement of the death of Mr. John Joseph 
Briggs, of King’s Newton, Derbyshire, for many years a zealous corre- 
spondent in matters relating chiefly to Ornithology. Mr. Briggs was one 
of those practical out-door observers, who made notes by the wayside rather 
for his own information and amusement than for the benefit of others. 
And, although he never published any separate volume on his favourite 
branch of Zoology, he contributed numerous notes on the subject to the 
pages of the ‘ Zoologist’ and to the ‘F ield,’ and was always ready to 
recount his experience with a view to elicit the truth as often as occasion 
seemed to require it. The results of his experience, too, were worth 
learning, extending, as his observations did, over many years, and his 
pleasantly written letters will be missed by uot a few who used to read and 
respect his opinions —Edward Newman. 
