EDITORIAL GLEANINGS. 487 



breeding fail to produce offspring during any given year. This is a very 

 high percentage of failure, but from reports recently received it seems to be 

 still higher in certain districts in India. The author discusses and de- 

 scribes the foetal appendages in the Horse, and proceeds to show that 

 " while at the outset the Horse embryo has the same simple apparatus as 

 the Opossum, a stage is soon reached when more elaborate and more per- 

 manent nutritive appliances are provided." Further, " that when the new 

 apparatus is being substituted for the old, — when the Opossum plan is 

 coming to an end, and the more permanent appliances are barely in working 

 order, — that at this critical period the Horse embryo may readily drag its 

 anchor and escape — behave as if it were a young American Opossum or an 

 Australian Kangaroo." We were not previously aware that " there is a 

 case on record of a mare bringing forth twins, a foal and a mule. She was 

 presented to a Jackass fifteen days after being served by a Horse." 



The Belgian South Polar Expedition left Antwerp in August on the 

 steamer 'Belgica,' which, after a mishap to the machinery, again started 

 frcm Ostend. This expedition takes provisions for three years, much of it 

 consisting of tinned foods. M. de Gerlache and his officers express absolute 

 confidence in the success of the expedition. The 'Belgica' is a whaling 

 vessel of 263 tons, barque-rigged, and with a speed of seven knots. For 

 some months she has been lying at Sande Fiord, in Norway, and has 

 undergone considerable alteration with the view of strengthening her for 

 the rough work before her. She has been furnished with every sort of 

 apparatus likely to facilitate the objects of the expedition. Soundings to 

 any depth will be taken with the sounding-line invented by the Prince of 

 Monaco; fishing will be possible at a depth of 4000 ft., and the animal life 

 of the upper sea-beds will be made the subject of study. It is expected 

 that the ■ Belgica ' will be absent about two years. The costs of the ex- 

 pedition are being defrayed by public subscription. 



Between seven and eight p.m. on Aug. 16th a flock of Wild Geese was 

 observed flying in the air near the 'Nag's Head,' Holloway. They flew 

 round once, and then made off in the direction of Camden Town, forming 

 crescents in their flight. This is a sight very rarely seen in London. — 

 (' Westminster Gazette.') 



One of the finest private collections of horns from South Africa yet 

 formed is now being arranged in the town museum at Brighton, where it 

 has been placed on loan. It was got together on the spot by Mr. J. Rosen, 

 and includes upwards of 270 pairs, representing every kind of horned 



