1896.] BONTGBN-BAT PHOTOGHAPHS OF A SNAKE. 547 



the modifications of the syrinx and the muscles of the leg. In 

 Alca, PJialeris, Lomvia, Uria, and SynlUlihorhamplms the syrinx does 

 not show the exti'aordinary modification described in Geratorlnna 

 and occurring also in Lunda and Fratercula. In the three latter 

 genera the ambiens is present, but the accessory femorocaudal is 

 absent. The exactly reversed condition characterizes four of the first 

 mentioned genera'. Vria columhia, however, has a syrinx which is 

 an approach towards that of the more differentiated types. 



May 5, 1896. 

 Dr. John Andbbson, P.E.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 in exchange. 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 mdicus) from Bm-mah, 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 Eiintgen rays, 

 so that the skeleton tissues of both animals were clearly shown. 

 The snake in question was a common grass-snake (2Vojjw?o>io<!/s 

 natrix), belouging to Mr. V. H. Sugden, of the Owens College, 

 who kindly superintended that portion of the experiment connected 

 with it. As the snake did uot 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. 



Tliree 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. 



• PAaleris is exceptional in having neitlier ambiens nor accessory femoro- 

 caudal. 



' This Elephant, on the 4th of June, was found to weigh 11 cwt. 1 qr. 7 lbs. 



