aN rae PRON YOe re MII oem Ant. tar he io = o> — eee ae aie somes ge PEE i nels Se Ting Bia a - - ~ 2 ~ : - At mitt = a ie a — ee = " ae = E - ey t a ee ee eee * 3 pas a e - ‘ ws Fn li 2 . an ttc tT ent en en ESP OAL AT S | ay th nr ee SSS , ik : as ei b eee THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY, INCLUDING ZOOLOGY, BOTANY, ann GEOLOGY. (REING A CONTINUATION OF TIE ‘ANNALS’ COMBINED WITH LOUDON AND CHARLESWORTH’S ‘ MAGAZINE OF NATURAL MISTORY.’) CONDUCTED BY ALBERT C. L. G. GUNTHER, M.A., M.D., Ph.D., F.R.S., WILLIAM S. DALLAS, F.LS., WILLIAM CARRUTIIERS, F.R.S., F.L.S., F.G.S., AND WILLIAM FRANCIS, Ph.D., F.L.S. eee ss VOL. I.—FIFTH SERIE PAPAL AL OO oT OORES, = ‘ c = . <7 Fe.gweanian Instity,, 7) \ 2AL\OS ) Now: tional Museus_% LONDON: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS. 80LD BY LONGMANS, GREEN, READER, AND DYER; SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND CO.; KENT AND CO.; WHITTAKER AND CO.: BAILLIERE, PARIS: MACLACHLAN AND STEWART, EDINBURGH : HODGES, FOSTER, AND CO., DUBLIN: AND ASHER, BERLIN. 1878. “« Omnes res creatse sunt divine sapientie et potenti testes, divitize felicitatis humans :—ex harum usu Jonitas Creatoris; ex pulchritudine sapéentia Domini; ex ceconomia in conservatione, proportione, renovatione, potentia majestatis elucet. Earum itaque indagatio ab hominibus sibi relictis semper xstimata ; A veré eruditis et sapientibus semper exculta; malé doctis et barbaris semper inimica fwit.”—Linnavs. ‘Quel que soit le principe de la vie animale, il ne faut qu’ouvrir les yeux pour voir qu’elle est le chef-d’ceuvre de la Toute-puissance, et le but auquel se rappor- tent toutes ses opérations.”—Bruckner, Théorie du Systéme Animal, Leyden, 1767. Soest ste ne oats The sylvan powers Obey our summons; from their deepest dells The Dryads come, and throw their garlands wild And odorous branches at our feet; the Nymphs That press with nimble step the mountain-thyme And purple heath-flower come not empty-handed, But scatter round ten thousand forms minute Of velvet moss or lichen, torn from rock Or rifted oak or cavern deep: the Naiads too Quit their loved native stream, from whose smooth face They crop the lily, and each sedge and rush That drinks the rippling tide: the frozen poles, Where peril waits the bold adventurer’s tread, The burning sands of Borneo and Cayenne, All, all to us unlock their secret stores And pay their cheerful tribute. J. Taytor, Norwich, 1818. PREFACE TO THE FIFTH SERIES. Wir the present Number this Journal enters upon the fifth decennial period of its existence. The Editors, one of whom assisted at the very birth of the ‘ Annals,’ cannot but con- gratulate themselves upon the continued and ever-increasing vitality of their Journal, which, notwithstanding the nume- rous other means of publishing Natural-History Articles that now exist, has at no previous period of its career been more abundantly supplied with good materials. This is due, no doubt, in great measure to the extreme activity which has prevailed in the investigation of all branches of Natural. History during the last fifteen years; but the Editors cannot help feeling that the continued flow of valuable articles to their Journal is an indication that it is regarded as, to some extent, a particularly favourable vehicle for publication—a view which is confirmed by the fact that even Foreign Natu- ralists seek admission for their writings to its pages. That it may still retain this character will be the object of their earnest endeavours; and they trust it will be long before the increasing age of the ‘Annals’ is betrayed by any signs of decrepitude. 4 PREFACE, No alteration will be made in the plan of the work, which will consist, as heretofore, of original papers on Zoological, Botanical, and Paleontological subjects, with occasional trans- lations of foreign memoirs of importance, brief notices of new books and of the proceedings of Societies, and short notes of interesting facts and observations. Of early contributors to the ‘Annals’ we have had to deplore the loss of two distinguished men during the past ten years—Dr. James Scott Bowerbank and Dr. John Edward Gray,—the latter especially, who for nearly twenty years was one of the Editors of this Journal, in the prosperity and usefulness of which he took the greatest interest, and nearly to the end of his long and valuable life enriched our pages with important contributions to various departments of zoo- logy. Dr. Gray’s place as Editor has been taken by his suc- cessor at the British Museum, Dr. ALBERT GUNTHER, under whose auspices valuable descriptive papers which are the natural outcome of the work done in his department of the Museum will still, as formerly, find their way to the ‘Annals.’ One other change we have still to mention. Quite recently, from private considerations, Mr. Charles Cardale Babington, whose name has appeared on our titlepage for 35 years, expressed his wish to retire from the Editorial office; and Mr. WILLIAM CARRUTHERS, the Keeper of the Botanical Department in the British Museum, will in future act as the Botanical Editor of the ‘ Annals.’ CONTENTS OF VOL. I. [FIFTH SERIES. ]} NUMBER I. I. Observations upon Prof. Ernst Haeckel’s Group of the “ Physe- maria,” andon the Affinity ofthe Sponges. By W. SavitLE Kent, SCOR LALLS NS et OS OMENE I % SA eG ng a ae a are a II. Notices of British Fungi. By the Rev. M. J. Berxetry, M.A., F.L.S., and C. E. Brooms, Esq., F.L.S. (Plates III. & IV.) III. Notes on Sessile-eyed Crustaceans, with Description of a new Species. By the Rev. THomas R. R. STEBBING. (Plate V.). TV. On the Young of Pityriasis gymnocephala. By Dy. F. Brie- ReMi SM eee te cl aletes asters arene alah cnclaye(utp> sisioie ais «dec ee cles V. Characters of new Genera and of some undescribed Species of Phytophagous Beetles. By Josepnu 8. Baty, F.LS. ............ VI. On the Minute Structure of the Corals of the Genera Helio- phyllum and Crepidophyllum. By H. ALLEYNE NicHoxson, M.D., D.Sc., F.L.S., Professor of Natural History in the University of St. MRE MIN oat PN AN 5 t's SRR vy oats std bn'sh "9 Sin aatnly fe EAE 6 ehh Cae A ATT AO 8 VII. On Two New and remarkable Species of Cliona. By W. J. SUmEase MAG, eC. Cblates T,-a& TE)... 53 «pels dante cae oes’ VIII. Description of a new Species of Spatangide. By Epear A. Suita, F.Z.8., Zoological Department, British Museum ........ IX. On Wagnerella,a new Genus of Sponge nearly allied to the Physemaria of Ernst Hickel. By C. MErEscuKowsky. (Plate VI.) X. Descriptions of new Species of Heterocera from Japan.— Part II. Noctuites. By ArtHur G. Butier, F.L.S., F.Z.8., &e... XI. Description of an apparently new Species of Hornbill from Cochin China, of the Genus Anthracoceros. By D. G. Exxtor, TES 8 i oA Re ere eee acer cach rrr XII. On the Solitaire (Didus solitarius, Gm.; Pezophaps solitaria, Strkl.). By Prof. R. Owen, C.B., F.R.S., &e. (Plates VII. & VIII.) Page 17 38 85 87 iv CONTENTS. . Page XIII. Description of a new Species of Water-bird from Cochin China belonging to the Genus Porphyrio. By D. G. Ex.iot, TAME OG CGS cs sc Mas 4 abe fi within a ¥'n ight olen is os « 6/a2 eee 98 New Book :—The American Paleozoic Fossils, &e., by 8S. A. MILLER 99 Preliminary Notice of a Species of Phasmide apparently possessing all the Structural Arrangements needed both for Aerial and Aquatic Respiration, by J. Wood-Mason, F.G.S.; Auriferous Sand in the Neighbourhood of the Seychelle Islands, by H. J. Carter, F.R.S. &c; On a new Marsupial from Australia, by Prof. R. Owen, F.R.S. &c.; Metamorphosis of the Cantharis (Cantharis (Lytta) vesicatoria), by M. Lichtenstein ..... 101—103 NUMBER II. XIV. Notes on British Spiders, with Descriptions of some new Species. By the Rey. O. P. Campriner, M.A., C.MLZS., &e. (Lats ade). 5 sae sacs ose elapse tay a ot ele Wels sbetetee te eee 105 XV. Mr. James Thomson’s Fossil Sponges from the Carboniferous System of the South-west of Scotland. By H. J. Carrer, F.R.S. je, (Babes 1 & Key ice ein ns ate nals oe oreo leMeim peepee eee 128 XVI. Notes on new and little-known Mantide. By Prof. J. Woop-Mason, Deputy Superintendent, Indian Museum, Calcutta... 143 XVII. Revision of the Plagusiine. By Epwarp J. Mrsrs, F.L.S., F.Z.S., Assistant in the Zoological Department, British AVVRCRD ERTS sce, ch rscovevs tare cyatesa/ate ia cis aos, 6 ihioers a's e+ se oe ee 147 XVIII. Entomological Notes bearing on evolution, By RapHaEL Mintel OC, LUGE UG: ore iss loae wears (a> cre sveree ma sels Eiae ee 2) XIX. Descriptions of new Species of Heterocera from Japan.— Part II. Noctuites. By Artuur G. Buruer, F.L.S., F.Z.8., &e... 161 XX. Position of the Sponge-spicule in the Spongida; and Post- script on the Identity of Sguamulina scopula with the Sponges. By Ry ake (Ate TERE ES 5,, GOGs Wi sya bia ¥ersle ps aisles a eee aia vie 170 XXI. Description of a new Scops Owl from Ceylon. By Capt. W. i aumGgen, Ras MBO. a ie. ia's toes 6 oinlt ci ww wba eee 174 New Book :—White’s Natural History of Selborne, edited by Thomas Belly HBAs ovata =f < sgiite witase ass os inoles woale RR Ue eg ea 176 Thomas Vernon Wollaston; On the Orthonectida, a new Class of Animals Parasitic on Echinodermata and Turbellaria, by M. A. Giard ; A new Species of Chimera found in American Waters, by Theodore Gill; Note on the Habits of young Limulus, by Alexander Agassiz ; New Species of Ceratodus from the Jurassic, by O. C. Marsh ; Sexual Dimorphism in Butterflies, by S. H. Seuddatis, 2 yh. gee ai-srodhie che PAE tit oS auala RNe eeee 178—184 CONTENTS. ¥: NUMBER III. XXII. On the Geographical Distribution of the Common Oyster. ya VV ENTERS cetaie macpinecren creado sy or cok a ava eee ot 5 coke 185 XXIII. Note on Selaginopsis (= Polyserias Hincksti, Mereschkow- sky), and on the Circumpolar Distribution of certain Hydrozoa. By Bre Tey. Mg MAIN OMMEAIN, MBN oS)... 5 Puiitia dela tide sidmercuididcsle’ »1. 189 XXIV. Descriptions of new Species of Heterocera from Japan.— Part Il. Noctuites. By Artuur G. Butusn, F.LS., F.Z.S8., &e... 192 XXV. Further Notes on the Structure of Peripatus nove-zealandie. By F. W. Hurron, Professor of Zoology in the University of Otago. 204 XXVI. On the Genus Paleacis, and the Species occurring in British Carboniferous Rocks. By R. Eraeriper, jun., F.G.S., and H. AutEyNE Nicuoxson, M.D., D.Sc., &e. (Plate XII.) .......... 206 XXVIII. Descriptions of new Species of Lepidoptera collected by the late Dr. I. Stoliczka during the Indian-Government Mission io Neelond inne ia.) By. Moone, HeZ8. ioe «dare aneeaccn t 227 XXVIU. Description of a new Species of Land-Planarian from the Hothouses at Kew Gardens. By H. N. Mosetey, F.R.S. .... 287 XXIX. Studies on the Hydroida. By OC. Muruscuxowsxy. Sr ints Made MEY, BS SEV its Ch etmek aiiies decades see 239 Proceedings of the Geological Society......... init ae etek 256, 257 On the Migrations and Metamorphoses of the Tapeworms of the Shrews, by M. A. Villot; On some Monstrosities of -Asteracan- thion rubens, by M. A. Giard ; On the Feeding of Dinameba, by Prof. Leidy ; On the Structure of Amphioxus lanceolatus, by PRC SC MOLG SDSS sete: ei 5) cease Waa toda alates oie wrayle Sak fs Fields os 258—262 NUMBER IV. XXX. On the Genus Haliphysema, with Description of several Forms apparently allied to it. By the Rev. A. M. Norman, M.A. POM aIAD LRU ALS ) 8) Ss, wugiahe: Bysighe- i semretsioged Walia Ms akeeayhg pS! s\eic MARIO s OSS 265 XXXI. On the Architectural Achievements of little Masons, Annelidan (?) and Rhizopodan, in the Abyss of the Atlantic. By hie eee ME, NORMAN, MA i a.sinss sale jelcts ols wo bicieliieie sivas Hy da 284 XXXII. Descriptions of new Species of Heterocera from Japan.— Part II. Noctuites. By ArnrHuR G, ButueEr, F.L.S., F.Z.8., &c... 287 XXXII. On Races of Herring observed in the Sound. By G. ER sce revo owns coon ve edn ke MM ones s melee et Rhee vi CONTENTS. ~ Page XXXIV. On new Species of Hydrdctinide, Recent and Fossil, and on the Identity in Structure of Millepora alcicornis with Stroma- topora. By H. J. Canter, F.R.S. &c. (Plate XVII.) .......... 298 XXXV. Descriptions of a new Genus and of new Species of Halti- cing. Ty JOSHPES, DALY, PS. os ecto es lem ed o> epee 312 XXXVI. Studies on the Hydroida. By C. Mermscuxowsxky ., 322 XXXVI. Descriptions of twenty new Species of Hesperide from hisjown Collection. By W:, Ca Hmwitson.cg ocick esis ett eee 340 XXXVIII. Note on Artamus monachus. By Dr. F. BrieeE- BAIN o.0c sshas’s © a's seiSiay ahaa: poe he wae was Gasahat asl he ab deat kale nS ha ea ae 348 XXXIX. Description of an apparently new Species of Pigeon of the Genus Ptilopus. By D. G. Huuiot, F.R.S.E. &...... 100.065 349 On Dinichthys, Newberry; On an Ostracode Crustacean of a new Genus (Acanthopus), met with in the deep waters of the Lake of Genova, by MELE. Wemneb 0 5 cs ais. cae wie ee atiabelae 500, 352 NUMBER V. XL. Notes on the Genus Retepora, with Descriptions of new Species. By the Rey. Tuomas Hincxs, B.A., F.R.S. (Plates MIRON CG NOL cl) ccve! fe s Wega, Stes Me its San ge Shonehere. pein eo eager ee 353 XLI. Descriptions of new Species of Heteropterous Hemiptera collected in the Hawaiian Islands by the Rey. T. Blackburn.—No. I. By BucHanan Warr, MD) OES. oni.» alee mith ae 365 XLII. Descriptions of new Species of Birds from the Island of Lifu, New Caledonia. By E. L. Layarp, C.B., H.B.M. Consul, Noumea, New Caledomia 0. siie/ acs aussie oiboe i opposites etetoe eos a 374 XLII. Emendatory Description of Purisiphonia Clarkei, Bk., a Hexactinellid Fossil Sponge from N.W. Australia. By H. J. Came AO a ecbe, : rs cnes pine © om tater ec ne cater oe Ct eee 376 XLIV. Noteson the Internal and External Structure of Paleozoic Crinoids, .By Crsmias WACHSMUTE. i¢).46% sips ns vaemanme mies 379 XLV. Descriptions of new Species of Heterocera from Japan.— Part III. Geometrites. By Arruur G. BuTiEr, F.L.S., F.Z.8., &e. 392 XLVI. On the Number of Cervical Vertebree in Dinornis. By F. W. Hutton, Professor of Zoology in the University of Otago .... 407 XLVII. Two new Crustacea from the Coast of Aberdeen. By C. Sreamcn ATE, EIS, isc,sc 15400 sere, aetegeeee 6; 540i se) ee eee 409 CONTENTS. Vil Page XLVIII. On Calcareous Hexactinellid Structure in the Devonian : Limestone; large Fossil Hydrozoic Coralla from the Chalk; and further Observations on the Replacement of Silex by Calcite. By iced CART REE Ecce ns a. tis 8 eae dan ot WA SiN Sore Swabian so 3 412 On the Young Stages of some Osseous Fishes—Development of the Tail, by Mr. Al. Agassiz ; On Selaginopsis, Polyserias, and Peri; cladium, by M. C. Mereschkowsky; on a new Gorilla from Congo, by MM. Allix and Bouvier ; On the Rhizopoda of the Salt Lake of Szamosfalva, by Dr. Geta Entz; Note on the Locality and Synonyms of Sternotomis cornutor, Faby. (Coleo- ptera, Lamiid), by Charles O. Waterhouse; On the Genus faliphysema, by the Rev. A. M. Norman, M.A...,....... 419—424 NUMBER VI. XLIX. On the Reticularian and Radiolarian Rhizopoda (Forami- nifera and Polycystina) of the North-Polar Expedition of 1875-76. By Henry B. Brapy, F.R.S. (Plates XX. & XXI,) .........46. 425 L. Descriptions of new Species of Heterocera from Japan.— Part II. Geometrites. By Artuur G. Burirr, F.L.S., F.ZS., &e. 440 LI. Notes on the Internal and External Structure of Paleozoic Crmnoids. By Cranins, WACHSMUTE « os) yisic exit cya: baa hs 453 LI. Description of a remarkable new Form of Ophiuride from @oeyion) By Bn@ami al SMire, BAS oe. tag ceva pag hints sale’s 468 LILI. Remarks on some new Alphei, with a Synopsis of the North-American Species. By W.N. LocKINGTON.............. 465 LIV. Description of two Butterflies collected by Dr. Turner at Port Moresby, New Guinea. By Artuur G. ButiEr, F.LS. &e. . 480 LY. On the Nauplius Stage of Prawns. By Dr. Frirz Mitre 481 LVI. Notes ona Collection of Japanese Sea-Fishes. By Dr. A. EU EEPIRER RES easly at cho! a) g) scaiierts hss sstalate eabete Peal acre tected eae wat Gee eG 485 New Book :—Thesaurus Devonico-Carboniferus: Flora and Fauna of the Devonian and Carboniferous Periods. By J. J. Braspy, RU Ec OCGe Garcia, duc s athe ghey ciskarain pale ccsie means) «ae Mea ss Moca 487 On the Origin and Distribution of the Turbellaria of the deep Fauna of the Lake of Geneva, by M. Duplessis; Characters of a new Species of Dryops from Formosa (Coleoptera, Parnide), by Charles 0. Waterhouse; On the Organ called “ Dorsal Chord” in Amphioxus lanceolatus, by MM. J. Renaut and G. Duchamp ; On the Zoological Affinities of the Genus Mesites, by M. A. PASC ROALOR FM oeio hc ais soos bbe FBLC hee 35 ah PM eee ae 490—493 PLATES IN VOL. I. Puate I, Il. Ill. x IV. | V. Caprella fretensis—Stimpsonia chelifera. VI. Wagnerella borealis. New Species of Cliona. ew British Fungi. a ezophaps solitaria. = Fossil Sponges from the Carboniferous System. XI. New British Spiders. XII. Species of Palzacis from British Carboniferous Rocks. XIV. XV. | Haliphysema confertum—Technitella legumen—Technitella co melo—Marsipella elongata. XVII. New Hydractiniide. AQ RE New Species of Retepora. XIX. XX. | North-Polar Rhizopoda. XXL | New Hydroida. THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. [FIFTH SERIES. ] Neen reavacenreanate per litora spargite muscum, Naiades, et circum vitreos considite fontes: Pollice virgineo teneros hic carpite flores : Floribus et pictum, dive, replete canistrum. At yos, o Nymphe Craterides, ite sub undas ; Ite, recurvato variata corallia trunco Vellite muscosis e rupibus, et mihi conchas Ferte, Dez pelagi, et pingui conchylia succo.” N. Parthentt Giannettasti Ecl. 1. No. 1. JANUARY 1878. I.— Observations upon Professor Ernst Haeckel’s Group of the “ Physemarta,”’ and on the Affinity of the Sponges. By W. SAVILLE Kent, F.L.S., F.Z.8., &e. Iv was scarcely to be expected that Mr. Carter would quietly surrender into Prof. Ernst Haeckel’s hands, for the further exposition of his celebrated ‘“Gastreea” theory, that imterest- ing organism, Sguamulina scopula, which he (Mr. Carter) a few years since pronounced, and still holds, to be a Forami- nifer. The brusque and, it must be admitted, somewhat dis- courteous manner in which the learned professor disposes of Mr. Carter’s arguments in support of the view which he adopts has also naturally led to the protest that appears in the last October number of the ‘ Annals.’ In this protest, however, Mr. Carter does not appear to have made the most of his own position, nor, indeed, to have clearly defined the one maintained by Prof. Haeckel. Though unable at the present moment to refer to the article which has so greatly perturbed Mr. Carter’s equanimity, I was fortunate enough to obtain in May of this present year, and still have by me, a copy of Prof. Haeckel’s ‘ Biologischen Studien,’ zweites Heft, 1877, containing a chapter entirely devoted to the consideration of the so-called Squamulina scopula and its supposed allies. It is upon these forms col- lectively that the author bestows the title of the Physemaria ; Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. i. 1 2 Mr. W. Saville Kent on Prof. E. Haeckel’s and it is further evident from the quotations given by Mr. Carter that we have here word for word a reprint of the original article published in the ‘ Jenaische Zeitschrift.’ This possession, last spring, of the volume in question enabled me to discuss at some length, in a communication to the meeting of the Linnean Society held on the 21st of June of the pre- sent year*, the views expounded by Prof. Haeckel concerning the nature and affinities of his newly created group. My communication here referred to, and of which the briefest possible notice only has so far appeared, embraces the results of investigations prosecuted during the last six years relative to that remarkable group of ‘ collar-bearing”’ flagellate Pro- tozoa whose existence was first discovered in America by the late Prof. H. James-Clark, and announced by him in the ‘Memoirs of the Boston Society of Natural History,’ vol. i., for the year 18667. Four species only, representing two genera (Codosiga and Salpingeca), were here described by Prot. Clark. Later on, in the autumn of the year 1871, three out of these four types, with the addition of two new varieties, were discovered by me in the neighbourhood of London, and were duly announced at the meeting of the Royal Microscopical Society held Nov. 1 of the same yearft. With this excep- tion these Flagellate Protozoa, as a special and independent group, do not appear, knowingly, to have fallen beneath the observation of any other investigator. The importance that attaches itself to Prof. Clark’s dis- coveries, however, is not associated so much with his intro- duction to scientific notice of a new structural type, as his simultaneous declaration that sponges were essentially com- posed of sociable colonies of similar collar-bearing flagellate monads. This he at the time demonstrated through an exposition of the minute anatomy of the calcareous sponge- form Leucosolenia botryoides, Bowerbank, and subsequently in association with a siliceous American freshwater species, Spongilla arachnoidea, Clark§. This last important discovery ot Prof. Clark’s has since been fully confirmed by the observa- tions of Mr. Carter||, and also by myself, as shown in my com- munication to the Linnean Society just quoted, in which * « A Monograph of the Gymnozoidal Diseostomatous Flagellata, with a proposed new Scheme of Classification of the Protozoa, &c.” + Reprinted in the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History,’ 4th ser. vol. i. 1868. } Abstract published in the ‘Monthly Microscopical Journal,’ vol. vii. p- 261, 1871. § ‘Silliman’s American Journal,’ December 1871; reprinted in the Ann, & Mag. Nat. Hist. for January 1872. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. x. July 1871. Group of the “ Physemaria.” 3 I am enabled, through my extended researches into the struc- ture and developmental history of the independent collar- bearing forms, to follow out the subject to a more decisive issue than has yet been attempted. Prof. Haeckel, as it is well known, while driven to admit the existence in sponge-structures of these collar-bearing cells or monads, has altogether refused so far to recognize in each such collar-bearing monad a distinct and individual vitality, choosing rather to regard the same as the contiguous cellular constituents of one out of two multicellular layers or tissues of which he considers all sponge-forms are composed. This view held by Haeckel would, if correct, approximate the sponges more closely to the simplest tissue-forming Coelenterata ; and it is exactly such a position for them that he has been endea- vouring for some years past to bring into general recognition. Taking upon trust, indeed, and dazzled by the garish lustre of the learned professor’s brilliant “Gastrea”’ theory, of which the “Ceelenteric”” or “ Diploblastic ” interpretation of the sponge question must be regarded as the chief corner-stone, that recognition has already been very extensively accorded, leaving, indeed, as a very slender minority the adherents of the Protozoic or Monoblastic interpretation of the organisms in dispute. An irreparable gap has further been occasioned here through the recent deplorable death, in the midst of his valu- able investigations, of Prof. H. James-Clark. The time at length, however, seems to have arrived when accumulated facts of so substantial a nature can be set in array in proof of the thorough agreement of the sponges in every essential detail with the representatives of the ordinary Protozoa, that the acceptors, upon trust, of the Diploblastic interpretation of the question will be well advised to reexamine and work it out for their own satisfaction. If upon so doing the results realized should accord with and confirm those obtained by the writer, the ‘“ Diploblastic ” or ‘ Gastrea”’ theory, so far, at least, as the sponges are concerned, will be held henceforth in but scant estimation. The grounds upon which the above, at first sight somewhat presumptuous, anticipation is hazarded, together with the bearings upon the question of Prof. Haeckel’s newly created group of the Physemaria (embracing,inhis opinion, Mr. Carter’s Foraminiferal (?) type Squamulina scopula), may now be examined. Before arriving at this more complex aspect of the problem, however, it is desirable to devote a brief space to an acquaintance with the initial integers of it, viz. the inde- pendent collar-bearing flagellate monads in their simplicity, as first made known to us by Prof. Clark. On reference to my 1* 4 Mr. W. Saville Kent on Prof. E. Haeckel’s communication, already quoted, it will be found that the record of nearly forty well-marked species, in place of the original four, has been the reward of my several years’ study of this interesting group; and concerning the general structure, func- tions, and developmental history of these I am enabled to supply perfectly original and important data. To those acquainted with the writings of Prof. Clark, the general aspect of these typical “ collar-bearing’’ monads will no doubt be familiar ; but for the advantage of those who are not, they may be described as ovate, pyriform, or flask-shaped animalcules, stalked, sessile, or floating freely in the water, naked or en- closed within a transparent lorica, and either solitary or forming extensive colonies—the chief and common character- istic of all these being that each individual is adorned ante- riorly with an exquisitely delicate funnel-shaped sarcodic expansion, the “ collar,” from the centre of the area en- closed by the base of which a single long flagellum takes its origin. All the species as yet discovered are of so minute a size, the body of the largest not exceeding the 1200th part of an English inch in total length, and usually being much smaller, that a magnifying-power of at least 500 diameters is requisite for their satisfactory investigation. This last cir- cumstance, no doubt, readily accounts for the immunity from attention that they have hitherto enjoyed, they, on the other hand, being so abundantly distributed in both salt and fresh water that scarcely a fragment of weed can be examined from either of these two sources, by those once familiar with their ap- pearances, and employing a sufficiently high magnifying- power, without the encounter of some one or even several types. Among the most important results of my investigations of this interesting and, as is now shown, exceedingly extensive group is the satisfactory elucidation of the true nature and position of the oral aperture or mouth, and of the structure and function of the hyaline funnel-shaped “ collar.” Prof. Clark left both these points in a very unsatisfactory state, he, in the first place, being altogether unable to determine the exact aspect and position of the oral aperture, but hazarding the opinion that it lay somewhere within the collar and near the base of the flagellum. Concerning the nature and uses of the funnel-shaped “ collar” itself he makes no suggestion and furnishes us with no clue. By prolonged and repeated observation, however, I have been able most conclusively to demonstrate that food is ingested at any point within the area embraced by the base of the hyaline collar, the whole of | which area must therefore necessarily be characterized as the Group of the “‘ Physemaria.”’ 5 oral or inceptive one. Digested and other effete particles are likewise, I have ascertained, usually passed off from the same circumscribed surface. The function and properties of the hyaline “ collar’? I have found to be almost inconceiv- ably remarkable. By the employment of an amplifying power of from 800 to 1000 diameters it was revealed to me that this collar consisted of an exquisitely delicate film of sar- code, capable of expansion and retraction at the will of the animalcule—to such an extent, indeed, that it might be quite withdrawn into the substance of the body. In this structure a circulating stream was constantly in motion, ascending on the outside and descending on the inside, and identical in all ways with those circulating sarcode-streams characteristic of the extended pseudopodia of certain Radiolaria. Placing commi- nuted carmine in the water, this collar with its circulating current, assisted by the active movements of the flagellum, was found to constitute a wonderful and most admirably con- structed trap for the purpose of drawing towards it and arrest- ing passing particles of food. ‘lhe phenomenon presented by this trap in active action was as follows :—The rapid rotatory action of the flagellum impelling swift currents of water to flow from behind in a forward direction, caused all floating particles carried with it to impinge upon some point of the sur- face of the expanded collar. Adhering here, these particles were now carried on by the motion of the substance of the collar, and after ascending the outer surface, surmounting the rim, and descending upon the interior surface of the structure, became engulfed in the soft sarcode of the animalcule’s body embraced by the collar’s base. The accompanying woodcut (p: 6) illustrates clearly and in a diagrammatic manner the remarkable phenomena that accompany the feeding-process. In relation to the life-history and reproductive phenomena of this interesting collar-bearing group, I have satisfactorily ascertained that while that simple fissiparous method of multiplication common to all ordinary Protozoic organisms extensively prevails, a process of encystment and resolution of the entire body into granular germs or spores also plays an important part. The withdrawal by the adult individual of the characteristic hyaline collar, and its extension of pseudo- podie processes, have likewise been frequently observed, these phenomena being intimately associated with the function of reproduction. ‘The larval or initial condition of the collar- bearing Flagellata derived from the reproductive process is more simple in structure than the parent from which it sprung, it in some instances taking the form of an Ameeba and in others that of a simple flagellate monad. ‘Taken as a whole, my 6 Mr. W. Saville Kent on Prof. E. Haeckel’s investigation of the life-history of this collar-bearing group has yielded data abounding with evidence confirmatory of and parallel with that obtained by Messrs. Dallinger and Drys- dale relative to the life-history of the more simple Cercomo- nads, published at length in the ‘Monthly Microscopical Journal’ for the years 1873-74, some of the same having Monosiga gracilis, 8. Kent. A solitary Gymnozoidal Disco- stomatous Protozoon feeding on comminuted carmine: c¢, collar ; n, nucleus; jt, flagellum; cv, contractile vesicles; fig, food globules. The arrows indicate the direction of the current caused by the rotatory motion of the flagellum, and the course taken by the food-particles on striking against and adhering to the collar. The dotted line on each side of the flagellum marks the are described by its rotation. x 2000 diameters. been accumulated by me prior, and some subsequent, to the appearance of their very valuable contributions to our knowledge of these lowly organized types. My prolonged investigation of these hitherto little-known collar-bearing flagellate monads, together with a careful study of all other forms most closely approaching these in structure, Group of the “* Physemaria.”’ 7 has in the end forced upon me not only the unavoidable neces- sity of coining for this particular group a special classificatory title ; it has at the same time been suggestive of an entirely new and simple scheme of reclassification, or redivision into primary sections, of the entire Protozoic subkingdom. This latter object I have proposed to attain by taking as a basis for diagnosis the nature and extent of the oral or inceptive area. ‘[hus, for instance, among an exceedingly extensive group of the Protozoa, embracing practically all the represen- tatives of the Rhizopoda and certain Flagellata, it will be found that there is no especial mouth-aperture, food-particles being engulfed indiscriminately by the soft, yielding sarcode at any point on the surface of the periphery. ‘These organisms are, in fact, in all parts and everywhere mouth, and represent the simplest or most degraded types of the whole subkingdom. In reference to this dispersed character of the inceptive surface I have proposed for this section the title of the ‘“* HoLtosroMaTA*”. Advancing a little further we find a group in which, although the oral or inceptive areas have become distinct and specialized, they are at the same time multifarious and distributed over a considerable extent, if not over the whole, of the surface of the body. This elass or section is represented by the Acinetina or Suctoria, a group in which the modification into tubular sucking-mouths of the pseudopodia of the preceding Holostomatous type is at once apparent. Tor these many-mouthed forms I have proposed the title of the PotystomaTa. With the next step forward we are brought face to face with that assemblage of collar-bearing flagellate forms that constitute the chief subject matter of this communication. Here, as already shown, there is a con- siderable advance upon the two preceding types; for the in- ceptive area, although not yet attaining to the importance of a distinct and definite mouth, is no longer scattered over the general surface of the body, but is concentrated and confined to the anterior extremity. In reference to the discoidal form of this anterior inceptive area, bounded, as already shown, by the base of the funnel-shaped collar, I have proposed the title of the Discosromara. ‘The fourth and most specialized group of the Protozoa includes the typical Ciliate and Flagel- late Stomatode Infusoria, which may be collectively distin- guished by the title of the MonosromaTa or EusroMata. A brief space may now be devoted to an examination of the claim of the members of the sponge tribe for admission into the ranks of one or other of the four Protozoic classes or subdivisions above enumerated. As mentioned ina preceding * [Already used in Mollusca, and hardly bearing the signification here given to it.—HDs. | 8 Mr. W. Saville Kent on Prof. HE. Haeckel’s page, Prof. H. James-Clark was the first authority to point out the resemblance between the essential flagellate units of the sponge-body and the independant collar-bearmg monads, of which he was the discoverer, these results, so far as relates to the possession by the sponge-monads or Spongozoons of similar membranous collars, being confirmed by the observa- tions of Mr. Carter. It was clear, however, that it could only be through a much more extended and accurate acquaint- ance with the independent Discostomatous or collar-bearing forms that this question of the natural affinities of the sponges could be definitely and satisfactorily set at rest. It was en- tirely actuated by the ambition to become possessed of such accurate and extended information that the writer has de- voted the last six years to the study of this particular group ; and it is only fortified with the substantial fruits of this pro- longed investigation that he now approaches the obscure ques- tion of the nature and affinities of the sponges. Full details in reference to these investigations will appear in due course ; but it may be briefly stated here that a careful examination of members of each of the leading sponge-orders, Calcareous, © Siliceous, and Keratose, has pointed to one and the same general conclusion—namely, that sponges can no longer be regarded logically in any other light than as typical Disco- sTOMATOUS Protozoa. Not only in all structural points and in the remarkable form and function of the hyaline collar is the correspondence complete, but the phenomena of repro- duction and development are likewise essentially identical with what has already been observed of the simple and inde- pendent collar-bearing types. ‘The only essential distinction between the sponges and these last-named forms is, in fact, that while the latter, whether fixed or floating, solitary or aggregated in social clusters on a simple or branching pedicel, are invari- ably naked and fully exposed to view, the collar-bearing flagellate monads of the sponge-colony are as invariably con- cealed by and immersed within a sarcodie and usually spi- culum-secreting matrix. Practically, the distinction between the two groups is essentially parallel with what obtains be- tween the solitary or social “naked” Tunicata, Ascidiadce and Clavellinide, and those compound colony forms, the Botryllide, which are immersed and concealed within a gelatinous and not unfrequently spiculiferous matrix. And yet no one in his right senses would think of calling in ques- tion the propriety of uniting these two as members of the same primary class of the Molluscoida. In a similar manner it is requisite to unite as members of the same Protozoan class of the Discostomata the naked and independent collar-bearing Group of the “ Physemaria.” 9 monads, Codosiga and Salpingeca, and those socially im- mersed, the sponges, in a sarcodic matrix. For convenience’ sake I have proposed to distinguish these two respective sec- tions or subclasses as the Discostomata Gymnozoida and Discostomata Sarcocrypta. While at first sight a sponge-body, or Sarcocryptal Disco- stomatous colony, appears to present an almost incomprehen- sibly complex type of organization, it will be found on close investigation, assisted by an intimate acquaintance with the Gymnozoidal Discostomatous group, to be reducible to three, or even less, very simple elements. The first and most essential of these is necessarily .represented by the collar- bearing monads, the second by the simple Ameba-like cell- elements or cytoblasts, and the third by the general investing sarcode or syncytium. ‘These three elements intelligently recognized, or even the first and last only, all remaining structural details are most easily comprehended. Regarding, in fact, the collar-bearing monads as the one essential element of the sponge to which all the other structures are subsidiary, the investing sarcode or syncytium may be described as fur- ‘ nishing, in the first place, a gelatinous fulcrum or basis for the reception and support of the essential monads, and, in the second, a suitable nidus or matrix for the nurture and deve- lopment of their offspring or reproductive products. To this last-named category, indeed, may be referred the Ameba-like cytoblasts and all the remaining larger or lesser granular contents of the syncytium. This explanation of the sponge- structure is offered not as a crude theory, but as the result of direct personal investigation, in the course of which the development of what at first sight appeared as mere granular specks, first into Ameba-like bodies, and then onwards into the characteristic adult collar-bearmg monads, was actually witnessed by me, as also the reassumption by these adult monads of an amoeboid state, their coalescence or fusion with neighbouring individuals, and final breaking up into innume- rable germs or spores similar to those from which they origi- nally sprang. The whole life-cycle is in fact perfectly identical with what obtains among the gymnozoidal section — of the class and all other simple monad forms, with the single difference that the reproductive germs, instead of being dis- persed into the surrounding water, are retained by, and grow up within, the substance of the syncytium. Although the method of increase above recounted represents the normal process of development among the sponges, there are certain departures from this simple formula which require a special explanation. The most important of these, and one, 10 Mr. W. Saville Kent on Prof: LE. Haeckel’s indeed, that has considerably exercised the mind of every authority who has devoted his energies to the solution of the “ sponge-question,”’ is associated with the so-called ciliated germs or larve of certain sponge-forms. This “ ciliated larva,” which may in fact be regarded as the veritable “ pons astnorum””’ of the whole sponge-problem, has been seized upon and trotted round the lists by Prof. Haeckel and all the sup- porters of the Diploblastic or Ccelenteric theory of sponges as the perfect embodiment of the typical sac-shaped bilaminate Gastrea, or the hypothetical stock-form of all animal life from the Coelenterata upwards, and as conclusively proving in its own personality the necessity of regarding sponges as members of the Ccelenterate subkingdom. Put crucially to the test, however, it will be found that these ciliated sponge-germs are altogether innocent of the blushing honours that have been so forcibly thrust upon them. As already shown by Metschnikoff*, these somewhat re- markable bodies by no means conform, in either external characteristics or in the fashion of their development, to that arbitrary formula which has been insisted upon by Prof. Haeckel, and which was necessary for the vindication of his position. It may be further demonstrated now, how- ever, that there is no structural or functional aspect asso- ciated with these bodies that does not find its parallel among the more simple and typical Protozoa, or that cannot be readily explained by reference to the phenomena manifested by the various members of that group. ‘The only clue to a thorough comprehension of the nature of these ciliated bodies is, as might be expected, afforded by the study of their development. This has been followed out by me in association with Grantia compressa, Sycon ciliatum, and other sponges prominent for their plentiful production of these disputed structures, the evidence adduced in all cases, as detailed and illustrated else- where, overwhelmingly indicating that they cannot be regarded otherwise than as the results of a specially modified process of multiple fission, and that their correct title would be “ com- pound gemmules.” Among the ordinary Holostomatous Pro- tozoa such a mode of multiple fission following the coalescence or fusion of two or more individuals is of frequent occurrence, the only point of departure between the two cases being that, whereas in the sponges the individual resultants of such mul- tiple fission remain in intimate connexion with one another, in the more simple and independent forms, as remarked of their germs, they become separated and dispersed through the * ‘Zeitschrift fiir wissenschaftliche Zoologie, Bd. xxiv. 1874; and Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., July 1875. Group of the * Physemaria.” | 11 surrounding water. Taken in its most highly characteristic phase, this compound gemmule, or wrongly called “ ciliated larva” of the sponge, represents a spherical or ovate agere- gation of typical collar-bearing monads or spongozoa, con- nected laterally and by their bases with one another, and with their anterior flagellate and collar-bearing extremity directed outwards. In this condition they, in fact, present a wonderful resemblance to a social colony of one of the simpler Gymnozoidal types, and might be directly compared to a detached capitulum of the pedicelled genus Codosiga, Jas.-Clk., or to a spherical colony of the free-floating genus Astrosiga, S. Kent. It is only when certain of these sponge-monads withdraw their characteristic collars and commence to throw off and secrete around them the spiculiferous syncytium as a nidus for the further development of the colony that their true sponge nature becomes apparent. This brief chapter of their developmental history brings out in high relief the potential importance of the collar-bearing monads compared with the remaining elements of the sponge community, showing, indeed, as already intimated, that these latter are entirely subordinate to and derived from these essential sponge-units. The compound ciliated gemmules, whose true nature has just been discussed, are most abundantly encountered in asso- ciation with the calcareous division of the sponge tribe. With certain of these forms, but more especially among the siliceous group, other compound ciliated bodies occur, concerning which, although it has not been hitherto attempted, a very similar interpretation may be rendered. Reference is here made to those spherical ciliated chambers that first received from Mr. Carter the title of “ampullaceous sacs.” By Prof. Clark they have been denominated the “ monad-chambers ;”’ and in those sponge-types where they are present they seem, so far as has been observed, to embrace the whole and entire system of the collar-bearimg monads, each such chamber in its normal and fully developed state being completely lined, except at its point of communication with the general aquiferous system, with these essential spongozoa. The, examination by me of a species of Desmacidon revealed the presence of these ciliated chambers in great profusion and in every phase of their deve- lopment. It was further elicited, by a careful study of the earlier stages of the same, that they take their origin by a process of multiple fission in all ways identical with what has been followed by the detached compound gemmules. Both present in their initial stage a morula-like aspect, the subse- quent and essential point of departure being that, while in the latter case the free-swimming ciliated gemmule has the collar- 12 Mr. W. Saville Kent on Prof. E. Haeckel’s bearing and flagellate extremity of the individual monads directed exteriorly, in the ampullaceous sacs or monad-chambers they are directed towards the interior of a central cavity. Full details, with illustrations, of the examples that have led to this interpretation of the “ ampullaceous sac ” accompany my recent communication to the Linnean Society. The bearing upon the whole question of Prof. Haeckel’s newly created group of the Physemaria may now be ap- proached. In Haeckel’s own words (/.c. pp. 172 and 178), the several types to which this title of the Physemaria is col- lectively applied are characterized as being neither true sponges nor true polypes, but as “eine kleine Gruppe von niedersten Pflanzenthieren, die der hypothetischen Stammform aller Metazoen, der Gastraea, niher stehen, als alle anderen bis jetzt bekannten Thiere.” Or, as elsewhere intimated, he re- cognizes in this group the almost perfect embodiment of the hypothetical “ Gastreea,”’ upon which the whole superstructure of his celebrated Gastreea theory is founded! Altogether Prof. Haeckel relegates to his newly founded group two generic and seven specific types, the aspect and structural characteristics of which, as described and illustrated by him, may now be examined. The first of the two genera (Haliphysema) is already familiar, the name having been conferred by Dr. Bowerbank, in his ‘ Monograph of the British Spongiade,’ ontwominute forms which he regarded as the smallest and simplest of known sponge-types; the second genus (Gastrophysema, Haeckel) exhibits a slight advance in complexity of structure upon the preceding genus. Represented in their simplest condition (Haliphysema primordiale et echinotdes, Haeckel), and neces- sarily closest approximation to Prof. Haeckel’s hypothetical “Gastreea,”’ these Physemaria may be described as minute sphe- rical orovate bodies elevated ona pedicel and bristling externally with adhering fragments of sponge-spicules, grains of sand, and other extraneously derived particles. Interiorly there is found a single hollow chamber opening anteriorly by a simple constricted terminal aperture. ‘The most interesting and im- portant feature of these organisms is now arrived at. By Prof. Haeckel’s own description and drawings it is shown that the entire lining surface of the simple interior cavity is represented by a single and continuous layer of collar-bearing cells identical with those that constitute the essential living units of ordinary sponge-structures, or of the independent Gymnozoidal Dis- costomatous group already described. The outer wall is composed of a syncytial element similar to that of typical sponges, with the exception that, instead of secreting a spicu- lar or other skeleton of its own, it draws together and appro- Group of the “ Physemaria.” 13 priates for a similar use such foreign particles close at hand as may be of a convenient -size and form. Prof. Haeckel refuses at present, as in the case of ordinary sponge-structures, to recognize in the collar-bearing-monad lining any thing of less high organization than a true cellular membrane or tissue, comparable to ordinary ciliated epithelium, each collar-bearing flagellate monad being, in his opinion, indeed, a mere cell unit. That we have here, however, as, judging from their broad external characters only, Dr. Bowerbank was the first to decide, a true sponge or sarcocryptal Discostomatous Protozoon, there cannot be the slightest doubt. It may be further maintained that Haliphysema not only represents the simplest sponge- type that has yet been discovered, but one in which is found epitomized, with but slight modification, the simple monad- lined “ ciliated chamber ’”’ or ‘‘ ampullaceous sac ”’ of the more complex groups referred to at length on a preceding page. The developmental phenomena of the Haliphysemata, as indi- cated by Haeckel’s figures and description, are entirely in accord with those of the ordinary sponges—compound ciliated gemmules, the result of multiple fission, being produced, which agree in form and structure with those of Sycon, G'rantia, and other sponge-types. The genus Gastrophysema differs from Haliphysema only by having several intercommunicating internal chambers instead of one, the two, in fact, bearing the same relationship to one another that the many-chambered foraminiferal genus Nodosaria does to the single-celled Lagena. The exceedingly slight and artificial grounds upon which the discrimination between two such closely approximating types is based, each having necessarily represented the single-cham- bered type at one period of its growth, totally unprepares one for the account Prof. Haeckel has to render of Gastrophysema dithalamium, Haeckel, the simplest and typical representative of his second genus. Here verily Haeckel has out-Haeckeled Haeckel, and, carried away by the ardour of his devotion to the “ Gastrea”’ theory, lost all command over the reins of his very fertile imagi- nation! Having observed that the ciliated germs and amceboid masses (his so-called ova) in the example he examined were, as might be rationally anticipated, represented most abundantly in the posterior or older-formed of the two chambers, he at once takes for granted that the functions of reproduction are specially relegated to this chamber, and, with characteristic con- fidence in the strength of this bare assumption, bestows upon it the title of the “ Bruthéhle oder Uterus.” The upper or anterior of the two chambers he invests with the functions of a true stomach (‘ Magenhohle’’), while the terminal aperture of 14 Mr. W. Saville Kent on Prof. E. Haeckel’s this chamber, as also the single one of Haliphysema, he re- gards as a true mouth or oral aperture (“ Mundéffnung”’). Having further observed some peculiar pyriform bodies scat- tered among the ordinary flagellate cells that line the anterior chamber, he sees, or rather imagines he recognizes, in_ these, rudimentary glandular structures, or, to use bis own expres- sion, ‘ Driisenzellen.” From the figures of these so-called “ sland cells”? which accompany his description, however, it is very evident that we have here simply an “ encysted”’ condition of certain of the ordinary collar-bearing monads, already ascertained by me to occur among the ordinary sponges, and which in this instance, regarded separately, harmonizes remarkably with a similar encysted condition of the solitary Gymnozoidal species Salpingaca fusiformis, S. Kent, comparisons between which may be instituted in the illustra- tions that accompany my monograph of this group. Such being the wonderfully complex organism that Prof. Haeckel constructs out of this simple little two-chambered sponge, the mind trembles with awe at the thought of what he might have conjured out of the three-, four-, or five-chambered species, G'astrophysema scopula, Hkl., = Squamulina scopula, Carter, had he had an opportunity of examining that species in the flesh. As suggested elsewhere, with every additional chamber he would probably have discovered and associated some new sensory organ, until in the most complex type a perfect embodiment of the five primary senses might have been made manifest. Under existing circumstances, however, Prof. Haeckel is obliged to content himself with enumerating its external characters as given by Mr. Carter, and with taking that authority smartly to task for the interpretation he has given of the structure. Under any circumstances, the con- clusions arrived at by Mr. Carter concerning the true nature of this debatable organism are far more logical than his own, he (Mr. Carter) having, without doubt, referred the struc- ture to its right subkingdom, that of the Protozoa. That Mr. Carter, in witnessing the protrusion of the pseudopodia from the terminal orifice of the type in question, should have decided upon its foraminiferal nature is perfectly comprehensible. Even as a true sponge, agreeing in all structural details with the simple Haliphysemata here described, we should expect to find the sarcode or syncytial element protruded in such a fashion for the seizing of the fragmentary foreign particles out of which it builds up instead of secreting, as do ordinary sponges, a protective and supporting framework. If, on a closer investigation, Mr. Carter finds the internal cavity lined with the characteristic collar-bearing monads, it may be anti- Group of the “ Physemaria.” 15 cipated that no one will be more ready than himself to recog- nize in it a true though wonderfully simple sponge-type. If, on the other hand, he should find it to consist of homogeneous sarcode, it is not identical with Prof. Haeckel’s Gastrophy- sema, and his first inference, that it must be regarded as a true Foraminifer, or, at all events, a Rhizopod, is correct. Notwithstanding the remarkable interpretation placed by Prof. Haeckel upon the interesting and simple little sponge- forms which have received .from him the title of the Physe- maria, that authority has undoubtedly greatly advanced our knowledge of the Protozoa by his record (so far as structural facts only are concerned) and exquisite illustrations of those types which have been examined by him. In the faithful rendering of the minutest histiological detail his pencil cer- tainly has no equal, every stroke speaking to those familiar with the object or structure depicted with an amount of elo- quence that words would fail to inspire. In conclusion, it may bé predicated that, if Prof. Haeckel would only recognize in each collar-bearing cell of his exqui- site drawings that individuality which it is impossible after a long acquaintance to deny them, we should hear no more of the “‘Gastrea” theory in association with the sponges. That the chief if not the only obstacle to his yielding such recog- nition exists through his unacquaintance with these collar- bearing cells in their living and active state, forces itself upon one’s mind in contemplating all his illustrations of these struc- tures that occur both in his magnificent ‘Monograph of the Caleareous Sponges’ and the volume containing his descrip- tion of the Physemaria. In not a single instance out of these is the characteristic “ collar”? portrayed in that symmetrical and fully expanded condition which so eminently distinguishes it in the living state. Nor on any occasion has Prof. Haeckel indicated the presence of the invariably two or more rhythmi- cally expanding and contracting vesicles always to be observed in the living monads, and which in these types, as among all other Protozoa, represent the rudimentary respiratory system. His representation of the nucleus of these separate bodies is also by no means life-like, but presents all the features of a post mortem aspect. A careful investigation of this special struc- ture has, in fact, clearly demonstrated that it is by no means a constant and essential factor of any Protozoan organism, not being, indeed, the equivalent of the nucleus of ordinary tissue structure, but merely an accessory to the reproductive act. The probability of this element being subservient only to this function of reproduction, and of its not being comparable to the typical histiological nucleus, has been already suggested 16 On Haeckel’s Group of the “ Physemaria.” by Prof. Huxley*; while the inconstancy of its occurrence among even the higher Protozoa at once demonstrates the arti- ficial character of the group of the Monera, founded by Haeckel for the reception of those forms in which a nucleus has not yet been recognized. If, as is here intimated, the collar-bearing monads of the sponge-colony have only been examined by Prof. Haeckel in a dead and preserved state, with all the exquisitely beautiful phenomena of life suspended, it is not to be wondered at that he has passed them by as the mere indivi- dual cell elements of an epithelium-like tissue. But should he make himself acquainted with the same when alive, and note, as has been done by the writer, the circulating sarcode stream of the expanded “collar,” the food intercepted by it, and, | after traversing the outer and inner surface, engulfed within the substance of the sarcode at its base, then collected into pellets and regurgitated through the substance of the body in a manner identical with the food-circulation of the higher infusorial types, such as Vortecella—witnessing at the same time the constant pulsating action of the contractile vesicles and all the phenomena attending the several reproductive pro- cesses—he will scarcely disallow any longer their title to individual and independent recognition. Respecting the position, in reference to the ordinary sponge- forms, that the single-chambered non-spiculiferous Physe- maria occupy, it is very evident that they so far differ from such ordinary types that they cannot be correctly styled, with their single oscular aperture and no trace of pores, re- presentatives of the “‘ PortFERA.” The discovery of these new and interesting forms makes it necessary, indeed, to effect a slight modification of the usual classificatory system. Rejecting the old title of the Porifera, the group may be more conveniently divided now into two primary sections—one known as the “ PoLyTREMATA,” to include all the ordinary poriferous sponges, and a second, to be distinguished as the “* MONOTREMATA ’’}, for the reception of all those simple and single-apertured types of which the genera Halyphysema and, Gastrophysema constitute the characteristic representatives. A little later, not improbably, a third section, equivalent in value to these two, may have to be instituted, under the title of the “ ATREMATA.” 