SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. 37 
Scopus wmbretta. The author observed that as regards its exact systematic 
position, which had been hitherto a matter of doubt, he was inclined to 
place this peculiar form as the type of a separate family, between the 
Herons (Ardeid@) and the Storks (Ciconiide). 
A second paper by Mr. Beddard contained the results of some recent 
investigations into the structure of Hchidna, and related to the presence of 
a persistent umbilical vein in that animal. 
Captain Shelley read a paper on some new or little-known species of 
East-African birds. Three of these were described under the names 
Muscicapa Johnstoni, Pratincola axillaris, and Nectarinia kilimensis. The 
collection, which contained altogether ninety-four specimens, referable to 
thirty-eight species, was the first fruits of Mr. H. H. Johnston’s Expedi- 
tion to Kilimandjaro. 
A communication was read from Mr. J. H. Gurney on the geographical 
distribution of Huhua nipalensis, with remarks on this and other allied 
species of Owls. 
December 2, 1884.—Dr. St. Grorce Mrvart, F.R.S., Vice-President, 
in the chair. 
The Secretary read a report on the additions that had been made to 
the Society’s Menagerie during the month of November, 1884, and called 
attention to a pair of Tasmanian Wolves, Thylacinus cynocephalus, obtained 
by purchase, being the first examples of this animal received since the pair 
presented in 1863, 
Colonel Biddulph exhibited a stuffed specimen of the Wild Sheep of 
Cyprus, Ovis ophion, sent for presentation to the British Museum by Sir 
Robert Biddulph, the High Commissioner of Cyprus. 
Colonel Biddulph also exhibited three heads of the Wild Sheep of 
Beluchistan, named Ovis Blanfordi by Mr. Hume, and drew attention to 
their similarity to O. cycloceros from the Salt Range, which led him to 
express doubts as to the distinctness of O. Blandfordi as a species, 
The Secretary called the attention of the Meeting to the death, on the 
5th July last, of the Greater Vasa Parrot, Coracopsis vasa, presented to the 
Society by the late C. Telfair, Esq., in July, 1830, which had passed 
fifty-four years in the Society’s Gardens, and made some observations on a 
peculiar habit of this species. 
~ A communication was read from the Rev. A. M. Norman and the Rev. 
T. R. R. Stebbing, containing an account of the first portion of the 
Crustacea Isopoda dredged during the Expedition of the ‘ Porcupine,’ 
‘ Lightning,’ and ‘ Valorous.’ The memoir contained descriptions of the 
representatives of the three families Tanaide, Apseudide, and Anthuride, 
obtained during the several expeditions. A great number of new forms, 
chiefly from deep water, including several new genera (Sphyraphus, Alsotanais 
