1884.] MR. W. T. BLANFORD ON HEADS OF OVIS POLL 329 



surface very convex. In the first named all the edges are rounded ; 

 in the latter all with the exception of the fronto-nuchal. The details 

 given by Messrs. Brooke show that these distinctions are not constant; 

 in both forms surfaces and edges grow more rounded in older 

 individuals. Precisely the same conclusions may be drawn from the 

 series now exhibited. 



2. In O. karelini the axis of the terminal portion of the horn is 

 parallel with the axis of the basal portion. In 0. poll the axis of 

 the terminal portion diverges more from the skull than that of the 

 basal portion. This difference depends entirely on the degree of 

 divergence, which is shown to vary and to pass by insensible 

 gradations from one form to the other. 



3. In O. karelini the horns are said to form a spiral that would 

 fit on a cone with the base towards the skull ; in 0. poll the base of 

 a cone on which the horns would fit is away from the skull. I 

 doubt if this character is of any importance; it is not noticed by Sir 

 V. Brooke. If there be any distinction, it, like the last, probably 

 depends on the degree of divergence of the horns. 



4. In O. poll the horn is more than four times the length of the 

 skull, in O. karelini only three times as long. But in some of the 

 specimens of the latter, measured by Messrs. Brooke, each horn was 

 more than 3| times the length of the skull ; and in the heads now 

 exhibited, horns (e. g. no. 1 1 ) having the curve of O. karelini are 63 

 inches in length, or more than four times as long as any skull 

 measured. 



The only conclusion to which I can come is, that there is no 

 constant difference of specific value between Ovis karelini and 

 O. poll. 



Mr. R. Bowdler Sharpe exhibited and made remarks on a second 

 specimen of the new European Nuthatch (Sitia whiteheadi) from 

 Corsica, described at the Meeting on April 1st. {y. s. p. 233.) This 

 specimen (a male) had been likewise obtained by Mr. Whitehead. 



Dr. J. G. Garson exhibited and remarked upon a specimen of 

 Lithodes maia, the northern Stone-Crab. 



The following papers were read : — 



