ON SPOTTED HY.ENAS IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM. l)?{ 



attached for a variable distance by a secondary mesentery to tlie 

 duodenal loop. In more specialised intestines the ileic region 

 forms a distinct loop which is narrower or wider, and which is 

 equal to, longer, or shorter than the duodenal loop, to which it is 

 attached for a greater or less length by the ileo-duodenal ligament 

 already mentioned. Not infrequently the ileic region consists of 

 two loops, of which one is often small and lies just above the 

 ca?ca. 



(7) The plan of the gut is constant (except for very slight 

 variations) in all the members of certain groups. This is the case 

 with the Psittaci, Galli, Raptores, Striges. In the case of other 

 groups, there are considerable divergences of structure within the 

 group : this is the case with the Picopasseres, Limicolpe, Grues, 

 Struthiones (if, that is to say, the two latter groups can be 

 regarded as natural groups, which is open to doubt on other 

 grounds). 



(8) A comparison of the intestine of Birds Avith that of 

 Reptilia (especially Crocodilia) allows of the recognition of more 

 and of less primitive types of intestine. The most primitive type 

 is found in the Cassowaries, Strutkio, Apteryx, and all the 

 Gallinaceous birds ; and is also seen among the Picopasseres 

 (Woodpeckers) and Limicolse {Pluviamts) . Most Picopasseres 

 and the Birds of Prey (nocturnal as well as diurnal) show a rather 

 more specialised form of intestine. In the remaining groups of 

 Birds the intestine is more specialised still and in several different 

 directions. 



(9) Certain classificatory results seem to follow from a 

 comparison of the differences exhibited by the intestinal tract. 

 Thus, the resemblance of both Cuculi and Musophagi to the 

 Picopasseres, and the likeness between all the Accipitres (New 

 "World and Old World, nocturnal and diui'iial) are remarkable. 

 The close likeness between the Bustards and the Caiiamidse is 

 to be commented upon. The Passerine character of the gut of 

 Turnix and the possible likeness between Cryjyturus and Rhea 

 seem also to be shown. 



7. On the Specimens of Spotted Hyasnas in the British 

 Museum (Natural History). By Prof. Angel Cabrera, 

 C.M.Z.S. 



[Received November 5, 1910: Read November 29, 1910.J 



Every zoologist working on the Spotted Hysenas with suitable 

 material from different localities feels the convenience of re- 

 cognising several local forms. As early as in 1812, two of them 

 were admitted by Cuvier, and in modern times no less than nine 

 other " species " have been described. It is not easy to say with 

 which form Erxleben's Hycena crocuta, afterwards the typeof the 

 genus, or subgenus, Crocaia, must be identified, as the species was 



