320 ON ZOOLOGICAL SPECIMENS IN ROTTERDAM, ETC. [June l, 
Museum of Comparative Zoology at Cambridge, in which also a 
Fierasfer has been imbedded in the substance of the shell. In this 
case, as well as in ours, the fish, instead of introducing itself into 
the cavity between the two halves of the mantle, penetrated between 
the mantle and the shell, causing irritation to the mollusk, which 
the latter resented by immediately secreting the substance with which 
the intruder is now covered. It isremarkable’to note that the secre- 
tion must have taken place in a very short time, at any rate before 
the fish could be destroyed by decomposition. 
Mr. Sclater made some remarks on the most interesting objects 
noticed in the Zoological Gardens of Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Cologne, 
Antwerp, and Ghent, which he had lately visited. 
In Rotterdam a pair of Bar-headed Geese (Anser indicus) had 
nested and the female was sitting; and a pair of Black-footed Pen- 
guins (Spheniscus demersus) had twice laid eggs. Mr. Sclater had 
never known either of these species breed 5 “captivity before, but 
believed that the former had bred at Antwerp. Specimens of a 
Leucopternis (sp. inc.), Epimachus albus, and Carpophaga goliath 
were seen in the aviaries. 
In Amsterdam the series of Cranes, Herons, and Storks were, 
as usual, very complete and the specimens in fine condition, particu- 
larly those of Ardea sumatrana and A. herodias. The Spoonbill 
was breeding in one of the aviaries. Other rare birds noticed were 
examples of Conurus luciani, Alauda tatarica, and Cacalua gymnopis. 
At Cologne a fine young male Burchell’s Zebra, born in the 
Gardens 19 months ago, had been much admired, and would, it was 
hoped, be secured for the Society’s Gardens. 
The Gardens at Autwerp were in their usual excellent condition 
and very fully stocked. The flock of Barbary Sheep (Ovis trage- 
laphus) and herds of Lamas, Guanacos, Alpacas, and Vicunas were 
much admired. Amongst other noticeable objects were a pair of 
Isabelline Antelopes (Cervicapra tsabellina), three young examples 
of Casuarius uniappendiculatus, and several specimens of Ara 
glauca, one of which had been obtained for the Society’s collection. 
At the small but well-kept Garden of the Société Royale d’ Histoire 
Naturelle at Ghent was observed a fine male example of the Ostrich 
of Somali-land (Struthio molybdophanes), distinguishable when alive 
by its naked bluish skin, and the large red plaque in front of the 
tarsus. 
A letter was read from Mr. J. M. Cornély, of Tours, C.M.Z.S., 
stating that his pair of Michie’s Deer (Elaphodus michianus) had 
bred, and that a young one had been born on the 15th May. ‘The 
young one was stated to be nearly of the same colour as the mother, 
showing only a few indistinct spots. 
The following papers were read :— 
