41 
It had not been noted in the other species of the Carni- 
vora. Bischoff's explanation of the occurrence is that 
there is an absence of utricular glands on the internal 
surface of the uterine cornua and that the syncytium fails 
to imbed in this area thus causing the solution of con- 
tinuity in the placenta. The chorion develops over the 
gap and, becoming distended with effused blood, forms 
the pouch under discussion. In the specimen here ob- 
served there were two pregnancies, at about three- 
fourths maturity and both placentae revealed identical 
pouches. The common raccoon is therefore added to 
the small list of the carnivora presenting this placental 
peculiarity. 
Fetus of Rat Kangaroo. 
At 7 a. m. on the morning of February 28th, 1917, 
there was found in the cage of the Rufous Rat Kangaroos 
an apparently full term foetus, which probably had never 
been in the pouch. It weighed 0.6 grams. There was a 
delicate transparent membrane over the body and eyes, 
ears, and nostrils. A small placenta was present attached 
by a cord 4 mm. in length. The body exclusive of tail 
measured 16 mm. long, occipito-mental 6 mm., bitem- 
poral 4 mm., trochanteric 5 mm., tail 7 mm., hind leg 2 
mm., foreleg 6 mm. Tail was tightly curled to belly and 
could not be straightened out. Hind legs were short and 
thick showing three rudimentary toes. Fore legs were 
longer and showed five well developed claws. Through 
the delicate skin deep, slow breathing could be observed 
and some motion of the intestines. There was slight 
motion of hind legs but none of tail. Considerable motion 
of head and particularly of fore legs. When touched 
claws of fore legs quickly closed over forceps firmly 
enough so that the animal was dragged about three inches. 
When a few drops of warm water was placed over the 
body the motion of the fore legs became very active and 
mouth opened simultaneously suggesting an attempt to 
draw the nipple into the mouth. Motion was observed 
until 1 p. m., six hours after it was found. (See 1916 
Report, page 31.) 
Respectfully submitted, 
HERBERT FOX, 
Pathologist. 
