424 Note on the Zoology | [Aue. 
close resemblance to proper horn, while that of the latteris much thinner, of a 
fibrous consistence, and nail-like in structure. The edges of the bills, of both 
mandibles, for about two-thirds of their length from the point, are horny, but the 
surface is so irregular and jagged that their appearance leaves no doubt that much 
of the natural structure has been broken off, by the use which the bird makes of its 
bill. In consequence of this when the jaws are close, there isa considerable va- 
cancy between the cutting edges throughout the whole central portion of the bill. 
In some specimens in Mr. Hopeson’s collection the fractures have taken place at 
such regular intervals, as to give to those parts the appearance of natural indenta- 
tions. 
“To entertain this supposition, however, would be erroneons, as there is evident 
reason to believe that in a bill which is perfect, the horn by which it is covered 
does not extend to its edges, but terminates just before it arrives at these, in a sub- 
stance not very unlike solid bone. 
‘‘ Thechief difference from the latter is, that it is exceedingly brittle in its nature, 
though it is by no means deficient in compactness. 
©“ That this substance borders the edges of both mandibles in their natural state, is 
confirmed by numerous portions which are here and there left in all the specimens 
Ihave examined. There is, also, a distinct line along the bills denoting the ter- 
mination of the horn, into thishard structure, which in some individuals is of a red 
colour and in others a black.”’ 
Now this horny covering of the bill does not appear different from 
that of the casque, (or casket, as Dr. Bramuzy terms it,) in any essential 
particular, the structure in both being of a laminated rather than of a 
fibrous nature, and the hard callous edging of the bill is common to all 
the genus. In the Homrai it ismore manifest perhaps than in some 
other species, but it is still more developed in the Rhinoceros Hornbill. 
It resembles the enamel-like shelly substance, observable at the hinge 
in many genera of bivalve Mollusca, rather than bone, and appears to be 
a continuation and hardened folding of the internal lining of the bill, 
with which it comes off, or separates, on long maceration in water. On 
a careful examination of a bill in this state, it will be found to be not 
confined to the edges of the bill, but also to be met with, in a greater 
or less degree, at the gape, and along the central ridges inside the mouth, 
both above and below. 
The last zoological article in the volume is also by’ Mr. Hopeson, 
and entitled ‘‘ A description of the wild dog of the Himalaya.” The 
specific character and name are as follows :— 
“Canis Primavus (mihi) the Buansu of the Nipdélese. Habitat, the whole 
of the sub-Himalayan ranges from the Sutlej on the west to the Brahmaputra on 
the east. 
“ Speciric CHARACTER. Wild dog, with six molars only in the lower jaw, double 
coat, having soled feet, large erect ears, and very bushy straight tail, of medial 
length, deep rusty colour above, yellowish below.’ 
