320 ON ZOOLOGICAL SPECIMENS IN ROTTERDAM, ETC. [June 1, 



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 is remarkable 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 bad lately visited. 



In Rotterdam a ))air of Bar-headed Geese (Anser indicus) had 

 nested and the female was sitting; and a pair of Black-footed Pen- 

 guins {Splieniscus demersus) had twice laid eggs. Mr. Sclater had 

 never known either of these species breed in captivity before, but 

 believed that the former had bred at Antwerp. Specimens of a 

 Ltticopternis (sp. inc.), Epimachus alius, and Carpophaga golinth 

 were seen in tlie aviaries. 



In Amsterdam the series of Cranes, Herons, and Storks were, 

 as usual, very complete and tl>e specimens in fine condition, particu- 

 larly those of Archa siimatrana and A. herodias. The Spoonbill 

 was breeding in one of the aviaries. Other rare birds noticed were 

 examples of Conurus luciani, Ahmda tatcn-ka, and Cacafua 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 Antwerp were in their usual excellent condition 

 and very Adly stocked. Tlie flock of Barbary Sheep {Ovis trage- 

 laplms) and herds of Lamas, Guanacos, Alpacas, and Vicunas were 

 much admired. Amongst other noticeable objects were a pair of 

 Isabelline Antelojies {Cervicapra isabellina), three yoinig examples 

 of Camarius vniappendicuJatus, 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 Societe Eoyale d'Histoire 

 Naturelle at Ghent was observed a fine male example of the Ostrich 

 of Somali-land (Sfruthio 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. Corne'ly, of Tours, C.M.Z.S., 

 stating that his pair of Michie's Deer {Elaphodus wichianvs) had 

 bred, and that a young one had been born on the 1 5th 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 : — 