'This type would have no internal cavity, and consequently no aperture or pores, the collar-bearing monads, with their bodies immersed in a syncytial basis, opening directly on the water. Such a type seemed to have * Prof. Huxley “On the Classification of the Animal Kingdom,” Journal of the Linnean Society, vol. xii. p. 205, 1875. + {Already used for an order of Mammalia.—Ebs. ] Messrs. Berkeley and Broome.on British Fungi. 17 been already furnished by the genus Phalansterium, Cien- kowski, as reported by Prof. Clark*; but a reference to the original description and illustration in Schultze’s ‘ Archiv,’ Bd. vi. 8. 4, 1870, has elicited that this colony form is com- posed of the more simple flagellate Holostomatous monads, and not of the collar-bearing or Discostomatous varieties. Should this missing link be discovered, it will, while closely related to and forming a natural group of the true sponges, occupy the same relation towards the Gymnozoidal or free and indepen- dent Discostomatous types as the social and slime-immersed genus Ophrydium does to Vorticella, Vaginicola, or other naked and solitary representatives of the higher ciliate order of the Infusoria. 4 Marine Terrace, St. Helier’s, Jersey, Oct. 12, 1877. II.—Notices of British Fungi. By the Rev. M. J. BerKe- LEY, M.A., F.L.S., and C. E. Broome, Esq., F.L.S. [Continued from ser. 4. vol. xvii. p. 145.] [Plates I. & IV.) 1631. Agaricus (Amanita) magnificus, Fr. Hym. Eur. p- 25; Fl. Dan. t. 2146. In fir-woods. Glamis, Rev. J. Stevenson, no. 707. Our plant differs from the figure quoted above in having a bulbous base. Pileus campanulate, even, with scattered mealy patches ; stem attenuated upwards, transversely scaly. Whole plant dark liver-red, with the exception of the white adnexed gills. Allied to A. rubescens, but quite distinct, though variable. Fl. Dan. tab. 2148. fig. 2, which is referred by Fries to this species, has, like the agaric before us, a bulbous base. The wartless variety of A. muscarius occurred last autumn more than once at Coed Coch, and was very beautiful. 1632. A. (Lepiota) rhacodes, subsp. puellaris, Fr. Hym. Eur. p. 29. In woods. Coed Coch. Not uncommon. 1633. A. (Lepiota) biornatus, B. & Br., Journ. Linn. Soc. x1. p. 502. In great abundance in a melon-frame, Arthingworth, * Silliman’s ‘American Journal,’ Feb. 1871; Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. March 1871. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. i. 2 18 Messrs. Berkeley and Broome on British Fung?. Northants, July 8, 1876. Exactly agreeing with the Ceylon specimens, except that the gills are not ventricose. 1634, A. (Lepiota) seminudus, Lasch.; Fr. Hym. Eur. . 38. ; King’s Lynn, Mr. Plowright. A very delicate little piant. *A. (Lepiota) gliodermus, Fr. Ic. t. 15. fig. 1 Perthshire, Dr. Buchanan White. 1635. A, (Armillaria) hematites, B. & Br. Pileo hemi- spheerico jecormo sicco hispidulo ; stipite concolori deorsum incrassato, solido; annulo spongioso ; lamellis breviter decur- rentibus. Amongst fir-leaves. Glamis, Rev. J. Stevenson. Pileus about 1 inch across; stem 2 inches high, + inch thick at the base ; ring scaly beneath. We cannot point out any species to which it is allied. Like A. subcavus it is analogous to Lepiote. 1636. A. (Tricholoma) cerinus, Pers. Syn. p. 821; Fr. Ic. te oigs. 7. On a lawn. Ballinluig, Rev. J. Stevenson, no. 902. The yellow gills, contrasted with the brown pileus, make it a very pretty species. ‘The pileus in our specimens is brown, which seems to be the more usual colour; but it is sometimes yellow. *A. (Tricholoma) tigrinus, Scheeff. t. 89; Fr. Ic. t. 41 inf. Rev. J. Stevenson, no. 900. On the sea-shore. Allied to A. gambosus. It varies a good deal in the scaliness of the pileus. Mr. W. S. Smith’s plant from Reigate is presumably the same; but ours can scarcely be called feetid (Cooke, Handb. p. 33). 1637. A. (Clitocybe) socialis, Fr. Ic. t. 49. fig. 2; Hym. Eur. p. 83. . Amongst fir-leaves. Downton, Herefordshire. Hereford Fungus Show, 1876. 1638. A. (Clitocybe) amarella, P.; Fr. Hym. Eur. p. 84. In woods. Coed Coch, Oct. 19, 1876. The taste is bitter and disgusting, the smell that of prussic acid. 1639. A. (Mycena) rubro-marginatus, Fr. Hym. Eur. . 132. Var. fusco-purpureus, Lasch. Amongst dead leaves. Hast Farleigh. Very distinct from the usual form, having much the appear- ance of an exotic Marasmius. 1640. A. (Mycena) Zephirus, Fr. Ic. t. 78. fig. 6; Hym. Kur. p. 133. On decayed wood. Rev. J. Stevenson. Rose-coloured. Messrs. Berkeley and Broome on British Fungi. 19 *A. (Mycena) parabolicus, Fr. Ic. t. 80. fig. 3. On decayed wood. East Farleigh, Sept. 13, 1876. *A. (Mycena) atro-cyaneus, Batsch; Fr. Hym. Eur. p- 141. On the ground. Glamis, Rev. J. Stevenson. 1641. A. (Mycena) plicosus, Fr. Ic. t. 81. fig. 4; Hym. Eur. p. 142. Killin, Rev. J. Stevenson. 1642. A. (Mycena) amictus, Fr. Ic. t. 82. fig. 3; Hym. Hur. p. 144. Amongst leaves. Glamis, Rev. J. Stevenson. 1643. A. (Omphalia) hydrogrammus, Fr. Ic. tab.71; Hym. Kur. p. 154. Coed Coch, Oct. 1876. 1644. A. (Omphalia) umbilicatus, Scheeff.; Fr. Ic. t. 73. fig. 1; Hym. Eur. p. 155. Amongst moss. Perth, Dr. Buchanan White. 1645. A. (Omphalia) mawrus, Fr. Ic. tab. 73. fig. 2; Hym. Eur. p. 156. On lawns. Coed Coch. . 1646. A. (Omphalia) sériepileus, Fr. Ic. t. 73. f. 3; Hym. Eur. p. 157. Amongt moss and leaves. Glamis, Rev. J. Stevenson. 1647. A. (Omphalia) pictus, Fr. Ic. t. 77. fig. 4; Hym. Eur. p. 163. Killin, Rev. J. Stevenson. *A. (Pleurotus) mutilus, Fr. Syst. Myc. 1. p. 191; Ic. tab. 88. f. 4. Perthshire, Dr. Buchanan White. 1648. A. (Pleurotus) reniformis, Fr. Ic. t. 89. fig. 3; Hym. Eur. p. 177. On branches of silver fir. Glamis, Rev. J. Stevenson. 1649. A. (Leptonia) ethiops, Fr. Ep. p. 152; Ic. t. 97. fig. 3. el ibehies, Dr. Buchanan White. Glamis, Rev. J. Stevenson. 1650. A. (Nolanea) fulvo-strigosus, B. & Br. Pileo conico griseo ruguloso; stipite tenui furfuraceo-squamuloso, basi strigis lateritiis hispido ; lamellis adnatis griseis. On the ground in a wood, near Cortinarius Bulliardi. Kast Farleigh, Sept. 13, 1876. Pileus 2 inch across, 4 inch high; stem 2 inches high, about 1 line thick, clothed at the base with rigid red hairs and tinted with the same colour above. Spores ‘0005 long, -0003 broad. The peculiar character of the strige separates this from all other species. Q% 20 Messrs. Berkeley and Broome on British Fungi. 1651. A. (Kecilia) negrella, Pers. Syn. p. 463. Perthshire, Dr. Buchanan White. This appears to be quite distinct from A. atrides ; the stem : not nigro-punctate above, nor are the gills nigro-denticu- ate. 1652. A. (Pholiota) Vahlii, Schum., in FI. Dan. t. 1496 ; Fr. Hym. Eur. p. 214. On the grassy banks of the railroad. Inver, Dunkeld, Mr. M‘Intosh. Fries makes this a variety of A. aureus. Our plant is exactly that of the ‘ Flora Danica.’ *A,. (Pholiota) terrigenus, Kalkb. Ballinluig, Rev. J. Stevenson, no. 960. 1653. A. (Inocybe) dulcamarus, Pers. Ic. pict. tab. xv. fig. 2. Wn the ground. Pass of Killiecrankie, Rev. J. Stevenson, no. 950. We suppose this to be the plant of Persoon, at least that figured in the ‘ Icones;’ but as the gills are peculiar we think it better to give a description. Pileus convex, umbonate, umber, clothed with adpressed - fibres, the centre breaking up into areolate patches, about 4-4 inch across; stem 1 inch or more high, 1 line thick, of the same colour as the pileus, scaly below, tomentose above ; gills clay-coloured, ventricose, margin paler, waved, adnate, with a strong decurrent tooth; spores even; flesh white; taste at first pleasant. In one specimen the gills are just as figured by Persoon. Though he gives in his specific charac- ter stipite nudo, the stem is represented in the figure as scaly. In A. furfuraceus we find in the same group specimens with decurrent and others with adnate gills. 1654. A. (Inocybe) cincinnatus, Fr. Hym. Eur. p. 228. Amongst moss. Coed Coch. Spores granulated or irregular. This appears to be what Quélet figures under the name of A. dulcamarus, his A. cincinnatus being rather referable to that species. 1655. A. (Inocybe) carptus, Fr. Hym. Eur. p. 230. On the naked soil. Coed Coch. Spores even. In this very difficult subgenus it is of great consequence to ascertain the nature of the spores, which are sometimes quite even, at others granulated or irregular in outline, like those of so many of the Hyporhodit. 1656. A. (Inocybe) Trinti, Wemm. p. 194; Fr. Hym. Kur. p. 223. Messrs. Berkeley and Broome on British Fungi. 21 Ballinluig, Rev. J. Stevenson. Spores strongly granulated. *A. (Galera) minutus, Quélet, i. p. 10, tab. 1. f. 5. In woods amongst moss. Wrotham, Kent, Oct. 1, 1875. 1657. A. (Tubaria) cupularis, Bull. t. 554. f.2; Fr. Hym. Kur. p. 272. Ballinluig, Rev. J. Stevenson, no. 919. *A. (Crepidotus) Rubi, B.; Fr. Hym. Eur. p. 276. Perthshire, Dr. Buchanan White. 1658. A. (Crepidotus) Phillipsii, B. & Br. Pumilus, um- brinellus ; pileo obliquo striato glabro ; stipite basi incurvo solido ; lamellis angustis ventricosis, breviter adnatis. On grass. Wrekin, W. Phillips, Esq. _ Pileus about 3 lines across, stem 1-1} line high, spores "0002 long. 1) V4 A, cross section of Heliophyllum Halli, E. & H., of the natural size, showing the manner in which the septa are continued to the centre, and showing the arched ascending dissepiments, but having the other dissepiments omitted. B, vertical section of H. Halli, showing the central tabulate area, and both the ascending and descending series of dissepiments. OC, cross section of Crepidophylhun subcespitosum, the descending series of dissepiments being, as before, omitted: twice the natural size. D and E, cross sections of the same species, of the natural size. (D shows the central tabulate area completely closed in by the central tube; and E exhibits the cut edges of some of the delicate descending series of dissepiments.) IF, vertical section of a fragment of the same species, twice the natural size, showing the central tabulate area, with its enveloping wall, and the ascending and descending sets of dissepiments. J is slightly generalized, and some details have been omitted. All the specimens are from the Hamilton group of the State of New York and of Ontario. The internal structure of the corallum in Heliophyllum is somewhat complex, but is rendered readily intelligible by means of transverse and longitudinal sections. The tabule of Heliophyllum and Crepidophyllum. 47 are seen in longitudinal sections (fig. B) occupying a central area of variable width. As a rule the tabulate area is of com- paratively small extent, and the tabule are somewhat remote and irregular ; but sometimes these structures occupy a con- siderable space, and are arranged with considerable regularity and close together. The septa (fig. A) are always very well developed; and both primary and secondary septa are invariably present, so far as I have observed. All the primary septa extend to the immediate vicinity of the centre of the visceral chamber ; but a large number of them, sometimes all of them, stop short of the actual centre. They all, however, become more or less flexuous as they approach the centre ; and, as a general rule, a certain proportion of them continue inwards till they become connected in a loose and irregular network, though they in no case form a central cellular mass. Nor is there, under any circumstances, any true columella. The secondary septa, again, are very well developed, and usually extend to at least half, or even two thirds, of the length of the primary septa. Lastly, both the primary and secondary septa exhibit in cross sections a variable number of conspicuous cross bars (fig. A), which give to them an exceedingly characteristic appearance, though this cannot be regarded as peculiar to the genus, These cross bars are confined to the exterior portions of the septa, and are wanting centrally. They are formed by the transverse section of the ascending dissepiments ; and as they run directly across the septa, it is evident that the dissepiments are placed at corresponding points on the two sides of each septum. Inno case, however, do the cross bars formed in this way extend from one septum to those directly conti- guous to it, but they are always confined to their proper sep- tum ; and they do not correspond in position in neighbouring septa. "The most characteristic features in the structure of Helio- phyllum are due to the very remarkable form and arrange- ment of the dissepiments—an arrangement which has been (but erroneously) supposed to be peculiar to this genus. There are two groups or orders of dissepiments (fig. B), which inter- sect one another nearly at right angles, those of the one series having an ascending direction as regards the corallum, whilst those of the other are descending. The dissepiments of the ascending series form a group of strong curved ridges, directed in an arched manner upwards and inwards from the wall towards the centre, with the convexities of the arches up- wards. When seen in longitudinal sections, they are never con- tinuous from the wall to the free edges of the septa, but they 48 Dr. H. A. Nicholson on the Minute Structure appear as successive rows of discontinuous ridges. Nor do they ever extend so far from any one septum as actually to reach the septa immediately contiguous to it. On the contrary, they occur in reality as so many strong ridges which are developed on the sides of each septum, and always in precisely corresponding positions on the two sides of any given septum. Hence it is that they appear in the calice as so many spines on the free edges of the septa, and in cross sections as so many cross bars intersecting the septa. Hence, also, in silicified specimens, in which the interior is exposed, they appear as curved striz or ridges on the otherwise plain sides of the septa; and this appearance is not due to any disappear- ance or destruction of the dissepiments subsequent to the death of the polype, but is really due to the inherent form of these structures. The dissepiments of the second order are exceedingly deli- cate, and are much less marked than those of the preceding series, which they intersect approximately at right angles. They are directed inwards and downwards, from the wall to the centre of the visceral chamber, and they are continuous between contiguous septa. ‘They form a series of lenticular vesicles, which are seen in longitudinal sections (fig. B) to be arranged in oblique rows, directed inwards and downwards, with their convexities upwards. The extent to which they are developed, however, varies greatly in different cases ; and — though they are always preeminently developed in the outer portions of the corallum, they are never present in such num- bers as to give rise to the conspicuous exterior zone of vesi- cular tissue which forms such a marked feature in corals such as the typical Cyathophylla. The genus Heliophyllum owes its name to the eminent American paleontologist, Prof. James Hall; but its first pub- lication was in Dana’s great work on the corals (op. jam cit.). It was originally regarded as nothing more than a subgenus of Cyathophyllum; and no higher rank is assigned to it by Dana than this. In reality, however, it cannot be placed even in the immediate vicinity of Cyathophyllum proper, with which it has hardly any characters in common. ‘Though this constitutes the first published description of the genus, it had been figured previously to this date, as the Strombodes helian- thoides of Phillips (‘ Paleozoic Fossils,’ pl. v. fig. 13, 1841) appears to be undoubtedly a species of Heliophyllum. The first description giving any thing like a really accurate conception of the structure of the corallum in the genus Helio- phyllum is that published by Milne-Edwards and Haime (Pol. Foss. des Terr. Pal. p. 408). They define the genus as of Heliophyllum and Crepidophyllum. 49 follows :—‘ Corallum simple, subturbinate. Septa well deve- loped, and giving origin laterally to lamellar prolongations, which are directed from the wall towards the centre, in an ascending and arched direction, so as to constitute irregular tabule in the central area. These lamellar prolongations are united circumferentially by vertical plates.” This defini- tion, however, is not only deficient in its details, but it is erroneous in the important point that the tabule of the central area are considered as formed by prolongations from the ascending dissepiments, whereas these structures, in reality, are wholly independent of one another. By Mr. Billings (Can. Journ. new ser. vol. iv. p. 124) the genus Heliophyllum is defined as follows :—‘‘ Corallum simple or aggregate; radiating septa well developed, obliquely striated on their sides by thin elevated ridges, which extend from the outer wall towards the centre. ‘These ridges are connected by numerous thin lamine which divide the spaces between the septa into small “sublenticular cells. The trans- verse diaphragms are thin, flexuous, and confined to the central portion of the coral.” This definition likewise omits many characters of importance; and the distinguished Cana- dian paleontologist is certainly in error in concluding that “the only difference between this genus and Cyathophyllum is the absence of the curved striae from the septa of the latter.” By Dybowski (Mon. der Zoanth. scler. rug. aus der Silur- formation &c. p. 83) the genus Heliophyllum is placed in a special family, Craspedophyllide, along with the two new genera Acanthophyllum and Craspedophyllum, the only characters assigned to the family being that there is no acces- sory wall, that the septa are complete, and that the sides of the septa are furnished with lateral outgrowths. As all these characters, however, might be predicated of other genera, it will hardly be possible to retain this family as it is at present constituted. Finally, a description of the generic characters of Heliophyllum, drawn chiefly from the beautiful silicified specimens of the Corniferous Limestone of North America, was published by the present writer (‘ Rep. on the Paleon- tology of Ontario,’ part i. p. 24, 1874). As regards the affinities of the genus Heliophyllum, it is _ certainly related to Cyathophyllum ; but the differences between these two genera are so many and so great that it cannot be said that the relationship is by any means a very close one. If we confine our attention to the simple and more typical members of the genus Cyathophyllum, the chief points of relationship with Heliophyllum are to be found in the pre- sence of an external vesicular area in both groups, in the Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. 1. 50 Dr. H. A. Nicholson on the Minute Structure restriction of the tabule to a comparatively limited central zone, and to the fact that a certain number of the septa pass inwards to the centre, where they become more or less twisted together. ven in these points, however, the agreement is far from complete. In Cyathophyllum the exterior zone of vesi- cular tissue is invariably present, is largely developed, and is composed of very numerous minute cells; in Heliophyllum this zone is never largely developed, is sometimes altogether wanting, and is always composed of comparatively large cells, so as never to constitute a really conspicuous feature. Again, in the typical Cyathophylla the primary septa extend inwards to the centre, where they are twisted together so as to form a sort of spurious columella; in Heliophyllum, on the other hand, it is never more than a comparatively limited number of the primary septa which are continued inwards to the centre of the visceral chamber, and these, instead of be- coming twisted together, unite with one another to form a loose and irregular network. When, however, we come to examine the differences between these two genera, they are found to materially outweigh the points of similarity. The species of Heliophyllum are, more particularly, fundamentally distin- guished from those of Cyathophyllum by the presence of the peculiar arched lamelle which are directed inwards and up- wards along the sides of the septa, appearing on the free edges of the septa within the calice as so many teeth or spines, and constituting the characteristic cross bars by which the septa are seen in transverse sections to be intersected at regular in- tervals. No structure in any way capable of confusion with this has ever been detected in any Cyathophyllum. Lindstrém has suggested that Paleocyclus, E. & H., will probably be found to be allied to Heliophyllum; but I am unable to confirm this suggestion. The free edges of the septa in Palwocyclus ave denticulated in a manner super- ficially similar to what is seen in Heliophyllum ; but vertical and transverse sections show that this denticulation is pro- duced in a different way. At the same time the form of the corallum in Paleocyclus is quite unlike that of Heliophyllum, and the discoid forms are wholly destitute of tabule. The nearest ally to Heliophyllum is undoubtedly the genus Crepidophyllum. In this genus we find the central tabulate area of Heliophyllum and the same scantily developed external vesicular area ; whilst the free edges of the septa are rendered denticulate, and their transverse section is cross-barred by the same series of strong lateral arched lamelle. In many re- spects, therefore, we find a complete resemblance between Heliophyllum and Crepidophyllum. At the same time the of Heliophyllum and Crepidophyllum: 51 latter is distinguished fundamentally by the fact that the cen- tral portion of the tabulate area is enclosed by a distinct and separate wall, with which the primary septa become directly connected, the central space thus enclosed usually opening at one point to form a wide fossette bounded by two primary septa and containing two or three short septa. There is also a close relationship between Heliophyllum and Phillipsastrea, E. & H. The edges of the septa are occa- sionally denticulated in the latter genus in a manner appa- rently similar to that which obtains in Heliophyllum ; and there is also asmall central tabulate area. How far this resemblance is really founded upon identity of structure, I am not at this moment in a position to determine. At any rate, the genus Phillipsastrea is readily distinguished from Heliophyllum by the fact that the corallites of the former are wholly destitute of a proper wall, and become united by the confluence of septo-costal radii. It may be mentioned, finally, that there are some species at present referred to Acervularta (such as A. profunda, Hall, and A. Davidsoni, EK. & H., both from the Devonian forma- tion) in which the edges of the septa are denticulated, and their transverse section cross-banded, as in the genus Helio- phyllum. The more intimate structure of these forms, however, still awaits elucidation. So far as at present known, the genus Heliophyllum is ex- clusively restricted im its range to the Devonian formation, being known to occur in both the New and the Old World at this horizon. CrEPIDOPHYLLUM, Nich. & Thomson. Crepidophyllum, Nicholson and Thompson, Proc. Roy. Soc. Edinb. vol. ix, no, 95, p. 149. Corallum simple or compound—in the former case cylindrical or cono-cylindrical, in the latter case forming large fasciculate masses. Increase by lateral gemmation in the compound species. Epitheca complete, thin, with encircling strice and conspicuous annulations of growth. ‘T'abule not complete, but confined to a more or less extensively developed central area, the median portion of which is enveloped in a distinct accessory wall, and thus shut off from the rest. The median tabulate tube (fig. C) thus formed may be completely enclosed ; but more commonly it is open at one point, and the two extremi- ties of the horseshoe thus formed become directly continuous with two of the primary septa, which in this way include a wide septal fossula, within which are contained two or three short septa. The remainder of the primary ae are well 52 Dr. H. A. Nicholson on the Minute Structure developed, and extend from the epitheca to the accessory wall surrounding the central tube, with which they become directly connected. The primary septa never, however, extend into the interior of the central tube ; and they alternate with well- developed secondary septa of more than half their own length. The calice is moderately deep, and exhibits at its bottom a small flat space formed by the upper end of the central tabulate tube. The free edges of the septa within the calice are denticulated ; and the cross section of the septa shows them to be intersected by conspicuous cross bars, these appearances being produced by a series of strong arched lamellar dissepi- ments, which are developed at corresponding points on the two sides of each septum, and are directed upwards and in- wards towards the centre. There is also a second series of more delicate dissepiments, which connect the septa with one another, are directed downwards and inwards, and give rise in longitudinal sections to a larger or smaller amount of exterior vesicular tissue. It will be seen from the above description, that in many respects there is a very close relationship between Crepzdo- phyllum and Heliophyllum. This is especially seen in the structure of the endothecal dissepiments, which are precisely the same in the two genera. In both we have a double series of dissepiments (figs. B & F), which intersect one another at high angles, those of the first series running upwards and in- wards, and those of the second series running downwards and inwards. In both, the dissepiments of the first series are so far peculiar that they do not actually connect contiguous septa, but have the form of strong curved or arched ridges, which are developed on the sides of the septa and at precisely corre- sponding points on the opposite sides of each individual sep- tum. Hence in both genera the dissepiments of this series give rise to three very characteristic and peculiar appearances : (1) the free edges of the septa in the calice are marked with blunt spines or teeth; (2) the sides of the septa, as seen in longitudinally fractured specimens, exhibit a series of pro- nounced striz or ridges, directed upwards and inwards in an arched manner, with their convexities upwards; and (3) the cross section of the septa, both primary and secondary, shows them to be intersected by conspicuous cross bars. In both Crepidophyllum and Heliophyllum, again, we find a second series of dissepiments, which are much more delicate in structure, and are directed approximately inwards and downwards, and which actually connect contiguous septa with one another. ‘These dissepiments are seen, in longitudinal sections, to form a series of comparatively large-sized vesicles, of Heliophyllum and Crepidophyllum. oD which are strongly arched and have their convexities directed upwards. Though most largely developed in the external parts of the coral, the vesicles formed by the dissepiments of this series are variable in amount, and can hardly be said to constitute a distinct exterior vesicular zone, such as is so characteristic of the true Cyathophylla. With these remarkable points of agreement we find the following equally remarkable points of divergence, by which Crepidophyllum is distinguished not only from Heliophyllum, but from all other known genera of the Rugose Corals :—(1) The central tabulate area, in most respects, closely resembles that of Heliophyllum, the tabule being remote, often more or less arched, and sometimes uniting with one another. ‘The central portion of this area, however, is. shut off from the rest of the visceral chamber by a secondary investment or accessory wall, so that there is constituted a kind of central pipe or tube (fig. F), which is crossed by the tabula, and runs down the centre of the corallum. (2) The central tabulate tube thus constituted, however, is only rarely quite complete : usually it is open on one side, and its investment or wall becomes continuous at this opening with two of the primary septa, which run to the margin of the corallum. (3) By means of these two primary septa and the secondary wall there is thus enclosed a large, somewhat horseshoe-shaped septal fos- sula (fig. C), within which are contained two or, more com- monly, three short septa. (4) The remaining primary septa are continued inwards till they meet the wall of the central tube, with which they become coalescent. They do not, how- ever, extend into the interior of the tube; and there is there- fore no similarity between their arrangement and that which obtains in Heliophyllum, where a certain number of the pri- mary septa pass inwards to the centre of the visceral chamber, and become loosely connected with one another there. Indeed I am not acquainted with any genus in which any close approximation to the peculiar structure of the central portion of the corallum in Crepidophyllum can be found. ‘There is no other recorded genus in which the median portion of the central tabulate area is partitioned off by a distinct wall, with which all the primary septa are connected directly, and in which they terminate. The genus Orepidophyllum contains two species of corals from the Hamilton formation (Devonian) of North America. One of these corresponds with a portion of the group of forms which I formerly described under the name of Heliophyllum subcespitosum (Geol. Mag. new ser. dec. u. vol. 1. p. 58, pl. iv. fig. 9) ; and as it comprises the most typical members 54 Mr. W. J. Sollas on two new and of this group, it must now be known under the name of Crepidophyllum subceespitosum. The remaining forms origi- nally included under the title of H. subcespitosum are really referable to Heliophyllum, of which they constitute a separate species (H. elegantulum, Nich. & Thomson). The other form of Crepidophyllum is the large compound coral which was origi- nally described by Mr. Billings under the name of Diphyphyl- lum Archiact, but which turns out on microscopic examination to be unquestionably a species of Crepidophyllum. VII.—On Two New and remarkable Species of Cliona. By W. J. Souuas, M.A., F.G.S., &e. . [Plates I. & II.] 1. Cliona mucronata (mihi). (Examined in the dried state.) Sponge occupying a number of chambers excavated in the solid calcareous base of a species of Isis. Chambers of various forms, oval, spherical, or irregular, joined together in a single series or in more complex groups by constricted apertures or by narrow stolon-like tubes, each of which is usually furnished with a spicular diaphragm. Spicules of three kinds :—1, a straight acuate (PI. IL. figs. 1-3), having a cylindrical shaft, which terminates at one end in a more or less spherical head and at the other is rounded off bluntly and then produced axially into a short sharp spine or mucrone ; average length 0-004 inch, breadth across the head and rounded end 0°0006, and across the neck 0-0004, mucrone about 0°0002 inch long. 2, a slender pin-like acuate (Pl. Il. figs. 6,7), straight or curved, with a more or less spherical head and a sharp point; length 0°0073 inch, breadth across the head 0:0004, across the shaft 0°0002. 3, a minute or flesh-spicule (Pl. II. fig. 9), body spirali-sinuously curved once or oftener, or straight, irregularly spined ; length 0-0006 inch. Diaphragms irregularly disciform (Pl. I. figs. 2, 3, 6), coni-" cal (figs. 5, 9), or tubular (figs. 4, 10) and open at both ends ; when conical, perforated by the truncation of the apex (fig. 5) or imperforate (fig. 9); circumferential edge of disk-like forms or the base in the case of the other two forms, attached to the walls of the containing tube or constricted aperture, across which the diaphragm extends transversely. Composed chiefly remarkable Species of Cliona. ae) of the goad-like or first kind of spicules, which are packed closely together side by side, normal to the walls they form (fig. 14)—their globular heads forming the exterior (fig. 15), and their mucronate ends the interior surface of the dia- phragms. The interstices between the spicules filled with a tough brownish-coloured kerataceous cement, A number of both the goad-like and the slender pin-like spicules lie on the outer surface of the diaphragms, some taking a circumferential and others a longitudinal direction; in the case of the disk- like and imperforate conical forms, these radiating superficial spicules form a wisp-like cap (fig. 9) over the apex or the centre as the case may be, over which also their points meet and cross one another, while their heads are turned towards the circumferential edge. A few of the minute flesh-spicules occur along with the others; and thus the spiculation of the diaphragms is as complete as that of the sponge. The diaphragms have a constant thickness, viz, that of the leneth of the goad-like spicules; but they vary in diameter according to the size of the aperture they fill, Habitat. In the calcareous skeleton of Jsis, sp, (Deciduous specimen.) Locality. (?) Remarks, In examining the débris from a specimen of Js?s, sp-, which I had broken to pieces for another purpose, I came across one of the singular mucronate spicules which form the staple spicule of this sponge ; and taking it to belong to some unknown member of the Suberitide, I set to work to discover the organism from which it had been derived. I then found certain curious patelliform bodies (the diaphragms already described), which on examination proved to be mainly com- posed of this kind of spicule; but since these bodies were wholly unlike any sort of sponge with which I was acquainted, I concluded that they were wanting in some of their parts, and continued my search in the hope of discovering one more perfect than the rest; then I met with them, 7m sctw, in the chambers of our Cliona, to which they evidently belonged. Now arose a question as to their real relations to this sponge. And here only two alternatives presented themselves to my mind: either they were in some way connected with its pro- pagation, embryos or “ seed bodies ;” or else they performed the office of septa or diaphragms. But the only known method of propagation amongst the Clionide is by means of ova, which they produce plentifully, giving rise to ellipsoidal gastrule provided with all the forms of spicule proper to the adult sponge. Thus the possession of a full complement of spicules is a character common to the bodies under considera- 56 Mr. W. J. Sollas on two new and tion and to the embryos of the Clona. On the other ‘hand, however, in the embryos of Cliona no wisp-like cap has been observed; and no known embryo of Cliona or of any other sponge exhibits the regular and close arrangement of spicules which is to be seen in the walls of our structures; the spicu- lation of the young Cliona is in the highest degree confused, presenting no trace of order or arrangement. ‘These facts are sufficiently important; but when in addition we find the dia- phragms, as we may as well call them at once to avoid peri- phrasis, exhibiting such a great diversity of form and size, and this always in exact correspondence to the size and shape of the orifices or tubes they occupy, and when, moreover, we find them invariably attached to the sides of these tubes or orifices by one circumferential edge, we must, I think, exclude from the question all notion of attributing an embryonic nature to them. There then remains, so far as I can see, only the other alternative ; and the facts which tell most strongly against the previous supposition are just such as lend most support to this, the complete justification of which is to be found im the con- stancy with which the diaphragms occur just at the apertures of communication between adjoming chambers and no where else. This is an adaptation which Mr. Carter tells me is not to be found in the case of the embryos of Cliona; but there can be no doubt about its existence here. By an observer examining the chambers of our Cliona for the first time, it might perhaps be for a moment called in question, since on looking into one of these chambers one may sometimes see, as if simply adhering to its walls, some four or five diaphragms looking just like so many limpets seated on the walls of a hole in a rock, and giving one no hint as to the existence of aper- tures concealed beneath them; if now, however, we remove these little bodies one by one with a fine needle, we shall disclose beneath each a corresponding opening leading directly into an adjoining chamber. This experiment I have per- formed several times, and always with the same result. That these organs are peculiar to the constricted apertures can therefore admit of no reascnable doubt; and their dia- phragmatic nature seems to follow as a matter of course. Why such diaphragms should exist, what is their precise function in the economy of the sponge, is another question, and one to which, in the absence of accessible evidence, I do not feel much inclined to hazard an answer ; though if one must conjecture, one might suggest that they may act like the fixed ventilating partitions in a mine, shutting off communi- cation in some directions, leaving it open in others, and so a] remarkable Species of Cliona. 57 determining the path taken by the currents of water coursing through the canal-system of the organism—or, again, that they may perhaps serve to differentiate the sponge into separate individuals. In some instances, however, every aperture in a chamber seems to be provided with an imperforate form ot these diaphragms, so as to be completely sealed up from all means of communication with its neighbours. I say ‘‘seems,” since it is difficult to make this out with certainty, and I have some doubt on the matter. Admitting, however, that I have determined this point correctly, then the whole arrangement suggests that of the seed of the freshwater Spongilla; for in such a chamber we have a particle of the sponge more or less spherical in shape, completely surrounded on all sides by an enclosure, which, while chiefly consisting of the calcareous walls of the chamber, yet does, when these are incomplete, possess also a wall of spicules set at right angles to its surface, and thus very much resembles the arrangement of the amphi- disks about the seed-like body of Spongilla. We might have here, then, a case of physiological adaptation, the existence of the calcareous chamber-walls making possible an economy of spicules, and dispensing with the necessity of a complete spi- cular enclosure. Thus, when the sponge went into winter quarters, all that would be necessary would be the plugging up. of the apertures in its burrows; and on the return of more genial conditions the growth of these plugs into perforated cones and open tubes would provide for the egress of the reviving sponge. Plausible as this may appear at first sight, it will not, I think, bear a close investigation. In the first place Cl/ona has not yet been proved to produce “‘seed-like bodies;”’ and though this evidence is merely negative, it is yet of great weight, if we consider that in no marine sponge whatever have these structures been discovered, and that in Spongilla they are pro- bably due to the influence of extreme changes in climatal con- ditions, to which the marine sponges are not exposed. Again, had the diaphragms of a single chamber formed collectively parts of a single enclosure, one would expect to find the heads of their spicules all turned in one and the same way—that is to say, either outwards or inwards relatively to the chamber. This, however, is by no means the case; no rule is to be discovered in this respect. ake for instance Pl. I. fig. 3, where two of the diaphragms, a and 4, will be seen to have their surface of spicular heads turned towards the interior their respective chambers A and B, while a third, c, has it turned just the other way, or outwards towards the exterior. It may be said, however, that this diaphragm belongs more 58 Mr. W. J. Sollas on two new and especially to chamber C than to B, and that, accordingly, we must rather consider the fact that its spicular heads point towards the interior of C, than that they point away from the interior of B. An inspection of fig. 6 will at once furnish us with an answer to this argument, so far as it can be called argument; for there we find two diaphragms, the relation of which to their respective chambers is clear enough, a evidently belonging to chamber A, and 6 to B, while, at the same time, the position of the surface of spicular heads is reversed in each case, in a the points and in 6 the heads of the spicules being turned towards the interior of the respective chambers. In some cases, moreover, I have seen a diaphragm placed obliquely across an aperture where two chambers open into a third, and evidently so arranged as to determine a passage into one rather than into the other. It seems then, to my mind, that whatever the ultimate function of these bodies may be, their immediate morphologi- cal relation to the sponge is that of open or closed partitions between adjoining chambers; and the term “ diaphragm’? is therefore the most appropriate to them. The composition of the diaphragms may be best determined by placing one on a glass slide, adding a few drops of nitric acid, and boiling over a spirit-lamp till the acid has nearly all evaporated ; a few more drops must then be added, and the operation repeated as many times as may be necessary for the solution of the kerataceous cement which binds the spicules together. When this has been accomplished, the acid must be driven off completely by continued heating, and the spicules mounted on the same slide as has served for their preparation: no attempt must be made to wash them with distilled water, or to transfer them to another slide; either of these operations is sure to result in the loss of some or all of the small flesh- spicules with which the diaphragms are but sparingly sup- lied. By examining the edge of one of the diaphragms as an opaque object, under an objective magnifying about 100 diameters, the arrangement of its spicules can readily be made out ; and no arrangement could be simpler (Pl. I. fig. 14). The more or less cylindrical spicules lie side by side, their mucro- nate extremities forming the inner and their globular heads the outer face of the diaphragm, so that the latter looks like a pavement of glass marbles (PI. I. fig. 15), all of the same size, and packed as closely as possible, and in consequence exhi- biting a quincuncial pattern; the inner face has very much the same appearance, with the single difference that from each marble of its pavement a small spike stands out erect. Across remarkable Species of Cliona. 59 the open end of those diaphragms that are perforated, a thin film of dried protoplasm or structureless membrane extends (Pl. I. fig. 10, 7), with a small central or excentric lumen (fig. 10, 2). In the membranous film a few spicules are usually present. There can be no doubt as to the attachment of the dia- phragms ; for on removing one from its chamber it often leaves behind it a row of adherent spicules. On examining the interior of the chambers of the Cliona one finds its body-spicules lying full length against the walls, without any tendency to a regular arrangement; one also finds fragments of structureless membrane adhering loosely to the walls, or lying freely in the interior of the chambers, and in these each of the different spicules of the species are con- tained. Small rounded granular bodies (Pl. I. fig. 12, c, and fig. 18) also occur rather plentifully in these bits of mem- brane; and since they sometimes contain vacuoles (fig. 18, d), we may regard them as desiccated cells. The walls themselves are pitted all over with hemispherical excavations (fig. 8) having rounded edges, and usually about 0-001 inch in diameter. These, which are usual, I suppose to be the first results of the solution by which the Cliona excavates its abode. Little circular openings (PI. I. fig. 16) are also visible on the sides of the chambers, and become much more clearly exposed after washing the chambers with a little dilute acid ; they lead into tubular processes of variable length, generally simple, sometimes bifurcating, and apparently terminating blindly. / On the outside of the Jsts containing the Cliona may be seen a number of rounded holes (PI. I. fig. 17), by which the chambers with which they communicate freely open to the exterior. ‘These holes are not very abundant; indeed I have been surprised not to find more of them. ‘They occur in groups, and appear to be of two kinds—one larger (fig. 17, 0), serving probably for the oscules of the sponge, and the other smaller, for its pores (fig. 17, p). Generally in the Clionide they present a crown of pin-like spicules pointed outwardly. On dissolving a fragment of the infested Js7s in acid we liberate the spicules it “contains, and then find not only the forms we have already described, but a number of others of quite a different character, particularly the abundant sword- like forms, of which instances are exhibited in Pl. IL. figs. 10,11. At first I thought these were proper to our species C. mucronata ; and since ‘they appeared to be more numerous - in its chambers than the mucronate forms, I set them down as 60 Mr. W. J. Sollas on two new and its body-spicule, and regarded the mucronate spicules as more or less peculiar to the diaphragms; but after meeting with sponges of other genera, such as Sfe//etta, in the chambers of our Cliona, I began to suspect that the sword-like spicules . mightbelong to a different species—a supposition which became confirmed on finding diaphragms in which the sword-like spicules were the chief constituents, to the entire exclusion of mucronate ones. ‘This led me to examine each chamber of the Cliona-burrows separately by reflected light ; and I then found that those chambers which were provided with diaphragms of mucronate spicules exhibited the same spicules scattered over their walls, and, similarly, that chambers in which ensiform spicules were present were closed by dianhragms into the composition of which ensiform spicules chiefly entered. The spiculation of each chamber was pure; those that contained mucronate spicules never contained ensiform ones, and vice versd. To make quite sure of this, I then proceeded as fol- lows :—Under a magnification of about 50 diameters I picked out a cell, the openings to which were guarded by diaphragms of one kind or the other, say of mucronate spicules ; the edge of this cell was then marked by a fine-pointed pencil for the purpose of identification. Next I drew out two pieces of glass tubing to very fine capillary terminations, and filled one with water and the other with dilute hydrochloric acid ; working now under a watchmaker’s glass, I inserted the capil- lary end of the tube containing acid into the marked chamber, and expelled a drop of the acid into it. By the resulting solution of its walls its spicules were detached and set free, so that it only remained to introduce the capillary end of the other tube into the chamber, and by forcing out the water in a fine jet to wash its contents into an excavated glass slide, where they could be examined by transmitted light. This operation I performed many times, and so convinced myself of the complete correspondence between the spicules com- posing the diaphragms and those lying on the walls of the same chamber. Similarly the fragments of dried sarcode present in some of the chambers always contain the same kinds of spicule as the associated diaphragms. Finally, having made sure that I had present in my speci- men of J/si’s two species of Cliona, the chambers of which appeared to be inextricably entangled with each other, I was able by a little careful searching to trace out the distribution of each; and I then found that the chambers of one species never opened into the chambers of the other, but that com- municating chambers were always occupied by one and the same species. This is indicated in Pl. I. fig. 1, where the remarkable Species of Cliona. 61 cells left unclosed are those of C. mucronata, while the ones shaded with dark lines belong to the next species, C. ensifera. Here and there apparently isolated chambers of one or the other species occur, as those of C. ensifera at a; these, how- ever, are not really isolated, but communicate with chambers of the same kind either above or below the plane of the drawing. We have now thus brought to light what appears to me a very remarkable fact, and one that might easily lead to great confusion in species; for no one examining the bur- rows in my specimen of Jsis would have supposed them to contain two different kinds of sponges. In the outline and arrangement of the chambers themselves no difference is to be detected ; and but for a little care the different kinds of spi- cules within them would certainly have been described as belonging to. one and the same species. The necessity for ' great caution in deciding what spicules to eliminate and what to retain in determining the true complement of spicules proper to a sponge has already been illustrated by the re- searches of Carter, who has had frequently to disentangle the spicules of commingled species one by one as it were, and so, by immense care, has arrived at correct results where failure would otherwise have been certain. 2. Cliona ensifera (mihi). Sponge burrowing in chambers of the same kind as in the preceding species. Spicules of three kinds:—1, an acuate spicule (Pl. IT. figs. 10, 11), having a straight or curved shaft, which is cylindrical in form for a certain distance from the globular pin-like head, and then expanding becomes fusiform for the rest of its length, and finally terminates in a more or less abrupt point: length 0°0095 inch; breadth across the head and broadest part of the shaft 0-0006, and across the neck (:0002 inch. 2, a slender acuate (PI. II. figs. 12, 13), straight or curved; inflated head variable in shape, spherical and ellipsoidal; dimensions variable, averaging 0-0075 inch in length and 0°0004 in breadth. 38, a minute or flesh-spi- cule (Pl. II. fig. 15), with a straight or curved shaft produced into a number of unequal conical spines ; length 0-0006 inch. Diaphragms in shape and position very similar to those of C. mucronata, though slightly more irregular in outline, com- posed of ensiform spicules which lie side by side normal to the walls. Owing to the fact, however, that these spicules are as often curved as straight, they frequently depart from a nor- mal position and are arranged obliquely, forming curved radii about the axis or centre of the diaphragm. The heads of the spicules form the outer surface of the diaphragm as in C. 62 Mr. W. J. Sollas on two new and mucronata ; but sometimes they project for greater or less distances from the surface, so as to render it irregular. Besides the single layer of spicules, which forms a wall as thick as they are long, there are sometimes present additional ensiform spicules, which, lying in the same direction as the others, are stuck into the diaphragm like pins into a pin- cushion, and so increase its thickness to once and a half the length of a single spicule. The additional spicules are only held together by the insertion of their points; no kera- taceous cement is present between the projecting ends of their shafts, which consequently form a white layer—in striking contrast to the yellow colour of the rest of the diaphragm, in which kerataceous matter occurs (Pl. I. fig. 11). On the surface of the diaphragms all the kinds of spicules which characterize the sponge are scattered irregularly. The combination of two diaphragms to form a single one is of fre- quent occurrence in this species ; and from it results the form shown with two centres in Pl. I. fig. 13, where about each centre the smooth shafts of the spicules form the curved radii of a circular area distinguished by the absence of spicular heads, which, however, are abundant enough outside the cir- cumference of the circular area. Remarks. The spicules represented by PI. II. figs. 1, 6, 9- are sufficient to define the species C. mucronata, in which they occur; and similarly C. ensifera is quite sufficiently defmed by the spicules of figs. 10, 12, and 15. But to possess a complete knowledge of a species it is necessary to know more about it than its mere distinctive characters ; one must know also the variations to which it is subject: a knowledge of the extreme as well as of the average characters of a species is of the highest importance if we would seek to construct accurate tables of phylogeny. Hence it has seemed to me well to add here figures and descriptions of the unusual forms of spicules which both the foregoing species exhibit—not that all of these will be available for immediate use, but that they may become so eventually, while some, on the other hand, will possess a present and special significance forus. The forms represented by Pl. II. figs. 18-21 are somewhat common variations amongst pin-head spicules: fig. 18 shows a form of doubly inflated head in which the second inflation is of a different size to the first; in fig. 21 the two inflatiors have become more nearly equal in size, but still remain in immediate con- tact with each other; in fig. 19 a still further change has taken place in the separation of the heads by an intervening portion of the cylindrical shaft. In fig. 20 the second infla- tion is merely lateral and confined to one side of the shaft. remarkable Species of Cliona. 63 In fig. 24 a short conical spine ‘projects from the fusiform part of the shaft—a bud-like process, which, if prolonged, would give our uniaxial spicule a decidedly biaxial appearance, This budding of the spicules is one of the commonest of phe- nomena amongst the Spongide. In Geodia arabica 1 have seen a variety “of one of the large anchoring spicules which, had developed a fourth fluke, and so become four- instead of three-pronged ; and, similarly, i in a Stelletta | once observed a variety of the trifid bifurcate anchoring spicule in which an additional bifurcate arm had put in an appearance, so that the spicule had become quadrifid: thus, then, our uniaxial spicules may become biaxial, and, likewise, quadriradiate may become quinqueradiate spicules. ‘The excessive variation to which sponge-spicules are subject makes it easy to conceive how the existing types of multiradiate spicules might have all originated from a primitive uniaxial cell. Let such uniaxial spicule-cells bud to a variable extent, some producing one, and others two, three, four buds and so on, and we should possess just the sort of material which, when submitted to the influ- ence of natural selection, would furnish us with the spicules of all our existing types,—to me apparently a much more natural way of jooking at things than that followed by Dr. W. Marshall. ‘This speculative observer considers that, in the case of the Hexactinellide, a sarcodic meshwork was first produced, which afterwards became silicified, and then broke down into separate sexradiate spicules. We have, however, every reason to believe that sexradiate spicules ori- ginate, like all others, in spicule-cells ; and Carter has actually seen the separate sexradiates of Aphrocallistes in various stages of cementation up.to their complete enclosure in a continuous siliceous network. Marshall’s view *, therefore, seems to me to reverse the case with a vengeance. In fig. 23 we appear to have two spicules joined together by their heads, though whether by ankylosis or as a result of budding, one cannot, in the absence of a visible axial canal, definitely say. In fig. 16 we have two shafts diverging at an angle of 60° from the same head; and as but one head is seen here, the case is probably one of mere budding. In fig. 24 the shaft of an ensiform spicule has lost its point and acquired a rounded termination like that of the mucronate spicules of C. mucronata, only without the mucrone ; at the * In reference to Marshall’s conception of the structure of Sclerotham- nus, I may here point cut that, when spicules grow together by ankylosis, their axial canals do not become continuous by opening into one another; on the contrary, while two or more spicules may become one, their canals always remain separate and distinct. 64 Mr. W. J. Sollas on two new and same time it has become shorter ; and in fig. 25 the diminution in length has gone a step further, while the shaft has become straight and cylindrical, so that, but for the absence of a ter- minal mucrone, it would almost exactly resemble the typical spicule of C. mucronata. In the last-mentioned species we shave the spicule of fig. 4 showing a very considerable shorten- ing in the long direction ; in fig. 5 the spicule tapers from its wide neck, instead of enlarging from a constricted neck towards its rounded extremity. Fig. 2 appears to be inter- mediate between figs. 1 and 5. These mucronate spicules are quite distinct from any form of spicule yet figured or described ; and it is therefore exceed- ingly interesting to find varieties of them in which the mucrone is changing its character, and, by enlargement, tending towards the fusiform outline of C. ens’fera. The instances in which this change is well marked were not discovered till after the plates were drawn; and soa sin- | gle example is represented in Fig. 1. the woodcut (fig. 1). Here,then, while C. ensifera shows spicules (ron earning tending towards C. mucronata, C. mucronata ee the other hand Variety of mucronate spicule of presents us with a variety of © mucronata. x 435. its staple spicule which almost passes into the staple spicule of C. ensifera. But the difference between the other spicules of these two species, viz. the slender acuates (figs. 6, 12) and the flesh- spicules (figs. 9, 15), is so slight that no one would think of founding species on them alone. ‘The main difference be- tween C. mucronata and C. ensifera exists only in the form and size of the staple spicules (fig. 2, 11) ; and this distinction, as we have already indicated, is half or more than half bridged over by varietal modifications. It hence appears to me that in these two forms of Cliona we may actually witness, so to say, the transformation of species ; for of the claims of each of the species we have described to distinction no one can for a moment doubt, while, at the same time, the forms by which one might pass into the other are also sufficiently obvious. The flesh-spicules of both species are very interesting, as they appear to exist in all stages of growth. Their first appear- ance, so far as I can make out, is in the form of a simple straight rod about 0:0004 inch in length; this soon becomes sinuous and spined at each end with three or four conical spines; additional spines then appear along its sides, while by unequal lateral growth and by the unequal development of lateral spines the multicurved forms (figs. 15, 18) are remarkable Species of Cliona. 