312 ZOOLOGY. 
extraordinary lusus nature in the shape of a rock lark (Anthus pe- 
trosus) that I ever saw in my life. It had four legs and no tail 
(at least where the tail should have been), but that appendage was 
placed just above the left eye, and sticking out behind like a long 
depressed crest, — imdeed it was a perfect “ nightmare” of a bird, 
such a one as you might dream about — the extra legs were dang- 
ling from the extremity of its body. It was feeding on a heap of 
decayed seaweed on the shore. Unfortunately, I had no gun with 
me or I could have shot it a hundred times over, but as I hada 
field glass with me I could examine it as distinctly as though I 
had had it inmy hand. The next day I returned to the spot with 
my gun and had a shot at it at once, but the gun “ hanging fire” I 
did not quite kill it, and some children running to the spot before 
I could load again, it ee to flit away where I could not 
see AE 
f e inaa” is not so wonderful in a bird just hatched, but 
ine lives long, whereas this was a lively full-grown rock lark.— 
J. Gatcompg, Plymouth, England. 
BIRTHS OF ANIMALS IN THE CENTRAL Park MENAGERIE.— Puma 
(Felis concolor). Two cubs were born August 24, 1872; period of 
gestation, thirteen weeks ;- spotted; born blind, eyes open on the 
eighth day; very playful. The puma has seldom more than two 
at a birth. 
Leopard (Felis leopardus). Two cubs were born October 28, 
1872; period of gestation, thirteen weeks; markings similar to 
that of the mother; born blind, eyes open on the eighth day. 
Spotted Hyena (Hyena crocuta). Two cubs were born, one 
January 5, 1873, the other twenty-four hours after; covered with a 
soft hair half an inch long, of a uniformly black color, no indica- 
tion of spots; born with eyes open. Weight of cub, 3} pounds, 
length from nose to tip of tail 224 inches; tail slender and taper- 
ing; height at shoulder 9 inches; canines 3, incisors $; conch of 
ears lying flat to the head; bald internally, outside covered with 
hair. Supposed to be the first hyrena bred in this country. 
Camel (Camelus dromedarius). One calf was born January 16, 
1873 ; period of gestation, twelve months, in this case twelve and 
a half months. About three hours after birth the calf was held 
up to suckle, the next day was able to get on its feet and nurse 
itself. — N. A. CONKLIN, Director Cintai. Park Menagerie. 
S Canaries anp HYACINTHS.— A lady visitor remarked that one 
