MAMMALIA. 
41 
represented by a temporary condition during the period of evolution in higher 
classes. In the author’s opinion this observation tends to confirm the view 
that so important and constant a bone as the tympanic is in the Mammalia 
does not disappear at once in other vertebrates. It also obviates one of the 
principal objections urged against the homology of the os tympanicum with 
the quadrate bone of birds and reptiles, viz. that it is never united to the 
lower jaw. At the same time it explains the peculiar form of the angle of 
the lower jaw in the Marsupials. Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 953 ; Monatsber. 
Ak. Wiss. Berl. 1867, pp. 726-729 (translated in Ann. & Mag. Nat.’ Hist. 
1868, i. p. 390). 
In the Monotrcmata, a bone composed of two or more pieces presents the 
same articular connexions as the os quadratum in birds, the os tympanicum 
effecting the union with the pterygoid, and the malleus and incus, or the incus 
alone, that with the squama temporalis. Ibid. pp. 779-781 (translated in 
Ann. & Mag. 1. c. p. 390). 
Hahnaturus. Mr. E. G. Hill has confirmed by actual observation Prof. 
Owen’s statement that the lips or mouth are used for the transmission of the 
foetus into the pouch, the fore paws aiding only in keeping open the pouch. 
Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, pp. 476-477.— -Dr. Luca has examined the female geni- 
tal organs of two old Halmaturi (^H. hillardieri and li. hemiettii) and of a 
not full-grown II. henncttii. After an historical sketch of the researches on 
this subject, he gives the results of his own examination. He found an open 
communication between the median vagina and the urethro-genital canal in 
the old examples, whilst there was no such aperture in the younger one. 
The organs of a II. hillardieri are figured. Zool. Gart. 1867, pp. 418-424, 
471-474. [See also Zool. Record, iii. p. 42.] 
Halmaturus giganteus and henncttii. Some remarks on the skull and ske- 
leton by Giebel, Zeitschr. ges. Ntrwiss. xxix. p. 89. 
n( Perameles {Macrotis') lagotis. Dr. Max Schmidt has given a very interest- 
ing account of two specimens living in the Frankfort Zoological Garden. He 
has added detailed abstracts from the literature regarding the natural history 
and anatomy of this animal. Zoolog. Gart. 1867, pp. 1-12, 41-66, 81-92. 
On a plate three views of the animal are given from life. 
4 Gymnohelideusy g. n., M'Coy, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1867, xx. p. 287. 
Teeth and general form of Belideus, but destitute of the lateral cloak-like 
parachute or flank-membrane, and having on the fore feet the inner finger 
or thumb shortest, the second longer, the third longer than the second, the 
fourth longest, the fifth or outer toe shorter than the third, but longer than 
the second. On the hind feet the inner toe or thumb is succeeded by two of 
nearly equal size, more slender and shorter than the others, and united to- 
gether as far as the base of the last joint. The thumbs of the hind feet are 
without nails ; and the claws of all the other toes are small, and exceeded in 
length by the prominent wrinkled pads on the underside. The ears are large, 
semielliptical, and nearly naked towards the tips. Dental formula : — incisors 
canines i, premolars molars -|-=40. — Gymnohelideus leadheateri, sp. n., 
M^Coy, 1. c. pi. 6, from the Bass River, Victoria. 
^ Phascolomys. Prof. M'Coy has examined skins and skeletons of the vari- 
ous species. He supplements Dr. Murie’s observations by notes on the os 
sacrum and vertebr®, and retains Ph. setosus (Gray) as a distinct species. 