65 brought about. Fig. 19 represents a very unusual form, in which the spines of the spicule have become bifurcate at their ends. Oliona subulata. Associated with the Js?s which furnished the preceding spi- cules, is a patch of Melobesia, in which also Cliona-burrows occur; but these, curiously enough, are occupied by a third species, the spicules of which are represented in PI. II. figs. 26-28, and appear to belong to a new species, for which I propose the name of C. subulata. I should state that bur- rows of the two preceding species occur in the Melobesia along with this. Note.—While writing this paper I had occasion to refer to a specimen of Cliona occupying burrows excavated in a solid piece of limestone rock, which I had brought away with me from Dawlish. I had always taken my specimen to be C.. celata, and referred to it in order to determine whether it possessed diaphragms of any kind like those of (. mucronata. As to this my results were negative ; but an examination of its spicules showed that it differed from C. celata in the form of its flesh-spicules, while its skeleton-spicules are essentially the Fig. 2. Spicules of C. hnearis: a, skeleton-spicule; 6, variety of a, with rounded end and produced spine ; ¢ and d, varieties of a, with rounded ends (a-d x 140); e, flesh-spicules (x 435). same as those of C. celaia, Raphyrus Griffithsit, and Hali- chondria ficus. The flesh-spicule, instead of remaining rela- tively short and becoming spined, attains, as if by the sacri- Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. i. 5 66 On new and remarkable Species of Cliona. fice of its spines, a great length (0-0033 inch) relative to its breadth, which is too small for measurement, and remains smooth. This must be regarded as a variety of C. celata ; and I pro- pose for it the name of C. linearis. Cliona linearis, var. of C. celata. Skeleton-spicule as in C. celata (fig. 2,a). Flesh-spicule a long filiform acerate (fig. 2, e), straight or tricurved; length 0:0033 inch, breadth so narrow as scarcely to exhibit a double outline under a magnification of 500 diameters. EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. PraTtE I. Fig. 1. A fragment of Ists, sp., with Cliona-burrows : m,m, chambers of C. mucronata; e, e', of C. ensifera (natural size). Figs. 2-7. Outlines of chambers (A, B, C) of C. mucronata, showing various forms of diaphragms (a, }, c, d,d,, d,, d,): d', diaphragm seen in plan, concealing an aperture beneath it; w, walls of a chamber. x 30. Fig. 8. Hemispherical pittings on the walls of the Clhona-burrows. x 60 Fig. 9. Imperforate conical form of diaphragm (C mucronata), seen from its convex or exterior surface. X 30. Fig. 10. Tubular diaphragms (C mucronata): f, film of dried sarcode containing spicules; 7, lumen. x 380. Figs. 11-13, Diaphragms of C. ensifera: f, film of attached membrane; ce, cells contained in the membrane. xX 30. Fig. 14. View of the edge of a diaphragm of C. mucronata. x 140. Fig. 15, Superficial view of the inner surface of a diaphragm of C. mucro- nata mounted in Canada balsam. x 140. Fig. 16. Openings in the walls of chambers of Cliona leading into tubular processes. X 50. Fig. 17. Openings on the exterior of the Cliona-containing Isis, leading into the chambers of C. mucronata within: p, openings for pores; o, for oscules? xX 30. Fig. 18. Cells from the membranous films found in the chambers of C. ensifera: b, vacuole. X 4365. Puate II. [All the figures on this Plate are magnified 435 diameters. ] Figs. 1-9. ‘Cliona mucronata. Figs, 1-3, mucronate spicules; figs. 4 and 5, varieties of the preceding ; figs. 6 and 7, slender acuate spicules; fig. 8, variety of figs. 6 and 7, having two shafts, a short cylindrical one with rounded ends and a slender pointed one, both proceeding from the same head; fig. 9, various forms of flesh-spicules. Figs. 10-25. Chona ensifera. . Figs. 10, 11, and 22, normal ensiform spicules exhibiting different degrees of curvature. On a new Species of Spatangide. 67 Figs. 12, snd 13, slender acuate spicules; fig. 14, a variety of figs. 12 and 13. Fig. 15, flesh-spicules in various stages of growth, a, 6, c, d, and e. Figs. 16-25. Varieties of the ensiform spicule. Fig. 16. Variety with two shafts diverging at an angle of about 60°, and proceeding from a common head. Fig. 17, Variety in which the shaft has become straight and cylindrical and rounded at the end, so as to resemble mucronate forms of C. mucronata. Figs. 18-21. Various forms of inflated terminations of the ensiform spi- cules. @ Fig. 22. Extremely curved variety of ensiform spicule. Fig. 23. Two ensiform spicules joined together, with an angle of diver- gence of about 150°. Fig. 24. Variety with a conical spine. Fig. 25. Variety similar to fig. 17. Figs. 26-28. Chiona subulata. Figs. 26 and 27. Skeleton-spicules of Chona subulata. Fig. 28. Flesh-spicule of same. VIII.—Description of a new Species of Spatangide. By Epear A. Smits, F.Z.8., Zoological Department, British Museum. THE record of the existence of another species of the genus Linthia is very interesting, since up to the present time it comprised but a single recent form. Unfortunately I cannot give the locality whence the specimen was obtained with any degree of certainty ; however, there is some evidence which tends to show that it was brought either from the Pacific Islands or from the west coast of South America, since it was found in a collection of shells which consisted almost exclusively of species which are well-known inhabitants of those regions. Linthia rostrata. Test, seen from above, cordiform, narrowed posteriorly, viewed laterally much beaked behind through the prominence of the hinder interambulacral region above the anus, and a deep well-marked excavation beneath the beak; lower surface a little convex; viewed endways the sides appear rather flat, converge to an obtuse apex, and gradually round off below, joining the somewhat convex base. Genital openings four, central, very small, equal, subequidistant ; posterior pair scarcely wider apart than the anterior ones. Ambulacra very unequal, anterior lateral pair almost double as long as the posterior ones, moderately deeply sunken, inclined consider- ably towards the anterior end, yet arcuated in the opposite 5 68 Mr. E. A. Smith on a new Species of Spatangide. direction ; posterior petals equally deep as the anterior, a little narrower, very short, sinuous, diverging at their extre- mities; pores rather larger than in the recent type of the genus (L. australis), connected by a shallow groove; the nar- row ridges separating them bear a few minute tubercles on their outer half. Peripetalous fasciole narrow, very angular and sinuous; in the posterior lateral interambulacrum it passes close to and almost parallel with the hinder furrows for about eight ninths of their length, then descends suddenly, forming an acute angle, and running close to the anterior lateral furrow, with two slight bends in its course, passes round the termination of the furrow in an abrupt curve, and rises in a straight line somewhat obliquely towards the ante- rior ambulacrum, where it suddenly descends at a right angle and parallel with the furrow, and then, after a short distance, a little above the ambitus, crosses in a curve the shallow groove. The lateral follows a similar course to that of aus- tralis, Anterior ambulacral groove almost as deep as the others, becoming gradually shallower towards the ambitus, with a series on each side of remote and very minute double pores, alternating with one another on each side, those just above the fasciole being about two millimetres apart. Tuber- culation very like that of LZ. australis. Plastron narrowly cordate, convex, not much narrowed towards the mouth, and not reentering at the aboral end. Mouth broad, narrow. Anal opening ovate, acuminate above and below. The colour is that of cork, mottled with a darker hue in the middle of the plates. Length nearly 1} inch, width at ambitus 13, height 1. Hab. Pacific Islands (probably). This species, of which I have only seen a single spineless specimen, has much of the general character of L. australis of Gray. Still there are so many differences, which, although perhaps small individually, in the aggregate become of much importance, that I certainly think they point out the specific distinctness of the form above described, and show that it passes the limits of an individual variation. The position of the apex and genital pores is very different ; the form is totally distinct, resembling very considerably that of the fossil Wicraster cor-anguinum, var. rostratus ; the pro- portion and inclination of the ambulacra and the course of the fasciole also show considerable variation. Besides these differences there are others—namely, the greater depth of the anterior ambulacrum and the remoteness and minute- ness of the pores on each side of it ; and in specimens of equal size of the old species the pores of the other ambulacra are Mr. E. A. Smith on a new Species of Spatangide. 69 decidedly smaller and much more numerous, whilst the geni- tal pores are larger. On the lower surface there are differ- ences also: the plastron is conspicuously narrower and the oral aperture is considerably broader transversely. The course of the peripetalous and lateral fascioles in Z. australis is subject both to variation in different specimens and also to irregularity in the same individual. In normal specimens the first forms but a single angle some distance within in each interambulacral space; but in others, as is the case in the variety figured by Gray (Cat. Recent Echinida, 1855, pl. vi. fig. 2 a), it becomes biangular at its highest part both in the anterior and lateral interambulacra. Linthia rostrata. a, actinal view ; 0, abactinal ; c, lateral; d, anterior. The lateral fasciole in the same specimen is also irregular. On one side its position is normal; but on the other, from the point of contact with the peripetalous fasciole, it rises obliquely for the distance of nearly three quarters of an inch within the posterior lateral interambulacrum, then forming a sudden bend descends at right angles for half an inch, and, again bending less acutely, pursues the ordinary course, passing under the 70 M.C. Mereschkowsky on a new Genus of Sponge. anus in a broad curve. Exactly the same irregularity exists n another specimen ; only in this instance it occurs on the opvosite side of the test. In other characters L. australis does not seem to be a species subject to much variation, judging from the specimens (fourteen in number) which I have seen. The form, direction, and length of the ambulacra and position of the vertex differ but very slightly in any of them; and this constancy of characters strengthens the supposition that the present, which offers such marked differences, is decidedly specifically distinct. IX.—On Wagnerella, a new Genus of Sponge nearly allied to the Physemaria of Ernst Héckel. By C. MERESCH- KOWSKY*. [Plate VI.] I HAVE just received the October number of the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History,’ which contains an article by Mr. Carter, entitled ‘‘ Remarks on Professor E. Hickel’s Ob- servations on Wyvillethomsonia Wallichiti and Squamulina scopula.” M. Hiickel, in his monograph on the Physemaria, has been very hard upon Mr. Carter, and reproaches him with having imperfectly observed the facts of which he speaks. Mr. Carter, in the article above mentioned, complains bitterly of the want of delicacy on the part of M. Hickel, and brings against him the same charges as to the want of exactitude which his works display, and their bad illustrations, which he regards as “more fitted for a caravan at a fair than for scientific purposes.” It is clear that impartial logic has taken leave of both writers in this matter, and that feeling interferes in the deci- sion of the scientific question. In such cases it becomes more than ever necessary to stand exclusively upon facts, and to allow nothing but reason to say a word. Hence every new fact that may serve to throw light upon the question becomes very desirable. My opinion is, that we must neither “laugh” nor “be angry,” and that, instead, both sides must repeat their observations, criticise them better, and, taking into consideration all the facts acquired, bow to the power of truth, remembering that he alone never deceives himself who never thinks. * This paper must be considered as a preliminary note of a memoir on White-Sea Sponges. M. C. Mereschkowsky on a new Genus of Sponge. Ti It is with the purpose of adding some new facts which may serve to elucidate the nature of the creatures in question that I have set myself at once to describe my observations made at the White Sea upon a new organism very nearly allied to the Physemaria of Hiickel, and especially to Haliphysema echi- noides = Tisiphonia agariciformis, but which, at the same time, must undoubtedly be placed among the sponges. I shall therefore pass at once to the description of this inter- esting creature. In my first journey to the White Sea in 1876, I found in two localities*, upon the stems of Sertularie, a singular organism, which I met with again in 1877, in my last visit to this sea, so, fertile in unknown and often very remark- able animals. This time I found it seated upon a branch ot a Bryozoon, quite close to the islands of Solowetzky, at a depth of 2 fathoms. At first, considering its small size (the sponge measures only about 0°5 millim.), I thought I had to do with some Rhizo- pod, such as the graceful Clathrulina elegans of Cienkowski for example, and the more as the form of this sponge, which consists of a spherical head placed upon a long and thin pedun- cle, very much resembles that of the above-mentioned fresh- water organism. But closer acquaintance convinced me that the object in question was nothing but a very small sponge. The entire sponge is composed of two very distinct parts— namely, a very long and very fine peduncle, and a round ball placed at one extremity of the peduncle, the other end serving to attach it to Hydroids or to Bryozoa. The peduncle itself is composed of two parts, one of which is a very long and fine cylinder, sometimes a little enlarged at its upper extremity where the ball is attached (Pl. VI. fig. 1). The approximateT width of this cylinder is 0°02 millim. ; at its lower extremity it passes into the second part of the peduncle, which is nothing but a conical enlargement by means of the base of which the sponge is attached to foreign objects. This basal cone, as well as the cylinder, which is simply a prolongation of it, is composed of a very thin layer of organic material, probably consisting of syncytium, and of a great quantity of very small, rather stout spicules, which are placed horizontally in this organic layer, the whole forming together a fine although tolerably firm and elastic membrane, which serves as a wall * Once between the islands of Solowetzky and the town of Kem, at 35° 25' longitude, at a depth of 12 fathoms, on a stony bottom; a second time in the Bay of Onega, not far from Belogousicha, at a depth of 16 fathoms on stony ground. + I shall give more exact measurements further on. 72 M.C. Mereschkowsky on a new Genus of Sponge. to the internal cavity of the sponge. This cavity passes without interruption through the whole body, from the basal cone all along the cylinder, to join the cavity of the globe, in such a manner that the whole organism presents us with a combination of a hollow cone with a hollow cylinder and a hollow globe. This great cavity, no doubt, corresponds to the gastral cavity of the other sponges, which would thus differ from Wagnerella (as I propose to name this sponge) only by their much thicker walls. ‘The average length of the peduncle is 0°4 millim.; in most cases it is completely straight or very slightly curved: by force it may be bent at a right angle without breaking; but the moment the pressure ceases it returns again to its original rectilinear position. The head or globe is about 0:1 millim. im diameter, making only one fifth of the whole length of the animal. As I have already stated, the head is nothing but the direct con- tinuation of the general cavity which passes through the peduncle, covered like it by a fine membrane. In fact, this head, as is shown by young individuals (Pl. VI. fig. 2), may be regarded as a dilatation of the peduncle at its extremity, which would render it analogous to the conical dilatation situated at the other extremity of the peduncle. he most striking character of the head is the presence of long and excessively fine spicules (Pl. VI. fig. 5, a-d), which stand out all over the surface of the ball in a radiating manner, and give it a spiny aspect, like that of a sea-urchin. It is owing to these spicules that it is im- possible to see distinctly the surface of the globe, and to determine whether there are or are not pores establishing a communication between the general cavity and the external water. The walls of the head are also furnished with small, short, and comparatively stout spicules (Pl. VI. fig. 6, a-c), only differing by their greater length from those which are implanted in the peduncle. Here, as in the peduncle, these fusiform spicules are implanted in the thin organic layer, so that their extremities do not project ; but their position is not regular in the head, the spicules being arranged in all possible directions, although always in a position parallel to the surface. As in all the Calcispongia, the spicules are composed of calcareous salts which dissolve in hydrochloric acid. Glycerine may also serve as a good reagent for determining the nature of the spicules without the necessity of destroying the speci- men. On putting the animal, or merely a fragment of it, into glycerine, it is easy to see whether the contours of the spicules become more distinct than when seen in water or in alcohol. M. C. Mereschkowsky on a new Genus of Sponge. 73 If this is the case, we may be sure that we have to do with a calcareous body ; on the contrary, when the contours gradually disappear and the spicules can hardly be perceived, we may conclude that they are siliceous. The following are the comparative measurements of this sponge :— millim Potal length of the sponge). < oxic. sok. oe als 0°5-0°8 Diameter of the head in an adult individual .. 0-1012 ae Me a young individual .. 0:05885 Average thickness of the peduncle .......... 0-018 Length of the large spicules of the head ...... 0-01175-0:05875 Thickness (sometimes not measurable)........ 0-00047-0:00117 Length of the small spictles... 0.0... 2.05 0-00964—0:01605* It remains for me to explain the reasons which have led me to regard this animal as a sponge. It will be noticed that I have said nothing about pores, and this because I have found it impossible to find any. In spite of all my endeavours I have been unable to discover, either in the individual which I selected to study in the living state, or in those preserved in alcohol, any trace of pores; but it must not be forgotten that even if they existed, which is more than probable, it would be perfectly impossible to see them through the forest of innume- rable spicules which cover the whole surface of the head and conceal its surface from the eyes of the observer. It must also be taken into consideration that the pores are not constant, and that the least irritation, especially the action of spirits of wine, is sufficient to close them, which would perfectly explain their absence. ‘The same spicules coupled with the slight transpa- rency of the head generally have also rendered it impossible for me to ascertain the existence of a buccal orifice at the extremity of the body, although I suppose such an orifice must exist from the analogy of what we see in the Physemaria. But even if we admit that the existence of pores in Wagne- rella is a fact unproved and even improbable, their absence cannot in any way lead us to doubt its spongiarian nature. In fact we are acquainted with several sponges the spicules of which have been described, but of which the pores, for different reasons, have not been discovered (see, for example, Bowerbank’s monograph) ; and nevertheless we no not hesi- tate to admit that these are true sponges. Moreover we are acquainted with a marvellous sponge described by G. O. Sars in his interesting book ‘On some remarkable Forms of Animal Life from the Great Deeps off the Norwegian Coast’ *« The latter number refers to the head. 7A = M.C. Mereschkowsky on a new Genus of Sponge. (1872). I refer to the Cladorhiza abyssicola of M. Sars. This sponge, which lives only at great depths, and which resembles rather a Hydroid or a Bryozoon than a sponge, has ‘as a characteristic feature that the whole of it is entirely massive, absolutely without even traces of canals or of any cavity, and consequently without either buccal orifice or Cladorhiza abyssicola, M. Sars*. pores ; and yet every one who reads M. Sars’s description will be convinced that he has to do with a true sponge. In the White Sea also I have met with an Hsperza (?) with long, © filiform processes, like roots, which anastomose and form a network covering seaweeds and other bodies. Throughout their length, however, these are destitute not only of pores, but in general of canals or cavities, and are entirely composed of “syncytium ” with spicules. It is with the support of these facts that I cannot be of the * Sars, ‘On some Remarkable Forms of Animal Life, &c.,’ pl. vi. fig. 17. M. C. Mereschkowsky on a new Genus of Sponge. 75 opinion of M. Hiickel that in order to be a sponge an organism must have not only spicules but also pores. With respect to the spicules of Wagnerella, we have seen (and I hope it is unnecessary to dwell upon this fact) that these spicules cannot by any means be regarded as foreign to the organism and borrowed from some other sponge (besides, the White Sea has no sponges furnished with spicules re- sembling those of Wagnerella), but that, on the contrary, we are led to the opinion that these spicules are produced by the sponge itself. It is therefore evident that Wagnerella belongs to the Calcareous Sponges, and notably to the family Ascones. As regards the genus, I find that the system of M. Hiackel, which is founded exclusively upon the spicules, is sometimes too artificial, and will become still more so in course of time. This system is founded principally upon the fact that the form of the sponge is a character too variable and inconstant to enable a system to be based upon it. Although in general terms this may be true, we nevertheless know, among the sponges, plenty of exceptions in which the form acquires so great a constancy that it may be employed not merely to characterize a species, but may even lead to the formation of distinct genera, as, for example, in the case of Cladorhiza. It is the same with our Wagnerella, of which the extreme smallness, the globular head supported by a long peduncle dilated into a cone at its base, are all constant characters, and consequently sufficient to bear one out in establishing a distinct genus. The few species of the genus Ascyssa, to which the animal might otherwise belong, are so little like Wagnerella that one would not hesitate in ordinary circumstances to form a sepa- rate genus for this organism. M. Hiickel, who has founded his genera upon different com- binations of three kinds of spicules, has by this means re- stricted for ever the number of genera; for all the possible combinations have been employed by him ; but it may be foreseen that Calcispongiz will probably be found so different from the known forms, that it will be perfectly artificial to range them in one of M. Hickel’s genera, and that, conse- quently, sooner or later it will be necessary to break through the boundaries laid down by him, and to found genera not only upon the combinations of the spicules, but also on their forms, the form of the body, and other characters. I propose to name this genus, which has the habit of Tis7- phonia agariciformis, and is furnished only with simple spicules, Wagnerella. ‘The diagnosis of the genus and that of the species will be as follows :— 76 M.C. Mereschkowsky on a new Genus of Sponge. WAGNERELLA, gen. nov. Sponges furnished with simple, long, calcareous spicules. Their body consists of a head or upper part, which is more or less globular, and of a long and slender peduncle which sup- ports the former part, and at the opposite extremity is fur- nished with an enlargement of conical form, by means of which it adheres to foreign objects. Habit resembling that of the Physemaria (fHaliphysema). I give this sponge its generic name in honour of Professor Nicolas Wagner of St. Petersburg. Wagnerella borealis, sp. nov. Head regularly rounded into the form of a ball, placed on a very long and slender peduncle, the whole never exceeding 1 millim. in length (often 0°5 millim.). The cone of the peduncle as broad as high; the peduncle of uniform thickness throughout its whole length (sometimes a little wider above), nearly five times as long as the diameter of the head. All these parts (head, peduncle, and cone) have an interior cavity communicating freely throughout. ‘The walls of the body are composed of a fine organic membrane, with spicules. The spicules are of two kinds: some long and excessively fine, tapering towards the two ends, adorning the head, in the sur- face of which they are implanted in a radiating fashion only by one end; the others shorter and stouter, fusiform, placed both in the head and the peduncle, entirely implanted in the organic layer without projecting from it at all, and all, without exception, arranged horizontally in the foot. No grains of sand or any other foreign objects adhering to the surface of the sponge. Length (average) of the long spicules 0°035 millim., of the shorter ones 0°01 millim. Locality. White Sea, neighbourhood of the islands of Solo- wetzky, near the monastery (at a depth of 2 fathoms) and near Kem (at a depth of 7 fathoms). Lastly, with regard to the two doubtful Physemaria, namely Haliphysema echinoides and Gastrophysema scopula, C., my opinion is as follows :— Haliphysema echinoides—When this is compared with Wyvillethomsonia Wallichii, Wright *, we see that we have to do with one organism, or, at any rate, with two varieties of a single organism, which, indeed, is admitted by M. Hickel himself. But if this be the case, it is perfectly evident that * Quart. Journ. Microsc. Sc. 1870, vol. x. pl. ii. On new Species of Heterocera from Japan. 17 we have nothing more than one sponge bearing the three names Wyvillethomsonia Wallichii, Wright,=Dorvillia aga- riciformis, Kent,= Tiphisonia agariciformis, Wyv. Thoms. Its spongiose nature may be further confirmed by comparing it with my Wagnerella borealis, to which it bears much resemblance and which is a true sponge. With respect to Gastrophysema scopula, it is impossible to decide definitively whether it is a Physemarion or a Rhizopod. On the one hand, the presence of pseudopodia, which Mr. Carter has himself observed, leads us to believe in its Foraminiferous nature; on the other, its great resemblance to the other species of Gastrophysema observed by Hickel would make us think that both organisms belong to the Physemaria. In any case fresh observations upon Sguamulina scopula can alone finally decide the question. EXPLANATION OF PLATE. VI. [All the figures enlarged and drawn by the camera lucida. ] Fig. 1. An adult individual of average size of Wagnerella borealis. The eduncle is a little wider above, the head regularly rounded. here are more spicules than are here represented. Fig. 2. A young individual with the head not yet round, and differing but little from the peduncle. Fig. 5. Part of the peduncle, more highly magnified, with the small kind of spicules. Fig. 4. Form sometimes presented by the basal cone of the peduncle, which, however, usually has the form shown in fig. 1. Fig. 5. Different forms of the long spicules which adorn the head: a, immeasurably fine; 6, stouter, but straight; ¢, long and curved ; d, shorter and curved ; e, zigzae. Fig. 6. Different forms of spicules of the second category, fusiform, shorter and stouter: a, typical; b, curved; ¢, typical, with a bubble of air (?). X.—Descriptions of new Species of Heterocera from Japan. —Part II. Noctuites. By Artuur G. Butter, F.L.S., F.Z.8., &e. Cymatophoridez. 59. Gonophora derasoides, n. sp. Nearly allied to G. derasa, but of a greyer tint; the mark- ings (particularly on the white costal streak of primaries) less defined; the reniform and other discoidal spots narrower and more transverse ; the area between the oblique white stripe and the zigzag lines pale stramineous, with darker and lunated 78 My. A. G. Butler on new Species spots upon it, the zigzag lines wider apart, only three in num- ber ; the outer border white, the intersected semicircular mar- ginal spots pale buff instead of ferruginous, the outer border of secondaries white, not yellowish. Expanse 1 inch 8 lines. Hakodaté (Whiteley). 60. Cymatophora ampliata, n. sp. Allied to C. or, but considerably larger, the primaries of a silvery grey instead of whity-brownish tint, the inner band darker, straighter, with more dentated limiting lines, the outer band with an additional angle towards the costa, and with the outer line more regularly undulated, blackish, and parallel to the inner line; fringe darker; secondaries darker; thorax greyer; head, collar, and antenne testaceous. Expanse 2 inches. Yokohama (Jonas). 61. Cymatophora octogesima, N. Sp. Allied to C. ocularis, but much larger, of a dark silvery grey tint, with the transverse lines and margins of the 80-like reniform and orbicular spots deep black, the lines near the base more dentated, the central band wider and its external limiting line irregularly zigzag ; fringe of secondaries paler. Expanse 1 inch 11 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Bombycoide. 62. Acronycta leucocuspis, n. sp. Closely allied to A. cuspis, but the primaries of a darker grey tint, and the secondaries white instead of greyish brown, the discal line and external border darkest on the veins; thorax much darker; abdomen irrorated with black to the base. Expanse 1 inch 9 lines. Var. Differing from the dark form of A. cuspis in the shining slaty grey tint of primaries, the spots upon which are only indicated by black annular markings, and in the paler greyish white colouring of the secondaries, on which the transverse discal line and outer border are easily distinguish- able. Expanse 2 inches. Yokohama (Jonas). 63. Acronycta increta, n.sp. 3. Closely allied to A. tridens, but noticeably larger, the primaries much darker and shining, the fringe shorter, less of Heterocera from Japan. 79 distinctly black-spotted ; secondaries similar. Expanse 1 inch 10 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Leucaniide. 64. Mythimna placida, n. sp. Nearly allied to the North-American M. pseudargyria, but with the primaries and thorax pale sandy greyish, the orbicu- lar and reniform spots less distinct, and the double discal series of black dots less complete; secondaries deep grey, blackish externally, with whitish fringe: primaries below blackish, with the costal and external borders whitish, crossed near the apex by a black dash; a marginal series of black dots ; secondaries whitish, irrorated with black, a dot at the end of the cell, a discal series and a marginal series black ; body below whitish. Hxpanse 1 inch 10 lines. Yokohama (Jonas, Pryer). 65. Mythimna rufipennis, n. sp. Allied to WM. turca, but with barely an indication of the transverse lines on primaries, and with the secondaries and abdomen shining whity brown with rosy margin; below much paler than M. turca. Expanse 1 inch 6 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 66. Mythimna grandis, n. sp. Allied to M. turca, but considerably larger; the male greyish, with the two transverse dusky stripes indistinct. In this species the inner stripe runs parallel to the outer as far as the middle of the discoidal cell, and then diverges abruptly inwards to the costal margin, the outer stripe is regularly den- ticulated: the under surface is whity brown, with a pink tinge; a dot at the end of each cell and a discal transverse stripe grey; a marginal row of black dots. Expanse ¢ 2 inches 1 line, ¢ 2 inches 4 lines. 3 2, Hakodaté (Whitely) ; 2, Yokohama (Jonas). 67. Mythimna divergens, n. sp. Allied to the preceding, but darker, the reniform spot of primaries larger; the male brownish sericeous, or like the temale ; the female with a large central ochraceous nebula on the primaries, and an ill-defined red-brown patch immediately beyond the reniform spot ; the mner transverse stripe of pri- maries slightly irregular, but diverging throughout from the 80 Mr. A. G. Butler on new Species outer stripe ; the reddish fringes of a deeper tint: the under surface deep dull reddish, the transverse line on the disk of the wings more slender, more continuous, and darker; the primaries with a dusky nebula just beyond the cell. Expanse, & 2 inches 2 lines, 2 2 inches 3 lines. 3 2, Hakodaté (Whitely). 68. Leucania salebrosa, n. sp. Nearly allied to the North-American Z. ¢nsueta, but smaller, the body more uniformly whitish, the collar with two trans- verse grey lines, the tegule longitudinally streaked with red- dish and speckled with black; the white spot at the end of the cell in primaries more elongated: primaries below with the discoidal area greyish ; secondaries below white, with a black dot at the end of the cell. Expanse 1 inch 3-4 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Belongs to the L. putrescens group, but has grey dusky- bordered secondaries. 69. Leucania singularis, n. sp. Primaries above sandy whitish, with two connected grey patches, one apical, the other filling the basal half of the median interspaces and emitting a streak along the median vein (somewhat as in the L. putrescens group), a silvery white spot at the inferior angle of the cell, and a black dot just inside the angle; two deeply crinkled divergent transverse grey lines dotted externally with black; a submarginal series of brown lunules, and a marginal series of black dots; fringe sericeous grey, tipped with white, and intersected by an indis- tinct dusky line; secondaries grey, with brown marginal spots; costal area and fringe whitish; body above sandy whitish: under surface white, primaries with a wide-spreading central greyish nebula, two whitish spots at the end of the cell, a dusky discal line and a series of black marginal dots ; secondaries with a dot at the end of the cell, a discal series and a marginal series black. Hxpanse 1 inch 4—6 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Unlike any species known to me. 70. Leucania erata, n. sp. Primaries above brassy brownish, a longitudinal streak along the median vein, and a subapical dash dark brown; a spot in the cell, a discal angulated series and a marginal series black; reniform spot pale yellowish; fringe greyish externally ; secondaries white, with faint indications of a of Heterocera from Japan. 81 discal series of dots and a submarginal streak dusky ; a mavr- ginal series of black dots; thorax reddish brown, abdomen sordid whitish: wings below shining cream-colour ; a black dot at the end of the cell, and a marginal series, largest and most continuous on primaries; the apical discoidal and disco- median areas of primaries and a streak near the external angle greyish ; body whity brown, becoming darker towards the head; palpi and anterior coxe smoky brown. LExpanse 1 inch 7 lines, Hakodaté ( Whitely). Nearest to L. aureola. MICARDIA, nov. gen. Allied to Leucania, but altogether less robust, the abdomen much more slender, the thorax less elevated, the palpi com- paratively longer and more slender, the primaries broader, the style of coloration quite dissimilar. Type M. argentata. 71. Micardia argentata, n. sp. Primaries sericeous whity brown with a tinge of olivaceous; a large silvery-white cuneitorm patch, filling the greater part of the discoidal cell and extending a little below it; central area olivaceous, varied with rose-colour, bounded by an oblique white line, also an olivaceous streak from the latter to the apex ; a submarginal whitish line and a marginal series of black dots; secondaries pale greyish brown, with dusky mar- ginal dots and whitish fringe; body corresponding in colour with the wings, thorax crossed by a white belt: primaries below silky greyish, costal border sandy whitish, outer and inner borders silky creamy white ; secondaries silky white ; body below greyish. Expanse 1 mch 2-3 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 72. Micardia pulchra, n. sp. Primaries whity brown, the whole central area and ‘a discal streak (bounded internally by a white-bordered lilac streak, and externally by a submarginal white line) more or less tawny ; a large subquadrate blackish patth bounded by the orbicular and reniform spots, which are lilac and white-edged; a large white-bordered elliptical spot of ochreous on the costa near apex ; an interrupted black marginal line ; fringe tipped with grey ; secondaries silvery greyish, with an interrupted dusky marginal line and whitish fringe ; body corresponding in general tint with the opposite wings: under surface shining Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. i. | 6 82 Mr. A. G. Butler OR new Species creamy white, primaries greyish in the centre. LExpanse 1 inch 2-3 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Mr. Moore has described a third species as Leucania pul- cherrima. 73. Alysia grisea, n. sp. 3d. Above greyish brown, with a shining cupreous tinge ; primaries with the external two fifths rather darker than the rest of the wing, the orbicular and reniform spots also rather darker, indications of an annular spot on a darker nebula near the base of the cell; costa spotted with darker colour; three white costal dots towards the apex; a patch of pale colour at the apex bounded on the costa by an elongated white spot ; indications of a discal series of dusky-bordered semicircular pale spots; a series of black marginal lunules; fringe pale; secondaries much paler than primaries, with the exception of a broad external border; thorax darker than the abdomen 5 head and antenne pale: under surface pale and shining, an irregular greyish disco-submarginal fascia; body below whity- brown, the pectus dusky in front. LExpanse 2 inches 1 line. Yokohama (Jonas). This species somewhat resembles Ochropleura flammatra ; but it is evidently a Leucaniid allied to the genus Nonagria, and apparently belonging to Guénée’s genus Alysia, with which it agrees in the structure of the antenne and palpi, neuration, and the width of the primaries. Glottulide. 74. Dandaca senex, n. sp. g. Primaries above pale bluish grey, becoming greenish at base and on costal area, basal area crossed by an ill-defined sprinkling of raised white scales ; a spot in the cell, the mar- gins of the reniform spot (which is indicated by a black litura), a sigmoidal discal stripe, a subapical spot and zigzag submar- ginal line, all of raised white scales ; a black irregular line across the basal area; two central slender black lines, the outer one deeply dentated, a >-shaped black marking and two spots near the external angle; costa black-spotted; fringe white, spotted with brownish; secondaries sericeous greyish brown, with a broad pale-edged blackish outer border, fringe pale, margin black-dotted ; thorax greenish grey, abdomen sericeous whitish: wings below whity brown, with a broad black-edged irregular discal band; outer border broadly blackish ; body below whitish. Expanse 1 inch 8 lines. of Heterocera from Japan. 83 ¢. Larger, darker; abdomen brown. Expanse 1 inch 10 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Apamiida. 75. Ochria fortis, n. sp. ?. Nearly allied to O. flavago, the primaries with the yel- low areas considerably paler, the line interrupted by the reni- form spot forming a semicircular arch; the orbicular and reni- form spots much larger, the transverse subbasal brown belt greatly constricted below the median vein and darker; sub- marginal band, excepting at apex, suffused with brown and consequently indistinct; secondaries greyish brown, sordid whitish in the middle and at the base; thorax and head brown, collar stramineous, abdomen sordid whitish: wings below pale shining sandy brownish ; the fringe and discocel- lulars of primaries, and two transverse streaks (the outer one of primaries diffused) dusky. Expanse 1 inch 10 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). In some respects more nearly allied to O. cataphracta of Grote. 76. Gortyna acuminata, n. sp. Structure of G. netela from North America. Above brown, shot with a faint lilacine gloss and clouded with grey; pri- maries with the costal margin and two diverging straight internally whitish-bordered transverse lines golden brown; . basal area pale, bounded externally by a whitish line; outer border pale, with irregularly zigzag inner edge; orbicular and reniform spots greyish, bordered internally with whitish and golden brown ; a marginal series of blackish lunules; fringe grey ; secondaries with a broad triangular greyish patch from the middle of the cell to the abdominal margin, an ill-defined discal band of the same colour; costal area testaceous; palpi and antenne burnt sienna; abdomen with the segmental mar- gins, sides, and anus ochraceous: under surface reddish ochra- ceous, shining; primaries with an ill-defined darker discal streak. Hxpanse 1 inch 9-10 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). The primaries are acuminate and subfalcate. Xylophasiide. . 77. Xylophasia sodalis, n. sp. Intermediate between X. rurea and X. hepatica, with the G* 84 On new Species of Heterocera from Japan. pattern of the former, but the deeper coloration of the latter ; it is, however, darker and more glossy than either, and the dark marginal spots of the primaries have a dull lilacine gloss; on the under surface the wings are not suffused with rose- colour as in X. hepatica, and the fringes are grey (dark in primaries), spotted with ochraceous nearly as in X. rurea. Expanse 1 inch 9 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). This species is also closely allied to X. flavistigma of Moore. The Mamestra dubitans of Walker, which I believe to be the dark form of Xylophasia lignicolor, bears a close resemblance to the X. combusta type of the above species ; we have this variety both trom Yokohama and Hakodaté. Mamestra opposita is the dark form of a Ceylonese species. 78. Apamea conciliata, n. sp. Intermediate in colouring and pattern between A. connexa and A. gemina, with the form and general coloration of the latter, but with the irregular transverse band identical in shape with that of A. connexa, although much further from the outer margin and less oblique, the lower half of the band limited externally by an oblique white line, and followed by a whitish diffusion ; apical area as in A. gemina, but without the pale spot at apex; secondaries as in A. connexa: wings below as in A. gemina, but darker, and with the dusky stripe across the secondaries nearer to the middle of the wing broadly convex (not 3-shaped) ; no dark spot at the end of the cell. Hxpanse 1 inch 6 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). The Xylophasia indocilis of Walker is the paler form of A. gemina; X. libera is identical with Apamea finitima, a species near A, connexa. 79. Miana vulnerata, n. sp. Primaries greyish black, with the discal area brown; crossed by two very irregular black lines, widest apart on the costa and nearest just below the cell; two black >-shaped markings at the base; orbicular and reniform spots pale brown, enclosing an oval grey annulus and margined with black ; an N-shaped band, testaceous, speckled with carmine, on the disk just outside the external black line ; indications of a submarginal grey streak; a marginal series of black lituree ; fringe grey, intersected by a testaceous line; secondaries pale brown, with a marginal black line ; fringe whitish, with a cen- tral grey line; body above greyish brown, abdomen whitish On an apparently new Species of Hornbill. 85 at the sides: primaries below shining grey, the borders spotted with whitish ; secondaries shining whitish; margin and a spot at the end of the cell black; two discal grey lines; fringe as above; body whitish. LExpanse 1 inch. Yokohama (Jonas). 80. Miana segregata, n. sp. Primaries brown, crossed before the middle by a broad pale-edged darker band, its inner margin angulated and undu- lated, its outer margin nearly straight, but with a shallow sinus below the first median branch; a subquadrate costal sepia- brown white-edged spot near the apex, continued as an indi- stinct irregular band to the middle of the disk and enclosing a longitudinal black dash ; a marginal series of black dots; an indistinct sigmoidal pale line near the base; fringe greyish, dusky below the middle ; secondaries paler, with white costal margin, fringe partially white-tipped; body brown, whitish at the base of abdomen: primaries below greyish sericeous, internal area whitish, costal and external areas whity brown, speckled with darker brown; costa beyond the cell flecked with creamy-white ; two indistinct parallel discal lines, the inner one angulated near the costa ; secondaries whity brown, darker towards the apex, a dusky spot on discocellulars and an angulated discal line; body brown, pectus clothed with whitish hair. Expanse 1 inch 2 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). [To be continued.] XI.—Description of an apparently new Species of Hornbill from Cochin China, of the Genus Anthracoceros. By D. G. EwiorT, F.R.S.E. &e. Anthracoceros fraterculus. Male. Bill light yellow, with a black spot at base of man- dible. A casque rises from base of culmen, extends back- wards over the centre of the head, then curves forwards and returns to the culmen, at almost a right angle, at about one third its length from the tip of the maxilla. This is com- pressed laterally both at its anterior and posterior termina- tions, swelling outwards in the centre, but inclining to a keel- shape on top along its whole length. "This casque is yellow like the bill, black on its anterior face, and with a broad black patch occupying nearly half the anterior portion, but which 86 On an apparently new Species of Hornbill. does not reach to the maxilla. Naked skin around the eye and on sides of the throat flesh-colour. Head, neck, throat, upper part of breast, back, wing, and central tail-feathers black, with dark green reflections. Entire underparts, thighs, and tips of the secondaries and primaries pure white. Lateral tail-feathers have their apical third pure white, rest black, with green reflections. Tarsi and feet black. ‘Total length from base of maxilla to end of central rectrices 234 inches ; wing 103 inches; tail 11} inches; bill along gape 53 inches; casque on top 4% inches, height at base of maxilla 13 inch; height of bill and casque at base 23 inches ; tarsus 13 inch. Hab. Cochin China. The present bird bears the same relationship to A. mala- baricus as A. convexus does to A. coronatus, and appa- rently represents the A. malabaricus in Cochin China. It is much smaller than A. malabaricus in all its dimensions, has the casque much more compressed at the ends; and the black mark on the anterior portion does not reach the maxilla, but is confined to the casque as is seen in A. coronatus ; whereas in A. convexus and malabaricus the black mark always extends on- to the maxilla. The lateral rectrices; however, being only white for their apical third, indicates that the relationship of this species is with A. malabaricus and not with the others named. In order that the difference in size between the two species may be more clearly perceived, I add the measure- ments of A. fraterculus, as given above, and those of a fine adult male specimen, in the Paris Museum, of A. malabaricus for comparison :— Anthracoceros fraterculus. Anthracoceros malabaricus. From base of maxilla to end of From base of maxilla to end of rectrices 233 inches. rectrices 26 inches. Wing 103. Wing 13. Tail 11}. Tail 13. Bill along gape 54. Bill along gape 6}. Casque on top 4%. Casque on top 74. Height of casque at base of max- Height of casque at base of max- illa 14. illa 2. Height of bill and casque at base Height of bill and casque at base 23. 33. Tarsus 14. Tarsus 2. The type was brought from Cochin China, and is now in the Paris Museum ; and for the opportunity of describing it I am indebted to Prof. A. Milne-Edwards, who in the most liberal manner does every thing in his power to facilitate in- vestigations in the magnificent collections under his charge. It would appear, therefore, that there are four species of Hornbills belonging to the genus Anthracoceros, differing from Prof. R. Owen on the Solitaire. 87 each other both in the shape and markings of their casques, and also in the distribution of the colours of the plumage. They can be distinguished as follows :— Key to the Species. A. Median pair of rectrices black, with’ green reflec- tions. a’. Lateral rectrices pure white. a'', Size large ; black mark on casque never reaching the maxilla’ iP. viscid S005 0 1. A. coronatus. 6". Size small; black mark on casque extend- ing onto the maxilla, .. 6. .igacsgeee 2. A. converus. 6'. Lateral rectrices with their apical third white. a", Size large ; black mark on casque reach- ing onto the maxilla:............... 3. A. malabaricus. b". Size small; black mark on casque not reaching; the maxilla... 6s en+ es een 4. A. fraterculus. XII-—On the Solitaire (Didus solitarius, @m.; Pezophaps soli- taria, Strkl.). By Prof. R. Owen, C.B., F.R.S., &e. (Plates VIL & VIII.] Bones of this extinct bird collected in the island of Rodriguez during the “ Transit-of-Venus”’ expedition, and now in the British Museum, have supplied materials for the articulation of the entire skeleton, and the subjects of the following notes. In the skeleton of both male (PI. VII. fig. 1) and female Pezophaps, the number of cervical vertebre is 12, that of the dorsal 6, a 7th free-rib-bearing vertebra being made “ sacral”’ by ankylosis with the rest of that coalesced group of bones. So much of the vertebral formula thus accords with that of Didunculus *. As in that dove, also, the three middle dorsal vertebrée (third, fourth, and fifth) have coalesced, and their square truncate spines form a strong bony crest. Four pairs ot ribs are connected, by ossified hemapophyses, with the sternum; and this bone deviates mainly from the columba- ceous type by the minor development of the keel, in relation to the atrophy of the chief muscles of flight. Sixteen coalesced vertebree constitute the sacrum of Pezo- phaps as of Didus; and seven free vertebre beyond the pelvis support the tail-feathers. Thus the vertebral formula of Pezophaps is: C. 12, D. 6, 8. 16, Cd. 7,=41. * See the figure of the skeleton of the didiform species of the Samoan Islesin my ‘Memoir on the Dodo,’ 4to, 1866, pl. ii. fig. 2. 88 Prof. R. Owen on the Solitaire. There is one free-rib-bearing vertebra less, and one sternal rib less, than in Didus ; and this difference accords with the roportional larger trunk of the heavier Ground-Dove of the Tauritian Island. In the atlas and third vertebra the interzygapophysial bar, with the foramen it defines, is present*. The neural spine subsides to a pair of tuberosities in the fifth cervical; and this bifid condition is traceable to the ninth, where each division degenerates to the beginning of a ridge leading to the hypera- pophysis. ‘This process +, conspicuous and large on the axis and third vertebra, subsides in the following, but rises from its rudimental state in the ninth and following cervicals. The protuberance from the under part of the par-pleur- apophysis of the fifth and sixth cervicals shows as the “ cat- apophysis” of Mivart in the seventh; and, each converging towards its fellow, the pair of inferior processes become distinct in the ninth, approximate in the eleventh, and blend into the single median hypapophysis in the twelfth cervical vertebra. This process‘increases in vertical and fore-and-aft extent to the middle of the three coalesced dorsals, and almost disappears in the hindmost (fifth dorsal) ; it is similarly represented as a low median ridge in the last free dorsal (sixth). The sternum of Pezophaps, as of Didus, accords with the didunculine modification of the Dove’s breast-bone, in the breadth, for example, of the ectolateral processes and the absence of entolateral ones. The median hinder end of the sternum is narrower, more ‘ xiphoid”’ in character, than in Didunculus. The four articular ridges and depressions in each costal border are close-set, especially the third and fourth. The costal process is both broad and thick, presenting a trihedral subconcave facet towards the ribs. The thin ecto- lateral plate overlaps the two hinder hemapophyses joining the sternum.. The median pneumatic fossa at the anterior part of the sternal concavity communicates by a canal with the convex or outer surface. ‘The convex contour of the ster- nal keel is due to the suppression of the anterior subangular extension which is present in the volant Dodlet. The first and obvious character in which the great extinct Ground-Doves differ from the smaller existing volant kinds is in the small proportion of the brain-case to the rest of the skull. Ifthe length of the cranium be taken from the back of the occiput to the front of the frontal bone, it is, in Pezo- * “On Dinornis.—Pt. XXI.,” Trans. Zool. Soc. vol. x. p. 152, fig. 11, , s, third cervical of D. maximus. t Ihid. p. 151, fig. 4, hp. Prof. R. Owen on the Solitaire. 89 phaps, rather more than half that of the skull; in Didus it is little more than one third. The difference is not due to the small relative size of the orbits, but to the great relative length of the beak, especially of the narial part, in Didus. This part, which includes the lateral bony external nostrils, is relatively shorter m Pezo- phaps than in Didus. The interorbital septum is entire in both genera. In both Didus and Pezophaps the upper grooved border of the foramen magnum extends further back than the condyle. The occiput, in Pezophaps (Pl. VII. fig. 2), is vertical, feebly convex vertically and transversely, divided by a pair of arched insertional depressions from the rugose, somewhat overhanging hind tract of the parietal region (ib. 7). The temporal fossa is larger, relatively and absolutely, in Pezo- phaps than in Didus; it resembles that of Treron. The elevation of the frontal region is due, in Pezophaps, as in Didus and Treron, to excess of bony cellular diploé, and takes place in advance of the orbits in all Columbide. The interorbital tract of the cranium (Pl. VIII. fig. 1, 1) rises from the premaxillo-nasal platform (ib. 15, 22) more abruptly in Pezophaps than in Didus; but it sooner subsides, and the fronto-parietal tract, or vertex, is flatter. This tract is smooth, but surrounded by a broad rugose elevated border, continued from the superorbital ridge backward over the temporal fossa, then across the postparietal region (ib. 7) to meet the ridge on the opposite side. The superorbital tracts converge for- ward to form the frontal convexity. This, however, is mesially cleft, exposing a deeper-seated smooth tract, over which a bony fringe projects on each side. This structure exists in a minor degree in the female. The superorbital tract is more rugose in the male than in the female Pezo-. haps. The chief difference between Didus and Pezophaps in cra- nial structure is the degree in which the cancellous tissue is developed between the outer and inner “ tables,”’ the minor quantity of that tissue in Pezophaps causing less elevation and convexity of the frontals above the orbits as compared with that part of the cranium in Dedus. The lacrymal, coalesced with the prefrontal part of the frontal, curves down and back in front of the orbit; it is impressed by a deep, wide, smooth longitudinal channel exter- nally, conducting the duct to the naso-lacrymal orifice ante- rior to the orbit. To view the neurapophyses of the nasal vertebra, the nasals, premaxillary, and coalesced part of the frontals must be 90 Prof. R. Owen on the Solitaire. removed; and then the homologue of the “os en ceinture”’ of batrachotomy and of the “ethmoid” of anthropotomy is brought into view, with part of the confluent olfactory capsules. The essential elements of the anterior terminal segment have undergone extreme modification and travelled far from the almost typical condition which they present in most fishes*. In the bird strong processes answering to diapophyses are extended outwards from the neurapophysial or essential parts of the prefrontals ; and to these the name “ prefrontal ” is restricted by some who retain the term “ zthmoid”’ for the plates transmitting the olfactory nerves from the rhinencepha- lon. In Macropus and most other marsupials the corre- sponding extension is grooved longitudinally, as in Didus and Pezophaps; but the fissure transmitting to the nose the lacry- mal duct, anterior to the grooved lacrymal bone, in the bird, is reduced to a fossa with one or two foramina in the impla- cental mammal. The maxillary sends up a strong nasal process confluent with the outer branch(s') of that bone, which articulates with the swollen fore part of the frontal, outside the base of the inner division (15) of the nasal bone. The common coalesced bases of the nasals and nasal process of the premaxillary rise as a transverse bar (Pl. VIII. fig. 1, x), with a convex ante- rior border, above the rostral divisions of those bones ; in this character Pezophaps resembles Treron and Didunculus; while in Didus the premaxillary and nasal portions of the elevated basal tract are indicated by grooves therein. In both genera, as in recent doves, 1 and 22! are confluent with 1. Beyond the confluence the divisions of the nasal pair are separated by the nasal process of the premaxillary (22'). The imner divi- sion or normal part of the nasal is 1 inch 8 lines in length ; it extends forward for half that length along the outside of the premaxillary, then inclines mesiad beneath that bone, coming into contact with its fellow for six lines extent of their terminal pointed end; they underprop the nasal process of the premaxillary ; and thus we have, in the extreme variation of an extreme segment of the vertebral axis, the heemal spine closing the tubular series by overlapping the neural spine of its own segment. The under surface of the nasal process of the premaxillary is impressed by the shallow channel re- ceiving the underpropping fore part of the midnasals. The basi-presphenoid (Pl. VIII. fig. 2, 5,9) is 2 inches long in the male; it has no pterapophyses. * See, e. y., the prefrontals of Xiphias in my ‘ Archetype of the Ver- tebrate Skeleton,’ pl. i. fig. 5, 14. pat R. Owen on the Solitaire. 