iSz Notes . [March, 
winter. They are said to be larger than the Himalayan speci- 
mens, and to have hair five inches in length. 
Mr. W. B. Cooper (“American Naturalist,”) raises the ques- 
tion, whether the human skull is becoming thinner? 
The sparrow-plague in Australia and in America, suggests 
that the introduction of animal species into a country should no 
longer be left to the indiscretion of individuals. 
Mr. C. V. Riley (American Association for the Advancement 
of Science, Cincinnati Meeting) argues from [the appearance of 
noxious insedls, that animals may, and in fact do, change their 
habits and diet suddenly. 
Mr. J. j. Weir (“ Entomologist ”) calls attention to the many 
cases in which the Lepidoptera of the Outer Hebrides differ from 
the normal colouration of their species, and assume the grey 
tone of the prevailing gneiss rocks. 
Mr. F. J. O’Farrel, of Dublin, a pupil of Professor Galloway, 
has effected a great improvement in the isolation of glycerine 
from spent soap lyes. 
It is reported that the vacant Chair of Natural History at 
Edinburgh will be conferred upon Prof. Ray Lankester. 
Among the prizes proposed by the Academy of Sciences for 
1883 is one for researches on the histological development of 
inseCts during their metamorphoses. 
About the end of October last a very abundant shower of 
gossamer took place at Milwaukee. 
The “ Medical Press and Circular ” gives an interesting 
account of the performances of the Howling Dervishes at Con- 
stantinople. The writer notes the connection of sensational 
religious displays with sexual excitement. 
Professor Morris (“ Science ”) strongly insists on the agnostic 
character of Mr. Herbert Spencer’s extra-scientific philosophy. 
M. Feye, of Detmold, finds that during three years the 
lightning struck annually 257 oaks, 47 beeches, 1*3 other large- 
leaved trees, and 11*3 conifers. It does not appear what were 
the relative proportions of the kinds of trees in question. 
Profi Naumann suggests, that the stride in rocks generally 
attributed to glacier aCtion may in some cases be due to the 
aCtion of grains of sand and small pebbles driven by violent 
winds. 
According to “ Petermann’s Geograph. Mittheilungen,” the 
results of last year’s arCtic expeditions are disappointing. It is 
proved that the coast of Wrangel- Land will not form a good 
base for further progress northwards. 
