188 MB. SCLATEB ON BIRD-SKINS FBOM MOZAMBIQUE. [Feb. 2, 



least conceivable that it may in some way have been transported 

 from Madagascar to the mainland. In any case J. think that, 

 having regard to the fact that the fundus oculi is distinctly that 

 of a Galago, it would be well to consider whether the other 

 points show sufficiently prominent characteristics to warrant the 

 classification of that animal as a Lemur. 



In concluding the few observations on the eyes of the Primates 

 which I have laid before you I venture to express the belief that 

 the study of both the interior and the outside of the eyes of animals 

 may be conducive to an increase of our knowledge of zoological 

 classification and comparative physiology, and may possibly throw 

 some light on the habits and pursuits of animals. After all, the 

 eye is the chief connecting-link between the outer world and the 

 consciousness of the animal, and it requires vision to find its way, 

 obtain food, and avoid danger. 



EXPLAJSTATION OF THE PLATES. 



Plate II. Fundus oculi of a native youth froiu Nubia. 

 „ III. Fundus oculi of Ourang-Outanff. 

 „ IV. Fundus oculi of Hapale penicillata. 

 „ V. Fundus oculi of Lemur hrunneus. 

 „ VI. Fundus oculi of Lemur eoquereli. 



February 2, 1897. 

 Prof. Geoege B. Howes, F.Z.S., iu the Chair. 



The Secretary read the following report on the additions to the 

 Society's Menagerie during the month of January 1897. 



Thetotal number of registered additious to the Society's Mena- 

 gerie during the month of January was 47, of which 28 were by 

 presentation, 2 by birth, 11 by purchase, and 6 were received on 

 deposit. The total number of departures during the same period 

 by death and removals, was 112. 



Mr. Sclater exhibited a collection of 81 bird-skins that had 

 been formed by Mr. W. A. Churchill, H.B.M. Consul at Mozam- 

 bique, during various shooting-excursions along the shores within 

 20 miles of the island of Mozambique. Capt. Shelley had kindly 

 examined the collection and had referred the specimens to the 

 following species, as named in his recently published Catalogue 

 (' Birds of Africa,' vol. i. 1896). Mr. Sclater proposed to deposit 

 these specimens in the British Museum, as though the species 

 were mostly well known, the locality (Mozambique) was an 



