108 



of the spermatozoa, in different animals, have a great zoological and 

 physiological interest. Already is it in my power, from a drop of 

 blood or semen placed before me, to determine with the microscope, 

 not only the class, but frequently the genus and the species from 

 which these fluids have been taken. R. Wagner." 



Dr. Barry stated that, from his own microscopical examination, 

 he was able fully to confirm the correctness of Prof. Wagner's ob- 

 servations upon the size and shape of the blood globules in the 

 Proteus. 



The Prince of Musignano laid before the Meeting the following 

 communication, containing notices and descriptions of new or in- 

 teresting birds from Mexico and South America. 



I. Messrs. Swainson and Wagler have, as far as their materials 

 would allow them, ably described the Birds of Mexico. Through 

 the kindness of the Messrs. Paris I have been allowed to examine a 

 small collection from that country, a list of which, with descriptions 

 of new or interesting species, I shall subjoin ; hoping thereby to add 

 a little to our acquaintance with the ornithology of that interesting 

 part of North America. 



1. Thrasajetos Harpyia, G. R. Gray. Harpyia destructor, Cuv. 

 Falco destructor. Lath. Vultur Harpyja, L. 



2. PoLYBORUs Brasiliensis, Swaius. P. albo nigroque varius ; 

 pileo nigro, plumis cervicalibus elongatis ; rectricibus alMs, nigra 

 fasciatis, apice latissime nigris. 



Falco Brasiliensis, Lath. Polyborus vulgaris, Vieill. Quebranta 



huesos, Mexic. 

 Figured by Vieillot, Swainson, and Audubon. 



3. Ceryle torquata. Nob. C. subcristata, cano-carulescens, 

 torque albo ; subtus castanea ; alis cauddque albo maculatis. 



Mas. Pectore cano-carulescenti, crisso ferrugineo . Fem. Pectore 

 castaneo, crisso albo. 



Buff. PI. Enl. 284. Alcedo cinerea, Vieill, Martin pescador, Mexic. 



Interesting for the locality, as it has been doubted, even by Mr. 

 Swainson, the able discriminator of this group, (See Birds of West- 

 ern Africa, n. p. 93.) 



4. Ceryie alcyon, L. Ispida Alcyon, Sw. 



The most southern limits of this North- American species hitherto 

 ascertained are Mexico and one or two of the West Indian islands. 



5. Ramphastos carinatus. Swains., Wagl. R. nigerrimus, 

 uropygio albo, guld pectoreque flavis ; crisso ac fasciold colli in- 

 fimi coccineis ; rostro viridi apice coccineo, maculd submedid au- 

 rantid, culmine percarinato flavo. 



Edwards, t. 329. Siv. Zool. 111. t. 45. 



This species, so rarely to be found in collections, has been con- 



