Quadrupeds. 2379 



preparation of arsenic or corrosive sublimate ; for although the alum will preserve it 

 from decomposition, it will not prevent the attacks of insects. Bullock's preservative 

 powder I have found to answer better than arsenical soap, because it absorbs the 

 moisture. After it has been applied the skin should be partially filled with tow, and 

 then remain for about a day before being sewn up. The chief points to be attended 

 to are, the careful separation of the skin after the animal is first opened, and the libe- 

 ral application of the alum during that part of the process. Birds can be treated in 

 the same way when too far gone to admit of the usual method ; but as they often de- 

 compose rapidly about the head, it is necessary to open them the entire length, i. e., 

 from the chin to the vent. I believe that in however putrid a state the body of a 

 small animal may be, the alum will effectually fasten any fur or feathers, provided 

 they have not been loosened at their insertion in the skin. This has been written chiefly 

 to take the attention of Mr. Briggs, hoping that if another shrew should occur similar 

 to the one mentioned by him he will make the attempt to save it. In this way I have 

 prepared numbers of the square-tailed shrew, as well as the Irish shrew of Mr. Je- 

 nyns, both of which are common here, also the water and oared shrews. Among the 

 bats it is equally applicable ; and as the time for their capture is usually in the sum- 

 mer or autumn, they are often in a bad state for preservation. It may be well to re- 

 mark, that mammals, particularly small ones, keep much best suspended by the hinder 

 legs, — the viscera then retreat to within the cavity of the ribs, instead of coming into 

 close contact with the skin of the belly and flanks. Before concluding, I hope Mr. 

 Briggs will pardon me if I express some surprise at his not having found more than 

 two species of bats : Warwickshire, — like Derbyshire, — a midland county, is more 

 prolific in Cheiroptera. Within a few miles of Stratford I have met with nine species, 

 some of which are considered rare in Britain, and I have no doubt there are others. — 

 Robert F. Tomes; Welford, Stratford-on-Avon, December 20, 1848. 



Occurrence of the Badger, Otter and Polecat in Suffolk. — A fine badger was 

 trapped at Cavenham, near Bury, in the winter 1 846-7 : another was supposed to 

 have been about there at the time, but I have never yet heard of its being taken. A 

 large otter was shot at Shadwell, near Thetford, in the winter 1844-5. A polecat — a 

 veritable one, and not an escaped ferret, was caught in a trap at Elveden last October, 

 being only slightly hurt : it is now alive and doing well. — Alfred Newton ; Elveden, 

 January 31, 1849. 



Importation of another Specimen of the Chimpanzee. — A specimen of this valuable 

 animal has lately been added to the Earl Fitzwilliam's collection of animals, &c, at 

 Wentworth. It was brought to this country from the southern part of Africa, and 

 presented to the noble Earl by a relative who is a captain in the Royal Navy. A well- 

 prepared room in the house is appropriated to its use, having a little domicile in the 

 centre, and warm blankets to repose on, as these animals are extremely susceptible of 

 cold. There is likewise a good fire in the apartment, but well guarded from a too 

 near approach. It runs or walks perfectly erect, and is about three feet in height. 

 It uses both hands with great nimbleness — undrawing knots with dexterous ease, 

 handles everything like a human being, and is the nearest approach to the human 

 form, the ears being almost a/ac simile, also the bosom and so on downwards. It is 

 veiy quick in detecting any unkindness, and runs immediately to the keeper for pro- 

 tection. Its food is choice, and wine a favourite beverage, holding the glass till the 

 contents are disposed of: figs are a portion of its favourite food. The aims are long, 



