ZOOLOGY. 113 
terminal,—that is to say the flowers terminate one or the other of 
these growth cycles. If the shoot makes but one of these efforts, 
the flower remains terminal; but if after forming these buds, 
it “concludes” to go on again with another growth, the flower 
is of necessity pushed aside, and then the cone becomes lateral. 
In other words, there is no such thing in Pinus as a lateral cone 
when there is but a single cycle of annual growth, and therefore 
the division of Dr. Engelman is founded on an accidental rather 
than an organic difference. I think however that what are known 
as the terminal flowered group never make a second growth, and 
therefore Dr. Engelman’s division is excellent, only changing the 
description into “ Pines which never make a second growth” and 
“ Pines which generally do.” The gray pine can then stay where 
it is without the creation of an intermediate group as suggested 
by Mr. Gilman. 
In the suggestions I have made here, there is nothing new. They 
have appeared at various times during the past six years in the 
‘“‘ Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadel- 
phia ;” but I suppose the mission of the Naturauist is to extend 
knowledge, as well as to record the discovery of new facts. — 
Tomas MEEHAN. 
ZOOLOGY. 
Tae SLAUGHTER or THE Burrato.—The destruction of this 
noble beast was carried on during the past year with a rapidity 
entirely unprecedented, although it has been a matter of regretful 
comment for years. I have authority for the assertion that one 
firm in Leavenworth received thirty thousand hides per month, 
while two others in Kansas City received fifteen thousand each in 
the same time. This is at the rate of two thousand slain per day. 
The immense piles or stacks of hides, to be seen at all the stations 
along the line of the Kansas Pacific railroad, bear witness to the 
slaughter. Prof. Mudge of Manhattan, Kansas, who is well in- 
formed as to the economy of the plains, places the number killed 
at one thousand, a number sufficiently high to insure the early 
extinction of the species. 
It is to be greatly hoped that Congress will early take action for 
the preservation of a reduced herd of buffalo, in a reservation set 
apart for the purpose, or enact protective laws. Such might 
impose penalties on persons found in possession of any part of 
AMER. NATURALIST, VOL. VII. Le 