91 There is, as is well-known, no “ maxillo-palatine or pre- vomerine bone” in the bird’s skull distinct from the proper maxillary or proper palatine. The latter bone (ib. ib. 20) speedily coalesces with the premaxillary (22) in front, and the maxillary (21!) above, as does this with the premaxil- lary in front and with the malar bone behind. ‘Their respec- tive limits are definable by their unconfluent condition in the immature bird. In Pezophaps the persistent linear suture between the pala- tal part of the maxillary and the palatine commences 1 inch 10 lines from the tip of the beak ; it defines a linear tract of the maxillary of 1 inch 3 lines extent. External to this suture is the palatine tract, coalesced with the maxillary, in breadth 2 lines, in length 10 lines; when the palatine be- comes free, it is twisted on itself, forms a vertical plate of 3 to 4 lines depth, and sends off from the median side, of a hinder extent of 7 lines, the horizontal plate, which bends mesiad. Between these right and left median plates of the palatines is an interval of 24 lines. The interpalatine vacuity in advance of the horizontal plates is 43 lines across. The upper parts of the hinder five lines of the palatines are applied to the convex sides of the presphenoids. The pterygoids (21) abut against the basisphenoid immediately behind the palatines, each pterygoid diverging and expanding to abut against the tym- panic. ‘The maxillo-palatal cleft is long and of moderate and uniform width ; the interpalatal cleft is wider until the inner plates are developed. The beak of the bird serves as both hand and mouth; the apex of the wedge, in these functions, is driven against re- sisting bodies sometimes of considerable hardness. In all birds the opening and closing of the bill are acts of prehen- sion. In many birds these latter movements are not limited to the lower jaw, but a mechanism exists for raising the upper jaw as well. ‘The joint between the base of the bill and the cranium is made flexible by diverse modifications. The tym- panic is fashioned in relation therewith. It is connected by two beams or columns of bone on each side of the skull with the fore part of the upper jaw. The outer beam, commencing forward at the side of the maxillary, is continued by the malo- squamosal style to the outer side of the transversely expanded lower part of the tympanic. The inner beam, commencing by the palatal process of the premaxillary, is continued back- ward by the palatine and pterygoid bones to the inner side of the lower end of the tympanic. Any swinging to and fro of this bone upon its single or double upper ball-and-socket joint is transferred to the “core”’ by the four beams converging 92 Prof. R. Owen on the Solitaire. thereto. The action of the outer beam upon the maxillary is conjoined with that of the lower beam upon the premaxillary by the overlapping broad palatal plate of the maxillary, which is more or less confluent with the palatine and pre- maxillary bones beneath. The movements of the mandibular part of the bill are transferred by the long bar-like rami of the lower jaw to the lower end of the tympanic, with which those rami are movably articulated by a combined double ball-and-socket and also trochlear articulation. When the tympanics are swung forward they communicate that motion by their six converging bony bars to the upper and lower cores, raising the former, depressing the latter—in short, opening the mouth. When the tympanics swing back- ward, opposite movements are transferred forward by the con- necting bars, and the beak is shut. But when in this state it is used (as by the Woodpecker) as a pick or wedge, the strength of the blow transferred back- wards by the three divergent pairs of bars is met, not by a rigid basis, which might have involved fracture of those bars or of some of them, but by a yielding one, as in the butts with elastic buffers terminating a railway line, for arresting and receiving the shock of a train. The beak as a whole, and especially its outward and visible portions, have suggested to ornithologists characters of groups with good and accepted descriptive terms ; the modifications of a part of the mechanism, a single beam, seem inadequate to sustain a new nomenclature. The basisphenoid (PI. VIII. fig. 2, 5) in advance of the ridge or process which underhangs the bony outlets of the Eustachian tubes loses breadth and seems narrowest where impressed by the abutting ends of the pterygoids (21). The postarticular end of the mandible of Dedus differs from that in most Columbide in not being abruptly truncated, but produced in the form of a short right, or rather open, angle with the apex obtuse*. That of Pezophaps (Pl. VII. fig. 1) is more columbaceous; it is produced a short way behind the articulation, and is vertically truncate, without loss of depth. It agrees in this respect with Didunculus. There is nothing extraordinary in the conformation of the pelvis of Pezophaps. The acetabulum is situated in the ante- rior half, as in Didus. The ischium (Pl. VII. 63) coalesces with the ilium (2) at two points, circumscribing a moderate * ‘Dodo and its Kindred,’ pl. viii.; ‘Memoir on the Dodo,’ pl. i. Prof. R. Owen on the Solitaire. 93 ‘ subelliptic “foramen ischiadicum”’ (h) as in Didus. The pubis (61) does not send upward a process to meet the down- ward one from the ischium, and so define the “ tendinal ”’ (o0') from the “ obturator ”’ (0) interspace. The pelvis in the male skeleton shows the whole extent of the entire lower border of the ischium; and its slender hinder termination is produced into contact with the pubis (64), from which bone a rough low tuberosity rises to form the syndes- mosis with the ischium (63). On the left. side the extremity of the ischium is broken off; but the syndesmotic process of the pubis testifies to an original union like that on the nght side. Here, therefore, we have an acceptable proof of an osteo- logical correspondence with existing doves, which the imper- fect examples of the pelvis previously acquired did not exhibit. The scapula of Pezophaps repeats, in a minor degree, the angular beginning of the hinder thin border above the elongate neck of the bone, but projects less as a pro- cess than in Didus * ; the distal or free end expands as in Didus. 'The straightness of the bone is* more marked than in Didus. The metacarpus of the male (PI. VII. fig. 1, 11.) repeats the tuberous process figured by Prof. Newton in pl. xix. figs. 87- 90 of his richly illustrated memoir, and testifies, as he shows, to the value of Leguat’s record, and to the accuracy of that original observer of the living bird. If a single specimen of a metacarpal bone of some unknown animal, such as is figured in Pl. VII. fig. 1, 11., had previously come to the hands of a paleontologist, he would have con- cluded the bony tumour to have been of morbid nature and origin, and set it down as an exceptional pathological pheno- menon. Any other opinion (above all, one holding such tumour to be a constant structure, functional in the healthy individual, and of moment in guiding to a knowledge of the species or sex) would have hazarded the estimate of such palzonlogist’s standing in his science. In the rich collection of bones of Pezophaps, the subject of Prof. Newton’s instructive paper (tom. cit.), there were not fewer than thirty-two specimens of the metacarpus. ‘ That it would be very short was a safe inference from what we know of it in other flightless birds; but it could hardly have been expected to obtain from it such a singular confirmation of Leguat’s statement regarding a remarkable peculiarity in the * ‘Memoir on the Dodo,’ wt supra, pl. viii. figs. 6, 9, 51. + Phil. Trans. 1869. 94 Prof. R. Owen on the Solitaire. ‘ Solitaire’ as observed by him, nor that it should furnish an explanation of the curious bony growth on the distal end of the ulna and radius already mentioned as presented by the speci- mens of supposed males. All the perfect specimens of the meta- carpal have on the radial side a more or less spherical bony knob or callus-like mass developed immediately beyond the proximal end and the pollex. . . . The appearance of the knob is much that of diseased bone; it has probably been covered by a cartilaginous integument ” (ib. p. 342). The author then repeats the quotation given by Strickland in his excellent work :— L’os de Vaileron grossit & l’extrémité, & forme sous la plume une petite masse ronde comme une balle de mousquet : cela & le bec sont la principale défense de cet oiseau””*. The specimens of metacarpus of the larger, combative sex of Pezophaps in the British Museum show the same structure, which may be seen in the articulated skeleton of the, probably, male Solitaire now there exhibited (Pl. VIL. iris, Wl.) “This hard, irregular, prominent mass, which holds the place of the spine in the Spur-winged Goose, may be compared to a “knuckle-duster ;” with it the combative sex delivered his blows, in the hard and well-contested fights to which Leguat testifies :—‘‘Tls ne volent point, leurs ailes sont trop petites pour soutenir le poids de leurs corps. Ils ne s’en servent que pour se battre, & pour faire le moulinet, quand ils veulent s’appeller Yun Vautre.” I here infer the writer to mean that one function of their stunted wing was to do battle with each other ; and the pecu- liar development in question I take to have been the com- bative weapon. ‘The entire wings were in action in executing the amorous pirouettes :—“ Ils font avec vitesse vingt ou trente pirouéttes tout de suite, du méme cété, pendant l’espace de quatre ou cing minutes.” Of the bones of the hind limbs, the greater relative length of both femur, tibia, and metatarsus, as compared with the skull and sternum, is first notable in Pezophaps in contrast with Didus. The columbine characters of the metatarsus are manifested in both species. These characters in Pezophaps are recorded in Trans. Zool. Soc. vol. vii. pl. lxvi., and are repeated in that bone of the subject of Plate VII. The following are admeasurements of the skeleton of the two extinct species of Ground-Doves :— * Strickland, ‘The Dodo and its Kindred,’ 4to, 1848, quoting the ‘Voyage et Avantures de Francois Leguat,’ 2 vols. 12mo, 2nd ed. 1720, vol. 1, p. 98. Prof. R. Owen on the Solitaire. 95 Pezophaps Didus solitaria. ineptus. ft. in. lin. ft. in. lin. Length of vertebral axis, from tip of ’ beak to end of coccyx, following the CEEVOS 25: « 5's Sac sroeetetare Mita sicleia, 6 510° Mas. 211 0 3.2 0 Length of vertebral axis, from tip of beak to end of coccyx, following the GUEV DS, Ye cee. eet ental aha fem, 2 i | Height in easy standing position ...... Mas, 2 ae U zee .O Height in easy standing position ...... Fem. 2°20 Length of leg, from proximal end of FDP RO EDS: « oa dal Shar enefiades Geavakd oa) 2 Mas. 1 4 6 1g 3, 0 Length of leg, from proximal end of PERT ATU IMEC s 3.c es cfderne eee tren se oo + Fem. 1 1 0 The Solitaires were found living in great numbers by the colony of Huguenots who settled in the island of Rodriguez, under their leader M. Francois Leguat, in 1691. Pezophaps, according to the testimony of Leguat, laid but one egg at the breeding-season ; and the same was probably the case with Didus, as it is with the existing species of fruit- eating doves (Carpophaga) and the passenger pigeons (Ecto- astes) . . The Moas appear to have been similarly restricted, as their living representatives, the Kivis, also are, in the number of the eggs of each brood. The condition of the existence of Pezophaps, and probably that of its flightless structure, was the absence of any extirpa- ting enemy in the island to which the species was restricted. Feeding on the date, the plantain, and other tropical products of arich vegetation encumbering the soil when ripe and fallen, their flesh was sapid as well as nutritious ; and the early Hugue- not colonists commenced the work of extirpation, which their successors and the quadrupeds (cats and pigs) which they introduced completed. In assigning the origin of the species Pezophaps solitarta to the operation of a primary law, by way of direct creation of a primitive pair, the osseous tumour on the wrist of the male, and the fore pair of limbs in both sexes, framed on a pattern fitting them to exercise the faculty of flight and for no other kind of locomotion on land, but of too small a size for that end, are among the incidents of this ‘ thauma- togeny,” or inconceivable mode of genesis. The other alternative is a reference of the species to the operation of a secondary law, by no means implying disbelief in, or involving denial of, the Lawgiver. In speculating on the mode of operation of such law, the following facts pre- sent themselves :— 96 Prof. R. Owen on the Solitaire. Pezophaps solitaria was the largest kind of land bird ob- served by the first settlers in the island of Rodriguez. It differed in no other respect from the class-characters of the other birds of that island save in the inability to fly by the action of its wings. There were no enemies native to the island able to take advantage of that disablement. “Tl ne s’y trouve aucune animal 4 quatre pieds, que des rats, des lézards, & des tortues de terre, desquelles y a trois différents espéces,’”’ writes Leguat in his interesting little book *. The Solitaires had no call for practising or endeavouring to effect that hardest and most strenuous mode of locomotion to obtain sustenance or fulfil any of the conditions of preser- vation of the individual or of the species; they were never scared into such violent exercise. Upon these facts I found a conclusion as to how the specific character of wings, useless as such, came to be; and this con- clusion as to Fezophaps solitaria is the same which I have set forth more at length in relation to Didus ineptus +, and which I deem to be applicable to the still larger terrestrial birds discovered, as in the case of Mpyornis, Dinornis, Aptornis, Notornis, Cnemiornis, in similar geographical and associated zoological conditions—these birds, like the Dodo and Soli- taire, having become extirpated through alterations of the latter conditions, 7. e. by introduction of species new to their island-homes, and with dispositions and powers destructive of such flightless birds. Thus is illustrated the origin of species by a condition of the way of work of a secondary law sug- gested by Lamarck. Two alternative hypotheses have been propounded. One by Mr. Darwin, is discussed and conjecturally exemplified by the authors of the paper ‘‘ On the Osteology of the Solitaire ” (loc. cit. pp. 49-51). The other hypothesis assumes that the Iguanodon, Megalosaurus, Scelidosaurus, and other Dinosau- rian reptiles walked on the hind pair of legs, like birds, and initiated that class by becoming transmuted into the warm- blooded, feathered, but wingless species. No suggestion has * Voyage et Avantures de Francois Leguat, & de ses Compagnons, en deux isles désertes des Indes Orientales. Avec la relation des choses — les plus remarquables qu’ils ont observées dans l’Isle Maurice, a Batavia, au Cap de Bonne-Espérance, dans I’Isle St.-Héléne, & en d’autres en- droits de leur Route. Le tout enriché de Cartes & de Figures. Tome Pre- mier & Tome Second (12mo). A Londres, chez David Mortier, Marchand Libraire. 1708. + ‘Memoir on the Dodo,’ 4to, 1866, pp. 49-51. Prof. R. Owen on the Solitaire. 97 been made by the author or acceptors of this hypothesis as to the way of operation or conditions of the transmutation. In most of the instances of wingless birds affinity to more favoured or normal members of the feathered class has been traced. The Penguins (Jmpennes) cannot be dissociated from the smaller Urinatores, which retain the volant function of the wings. Alca impennis is not generically separable, in judicious taxo- nomy, from the swiftly flying Alca torda. The genera Aptornis and Notornis, with keelless breast- bones, cannot be divorced from the family of Coots. Cnemiornis, although also with a “ ratite’’ or uncarinate sternum, must stand, besides Cereopsis, in the Anserine group of Anatide. The Didines are but generic modifications of a great natural division of Rasores, the existing members of which, of smaller size, retain their faculty of flight. Dinornis shows the consequence of disuse of wings in a greater degree than does Apteryx. But, although the winged forms from which the Kiwi, the Cassowary, the Emu, the Rhea, the Ostrich, and the Mpyornis have severally degenerated remain to be determined, they each have structural character- istics encouraging the quest, and testifying against the artifi- cial group (Megistanes, Vieillot; Procerz, Llliger; Ratite, Merrem ; Struthionide, Vigors) based upon modifications of the breast-bone and scapular arch, the consequences of disuse and degeneration of the muscles of flight, and with which a loose character of plumage is more or less associated. The results of the researches which have determined the real affinities of extinct birds with keelless breast-bones and low-angled scapulo-coracoids, devoid of acromial and clavi- cular processes, supports a reasonable expectation that the existing wingless genera, which have been shown to differ from one another considerably in important anatomical struc- tures, in correlation with their distinct and remote habitats, will be ultimately referred to as many distinct natural groups which now are, or which formerly have been, represented by volant and typical members of the feathered class. EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. Prate VII. Fig. 1. Reduced side view of the skeleton of the male Solitaire. Fig. 2. Occipital surface of cranium, natural size. Fig. 3. Copy of a figure of the living Solitaire, from the frontispiece to Leguat’s work, above cited. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. i. é 98 Mr. D.G. Elliot on a new Species of Water-bird. Puate VIII. Fig. 1. Top view of the skull of the male Solitaire. Fig. 2. Under view of the skull of the female Solitaire. Both figures are of the natural size. XIII.—Description of a new Species of Water-bird from Cochin China belonging to the Genus Porphyrio. By D.G. Extior, F.R.S.E. &e. Porphyrio Edwardst. Adult, Far-coverts, lores, and round the eyes greyish white. Back of head brown, darkest in the centre, where it is almost a brownish black with a purple tinge, shading off to a greyish white towards the frontal plate and the sides of the head. Cheeks bluish white. Chin and throat brownish, with a bluish shade. Back and sides of neck, lower part of breast, and flanks dark violet-blue. Front of neck and upper part of breast, shoulders, and under wing-coverts deep tur- quoise-blue. Back, rump, wings, secondaries, primaries, and tail uniform greenish black. Middle of abdomen and crissum brownish black. Under tail-coverts pure white. Baill, frontal plate, legs, and feet apparently bright red. Total length 164 inches, wing 102, tail 43, bill along gape 14, width of frontal plate at posterior margin 4, tarsus 33, middle toe 33, claw 2. Young. Top and back of head covered with downy black feathers; sides of head grey; chin and throat white ; breast dark turqoise-blue, flanks and abdomen violet-blue. Crissum and thighs brownish black, streaked in certain places with white. Wings and back greenish black. Rump brownish black. Bull’ red, with the culmen and lengthened spots on the mandibles near the commissure black. Frontal plate small, apparently red. Legs and feet paie red. Total length 103 inches, tarsus 22, bill at gape 1. Hab. Cochin China; Saigon (Germain) ; Bangkok (Bo- court). Four specimens of this fine species are in the collection of the Paris Museum, three adults and one young bird, obtained in different localities in Cochin China. It has probably been confounded with the P. poliocephalus, Lath., of India, which it resembles in certain portions of its plumage. ‘The present species differs in being darker on the back of the head, in having the blue of the breast of a darker shade, and especially in having the upper parts, including the entire wings, greenish black, instead of the purple back and rump and pale greenish blue wings of P. polocephalus. 'This colouring of the upper Bibliographical Notice. 99 parts is so conspicuously different in the two species, that either one can be recognized at a glance. ‘Two of the adult specimens are precisely alike; the third is a little paler upon the sides of the head; but all possess the uniform greenish black back and wings. It gives me great pleasure to bestow upon so handsome a bird the name of my friend Professor Alphonse Milne- Edwards, so well and favourably known for his many and highly important contributions to natural science, and who, in the kindest manner, has placed at my disposal all the speci- mens of this genus contained in the collection of the museum to assist me in my investigation of the group. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE. The American Paleozoic Fossils, fc. By S.A. Mitter. Large 8vo. Pp. 253. Published by the Author : Cincinnati, U.8., 1877. Tus work consists of a catalogue of the genera and species of Paleozoic Fossils found in North America, giving the names of authors, dates, places of publication, groups of rocks in which the fossils occur, and the etymology and signification of the words, together with a preliminary discourse, by Prof. E. W. Claypole, on the construction of systematic names in paleontology, and an Intro- duction by the author, on the stratigraphical geology of the Ame- rican Paleozoic rocks. This, we believe, is the latest of many useful catalogues of fossils prepared by geologists of different countries, and devoted to the consideration of either particular groups or the world-wide distri- bution of organic remains. In this case the fossils treated of are limited to those of the Paleozoic Rocks of North America, and form an extensive list of at least 1000 genera and 8000 species, besides very many names (upwards of 2000) which are either synonyms or not well determined: The organic remains here enumerated are grouped according to their Orders, the Families of which are mentioned for each division. A special feature in this work is a most praiseworthy attempt to produce the names with correct etymology and derivation. But besides those errors mentioned in the lists of corrigenda at pages 64 and 246, there are many that have escaped the author’s notice; and some of them go to prove how true his observation is that the mistake of the original name of a species is perpetuated in succes- sive transcripts ; whilst others show, as usual, the difficulty found by any one in trying to express himself in a language unknown to him. Prof. Claypole, both in his excellent essay on nomenclature and in revising a great portion of the Catalogue, has evidently worked 100 Buibliographical Notice. hard to improve the orthography of the paleontologists; and he well observes that the unfamiliarity of many with Latin and Greek, the carelessness of some who know better, and the misprints in press have been, and still are, powerful agents in making and keeping errors in scientific nomenclature. In some of the classes of fossils Mr. Miller found 25 per cent. of the names defective. False con- cord between the generic and specific words is the most frequent source of error, on account of the worker’s ignorance of Latin ; and, even if the original name be correctly rendered, a subsequent writer often alters the genus and does not adapt the trivial name to the gender of the new generic word. As Mr. Claypole had not the opportunity of seeing all the sheets of the catalogue whilst going through the press, he has carefully formed an accurate Index of the Paleozoic genera (pp. 247-253) as to their genders—a great boon to many non-classical writers. Phlegethontia, however, is set as masc. instead of fem., probably by misprint; and we think that the Latinized form Macrocheilus might pass as masc., although the Greek Macrocheilos would be neuter, and should be used instead of the former if the latter gender be desirable. So also Temnochetlus. The use of diphthongs is attended to more carefully in this than in some other paleontological works ; but Leptena (at page 7), pygmea (p. 59), hemisphericus (pp. 44, 1387, and 244), meandrina (p. 56), and Phillipastrea (p. 251) are wrong, for want of the diphthong. This is dropped by some French writers, who then make the single letter strong with an accent in their own language, and unfortu- nately ignore the diphthong in the Latin. Both French and German titles are badly quoted at pages 48, 56, 95, 193, 219, and at pp. 166, 209, 215, 220, &. Hence a wider knowledge of these modern tongues is evidently desirable. There are many slips in the etymology of names, which may be advantageously corrected in the next issue of the “ Catalogue.” Thus Aristides is surely historical, and not “mythological” (p. 166). It must be wmbel-bearing and not “umbrella-bearing” that is intended at page 60; amphi (p. 209) means “around” or ‘on both sides,” and not “doubtful.” ‘“Lithofactor” and “petrifactor ” are meant for makers of and not ‘made of” stone (p. 212); and Favosites has less to do with any “ proper name” (p. 244) than with favus, a honeycomb. Some etymologies are stretched, as “insignificant,” instead of ‘ useless,” for inutilis (p. 130); secwris, ‘‘axe-shaped,” instead of “axe”; sigillate, not ‘sealed,’ but ‘adorned with figures” (p. 212); and why should regularis mean “‘formed in bars” ? These slips and misprints constitute, however, but very slight drawbacks in the profitable use of this excellent, well-considered book by those wishing to refer to it as a trustworthy epitome of Paleozoic fossils; and the student will here find very much to help him in recognizing the value and estimating the right form and status of their scientific names. The hard pedantry, however (adopted by others besides the author of this work), of denying initial capitals to all specific names, whether nouns, proper names, or adjectives of the latter, takes away many a good and useful sign FS Miscellaneous. 101 from the non-classical student, whereby he might have been guided among apparently similar words of bewildering construction, and have seen at a glance, not only the grammatical value of the trivial name, but often the history of the determination of a species, now obscured in the featureless dog-Latin of ill-recognized nouns, and personal or geographical adjectives of doubtful aspect. In the use of proper names it wotld be well if nomenclaturists would always apply the genitive in the case of the species being named after its discoverer ; and the adjective form when some other relationship is in view, such as when a species is named in honour of some one connected with the study of the group or of the locality. Mr. Miller’s Introduction on the Stratigraphy of the North-American Paleozoic rocks is full of information on the nature of the strata and their characteristic fossils, as elucidated by the many excellent geologists of the United States, Canada, Nova Scotia, &c. The maximum thickness of the stratal groups constituting these old rocks, as here shown, 1s :— feet. WP DOMILChOWUS SEEAUR® fa ciale ace oe. S.eya, 4.4 siete « 24,100 “Dey TT ee a Pee 15,235 BY ei ATU ooo cre mia aye sive oN oKd cn 3% ses 8,000 Peer UPN scs: 5 ae cia lere is sic win oie oy hoa 48,745 Terre et AE eee ey Ces ra os din Fuca et eked oi chord yet oes 20,000 PAaren nate ee ee NS Eee ay 32,750 148,830 Even if the thickness of some of these groups be overestimated, and should portions of them be contemporaneous, yet, as some strata may have been omitted and others undervalued, the author thinks that the hypothetically vertical thickness of the whole is not likely to be less than 28 miles, and may be more, and that all but the lowest three miles are fossiliferous. He draws strong inferences as to the upspring and progress of the organic world by “ processes of evolution and the survival of the fittest,’ and insists on the enor- mous lapse of time necessary for the accumulation of the strata under notice. We are sure that this careful and well-printed Catalogue will be welcomed by all paleontologists ; and it will be especially useful in the comparative study of Silurian fossils as treated in Dr. Bigsby’s ‘Thesaurus Siluricus’ (see Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 4, vol. iii. pp. 314-317), and those of the Devonian and Carboniferous forma- tions, amassed and annotated in his forthcoming elaborate volume devoted to those fossils. MISCELLANEOUS. Preliminary Notice of a Species of Phasmide apparently possessing all the Structural Arrangements needed both for Aerial and Aquatic Respiration. By J. Woov-Mason, F.G.S. My attention has just been drawn by my friend Mr. Charles 0. Water- house, of the British Museum, to a Phasmidan insect which, of the 102 Miscellaneous. many remarkable forms of animal life that the great island of Borneo has yielded, is certainly not the least remarkable. The insect in ques- tion is closely related to the Prisopi*, but is even more profoundly modified for an aquatic life ; for it breathes not only in the ordinary fashion amongst insects by means of trachez opening by stigmata on the exterior of the body, but also by the structures known as tracheal gills. From each side'of its body, in fact, along the lower margins of the sides of the metathorax, there stand straight out five equal small but conspicuous ciliated oval plates, which, when the insect is submerged and its stigmata are closed, doubtless serve to bring the air that is thus shut up within the body into such intimate relation either with the oxygen dissolved in, or with the air in mechanical mixture with, the water as to render diffusion and con- sequently respiration possible. The only other insect known to me in which during adult life ordinary aerial respiration and respiration by tracheal gills coexist is Pteronarcys regalis, one of the Orthoptera Amphibiotica. For this remarkable form I beg to propose the name Cotylosoma dipneusticum. The insect, which is a female with rudimentary organs of flight, is between three and four inches in length. Auriferous Sand in the Neighbourhood of the Seychelle Islands. By H. J. Carrer, F.R.S. &e. Belonging to the late Dr. Bowerbank was a little pill-box partly filled with sponge-spicules, and labelled ‘“‘ Dust from the Base of Dr. Farre’s Euplectella, 26th Feb. 1857.” This sponge, designated by Prof. Owen ‘ Euplectella cucumer,” was stated by Dr. A. Farre (in whose possession it is or was) to have been “ given with other presents, by the king of the Seychelle Islands, to Captain Etheridge, R.N., in acknowledgment of some friendly services, with an intima- tion that it was one of the rarest products of these regions” (Trans. Linn. Soe. vol. xxii. p. 122); and inferring, from actual experience (‘ Annals,’ 1873, vol. xii. p. 463), thatthe “‘ dust ” would be found to contain a variety of spicule forms, indicative of so many of the sponges that must now live, or have lived, in this locality, it was | boiled during stv minutes in strong nitric acid to rid it from all cal- careous and soft substances previously to mounting in Canada balsam for more deliberate observation with the microscope. Six slides were thus made, bearing material of different degrees of fine- ness, from the most subtle that could be preserved to the coarsest in the box, when it was found to contain, as might have been expected, a quantity of sand (for the “dust” came from a mass of sea- bottom still held together in the root-spicules or beard of the Euplectelia). But what was most striking, when this sand (about, perhaps, a grain in weight) came to be examined, was the presence of minute * For an account of the habits of these animals see Andrew Murray in Ann. & Mag. Nat, Hist. 1866, 3rd ser. vol. xviii. p. 265. Miscellaneous. 103 fragments of gold and blue sapphire, to the amount apparently of one fiftieth part—the former often united with quartz, and more or less covered by an opaque uncrystalline substance of a yellow- red colour, like that about the “ gold-quartz” of California. This is the first time out of the many “ sea-bottoms ” examined from different parts of the world that I have found gold present; and as the Seychelle Islands are composed of granite, it seems to me desirable, when the opportunity offers, that they should be pro- spected for “‘ auriferous quartz.” To the different forms of sponge-spicules, which prove to me that the “dust” came from this Huplectella, I shall advert on a future occasion. On a new Marsupial from Australia. By Prof. R. Owen, F.RS. &e. The Australian marsupial, the subject of my note in the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History’ for December 1877. I have since found described in the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales,’ Sydney, 1876, p. 33, under the name of Hypsi- prymnodon moschatus, by the accomplished Curator of the Australian Museum, Sydney, E. Pierson Ramsey, F.L.S., C.M.Z.S. Metamorphosis of the Cantharis (Cantharis (Lytta) vesicatoria). By M. Licurensrer. For a long time the entomologists of all countries have sought to discover the transformations of the Cantharis. In 1837 M. Mul- sant, of Lyons, said, in his ‘ Histoire des Vesicants,’ ‘‘The study of the metamorphoses of the Cantharides will furnish the subject of a curious chapter to the naturalist who shall succeed in tracing their development.” Since this period I have investigated this question; and now, at length, I believe I can give the entire history from the egg to the upa. On the 27th of June I took numerous Cantharides from the ash, selecting fecundated females having the abdomen distended with eggs. ‘Two or three days afterwards they set to work to dig into the earth in the vessel in which I kept them, and, in the little cylindrical holes they formed, deposited masses of from fifty to sixty egos and more, agglomerated together, and of a hyaline whiteness. About seven days after the oviposition there issued from these eggs larvee, called by Léon Dufour Zriungulini, and figured by Réaumur, Ratzeburg, and Mulsant. They are 1 millim. in length, and of a dark brown colour, with the two segments of the meso- and meta- thorax and the first segment of the abdomen whitish. The abdo- men is terminated by two long filaments. This was previously known. After a thousand fruitless trials, I succeeded in getting these larvee to accept an artificial nourishment, consisting of the stomachs of bees which had just sucked the juices of flowers. These larvee 104 Miscellaneous. increased in size; and five or six days afterwards their skin split. There then appeared a perfectly different larva, of a milk-white colour, without caudal appendages, and having only very soft inte- guments in place of the coriaceous envelope which it had just thrown off. Here, again, I was obliged to feel my way to find an acceptable food ; and supposing that in nature the larve live on the concreted honey of the subterranean bees of the genera Halictus, Andrena, and their allies, I offered them honey of Osmia, and espe- cially of Ceratina, the only one I had at hand in my apiaries. Although considerably objecting to this nutriment, which evi- dently is not that intended for them by nature, my larve, finding nothing else in the glass tubes which served as their prison, ate the honey of Ceratina, grew, and moulted three times. Gradually the jaws, at first smooth and much pointed, acquire first one, and then two teeth on the inner side; the antenne change in form ; the eyes, at first very visible, disappear by degrees; and finally, in about thirty days, a larva, arrived at its full development (about 2 centims. in length), moved uneasily in its tube, indicating sufficiently that it wanted a condition indispensable to its transformation, namely the earth. I was willing enough to furnish it with this, but wished at the same time to be able to continue to observe it. I therefore took a glass tube about 2 centims. in diameter, stopped at its extremity by a piece of sponge, and 3 inches long; this I buried in the moist earth of a vessel; then, after filling it with garden mould, I put my larva into it. The latter soon set to work with ardour; by the aid of its strong legs and horny mandibles, it quickly buried itself and concealed itself from my view. This was on the 7th of September ; after waiting eight days I carefully drew out the glass tube, and, to my great joy, saw against its walls a small rounded cell in which the larva reposed. But the next day (16th September), and there- fore nine days after it had buried itself, the skin of this last larva split in its turn and left me in presence of the pseudonymph, which is common, I believe, to all the Vesicantia; that is to say, there is a true chrysalis with a coriaceous envelope surrounding the actual nymph, which will be afterwards marked out. I ought, perhaps, to have waited for the exclusion before making the present communication to the Academy ; but as the last trans- formation will not take place till towards the spring, I thought that it would be of interest to make known the Cantharis in its different forms from the egg to the pseudonymph. ‘The latter is slightly arched, of a light brown colour, with the head and feet showing themselves in the form of obtuse mamille. The skin of the larva is completely thrown off, whilst in Meloé it half envelops the pseudonymph, and in Sitaris covers it entirely *— Comptes Rendus, October 1, 1877, p. 628. * This summary will be completed in a memoir that I am preparing with M. Valéry Mayet, who is at present busy making the drawings of the different states of the insect. This paper will appear in the ‘ Annales de la Société entomologique de France.’ THE ANNALS MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. [FIFTH SERIES.] No. 2. FEBRUARY 1878. XIV.—Notes on British Spiders, with Descriptions of some new Species. By the Rev. O. P. CamsBringe, M.A., C.M.Z.8., &e. [Plate XI] My last communication on British spiders was made two years ago (Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1875, xvi. pp. 237-260, pl. viil.). Since that time numerous other avocations have pre- vented any very extended researches in British arachnology. The results, however, of my own observations, and of the kind help of some other naturalists, are subjoined. From these results I have now to record five species supposed to be new to science, and five others previously described, but only dis- covered in Great Britain during the last two years. Ten species are thus added to our list of indigenous spiders, which now reaches a total of 484 species. Details of all these additions will be found below, as well as some rectifications of syno- nymy, with observations on habits and other points conceived to be of interest to araneologists, both in respect to the new additions and to some other species also. In the communication mentioned above, I remarked upon the very scanty materials extant for any list or history of Irish spiders; and an appeal was made to Ivish naturalists to collect and send me spiders from Ireland. I have had one kind response to this from Mr. T. Workman of Belfast, who has sent me a good many spiders during the last year, all of them, however, belonging to species already known, and one only being of any rarity —Drepanodus albipunctatus, Cambr. (vide Ann, & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5, Vol. i. 8 106 Rev. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. infra, p. 115). I now await further collections, kindly pro- mised to me by Mr. Workman; and I venture again to ask other Irish naturalists to collect and send me spiders from their several localities, so that after a while I may have a fair amount of material for a ‘ List of the Spiders of Ireland.” Collectors need not be at the trouble of separating their cap- tures; all I desire is some of every kind ;, and these can be safely sent to me by post in strong half-ounce or one-ounce phials. Order ARANEIDEA. Fam. Theraphosides. Genus Atyrpus, Latr. Atypus piceus. Atypus piceus, Sulzer, Cambr. Ann. & Mag. N. H. 1875, xvi. p. 288, pl. vii. fig. 2. Atypon Sulzeri, Blackw. Spid. Great Brit. & Ireland, p. 14, pl. i. g. 1. Since the publication of my last notice of this species (J. ce. supra) no further materials have come before me for the more satisfactory determination of the synonymic position of this and our other species of the genus Atypus. I have, however, lately found a. strong colony of this spider under the over- hanging ledges of a heathy bank on Bloxworth Heath ; and examples of both sexes in the adult state have been kindly sent to me not long since from Hampstead by Mr. F. Enock of London. The remarks made (t. c. p. 240) upon the nests of A, Sulzeri, have been fully confirmed by the observations made since upon the nests dug out here, and upon those received from Mr. Enock. On one point, however, I am still in doubt; and that is, in regard to the branch occasionally found leading into, or out of, the main tube. Out of ten tubes dug out on Bloxworth Heath, four were furnished with a branch ; but no two of them exactly resemble each other, either in the size or in the position of the branch. In one instance the branch issued from the tube at about 23 inches from its lower extre- mity, and, running upwards at an acute angle, protruded from the surface among the heather-stems, exactly like the main tube and at about 3 inches from it, the branch, however, being about half the size of the tube, which measured 84 inches in length. In another instance the branch issued from the tube at about the same distance from its lower extremity, but, instead of running upwards, it ran downwards, at an acute angle, toa depth of about 2 inches, being, however, as large as, Rey. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. 107 if not rather larger than, the tube itself. In another instance (one of Mr. Enock’s Hampstead examples) the branch issues close to the surface of the ground, and appears to form merely a short supernumerary entrance to the tube: in this case the branch is no more than an inch long. I am unable to conjec- ture what the significance of these branched tubes may be. In regard tothe trapdoor spiders of South Europe, the researches of the late Mr. Moggridge appear to prove that the presence or absence of branches to the main tubes indicate specific dis- tinctions in the spiders by which they are formed; in the present instance, however, this is certainly not so. A some- what similar branching has been found to exist occasionally in the tubes of a New-Zealand species of Nemesia (N. Gilliesi?, Cambr.); but in this instance I have conjectured that, the main tube having become choked (as has been the case) with débris of insects and other extraneous matters, the for- mation of a fresh portion of tube became necessary. In the branched tubes of Atypus piceus the branches have not been in any way choked. The enlargements met with in all the larger tubes are probably intended for the reception of the egg- cocoon, and subsequently for the accommodation of the infant brood until such time as they leave the home nest and form separate tubes for themselves. In all cases that have come before me the upper (and projecting) extremity of the nest has been devoid of any perceptible orifice. It struck me at first that there might be an elasticity in that portion of the tube, which, while permitting the spider to effect its exit and return, would cause the orifice again to close. J am now inclined to think that the spider gnaws its way out, and after its return closes the orifice by fresh threads with its spinners, an opera- tion which it would perform without difficulty in a very few minutes. Before separating and spinning tubes for themselves, the young brood appear to leave the home nest and take up their residence in an irregular web spun among the surrounding herbage. This, at least, is the conclusion I come to from Mr. Enock’s finding a considerable number of young in a web on a broom-bush close to the colony in April 1876. These young were much smaller than 129 others found, in the No- vember following, within a tube. One of the tubes dug out on Bloxworth Heath in September 1877 contained, in the enlargement near its lower extremity, about 100 very small young ones. The three adult males found by Mr. Enock were all in tubes. 8* 108 Rey. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. Fam. Dictynides. Genus LretuiA, Menge. Lethia patula, sp. n. Lethia patula, Sim. (in literis). Adult female, length 2 lines. Cephalothorax oblong-oval, moderately convex above ; caput rather long; lateral margins at its junction with the thoracic segments strongly constricted, fore part rather broad and trun- cated ; occipital region rounded, and forming the highest part of the cephalothorax ; hinder slope gradual; height of the clypeus greater than the diameter of one of the fore central eyes, but less than half the height of the facial space; the normal grooves and indentations are visible, but not strongly marked. The colour of the cephalothorax is yellow-brown, darkest on the caput, glossy, and with a few coarse hairs on the upper part, chiefly towards the fore part of the caput, and on the clypeus. The eyes are of moderate dimensions, and not very unequal in size; they are disposed in four pairs, forming two nearly straight lines not far removed from each other. Those of the anterior row are separated from each other by equal intervals of about an eye’s diameter. The interval between those of the hind central pair is rather less than that between each and the lateral eye of the same row on its side; those of each lateral pair are seated obliquely on a tubercle, but are dis- tinctly separated from each other, though by a rather less in- terval than that which separates the fore and hind central pairs. The legs are short and not very strong, and their relative length is 4,1, 2,3. They are of a brownish-yellow colour with a very faint trace of darker annulations, which may perhaps be more marked in some examples than in others ; they are furnished with numerous coarse bristly hairs ; and the posterior side of the metatarsi of the fourth pair have a cala- mistrum which runs throughout almost the whole length of the joint. The palpi are of moderate length, and are similar in colour and armature to the legs. The fulces are strong, of moderate length, prominent at their base in front, straight, and perpendicular; they are of a dark yellow-brown colour, furnished with bristly hairs, and armed at their extremities on the inner side with several small teeth of different sizes. Rev. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. 109 The mawxille are rather large, of an elongate-oblong form, obliquely truncated on the outer sides at their extremity, and inclined towards the labium; they are of a yellow-brown colour, tipped with a paler hue, and furnished with coarse hairs, some of which (of a papilliform nature) from a kind of tuft at their extremities. The labiwm is of an oblong form, rounded at its apex, and about two thirds as long as the maxiile, to which it is similar in colour. . The sternum is heart-shaped, furnished with coarse hairs, and similar in colour to the cephalothorax. The abdomen is oval, and of considerable convexity on the upperside ; its colour is yellow-brown with various indistinct markings of a paler hue, many of them, however, being fur- nished with coarse whitish hairs ; it has thence a more distinctly mottled appearance. ‘Two pale longitudinal, rather broken, curved and opposed lines occupy the fore part of the upperside, and are followed (to the spinners) by several transverse angular lines or chevrons, formed of small pale spots, the terminal spot on each side being a small patch or blotch; the pale spots and markings on the sides assume a rather obliquely linear form. In front of the ordinary spinners, which are short and of a yellow-brown colour, is the supernumerary mamillary organ common to the genus. ‘The genital aperture presents the appearance of two roundish reddish-brown open- ings rather widely separated in a transverse line, and nearly concealed by coarse, dark, bristly hairs. Although very nearly allied to Lethia puta (Cambr.), and resembling it closely in general colours and appearance, this spider is easily distinguished by its much larger size and a different form of the genital aperture. The specimen from which I have made the above descrip- tion was kindly given to me by Mons. Eugene Simon, by whom it was found in the summer of 1870, at Newhaven, in Sussex. I have retained for this species the nom de cabinet under which it was sent to me by M. Simon. Lethia albispiraculis, sp.n. (Pl. XE. fig. 1.) Adult female, length 1+ line. This spider is nearly allied to Z. patula, resembling it closely in its general form, hue, and appearance; it is, how- ever, smaller; and the three examples examined are all of a darker hue and of a more closely freckled look upon the abdo- men, upon which also the spots of white hairs are very dis- tinct, though liable to be rubbed off, and so to leave only the brownish-yellow hue of the markings. A very tangible dis- 110 Rev. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. tinction is furnished by the spiracular plates beneath the fore extremity of the abdomen: these are of a bright white colour, and in some examples are shining and very con- spicuous. Three examples, all females, were found under stones on the Chesil beach, close to the Isle of Portland, in June 1875. This spider is also nearly allied to Z. puta, Cambr.; but it is rather larger, darker-coloured, and of a shorter, stouter form ; it is also easily distinguished from that species by the white spiracular plates. Fam. Drassides. Genus GNAPHOSA, Latr. Gnaphosa anglica. Gnaphosa anglica, Cambr. Linn. Trans. xxvii. p. 410, pl. 54, fig. 10. Adult and immature examples of both sexes of this rare and local species were found in parts of Bloxworth Heath from the 7th to the 16th of June, 1877. This spider secretes itself under stones, but chiefly under the dry crust formed by the desiccation of the small muddy puddles which abound wher- ever the turf has been previously pared off for fuel. In these situations there is generally, until after midsummer, the amount of dampness so essential to the life of many spiders. Genus Drassus, Walck. Drassus delinquens. Drassus delinquens, Cambr. Ann. & Mag. N. H. 1875, xvi. p. 246, pl. viii. fig. 4. An adult male and two adult females were found in similar situations to those in which the last species was found, on the 7th of June, 1877. The male differs very little in size, colour, or markings from the female (though both sexes vary considerably in re- spect to size) ; as, however, the male has not yet been described, it will be well to make one or two observations upon it. With regard to size, the length of the male found is 22 lines, that of one of the females very nearly 3 lines, the other female being just 2 lines. The palpi of the male are moderately long and tolerably strong, of a dull yellow colour, the radial and digital joints being tinged with dull orange-brown; the radial and cubital joints are short; the former is rather the shortest, and has its fore extremity on the outer side produced into a strong tapering Rey. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. 111 apophysis as long as the joint itself, and rather dilated at its extremity, very nearly resembling in this respect that of Drassus troglodytes, C. Koch. The digital joint is large, of an oval form, and longer than the radial and cubital joints together. The palpal organs are well developed, of a tumid- oval form behind, marked with two parallel fine brown circum- ferent lines; and there are some rather prominent processes towards their fore extremity. This spider is nearly allied to Drassus minusculus, LL. Koch (which appears to be rather common in France) ; but, I think, on a careful comparison of the two species, it is quite dis- tinct. The differential characters are slight ; but among them may be mentioned the closer proximity to each other of the eyes of the hind central pair, and a slight difference in the form of the genital aperture of the female. The only examples I have seen of D. minusculus, L. K., are also considerably smaller than those of D. delinquens. Drassus pubescens. Drassus pubescens, Thor. Recensio Critica Aran. Suec. p. 100, and Syn. Europ. Spid. p. 208; L. Koch, Die Arachn.-Fam. der Drassid. p. 128, tab. v. figs. 77-79; O, P. Cambridge, Trans. Linn. Soc. XXVill. p. 439. A adult male of this rare and distinct spider was found, under the dry crust formed in small hollows on Bloxworth Heath, by the drying up of the muddy water contained in them, on the 16th of June, 1877. This is only the second example of the species yet found in England; and it enables me to fix the time of its occurrence, which I was unable to do in regard to the former example recorded in Linn. Trans. (. c. supra). Drassus bulbifer. sie bulbifer, Cambr. Proc. Zool. Soc. June 1874, p. 386, pl. li. g. 18. An adult male of this spider was found at Lulworth, in Dorsetshire, in June 1877, and kindly sent to me by Mr. C. W. Dale, of Glanviile’s Wootton. The type of the species, described J. c. supra, was received among a number of spiders of many kinds collected by the late Mr. Richard Beck, of Cornhill, London. Being, at the time when these were sent to me, under the impression that some of them were obtained on the continent of Europe, I concluded that the example of D. bulbifer was a continental one. I have since had occasion to doubt this, and I feel convinced now that they were all English specimens. Some were, I know, found near London and others at Hastings; it is probable that the example 112 Rey. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. referred to of the present spider was from this latter locality ; at any rate the example found by Mr. Dale settles the ques- tion of its being a British spider. So far as I am aware, it is not yet known on the continent. It cannot be mistaken for any, as yet known, British species of Drassus ; its black abdo- men marked with six pale spots clothed with white hairs on the upperside, and its yellow legs, the femora of the first two pairs being black, render it a very striking and distinct- looking spider. Between the four anterior white spots on the abdomen is a large, oblong-oval, shining, deep-brown-black patch. Genus CLuBIONA, Latr. Clubiona cerulescens. Clubiona cerulescens, L. Koch, Die Arachn.-Fam. der Drassid. p. 331, pl. xiii. figs. 213-215. ' Clubiona voluta, Cambr. Journ, Linn. Soc. xi, p. 583, pl. xiv. fig. 3. When this spider was described under the last-mentioned name I had not had an opportunity of examining the female of C. cerulescens, L. K.; [have now no doubt of the identity of these two spiders. A second British example of the female was found at Bloxworth several years ago, and overlooked for the time among a number of others of the same genus. Genus CHEIRACANTHIUM, C. Koch. Chetracanthium nutri. Cheiracanthium nutrix, Westy. Avan. Suec. p. 878 ; Cambr. Trans. Linn. Soc. xxviii. p. 531, pl. xlvi. fig. 4. The only British examples of this spider yet recorded were found in Lancashire and in Scotland; lately, in September 1877, one was found on Bloxworth Heath, by my son Robert Jocelyn. Genus AGRG@CA. Agraca brunnea. Agelena brunnea, Bl. Spid. Great Brit. & Irel. p. 159, pl. x. fig. 102. This is the spider to which is attributed the little white pear-shaped egg-cocoons attached to grass-stems, rushes, and other portions of low herbage, and frequently found in nume- rous localities. It is probable, however, that (in the south of England, at all events) the greater number of these are formed by an-allied species, A. proaima, Cambr., this last species being an abundant one, while A. drunneais very rare. During many years I have never found more than three or four ex- Rev. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. 