Mr. A.G.H. Doran communicated, through Prof. Flower, an extensive memoir on the small ear-bones, or ossicula auditus, of the Mammalia, the specimens referred to being deposited in the Osteological Gallery of the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons. While dealing with these usually diminutive bones in extenso, the author more particularly confined himself to summarising the most noteworthy facts relative to those of the Insectivora, Cheiroptera, Cetacea, Sirenia, Edentata, Marsupialia, and Monotremata. In the first of these groups, the three little bones (hammer, anvil, and stirrup) present no positive or marked characteristic. Among the Bats there is a resemblance to what obtains in the Shrews, except in the genus Pteropus, where the malleus or hammer is of a lower type. Of Whales, Balæna has the most generalized type; the Dolphins have relatively stout stirrup arches and other marked features; the Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista) has slightly modified ossicula. Those of the Manatee group (Sirenia) are at once known and distinguished by their relatively great weight and their shape. The Edentata not only differ as a whole, but among the Armadillos distinctions of the ossicula exist, and Sloths and Ant-Eaters are known by special characters of their own. The Pouched Mammalia (Mursupialia) show a low grade in their small ear-bones; and a still lower form, approaching to that of birds and some reptiles, is evinced in the Echidna and Duck-billed Platypus (Ornithorhynchus paradoxus). The author's investigations and comparisons lead him to believe that even in such parts as these inner ear appurtenances generic and family characters are apparent, and that these are of some value when considered in connection with other features of a more distinctive character.
Two botanical papers were read, of which we need only append the titles, namely, a "Note on the Uses of a Commercial Cane termed 'Whangee,' a Species of Phyllostachys," by Mr. John R. Jackson, of Kew; and "Some Morphological Notes on certain Species of Thunbergia,"' by Mr. Marcus Hartog, of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Ceylon.
Zoological Society of London.
January 2, 1877.— Prof. Newton, F.R.S., Vice-President, in the chair.
The Secretary read a report on the additions that had been made to the Society's Menagerie during the month of December, and called attention to a Snowy Owl captured in Ireland, presented by Mr. John Kendall, and to the recent abundance of specimens of this bird.
Prof. Newton exhibited and made remarks on a specimen of a variety of the Guillemot (Alca troile), with yellow bill and legs, which had been lately shot by Mr. T.M. Pike on the coast of Dorset.
