Zoology. 309 
but the source of the secretion composing it—whether the skin or 
a special apparatus—is not yet known. The manner in which 
the animal lies rolled up within its case is very singular and has 
not previously been described. The head and anterior part of the 
y are concealed or roofed over by the broad membrane of the 
lower lobe of the tail. Our author thinks it probable that the 
broad tail-fin serves the Protopterus fora purpose unheard o 
before, viz., as a breathing organ. The part which covers the head 
has a reddish tint, and it seems likely that it is permeable to air, 
even if we suppose it is in communication with the breathing-tu 
piercing the capsule. 
A Grarn-Eatine Reptite.—Several lizards have been known 
to eat vegetable substances, among them Uvromastix acanthinus, 
umeces aldrovandi, Lacerta ocellata and Stellio vulgaris. Johann 
von Fischer calls attention to the fact that Uromastiz hardwickii, a 
Bengalese species in his possession, would take no animal food ; but 
an examination of his excrement disclosed an abundance of starch 
granules. This led him to place before him various grains—rice, 
corn, etc.—which he ate with avidity. This isa new feature in 
reptilian diet. He also afterward ate various insects and drank— 
a fact which has not been witnessed in its relative, U. acanthinus. 
The chief food of the latter, lettuce, was neglected by the species in 
question, but it willingly ate straw and hay. 
THE OCCURRENCE IN INDIANA OF THE STAR-NOSED MOLE 
ood of streams.” West of New York and Pennsylvania, specimens 
had bes taken by Dr. J. P. Kirtland at Cleveland, Ohio, and by 