113 amples of A. brunnea, A. proxima being for a long time mistaken for it. In spite of the frequent occurrence of the little egg-cocoons referred to, as well as of the last-mentioned spider, I have never yet been able satisfactorily to connect them together. ‘T’he cocoons are covered over, very soon after they are made and the eggs deposited in them, with a coating of clay, which effectually destroys all their form and beauty. This coating of clay answers probably two ends: —first, the con- cealment of the cocoon and its protection from insect enemies ; and, secondly, the protection of the eggs from the too powerful rays of the sun, dry clay being (as is well known) one of the best non-conductors of heat. An adult female of A. brunnea was found at Bloxworth, Dorset, on the 2nd of June, 1876, and an adult male was received, in November 1877, from Mr. C. W. Dale, by whom it was found a short time previously at Glanville’s Wootton, Dorset. A. W. M. Van Hasselt, in a long paper upon the little pear-shaped cocoons referred to (Tijdschr. Ent. xix. pp. 28-42, pl. i. 1876), comes to the conclusion that there are certainly two, if not more, species of Agraca by which they are con- structed ; the cocoons differing perhaps in size, and the external coating of clay being possibly of specific importance. Genus Le1ocranum, L. Koch. Leiocranum prelongipes. Drassus prelongipes, Cambr. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. June 1861. Leiocranum prelongipes, Cambr. Trans. Linn. Soc. xxviii. p. 489, pl. xxxiil. fig. 4. On the 22nd of June, 1877, I met with this hitherto very rare spider in abundance among the coarse star-grass on the sand-hills close to the sea at Studland, Dorsetshire. Both sexes were present; but none had quite attained maturity. Fam. Agelenides. Genus 'T'EGENARIA, Latr. Tegenaria campestris. Tegenaria campestris, Walck. Ins. Apt. tom. ii. p. 9; C. Koch, Die Arachn. viii. p. 34, pl. 263. figs. 615, 616; Cambr. Zool. for 1861, p. 7559, and Trans. Linn, Soc. xxviii. p. 443, Adults of both sexes were found under old casks and among logs of wood in a fuel-house at Bloxworth in December 1876. Up to that time I had met with this spider but rarely, and always out of doors. I have more lately received it from Mr. 114 Rev. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. C. W. Dale, by whom adult females were found at Glanville’s Wootton, Dorset. Fam. Pholcides. Pholcus phalangioides, Fuessl. An opportunity occurring not long since of observing the mode in which this spider secured its prey, the following notes upon it will perhaps be worth recording. A fly of tolerable size became entangled among the outer lines of the snare ; the spider immediately approached, but no nearer than just to reach the fly with the legs of the hinder (or fourth) pair; it then drew silken lines from its spinners, and secured them to the fly with the same legs; this was immediately followed by a rapid alternate winding action upon the fly, effected also by the hinder pair of legs, occasionally assisted by one of those of the third pair; the fly was thus quickly and completely wound up, and then at once carried off to the recesses of the snare in the claws of the fourth pair of legs. No bite was inflicted upon the fly, which possibly may have been thus kept a living captive for days to come in the spider’s larder. A very similar mode of securing their prey is also adopted by some species of Epeirides. Fam. Theridiides. Genus Puotcomma, Thor. Pholecomma gibbum, Westr. Theridion projectum, Cambr. Zoologist, 1862, p. 7962. An adult male and female of this curious little spider were found in the sheltered angle of a verandah at Bloxworth on the 19th of February, 1877, and another male in the same situation on the 10th of April following. These examples had probably lived through the winter in the adult state; those captured in former years were generally found adult from the beginning to the end of summer, and at the roots of heather. Genus THERIDION, Walck. Theridion familiare. Theridion famiare, Cambr. Trans. Linn. Soc. xxvii. p. 418, pl. 55. fig. 15. Adults of both sexes were found in the angles of the wood- work of doors of outbuildings at Bloxworth Rectory on the 12th of July, 1877. I have not met with this spider in any Rev. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. 115 other locality ; nor has it yet been noted upon the continent of Europe. Theridion tepidartorum. Theridion tepidariorum, C. Koch, Die Arachn.; O. P. Cambridge, Entomologist, July 1877, vol. x. p. 175. On the 12th July, 1877, I met with an adult male of this species in the porch of Bloxworth Rectory. This example is very much smaller than those usually found in greenhouses and hothouses, and it is only the second example I have ever found in any other than these situations (conf. ‘ Entomo- logist,’ x. p. 175, where an adult male is recorded as found in a carrot-bed in the kitchen garden at Bloxworth; this spe- cimen is still smaller than the one found in the porch). It is probably a spider of great delicacy of constitution, and there- fore of great rarity, except in such favourable situations as a greenhouse or hothouse, where it would naturally thrive well and grow to a comparatively large size. Genus ERIGONE, Savigny. Evrigone (Neriene, Bl.) longipalpis. Neriene longipalpis, Sund. ; Cambr. Linn. Trans, xxviii. p. 447, pl. 34. figs, 23, 24, Adults of both sexes of this spider were found, under débris &c., on the sands near the seashore at Studland, on the 22nd of June, 1877. I have hitherto found this species very rarely in the south of England, the more abundant (though very closely allied) forms being Hrigone dentipalpis, Westr., and E. atra, Bl., both of which also occurred at Studland and in a similar situation. Erigone (Nertene) Clarkii. Neriene Clarki, Cambr. Linn. Trans. xxvii. p. 441, pl. 56. fig. 20, and Ann. & Mag. Nat, Hist., Oct. 1875, p. 246. An adult male of this rare spider was found under a piece of old board in the garden at Bloxworth, on the 24th of May, 1877. Erigone (Drepanodus, Menge) albipunctata. Neriene albipunctata, Cambr. Linn. Trans, xxviii. p. 451, pl. 34. fig. 15, and p. 541. An adult male and female were found among the coarse star-grass and other herbage on the sand-hills near the sea at Studland in June 1877. These are the first females I have met with; and they differ from the male only in the absence 116 Rey. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. of the great development of the falces so conspicuously cha- racteristic of that sex. I have lately received an adult male of this spider from Mr. T. Workman, by whom it was found and kindly sent to me from the neighbourhood of Belfast. Erigone (Walckenaéra, Bl.) erythropus. Watckenaéra borealis, Cambr. Zoologist for 1862, p. 7967. W. erythropus, Menge, Cambr. Linn. Trans. xxviil. p. 453. , An adult male of this rare species was found among star- grass on the Studland sand-hills in June 1877. Erigone (Walckenaéra, Bl.) affinitata. Walckenaéra affinitata, Cambr. Zoologist, 1863, p. 8591; éd. Linn. Trans. xxvill. p. 454. In company with the last spider I also found a single example of the adult male of this very rare and distinct species. Erigone (Walckenaéra) atro-tibialis, sp. n. (Pl. XI. fig. 3.) Adult female, length 1 line. The cephalothorax is oval; the lateral constrictions on the margins of the caput are not very strong; but when looked at in profile there is a deep curved notch or indentation, caused by the slight elevation of the upper part of the caput and the rather unusual elevation of the thoracic junction. The colour of the cephalothorax is yellow; the caput and normal indentations strongly suffused with black. The eyes are on black spots and in two transverse and almost equally curved rows, forming an oval figure; the fore- most row is the shortest. The interval between those of the hind central pair is slightly less than that between each and the hind lateral eye next to it. The eyes of the fore central pair are nearly but not quite contiguous to each other, and appear to be rather the largest of the eight, the rest being very nearly of equal size. ‘The fore laterals are very near to (though distinctly separated from) the fore centrals; those of each lateral pair are contiguous to each other and are placed obliquely on a slight tubercle. The height of the clypeus is equal to half that of the facial space. The legs are moderately long, slender, not greatly differ- ing in length; their relative length appears to be 4, 1, 2, 3; they are furnished with coarse hairs and a few erect slender bristles, and are of a yellow colour, the tibiz of all four pairs ‘being black. The palpi are moderate in length and strength ; the radial Rev. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. 117 joint is nearly equal in length to the digital, and enlarges gradually from its hinder to its fore extremity, where its size is the same as that of the base of the digital joint. Their colour and armature are like those of the legs. The falces are moderately strong, rather long, perpendicular, and a little divergent at their extremities, and their colour is yellowish suffused with sooty brown. The mawxille, labtum, and sternum are similar in colour to the falees. The mazille are rather strong, short, inclined to the labium, but straight. The abdomen is oval, thinly clothed with hairs, and of a sooty-black colour, strongly tinged with dull yellowish on the sides and underneath. The form of the genital aperture (fig. 38, c) is characteristic and conspicuous. A single adult female of this species was found, on the 14th of June 1876, among dead leaves in a wood at Bloxworth. It differs rather from the typical Walckenaére in the form of the maxille, but in no other respects sufficiently to justify its removal from that group. Genus Linypuia, Latr. Linyphia? incerta, sp.n. (Pl. XI. fig. 2.) Adult female, length 1 line. This spider is very nearly allied to LZ. oblonga, Cambr. (Trans. Linn. Soc. xxvii. p. 433). It is, however, larger and darker-coloured, though resembling that species very closely in general form and appearance. It may be distinguished readily by the larger size of the eyes, which, instead of being, as in L. oblonga, all of a pearly-white colour, have those of the fore central pair of a dark hue. The relative position of the eyes is the same in both species. The height of the clypeus exceeds half that of the facial space. The legs are long, slender, their relative length being 4,1, 2,3. They are furnished with bristly hairs and long, fine, prominent spines ; the length of the spine near the poste- rior extremity of the tibiee of the fourth pair is equal to (if it does not exceed) three times the diameter of the joint. The palpi are rather long, slender, and furnished with hairs and spine-like bristles. The falces are long, strong, prominent at their base in front, and strongly directed backwards towards the mawille. These, as well as the labéwm and sternum, are similar to those of L. oblonga. The abdomen is of an oblong-oval form, rather flattened, and projects considerably over the base of the cephalothorax. 118 Rev. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. It is of a dull brownish-yellow colour, with a somewhat darker tapering stripe along the middle of the fore half of the upperside. It is fairly clothed with coarse hairs of a darker colour than the abdomen itself. The genital aperture is large and conspicuous ; its form is that of a circle with a portion (less than half) cut off; and it is suffused with red-brown and placed at the hinder part of a circular shining prominence. The spinners are partially concealed by the projecting around them of the somewhat folded integument of the hinder extre- mity of the abdomen, which shows very strongly several suc- cessive transverse folds of the skin, indicating doubtless the once segmented condition of the abdomen in the primeval spider. A single example of this species was found by myself on the wall of the village school at Bloxworth, on the 5th of June, 1877. I have included this spider doubtfully in the genus Liny- phia, to which L. oblonga was referred by Dr. L. Koch on account of the spines on the legs. I have still, however, the same doubts as to the generic position of the present spider which I expressed in the description of L. oblonga (l.c. supra). Linyphia furtiva. Linyphia furtiva, Cambr. Linn. Trans. xxvii. p. 425, pl. 55. fig. 20. An adult male and two females were found among star- grass on the Studland sand-hills in June 1877. I had only met with it previously (and that very rarely) on Bloxworth Heath. Linyphia parvula, Westr. Linyphia longipes, Cambr. Linn. Trans. xxvii. p. 430, pl. 55. fig. 24. Two adult males were found among low herbage in a plan- tation on Muston Down, near Bloxworth, on the 11th of June, 1877. It had previously only been found (as British) in Lancashire. It is nearly allied to LZ. aéria, Cambr. (vide Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1875, vol. xvi. p. 252). Linyphia linguata. Linyphia linguata, Camby. Linn. Trans. xxviii. p. 537, pl. 46. fig. 8. During the summer of 1877 I received an adult female of this spider from Mr. C. W. Dale, by whom it was found at Glanville’s Wootton ; the only previous occurrence of it was near Berwick-on-Tweed, in the spring of 1872 (/. c. supra). Rey. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. 119 Fam. Epeirides. Genus ZILLA, Koch. Zilla acalypha, var. (Pl. XI. fig. 4.) aa ian Walck. Ins. Apt. ii. p. 50; Thorell, Syn. Eur. Spid. Pp. . Female adult, length 2 lines. The cephalothorax is rather strongly constricted on the lateral margins at the junction of the thorax and caput; this latter is rather produced, and the thoracic portion rounded, with the normal grooves and indentations well-marked ; the highest point of the thorax is (when looked at in profile) rather higher than the upper part of the caput, the interval being depressed. The height of the clypeus is about equal to half that of the facial space. The colour of the cephalothorax is yellow. The margins, as well as a strong central longitu- dinal tapering bar reaching from just behind the eyes to the thoracic junction, black. The eyes are in four pairs, seated on black tubercles: those of the two central pairs form a rectangle whose length is greater than its width, the hind centrals being larger than the fore centrals; those of each lateral pair are rather further from the hind laterals than these are from each other; when looked at sideways the lateral pairs range more nearly in a straight line with the hind than with the fore centrals, these latter being placed on a rather strong prominence. The legs are moderate in length and strength ; their relative length (as well as strength) is 1, 2,4, 3; they are similar in colour to the cephalothorax, and are armed with not very strong spines; the femora are longitudinally but obscurely marked on the outer side with two almost confluent or diffused sooty lines ; and the rest of the joints, particularly the tibie, are spotted and blotched with black. The palp? are rather slender, moderate in length, and similar in colour and markings to the legs. The falces are short and moderately strong, conical, directed backwards, and strongly suffused with brown. The maxille and labium are of normal form, of a dark black-brown colour, tipped with yellowish. The sternum is also of a similar colour. The abdomen is large, of an oval form, rather pointed in front, where it projects greatly over the base of the cephalo- thorax ; the upperside is of a yellowish-white or cream-colour, marked with a very distinctly defined, black marking, oblong behind, and continued almost to the fore extremity in the form 120 Rey. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. of a stripe, whose fore part runs off to a point and has a pro- minently projecting point on each side, making it of a some- what flewr-de-lys form ; on each side near the fore extremity is also another curved black marking ; the oblong black area has four white spots near the middle in two pairs, forming an oblong figure; the foremost pair are much the largest. The sides are dark brown, marked obscurely, but somewhat ob- liquely, with two black stripes towards the hinder part; the underside forms a black area bounded on each side with a broken longitudinal stripe formed by some yellowish-white blotches. The example above described was found and kindly for- warded to me by Mr. C. W. Dale from the Isle of Portland, in September 1877. It appears to me to be only a variety of Zilla acalypha, Walck. ; but its markings are so very distinctly and strongly defined that I have been induced to figure it and to describe it at length: out of many hundred examples of the species that have come under my notice (both British and continental European) no such variety has ever been before observed. N.B. The legs of the first two pairs in the figure (fig. 4, Pl. XI.) are rather too short. Epewra Westringti. Epeira Westringii, Thorell, Recensio Critica Aranearum, p. 106; zd. Syn. Eur. Spid. pp. 22, 548. This spider is closely allied to H. cucurbitina, Clk., resem- bling it remarkably in general appearance, structure, and colour; it may, however, be distinguished without difficulty (in the male sex at least) by the absence of the two dark longi- tudinal bands on the cephalothorax, and by the smaller size of the digital joints of the palpi (including the palpal organs) ; these latter are also a little different in their structure. I cannot at present lay hold of any such tangible distinctions between the females of H. Westringit and E. cucurbitina. Dr. Thorell remarks (Syn. Eur. Spid. p. 549) upon the difficulty of distinguishing these, and the more especially as there is another species (not yet found in England), £. alpica, L. Koch, equally closely allied to both those other spiders. An adult male and, I believe, a female also were received at the end of June 1877 from Mr. C. W. Dale, by whom they were found at Glanyille’s Wootton. This is its first record as British. Epetra adianta, C. Koch. Males and females of this beautiful spider (all, however, im- Rey. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. 121 mature) were found, in their orbicular snares, at Lulworth, in June 1877. Ihave met with it also in various other localities ; and probably it would be found sparingly in most of the wild heathy districts of the south of England. Epetra diademata, Clerck. It would be interesting to ascertain exactly at what period the young of this common spider begin to construct the orbicular snare characteristic of the family to which it be- longs. On the 18th of May I found a brood of young which had effected their first change of integument; but they were still living in a certain sort of community, and spinning only irregular lines fixed in various directions to the sur- rounding plants. Genus CyrToPpHora, Sim. Cyrtophora conica. Sd i Walck., Blackw. Spid. Great Brit. & Irel. p. 362, pl. xxvii. On the 30th of May 1876 I discovered a very beautiful and perfect web of this spider, spun between the leaves of a pear- tree, the adult female occupying,as usual, the centre of the snare. Observing an unusual appearance in the web near her, I found on a close examination that a space above an inch in length, both above and below the centre of the snare, and en- closed between two adjoining radii, was warped across andacross and wound about with white flocculus of an adhesive nature, very similar to that found on the linesof the snareof Amaurobius ferox, C. Koch. Ona very slight movement of the web the spider raised itself upon the extremities of its tarsi, and by means of a strong muscular movement, aided no doubt by its own weight, imparted to itself a rapid vibratory motion for half a minute or more, repeating it on each disturbance of the web. I have noticed similar vibrations in some other Epeirids and also in Pholcus phalangioides. The vibration is proba-~ bly intended to shake any insect entangled slightly in the outskirts of the snare still further into it; and the adhesive flocculus is doubtless to aid in the entanglement when the final struggle comes. Genus Xysticus, C. Koch. Xysticus versutus. Thomisus versutus, Blackw. Spid. Gr. Brit. & Irel. p. 88, pl. 1v. fig. 49. Thomisus pallidus, Bl. 1. c. p. 82, pl. iv. fig. 48. Xysticus horticola, C. Koch, Die Arachn. iv. p. 74, tab. 129. figs. 296- 298. ; After a very careful examination of the types of this spider Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. i. 9 122 Rey. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. and a comparison with the type of Yysticus pallidus, Bl., and examples of X. horticola, C. Koch (the latter received from Dr. L. Koch), I feel no doubt whatever that these three species are identical. The form of the projections at the outer extremity of the radial joint of the male palpus is very stri- king, and presents a curiously differing appearance from every fresh point of view. This has, no doubt, in great measure, led to the mistaking of the different individuals for different species. X. pallidus is simply the pale (and only slightly spotted) variety. Dr. L. Koch agrees with me in considering the three spiders mentioned above to be of one species; but Dr. Thorell still doubts the identity of 7. versutus, Bl., and X. horticola, C. Koch. Xysticus sanctuarius. oe sanctuarius, Cambr. Trans. Linn. Soc. xxvii. p. 405, pl. 54. g. 8. Several examples of the adult male of this spider were received in September 1877 from Mr. C. W. Dale, by whom they were found at Lulworth, Dorset. It had previously only been found at Bloxworth. It appears to have been also found recently in several localities in France. (See Oxyptila sane- twarta, K. Simon, ‘ Arachnides de France,’ vol. ii. p. 217.) Genus THOMISUS. Thomisus onustus, Walck. Thomisus abbreviatus, Bl. Brit. & Ir. Spid. p. 90, pl. iv. fig. 54; Walck. Ins. Apt. tom. i. p. 516. An immature female and male of this rare and pretty spider were received, in September 1877, from Mr. C. W. Dale, by whom they were found near Wareham, Dorset. Genus PutLopromus, Walck. Philodromus lineatipes, sp.n. (Pl. XI. fig. 5.) Female immature, length 1 line. In its general form and structure this spider resembles P. aureolus, Clk. The cephalothorax is of a dull brownish- yellow colour, marked on the sides (and on the upper part of the caput, between the eyes) with rather reddish brown, chiefly following the direction of the normal indentations ; the ocular region has a few strong bristly hairs upon it. The eyes are placed on slight tubercles, in the form of a crescent; they are small and differ very little in size. The interval between those of the hind central pair is greater Rev. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. 123 than that between each and the hind lateral eye on its side; and a similar relative distance (though not to so great an extent) obtains in regard to the eyes of the front row. The four central eyes form a quadrangular figure, whose foremost side is the shortest, and its posterior side the longest. The legs are short and moderately strong; those of the hinder pair were wanting; but those of the first are rather shorter those of the second and third, while these last two appear to differ very little in length; their colour is pale yellowish tinged with brown, the femora, genua, and tibie being pretty distinctly marked with one or two longitudinal reddish-brown stripes, and they are furnished with hairs and bristles. The palp? are similar in colour and armature to the legs. The falces, maxille, labtum, and sternum are similar in colour to the legs. The abdomen is of a short oval form, broader towards the hinder part than in front ; it is of a dull yellowish red-brown hue marked with some whitish markings onthe upperside: those on the fore part leave a longitudinal tapering central stripe ; and those on the hinder part form several ill-defined transverse curved lines. A single example was contained among the spiders for- warded to me several years ago, from Scotland, by Mr. J. W. H. Traill. I have hesitated hitherto to describe it as a new species, owing to the immaturity of the specimen. It is evi- dently allied to P. aureolus, Clk., and to P. cespiticolis, Walck. ; but the striped legs appearing to me to distinguish it satisfactorily from these species, I now describe it, in the confident expectation that, when adults have been found, my view of its specific distinctness will be fully confirmed. Genus THANATUS, C. Koch. Thanatus hirsutus. Philodromus hirsutus, Camby. Zoologist, 1863, p. 8565; zed. Trans. Linn. Soe. xxviii. p. 438. An adult male and several adult females were found on the 22nd of June, 1877, at the roots of star-grass and other herbage on the Studland sand-hills. The male being new to science, I add here a few notes upon it. Adult male, length rather over 14 line. The pattern on both the cephalothorax and abdomen is simi- lar to that of the female (fully described /. c. supra); upon the abdomen, however, it is much obscured by the paler parts being ofa slightly sooty-grey hue, caused in some measure by 9 e 124 Rey. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. grey hairs; and the whole spider is of a rather darker hue ; the legs also are longer. The palpi are short; the radial and cubital joints are very short ; the former is a little shorter than the latter, and has not, so far as I can make out, any promi- nence or apophysis at the outer extremity ; the digital joint is of a narrow oval form, and exceeds in length the radial and cubital joints together; the palpal organs are simple, con- sisting of a largish rather prominent oval lobe, with a small prominent corneous process near their fore extremity. M. Simon writes (‘ Arachnides de France,’ 11. 1875, p. 330), “This species is common on the sand-hills ‘de la baie de Somme ;’ it takes up its abode on the sand at the base of large grassy tufts. ‘The male is unknown.” Fam. Lycosides. Genus Pirata, Sund. Pirata Knorrit, Scop. Pirata Knorru, Cambr. Entomologist, 1877, p. 204. Dr. L. Koch, of Nuremberg, has kindly sent me an example of this species, received by him from the Isle of Arran. It is nearly allied to, but quite distinct from, P. piraticus, Clk. & Blackw. Dr. Thorell (Syn. Europ. Spid. pp. 343, 344) gives the distinctions between P. Knorrdi and P. piraticus at full length, as well as the difference of the former from P. hygro- philus, Thor.,=Lycosa piscatoria, Bl. This spider will probably be found dispersed over the marshy districts of the Scotch Highlands. Genus TARENTULA, Sund. Tarentula aculeata, Clerck. Tarentula aculeata, Cambr. Entomologist, 1877, p. 205. This spider has hitherto been confused with 7. pulverulenta, Clk. =Lycosa rapax, Blackw.; it is, however, a much larger spider, though resembling it very nearly in colours and mark- ings; the legs are also proportionally longer. The differ- ences in this latter respect are given in full detail by Dr. Thorell (vide Syn. Europ. Spid. p. 327). It is only lately (J. c. supra) that ZT. aculeata has been recorded as a British species, from examples found at Braemar, and kindly given to me by Mr. J. W. H. Traill, of the Uni- versity of Aberdeen; it will probably be some day found generally dispersed over the Highlands of Scotland. Dr. L. Koch, of Nuremberg, has received it from the Isle of Arran. Rev. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. 125 Tarentula trabalis, Clerck. Lycosa trabalis, Clk., Simon, Arachn. de France, iii. p. 257. An immature female of this distinct species was received in January 1877 from Mr. Edward Parfitt, of Exeter, by whom it was found near that city, and kindly sent to me for determi- nation. Mons. Eugéne Simon, to whom it was subsequently sub- mitted, is also of opinion that it is the same as L. trabalis, Clk., found by himself abundantly in France (vide l. c. supra). It has not before been recorded in Great Britain. The only known British species to which it bears any near resemblance in the general character of its markings is Taren- tula pulverulenta, Clk. (=Lycosa rapazx, Bl.). It may, however, be easily distinguished from that species, in all its stages, by the yellow hue of the whole spider, and espe- cially by the clearly defined, broad, dark, yellow-brown, lateral longitudinal bands on the cephalothorax. The legs are yellow, the femora being annulated with brown. In the adult state its much larger size will distinguish it without difficulty from L. rapax, Bi. Genus Lycosa, Latr. (Cambr.). Lycosa proxima. (Pl. XI. fig. 6.) shatpces proxima, C. Koch, Die Arachn. xv. p. 58, pl. 517. figs. 1453, This spider is nearly allied to Z. obscura, Bl., L. riparia, C. Koch, and Z. prativaga, L. Koch; and a close comparison of its palpi and palpal organs is necessary in order to distin- guish it satisfactorily. It is, however, quite distinct from all these ; and among other marks of distinction may be noted the longer and more slender palpi of the male and the legs only annulated on the femoral joints. In the figure given of the palpal organs (fig. 6, ) the peculiar structure of those parts, which differs distinctly from that of the other species men- tioned, may be seen. This spider occurs not uncommonly in my kitchen-garden at Bloxworth, in the months of April and May; and I met with both sexes in abundance among low herbage on damp flats near the sea at Studland on the 22nd June, 1877. It is now recorded for the first time as a British species. Lycosa monticola, Clerck. Lycosa monticola, Clk., Cambr. Linn, Trans. xxvii. p. 398. Until this year (1877) I have met with this spider only occasionally in Dorsetshire; but on the 11th of June last 126 Rev. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. I found it in abundance, both males and females, in the adult state, running about actively on the closely fed and extensive downs between Bloxworth and Blandford; none had yet their ege-sacs attached to the spinners. Lycosa herbigrada, Blackw. On the 15th and 16th of June, 1877, I had opportunities of observing the egg-sacs of this spider shortly after their commencement ; these consisted each of a hollow disk of pure white silk; some were further advanced towards completion than others; and although the parent spider was with each of the cocoons, none had been yet attached to the spinners. The deposition of eggs in the cocoon probably takes but a very short time, and is most likely effected soon after the sac has at- tained a hemispherical form. ‘The operation of spinning the opposite silken hemisphere over the eggs would be quickly performed ; and the egg-sac is no doubt then at once attached to the spinners. The sac is of a pure white colour until the eges are placed in it; it then assumes the greenish-olive tint usually observed when afterwards the spider bears it about with her until the young are hatched. The operation of making the egg-sac, laying the eggs in it, and completing it takes place usually under a stone, or beneath the dried crust of previous muddy puddles. Lycosa herbigrada, although local, is an abundant spider on some parts of the heaths in the south of England, and is one of the prettiest and most distinctly marked of all our indi- _genous species. It has been found in Sweden and Germany, but does not appear to have been yet met with in France (vide E. Simon, Arachn. de France, tome ili. p. 323). Lycosa annulata. Lycosa annulata, Thor., Cambr. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1875, xvi. p- 256, pl. viii. fig. 10. Pardosa hortensis, Sim. Arachnides de France, iii. p. 343. When this spider was first recorded as a British species I was not able to fix any special locality for it. The examples found in my collection were obtained from Portland and at Bloxworth, or in the neighbourhood, but were mixed up with and mistaken for Lycosa amentata, Clk.; I have, however, during the past season, from the 11th to the end of May, found both sexes in the adult state, in tolerable abundance, in Bere- wood, near Bloxworth, at the Yarrells, Lytchett Minster, near Poole, and in other wooded localities in the neighbourhood. It will probably be found to be one of the most abundant Rev. O. P. Cambridge on British Spiders. 127 species of Zycosa in the woods and waste grounds of the south of England, as it also is, in similar situations, in most parts of France. - Fam. Salticides. Genus HaAsarius, Simon. Hasarius citus. Salticus citus, Cambr. Zoologist, 1863, p. 8561. An adult male of this spider was kindly sent to me ina living state for determination, in 1873, by Mr. F. Smith (of the British Museum). This example was found, I understood, among the botanical collections in the museum, and hence might be considered to have been imported from abroad among some dried plants. In October last (1877) another adult example of the same sex was received from the Rey. A. E. Eaton; this latter example was captured in an orchid- house at the Kew Gardens, where it was most probably intro- duced with exotic plants. This spider must therefore, so far as our present evidence goes, be considered merely an imported species. It is very nearly allied to Hasarius Adansonii, Savigny, but, I think, is distinct from it. This latter species is found in France, Spain, Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Greece, Mauritius, and Bombay. I have undoubted examples of H. eitus from Manilla; and it is possible that it may eventually turn out to be only an unusually distinctly marked variety of H, Adansoniti. Genus Marprssa, C. Koch. Marpessa pomatia. Marpessa pomatia, Walck., Simon, Arachn. de France, iii. p. 26. Salticus Blackwall, Clark, Blackw. Hist. Spid. Great Brit. and Irel. p- 62, pl. iii. fig. 34. I have lately received from M. Simon both sexes of MW. pomatia, Walck. ; and, atter a careful comparison of the two, I feel no doubt whatever that it is identical with Salticus Blackwallit, Clark. The single example found at Southport, Lancashire, and which formed the type of Mr. Hamlet Clark’s species, still remains the only recorded British speci- men. It is also a rare spider in France. The palpi and palpal organs of the male are exceedingly remarkable in their development. List of the Spiders noted and described. Atypus piceus, Sulz., p. 106. Lethia albispiraculis, sp.n., p. 109, Lethia patula, sp. n., p. 108. Pi. Xl figet. 128 Gnaphosa anglica, Cambr., p. 110. Drassus delinquens, Cambr., p. 110. pubescens, Thorell, p. 111. bulbifer, Cambr., p. 111. Clubiona cerulescens, L. Koch, p. 112. Cheiracanthium nutriz, Westr., p. 112. Agreca brunnea, Blackw., p. 112. Leiocranum prelengipes, Cambr., p. 113. Tegenaria campestris, W alck., p. 113. Pholcus phalangioides, Fuessl., p.114. Pholcomma gibbum, Westr., p. 114. Theridion familiare, Cambr., p. 114. —— tepidariorum, C. Koch, p. 115. Erigone longipalpis, Sund., p. 115. Clarku, Cambr., p. 115. albipunctata, Cambr., p. 115. erythropus, Cambr., p. 116. affinitata, Cambr., p. 116. XI. fig Linyphia incerta, sp. n., p. 117, Pl. XI. fig. 2. atro-tibialis, sp.n., p. 116, Pl. XI. fig. 3. Mr. H. J. Carter on Sponges from the Linyphia furtiva, Cambr., p. 118. parvula, Westr., p. 118. linguata, Cambr., p. 118. Zilla acalypha, Walck., var., p. 119, Pl. XI. fig. 4. Epeira Westringut, Thorell, p. 120. adianta, C. Koch, p. 120. diademata, Clerck, p. 121. Cyrtophora conica, Walck, p. 121. Aysticus versutus, Blackw., p. 121. sanctuartus, Cambr., p. 122. Thomisus onustus, Walck., p. 122. Philodromus lineatipes, sp. n., p. 122, Pl, Al ag. 5. Thanatus hirsutus, Cambr., p. 123. Pirata Knorrti, Scop., p. 124. Tarentula aculeata, Clk., p. 124. trabalis, Clk., p. 126. Lycosa proxima, C. Koch, p. 125, Pl XP ne 6. montrcola, Clk., p. 125. herbigrada, Blackw., p. 126. annulata, Thorell, p. 126. Hasarius citus, Cambr., p. 127. Marpessa pomatia, Walck., p.127. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XI. Fig. 1. Lethia albispiraculis, sp.n., 2, p. 109: a, spider, magnified; 6, profile of cephalothorax ; c, eyes and part of falces, from in front; d, tarsus and metatarsus of right leg of fourth pair, showing calamistrum ; e, natural length of spider. Fig. 2. Linyphia incerta, sp.n., 9, p.117: a, spider, enlarged ; 6, profile ; c, eyes and falces, from in front; d, genual and tibial joints of leg of fourth pair, showing the spines; e, maxille and labium; Ff, genital aperture ; g, natural length of spider. Fig. 3. Lrigone atro-tibiahs, sp. nu.. 2, p. 116: a, spider, magnified ; b, profile ; c, genital aperture ; d, natural length of spider. Fig. 4. Zilla acalypha, Walck., var. 2, p. 119: a, spider, enlarged ; b, profile ; c, eyes, from in front; d, natural length of spider. Fig. 5. Philodromus lineatipes, sp. n., 2, p. 122: a, spider, enlarged; b, eyes, from behind ; ¢, natural length. Fig. 6. Lycosa proxima, C. Koch, g, p. 125: a, spider, enlarged; 8, digital joint and palpal organs, highly magnified; c, genital aperture of 2; d, natural length of ¢. XV.—Mr. James Thomson's Fossil Sponges from the Carbo- niferous System of the South-west of Scotland. By H. J. CarTER, F.R.S. &e. [Plates IX. & X.] Or these fossils I have given a preliminary notice in the ‘Annals and Magazine of Natural History’ for September Carboniferous of the S.W. of Scotland. 129 fast (vol. xx. p. 176), since which Prof. J. Young and Mr. J. Young have conjointly published an account of the sarco- hexactinellid sponge to which I have therein alluded, under the name of ‘ Hyalonema Smithii” (‘ Annals,’ vol. xx. p. 425, pls. xiv., xv.). Their right of priority is undisputed; at the same time my promise to Mr. Thomson, F.G.S., to describe his fossils must now be fulfilled. It is not, however, necessary for me to do this at length with Hyalonema Smithi2, as this has already been done (J. c.) ; hence what I have to state will be chiefly confirmatory of what has gone before, having from the commencement, viz. Sept. 1876, been plentifully supplied with fragmentary remains of its accompanying spicules by Dr. J. Millar, who obtained them from Mr. J. Armstrong of Glasgow, in addition to the speci- mens subsequently sent me by Mr. J. Thomson of the same city. Mr. Armstrong obtained these fragmentary remains, which in many instances are nearly perfect spicules, in great numbers from the rotten detritus with which the crevices of the limestone where Hyalonema Smithit abounds are filled ; hence my figures must be regarded as partly restored. Besides Hyalonema Smithii, Mr. Thomson has sent me specimens of other fossil sponges from the same system, viz. :— one for which I propose the name of “ Pulvillus Thomsonti,” from Arbigland ; and two others, which will be named respec- tively “ Dysidea antiqua” and “ Rhaphidhistia vermiculata,” from the same beds as the Hyalonema. These will now be described and illustrated successively. Hyalonema Smithii, Y. & Y. Of this sponge the separate spicules which I possess were furnished, as before stated, by Dr. Millar; and those which appear to belong to Hyalonema Smithii have been identified in situ through specimens supplied by Mr. Thomson; while there are others which appear to have belonged to other species of the Sarcohexactinellida, as will be seen hereafter. Of the cord or stem three fragmentary specimens have been sent to me by Mr. Thomson, two of which are about the same size and also close together in the same piece of limestone. The largest is five inches long and about one inch wide by one sixth of an inch thick, composed of spicules, once long and continuous, but now much fractured transversely, indeed com- minutely in some parts; varying in diameter from one twenty- fourth of an inch downwards and presenting distinct although slight undulation (Pl. 1X. fig. 1). Moreover the cord is coin- pressed so that in the end view from which the proximal or upper portion has been broken off, and it has thus become ex- 130 Mr. H. J. Carter on Sponges from the posed by the fracture of the limestone in which it lies im- bedded, it does not exceed in the thickest part more than one sixth of an inch, as before stated (fig. 2). In the smallest of the three specimens, which is not more than an inch long and in which the spicules are much reduced in size and spread out, indicative of the free end of such a cord, is an instance of the terminal or anchoring extremity in situ, presenting the same inflated, club-like form we shall find hereafter to be so common among the separate fragments, but with the shaft at its junction with the anchor-like end only 1-120th inch in diameter (fig. 4, a). It is not uncommon, as we shall presently see, to find the cord-spicule grooved longitudinally, in one part singly, or generally and in great plurality throughout its circumference (fig. 13, 6, d,e), which has been attributed by the Messrs. Young to pressure from the “adjacent rods” (J. c. p. 427) ; but on examining the end of one of Mr. Thomson’s speci- mens with the microscope, two rather large spicules may be seen close together with a single groove in each, and the material between them and the neighbouring spicules entirely composed of the white granular calcite which fills up the intervals be- tween these spicules, and thus, in the transverse section, contrasts strongly with the dark end of the transparent mate- rial of which the spicule is formed, without the presence of any small spicules whatever (fig. 13, aa); so that this groov- ing would appear to be original and not Sout by “ adja- cent rods.” Besides, where there are small spicules in distinct contact with larger ones, there is no groove at all observed in the latter, which therefore may be natural although of casual occurrence. The fragments of the surface of the body of a sarcohexac- tinellid sponge, attributed to Hyalonema Smithii, were also sent tome by Mr. Thomson, in which the characteristic spicu- lation of the surface in this species is obvious together with the lattice-like structure formed by the intercrossing of the spicules in the Sarcohexactinellida generally. The largest of these pieces is about half an inch long by a quarter of an inch broad (fig. 7), in which there is one of the circular fenestral spaces (now a hole) forming the interstices of the lattice-like structure, also characteristic of the recent Sarcohexactinellida, together with remains of others on the circumference (fig.7, bd), and the peculiar “ nail-like”’ spicules described by Dr. Young (l.c. p. 426) of all sizes below 1-6th of an inch in diameter across the head, which is possessed by the few that chiefly bind down the rest with sloping outspread arms, after the manner of this kind of spicules generally (fig. 7, a a). Carboniferous of the S.W. of Scotland. 131 So much for Mr. Thomson’s interesting specimens of Hyalonema Smithii. Let us now see what the supply of separate spicules by Dr. J. Millar affords. 1. Fragments of the spicules of the cord.—These vary in size from half an inch in length downwards, and the largest of the smooth ones 1-24th of an inch in diameter, while the largest of those grooved all round the circumference are 1-244th of an inch thick. There is nothing remarkable in the smooth form; but the longitudinal lineation of the grooved one may be single or in variable plurality, as before stated—that is, confined to one part only (fig. 13, 8), or spread more or less equally round the whole circum-~ ference of the spicule to the number of thirty-two in a spicule possessing a diameter of the thirty-second part of an inch (fig. 13, d, e), or may not exceed four at unequal distances from each other in a circumference double this size (fig. 13, c). Although I have seen the single groove chiefly in the smaller spicules, I have only seen the entire circumference grooved in the larger ones, with the intervals convex like the Jascis of a Roman lictor, not fluted or concave like an Ionic column. Whether, however, this grooving, in its extreme degree, belongs to the spicules of Hyalonema Smithii or not, the more simple one does, as Mr. Thomson’s specimen demonstrates in s¢tu ; and reasons have already been assigned for its seeming to be original, and not produced by the pres- sure of surrounding smaller spicules, whose absence is evi- dent where the groove is equally present. Again, although the largest spicules I have seen were grooved throughout the circumference, it does not follow that the grooved spicules are always the largest, as has already been shown. 2. Fragments with four-armed anchor-like ends.—These are of two kinds, viz. :—the larger, with inflated or rounded extremity and moderately recurved thick short arms (fig. 5) ; and the smaller, with pointed extremity and much recurved, longer, and less stout arms (fig. 6). Both kinds have four arms opposite. In the former the shaft is slightly reduced in size to the point where it expands into the arms (fig. 3), or it may be constricted just before this termination, while the arms, which in the normal or more regularly formed ones are thick conical spines of nearly equal length, and nearly crucial or opposite in position, are somewhat recurved (fig. 3, a, 6) ; but they may vary in length and obtuseness, in the angle at which they separate, and in their degree of recurvation, still always parting from an obtuse or rounded club-like extremity. This is the character of the anchor end zn situ (fig. 4, a), to which I have before alluded; so that we may fairly assign it 132 Mr. H. J. Carter on Sponges from the to Hyalonema Smithii. How far the other form, which, in its largest examples, is not much smaller than the club-shaped end, belonged also to H. Smithiz, I am not prepared to state ; but although some of its largest examples may surpass in size the smallest club-shaped ones, the smallest of the former that has come under my observation does not exceed the 1-360th part of an inch in diameter, and is therefore microscopic, while the largest club-shaped anchoring end reaches 1-16th of an inch, and the smallest that I have seen is still visible to the unassisted eye. Where the shaft is constricted close to the end, the arms are also constricted respectively, so that there is no club-like or rounded extremity, so far as my observation extends, but in its place a crucial depression ; hence this is either a variety of the club-shaped anchor end or the anchoring end of a spicule which belonged to another hexactinellid sponge. 3. Fragments of the “ nail-like” spicule—One of these, viz. the “ nail-like”’ spicule of (?) Hyalonema Smithit,is smooth throughout and consists normally of a shaft with four arms, more or less opposite each other, surmounted by a round head (figs. 8,9). In size the largest measure about 4-12ths inch across the arms, each arm, which is sharp-pointed, being about 2-12ths inch long, with a thickness at the base of about 1-48th inch; the shaft is about the same, or perhaps a little less, and the round or globular head, which represents a continuation of the shaft, about 1-36th inch in diameter. But all these mea- surements, as well as the spicules themselves, are subject to great variety, inasmuch as the arms, individually or collectively, may be more or less inclined towards the shaft, and thus not all at the same angle; or they may depart from the shaft at different angles laterally and thus be not opposite; while, in form, one or more may vary from an obtuse point to a short round knob like the head, or be constricted where they join the shaft (fig. 9) ; while the shaft, which is in a line with the head, varies very little in shape (like the globular head), being for the most part straight and pointed, although sometimes both head and shaft, individually or collectively, like the arms, may be more or less constricted at the base. ‘The position of these spicules in the sponge is illustrated by Mr. Thomson’s fragment (fig. 7,aa), where the shaft is directed inwards, the head or knob externally, and the arms spreading out laterally slope inwardly, so as in the largest forms to bind down the rest of the structure as in the Sarcohexactinellida generally, all of which, even to the minutest spicule observable on the surface, present the same characteristic head and figure as that above described with its modifications. Carboniferous of the S.W. of Scotland. 133 Besides the “nail-like”’ spicule of Hyalonema Smithit, small sexradiates with straight, simple, smooth arms, more or less varying from a right angle in their departure from the centre, are observed; but as yet I have not seen any zn situ (fig. 12). Add to this spicules with stelliform heads of two kinds, viz. smooth (fig. 10, a) and tubercled (fig. 10, 5), the former of which are much the smallest of the two. All appear to me to have had from six to eight arms or rays spread umbrella-like over a central shaft, while seven seems to be the most constant number. ‘The ray of the smooth stelliform spicule in its largest forms that I have seen does not exceed 1-12th inch in length, thus giving 1-6th of an inch for the whole diameter of the head ; while that of the tubercled stelliform spicule is double that length, with a diameter at the base of 1-48th of an inch, thus giving a total diameter for the head of 1-3rd of an inch in the largest forms, which is that of the largest “ nail-like” spicules of Hyalonema Smithit; while each ray is covered with a number of minute tubercles on its convex or outer side (fig. 10, 6), which, increasing in size from near the point inwardly, become more prominent as they pass into the con- tinuous area formed by the union of the rays with each other towards the centre (Dr. Young’s nos. 19, 27, 29). The rays, which are not straight like those of the “ nail-lrke”’ spicule, but, as before stated, are incurved like the ribs of an umbrella when open, often vary in length in the same spicule, and depart from the centre at different angles in both the smooth and tubercled forms, so that, instead of all being of the same length and equidistant, as in the normal or more regularly formed spicule, some rays are often shorter than others, and more closely approximated, while the shaft is always straight, smooth, and pointed. Lastly, another form has been pointed out to me by Dr. Millar, like a double star back to back (fig. 11, a, 6). This con- sists of a shaft with five smooth, straight arms or rays sur- mounted by a short, pointed continuation of the shaft in front, which may be minutely tubercled, and five still shorter ones surrounding it, one or more of which may be bifid or trifid (fig. 11, c,c). Both sets of rays are inclined towards the shaft or central axis, but in opposite directions, the latter, upper and shorter ones (outer ¢n situ probably), most so. Here also the arms appear to be subject to the same variety as those of the foregoing spicules, and the spicules themselves to vary equally in size, the largest seen possessing a straight shaft about 3-48ths inch long with a thickness of 1-48th inch at the base. 134 Mr. H. J. Carter on Sponges from the Thus the largest of all these three kinds of “ nail-like” spicules appear to have been about the same size, and the three different forms to have belonged to three different sarco- hexactinellids respectively, while the first only has been seen in situ; so that each of these three kinds may have been the nail-like body-spicule of a particular species. At the same time it should be remembered that, although the “ nail-like” spicule first described has been found zn sztw in the body- structure of the sarcohexactinellid to which it belonged, this body-structure has not as yet been found in direct connexion with the cord, and therefore has only been assumed to have been part of Hyalonema Smithii from its association with the fossil cords; while the only instance of an anchoring termi- nation like that assigned to H. Smithiz that has been found in direct connexion with the fragment of a cord is that above mentioned. Again, according to the Messrs. Young’s state- ment (/. c. p. 428), the cords are so abundant that it may be fairly inferred that they did not ad/ belong to the same species of hexactinellid. The double sagittate form of anchor end, also above men- tioned (Pl. IX. fig. 6), may have belonged to one of the species in particular; while the four arms opposite with their varieties, in the cord as well as in the nail-like body-spicule, seem to indicate an alliance with the genus ossella rather than with Hyalonema (‘ Ann.’ 1872, vol. ix. pl. xxi.). At the same time the Messrs. Young’s statement that “the rods are of unknown length, the largest fragments at Trearne being 12 inches, and of various thicknesses, from 1-40th inch to nearly a line in diameter,” shows that they far exceed in dimensions those of the largest specimens of any Hyalonema that I have seen, and dwarfs to almost insignificance the longest of Rossella, which are only 6 inches with a corre- sponding thinness (‘ Ann.’ 1875, vol. xv. p. 19, pl. x.), while the anchoring ends of the cord-spicules in the largest recent Hyalonemata can hardly be seen with the unassisted eye, being not more than 1-140th inch in diameter. Replacement of siliceous by calcareous material during fosstlization. Connected with the fossilized spicules of Hyalonema Smithit is the fact that many of the fragmentary spicules sent to Dr. Millar by Mr. Armstrong, and obtained, as before stated, from the ‘rotten material”? or decomposed limestone, re- spectively present all degrees of transition from the sili- ceous material of which they were originally composed to calespar (fig. 14, a, 6, c); and this may be seen by Carboniferous of the S.W. of Scotland. 135 the rhombohedral excavations, which may appear singly in some, increased to a plurality in others, which not only has caused them to lose their original outline, but to become fretted into shapes which are chiefly characterized by the angular cavities caused by the encroachment of the calespar upon the siliceous material (fig. 14, ¢), so that a little more and the whole of the siliceous spicule would have given place to calcareous material. The calespar has become redissolved ; and the rhombohedral cavities which it occupied are thus left to prove the interesting fact first pointed out by Mr. W. J. Sollas, viz. that calcareous material, 7. e. phosphate of lime, might replace siliceous material in the ‘ vitreo-hexactinellid sponge Eubrochus clausus during fossilization’’ (‘Geol. Mag.,’ Sept. 1876). This, which is one of the most important discoveries in modern paleontology, on account of the few organisms which possess siliceous skeletons, and the consequent rarity of the occurrence, while the reverse is so commonly the case with calcareous organisms that are replaced by silex, was subsequently put forth by Mr. Sollas in a more extended form in his paper on “ Pharetrospongia Strahani,’ read at the Geological Society on the 20th Dec. 1876, and published in May 1877 (‘ Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc.’ p. 242), which is supplemented by a “ Note,” dated “26th April,” in which (p. 254) Mr. Sollas, on account of the objections made to his view in the discussion of -his paper, states :—I need here only remark that while Siphonia exhibits the structure of a Lithistid (siliceous) sponge, Stawronema of a Hexacti- nellid (siliceous) sponge, and Pharetrospongia of a 'Thalyosian (siliceous) sponge, yet the fossil skeletons of all three fre- quently occur now in a calcareous state.” About the same time (remarkable facts are frequently noticed simultaneously by different observers independent of, and at a distance from, each other) Prof. K. A. Zittel of Munich must have come to a similar conclusion, as we learn from the “Note” to his paper on the Hexactinellida, entitled “Studien iiber fossile Spongien,” dated 15th Feb. 1877, wherein it is stated that at the general meeting of the German Geological Society, held at Jena in August 1876, he discussed the conversion of the originally siliceous skeleton [of the Hex- actinellida] into calespar, at which time, in the course of conversation, many objections were made to this chemical substitution (transl. ‘Ann.’ 1877, vol. xx. p. 516). The report of this meeting was subsequently published in the Zeitschr. d. deutschen geolog. Ges. xxvili. p. 6315; after which the paper above mentioned was read on the 13th Jan. 1877, in the Mathem.-Physical Class, and finally published in 136 Mr. H. J. Carter on Sponges from the the Abhandlungen, der k.-bayer. Akademie der Wiss., II. Cl., xiii. Bd. 1877, wherein (transl. /. c. pp. 264-6) Prof. Zittel goes into the question at considerable length, noticing in one part (‘Ann.’ /.c. p. 264) the occurrence of a Hexactinellid sponge from the White Jura of Streitberg, “half calcified, half siliceous.” The objections met with by Prof. Zittel at Jena were not less encountered by Mr. Sollas at the Geological Society of London, where it appears, from the discussion that followed the reading of his paper, that the President ‘ thought it was more probable that the sponge described was one of the Calci- spongie”’ (/. c. p. 255). But putting aside the fact that a siliceous spiculemay become converted during fossilization into a calcareous one, there can be no harm in showing how improbable it is that Pharetro- spongia should have been a calcareous sponge, even if the latter ever become fossilized. In the first place, as regards size, the Calcispongie of the present day are not only all very small, but for the most part absolutely diminutive. Secondly, with the exception of half a dozen species (all that appear to be known), none are with- out the tri- or quadriradiate spicule ; while the acerate spicule in all is straight, although sometimes undulating in its course, and more or less spined—never, to my knowledge, simply curved in the form of an arc, as in the siliceous spicules of the Reni- erida, of which Pharetrospongia was one. ‘Thirdly, the Calci- spongiz are so perishable that, although growing exuberantly when alive for the most part on the rocks of the sea-shore, where they are incessantly exposed to the action of the waves, they here become as diffluent as Infusoria immediately after death—that is, at once become disintegrated, from the want of that horny fibre and siliceous element which makes the other sponges so lasting, Fourthly, and lastly, their spicules, whether mounted in balsam or drawn in among the foreign bodies forming the core of the horny fibre in the Psammone- mata, break up rapidly, and in a very short time, passing into aqueous globules, leave not “a trace behind.” Hence I now never mount a specimen of a calcareous sponge for preservation in any thing but a dry and simple cell. Thus size of sponge, form of spicule, perishable nature both of entire sponge and individual spicule make it almost impos- sible that Pharetrospongia and the like could ever have been Calcispongiz, even if we had not the proofs above stated that a siliceous spicule may during fossilization become a calcare- ous one. I have premised a short account of the discovery of this Carboniferous of the S.W. of Scotland. 