86 1 Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [July. 



spasma (also in the Museum), and further east by the newly described M. 

 philippinensis, Waterhouse, P. Z. S. 1843, p. 69 ; while in Africa it is repre- 

 sented by the M. fronts. 



9. Capt. Phayre, of Moulmein. A young living specimen of a Binturong 

 — Arctictis binturong, (Raffles,) v. Ictides ater, Valenciennes. This little 

 animal is very tame and playful, having most of the actions of a kitten, 

 combined with a few Ursine traits ; it also mews very like a young kitten 

 when impatient of being left alone ; and if gratified by being noticed, it purrs, 

 like the Felidce and many Viverridce (as the Paradoxuri). The prehensile 

 power of the tail is very great, and exists throughout that organ ; by the 

 extremity alone it will readily support its weight. By means of the limbs, 

 also, it has great power of clinging, so as not to be easily dislodged when it 

 has grasped a person by the leg, as it is rather fond of doing when suffered 

 to run loose : indeed, though it bites only in play, its deciduary canines are 

 so sharp that its fondness for grasping one's limbs is rather troublesome. 

 Although its eyes, with the pupil contracted to the narrowest line during the 

 day, indicate the naturally nocturnal habitude of the species, this animal is 

 lively and always ready to play and frisk with any one, at all times of 

 the day : the iris is of a light hazel colour. Mr. McClelland had a larger 

 Binturong some time ago, from Assam, which was allowed its liberty, 

 and passed its time chiefly upon a tree near his house ; from which, instead 

 of descending the trunk when it wanted to come down, it would sometimes 

 drop from a height of several feet, as is the habit of the Coatimondis (Nasua) 

 of S. America, which, with the Binturong, belong to the group of true Planti- 

 grada. Indeed, I think the Racoons (Procyon) have the same habit, another 

 genus pertaining to the same division. 



10. From the Rev. J. Mason, of Mergui. Specimens of Calotes versi- 

 color, and of Hemidactylus Coctcei, from the neighbourhood of Moulmein, 

 and therefore valuable from the locality, — both reptiles being common in 

 Calcutta. Also an imperfect skin of Pomatorhinus olivaceus, nobis, p. 451 

 ante ; differing from the specimen previously described in having the crown 

 of a more dusky olive than the back, though not slaty as in P. schisticeps. 



11. From Capt. Thos. Hutton, of Mussoorie. A few bird-skins, among 

 which is one species new to the Museum, viz. Certhia himalayana, Vigors, 

 v. asiatica, Swainson ; " common in the Deyra Doon." This is quite distinct 

 from C. nipalensis, Hodgson, and from my C. discolor, inhabiting Sikim ; 

 making three Himalayan species of typical Certhia. The C. spilonota, 

 Franklin, has been at length obtained by Mr. Hodgson from Behar, and is 

 described as a new generic form, by the name Salpornis, by Mr. G. R. 

 Gray, Ann. Mag. N. H. (May) 1847, p. 352 ; and with it Mr. Gray describes, 

 as a new genus and species, a Caulodromus Gracei, which is my Rimator 

 malacoptilus, p. 155 ante (February 1847), founded on the identical specimen, 

 which was lent me for the purpose of being described by Mr. Grace, and 

 so labelled by me when I returned it. 



12. C.J. Bonnevie, Esq. of Rungpore. The limb-bones of a large Tiger. 

 July 7th, 184/. E. Blyth. 



The following Supplementary Report refers to the Society's present collec- 

 tion of Sciuridce, which was exhibited at the Meeting. 



Supplementary Report by the Curator, Zoological Department. 



The fine series of animals which I have now the pleasure to exhibit, illus- 

 trative of the great Squirrel family — Sciuridce, comprises representatives of 

 its three principal subordinate groups of Flying Squirrels, Ordinary Squirrels, 

 and Marmots. 



