Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 1 (1897).djvu/515

Rh breeding fail to produce offspring during any given year. This is a very high percentage of failure, but from reports recently received it seems to be still higher in certain districts in India. The author discusses and describes the fœtal appendages in the Horse, and proceeds to show that "while at the outset the Horse embryo has the same simple apparatus as the Opossum, a stage is soon reached when more elaborate and more permanent nutritive appliances are provided." Further, "that when the new apparatus is being substituted for the old,—when the Opossum plan is coming to an end, and the more permanent appliances are barely in working order,—that at this critical period the Horse embryo may readily drag its anchor and escape—behave as if it were a young American Opossum or an Australian Kangaroo." We were not previously aware that "there is a case on record of a mare bringing forth twins, a foal and a mule. She was presented to a Jackass fifteen days after being served by a Horse."

Belgian South Polar Expedition left Antwerp in August on the steamer 'Belgica,' which, after a mishap to the machinery, again started from Ostend. This expedition takes provisions for three years, much of it consisting of tinned foods. M. de Gerlache and his officers express absolute confidence in the success of the expedition. The 'Belgica' is a whaling vessel of 263 tons, barque-rigged, and with a speed of seven knots. For some months she has been lying at Sande Fiord, in Norway, and has undergone considerable alteration with the view of strengthening her for the rough work before her. She has been furnished with every sort of apparatus likely to facilitate the objects of the expedition. Soundings to any depth will be taken with the sounding-line invented by the Prince of Monaco; fishing will be possible at a depth of 4000 ft., and the animal life of the upper sea-beds will be made the subject of study. It is expected that the 'Belgica' will be absent about two years. The costs of the expedition are being defrayed by public subscription.

seven and eight p.m. on Aug. 16th a flock of Wild Geese was observed flying in the air near the 'Nag's Head,' Holloway. They flew round once, and then made off in the direction of Camden Town, forming crescents in their flight. This is a sight very rarely seen in London.—('Westminster Gazette.')

of the finest private collections of horns from South Africa yet formed is now being arranged in the town museum at Brighton, where it has been placed on loan. It was got together on the spot by Mr. J. Rosen, and includes upwards of 270 pairs, representing every kind of horned