1G0 



to get dark -coloured ; the feet soon afterwards get dark, and lastly 

 the ears turn black. 



In their movements they appear quicker than other rabbits, and 

 they jump a considerable distance ; some in my possession I have 

 seen leap upon objects 3 feet from the ground. The first specimens 

 of these animals that came under my notice were obtained by Mr. 

 Baker, who informed me that they came from the Himalayas. I 

 have since seen a large number of them, and in no instance have I 

 observed any variation in the colour or markings. They are prolific 

 breeders, and appear extremely hardy. 



Having some recollection of hearing a furrier once speak of the 

 skins of the Polish Rabbit, I took an opportunity a few days since to 

 examine a large lot of these skins at a fur warehouse, when I found 

 that they were beyond all doubt from the animal now under notice. 

 Upon inquiry I was told that these skins are imported into this 

 country in large numbers, and extensively used as a substitute for 

 ermine, which fur they much resemble. I find in Mulsant, ' Cours 

 Elementaire d'Histoire Naturelle,' the following: — "The fur of the 

 White Rabbit, even that of the Polish Rabbit, is easily distinguished 

 from that of the ermine, by its less cylindrical hairs, which are con- 

 siderably longer than the down." I am also informed that they 

 are bought at the great sale of furs that takes place annually at 

 Leipsic ; to this great fair skins are brought from all parts of the 

 world, and I think it highly probable that these skins are imported 

 from the mountainous parts of Asia. 



I have not at present examined the skull of this animal, but should 

 I find sufficient difference upon comparing it with the skulls of the 

 other known species, I shall then propose for it the name of Lepus 

 nigripes, or Black-footed Rabbit. 



July 14, 1857. 



Dr. Gray, F.R.S., V.P., in the Chair. 



Mr. Gould having returned from a visit to the United States, 

 whither he had proceeded for the purpose of studying the habits and 

 manners of the species of Trochilus frequenting that portion of the 

 American continent, detailed some of the results of his observations. 



Having arrived just prior to the period of the bird's migration 

 'rom Mexico to the north, and having had ample opportunities for ob- 

 serving it in a state of nature, he noticed that its actions were very 

 peculiar, and quite different from those of all other birds : the flight 

 is performed with a motion of the wings so rapid as to be almost 

 imperceptible ; indeed the muscular power of this little creature ap- 



