MISCELLANEA. 
603 
the memory of the late John Field, concerning whom, we opine, he 
could know nothing except from the “ Posthumous Records” he is, 
no doubt, possessed of. No person, save one who has dived into the 
depths of veterinary pathology as Mr. Haycock has done, would 
have discovered, in the rudis indigestaque moles poor John Field 
left behind him, gems of that precious and original character that 
demanded being brought to the light of the professional world. 
Even these afford, however, but an imperfect specimen of what 
their fabricator could and would have achieved fer veterinary 
science, had his valuable life been spared ; neither were near so 
many of his “ Records” published as were still left behind in his 
brother’s — Mr. Wm. Field’s — possession. 
We this month publish the first of the official Reports of the 
Proceedings of Council in the form in which it has been handed to 
us by the Secretary. Its amplitude affords room for all the 
requisite information, while its official character guarantees its 
correctness, and releases us from responsibility thereon. We 
can entertain no doubt but that, in its present extended form, the 
Report will give general satisfaction. 
MISCELLANEA. 
Hybernation of Animals. 
To the Editor of the “ Medical Times.” 
SIR, — I have just read, in the last number of the Medical Times , 
Feb. 2, page 88, the following passage, which, being contrary to 
the usually received opinion concerning the changes which animals 
undergo during hybernation, and at variance with the experiments 
of physiologists, I beg permission to make a few remarks. 
The passage alluded to runs thus : — “ With hybernating animals, 
Reynault found less oxygen, of course, consumed. They give off 
little carbonic acid, absorb oxygen and nitrogen to such an extent, 
that they increase in weight , actually fatten on sleep /” 
About three years ago I watched very attentively the change of 
condition, with regard to weight, in the Myoxus Avellanarius, 
during its hybernation, but am sorry I cannot now find the notes I 
took on the subject. However, I accurately weighed the creature, 
without disturbing its torpor, nearly every morning, for the space 
of about six weeks previously to the termination of its sleep, and 
