ns 
Beginning at the middle of the east end of the court there is 
first to be observed, suspended by chains from the roof of the 
building, the skeleton of a North Atlantic right whale {Balcena 
biscayensis). This skeleton has a length of forty-four and one-half 
feet, while the head has a length of twelve and one-half feet. 
Immediately below the skeleton is a large case containing a 
group of musk-ox. This animal, though called musk-ox, is closely 
allied to the sheep, and dwells amid the frozen regions of the far 
north. It goes in herds of from twenty to thirty individuals, and 
when alarmed the animals huddle together like sheep under simi- 
lar circumstances. They live, on grass, moss, lichens and tender 
shoots of the willow, and pine. The animal smells strongly of 
musk, though no special gland to secrete it is known to exist. 
Musk-ox are much sought after for their skins, which make fine 
robes. C. E Akeley, taxidermist. 
Beyond this, running down the middle of the court, is a row of 
large cases whose contents are as follows: 
Case 2. — Group of pumas. 
Case 3. — Pacific walrus. 
Case 4.— A group of the lesser koodoo. This antelope, one of 
the most beautiful among its known species, is a native of Somal- 
iland and Ogaden, in Eastern Africa. It is a forest-loving species, 
is very wary, and skillful in concealing itself among bushes. It is 
graceful in its movements, and when alarmed goes flying over the 
low undergrowth in a very spirited and attractive manner. It is 
a rare species, but few examples having been procured, and the 
present group is the largest and most complete in the world. In 
fact, it may be said to be the only one in existence that gives a 
full representation of the species. The group consists of an old 
and young bull, an old and young cow, and two young of different 
ages. The specimens were procured by the Field Columbian 
Museum East African Expedition in 1896. C. E. Akeley, taxider- 
mist. 
Case 5.— A group of proboscis monkeys, seven in number, 
of different ages and both sexes, and displaying the attitudes and 
habits of life. This case and its contents are the gift of Mr. Mar- 
tin A. Ryerson, and the mounting was done by Mr. C. E. Akeley, 
the taxidermist of the Museum. 
