MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 335 



This is the second instance, which has lately come to my knowledge, of 

 poisonous snakes heing found through the instrumentality of cats. 



T. S. WEIR, Surg.-Lieut.-Col. 



Bombay, 3rd August, 1897. 



No. XXI —TUSK MEASUREMENTS OF THE 

 ASIATIC ELEPHANT. 



In Blanford's " Mammalia of India " and in Rowland Ward's " Great Game 

 of the World " the record tusk of an Asiatic elephant mentioned is the late 

 Sir Victor Brooke's from Mysore, 8' long, 16|" in circumference, and 90 lbs. in 

 weight ; therefore the following measurements, which I have taken to-day 

 of the collection of tusks in the Royal Siamese Museum, Bangkok, may be of 

 interest. As far as I can ascertain, these tusks are all from Siam ; there are two 

 of 9' and over, five of 8' and over, twelve of 7' and over, six of 6' and over, ten 

 of 5' and over, five of 4' 6" and over, and numerous shorter ones. The length 

 is measured along the outside curve of the tusk ; the large ones being mount- 

 ed upright in wooden sockets, it is difficult to get the exact length to an inch 

 in many cases, but I have tried to do so, and in case of doubt have taken the 

 smaller measurement. Owing to their being thus mounted I have been unable 

 to ascertain their weight. The thickest tusk is a single one, 7' 1" in length and 

 20J" in circumference. 



The measurements of the four finest pairs are as follows :— 

 Length. Circumference. 



V 4§", 7' 4|» 16f", 16|". A massive, even pair. 



7' 8 J", V 8" 13^', 13^". Points of tusks much worn. 



8' 3", 8' 4" 14J", i4|// f a slender, symmetrical pair. 



9' 0", 9' 10£" 15|", 15|". 



The fourth pair belonged to an elephant, said to have been 90 years old, 

 which died in Bangkok some twenty years ago, and I think they must be the 

 record pair for Asia. 



S. S. FLOWER, Lieut., 5th Fusiliers, 

 ( Temporarily lent to the Siamese Government, 

 Bangkok, Ylth July, 1897. as Scientific Adviser, R.S.M. ). 



No. XXII— PLANTS OF A BOMBAY SWAMP. 



With reference to Mr. Woodrow's paper in the last number, I am interested 

 in what he says of Erythrina indica as appearing in your Bombay swamps and 

 as having more the appearance of a truly wild tree than other examples near 

 Bombay have. The truth is that Erythrina indica (The Pangard) is one of the 

 commonest of Indian sea-coast trees all round the Andamans, Nicobar and 

 Burmese Coasts, and all along the sea-face of the Sunderbuns it is one of the 



