41 [Vol. xxv. 



another specimen of this rare variety. It was a young male 

 shot by Sir Peter Walker in Arran in September 1907. 

 There were other birds of the same colour in the covey. 



Mr. Millais also exhibited a good example of the female 

 Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) assuming the plumage of the 

 male, the outer tail-feathers being much curled, a somewhat 

 unusual feature. The tail of another specimen found dead 

 at the same time was also shown. 



On behalf of Mr. G. L. Bates, Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpe 

 exhibited an example of the hitherto unknown male of 

 Bates's Weaver-Finch. 



Mr. Bates had forwarded the following description : — 



Othyphantes batesi, Sharpe. 



Adult male. Somewhat resembles the male of Sitagra 

 brachyptera (Swains.), from which it differs chiefly in having 

 the crown and entire sides of the head chestnut and in lacking 

 the black patch behind the eye, while the upperparts are 

 darker olive-green. The chin is chestnut and the yellow of 

 the underparts commences directly below the black throat. 

 Iris dark brown ; bill black ; feet bluish-grey. Total length 

 ca. 5*5 inches; culmen 0"7 ; wing 2"85; tail 1*85; 

 tarsus 0"75. 



Hab. River Ja, Cameroon, 17th November, 1908. 



It is with the deepest regret that we have to announce the 

 death of Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpe, which took place at his 

 residence at Chiswick on the morning of the 25th of 

 December, after a short illness. 



It will be remembered that when he was present at the 

 last meeting of the Club he seemed in fairly good health 

 and iu good spirits. While returning home that evening he 

 unfortunately caught a severe chill, which developed into 

 plcuro-pneumonia and rapidly proved fatal. 



In consequence of his death it has been decided to postpone 

 the next meeting of the Club till the 16th of February, 1910. 



