1896.] RONTGEN-RAY PHOTOGRAPHS OF A SNAKE. DAT 
the modifications of the syrinx and the muscles of the leg. In 
Alcea, Phaleris, Lomvia, Uria, and Synthhiborhamphus the syrinx does 
not show the extraordinary modification described in Ceratorhina 
and occurring also in Lunda and Fratercula. In the three latter 
genera the ambiens is present, but the accessory femorocandal is 
absent. The exactly reversed condition characterizes four of the first 
mentioned genera’. Uria columbia, however, has a syrinx which is 
an approach towards that of the more differentiated types. 
May 5, 1896. 
Dr. Joun Anpurson, F.R.S., Vice-President, in the Chair. 
The Secretary read the following report on the additions to the 
Society’s Menagerie during the month of April. 
The registered additions to the Society's Menagerie during the 
month of April were 99 in number. Of these, 32 were acquired 
by presentation, 30 by purchase, 6 were born in the Gardens, 
30 were received on deposit and 1 inexchange. The total number of 
departures during the same period, by death and removals, was 141. 
Amongst these attention was called to a young male Indian 
Elephant (Elephas indicus) from Burmah, purchased of Mr. Cross 
of Liverpool, April 10th*. 
Mr. W. E. Hoyle, M.A., exhibited some photographs of a snake 
in the act of swallowing a mouse, taken by aid of the Réntgen rays, 
so that the skeleton tissues of both animals were clearly shown. 
The snake in question was a common grass-snake (7ropidonotus 
natriz), belonging to Mr. V. H. Sugden, of the Owens College, 
who kindly superintended that portion of the experiment connected 
with it. As the snake did not appear hungry, its mouth was 
opened and the mouse pushed down its throat; when about two- 
thirds of it had passed between the jaws the first exposure was 
made, but this failing owing to movement on the part of the snake, 
ether was administered and complete repose thus secured. 
Three exposures were subsequently made—one from above and 
one from the side,—in which the expansion of the jaws to take in 
the comparatively large prey was well shown. ‘The third exposure 
was made when the mouse was completely within the snake’s 
throat, and the contrast between the natural and the distended 
diameter of the body was very marked. By the kindness of 
Prof. Schuster, F.R.S., the experiments were made in the Physical 
Laboratory of the Owens College, and the electric apparatus was 
superintended by Mr. A. T. Stanton. 
1 Phaleris is exceptional in haying neither ambiens nor accessory femoro- 
caudal. 
° This Elephant, on the 4th of June, was found to weigh 11 ewt. 1 qr. 7 lbs, 
