328 DR. E.CRISP ON THE GIRAFFE AND AARD-VARK. [Apr. 1], 
are seventeen bony rings between the pectoral fin and the root of the 
tail. The spines are of three kinds: 1. The band-bearing spines are 
the strongest, strongly compressed, not flexible, each terminating 
in a pair of short points. There are one pair of these spines in the 
middle of the back, and one on each of the three prominences of the 
abdominal outline; the flaps are Jong and bifid. 2. Very long, com- 
pressed, and somewhat flexible spines, without appendages; these 
occupy in pairs the uppermost part of the back, and in a single series 
the median line of the belly. 3. Small, short, conical spines run in 
single series along the median line of the sides, and along the lateral 
edges of the belly ; a pair of similar spines in front of the lower part 
of the base of the pectoral fin. ; 
Tail quadrangular, with sharp edges, and with five pairs of band- 
bearing spines along its upper sid¢; its end is slightly prehensile.” 
P. 20. D.37. The dorsal is situated entirely on the tail. 
The specimen, being dry, has lost its original colours, which were 
probably red during life. The iris is crossed by radiating streaks ; 
and several other streaks (of a whitish colour) radiate from the eye 
over the opercles and the upper part of the head. 
There is no doubt that these fish attach themselves with the pre- 
hensile end of their tail to stems of seaweed or other objects; and 
when they are in the vicinity of seaweed of a similar colour, their 
resemblance to it must be so great that they would easily escape 
being observed by their enemies. The figure of P. eques (Plate XV.) 
is of the natural size. 
April 11, 1865. 
Professor T. H. Huxley, F.R.S., V.P., in the Chair. 
Dr. Crisp exhibited a drawing of the placenta of the Giraffe lately 
obtained from the Society’s Gardens. It weighed 13 lbs., and con- 
tained 156 cotyledons. Dr. Crisp said that the cotyledons of the Ox 
and Sheep were said to number from 70 to 100. In the placenta of 
a Dorcas Gazelle (G. dorecas) he had counted only 30; so that pro- 
bably the Giraffe had a larger number than any other of the rumi- 
nants. 
Dr. Crisp also exhibited a drawing of the Aard-Vark ( Orycteropus 
capensis). He had obtained the animal in the flesh ; and the drawing 
was placed before the Society to show the enormous muscular power 
of this quadruped, especially in the tail and in the extremities. The 
weight of the body was about 90 lbs. Dr. Crisp purposed bringing 
the anatomy of the Aard-Vark before the Society on a future occa- 
sion. 
The following papers were read :-— 
