Rare Animals

At the presten time every bit of news n referenoe to the Phillipine Islauds is of interest. It inay not be known that the museum of the university oontaias specimens of soine very rare animáis oalled Tamaiao foand on the islands. When Prof. J. B. Steere fitst visited the ielauds in tbe interest of the nniversity he beard of very flerce animáis being foaud in tbe interior. Tbey were so rare tbat Mr. Bartlett an Eoglishman sent a special agent to Minndenaa to secure specimens. It was left to Prof. Steere, however, to have bis honor. In 1870 the professor was shown a delapidated specimen in the mnseum of an Angnstine monastery at Manila, which was labeled Annoa Depresse Coims. He could however procure no information in regard to the anima), the mouks knowing nothing of ;its habitat. In tbe year 1888 he was in Miniioro in this land of Celebus wbeu Mateo, a native who had been eduoated by tbe professor in Ann Arbor, shot seven specimens, sev9ral of whioh can b9 seen in the museum on the campus. Tbe natives were so afraid of the Tamaraos tbat he conld not induce them to kill a specimen for him. Mateo, dressed in bis native costume, but with the courage of an Aruerioan and with a modern fire arm, suoceeded in doing what had never before been aoomplished. He also tried to secure a live specimen for the professor and laid a sling on the bank of a river. When he returned to examine tbe same he found a Tamarao bad been caught but in its fierce endeavors to escape had breken its neck and fallen into tbe river. The hot climate had caused its carcass to rapidly decompose and it was uufit for use. The animáis are about the size of jersey cows and have flat horns. Prof. Steere in speaking of bis former protege Mateo, thinks Mateo bas goue back to tbe way of living of his fathers. When he left, tbe understanding was thatjMateo was to gatber specimens for tbe professor, but althougb he sent him money, he uever received any response.