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the expansion of a single tubercle of the dorsal vertebrae, because the sacro- 
lumbar muscles acquire great complexity and multiply their tendons at the 
level of the loins. 
Hence M. Sabatier concludes that the vertebral type composed of necessary 
elements does not really exist, and that the apophysary elements of the 
vertebra are produced by the constitution of the muscular system. — ( [Assoc * 
Frang. Avancem. Sci., 1878, p. 773.) 
Hedgehog and Viper. — The common Hedgehog is generally described as a. 
mortal enemy to snakes of all kinds, and it has been supposed that he enjoys an 
immunity from the effects of the bites of the venomous species. M. Sarnie with 
a circumstantiality which reminds one of the reports 4 of prize-fights in “ Bell’s 
Life ” during the palmy days of the ring, relates all the particulars of a 
combat which he excited between a Hedgehog and a Viper {Viper a aspis ). 
The Hedgehog attacked the snake as soon as he was aware of its presence, 
seizing it in the first place at the hinder part of the body, and continuing 
his assaults until his formidable enemy was reduced to a helpless state, 
when he commenced eating it at the tail end ; afterwards, proceeding to the 
head, he carefully detached and devoured the lower jaw. The Viper was 
still alive. The most interesting point brought out by this experiment of 
M. Sarnie’s is the mode in which the Hedgehog defended himself against 
the dangerous weapons possessed by his adversary. When bitten, the Viper 
at first turned to strike its assailant, when the Hedgehog immediately drew 
forward over his head that mass of spines which forms the front part of his 
defences ; and when the snake struck open-mouthed at its persecutor, its 
attack was foiled by this formidable cheval-de-frise. Several times the same 
manoeuvre was repeated, until the snake’s mouth was so severely lacerated 
that it no longer attempted to use its fangs, but sought safety in vain in 
flight. The Hedgehog frequently rolled himself up for a time after having 
made an attack upon his victim. M. Sarnie’s results are interesting, but it 
is clear that he has not the fear of antivivisectionists before his eyes. — 
(Actes Soc. Linn, de Bordeaux , 1878, p. 257.) 
Habits of Sphenodon (. Hatteria ). — Dr. W. L. Buffer has communicated to 
the New Zealand Institute some observations relating to the habits and 
especially the food of the curious Lizards forming the genus Sphenodon (or 
Hatteria ), two of which (S. punctatus and S. Guntheri) are now known to 
inhabit New Zealand. In captivity his specimens ate nothing for a consider- 
able time, but on the approach of summer they fed freely, evincing a pre- 
ference for flies and Cicadce. Of the latter they sometimes devoured fifty in 
a day. They also fed freely on earthworms. After various vicissitudes 
including a period of violent cannibalism, it was accidentally found that 
they devoured small sea fishes three or four inches long with great avidity, 
a circumstance which, considering their general unwillingness to feed except 
on what may be regarded as their natural food, would lead one to suppose 
that sm all fish ordinarily form part of the diet of the Sphenodons. This 
would account for their fondness for water, in which they pass much of their 
time, and Dr. Buffer found that they took to sea-water quite as readily as to 
fresh. He thinks that in their wild state they are probably amphibious. — 
{Trans. New Zealand Inst., vol. xi. p. 349.) 