137 fact, as the following description of a fossil sponge from the Lower Limestone of the Carboniferous system of S.W. Scot- land, sent to me by Mr. Thomson, affords another instance of a Renierid sponge, in form of spicule somewhat like Pharetrospongia Strahani, having passed from the siliceous into the calcareous state. Pulvillus Thomsonii, n. sp. (Pl. X. figs. 1-6.) Calcareous fossil. Pulvinate, circular, depressed towards the centre on both sides, contracted towards the circumference, which is round or angular, elevated between (Pl. X. fig. 1). Surface uniformly granular, interrupted by a central circular excavation on each side, one of which is much larger than the other (fig. 1,a), and the smallest filled with a stem-like fragment (fig. 3,a,6). Internal structure granular through- out (fig. 2); granules subround, variable in size, below 1-8th inch in diameter, composed of crystalline calcite, which in the thin vertical section is semitransparent, of a light brown colour and sometimes white (fig. 2, dd) ; imbedded in dark material composed of a heterogeneous mixture of minute particles of sand and organic fragments, often giving place to white semi- crystalline calcite (fig. 2, e,e, e) ; the whole, in a vertical or horizontal section, presenting the appearance of a granular, minutely veined conglomeration, wherein the veins, especially towards the large excavation (fig.2,a), are much wider than the rest, into which they afterwards appear to become subdivided. Granules largest on the side which is most excavated (fig. 2, a), and surrounded generally by a thin proper layer, which may be of a dark lead- or ochraceous yellow colour, according to the specimen; presenting, in a vertical section, bundles of smooth, slightly curved, acerate, white, opaque or clear trans- parent spicules, cut across more or less longitudinally into variable lengths by the plane of the section (fig. 4, a, 6), which, when passing through the granules horizontally, fails, except here and there, to show more than the crystalline calcite. Broken ends of the spicules abundant in, and projecting from, the surface of the large excavation, where, from their trans- parent, crystalline nature, they appear, for the most part, in the form of dark, circular, transverse sections of various sizes, in the midst of each of which is a punctum representing the axial canal (fig. 6,a,4). Spicule smooth, acerate, fusi- form, curved, and gradually attenuated to a point at each end; variable in size, about 1-25th by 1-600th inch in its largest dimensions, the only perfect one seen being smaller, viz. 1-45th by 1-900th inch in its largest dimensions (fig. 5). Size of largest specimen of entire fossil about 5 inches in Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5, Vol. i. 10 138 Mr. H. J. Carter on Sponges from the horizontal diameter, and 2 inches in vertical diameter between the circumference and the centre, where it is thickest (fig. 1). Hab. Marine, associated probably, according to Mr. Thom- son, with “ reef-building corals.”’ Loc. Arbigland, 14 miles south of Dumfries, on the Solway Firth, Scotland, 8.W. In dark grey shale interstratified with thin bands of limestone characterizing the upper part of the Lower Limestone series of the Carboniferous system. Obs. On account of the presence of the spicules above de- scribed, presenting themselves throughout the fossil s¢dewise in the vertical section and endwise in the large excavation, which would be tantamount to a horizontal section, there can be no doubt that this is a fossil sponge, and, on account of the spicules being of one form only and of different sizes, as above mentioned, that the sponge belonged to my order Holorhaphi- dota and family Renierida, where it would, according to its spiculation, come in well with the first group, viz. Amorphina, and the species Halichondria panicea, whose spicules in the deep-sea form &c. (‘Ann.’ 1876, vol. xvi. p. 470), where they are larger than in the shore one so common on our coasts, are almost identical. It may also be inferred from the spicules appearing abundantly and longitudinally in the vertical, while they are seldom seen in the horizontal section, together with the broken ends themselves in the large excava- tion, that the direction of the spiculation was more or less ver- tical. ‘This would have been more satisfactorily confirmed could the transverse section of the bundles have been seen in the horizontal section, as they thus appear in Pharetrospongia Strahant, Soll.; but the opaque crystallization of the calea- reous material in the “ granules ” seems to obscure this, since the transverse sections of the scattered spicules in the large excavation, where the crystallization is transparent, are plain enough, with acommon lens of two inches focus: and under a magnifying-power of 100 diameters, their axial canal respec- tively is distinctly seen, which does not exist in the spicules of the Calcispongiz, except in Hiickel’s fertile imagination. For the deep-sea variety of Halichondria panicea I have proposed the specific name of ‘ cancellosa”’ (/. c.), from its areolar structure; and it may be that the “granules” of Pul- villus Thomsonii represent such spaces (fig. 2). Of course the pores of this sponge have disappeared, from their minuteness and situation in the dermal sarcode; while the excretory canal-system seems to be indicated by the vena- tion between the granules, which in its widest and most dilated parts may, in the section, be observed to be filled with hetero- geneous material composed of sand and the remains of organic Carboniferous of the S.W. of Scotland. 139 bodies such as fragments of shells &c. (fig. 2, eee), while the remote parts, as above mentioned, are occupied by opaque white crystalline calcite alone. The widest parts, too, being on the side of the large central excavation, and particularly leading into the excavation itself (fig. 2, @), would seem to show that this was the excretory side, and that the principal outlet was at this excavation; while the smaller venation being on the opposite side of the fossil, seems to point out that this was more particularly the “ pore-surface,” which, if the sponge grew from the roof of a submarine rocky cavern pendent from the stem-like portion in the smaller excavation (fig. 2, 0, c), would indicate its upper part, and vice versé if it grew from the upper surface of the rock or material on which it was originally fixed; for it has every appearance of having once been pedunculated. The specimens (of which there are three) are not all exactly alike in their general shape: two, growing from a flat circular base, have risen into a depressed truncated conical form ; another has a smooth unequal or undulating subconical side, with three large holes almost equidistant from each other and from the circumference, which, together with the central excava- tion, look very much like the remains of large vents. The former (fig. 1) appears to be the prevailing form; but independently of an original difference in this respect, some- thing must be allowed for subsequent alteration during the time the sponge was loose on the sea-bottom before fossiliza- tion, and something afterwards ; hence it would be absurd to expect that all the specimens should be alike in general form any more than those of recent sponges. All the spicules with the rest of the fossil are calcareous ; at the same time it is worthy of remark that when dilute nitric acid is applied to the surface of a polished vertical sec- tion where the spicules may be observed to le horizontally, and the part then subjected to gentle edulcoration with water, more or less of the spicules is left in relief on the surface, which, although in a friable state, as in Pharetrospongia Strahani when treated in a similar manner, seems to indicate a lingering remnant of their original siliceous composition. Dysidea antiqua, n. sp. (Pl. X. figs. 7-9.) Siliceous fossil. Small, massive, globular, sessile, reticulate (fig. 7). Surface uniformly reticulate (fig. 7, a), being a con- tinuation of the internal structure, which is composed of mas- sive reticulation (fig. 8). Fibre of reticulation about 1-96th inch in diameter ; interstices about 3-48ths inch wide ; com- 10 140 Mr. H. J. Carter on Sponges from the posed of a heterogeneous assemblage of sand and fragments of various sponge-spicules, together with what appears to be the siliceous globules of a Geodia and the branches of a lithistid sponge-spicule (figs. 8, d, and 9, 6) ; but as the former is some- times evidently botryoidal chalcedony, and the latter, from its frequency, may be a fibrous form of the same mineral, it is not safe to assume that these two forms were ever organic. Size of largest and best-formed specimen about half an inch in diameter (fig. 7). Hab. Marine, in company with Hyalonema Smithit. Loc. Upper thin beds of Lower Carboniferous Limestone, Cunningham Baidland, Dalry, Ayrshire, S.W. Scotland. Obs. From the structure and composition of the reticulated fibre of which this fossil is composed, it may fairly be inferred to have been a sponge belonging to my order Psammonemata, probably of the family Hircinida and 16th group, viz. Arenosa ; even now, from its appearance, it might almost be mistaken for a living Dysidea it on the rocks where the latter grows. There are several specimens, of which the largest and most perfect is that above described. Having directed a stream of water over it for some time, the material thus washed off was mounted in balsam, which presents, on microscopic exa- mination, fragments of a variety of spicules, together with grains of quartzose sand, from which a few of the former have been figured ¢o scale for illustration (fig. 9, a). Rhaphidhistia vermiculata, n. sp. (Pl. LX. figs. 15-19.) Siliceous fossil. Laminiform, parasitic on a species of (?) Hydractinia (fig. 15). Composed of acerate, vermicular spicules lying confusedly together on the surtace of the fossil Hydractinia (fig. 16, a), which consists of a convex, subcir- cular, depressed mass of more or less erect, conical, columnar processes, sometimes unequally bifurcate at the apex, rising from a reticulate structure of the like nature (fig. 16), based on a continuous membranous attachment now lapidified (fic. 16, cc), about half an inch in horizontal diameter, which is the size of the superincumbent mass. Processes about 1-12th inch high by about 3-48ths inch wide at the base, com- posed of chalcedony with a saccharine crystallization on the surface (fig. 17) and a central axial hollow closed at the summit (fig. 16, e, b), covered in some instances with the layer of vermiculate spicules above mentioned, one end alone of each of which is visible on account of the other being hidden beneath its neighbours (fig. 18). Spicule smooth, apparently acerate, fusiform, vermiform, and abruptly pointed at each end (fig. 19); about 1-900th inch in diameter and about 1-90th Carboniferous of the S.W. of Scotland. 141 inch long, which is that of the longest exposed portion. Thickness of the layer inappreciable, extent depending on the quantity of the Hydractinia covered by it. Hab, Marine, in company with Hyalonema Smithit. Loc. Upper thin beds of Lower Carboniferous Limestone, Cunningham Baidland, Dalry, Ayrshire, 8.W. Scotland. Obs. From the general form and reticulate structure of this fossil (fig. 16) it appears to be more like a species of Hydrac- tenia than any thing else, subsequently overgrown by the layer of vermitorm spicules mentioned. If the whole belonged to the sponge, then it was wholly one, and not parasitically overgrown by the layer of sponge-spicules, which now form, on the columns covered by them, a continuation of the sub- jacent material (chalcedony). But, out of several specimens, as there are as many without as with this covering, while the columns are hollow and not solid, it seems very likely that Lhaphidhistia vermiculata was a parasitic laminiform sponge very much hke Hymeraphia vermiculata, Bk.; but the large erect pin-like spicules of the latter do not appear to be present. There are many minute recent sponges, however, that are laminiform without the large erect pin-like spicule which characterizes Dr. Bowerbank’s suborder Hymeraphia, some of which I may hereafter have to describe under the generic name Lihaphidhistia. If this was a Hydractinia parasitically covered by the sponge, then it was probably a calcareous one which subsequently became chalcedonized and finally encroached upon by calcite ; for many of the conical processes are as much eroded by rhom- bohedral excavation as the spicules of Hyualonema Smithit already mentioned ; while this is also the case with many of the minute chalcedonized shells which Dr. Millar sent me from the disintegrated or “rotten” limestone, wherein there can be no doubt that the shell was calcareous in the first instance. Hence there is yet much in palexontology that requires elucidation by the chemist. EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. PLateE IX. Fig. 1. Hyalonema Smithii, Y. & Y. Fragment of cord imbedded in Encrinital Limestone, natural size. “a, upper; 6, lower end. Fig. 2. The same. Transverse section of the upper end, nat. size. Fig. 3. The same. Fragment of anchoring end of cord-spicule ; lateral view. 4d, view of free end; 0b, view of shaft side. x 2. Fig. 4. The same. Magnified, in situ. a, fragment of anchoring end. Fug.5. The same. More magnified lateral view, to contrast with the following form. Fig. 6. ? The same. Anchoring end of cord-spicule, with four arms opposite and much recurved ; double sagittate. 142 On Carboniferous Sponges from S8.W. Scotland. Fig. 7. The same. Fragment of surface of body, showing, a a, “nail- like” spicules 2 situ, and, 6 6, fenestral openings. xX 2. [N.B. In this figure the arms, which appear to have been broken off or absent, have sunk beneath the surface. | Fig. 8. The same. “Nail-like” spicule of the most regular form. xX 3. Fig. 9. The same. Lateral view of nail-like spicule, showing the con- striction at the fixed ends of the arms respectively. X 3. Fig. 10. ? The same. Stelliform nail-like spicule with smooth and tuber- cled arms respectively. a, smooth or small form; 4, large, matured, or tubercled form. x 3. Fig. 11. ? Thesame. Double stelliform nail-like spicule. a, small form ; b, large or matured form; cc, stelliform head in a@ and 6 respec- tively ; dd, arms respectively: x 3. e, more magnified view of head, showing trifurcation of a lateral spine of stelliform head and tubercles over central one. Fig. 12. ? The same. Simple sexradiate spicule. Fig. 18. The same, to show grooving. Magnified view of a few of the cord-spicules in situ. Transverse section. a a, two single- grooved spicules together, the largest about 3-48ths inch in diameter; 6, more magnified view of a transverse section of a single- erooved cord-spicule ; c, the same of a four-grooved spicule ; d, the same of a thirty-two-grooved spicule ; e, lateral view of a fragment of the latter. All x 16. Fig. 14. The same. Fragments of the siliceous spicule encroached upon by calcite subsequently redissolved and leaving excavations. a, lateral view of a fragment of a cord-spicule presenting a few excavations ; b, end view of a fragment presenting many exca- vations, extending to the centre; c, lateral view of a fragment rendered shapeless by being fretted out by general excavation. Fig. 15. Rhaphidhistia vermiculata, n. sp. ? On a species of Hydractina. Upper view. xX 2. Fig. 16. The same. Fragment of the Hydractinia, much magnified, to show :—a, layer of Rhaphidhistia on, 66, conoid columns and reticulate structure of Hydractinia, based on, cc, membranous expansion, now lapiditied ; d, truncated fibre of Hydractinia ; e, truncated column, showing axial cavity; fff, interstices of fibre. Fig. 17. The same. Conoid column incipiently bifurcated, much magni- fied, to show the absence of the layer of spicules. Fig. 18. The same. Conoid column, much magnified, to show presence of the layer of spicules. Fig. 19, The same. Probable form of entire spicule. N.B. The above are all siliceous fossils. PLATE X. Fig. 1. Pulvillus Thomsonit, n. sp. (Calcareous.) Upper view. a, central excavation, presenting the broken ends or transverse sections respectively of the spicules (fig. 6). Half the natural size. Fig. 2, The same. Verticalsection through the centre, showing :—a, upper or large excavation; b, lower or smaller excavation ; c, ? stem or pedicle in smaller excavation ; dd, granules of whitish-brown calcite, of which the fossil is chiefly composed, presenting more or less longitudinal sections of the bundles of spicules, all tend- ing to a vertical direction ; eee, heterogeneous sandy material, vein-like between the granules in the upper, replaced by white On new and little-known Mantide. 143 ealcite in the lower part, widening towards the upper part, indicative of their having formed portions of the excretory canal- system. Half the natural size. Fig. 3. The same. Portion of the lower surface, including the smaller excavation and stem-like process. a, excavation ; 6, stem-like process. Half the natural size. Fig. 4. The same. Separate granule of calcite, much magnified, to show more or less longitudinal sections of spicules in it. Diagram. Spicules on the scale of 1-48th to 1-1800th inch. 4, calcite ; b, spicules, variable in length and transverse diameter. Fig. 5. The same. Example of the staple form of a perfect spicule found in the heterogeneous sandy material filling the interstices be- tween the “granules” near the surface. Scale 1-48th to 1-1800th inch. Fig. 6. The same. Portion of the surface of the larger excavation, show- ing the broken ends or transverse sections of the spicules (fig. 1, a). a, ends on a level with the surface ; 6, ends protruding. Scale of spicules 1-48th to 1-1800th inch. Fig. 7. Dysidea antiqua, n. sp. (Siliceous.) Showing general form of most perfect specimen, and portion of reticulated surface. X 2. a, portion of reticulated surface. Fig. 8. The same. Portion of the reticulated structure, much magni- fied, showing :-—a a, the fibre composed of heterogeneous mate- rial; 6b, the interstices; c, fragments of cylindrical spicules in the fibre ; d, fragments of lithistid-like fibre. Diagram. Fiy. 9. Thesame. A few of the fragmentary spicules washed off the fibre and mounted in balsam, to show that the fibre is heterogeneously composed. a, smallest four-armed anchoring-spicule seen; b, (?) branch of lithistid sponge-spicule. Scale 1-96th to 1-6100th inch. Budleigh-Salterton, 28th November, 1877. XVI.—Notes on new and little-known Mantide. By Prof. J. Woop-Mason, Deputy Superintendent, Indian Museum, Calcutta. 1. Huchomena thoracica. Mantis (Thespis) thoracica, De Haan, Orthopt. Orient. p. 94, 2. Phasmomantis? thoracica, Saussure, Mélanges Orthopt. 1. 8° fase. p. 192 (44) ; ibid. p. 403 (279). Fischeria thoracica, Saussure, op. cit. ii. 4° fase. p. 58. Euchomena? macrops, Saussure, op. cit. i. 3° fasc. p. 196 (48), 3d. “ Femina, Alis abbreviatis, hypothoracem non superantibus, imma- culatis ; prothorace longissimo, integro ; femoribus anticis intus pallidis, fasciis tribus fuscis; pedibus posticis nigro marmoratis ; cercis analibus cylindricis. Long. proth. 2; abdom. 15’”; ely. 6°... Hab.?” Hab. A specimen of the female was captured several years ago by my native collector in Johore, Malay peninsula ; and 144 Prof. J. Wood-Mason on new another, which has been independently identified by Prof. Westwood as the J. thoracica of De Haan, exists in the Hopeian collection at Oxford. The following are the measurements of the specimen (dried) from Johore :— Total length of body 106 millims.; height of head 5, breadth of head 8; length of prothorax 58, of which the neck is 8°33, breadth of prothorax at narrowest part, just behind dilatation, 2°25; length of meso- and metanotum together 13, of tegmina 12, of abdomen 31; of fore coxa 22°5, of femur 26, of its unarmed part 14°5; of intermediate femur 25, of tibia 23; of posterior femur 31, of tibia 32. The fore tibie have 7 teeth on the outer edge, the base of which is unarmed, and 14 on the inner; the abdomen is de- pressed and rather broadly fusiform, with its posterior seg- ments graduated*so as to have a serrated appearance in this part ; and the supraanal plate is short, broader than long, and rounded off at the extremity. This species cannot be the female of Fischeria gigas as sug- gested by De Saussure, but is, in all probability, that of Euch.? macrops, Sauss., from Cochin China, Euchomena heteroptera, Euch.? macrops g, and Euch. tho- racica ¢ all have the inner face of the fore femora triply banded with fuscous, and all belong to the same fauna. A fuller description with figures will be published here- after. 2. Fischeria laticeps. Fischeria laticeps, Wood-Mason, A. & M. N. H. 1876, 4th ser. vol. xviii. p. 337, do. @. Ocelli small, seated on a slightly elevated area, not on the ends of the rays of a triradiate elevation as in the male; the lower one circular, the two upper ones oval. Pronotum with a very faint raised median line, on either side of which are a few small polished granules; its mar- gins throughout minutely denticulate, the denticles blunt and polished ; the sides of the disk of its posterior lobe bent down at an obtuse angle to the median portion. Organs of flight abbreviated, in repose barely reaching so far as to the end of the basal third of the first abdominal seg- ment. 'Tegmina opaque, semicoriaceous: the lower surface richly coloured, the marginal field dull luteous, the basal por- tion of the discoidal and the axillary field stone-coloured, with a faint tinge of red-violet, the rest of the former occupied by a great oval blotch of dark brown with amethystine reflections, in the centre of which is a large transversely oval cream- coloured ocellus, with minutely jagged edges: the upper sur- and little-known Mantide. 145 face is of the same sober colour as the body, with a patch of lighter coloration coinciding with the anteapical cream- coloured ocellus on the under surface; the anal area very salient, black, with green reflections (dark brown by trans- mitted light). Wings small, forming a quadrant of a circle all but unbroken by anal emargination; the anterior field opaque, dull luteous, with a large anteapical blotch of brown, ocellate or broadly banded with yellow; the posterior field black, with green reflections (dark brown by transmitted light), lined with hyaline along the transverse veinlets. Colour of the body luteous grey, finely mottled with pale impure olive-green. Length of body 102 millims. ; height of head 4°75, breadth of head 9°8 ; length of prothorax 34, of which the neck is 9°6, breadth of prothorax at supracoxal dilatation 4°6; length of abdomen 51, of cerci 12°75, of tegmina 16; width of mar- ginal area of tegmina 1; length of anterior femur 22°6, of inter- mediate femur 25, of posterior femur 33; of antenne 16, or about half as long as the prothorax, or as long as the teg- mina. Another specimen obtained at the same time measures only 93 millims. in length. Described from fresh alcoholic specimens. Hab. 2 2 . Bangalore District, Mysore, obtained by Private Reedy; , Sheargaon, Kolapur state, India. There can be no doubt that the four insects, two nymphs and two adults, recently received by me from South India, are all females of this species, though so much smaller than the male specimen described loc. supra cit. In the form of the head and eyes, of the cerc: and supraanal plate, of the legs, &e. they all agree perfectly with the male, differing from it in those points only in which the two sexes of other species (e. g. J. ocellata) of the same genus have been shown to depart from one another. These differences are the slightly stouter build, the soberer desert-form-like livery, the much- abbreviated organs of flight, these barely reaching the end of the basal third of the first abdominal segment, &c. Specimens of both sexes of the larger race are in the Hopeian collection at Oxford ; but the species is unrepresented either in the National collection or apparently in the conti- nental collections. 3. Hierodula notata. Mantis notata, Stoll, Spectres, Mantes, &c. fig. 49, 2 (1789). Hierodula notata, Saussure, Mélanges Orthopt. ii. 3° fase. p. 280, pl. v. fig. 31, 9. Total length 67 millims.; length of prothorax 23, 146 On new and little-known Mantide. breadth of prothorax at dilatation 6:3; length of meso- and metanotum taken together 17, of abdomen 21°5, of tegmina 48 ; breadth of tegmina 16, of marginal area 4°75. Alcoholic specimen. Hab. Ceylon (fF. M. Mackwood). 4, HMierodula birivia. Mantis birivia, Stoll, Spectres, Mantes, &c. pl. ix. fig. 31 (1787). anna sage birtvia, Saussure, Mém. Orth. Mexique, &c. tom. ii. p. 89, 4, fig. - Hierosita bivivia, Saussure, Mél. Orthopt. 11. 4° fase. p. 41. @ ¢. Total length 80-87 millims.; height of head 8:5-9°5, breadth of head 11°33-12; length of prothorax 29-32, breadth of prothorax at dilatation 8°6-9-2 ; length of abdomen 30-33, breadth of abdomen 18; length of mesonotum and metanotum taken together 18°5-20, of tegmina 49-53, from base to stigma 18-20, of stigma 2; breadth of tegmina 19-20°5, of marginal area 5°6-6. Alcoholic specimens. In the larger specimen (from Madras) the discoidal vein emits three branches in the right wing and five in the left ; in the smaller (from Bangalore) three in the right and two in the left; while in M. de Saussure’s specimen it is three- branched in both wings. 5. Mierodula taprobane, n. sp. 2. Allied to the preceding, but differing :—in its stouter pro- thorax, the lamellar lateral margins of which are broader and extend, narrowing gradually as they go, from the supracoxal dilatation to the base of the segment ; in its broader and more coriaceous tegmina, the anal area of which alone is mem- branous; in the form of its facial shield, which is higher (longer) than broad, instead of broader than high, the upper margin of which is obtuse-angled instead of arcuate, and the surface of which is marked by two obtuse vertical ridges on its upper half; and in the armature of the anterior angle of the fore femora, which is furnished, as in H. notata, with six or seven large, stout, and blunt conical spines only. The apical third of the tegmina, which in H. birivia are uniform green, is stained brownish yellow. ‘The discoidal nervure of the wings is three-branched. The fore tibie have 14-15 teeth on the inner edge, and 11 on the outer. Total length of body 83 millims.; height of head 9°6, breadth of head 11:6; length of prothorax 30°6, breadth of prothorax at dilatation 11; length of meso- and metanotum taken together 20°5, of abdomen 31; greatest breadth of Mr. E. J. Miers on the Plagusiine. 147 abdomen 20; length of tegmina 56, breadth of tegmina 23, of their marginal area 8; length of stigma 3°75; of fore coxa 21:5, femur 24°3; of intermediate femur 21, tibia 18; of pos- terior femur 25, tibia 25. Dried specimen. Hab. Ceylon. Communicated by Mr. F. M. Mackwood, of Colombo. 6. Mierodula trimacula. Hierodula trimacula, Saussure, Mélanges Orthopt. i. 3° fase. p. 82, pl. v. fig. 29, 9. Hab. Oman, Arabia, obtained by Colonel Miles, the British Resident at that place. The species was described from a specimen in the Paris Museum, marked ‘‘ China ?”’ XVI.— Revision of the Plagusiine. By Epwarp J. Miers, F.L.S., F.Z.S., Assistant in the Zoological Department, British Museum. TuHE following is a synonymic list, with brief diagnoses and remarks, of the species of this small and well-defined group, which belongs to the subtribe Catometopa, or Grapsoid Bra- chyura, and is peculiar on account of the remarkably flattened carapace and of the position of the antennules, which are exposed in deep longitudinal clefts or sinuses of the front and are visible in a dorsal view. It contains but two genera, Plagusia and Leiolophus*. In determining and naming the species in the collection of the British Museum, I found that several of those recorded had apparently been established on insufficient grounds, and that of others the commonly received designations could not be retained ; and I think it will be useful to place these obser- vations on record, and at the same time indicate those cha- racters which I have found most constant and reliable for distinguishing the species. * The curious genus Crossotonotus, recently established by M. A. Milne-Edwards (Nouv. Archiv. Mus. Hist. Nat. ix. p. 282, 1873) for a species (C. compressipes) from the Samoa Islands and New Caledonia, presents many affinities with the Plagusiinee, but cannot be referred to this group, on account of the absence of the frontal sinuses. The genus Plagusetes, based on a species from Chili (P. elatus), described by Heller in the preliminary synopsis of the Crustacea of the ‘ Novara’ Voyage (Verh. zool.-bot. Gesell. Wien, xii. p. 522, 1862), is not mentioned in his final report, but seems to have been based on specimens subsequently referred to Acanthocyclus Gayi, a genus belonging to the Cancroidea, but possessing some affinities with the Plagusiine. 148 ' Mr. E. J. Miers on the Plagusiinz. The crustaceans of this group are found in nearly all the tropical and warmer temperate seas of the globe. PLAGUSIA. Plagusia, Latr. (part), Gen. Crust. et Ins. i. p. 83 (1806); M.-Edw. (part), Hist. Nat. Crust. ii. p. 90 (1837); Ann. Sci. Nat. (sér. 3) ool, xx. p. 178 (1853), &e. Philyra (subgen.), De Haan, Faun. Japon. Crust. decas ii. p. 31 (1835). Outer maxillipeds with the third or merus joint well deve- loped, as broad as the preceding joint. (Male genital appen- dages of the first pair without a terminal claw.) § 1. Merus joint of the ambulatory legs with a terminal and subterminal spine on its upper margin. Plagusia tuberculata. Plagusta squamosa, Lamarck, Hist. An. sans Vert. p. 246 (1818) ; M.-Edw. Hist. Nat. Crust. ii. p. 94 (1837), nec Herbst. Plagusia tuberculata, Lamarck, /. ec. p. 247 (1818); Latr. Encyel. Méth. x. p. 146 (1825), Atlas, Crust. pl. ecev. fig. 1 (1818); M.-Edw. Hist. Nat. Crust. ii. p. 94 (1837). Plagusta orientalis, Stimpson, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. p. 103 (1858) ; Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist. New York, vii. p. 231 (1860). The carapace is covered with numerous small, often de- pressed tubercles, each of which is bordered by a fringe of short stiff hairs. The lobe above the bases of the second and third ambulatory legs is prominent, subacute, and not den- tated. The terminal segment of the male postabdomen is broadly semioval and rounded at its distal extremity. This species is probably common and widely distributed throughout the whole Indo-Pacific region. Specimens are in the British-Museum collection from the Mauritius (Leach’s coll.), Red Sea (Lurton), Australia (Gould). It has been recorded by Milne-Edwards from the Indian Ocean ; and by Stimpson (under the name of P. orientalis) from Hong Kong, the Hawaiian Islands, and Cape St. Lucas in California. Probably also the specimens recorded by Heller (Voy. Novara) from the Red Sea, Nicobars, Madras, and Sydney belong here. This species was first distinctly characterized by Stimpson under the name of P. orientalis; but it would appear that Lamarck’s earlier name of P. tuberculata must be adopted for it. His specimen was from the Mauritius, and is referred by Milne-Edwards to his Plagusia squamosa. Mr. E. J. Miers on the Plagusiine. 149 Plagusia depressa. PCancer depressus, Fabr. Syst. unt. p. 406 (1775) ; Ent. Syst. Suppl. p. 343 (1798). PCancer squamosus, Herbst, Naturg. Krabben u. Krebse, i. p. 260, pl. xx. fig. 113 (1790). Plagusia depressa, Say, Journ. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. i. p. 100 (1815). Plagusia Sayi, DeKay, Zool. N.Y. Fauna, vi. Crust. p. 16 (1844) ; M.-Edw. Ann. Sci. Nat. (sér. 3) Zool. xx. p. 179 (1853) ; Stimpson, Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist. New York, vii. p. 64 (1859). Plagusia squamosa, Latr. Encycl. Méth. x. p. 145 (1825); Dana, USS. Expl. Exp. xiii. Crust. 1. p. 868 (1852), Plagusia gracilis, Saussure, Mém. Soc. Phys. et Hist. Nat. Genave, xiv. p- 449 (1858). This species very closely resembles the preceding, but is distinguished, as Mr. Stimpson, in his “ Notes on the North- American Crustacea,” has pointed out, by the following characters. There is a series of about six prominent acute tubercles arranged in the form of an arc across the front of the gastric region; and the lobe above the bases of the second and third ambulatory legs is broader and regularly dentated. The terminal segment of the postabdomen in the male is, I may add, narrower, with the sides more distinctly convergent to the distal extremity. Hab. This species inhabits what may be denominated, in contradistinction to the Indo-Pacific, the Atlantic region. Specimens are in the British Museum from the Tortugas, Garden Key (Smithson. Inst.), Jamaica (Gosse), Madeira (Rev. Rh. T. Lowe, Dr. Halley, Blewitt), Brava Island (Rev. R. T. Lowe), St. Helena (Melliss). It is recorded from Charleston Harbour, South Carolina (Gibbes), and Brazil (Lichtenstein, fide Latreille). In one adult specimen from Madeira in the Museum collec- tion the teeth of the superior lobes of the ambulatory legs are nearly obsolete ; but even in this instance, in their broader and more truncated apices, they differ from the same lobes in the preceding species. On account of the habitat (“in mare Mediterraneo, Amert- cano’’), the Cancer depressus of Fabricius, Syst. Ent. p. 406 (1775), and Ent. Syst. Suppl. p. 343 (1798), probably be- longs to this species; and I adopt his name for it the more readily as Say, in 1815, employed it for specimens from the coast of the United States. The figure of Herbst’s Cancer squamosus distinctly represents the lobe at base of the ambu- latory legs as dentated, and hence is to be referred to this species ; but as the habitat is given as “ Ost-Indien,” there can be little doubt that Herbst, like most later authors, failed to appreciate its distinctive characteristics, and united under one name the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific forms, 150 Mr. E. J. Miers on the Plagusiine. Von Martens remarks (Arch. f. Naturg. xxxviii. p. 112, 1872) that he found it impossible to find constant characters to separate specimens (referred by him to Plagusia squamosa) from Cuba, Brazil, Madeira, and the Red Sea. As, however, he had seen only a male and a female from the last-mentioned locality, and had seen no specimens of the Plagusia orientalis of Stimpson, it is probable that he may have overlooked the characters derived from the superior lobes of the ambulatory legs and terminal postabdominal segment in the male (vide also ‘Preuss. Exped. nach Ostasien,’ zoolog. Theil, i. p. 22, 1876). Plagusia immaculata. Plagusia immaculata, Lam, Hist. An. sans Vert. v. p. 247 (1818). Plagusia depressa, Latr. Encycl. Méth. x. p. 145 (1825); M.-Edw. Hist. Nat. Crust. ii. p. 98 (1837) ; Ann. Sci. Nat. (sér. 3) Zool. xx. p. 179 (1853) ; Dana, U.S. Expl. Exp. xiii. Crust. 1. p. 869 (1852); Stimpson, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. p. 108 (1858); nec Cancer depressus, Fabricius. In this species the carapace is more convex than in either of the preceding, the tubercles much depressed, quite naked, often almost obsolete upon the gastric and cardiac regions. The lobe above the bases of the second and third pairs of am- bulatory legs is small and not dentated. The series in the British-Museum collection includes speci- mens from Ceylon (Holdsworth), Torres Straits (Jukes), Philip- pine Islands (Adams), Timor Island (Rayner), Louisiade archipelago (Macgillivray), Sandwich Islands, Honolulu (Lieut. Strickland). According to Stimpson, specimens found on the west coast of Central America by Capt. Dow belong to this species. It inhabits the seas of China, New Guinea, and the Indian Ocean (I/.-Hdw.) ; the islands of Loochoo and New Ire- land (Stimpson); the Straits of Sunda (Dana), Nicobars, Shanghai, and Punipet (//edler). Milne-Edwards has pointed out the unsuitability of the name of P. depressa for this species, which is the most convex of any of the Plagusiine ; and as it is not the Cancer depressus of Fabricius, nor (probably) of Herbst, it appears necessary to adopt Lamarck’s name of P. ¢mmaculata, which is quoted as a synonym of the species by Milne-Hdwards (Hist. Nat. des Crustacés). I transcribe the following MS. note of the colours (when fresh) of a specimen found on the ship’s bottom, off Redscar Point, in the Louisiade archipelago, and now in the British- Museum collection :— “Colour pale green, mottled with reddish brown. Tarsi Mr. E. J. Miers on the Plagusiine. 151 above dark purplish brown, with small markings of very pale bluish green. Carapace mottled and washed with pale dirty green, dark reddish brown, and straw-colour, with a few orange dots.” This specimen, in its dried state, is of a nearly uniform dull chestnut-brown. M. Brocchi (Ann. Sci. Nat. sér. 6, Zool. 11. p. 80, pl. xix. figs. 168-170, 1875) figures the male genital appendages of specimens both of this species and of P. Say? from Guade- loupe. In the specimens referred by this author to P. depressa the first pair of genital appendages are of peculiar shape, constricted in their subterminal half, and with the distal extremity of an oval form (fig. 170) ; whereas in male indivi- duals I have examined this pair of appendages scarcely differ in form from those of P. squamosa ; that is to say, they are, as in the Atlantic species, strongly contorted and truncated at the extremity. Plagusia speciosa. Plagusia speciosa, Dana, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. v. p. 252 (1851); U.S. Expl. Exp. xiii, Crust. i. p. 869, pl. xxiii. fig. 9 (1852); M.-Edw. Ann. Sci. Nat. (sér, 3) Zool. xx. p. 179 (1853). This species is distinguished from all its congeners by having only three teeth upon the antero-lateral margins of the cara- pace, including the outer orbital tooth. fab. Paumotu archipelago, Waterland Island (Dana). Only a carapace of this species is known. The disposition of the tubercles on the dorsal surface, as described by Dana, differs somewhat from that usual in P. sguamosa. Plagusia glabra. Plagusia glabra, Dana, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sei. Phil. p. 252 (1851); U.S. Expl. Exp. xii. Crust. i. p. 371, pl. xxiii. fig. 10 (1852); M.-Edw. Ann, Sci. Nat. (sér. 3) Zool. xx. p. 179 (1853). Is described by Dana as having the carapace smooth and glabrous, antero-lateral margin quadridentate, front above ob- liquely subcristate, not spinigerous. Anterior legs of male very short, part of hand preceding fingers shorter than its height, granulate above, smooth externally and not costate ; wrist nearly smooth. Third joint of eight posterior legs smooth. Third joint of outer maxillipeds quadrate, slightly oblong. Hab. New South Wales (Dana), Australia (coll. Brit. Mus.). The male specimen described by Dana measured about 9 lines. The specimen in the British-Museum collection is a female of much larger size (1 inch 7 lines), and is closely 152 Mr. E. J. Miers on the Plagusiine. speckled with red. There is an irregular granulated ridge on the upper surface of the wrist, and an abrupt prominence behind the upper orbital margin, which is beaded. The buccal organs are wanting. This species is at once distinguished by the smooth and naked carapace, less deeply incised frontal sinuses, and the form of the hands, and appears to establish the transition from the Plagusiine to the Grapsine, through Cyrtograpsus. § 2. Merus joint of the ambulatory legs with a series of spines on us upper margin (carapace almost entirely destitute of tubercles). Plagusia chabrus. Cancer chabrus, Linn. Mus. Lud. Ulr. p. 438 (1764); Syst. Nat. p. 1044 (1766). Plagusia tomentosa, M.-Edw. Hist. Nat. Crust. ii. p. 92 (1837) ; Ann. Sci. Nat. (sér. 3) Zool. xx. p. 178 (1853). Plagusia capensis, De Haan, Faun. Japon. Crust. p. 58 (1835). Plagusia chabrus, White, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. xvii. p. 497 (1846). Carapace covered with a very short close pubescence, and without tubercles. Front armed above with two small spines, and with a series of small tubercles on its anterior margin. Anterior legs tuberculated. Lobes above the bases of the second and third ambulatory legs terminating in a short spine. Si iiond of this species are in the British Museum from the Cape of Good Hope (Sir A. Smith, Capt. Carmichael, Dr. P. Hahn), New Zealand (Dr. Sinclair), and Tasmania, near George Town (f. Gunn). It has been recorded from New South Wales (Dana), Chili (M.-Edwards). It is probable that the species briefly characterized by Milne- Edwards (Ann. Sci. Nat. sér. 3, Zool. xx. p. 178, 1853) under the name of P. Gaimardi, from Tongatabu, is only a variety of the above. The first pair of genital appendages in the male are not twisted as in P. squamosa, and their inferior margins are thin and sharp-edged ; they are sometimes very slightly constricted towards the distal extremity, which is obtuse and subtrun- cated. Plagusia dentipes. Grapsus (Plagusia) dentipes, De Haan, Faun. Japon. Crust. decas 2, p. 58, pl. viii. fig. 1 (1835). Plagusia dentipes, M.-Edw. Ann. Sci. Nat. (sér. 3) Zool. xx. p. 178 (1853) ; Stimpson, Proc. Ac, Nat. Sci. Phil. p. 103 (1858), This species is distinguished from the preceding by having Mr. KE. J. Miers on the Plagusiinz. 153 a group of tubercles on the hepatic region of the carapace, near the base of the outer orbital tooth; and the spines upon the upper margins of the merus joints of the ambulatory legs are much stronger. Hab. Japan (De Haan), Simoda (Stimpson). I have seen no specimens. LEIOLOPHUS. Acanthopus, De Haan, Faun. Japon. Crust. p. 29 (1835); M.-Edw. Ann. Sci. Nat. (sér, 3) Zool. xx. p. 180 (1853); nom. preoccu- patum. Leiolophus, Miers, Cat. New-Zeal. Crust. p. 46 (1876). Outer maxillipeds with the merus joint very small and much narrower than the preceding jot. (Carapace with smooth naked ridges on its upper surface, but without numerous tuber- cles. Merus joints of the ambulatory legs with a series of spines on their upper margins. Male genital appendages of the first pair not twisted, with a terminal claw.) Leiolophus planissimus. Cancer planissimus, Herbst, Naturg. Krabben und Krebse, iii. pl. lix. fig. 3 (1804). Plagusia serripes, Lam. Hist. An. sans Vert. p. 247 (1818). Plagusia clavimana, Desm. Consid. Crust. p. 127, pl. xiv. fig. 2 (1825) ; M.-Edw. Hist. Nat. Crust. ii, p. 92 (1837); Atlas in Cuvier, R. A. pl. xxiii. fig. 3. Acanthopus planissimus, De Haan, Faun. Japon. Crust. p, 30 (1835) ; Dana, U.S. Expl. Exp. xiii. Crust. p. 372 (1852); M.-Edw. Ann. Sci. Nat. (sér. 3) Zool. xx. p. 180 (1853). Acanthopus Gibbesi, M.-Edw. Ann. Sci. Nat. ¢. c. p. 180 (1853). Levolophus planissimus, Miers, Cat. New-Zeal, Crust. p. 46 (1876). Hands in the male strong; the palms compressed and con- siderably dilated, much broader than the wrist, not sulcated on their upper margins. Greatest width of the abdomen of the male exceeding its length to the base of the last segment. Specimens are in the British Museum from Mauritius (Lady F. Cole), Torres Straits (Jukes), Keeling or Cocos Island (Lieut. Burnaby), Pacific Ocean (Smithsonian Inst.), Madeira (Rev. L. T. Lowe), Jamaica (purchased). It is abundant in the Polynesian archipelago, having been recorded from islands in the Paumotu, Society, Samoan, and Hawaiian groups (Dana), also from Cape St. Lucas and the coast of Florida, Key Biscayne (Stimpson). In male specimens of large size from Madeira, the genital appendages of the first pair differ slightly from those of Z. abbreviatus and Brocchi’s figure (/. ¢. fig. 171), in being slender, more curved, and narrower in the middle than at either extremity. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. i. 11 154 Mr. E. J. Miers on the Plagusiine. Unfortunately, in the British-Museum copy of Herbst’s work, the concluding part, containing the description and figure of his C. planissimus, is wanting ; I have therefore not been able to verify the reference, which is quoted from Milne- Edwards. Leiolophus abbreviatus. Acanthopus abbreviatus, Dana, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. p. 252 (1851) ; U.S. Expl. Exp. xiii. Crust. i. p. 378, pl. xxiii. fig. 11 (1852) ; M.-Edw. Ann. Sci. Nat. (sér. 3) Zool. xx. p. 181 (1853). Hands in the male small, the palm not dilated, and longi- tudinally suleated on the upper margin in both sexes. Abdo- men of the male rather narrow, its greatest width not quite equalling its length to the base of the last segment. There are specimens in the British Museum from the Mau- ritius, Moluccas, Gilolo (Adams), Philippines, Guimaras (Cuming), Fiji Islands (H.M0.8. ‘ Herald’). Most of the specimens in the collection are females. In one male adult example, whose genital appendages J have ex- amined, these organs are exactly of the form figured by Brocchi (/. c. fig. 171) in specimens referred by him to L. planissimus. Letolophus pilimanus. Acanthopus pilimanus, A. M.-Edw. Nouv. Archiv. Mus, Hist. Nat. 1x. p. 300, pl. xiv. fig. 5 (1878). This species, in the dilated hands of the male, resembles L. planissimus, but is distinguished from it and from all its congeners by the existence of a large patch of thick hair upon the inner surface of the palms. There is a row of small spines upon the inner margins of the antennulary cavities. The abdomen is also said to be narrower than in L. planissimus. Hab. New Caledonia (M. Balansa). The male only is known of this large species. I have seen no specimens. The characters assigned by M. Milne-Edwards to his Acanthopus afinis (Ann. Sci. Nat. sér. 3, Zool. xx. p. 180, 1853) from the Sandwich Islands, and A. tenuifrons (U1. c.) from the Marquesas, do not appear to me to be of specific importance. The Letolophus spinosus (Plagusta spinosa of M‘Leay, in Smith’s Zool. 8. Africa, Annulosa, p. 66, 1838) would seem to be a distinct species, if the character ‘‘ clyped lateribus biden- tatis’’ be correct. It is stated by its author to be nearly allied tothe LZ. planissimus (P. clavimana of Desmarest), with which it is united by Krauss (Siidafrik. Crust. p. 42, 1843). Mr. R. Meldola on Evolution. 155 XVIII.—Entomological Notes bearing on Evolution. By RapHarEL MELDOLA, Sec. Ent. Soc. In 1871, when working at the subjects of “‘ mimicry” and protective resemblance,’ Mr. Darwin was so good as to send me for perusal a letter which he had received from Fritz Miller, then in St. Catharina, Brazil. As this letter contains many entomological observations of interest, I have thought it advisable to take steps to secure their being placed upon record in a permanent form; and, with the permission of Mr. Darwin, I have selected extracts which I beg to make known in the present paper, together with other observations from various sources which tend to throw light on subjects con- nected with the descent theory. Sounds made by Butterflies. Mr. Darwin has already recorded * the sound produced by the South-American butterfly, Ageronia feronia, which is stated to make “a noise like that produced by a toothed wheel passing under a spring catch, and which could be heard at the distance of several yards.’’ With reference to the object of this sound Mr. Darwin states J, “‘ At Rio de Janeiro this sound was noticed by me only when two were chasing each other in an irregular course, so that it is probably made during the courtship of the sexes.” With regard to this insect Fritz Miiller writes, ‘I told you some time ago that I had not yet seen it here; but lately I have caught two speci- mens belonging to two species, and I have seen in the collec- tion of a friend of mine a third specimen of a third species. One of these specimens had been observed for many days by my children flying around some orange-trees near my house ; it frequently alighted on the putrefying fruit on the ground, on the juice of which it seemed to feed. My children never heard any noise produced by it, neither did I; and this seems to confirm your view that the noise is made only during the courtship of the sexes.”’ I may add that our common Vanessa Jo is stated to make a faint hissing sound{; but the precise conditions under which this noise is produced require further observation. * Journal of Researches, 1845, p. 33. On the sound-producing appa- ratus see E. Doubleday in Proc. Ent. Soc., March 3, 1845. See also a pe by Mr. A. H. Swinton, “On an Organ of Hearing in Lepidoptera,” nt. Mo. Mag., Nov. 1877. + Descent of Man, 2nd ed. p. 307. t Rey. J. Greene, Trans. Ent. Soc. new series, vol. ii. p. xeviii, and Mr. Hewitson, ibid. vol. iv. p. ii, The sound-producing structure has been figured by Mr. Swinton, Ent. Mo. Mag., Jan. 1877. 14% 156 Mr. R. Meldola on Evolution. Display of Colour by Lepidoptera. With reference to the display of colour by butterflies and moths, Mr. Darwin has already * recorded the case of a species of Castnéa which possesses ornamented hind wings and displays them, while other species with plain hind wings do not display them +. Fritz Miiller adds the followmg in- teresting case :—‘‘ I observed a curious little fact with our Hesperide. Most of them are of a dull brownish colour ; but there are some in which the wings have a more or less vivid blue tint either on the upper or on the lower surface. Now the former when alighting on a flower always hold their wings expanded in a horizontal plane, while those of the latter are folded vertically, so that in either case the blue surface is exposed to view.”” Without further observation it cannot be assumed in this case that the colour is displayed as a sexual attraction, since it is well known that colour is displayed for other purposes, such as for protection, when the colour is a signal of distastefulness (as with brightly coloured larve, and those species which serve as models for mimicry), or for giving resemblance to some coloured objects, such as flowers. Insects distinguishing Colours. The distinguishing of colours by insects has been proved in the case of bees and wasps by Sir John Lubbock’s experi- ments. This faculty is of paramount importance to the theory of sexual selection}. Fntz Miiller states, ‘ Butterflies not only discover flowers by colour, but certain species even give an unmistakable preference to certain colours. Thus Calli- dryas Philea and some other species of that genus almost exclusively visit brilliant red flowers (Canna, Salvia). Ared Hedychium in my garden was constantly surrounded by a multitude of Callidryas Philea (and of Papilio Thoas) ; and so are at present some other plants with red flowers, while they never alight on plants of the same and other genera with yellow, white, or blue flowers.” Mimicry. It has hitherto been considered a general rule that a mimicked species is commoner than the species which mimics * Descent of Man, 2nd ed. p. 314. + Ibid. 2nd ed. p. 315. Mr. Darwin has called my attention to Fritz Miiller’s “ Beobachtungen an brasilianischen Schmetterlingen,” a paper which contains some further remarks bearing on the subject of display, in the October number of ‘ Kosmos.’ { ‘Descent of Man,’ 2nd ed. p. 317. On the attraction of Macroglossa stellatarum by colour, see a letter in ‘Nature,’ vol. xvii. p. 11, Nov. 1, 1877. Mr. R. Meldola on Evolution. 15% it. Fritz Miiller records the following exceptions :—“ There are here some exceptions to the rule that the imitating species are comparatively rare, while the imitated swarm in large numbers. Thus Mechanitis Lysimnia is hardly more common than the imitating Leptalis; and the beautiful Papilio nepha- lion, Godt., is here so rare that I have seen only two or three’ specimens last summer, whilst the imitating Huterpe tereas is: by far more common. But in other parts of Brazil the nume- rical relations of these species may be different.” I would add, with reference to this observation, that it is quite conceivable that in certain districts external conditions may so change that a species dominant in other regions may become rare or altogether extinct, while the species which mimics it may remain unaffected. Thus Diadema misip- pus, the female of which mimics Danais chrystippus, is found in South America, while the model Danavs is not *. Mr. Trimen also remarks ¢ :—‘‘ The magnificent Papilio Anti- machus, Drury, of which but one specimen is known to science, is very Acreiform in habit, and is possibly an instance of special modification in imitation of some gigantic Acrea as yet unknown or perhaps extinct.” Papilio Zalmoxis also, as I am informed by Mr. A. G. Butler, probably mimics some unknown or extinct gigantic Acrea. Many cases are known in which a butterfly 1s obviously a mimic, but its exact model is unknown}. I am disposed to believe that such instances show us the precess of mimetic resemblance in actual progress. For example, many species of H/ymnias resemble species of Euplea ; but it is impossible to name the precise species of the last genus which in each case serves as a model. In these cases it is more reasonable to suppose that the mimicry of the Elymnias is in course of perfection, than to assume that the species which they imitate have become extinct. It is also * This species (D, musippus) is stated to occur in Guiana on the autho- rity of Boisduval. My friend Mr. A. G. Butler has just informed me that a large male from Formosa, in which the Danaiform characters are partially visible, has been lately added to the national collection. Here we have an interesting case in which mimetic characters originally acquired by a female butterfly are probably in course of transmission to the male. + Trans. Linn. Soc. vol. xxvi. p. 503. I learn that probably two other specimens have been obtained since the above was written. _ { For numerous instances of imperfect mimicry see papers by A. G. Butler :—“ A Monograph of the Lepidoptera hitherto included in the Genus Elymnias,” Proc. Zool. Soc. June 6, 1871; also on Protogonius, ibid. Dec. 2, 1873, and Jan. 19, 1875, Mr. Neville Goodman points out (Proc. Camb. Philos. Soe., Feb. 12, 1877) that ¢vmperfect resemblances are arguments in favour of the production of the phenomenon through the action of natural selection. 158 Mr. R. Meldola on Evolution. conceivable that a general resemblance to a protected group might in some districts be quite as efficacious as a resem- blance to particular species of such a group. As another instance bearing on the present subject I may cite Argynnis niphe, the female of which is a very fair mimic of Danais chrysippus. The former species (var. ¢nconstans) ranges into Australia, while the Danazs does not occur in that region ; and what makes this case so particularly interesting is, that in Australia, where there is no model, both sexes of the Argynnis are alike, and resemble the male cf the Indian form. The degree of exactness with which mimics sometimes resemble their models has been noticed by all observers; but there are only a few recorded cases where the insects them- selves have been known to be deceived. Mr. Trimen states * that the male Danais chrysippus has been deceived by the female Diadema bolina. Fritz Miller writes :—“ One of the most interesting of our mimicking butterflies is Leptalis melite. The female alone of this species imitates one of our common white Preride, which she eopies so well that even her own male is often deceived; for I have repeatedly seen the male pursuing the mimicked species, till, after closely approaching and becoming aware of his error, he suddenly returned.” Correlation of Habit with Protective Resemblance. Mr. Bates has already recorded the resemblance of a cater- pillar (supposed to be a species of Notodontide) to a venomous snake ¢; and Dr. Weismann has likewise shown} that the eye-like markings on Chewrocampa-larve actually frightened away birds. Fritz Miiller states that he “found the cater- pillar of a Papilio which strikingly resembled the head of a venomous snake.” By referring to Mr. Bates’s description it will be seen that the mimicry extended even to attitude. All observers have noticed how in some instances a mimicking insect copies the flight of its model; and such cases of correspon- dence between habit and resemblance are of great theoretical interest to the evolutionist. Thus Mr. Wallace has shown, in the case of the well-known “leaf-butterflies ” (Kallima), how the insects settle on the bushes in an attitude which perfects their resemblance to dead leaves. The same ob- server also mentions, with respect to the stick-like Phasmide, * Trans. Linn. Soe. vol. xxvi. p. 518. t Ibid. vol. xxiii. p. 509. t ‘Studien zur Descendenz-Theorie,’ part 1i. pp. 100 et seg. This ob- servation has been confirmed in the case of C. elpenor by Lady Verney (see a paper in ‘Good Words,’ Dec. 1877, p. 838). Mr. R. Meldola on Evolution. 159 that “ they hang loosely about shrubs in the forest, and have the extraordinary habit of stretching out their legs unsymme- trically so as to render the deception more complete.” Fritz Miiller supplies the following analogous instances :—“ The caterpillars of some Papiliones resemble fresh excrements of a bird; these caterpillars always rest on the upper surfaces of the leaves on which they feed, while those of some other Papiliones (Nephalion, Polydamas), which are not protected by some such resemblance, always hide themselves on the dower surfaces of the leaves.”’ Even among our own insects hundreds of such cases might be noted. Thus the weevils, which resemble pellets of earth, tuck in their legs and feign death when alarmed, and the stick-like geometer larve erect themselves stiffly from the twigs on which they rest. Cucullia chamomille and Galeria cerella both resemble broken splinters of wood when at rest; and I have seen these moths at the extreme ends of pointed palings, where they had erected themselves at an angle to the wood, making the resemblance to a broken-off splinter remark- ably deceptive. Calocampa vetusta is very like a piece of broken stick when its wings are closed; and this moth has been seen hanging to a twig by one leg. fasteropacha quer- cifolia, which, when at rest, resembles a withered leaf, has been seen in a similar attitude. Ctlix spinula is well known to resemble a piece of bird-excrement; and I have often seen - this moth at rest by day, fully exposed to view, on the upper surfaces of leaves. It is interesting to observe how, in many cases, natural selection has probably taken advantage of characters originally acquired for some other purpose. Thus the common Antho- charts cardamines of this country has been shown by Mr. T, W. Wood to rest at night on the heads of umbelliferous plants, where the green marblings on the underside of the hind wings of the butterfly cause the latter to bear a very exact resemblance to the flower-head. Now, as this style of mar- bling is common to many butterflies of the genus in various parts of the world, it cannot be assumed that this character has been specially acquired to adapt the insects to umbel- liferous flower-heads. It is quite as probable, in the case of A. cardamines, that the habit of the butterfly has been adapted to its particular mode of coloration, natural selection after- wards perfecting the resemblance. A similar instance is offered by Lithosta caniola, the larva of which feeds on Tri- folium repens, and is stated to occur on stony ground which abounds with a species of small shell, probably a Helix? When alarmed the larva rolls itself into a ring and falls off 160 Mr. R. Meldola on Evolution. its food-plant, in which attitude it ‘has almost exactly the appearance, in form, colour, and size,” of one of these shells, “which greatly increases the difficulty of finding them when thus feigning death”*. ‘The habit of rolling up into a ring when alarmed is common with many caterpillars which are found in situations where mimicry of shells cannot possibly be adduced as a reason for the habit. Hence in the case of L. caniola I am inclined to believe that natural selection has taken advantage of and improved upon a habit originally acquired for a distinct purpose. The most remarkable case referable to the present class that has recently been published is that of Gongylus gongy- lodes, Limm., an Indian Mantis which simulates a flowery. When exhibiting some of these insects at a meeting of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, Dr. Anderson remarked that when seen from above “ they did not exhibit any very striking fea- tures beyond the leaf-like expansion of the prothorax and the foliaceous appendages to the limbs, both of which, like the upper surface of the insect, are coloured green ; but on turning to the under surface the aspect is entirely different. The leaf- like expansion of the prothorax, instead of being green, is a clear pale lavender-violet, with a faint pink bloom along the edges of the leaf; so that this portion of the insect has the exact appearance of the corolla of a plant—a floral simulation which is perfected by the presence of a dark blackish-brown spot in its centre, over the prothorax, and which mimics the opening to the tube of a corolla. A favourite position of this insect is to hang head downwards among a mass of green foliage; and when it does so it generally remains almost motionless, but, at intervals, evinces a swaying movement as of a flower touched by a gentle breeze ; and while in this atti- tude, with its fore limbs banded violet and black and drawn up in front of the centre of the corolla, the simulation of a papilio- naceous flower is complete. ‘The object of the bright colouring of the under surface of the prothoracic expansion is evident, its purpose being to act as a decoy to insects, which, mistaking * Newman’s ‘British Moths,’ p. 473. t Proc. As. Soc, Beng., Aug. 1877. For an analogous case see a paper by Mr. Wallace in Macmillan’s Mag. for Sept. 1877. The Mantis re- ferred to resembles a pink orchid, and is stated to be attractive to butter- flies. Prof. J. Wood-Mason informs me that the floral resemblance of the above and other species of Gongylus has been known to him for years; but its object had remained unexplained till 1875, when he received from Assam some larvee of Hymenopus bicornis, Serville, in which species the resemblance to a flower is, according to Prof. Wood-Mason, even more erfect than is the case with the Gongylus. See also Proc. Ent. Soe., Noy. 7th, 1877, p. xxix. On new Species of Heterocera from Japan. 161 it for a corolla, fly directly into the expectant, serrated, sabre- like raptorial arms of the simulator.” A case like that of Gongylus is of the highest interest—can, in fact, be only completely appreciated by the believer in natural selection. The green foliaceous expansion of the limbs and prothorax is common with many species of this group of insects, and serves unquestionably as a protection by causing the insects to resemble leaves. Such, in all proba- bility, was the object of the leaf-like expansions acquired by the ancestor of the present Gongylus. Later in the history of the species the acquisition of food became of equal or greater importance than the mere evasion of foes ; then we must believe that natural selection took advantage of the underside of the foliaceous expansions and coloured them by minute grada- tions till they acquired their present floral tints and markings; hand in hand with this modification of colour, habits tending to complete the deception were gradually acquired, till the marvellous codrdination which we now behold was perfected. XIX.—Descriptions of new Species of Heterocera from Japan. —Part II. Noctwites. By Artruur G. Butter, F.L.S., F.Z.8., Ke. [Continued from p. 85. } Caradrinide. RADINACRA, n. gen. Closely allied to Caradrina, from which it may at once be distinguished by the great length of the apical joint of the palpi, and the great development of the anal tuft and appen- dices of the male. Type &. palpalis. . 81. Radinacra palpalis, n. sp. 6. Colour and general pattern of Caradrina respersa, but the transverse lines rather more parallel ; the reniform spot irrorated along its outer edge with whitish; the ground-colour of the primaries tinted with reddish ; the secondaries paler, whitish, with diffused brownish outer border; the tarsi above blackish, banded with white: wings below browner, discal line on both wings better defined, nearer to the margin; a series of distinct black marginal dots. Expanse 1 inch 5 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 162 Mr. A. G. Butler on new Species 82. Amyna stellata, n. sp. Smaller than .A. selenampha, the primaries shorter, shin- ing greyish brown; the two transverse lines well-defined, the inner one irregular and speckled with white scales ; a depressed silvery and biack spot near the base of the cell; outer line denticulated, edged externally with white scales ; a white spot at the end of the cell; a transverse sub- apical white dash ; external border slightly paler, its inner margin broadly trisinuated ; costa white-spotted ; a marginal series of black and white dots; secondaries paler, fringe whitish, intersected by a brown line; head and collar slightly reddish: underside much like that of A. selenampha. Ex- panse 1 inch 1 line. Yokohama (Jonas). Size and form of A. undulifera from Natal; the primaries above like those of Perigea punctosa in marking. 83. Agrotis illoba, n. sp. Nearly allied to A. agricola, but altogether of a duller and greyer tint; the markings better-defined; a well-defined waved dentate-sinuate discal dusky line; submarginal area bounded internally by a very regular zigzag pale line; secondaries whiter than in A. agricola; thorax pearly greyish; anal tuft testaceous : secondaries below with dusky costal and apical areas; a well-defined blackish discocellular spot. Ex- anse 1 inch 10 lines. Hakodaté ( Whitely). 84. Agrotis ingrata, n. sp. Allied to A. segetum, but readily distinguishable by the pale greyish or whitish outer border of primaries, the sordid- brownish secondaries, and the pale greyish thorax. Hxpanse 1 inch 8-10 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 85. Agrotis odiosa, n. sp. Colour and general character of the reddish form of A, saucia, but smaller, the orbicular and reniform spots ill- defined and red; the secondaries shining whity brown, with no distinct outer border and without the blackish dots on the veins below. Expanse 1 inch 8 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 86. Agrotis ustulata, n. sp. Somewhat allied to A. annexa: primaries above pale of Heterocera from Japan. 163 brown, clouded and transversely striated with blackish; a patch at the base of the cell (bordered below by a black line), the reniform and orbicular spots, apex and inner margin of the external border pale silvery brown; secondaries sordid white, the apex and veins brown; a dark brown marginal line; body greyish brown, anal segments of abdomen laterally tufted with fawn-colour; wings below without markings ; body below reddish; tarsi above alternately banded with black and white, below reddish banded with black. LExpanse 1 inch 8 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). TRIPHENOPSIS, n. gen. Allied to Triphena, but readily distinguished by the form of the primaries, which is that of Catocala; palpi with longer terminal joint ; first median branch of primaries emitted nearer to the second but not running so parallel to it, lower radial emitted further from the third median; outer margin undu- lated; thorax with four central projecting scale-patches. Type 7. lucilla. 87. Triphenopsis lucilla, n. sp. Size and form of Catocala diversa. Primaries above greenish grey, clouded with brown ; costa spotted with brown to the end of the cell and with white beyond it; the black lines limiting the central band not distinct above the median vein, undulated, the inner one double; reniform spot white, with a lunate internal brown line ; a cuneiform brown-spotted white spot from the outer line to near the external angle ; outer border grey, blackish in the centre and at external angle, and bounded internally by a subconfluent irregular series of conical testaceous spots; a black undulated marginal line; frmge with a slender ochraceous basal line, blackish tipped with pale brown; secondaries brown, the fringe, outer mar- gin, and a large central semicircular spot ochreous; a broad marginal border and two or three spots on. the fringe black ; thorax with the general coloration of the primaries, but with the scale-patches reddish ; abdomen greyish with black dorsal tufts, anus reddish at the sides: primaries below blackish, the apical costa spotted with white, frmge spotted with ochra- ceous ; secondaries ochraceous, costal area irrorated with brown ; a discocellular lunule and the border as above black ; pectus white ; legs black, banded with white above, yellowish below; venter testaceous, anus reddish. Expanse 1 inch 9 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 164 Mr. A. G. Butler on new Species Triphena nectens, from India, is a second species of this genus. 88. Hermonassa cecilia, n. sp. Upper surface chocolate-brown ; primaries darker than the secondaries, costal margin ferrugimous; “ orbicular”’ spot cordiform, the apex pointing outwards, it and the reniform and a fusiform spot below the median vein and nearer to the base blackish, with slender ochreous margin, partly black- bordered; costal and basal areas spotted with black, the inter- val between each two spots grey ; an oblique short ochreous line across the cell near the base; two straight grey lines across the basal area; two parallel arched series of greyish partly black-edged crescents ; a submarginal series of black dots; fringe greyish; secondaries slightly sericeous, fringe pale grey, traversed by a dusky stripe; thorax tufted with testaceous, prothorax with a blackish margin and a whitish- tipped fringe, collar testaceous behind ; tegule blackish, with grey border; abdomen fuliginous: under surface paler, greyer; primaries shining, with fulvous costa, crossed near apex by two divergent blackish liture, margin alternately testaceous and black ; secondaries with blackish-speckled costal area ; legs banded with testaceous. Expanse 1 inch 7-8 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Somewhat the aspect of Graphiphora, but the primaries narrower, palpi with projecting scales. 89. Spelotis nitens, n. sp. Allied to 8. pyrophila, but smaller, greyer, the wings more shining, the reniform and orbicular spots smaller and paler, the discocellular spots and discal line below diffused and scarcely distinguishable, the secondaries and the borders of the primaries greyer, and the marginal liture blacker. Ex- panse 1 inch 5 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). The primaries of this species shine almost like those of a Plusia. 90. Graphiphora exusta, n. sp. Allied to G‘. rhomboidea, but redder, the inner edge of the external border of primaries less deeply sinuated, the double discal line of about half the width, quite straight to near the costa, and then abruptly angulated ; lines below the cell obso- lete; secondaries and abdomen much greyer; discal line below less distinct and nearer to the outer margin. LExpanse 1 inch 9 lines. Yokohama (Jones), Hakodaté (Whitely). of Heterocera from Japan. 165 91. Graphiphora canescens, n. sp. Allied to G. brunnea, but much greyer, the markings less distinct, the bright tawny tints on the primaries and thorax obsolete, the orbicular and reniform spots greyish, not black- edged, the head in front hoary. Expanse 1 inch 7-10 lines. Yokohama (Jonas), Hakodaté (Whitely). Nearly the whole of the darker bands and spots on the pri- maries of this species are suffused with lilacine grey, so that it is amuch duller-looking species than G. brunnea ; the fringe of secondaries varies from rose-colour to white. In general appearance it resembles G. baja. 92. Graphiphora caliginea, n. sp. Allied to G. sigma, but with narrower and longer wings, the primaries sepia-brown, with the costal area slightly greyer or redder, but not sharply defined as in G. sigma, the dis- coidal markings less strongly defined, the angular discal stripe less lunated in its divisions and more uniform in width ; secondaries sordid shining white instead of brown; the thorax scarcely darker than the abdomen, the head and collar whitish instead of reddish: under surface shining whitish; the pri- maries with a discal transverse line, twice as far from the margin as in G. stgma; secondaries with the discocellular spot barely indicated, and the discal line only visible on the costal area. Expanse 1 inch 11 lines. Hakodaté (Whitely). 93. Graphiphora? pacifica, n. sp. Primaries grey, with the usual irregular outer border limited by a ferruginous whitish-edged stripe, a series of marginal conical ferruginous spots, between which (at the end of the nervures) are white dots; fringe grey, traversed by darker lines, and white-tipped ; two diverging central irregular lines enclosing the orbicular and reniform spots, which are whitish, and a blackish spot below the median vein; costa white- spotted ; secondaries sordid white, with a broad external sericeous greyish-brown nebula ; body grey ; head, margins of tegule, and abdomen whitish: wings below sordid white, with a well-defined grey discal line and discocellular spot, and reddish apex to each wing; primaries with greyish dis- coidal area; fringe grey, edged with white and black lines; body below grey, with a feeble pink tint. Expanse 1 inch 10 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Allied to G. elimata from Georgia; it is possible that it 166 Mr. A. G. Butler on new Species may be the species intended by Motschulsky’s description of Caradrina variolosa ; but (as in other cases) this can only be decided by an examination of his type. It has the general aspect of Zeentocampa opima. 94. Ochropleura stupenda, n. sp. Primaries above shining black, the markings bordered with deep “velvet-black, basal two thirds of costal area sandy whitish, with two black basal streaks; an oblique basal litura, a >-like line below the cell, and the front of the discoidal spots testaceous varied with dark red scales; a discal series of small lunate testaceous spots, and a submarginal series of similar brown spots broadly bordered by a velvet-black stripe; a zigzag black marginal line; fringe brown; secondaries sandy whitish, the external half smoky brown, fringe grey- spotted ; head and thorax black; collar sandy whitish, with a transverse red posterior line ; abdomen grey, whitish at base, with testaceous anal tuft: wings below altogether paler than above, basal area whitish, external area greyish brown, with two brown discal streaks, fringe nearly as above; secondaries with a small black discocellular lunule ; body below grey, legs and palpi mottled with testaceous. LExpanse 2 inches 2 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Orthosiide. 95. Semiophora pallescens, n. sp. Allied to S. gothica, but with the basal area, the basal half of the costal area, and the orbicular spot whitish, the remainder of the wing paler and more sericeous, the two basal spots united into a black line ; the line across the cell blackish (not white-edged) ; the discal line regularly dentate-sinuate and nearer to the outer border; the margin of the external border not white but pale; secondaries much paler, greyish, seri- ceous, with more or less distinct darker discal lme; body considerably paler: wings below with the discal line nearer to outer margin less distinct, and the discocellular spot on each wing less distinct. Expanse 1 inch 8 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 96. Teeniocampa tabida, n. sp. Allied to 7. instabilis ; but the disk of primaries is crossed by two tolerably distinct parallel blackish discal sinuated lines ; the outer border is not bounded within by ferruginous spots, but terminates on the costa in a trifid black spot, also narrower and brownish ; fringe greyish brown, rose-coloured at the base ; of Heterocera from Japan. 167 secondaries broader, darker, with rose-tinted fringe ; head and collar dull white, the latter with a dark reddish marginal line ; abdomen whitish. at the base: wings below shining sandy whitish, costal areas rose-tinted ; two indistinct parallel grey lines across the disk ; primaries with the central area broadly grey; pectus rosy, venter sandy whitish, anus testaceous. Expanse 1 inch 10 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 97. Toeniocampa carnipennis, n. sp. Primaries pinky brown, the orbicular and reniform spots outlined in ferruginous; two irregular lunated discal lines, a black dot on the inner line beyond the end of the cell, two black spots near the base, the lower one large and triangular ; a black mi-shaped marking on the interno-median interspace ; secondaries sordid pearly whitish; thorax coloured like the primaries, abdomen testaceous: under surface pale flesh- colour ; costal area irrorated with grey scales; a wavy abbre- viated discal transverse line on each wing; primaries with discoidal area brownish; internal area glistening silvery white; secondaries with a black spot at the end of the cell ; body below greyish, reddish in front. Expanse 1 inch 10 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 98. Teniocampa ella, n. sp. Allied to T. gracilis, but rather larger, the markings darker, the discal line of primaries bordered internally by a blackish streak; secondaries broader, whiter; under surface whiter, with well-defined discocellular spots. Expanse 1 inch 9 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). The dusky-bordered white secondaries distinguish this species readily from 7. gracilis; in the latter they are wholly or largely clouded with greyish. 99. Orthosia lizetta, n. sp. Nearest to O. levis, but larger and paler; no trace of the angular line across the centre of primaries ; the inner trans- verse dentated line absent ; the discal series of black dots more oblique and less arched (sometimes absent) ; limitation of external border not sinuated, straight to near the costa, then abruptly angulated and bounded internally by a squamose black spot, the pale line also bounded on either side by black scales, which form a spot a little below the apex ; submargi- nal spots well marked ; secondaries greyish brown, shining, 168 Mr. A. G. Butler on new Species darker in some examples than in others, and occasionally crossed by a discal series of dusky spots ; fringe broader than in O. levis, whitish: under surtace paler than in O. levis, with well-marked discocellular spots and discal series blackish. Expanse 1 inch 6 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). In some respects this species resembles Tventocampa gracilis. 100. Dasycampa fornax, n. sp. Nearly allied to D. rudbiginea, but slightly larger, altogether redder ; the lines and dots on primaries less sharply defined, egreyer; the secondaries paler greyish, with distinctly rosy borders ; abdomen whitish at base, otherwise rosy ; primaries below redder, without the black discocellular spots or greyish nebula in primaries, the other markings ill-defined ; secondaries redder, the discal line more irregular and less defined: body below altogether redder, especially in front. Expanse 1 inch 6 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). D. fornax may possibly be the insect intended in Mot- schulsky’s vague description of ‘‘ Oporina ? castaneo-fasciata ;” but it is extremely doubtful. 101. Hoporina sericea, n. sp. Coloration of /7. croceago, but the primaries more elongated (the form of Xanthia gilvago); the grey markings on the primaries less distinct than in H. croceago, excepting the three angulated transverse lines ; primaries below rather redder, the markings better-defined, secondaries with the markings less defined. Expanse 1 inch 8 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). But for the entirely different form of the primaries, this might have been considered a variety of 4. croceago ; it, how- ever, differs in its more sericeous wings, the secondaries having quite a pearly appearance by the side of the typical species. 102. Eupsilia tripunctata, n. sp. Allied to 2. satellitia, but the primaries silvery grey, with slightly dusky central area and outer border; the transverse lines wider apart, the outer one less irregular; the limit of the external border indicated by a brown instead of a pale lunu- lated line; the three white spots considerably larger, and arranged in a triangular figure, the largest one D-shaped rather than lunate, the lower of the two others much larger than the upper one, and about one fourth the size of the D- shaped spot; secondaries and body also greyer: wings below of Heterocera from Japan. 169 much paler, the primaries showing the spots of the upper surface, the transverse lines indistinct, secondaries without markings. Expanse 1 inch 7 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). A well-marked species, far more pleasing than the European one. BRACHYXANTHIA, n. gen. Allied to Xanthia and Xestia, but differing in the short costal margin of the primaries, the consequently much more convex outer margin of the same wings, the shorter and rounder secondaries, and the longer and more porrect palpi. Type B. peculiaris. 103. Brachyxanthia peculiaris, n. sp. Primaries bright stramineous, crossed by brown lines as in XAestia ochreago; an additional dark brown oblique line from apex to inner margin, from which a second line is given off from below the reniform spot and runs to the basal third of the costal margin (the two lines together forming a large Y on the right-hand wing); the disk immediately be- yond the oblique line purplish brown in the male ; secondaries sericeous brown, the costal area, fringe, and outer margin in the female creamy whitish; body coloured like the wings: wings below pale creamy yellow, with a brown discal line which in the male primaries is expanded into a broad band or patch; veins of outer margin, marginal lunules, and a costal dash in primaries brown. Expanse 1 inch 2-3 lines. Hakodaté (Whitely), Yokohama (Jonas). 104. Mesogona contracta, n. sp. Allied to M. acetoselle, but with narrower wings ; primaries darker, the outer stripe angulated towards the costa; no black discal dots, but a third pale irregular line limiting the greyish external border ; secondaries greyer than in MV. acetoselle, with black marginal spots; body altogether greyer, the abdomen grey, bordered and tufted with reddish: wings below sordid whitish, tinted with pink ; a black discocellular lunate spot, a blackish discal stripe, and marginal black dots on each wing ; primaries with the medio-discoidal area greyish; body greyish brown. Expanse 1 inch 11 lines to 2 inches. Yokohama (Jonas). It is just possible that this may be Motschulsky’s “Agrotis cinnamomea ;” but the description is not good enough for identification. [To be continued. | Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. i. 12 170 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Position of the XX.—Position of the Sponge-spicule in the Spongida 3 and Postscript on the Identity of Squamulina scopula with the Sponges. By H. J. Carter, F.R.S. &e. In the ‘Annals’ for 1870 (vol. vi. pp. 222, 223, pl. xv. figs. 1-7) Mr. Saville Kent has described and figured, under the name of Lhaphidotheca Marshall-Hallii, a remarkable little sponge which he found growing on Lophohelia prolifera, in 590 fathoms, on the coast off Cezimbra, Portugal,in 1870. A section of the sponge, which was half an inch in diameter, is given in fig. 2 (/.¢.), where a cell of the Lophohelia may be observed to form the centre. On account of the character of the greater part of the spiculation, Mr. Kent rightly calls this little hemispherical sponge an Hsperia; but the remark- able part is, that it is faced by a layer of pin-like spicules, whose heads, being outwards and in contact with each other, form a kind of tessellated armature on the surface, while their points mingle with the points of the skeleton-spicules of the Esperia within. In the footnote at p. 253 (cb.) Mr. Kent very naturally, therefore, questions my statement respecting the spicular elements of Sguamulina scopula, viz. that their “ slobular heads” being outwards should have satisfied any one that this organism was not a sponge, or words to this effect (‘Annals,’ 1870, vol. v. p. 312), citing Rhaphidotheca Marshall-Hallit, the little sponge to which I have just alluded, as affording an instance to the contrary. It was not, however, until the latter part of 1877 that I had an opportunity of examining a portion of this interesting little sponge, which, together with two mounted slides of it, was lent to me by my friend Dr. J. Millar, to whom it had been given by Mr. Kent. At first sight I was inclined to agree with Mr. Kent, and said, ‘ Verily (although a pin-like spicule of this form among the Esperiade is a great anomaly) here is a sponge with the heads of its spicules outwards, con- trary to my assertion that the proper spicules (that is, the spicules made by the sponge itself) never have their large ends outwards.” Still this, as will presently be seen, was only a prima facie opinion ; for when | came to examine microscopi- cally what Dr. Millar had lent me, much was found to modify these views, since, in addition to the spiculation of the Hs- perta (viz.:—1, a sub-pinlike, staple skeleton-spicule, radiating from the centre in branched bundles; 2, a smaller acerate one, curved and binding together the points of the latter towards the surface ; 3, an inequianchorate, single and in rosette-like groups; 4, a bihamate (fibula); and 5, the sheaf-shaped bundles of minute acerates, looking like sawdust by reflected light), Sponge-spicule in the Spongida. 171 there were present the spiro-sinuous flesh-spicules of Cliona abyssorum, which I had described and figured from a specimen found in Lophohelia prolifera, dredged up at the mouth of the English Channel (‘ Annals,’ 1874, vol. xiv. p. 249, pl. xiv. fig. 33, and pl. xv. fig. 45, a, 6, c), to such an extent that it appears in great plurality even in the minute fragments of both slides mounted by Dr. Millar, also in the dust of the pill-box containing the specimen of Rhaphidotheca, and in crevices of the pieces of Lophohelia which accompanied it. Thus a very different aspect of this little sponge became manifest, and I could not help inferring that the Esperia, as is often the case with sponges not content with their own spi- cules, or having no means of obtaining silex for forming a sufficient number of them, had not only appropriated the sinuous flesh-spicules of Cliona abyssorum, which infests Lophohelia prolifera, but the pin-like skeletal ones also; and and that, after all, the presence of the pin-like spicules with their heads outwards did not, in this instance, invalidate the view mentioned, viz. that the proper spicules of a sponge are never found in that sponge with their large ends outwards. Still, the pin-like spicule in this little sponge is not iden- tical in form with that of Cliona abyssorum, as may be seen by comparing Mr. Kent’s with my figures of it (/. c.); and the only conclusion I can come to, in consequence, is, that Mr. Kent’s will be found to characterize a variety of Cliona abys- sorum in the Lophohelia prolifera, bearing the pin-like spicule of this misleading little sponge, or the latter has been modi- fied in form by the Esperia itself ; which, it is very desirable to determine. When viewed in a perpendicular section laterally, the real surface of the Esperia can be seen to be marked, as usual, by the horizontal layer of acerates binding together the points of the sub-pinlike skeleton-spicules of the Esperia, in which none of the sub-pinlike or large ends are observed to be out- wards, while the reverse is the case with all the pin-like spi- cules that form its crust, which have been inferred to have come from a Cliona—the former being the case with the “proper spicules” of a sponge, and the latter that of spicules derived from another or foreign source. It would be desirable, then, to ascertain if the Cliona, which in all probability infests the Lophohelia on which this little sponge has grown, has a pin-like spicule like that covering the Hsperia. If, however, Mr. Kent has not been happy in the instance of Rhaphidotheca Marshall-Hallii, as opposed to my views, he has caused me to considerably modify them, as well as the statement made in my “ Notes introductory to the Study of 12% 172 Mr. H. J. Carter on the Identity the Spongida,” viz. that “ where a spicule which has a point projects beyond the surface of the sponge to which it belongs, that point will be always outermost” (‘ Annals,’ 1875, vol. xvi. p. 16); for this is by no means the case, since where the spicule is intended for anchoring, or for binding down the surface-spicules of the body of the sponge, and by thus intermingling with each other to form a kind of crust, the branched head is outwards and the pointed end of the shaft inwards. Thus in the anchoring spicules of the hexactinellids Rossella and Huplectella, in Geodra, in Stelletta (especially Wyville- thomsonia Wallicht’), and in Tethya (type T. cranium), also in some of the calcareous sponges, the former is the case ; while the large surface-spicules on the body of Rossella and many other hexactinellids, together with the large trifid ( zone-”) spicules of Geodia and Stelletta, especially in Wyvillethomsonia Wallichit, all the Lithistids, and some of the calcareous sponges (ex. gr. Leuconia Johnstonit, ‘ Annals,’ 1871, vol. viii. pl. 1. fig. 6) furnish instances of the latter. Yet in other cases, where the spicules are not branched, but linear and pointed at both ends, especially in the Renierida, the points bristle on the surface ; and that this would be the case if one end were obtuse, is evidenced by the Suberitida, in which the pin-like spicule always holds this position. ven in Placospongia melobesioides and Xenospongia patelliformis, in which the crusts respectively are composed of a layer of Geodia-like siliceous balls and Stelletta-like stellates, accom- panied by a pin-like skeleton-spicule only, the point of the latter is outwards. ? Therefore in the “ Notes &c.” to which I have above alluded, it should have been stated, in the section immediately following the tabular view of the skeleton-spicules therein given, that while the spicules of the “ linear group” have their pointed ends directed outwards, the reverse is the case with the “‘ramular group.” How this omission occurred I cannot conceive, as the last spicules mentioned in this table are the “ anchoring ” ones of the Hexactinellida. Thus it is rather an error of omission than of commission, of which, I fear, many more will be found in my “ Notes.” PostTscRIPT. On the Identity of Squamulina scopula with the Sponges. In a paper entitled ‘‘ Observations upon Professor Ernst Hickel’s Group ‘ Physemaria,’ and on the Affinity of the Sponges,’ Mr. Saville Kent, in the last number of the of Squamulina scopula with the Sponges. 173 ‘Annals’ (p. 12 e¢ seg.), assumes that Hickel has identified my Squamulina scopula=Halyphysema Tumanowiczti, Bk., with his genus Gastrophysema, and then infers (provisionally, p- 15) that, as Prof. Hiickel (‘Jenaische Zeitschrift,’ erstes Heft, Taf. iv.-vi.) represents collared, flagellated, monadic bodies with it, it is a sponge. Now Hiickel has not identified my Squamulina scopula with his Gastrophysema, as proved by his figures of the latter, wherein the cavity of the body is not prolonged into the poly- thalamous foot or test; and therefore Mr. Kent’s provisional inference falls to the ground. My Squamulina scopula, as may be seen by my figures (‘ Annals,’ 1870, vol. v. pl. iv.), consists of a subpolythala- mous discoid test, whose opening on the summit is prolonged into a tubular scopuliform structure, which is simple in one and dichotomously branched in the other species or variety ; so that the latter closely resembles in form the calcareous test of Carpenteria, whose opening at the summit is also prolonged into a tubular branched state, which is composed partly of cal- careous matter supplied by the animal itself, and partly of foreign material consisting chiefly of more or less fragmentary sponge-spicules: when the calcareous tube fails, which is often the case, the tube is wholly composed of the latter, like that of Squamulina scopula, only that the tubulation of Car- penteria terminates in fine branches, while those of Sguamulina scopula and its variety ramosa terminate in round scopuli- form extremities. Again, whether there be collared flagellated monadie bodies in Squamulina scopula or not, the polythalamous character, so appropriately given by the illustrious Ehrenberg to what we now call Foraminifera, decides the question with those who are well acquainted with the structure of the latter as well as that of the Spongida. No sponge, that I know of, presents the polythalamous character of Sqguamulina scopula, in its foot (root) or anywhere else. That Hiickel did not know what he was talking about is evident when he attempts to identify the bundle of anchoring spicules of Wyvellethomsonia Wallichit, formed by the sponge itself, with the heterogeneous material brought together by the organism which he represents under the name of /Taliphy- sema echinoides (op. cit. Tat. 11. fig. 127), and which Schmidt would provisionally call “ Stelletta echinotdes”’ (Archiv f. mikroskop. Anat. Bd. xiv. p. 260). Ido not mean to assert that Hiickel’s figures of Gastro- physema do not represent his Physemaria; but I mean to assert most emphatically that they do not represent my Squa- 174 Capt. W. V. Legge on a new Scops Oul. mulina scopula, any more than his Haliphysema echinoides represents Wyvillethomsonia Wallichit. So it is evident from this that, in attempting to generalize, “ A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” Squamulina scopula in its simple and branched forms is very common on this coast (Budleigh-Salterton, Devon) ; but if reexamined, as Mereschkowsky suggests a little further on in the same number of the ‘ Annals’ (p. 77), it is impossible to do away with the bearing of the polythalamous character above mentioned, which no sponge that I know of possesses, independent of the other proofs that Sguamulina scopula is decidedly a species of Foraminifera. The embryo of the Spongida grows up into branches from a root; that of the Foraminifera from a cell into cells or chambers, successively increasing in size and, for the most part, arranged spirally. ‘Thus far the two organisms cannot be confounded. XXI.—Description of a new Scops Owl from Ceylon. By Capt. W. V. Lecce, R.A., M.B.O.U., &c. At Trincomalie, in July 1875, I obtained a young bird belonging to a small species of Scops Owl unknown to me. I kept it some little time; and it then died. In May of the following year, while staying with Mr. Bligh, of Catton Estate, Haputale, I met with a skin of an adult bird, which he had caught in the chimney of his bungalow at Kotmalie, and which I recognized as belonging to the same species as my young bird. Its small size and dark plumage prevented my identifying it with any Scops Owl described in Mr. Sharpe’s Catalogue ; and through the kindness of Mr. Bligh I was enabled to send it home to the British Museum. It has now been presented to the national collection by that gentle- man. Messrs. Whyte and Co., of Kandy, have just sent home to Mr. Sharpe, on loan, a second example, killed in one of the coffee-districts near Kandy. On our comparing the series thus obtained with the Scops Owls in the national collec- tion, this species turns out to be new, being distinguished from other Indian members of the genus by its small size and dark colour. Messrs. Whyte and Co. state they have received once before an example of this owl*. I * T have examined a small rufous owl in the Colombo Museum, which appears to belong to this species. Capt. W. V. Legge on a new Scops Owl. 175 propose to describe this interesting little addition to the avifauna of Ceylon under the name of Scops minutus, it appearing to be the smallest Scops Owl yet discovered. Scops minutus, sp. nov. Description.— 8. Length to front of cere (from skin) 6-0 inches ; culmen 0°55; wing 4°85; tail 2°1; tarsus 0°8; outer anterior toe 0°7, its claw straight 0-4; height of bill at cere 0:25. Iris yellow; bill olivaceous brown; cere greenish; feet fleshy brown. Above the general hue is dark brown, the feathers of the head, back, rump, scapulars, tertials, and wing-coverts crossed at the centre with transverse spots of ochraceous, spotted finely and closely vermiculated on the rest of their surfaces with grey and ochraceous grey, surrounding transverse irre- gular markings of blackish ; the feathers of the hind neck are crossed with bold wavy markings of whitish, and margined with rufescent buff. The outer scapulars are white externally, with blackish terminal spots and oblique central bars of the same, edged with rufous; the primary and outer secondary coverts have their dark markings mingled with rufous patches and set off with white spots near the tips of the outer webs; primaries and secondaries brownish rufous, mottled with blackish brown, and the inner webs banded broadly with the same; the outer webs of the first five primaries crossed with five white blackish-margined bars, the ti paler than the rest of the feather and mottled with dark brown; tail brownish, washed with rufous on some of the feathers near the base, mottled with blackish brown and crossed with five or six bars of buff-white with black edges ; ear-tufts concolorous with the head, and rufous at the base of the feathers. Loreal plumes black, with white bases ; facial disk grey, pencilled with blackish; ruff pale rufous, the feathers edged and centred with dark brown; chin whitish; fore neck and under surface, with the flanks, closely stippled with iron-grey on a white ground, the feathers with broadish central stripes of blackish, and crossed on their concealed por- tions with fine, wavy, transverse, black marks; on the lower parts the stippling is more open, the under tail-coverts being chiefly white, with the markings confined to the tips; legs rufescent, with wavy brown transverse marks; under wing- coverts whitish, shaded with rufescent, and crossed with irre- gular markings of brown. 176 Bibliographical Notice. - The example sent home by Messrs. Whyte and Co., of Kandy, differs in the bolder nature of the transverse white spottings on the upper surface, and in the blackish markings taking the form of distinct shaft-lines ; the ruff is more con- spicuously edged, and is of a deeper buff than in the Museum specimen ; the under surface is not so closely stippled, and does not present the same ‘ pepper-and-salt ” appearance, the markings taking the form of vermiculations and the centre stripes being very bold. This little owl comes nearer to Scops malayanus than any other Indian member of the genus, but differs from it in its smaller size and in the darker upper parts and closely stippled under surface. In its young plumage, it is rufous on the entire upper sur- face, and the breast is whiter than in the adult. Habitat. Northern, western, and central provinces of Cey- lon, probably the whole island. Type in British Museum. Locality. _Kotmalie, Central Province. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE. Whites Natural History of Selborne. Edited by Tuomas Bet, F.R.S. Two vols. S8vo. Van Voorst: London, 1877. A prriop of well nigh a century has now elapsed since the first publication of Gilbert White’s ‘ Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne,’ in 1789; and since then, as we all know, many reprints of this popular work have been from time to time issued, enriched or otherwise, as the case may be, by the notes and commentaries of various editors. With this, all might be supposed to have been done that could be done, and that nothing more was left for us to look forward to than a repetition of the same kind of editorial labour. It is with pleasure, however, that we find such a surmise dissipated entirely by the appearance of the two goodly volumes now before us, which, containing as they do so much new matter regarding our author, may be fairly enough regarded as constituting the one final and exhaustive record to which all must refer who would know something more of White, not only as a naturalist, but in his more intimate social relations with his family and friends. Hitherto we have had to be content with the meagre though kindly notice pre- fixed to the edition of White’s work published after his death by his friend Dr. Aiken, and consisting of little more than the dates of his birth and educational career at school and college. Now, here was plainly a deficiency to be supplied ; and upon whom, we may well ask, could such a task have better devolved than upon the Bibliographical Notice. 177 present Editor, Thomas Bell (himself an able naturalist, and occupier, too, of White’s tenement at Selborne for a period of more than thirty years)? Within this studious retirement, and with access to documents and letters such as no one else could command, Bell has been enabled to write a brief memoir of White, which, un- eventful as the life of such a student must needs be, will yet be read with interest by all who cherish every scrap of information concerning one who gave to an obscure village in Hampshire, where he lived and died, a name and fame such as but for his labours it had never possessed. To this memoir succeeds the Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne, with notes sparingly because judiciously appended by the Editor from his own and the personal observation of others. And so ends vol. i., complete, so far as it goes, in itself. The contents of the next volume are entirely new ; and to these we beg more especially to direct the attention of our readers. They consist, to begin with, of the correspondence of Gilbert White with his brother John, a clergyman like himself, and bound to him by a peculiar sympathy, as being himself a lover of natural history, and engaged for many years in preparing a work on that of Gibraltar and its neighbourhood—though this, it is to be regretted, was never published. To these letters follow several others that were ex- changed between the same brother and Linneus ; and last of all an ex- tensive correspondence of Gilbert White with his family, and miscel- laneous letters addressed to many of his most intimate friends. When we add that the whole correspondence occupies some 303 pages of vol. ii. we have said enough to indicate the abundance of novel information that will be there met with, and much which is specially interesting as having reference to the favourite pursuits of our author. “On the Sense of Hearing in Fishes,” by Gilbert White, is the title of the next article in vol. ii., andis now published for the first time. Out of three of White’s sermons in the possession of Mr. Bell, he has thought proper to select one as giving us, he says, “ a fair illustration of the general tone of his parochial instruction, and as an example of the ordinary character of the best village sermons of the period.” Lastly, as affording a curious glimpse into the expenses of living at that period, we have the account-book kept by White of moneys spent as well as received during the terms of his proctorship &e. at Oxford during the years 1752 to 1754. With the quaint entries here made, and the odd manner in which the figures are disposed, the student of by-gone data will find much that may furnish food for reflection as well as amusement at the same time. We conclude our list of White’s writings with his ‘“‘Garden Kalender” and a “ Description of Dufour’s Fire-escape,’ which last, though never perhaps intended for publication, yet shows us that our author was fully alive to any improvement in the useful arts of life. A list of the more noteworthy animals and plants observed in Sel- borne and its neighbourhood is appended by the Editor. William 178 Miscellaneous. Curtis furnishes us with a brief essay on the geology of Selborne ; while last, in the form of an Appendix, Lord Selborne gives us an account of his highly successful investigations into the Romano- British antiquities found in the bed of Woolmer Pond and other districts of the parish. A copious index of names and places con- cludes, we may add, the whole work. In the above notice we have purposely limited ourselves to telling the reader what these volumes contain. To have entered into any criticism upon the subject-matter of a work, the leading portion of which has so long received the verdict of public approval, would have been here wholly out of place. Sufficient is it to ob- serve that all future competition between publishers for the glory or profit accruing from editions of White’s ‘Selborne’ is now finally set at rest. To Van Voorst and his able Editor belong the exclusive merit of being the first to set before the public the full portrait of Gilbert White and his Selborne—that Selborne which he loved so wisely and so well. MISCELLANEOUS. Tuomas VERNON Wo.LtastTon. Srnce the issue of our last number we have had to lament the loss of one of the best and most scientific of our entomological contri- butors. Mr. T.V. Wollaston died suddenly, on the 4th of January, at his residence at Teignmouth ; and it is hard to say whether the feeling of regret caused by this untimely event is more inspired by appreciation of the good qualities of the man or of the value of his work. Belonging toa family which numbered Dr. Wollaston among its members, and could boast of more than one name of respectable position in literature, Mr. Wollaston certainly well maintained its credit by his labours in the department of science to which he specially devoted himself; whilst his extreme amiability, gentle- ness, and straightforwardness of character endeared him to all those who had the pleasure of his personal acquaintance. Born on the 9th March, 1821, Mr. Wollaston was only in his fifty-seventh year when he died. His love for entomology commenced while he was completing his studies at Jesus College, Cambridge, where the example of our late Botanical Editor, Mr. C. Cardale Ba- bington inoculated him, and two, at least, of his fellow students (the Reys. J. F. Dawson and Hamlet Clark), with a taste for the study of British Coleoptera ; and it was upon this subject that he made his first appearance as an entomological writer, with a short note on Coleo- ptera observed at Launceston, published in 1843, in the first volume of the ‘ Zoologist.’ This was followed in 1845 and 1847 by notes on the entomology of Lundy Island, which appeared in the same periodical ; and in the intermediate year (1846) he sent his first contribution to this journal, under the title of ‘ Descriptions of Miscellaneous. 179 three newly-discovered British Coleoptera.” Other papers, chiefly on the Coleoptera of various districts of the British Isles, were con- tributed by him to the ‘ Zoologist’ in 1846 and 1847; but in the autumn of the latter year his friends were shocked with the news that he had suffered from a severe attack of blood-spitting, which, although no serious results were immediately to be apprehended from it, would necessitate his passing at least the ensuing winter in a milder climate than that of England. Madeira was the locality selected by him; and to his compulsory visit to that beauti- ful island we_are indebted for some of the finest entomological works of which this country can boast. From the moment of his landing in Madeira Mr. Wollaston set himself, with the energy and enthusiasm which had always charac- terized his proceedings, to form a collection of the insects of the island; and although his own predilections led him no doubt to pay special attention to the Coleoptera, he obtained most interesting series of insects belonging to the other orders. So interested was he by the results of these researches, that, although no longer compelled to submit to exile on account of his health, he returned again and again to Madeira, and on these occasions provided himself with a small tent, in which he lived high up among the mountains for weeks together, accompanied only by Portuguese attendants, whose duty it was to bring up the necessary supplies for the little party. By these means Wollaston obtained so large a series of insects, and especially of Coleoptera, that he found himself in a position to give a very exhaustive account of the beetles of the main island of Madeira and of those scattered points of rock, the Salvages and Desertas, which form small groups in its immediate vicinity. After several years of work his results appeared in 1854 under the title of ‘Insecta Maderensia,’ in a handsome quarto volume, illustrated with coloured plates of beautiful figures, drawn by Mr. Westwood and engraved by Mr. Frederick Smith. The qualities displayed in this great work, the accuracy of research, and the painstaking and thoroughly philosophical manner in which the subject was treated, at once placed Wollaston in the first rank of systematic entomologists; while the curious results of his investigations, revealing as they did, in the little spot of ground on which they had been carried on, a most singular mixture of European and Mediterranean types, with peculiar species, constituting genera and even more extensive groups of which no examples were known elsewhere, gave the work a special interest, and led its accomplished author to speculate on the possibility of the former existence of an Atlantic land, from the inhabitants of which these peculiar types were descended. By a very natural process such speculations led to the desire to investigate the insect-faunas of the other Atlantic islands; and the entomological portion of the great work of Webb and Berthelot on the Canaries no doubt furnished some indications that interesting discoveries might be looked for there. Accordingly, after making another visit to Madeira in 1855, and preparing a Catalogue of the 180 Miscellaneous. Coleoptera of that island, which was published in 1857. by the Trustees of the British Museum, who had purchased his valuable collections, Wollaston (in 1858 and 1859) went to the Canaries in the yacht of his friend Mr. John Gray; and the results of his re- searches, embodying descriptions of many new forms of Coleoptera and numerous corrections of the statements of previous authors, appeared in 1864, also under the auspices of the Trustees of the British Museum*. In the mean time, however, other observers had been investigating the Canarian Coleoptera; and in the very next year after the publi- cation of his Museum Catalogue, Wollaston found himself under the necessity of bringing out a fresh book, entitled ‘ Coleoptera Atlantidum,’ in which he not only gave a complete list of the species, with descriptions of many new ones, but discussed at considerable length the theoretical ‘conclusions to which he was led by his ex- amination of them. For the further confirmation of these conclu- sions he again embarked on board Mr. Gray’s yacht in 1866, for a cruise among the Cape- Verde Islands ; and the fruits of this journey appeared in the following year under the title of ‘ Coleoptera Hes- peridum.’ Later still he undertook the investigation of the beetles of St. Helena; and his descriptive notice of these, ‘ Coleoptera Sanctee-Helenze,’ which appeared only last year, showed a con- siderable advance even upon the results recently published by Mr. Melliss. From his investigations of the Coleoptera of all these little islands scattered so widely over the Atlantic, Wollaston was strongly confirmed in his belief that they are relics of a great tract of land or group of large islands, now submerged, except the summits of its highest mountains, which afford a refuge for the descendants of a few of its peculiar inhabitants. These points, and many others of interest with regard to geographical distribution, are discussed with great acumen in the introductions to the works above cited. Throughout his career Wollaston maintained the independence of species, and indeed was, for a long time, an ardent opponent of the doctrine of evolution. His opinions on this subject took a somewhat modified form in his later writings, in which he accepted the notion that some forms which could hardly be regarded otherwise than as species had a recognizable derivative origin. As early as 1856 he published a small work on the Variation of Species, which con- tains many valuable remarks on this subject and also discusses the nature of genera. Notwithstanding his special devotion to the study of the Coleo- ptera, Wollaston found time to attend to some other things during his visits to the Atlantic islands. In his first sojourn in Madeira the Rev. R. T. Lowe, then chaplain at Funchal, called his attention * It is to be hoped that the beautiful collections, both of shells and insects, upon which Mr. Wollaston was at work until the very close of his life may be acquired by the national Museum, and placed side by side with those earlier collections which are already in its cabinets. Miscellaneous. 181 to the existence of many peculiar forms of land-shells on the island ; and Wollaston collected these with such zeal, that in a very short time he had obtained examples of a great many more species than had fallen to the lot of Mr. Lowe during several years’ residence in Madeira. A descriptive account of these shells, and of others ob- tained by him in other Atlantic islands, was his last completed work, and will, we hope, appear shortly. This notice has already extended to such a length that it will be im- possible to refer particularly to any of Wollaston’s scattered papers. From 1846 until last year he was a frequent contributor to our pages, in which many of his best papers appear. Others, of equal value, will be found in the Transactions of the Entomological Society, in the ‘Journal of Entomology,’ and in the ‘ Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine.’ Altogether he published about 50 separate papers, nearly all relating to Coleoptera. When we consider that for 30 years of his life Wollaston was always in a most delicate state of health, the amount and the quality of the work done by him is at first sight surprising. But it may be that the very weakness of constitution which all his friends de- plored was really to some extent the cause of his success, by preventing his going much into society, where his kindness and geniality must have made him a favourite, and compelling him to live for the most part in a retirement which afforded him so many opportunities of devoting himself to the patient and minute research by which, coupled with the power which he eminently possessed of taking broad and philosophical views of his results, his reputation was mainly built up. On the Orthonectida, a new Class of Animals Parasitic on Echinoder- mata and Turbellaria. By M. A. Grarp. The little Ophiuran, Ophiocoma neglecta, sometimes contains a singular parasite which may serve as the type of a whole group of animals of very curious organization and hitherto almost unknown. The following are the circumstances under which this parasite is met with. Ophiocoma neglecta is an Ophiuran with condensed em- bryogeny, or viviparous. The incubatory cavity, situated in the aboral part of the disk, communicates freely with the exterior; for the most advanced embryos contained in this cavity frequently present upon their arms a pretty Vorticella, which occurs almost always upon the arms of the parent animal. On tearing open the disk in order to extract the embryos from it, we find it, in certain individuals, filled with a multitude of animals like large ciliated Infusoria, which traverse the field of the microscope in a straight line and with the rapidity of an arrow. These animals occur of two forms, which I shall name provisionally the elongated and the ovoid form. In both they are simple planule, that is to say, organisms composed only of two layers of cells—an exoderm or outer layer of ciliated cells, and an endoderm consisting of larger cells bounding a linear central cavity with no buccal aperture or anus. Notwith- 182 Miscellaneous. standing this low organization, the body is metamerized, and the metameres even present remarkable differentiations. The first ring terminates anteriorly in a blunt cone and bears a tuft of rigid sete. It is followed by a cylindrical ring of the same length, the whole surface of which is roughened with papille, apparently dis- posed in ten longitudinal rows; this is the only part of the body which does not present vibratile cilia. The third ring is larger than the first two taken together ; it widens gently towards its posterior extremity. The fourth metamere is of the same dimensions as the papilliferous ring ; it is followed by a terminal ring, furnished with longer cilia at its posterior extremity, conical and subdivided into two metameres less distinct than the preceding ones. Such is the elongated form. The last rings form a sort of club with which the animal beats the water, independently of the movements of the cilia, and by sudden blows which one might think due to the action of muscular elements. The ovoid form differs from the elongated form only in its less length and greater breadth; but I have ascer- tained -that it is not the result of a contraction of the animal. Perhaps it is a sexual form, perhaps also a young state of the parasite. I give this strange animal the name of Rhapalura ophio- come. A parasite of the same group is also met with at Wimereux, in a Nemertean, Lineus gesserensis, O, F. Miller, which is very common, as well as its variety L. sanguineus, under the stones of the muddy places in the neighbourhood of the Tour de Croi. This animal differs, however, sufficiently from Rhopalura to constitute a dis- tinct genus ; the papilliferous ring is replaced by two very narrow ciliated rings; the median portion of the body generally has six nearly equal metameres ; the terminal club is formed of three rings ; the anterior part, moreover, bears a tuft of rigid cilia. There are also an elongated and an ovoid form. M‘Intosh has said a few words on this parasite in his fine monograph of the British Nemer- teans* ; I therefore propose to give it the name of Jntoshia liner. Lastly a species evidently belonging to the same genus has been figured without description by Keferstein+, who met with it at St. Malo as a parasite in the digestive tube of a Planarian (Lepto- plana tremellaris) which is’ also very common at Wimereux. I give this species, which is very nearly allied to the preceding, the name of Jntoshia leptoplane. In the absence of sufficient embryogenical evidence, it is impossible for me at present to assign these animals to the definitive place which they must occupy in the classification. By the name OrrHonzctipa I have desired to recall their progression, which is so characteristic that it would of itself suffice for their recognition among the para- sites with which they might be confounded. Provisionally I think that the Orthonectida should be ranged above the Dicyemida and near the Gastrotricha; the latter and the degraded Rotifers also * M‘Intosh, ‘A Monograph of the British Annelids: the Nemerteans,’ 1874, p. 129, pl. xviii. figs. 17-19. + Keferstein, ‘Beitrage zur Anatomie und Entwickelungsgeschichte einiger Seeplanarien von St.-Malo,’ Taf. ii. fig. 8. Miscellaneous. 183 live in general upon animals which inhabit muddy bottoms, such as Ophiocoma neglecta, the Linei, and Leptoplana tremellaris. Such are Balatro, parasitic on the Limnicolous annelids, and Saccoddella, a parasite of Nebalia *. However, the Orthonectida possess neither the rotatory apparatus nor the mastax of the Rotifera, nor even the bifurcated tail or the pharynx of the Gastrotricha. The most in- teresting question to be solved in the history of our parasites is whether these animals have remained normally at the planula-stage, or have retrograded to this primitive state, just as the Dicyemida have returned to the morula-stage, in consequence of parasitism. The fact of retrogression does not seem to me to be doubtful in the ease of the Dicyemida, which I regard as degraded Turbellaria (the Dicyema of the cuttlefish still possesses the bacilli so characteristic of the skin of the Planarians). The proofs of the degradation of the Orthonectida are far from being so evident; and these animals perhaps represent the most interesting step in the complicated phylum of the Vermest.—Comptes Rendus, October 29, 1877, p. 812. A new Species of Chimeera found in American Waters. By Treopore Gitt. One of the most unexpected discoveries recently made in Ameri- can ichthyology is that of a species of the genus Chimera, of which a specimen has lately been sent to the Smithsonian Institution. It was caught south-east of the La Have bank, in lat. 42° 40’ N., long. 63° 23’ W., at a depth of 350 fathoms, with a bait of halibut. An attentive comparison of the specimen with individuals of the European Chimera monstrosa renders it evident that it does not be- long to that species, but is an entirely distinct specific form. It may be named Chimera plumbea, and diagnosed as follows :— Chimera plumbea. A Chimera with the snout acutely produced; the anteorbital flexure of the suborbital line extending little above the level of the inferior margin of the orbit; the dorsals close together ; the dorsal spine with its anterior surface rounded ; the ventrals trian- gular and pointed ; the pectorals extending to the outer axil of the ventrals; and the colour uniformly plumbeous. By these characters the species is readily separable from the Chimera monstrosa and other species of the genus.—Bulletin of the Philosophical Society of Washington. Note on the Habits of Young Limulus. By AtexanperR AGAssiz. Mr. C. D. Walcott has called attention to the fact that when col- lecting fossils he finds large numbers of Trilobites on their back +; * Claus still places Saccobdella among the Hirudinea; and this error has unfortunately not been corrected in the French translation of his treatise on Zoology. + The preceding investigations were made at the Laboratory at Wime- reux, in September and October of the present year (1877). } Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. xi. p. 155, 1875 ; Twenty-eighth Report N.Y. State Museum, Dec. 1876. 184 Miscellaneous. from this he argues that they died in their natural position, and that when living they probably swam on their backs. He men- tions, in support of his view, the well-known fact that very young Limuli and other Crustacea frequently swim in that position. I have for several summers kept young horseshoe crabs in my jars, and have noticed that, besides thus often swimming on their backs, they will remain in a similar position for hours, perfectly quiet, on the bottom of the jars where they are kept. When they cast their skin it invariably keeps the same attitude on the bottom of the jar. It is not an uncommon thing to find on beaches, where Limulus is common, hundreds of skins thrown up and left dry by the tide, the greater part of which are turned on their backs. An additional point to be brought forward to show that the Trilobites probably pass the greater part of their life on their back and die in that attitude, is that the young Zimuli generally feed while turned on their back; moving at an angle with the bottom, the hind extre- mity raised, they throw out their feet beyond the anterior edge of the carapace, browsing, as it were, upon what they find in their road, and washing away what they do not need by means of a powerful current produced by their abdominal appendages.—Szll- man’s Amer. Journ., Jan. 1878. New Species of Ceratodus from the Jurassic. By O. C. Manrsu. Among the interesting vertebrate remains recently found in the Jurassic of Colorado is a tooth of a Ceratodus in good preservation. The specimen is a left lower dental plate, having the inner side convex, and the outer divided into five prominent projections, which are separated by four notches. The front projection is longest and most pointed. The plate is attached fo a portion of the dentary bone. The length of this dental plate is 20 millims., and the transverse diameter 11 millims. The species is the first Mesozoic Ceratodus found in this country, and hence of much interest. It may be named Ceratodus Giinthert, in honour of Dr. A. Gunther of the British Museum. The geological horizon of this species is in the Atlantosaurus beds of the Upper Jurassic.—Silliman’s Amer. Jeurn., Jan. 1878. Sexual Dimorphism in Butterflies. Mr. S. H. Scudder, in an article on sexual dimorphism in butter- flies (to which special kind of dimorphism he applies the term anti- geny), states that it isnot the male but the female that departs from the normal type of colouring of the group to which the species belongs, while it is the male that shows divergences from the type in structural characters. These structural divergences in butterflies appear in the wings and the legs, and sometimes in the antenne. Mr. Scudder knows of no example in which the male alone diverges from the general plan of coloration belonging to the group.—Proc. Amer, Acad. 1877. THE ANNALS MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. [FIFTH SERIES. ] No. 3. MARCH 1878. XXIL.—On the Geographical Distribution of the Common Oyster. By G. WINTHER*. Apart from the oysters of the Mediterranean, which are here left out of consideration, the oyster is found along the coasts of the Bay of Biscay, from Vigo in Spain to Finisterre in France, and thence along the coasts of the Channel, the Irish, Scotch, and English seaboards as far as the Shetland Islands. The species reappears at Heligoland, on the western coast of Slesvig, in the Limfjord, the Aalbek Bay in the Kattegat (near Frederikshavn or Fladstrand), and along the eastern shore of Jutland, as far as the fjord of Horsens, whilst on the coast of the Scandinavian peninsula oysters are found from a point south of Gothenborg along the Swedish and Norwegian coasts towards the bay of Christiania, and again on the south and west coast of Norway as far as the island of Trinen, near the polar circle. The Feroes and Iceland possess no oysters; and it is doubtful whether the American oyster is of the same species as that of Europe. In spite of its wide range northwards, the oyster must be regarded as a southern species, being most fully developed in the Channel and south of the Channel. If now we look for peculiarities common to the whole of this portion of the west coast of Europe which is inhabited by the oyster, we meet with one phenomenon which exercises * Abstract of a paper on the culture of oysters in Denmark, in ‘ Nordisk Tidsskrift for Fiskeri’ (Copenhagen, 1876). Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. i. is 186 M. G. Winther on the Geographical the greatest influence on Western Europe in point of climate and fauna, viz. the Gulf-stream, branches of which cross the northern portion of the Atlantic and touch precisely on the coasts in question. According to the most modern researches, a branch of the Gulf-stream strikes the north-west corner of Spain and sepa- rates into two minor currents, of which one runs southwards past Vigo, along the coast of ae and Portugal, whilst the other follows the shore of the Bay of Biscay to the western extremity of Brittany. The direction of this current along the French coast is therefore first northerly and then, along the S.W. coast of Brittany, north-westerly. After leaving the western extremity of Brittany the current maintains this north-westerly direction, following the edge of that submarine plateau on which both France and England are situated; and near the coast of Ireland this branch reunites with the main portion of the Gulf-stream, which, having crossed the Atlantic flows along the western shores of Ireland, Scotland, and the Shetland Islands. From this point the stream, following still the edge of the plateau, strikes across to the coast of Norway, which it touches first between Bergen and 'Trond- hjem, spreading thence along the coast as far as the North Cape. From that branch of the Gulf-stream which, as we have described, crosses the mouth of the Channel, a minor branch diverges into the Channel, after passing which it spreads into the southern division of the North Sea, where its effects are well marked. After passing along the coast of Holland it touches Heligoland and the islands west of Slesvig, and follows the west coast of Jutland as far as the Skaw, where an ultimate bifurcation takes place, one branch passing to the Swedish coast, whilst the effects of the other, which runs southwards along the east coast of the Cimbrian peninsula, can be traced as far as the Bay of Kiel. All along these coast-lines, which are touched by the Gulf- stream, and where consequently the saltness and temperature of the water are proportionally high and independent of local circumstances, oysters are found. ‘They constitute its specific area, according to the terminology of Mr. Forbes. How en- tirely the oyster depends on the Gulf-stream is beautifully illustrated in the Kattegat, where it does not reach so far south on the Swedish coast as on the Danish coast, obviously because the rather fresh current from the Baltic flows chiefly along the coast of Sweden, whilst the salt current from the North Sea follows the shore of Jutland. Oysters occur also near the island of Anhalt, in a place where a local northern current has often been observed ; but the locality would not Distribution of the Common Oyster. 187 appear to be otherwise favourable, as no fishery has been esta- blished there. It may therefore be said, with justice, that the oyster inhabits the shores of Europe so far as these are touched more or less directly by the Gulf-stream, reaching northwards as far as the polar cirele—the Channel and the south coast of England forming the centre of its distribution. That the oyster does not occur on the shores of Iceland or the Feeroes, is interesting in so far as it shows that its diffu- sion is due to the facility with which the spat is carried on by the current. No current coming from the English or other Kuropean coasts, and by which spat might be brought, im- pinges on the shores of Iceland or the Faroe Islands; the waters of the Gulf-stream by which they are washed come direct from the channel of the Bahamas. If it be granted that the oyster has been carried to its pre- sent stations by the various branches of the Gulf-stream, it may be concluded that its specific centre is the place where that stream first reaches the continent of Hurope, viz. the west coast of Spain, from which it has afterwards spread south- ward into the Mediterranean, and northwards as far as the olar circle. This, again, would be a point to be considered in settling the question as to the physical conditions accom- panying the deposition of the Crag formation in England and the strata north of Gothenborg near Uddewalla, in which oysters occur in a fossil state. ut though oysters occur along the whole of the line indi- cated, they are by no means equally plentiful or well-developed atall points. Oyster-banks occur in many places, even as far north as Bergen in Norway; but those along the shores of England and France seem by nature to be the richest. On these banks, which are situated at varying distances from the shore, and where the oysters live in the pure water entering from the Atlantic, having a saltness of 3°5 or 3°6, they grow to a good size and produce many young; but they do not reach that fulness and delicacy which is obtained by moving them from the breeding-places to other localities exhibiting cer- tain peculiar conditions. The places where oyster-culture succeeds have this in common, that they are protected by islands or shoals against the immediate influence of the open sea, and that the sea-water is diluted by the fresh water of rivers charged with a quantity of organic matter, which affords nourishment to the oysters. ‘I'ransferred to such places the oyster is considerably improved in size and taste; the liver 1s more particularly increased ; and the shells become more regular, because the animals are so openly scattered as 13% 188 Geographical Distribution of the Common Oyster. not to interfere with one another. On account of the water being less salt (2°9-3°1) the shells are thinner than on the natural banks, in accordance with what has been observed also in the case of other testaceous mollusks. Through these changes the oyster is improved as an article of food and commerce ; but the improvement is not attained without ano- ther effect, which accompanies artificial fattening of animals as commonly as the abnormal increase of the liver does, and which is of the greatest importance for the whole question of oyster-culture. All the physiological energy of the animal being concentrated on the development of the individual, another side of its life, its capability for continuing the species, is impaired. Several authors have noticed the small quantity and limited vital power of the spat produced by oysters in artificial parks ; but the fact has not as yet received the attention it deserves; it has not been observed that it is a regular effect of less salt water and that consequently parks for fattening oysters cannot be self-supperting in the long run. A diminution of the saltness of the sea amounting to 0°5, in connexion with certain other physical circumstances, parti- cularly an admixture of fresh water, is consequently enough to exercise a notable influence on the development of the oyster generally, and especially on its power of propagation. This check will increase in effectiveness with the admixture of fresh water; and there is a point where the individual oyster is still perfectly able to live and thrive, but unable to propa- gate the species. Experience shows that oysters are able to live long in water of much less saltness, and even attain a size and delicacy which could not be reached if any part of its vital power were to be spent on propagation of the species. The minimum of saltness compatible with the existence of oysters has not yet been determined ; and the circumstance that the animal is very susceptible to cold, if the saltness of the water decreases, renders experiment on this point very difficult. Von Baer puts this minimum at 1:7; but propagation is then out of the question. In several instances different banks in the same locality have been found to exhibit great differences with regard to fertility; and it has been suggested that the reason might be that the products of the generative organs do not come to maturity in allindividuals at the same'time. But it is probable that their more or less favourable situation in regard to the access of salt water is of not less importance in the matter—particularly as the degree of saltness of the water would probably show its effects not only in increasing or dimi- nishing the general fertility, but also in accelerating or delay- ing the maturity of the secretions in question. Circumpolar Distribution of certain Hydrozoa. 189 From the preceding it appears that the physiological con- ditions of the oyster, and especially its power of propagation, may be changed or checked through modifications of circum- stances, such as admixture of fresh water or greater tranquility of the water, in respect of which there may be notable differ- ences between localities situated at short distances from one another ; and it is evident that this circumstance must act as a bar to its diffusion over a wider area, particularly because it is combined with this other peculiarity, that the brood of oysters is capable of surviving, freely drifting about, only for a short time after having left the mother; it must sink to the bottom after a certain time, and remain where it sinks, whether the place is favourable for its development or not. A very gradual modification of the kind indicated occurs in the water of the Kattegat, where the salt water of the North Sea meets and is gradually mixed with the fresher water of the Baltic ; and accordingly the oyster becomes more and more rare as we proceed southwards. At the entrance to the Sound and the Belts the species ceases to occur, though the water is not fresher than it might survive and even thrive in; but it could not propagate there ; and the nearest place where the physical conditions of the water permit it to do so, viz. the Bay of Aalbeek, just south of the Skaw, is so far away that the spat, drifting with the current, must, as a rule, sink before it arrives so far. Between these banks and the southern limits of the oysters in the Kattegat they occur only seated on large stones, singly or rarely three or four together. These scattered indivi- duals are often large and fat, but they are barren. With regard to parks for fattening oysters the main result of these considerations is, that they may be established in places where the water is much less salt than on the natural banks, if otherwise the conditions are favourable, as to temperature, quality of the bottom, quantity of food, &c.; but they cannot be made self-supporting. If artificial banks are to be self- supporting the water must not be much less salt than on the natural banks from which they are stocked. XXIII.—Note on Selaginopsis (= Polyserias Hincksii, Mere- schkowsky), and on the Circumpolar Distribution of certain Hydrozoa. By the Rev. A. M. Norman, M.A. THE Polysertas Hincksii of Mereschkowsky, recently figured in the ‘ Annals’ (ser. 4, vol. xx. pl. vi. figs. 15, 16), from the White Sea, is, I think, unquestionably identical with 190 Rev. A. M. Norman on the Circumpolar Diphasia mirabilis, Verrill, described originally from Le Have and St. George’s Banks, on the New-England coast, and subsequently figured by Clark from the Alaskan Sea. The genus Polysertas will also be synonymous with Sela- ginopsis, lately described by Prof. Allman, with a type (S. fusca) found in Japan *. The White-Sea species will there- fore be.Selaginopsis mirabilis (Verrill). Until quite recently the Hydrozoa have been almost en- tirely neglected in all seas except our own, though we must not forget the important investigations of L. and A. Agassiz. We thus know very little of the geographical distribution of the species. Selaginopsis mirabilis is the first arctic Hydrozoon which has been described from the east and west coasts of North America and subsequently found in the north of Europe. It is no wonder, therefore, that Mr. Mereschkowsky, having exa- mined European literature without finding his species, should have supposed that it was new. The reseazches of Vervill on the New-England coast are materially extending our knowledge of the distribution of many classes, including the Hydrozoa, on the western side of the Atlantic; and Mr. 8. F. Clark’s ad- mirable report on the Hydrozoa of Alaska has special interest. In it he figures, and describes when necessary, forty-two species as inhabiting the district. No less than sixteen of these are Arctic species which reach the British coast, and the circumpolar distribution of which has now been estab- lished. They are :— Obelia longissima (Pallas). Calycella syringa (Linn.). Clytia Johnstoni (Alder). Coppinia arcta (Dalyell). Campanularia integra, Macgil. Halecium muricatum, Johnst. Gonothyrea hyalina, Hincks. Sertularia filicula, Z. & S. Lafoéa pocillum ?, Hincks. Sertularella tricuspidata, Alder. gracillima (Aldcr). rugosa (Linn.). —— dumosa (Fleming). ——- polyzonias (Linn.). fruticosa, Sars. Tubularia indivisa, Linn. Add to these Selaginopsis mirabilis and we have two fifths of the Alaskan species with a known circumpolar distri- bution. Selaginopsis and Pericladium are apparently Arctic genera which have reached Japan by way of Kamtschatka and the Kurile Islands—the course of distribution which has caused, I believe, the striking resemblance in many features between the British and Japanese marine faunas; and I venture to pre- dict that many genera which are common to Japan and Kuro- * Linn. Soc. Journ. vol. xii. (1876) p. 272. Another of Clark’s Alaskan species, Thuiaria cylindrica, belongs to Aliman’s genus Pert- cladium, described in the paper just quoted, p. 273. Distribution of certain Hydrozoa. 191 pean seas will be found to have their relationship based on a common arctic origin. Mereschkowsky states that he has “found several other species of this genus (Polysertas) in the collection of Hydroids in the St.-Petersburg Museum of the Academy of Sciences, brought from the sea of Ochotsk and Kamtschatka.” It is not unlikely that the typical species of Selaginopsis may be found in the localities referred to; andthe genus Pericladium is also almost sure to live in seas which are midway between Alaska and Japan. Sertularia fusca, Johnston, of the British seas, is a con- necting link between the ordinary species of Sertularta and the typical Selaginopsis fusca. Selaginopsis fusca of Japan is a connecting link between Sertularia fusca, Johnston, and Polysertas Hincksii, Mere- schkowsky. Each of these might be made the type of a separate genus ; but Allman’s genus as characterized will include all; and it seems best so to retain it. Genus SELAGINOPSIS, Allman. “ Trophosome.—Hydrophyton consisting of a single axile tube, to which the hydrothece are adnate, and on which they are disposed in several longitudinal rows.” ‘“ Gonosome.—Not known.” [In the British S. fusca, Johnston, the gonotheca is pyriform, and borne as in Sertu- laria}. 1. Selaginopsis fusca (Johnston). Sertularia fusca, Johnston et auctorum. In this species the hydrothecz, instead of being placed on the face of the branch as in Sertularia, are inserted on the side, the thickness of the branch being much greater in pro- portion to its breadth than in that genus. On each of the sides the hydrothece are biserial, so far that they are decidedly alternate, bending to the right and left, in such a way that the mouths of one half only of the cells on each flank are seen when one face of the branch is looked at, and the other half when the opposite face is examined. It is, in fact, a double arrangement of a Sertularella, each lateral view exhibiting a series of hydrothecee corresponding to that of the front aspect in Sertularella. Hab. Distribution as known very limited; confined to east coast of the north of England and Scotland. 192 Mr. A. G. Butler on new Species 2. Selaginopsis Allmant. 1876. Selaginopsis fusca, Allman, Linn. Soc. Journ, vol. xii. p. 272, pl. xii. fig. 1, and pl. xix. figs. 1, 2. This Japanese species has similarly the hydrothece ar- ranged in double file on each stde (as opposed to the face) of the branchlets; but they are here distinctly in two lines at their bases as well as at their apices, the arrangement of cells being, as it were, that of a double Sertularia (e.g. S. absetina) ; instead of a double Sertularella as in the last case. 3. Selaginopsis mirabilis (Verrill). 18783. Diphasia mirabilis, Verrill, Amer, Journ. Science, ser. 3, vol. v. p. 9 (note). 1876, Diphasia mirabilis, 8. F. Clark, in Scientific Results of Explora- tion of Alaska, vol. i. p. 15, pl. vii. fig. 56. 1877. Polyserias Hincksti, Mereschkowsky, Ann. Nat. Hist. ser. 4, vol. xx. p. 228, pl. vi. figs. 15, 16. Hab. New-England coast (Verrill), Alaska (Clark), White Sea (Mereschkowsky). , Here we find the process of multiplication of cells carried still further, and what was in the former instances compara~ ble to a double Sertularian, is here equivalent to a triplicate Sertularian, an extra pair of hydrothece being introduced. The general aspect of the hydrophyton, as represented in fig. 15 (‘ Annals’), reminds us strikingly of that of S. fusca, Johnston, in mode of ramification, in general aspect of the branchlets, and in their great slenderness at the point of at- tachment to the main stem. XXIV.—Descriptions of new Species of Heterocera from Japan.—Part II. Noctuites. By Artuur G. Burier, Bla o5 Bre, ce: [Continued from p. 169.] Cosmiide. 105. Cosmia distincta, n. sp. Primaries grey, crossed by two blackish-edged white lines, much as in OC. affinis; an abbreviated basal white litura ; central area more or less clouded with ferrugimous, with a central brown angulated belt ; external area dusky, limited internally by an irregular whitish streak; a semicircular whitish-bordered costal brownish spot, much like that of C. of Heterocera from Japan. 193 pyralina ; secondaries as in C. affinis: under surface inter- mediate in colouring and marking between C. pyralina and C. affints. Expanse, ¢ 1 inch 5 lines, ? 1 inch 7 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). C. affints occurs also at Yokohama, but is slightly larger than European examples. Hadenide. 106. Raphia fasciata, n. sp. Silvery greyish, rather darker than R. viminalis, with the ground-colour of the central band and base of costal area in primaries dark brown, spotted with black, the interno-basal area silvery white. LExpanse 1 inch 3-4 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Very close to &. viminalis, but having a very distinct aspect, owing to the blackish band and the large pale silvery interno- basal patch. 107. Phlogophora beatriz, n. sp. Closely allied to P. iris, larger; more stramineous; the wings broader in proportion ; primaries with the darker mark- ings more olivaceous; the outer border not reddish; the margin distinctly dentate-sinuate ; the fringe tawny ; a mar- ginal series of black lunules, the discal streaks nearest to the margin slender and dentate-sinuate ; the two inner discal lines more slender, wider apart, and less angular; the central patch with convex (not angular) front margin ; the discoidal spots less oblique, the secondaries clearer, yellower, the lines on the disk abbreviated and fainter : under surface clear straw-yellow, with an abbreviated discal line halfway between the cell and apex; fringe of primaries tipped with blackish. Expanse 2 inches. Hakodaté (Whitely). Intermediate in form and marking between P. cris and P. pertculosa. APLECTOIDES, n. gen. Allied to Aplecta of Guénée (Mamestra, Ochs., Grote), but differing in its shorter and broader primaries, with straighter costal margin; secondaries with the discocellulars more strongly angulated, the radial nervure emitted further from the median branches: body shorter; palpi more erect, the terminal joint on a level with the top of the head. Type A. condita of Guénée. 194 Mr. A. G. Butler on new Species 108. Aplectoides nitida, n. sp. Allied to A. condita, much larger ; primaries shining silver- grey, with black lines and white spots ; lines towards the base nearly straight below the median vein; orbicular spot small, clouded, distinctly black-bordered ; reniform spot clouded, in- distinct in front, because immediately followed by a patch of white, through which the sinuated portion of the discal black line passes ; the latter followed by a less-distinct parallel line from the costa to the third median branch; externo-discal white limitation of the outer border much less defined than in A. condita, partly black-bordered ; a longitudinal black dash, just above the third median branch, from the reniform spot to the outer border; fringe and apical costa brown; secondaries smoky brown, fringe greyish; thorax white, collar with a broad blackish band in front; metathorax and tegule crossed by two black belts; frons black ; palpi black, whitish inside ; abdomen fuliginous: under surface fuliginous, paler towards the base of the wings; a dusky transverse discal stripe, angu- lated in primaries; marginal line black; apical costa and fringe of primaries tinted with tawny, the rest of the fringe alternately sordid white and blackish; legs black, femora and tibiz clothed with greyish hairs, tibiee and tarsi banded with white. LExpanse 2 inches 1 line. Yokohama (Jonas). In most examples the primaries above have the interno- median area whitish to just beyond the sinuous discal line. 109. Eurots virens, n. sp. &. Primaries bright sap-green, with the usual spots; in- ternal border, veins, and fringe brown; costal border irrorated and spotted with black, the spots arranged in pairs, with paler green between them; discoidal spots margined with whitish and black, the reniform spot varied with red, deeply angularly excised in front, the inner (“orbicular’’) spot quadrate; two black lunules below the last-mentioned spot and crossing the interno-median area; an angular discal series of black-edged, pale green lunules; a submarginal series of black and green spots ; the area between these two rows of spots olivaceous ; a marginal series of conical black spots; fringe pinky white at the base; secondaries grey, becoming smoky brown to- wards the outer margin, fringe pure white ; head, collar, and tegule sap-green, black-spotted ; remainder of body greyish, with testaceous anal tuft : under surface greyish brown ; wings sericeous with a dark transverse discal stripe; primaries with of Heterocera from Japan. 195 pale-yellowish costa, internal area silvery grey ; secondaries with white fringe. Expanse 2 inches 4 lines. Hakodaté ( Whitely). Allied to &. herbida, much larger and brighter in colouring, and with no trace of the white patch beyond the reniform spot. PLATAPLECTA, 0. gen. General aspect of Aplecta nebulosa (Mamestra of Grote), but with much shorter and broader wings, shorter body, and longer and less densely clothed palpi. Type P. soluta (Polia soluta, Walker). 110. Plataplecta subviridis, n. sp. Primaries silvery grey (or white densely irrorated with grey), with blackish and white markings, nearly as in Aplecta nimbosa ; the whole wing, but especially the basal area, indis- tinctly blotched with pale green; costal margin blackish, spotted with white near the apex ; reniform spot subquadrate, black-edged ; two transverse black-edged white stripes across the base of the interno-median area, a third connecting the first median branch with the inner margin, and followed by a large black spot; a very irregular greenish and white sub- marginal stripe bounded internally by conical black spots ; apex blackish; a marginal series of black spots; fringe brown; secondaries pale brown, with darker outer border, blackish marginal line, and whitish fringe ; body correspond- ing in colour with the wings: under surface shining pale brown ; costa of primaries white-spotted near apex; secon- daries whitish, with the discocellulars and outer border dusky ; venter whitish. Expanse 1 inch 6-7 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). The male is lighter in colour than the female. 111. Hadena gnoma, n. sp. Close to H. atriplicis, but much larger and darker, the pri- maries of a slaty-grey colour, varied with black and brown and bright green markings, arranged as in 4. atriplicis, the bifid white spot less pure in colour and rather larger: secon- daries, abdomen, and under surface altogether darker than in H, atriplicis. Expanse, f 1 inch 10 lines, ? 2 inches 2 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 112. Hadena lucia, n. sp. Allied to H. atriplicis, but differing as follows :—prima- riés above with an abbreviated white band from the costa to 196 Mr. A. G. Butler on new Species the middle of the interno-median interspace (instead of the bifid white spot at base of first median branch) ; greenish markings paler and clearer ; the apical border white, the black marginal spots less depressed and less distinct from the brown spots on the fringe; the other dark markings less sharply defined ; secondaries more sericeous, with the basal half de- cidedly whiter ; abdomen paler. Expanse 1 inch 11 lines. Hakodaté (Whitely). Xylinide. 113. Auchmis intermedia (Cloantha intermedia, Bremer). Allied to A. perspicillaris and A. stkkimensis, pattern of the latter, but rather larger and paler, the basicostal and dis- coidal region of the primaries lilacine greyish, and the internal area tinted with the same colour: wings below paler, the costal margin of primaries and the ground-colour of secon- daries white, the red-streaked areas of a duller tint. Expanse 1 inch 7 lines. Hakodaté (Whitely) ; Yokohama (Jonas). This is doubtless the Japanese representative of A. perspi- cillaris, just as A. sikkimensis is the Darjeeling representa- tive; a fourth species of the same type occurs at Natal. 114. Calocampa fumosa, n. sp. Closely allied to C. ewoleta, but altogether of a more smoky tint, the markings less distinct, the discoidal spots of primaries more quadrate, the two hastate black spots more elongated ; the secondaries dark grey, the base pale brown, the fringe pale grey; head and collar whity brown, broadly bordered with piceous; thorax blackish; shoulders sordid white; abdo- men whity brown, with confused dorsal and transverse dusky stripes. Expanse 2 inches 8 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). The primaries are rather more elongated than in the Euro- pean species. 115. Calocampa formosa, n. sp. Primaries shining grey, the costal area, outer half of disk, external border, and fringe suffused with laky brown ; dis- coidal spots outlined in black, the reniform dark grey, with a central rounded spot, both edged with reddish and black; two central transverse undulated black lines, the outer one bor- dered externally by brown spots, which fill the sinuations ; inner part of discal area whitish, followed by a sinuous series of black dots; external area cut off abruptly by an oblique of Heterocera from Japan. 197 line from the costa near apex, continuous with a broad trans- verse plum-coloured streak, intersected by a pale line; sub- marginal area whitish; a series of black marginal spots ; costal margin (almost to apex) black, white-spotted beyond the cell: secondaries brown, with dusky outer border; fringe sordid white, intersected by a dusky line: body nearly as in the preceding species. Wings below darker than in the other species of the genus, with well-defined blackish undulated marginal lines on a narrow pale border; secondaries with a broad regular dusky discal belt. Expanse 2 inches 2 lines. Yokohama (Pryer and Jonas). 116. Xylina pruinosa, n. sp. Primaries above shining silvery grey, with indications of a paler irregular transverse discal band; the base of the cell, three blackish-edged discoidal spots, an oval patch near the base on the interno-median interspace, and a small round spot (black-edged externally) paler grey; a submarginal row of black dots, a marginal undulated dark line ; fringe irrorated with white: secondaries sordid white, the apical area and outer border broadly grey; fringe testaceous at the base, tipped with white, grey in the centre: thorax grey, speckled with testaceous and white; abdomen pale greyish or sordid white, with a darker dorsal line and a rosy brownish fringe. Wings below shining silvery whitish, with opaque brown- speckled costal borders to all the wings and outer border to primaries ; secondaries with a dusky dot at the end of the cell ; body rosy brownish. Expanse 1 inch 5 lines. Yokohama (Pryer and Jonas). Nearly allied to X. rhizolitha, but greyer, with much paler secondaries. In my opinion the genus Aporophylla ought to be placed either with or close to Xylina; so far as I have been able to discover, it agrees in structure with X. rh¢zolitha. The main differences which Stainton gives to distinguish the Apamide from the Xylinidz are that the imagines of the first family have the wings ‘‘in repose roof-shaped,” and those of the second family ‘‘ folded in repose; ” the genera Aporophylla and Xylina are distinguished by the larve of the first feeding ‘on low plants,” and those of the second ‘ on trees.’ Cha- racters such as these, which can be ascertained only by the field-naturalist, should surely not weigh so heavily as to sepa- rate two insects so similar as Aporophylla australis and Xylina rhizolitha by 81 pages. I presume that, notwith- standing the rarity of A. australis, it is known to close its wings like an Apamea. 198 Mr. A. G. Butler on new Species 117. Xylina arctipennis, n. sp. Primaries silvery grey, the base, a central irregular black- « edged band, a transverse discal stripe, and the outer border rather paler and greyer than the rest of the wing; a black dot at the base, a second at the inferior angle of the cell, a disco-submarginal series, a series of marginal black liture, and a short oblique black apical line ; fringe intersected by a slightly darker line: secondaries shining sordid white, with a broad, pale brown external border; fringe white: thorax greyish brown, antenne ferruginous ; abdomen paler, whitish at base, with a black dorsal tuft. Primaries below pale shining brown, becoming silvery whitish towards the inner margin; costa beyond the cell dotted with black and whitish : secondaries silvery white, with a whity brown costal spot and a discal stripe of the same colour; pectus creamy white, changing to smoky brown in front; venter testaceous. Ex- anse 1 inch 7 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 118. Lithophane saga, un. sp. Primaries grey, with a number of black and brown dashes, four in the centre of the costa, oblique, two near external angle also oblique, but slanting upwards, the remainder longitudinal ; a dusky oblique streak from the outer margin near the apex to the external third of the inner margin; reniform spot barely distinguishable; an acutely undulated oblique discal line arched towards the costa, the external undulations filled in at the end by black spots: secondaries with the basal half sordid white, crossed by brown veins, external half occupied by a very broad smoky brown border, upon which the veins look black ; fringe sordid white: head grey, with black spots behind the eyes; collar brown, with a central transverse black- edged grey belt ; thorax grey, brownish and crested down the centre; tegule grey, with a brown streak on each side; abdo- men whity brown, with dark brown dorsal tufts. Primaries below smoky brown, the basal area and apical border pale; secondaries white, the costal area and outer margin sordid; a broad brown external band, a black spot at the end of the cell, and a discal series of black dots on the veins ; pectus pale greyish; venter sordid white. Expanse, $2 inches 4 lines, 2? 1 inch 11 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). L. saga is allied to the “ Xylina indicatura”’ of Walker. 119. Cucullia fraterna, un. sp. Nearly allied to C. dwetfuga, but the primaries duller, with of Heterocera from Japan. 199 the spot in the cell black, compressed and elongated ; secon- . daries pure white (with the veins and outer border brown, and the costal area brownish, as in C. lucifuga). EXxpanse 2 inches 1 line. -Hakodaté (Whitely). Heliothide. 120. Heliothis adaucta, n. sp.’ Close to H. dipsacea, but much larger, the primaries and thorax of a more sandy whitish tint, with the markings rather darker; the secondaries whiter with blacker markings, the spot closing the cell broader: body less reddish in tint; under surface with all the markings much more distinct, Expanse 1 inch 5-6 lines. Yokohama (Jonas); Hakodaté (Whitely). The largest examples of H. dipsacea measure about 1 inch 3 lines in expanse. Erastride. 121. Hrastria stygia, n. sp. Allied to #. fuscula: primaries black in the male, brown in the female, with darker bands and lines as in £. fuscula, the orbicular and reniform spots more or less strongly outlined in white ; costa white-spotted, most strongly beyond the middle, a more or less strongly defined squamose patch of yellowish scales just beyond the reniform spot; a transverse bracket- like white line followed by a yellowish streak near the exter- nal angle; a 3-shaped pale line, bordered outwardly with deep black, near the base; fringe of all the wings white- spotted and with basal and central pale lines: secondaries shining greyish brown. Wings below much as in LZ. fuscula, but darker. Hxpanse 1 inch 1 line. Yokohama (Jonas). Although allied to £. fuscula, this species has more nearly the aspect of E. africana of Felder: excepting in the form of the margin of the secondaries, it nearly approaches Eriopus Latreillit of Duponchel. Anthophilide. 122. Anthophila paradisea, n. sp. Allied to A. purpurata: primaries with the basal half pale lemon-yellow, white at base of inner margin; disk bright rose-colour, whitish on the costa near apex, and indistinctly blotched with pale bronzy brown (barely visible without a 200 Mr. A. G. Butler on new Species lens) ; outer border bronzy brown, bounded internally by a series of white dots; fringe bright rose-colour: secondaries pale brown; fringe white, tipped with rose-colour: head and thorax lemon-yellow, abdomen white. Primaries below pale greyish brown, with whitish borders; base of costa and outer half of fringe rose-colour ; secondaries white, fringe tipped with pink ; pectus white ; legs and palpi rose-coloured exter- nally ; venter greyish. Expanse 1 inch 2 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Eriopide. 123. Callopistria obscura, n. sp. Allied to C. pteridis, but the ground-colour of the primaries sepia-brown, more or less irrorated with tawny, the transverse lines wider apart and bordered by sericeous grey (not rosy lilacine), the veins whiter, the marginal spots narrower and blackish ; secondaries rather paler than the primaries, with whitish costal area and outer border ; body altogether duller and greyer than in C. pteridis: primaries below grey, with sandy whitish borders; secondaries sericeous whitish, with greyish subapical patch or spot, discal line, and discocellular spot ; body below sandy whitish. Expanse 1 inch 5 lines. Hakodaté (Whitely) ; Yokohama (Jonas). Altogether darker and less red than C. pteridis. 124. Callopistria ethiops, n. sp. Allied to C. exotica from Java, but the primaries almost black, crossed by silvery white lines, the oblique white-edged dash at the end of the cell tapering downwards to a point and almost uniting with the interno-median band, which is ob- lique, the band across the cell also well-marked and oblique, so that the three markings together make ay; the white apical dash represented by three decreasing oblique white lines, the lowermost of which joins a S-shaped white figure (replacing the lanceolate mark of C. exotica) ; outer border narrow, black, edged with white: secondaries silvery whitish, the veins, an indistinct abbreviated discal line, and a broad diffused outer border greyish: body whitish, collar banded with black ; base of tegule testaceous, anal tuft ochraceous. Wings below silvery whitish; primaries with the discoidal area, and two white-bordered discal streaks greyish; secon- daries with the discocellulars and two apical streaks parallel to the outer margin greyish brown; body whitish. Hxpanse 1 inch 1 line. Yokohama (Jonas). of Heterocera from Japan. 201 Walker confounded two distinct species from Java and 4 third from Canara under C. exotica. C. aethiops is close to “¢ Plusia duplicilinea”’ from Borneo. Placodidez. ScEDOPLA, n. gen. Nearly allied to Placodes, but differing in its distinctly pec- tinated antenne, the shorter terminal joint of the palpi, and the subcostal branches of secondaries emitted from a rather long footstalk. Type S. regalis. 125. Scedopla regalis, n. sp. Primaries with the basal two thirds dark brown, shot with purple, external third of a dead golden or deep sandy yel- lowish colour; a broad subcentral transverse band indicated by marginal sinuated limiting lines of black ; a black litura at the end of the cell; the disk slightly darker than the outer border, its limit barely visible excepting at costa, sinuated ; a submarginal series of minute black dots: secondaries stone- colour ; costa white ; outer margin and fringe sandy whitish ; a series of dusky marginal lituree: body brown, abdomen greyish. Under surface sandy yellowish; wings with a grey discal line; primaries greyish, excepting at the borders. Ex- panse 1 inch 3 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Plusiide. 126. Plusia typinota, n. sp. Allied to P. gamma, but the y-mark more elongated, three other silvery characters, somewhat resembling J, J, K, but with the J sloping backwards, across the costal and discoidal areas; the margins of the central band rather silvery than golden; outer border of secondaries and borders of all the wings below ill-defined. Expanse 1 inch 9 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 127. Plusia jessica, n. sp. Allied to P. nz, but the primaries darker and more sericeous; instead of the central silvery markings a brassy y; the discal line rather less irregular ; the edge of the outer border rather more irregular, more uniform in tint ; a marginal series of pale- edged triangular black spots instead of the marginal lines; fringe almost rubbed away in the type; secondaries greyer, without the abruptly darker border; thorax darker: wings Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. i. 14 202 Mr. A. G. Butler on new Spectes below greyer, without the paler border. Expanse 1 inch 4 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 128. Plusia purissima, n. sp. Allied to P. parilis, but larger, greyer, more sharply defined, more sericeous ; primaries more acuminate ; the lower half of the external area and a broad oblique streak from the apex to the end of the cell silvery whitish ; transverse band much more oblique, the limiting lines sharply defined, black, with pinkish white external edge; the silvery y replaced by two silvery spots; the submarginal line straight to the third median branch and then gently angulated, terminating before the apex; a marginal piceous and white streak, not reaching the ex- ternal angle: secondaries pale brown, becoming darker towards the outer margin; two ill-defined dusky discal lines: head, collar, and thorax grey, with red-brown posterior transverse bands; abdomen brownish grey, with a red-brown dorsal tuft near the base. Under surface sericeous grey, with two parallel discal darker lines ; secondaries with the basal half whitish. Expanse 1 inch 5 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 129. Plusia mikadina, n. sp. Nearly allied to P. concha, but rather paler, the golden e,- shaped marking of primaries replaced by a larger brassy €3; the outer or discal line more deeply sinuated, and the golden patch bounded by it on the inner margin of double the width, all the golden patches paler; the discoidal spots narrower and more angular: wings below much paler, the discal streaks wider apart, the outer one of primaries more strongly angu- lated. Expanse 1 inch 7 lines. Hakodaté ( Whitely) ; Yokohama (Jonas). Calpide. 150. Calpe excavata, n. sp. Form of C. thalictri, excepting that the inner margin of the eos is more deeply excavated and more widely lobate. ore nearly allied to C. rectistria, but the primaries of a richer reddish brown, the golden patch from the external angle up- wards is wanting, the double oblique line from the apex separates more widely and becomes more irregular near the inner margin, outer margin subangulated below the middle ; the secondaries differ in their dull sandy-brown colour, with broad diffused fuliginous external border; head and thorax of Heterocera from Japan. 203 orange and red-brown, tinted with lilacine, as in C. rectistria; abdomen fuliginous: primaries below rather redder; secon- daries yellower, with black discocellular lunate marking, a dusky discal streak ; discal area from the streak greyish, ex- cepting at apex. HExpanse 2 inches 1 line. Yokohama (Jonas). C. rectistria is erroneously referred by Guénée to his genus Oresia. 131. Calpe sodalis, n. sp. Closely allied to C. thalictr’, but differing in its paler colouring and the colour and shortness of the fringe, which is uniform with the ground-colour of the wings instead of being dusky ; primaries below with darker discal streaks, secon- daries with the discocellular litura and discal streak paler. Expanse 1 inch 10 lines. Hakodaté (Whitely) ; Yokohama (Jonas). 132. Deva splendida, n. sp. Aspect of Oresia emarginata, but with the palpi longer, more slender, and recurved over the head; in coloration more like O. provocans ; primaries above greyish brown, speckled here and there with black, streaked with shining lilac; central area ferruginous, shading into ochraceous, and thus resembling a bright cupreous lustre, with which the external area is shot; a bisinuated basal litura,a &-shaped marking abovethe median vein, a discal streak, the outer margin, the inner edge of the outer border at apex, and the outer border of external angle hlacine ; a line from below the cell and irregular discal line silvery ; a bright silvery marking (somewhat resembling a v in writing) at the base of the first median branch ; reniform spot constricted, feebly outlined with lilacine: secondaries shining brown, with two darker central streaks ; fringe tipped with whitish: head and collar testaceous, banded with lilac ; thorax darker, also banded with lilac; abdomen greyish, whitish at base, with a lilac-tipped black and ochraceous dorsal tuft. Under surface not unlike that of Oresia emarginata, but the primaries and the disk of secondaries darker; the latter wings also with a well-marked arched discal stripe; legs greyish; tarsi blackish, banded with whitish. Expanse 1 inch 7 lines. Hakodaté (Whitely). Gonopteride. 133. Gonitis commoda, n. sp. Most nearly allied to G. fulvida, but larger and darker, the 14* 204 Prof. F. W. Hutton on the Structure primaries redder, the lines darker and less strongly undulated, the central line straight, the fringe less deeply white-tipped ; secondaries with much less white on the fringe: wings below darker, the lines darker, the discal line of secondaries carried across the wing, as in G. combinans. Hxpanse 1 inch 10 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). G. fulvida (Anomis fulvida of Guénée) is a native of Java and the Andamans; we have also an example labelled “ North India.” Walker confounded a larger Indian species with it; but the latter is scarcely distinguishable from his own Gonitis revocans from Australia. [To be continued. ] XXV.—Further Notes on the Structure of Peripatus nove- zealandie. By F. W. Hurron, Professor of Zoology in the University of Otago. Durine the last three months I have dissected several more specimens of Peripatus nove-zealandie, with the advantage of Mr. Moseley’s paper before me ; and I hasten to communi- cate the results, because I wish to correct several errors into which I have fallen, and to confirm, as soon as possible, Mr. Moseley’s statement of the existence of male individuals. Integumentary System.—The last joint of the legs consists of a short subcylindrical joint, on the upper and outer margin of which are three large papille, and below two large curved simple claws. On the fourth and fifth pairs of ambulatory legs there is a circular opening in the centre of the inner side of the first, or inner, tarsal rimg—that is, on the fifth ring from the end. I am, however, doubtful whether the tarsi should not be considered four-ringed only. Muscular System.—My supposed “salivary bags’ (see Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1876, xviii. p. 364) are the same as Mr. Moseley’s “ retractor muscles of the head” (see Phil. Trans. vol, 164, pl. xxii. fig. 1,7m). Mr. Moseley is right in ealling them muscles ; my mistake arose from believing the tracheze on them to be internal instead of external. They are, however, the flexor or adductor muscles of the teeth. The pairs of teeth are not moved simultaneously. Generally their movements are alternate, but often one pair is moved several times, while the other is stationary ; there is also a movement by which the two teeth of a pair are separated and approxi- mated. The two pairs of teeth, when in use, sometimes touch each other at the tips; but they never cross. of Peripatus nove-zealandiz.. 205 Segmental Organs ?—These are what I previously called salivary vessels.” They form a series, on either side, un- connected with each other, but running into each leg, with the exception of the first three pairs. ach consists of a trunk coming out of the leg, which divides into two ; and these branches, after several foldings, unite together, thus forming a closed loop. They are filled with colourless granulated cells. They were regarded by H. Milne-Edwards as nerves passing into the legs (Ann. des Sci. Nat. 2° sér. xviii. p. 128*) ; but I have carefully dissected some out, and find that they have no connexion with the nerve-cord; and I also feel confident that they do not open into the body-cavity, Consequently I do not feel sure that they should be considered segmental organs. Stime-ducts.—These pass from the oral papille along the back to about the centre of the body ; they then turn forward and throw off branches ; they then turn backward again, and reach nearly to the posterior end of the body. They are pro- bably homologous with the supposed segmental organs. Respiratory System.—I think Mr. Moseley is right in con- sidering my “spiral fibres” trachee; but then all resem- blance to the trachez of insects vanishes. Professor Ray Lankester is probably right in considering that the tracheal systems in Pertpatus and in insects have been independently developed (Quart. Journ. Microse. Sci., Oct. 1877, p. 439). ‘Circulatory System.—I have succeeded in dissecting out the dorsal vessel; it contains a greenish-yellow fluid. Mr. Moseley is certainly incorrect in denying the existence of the lateral canals’ of Grube. It is satisfactory to me to think that I had demonstrated them before I knew that they had been previously described. Whether they belong or not to the circulatory system may perhaps be considered an open question ; but they contain, especially at the anterior end, a yellowish-green fluid like that in the dorsal vessel. Reproductive System.—By selecting small individuals I have succeeded in finding two males. Mr. Moseley’s descrip- tion of the male organs is very accurate; but they lié above the alimentary canal, and not below it. With the exception of these two specimens, all the rest were what I consider to be hermaphrodite. They all had the organs described by me as testes ; but in one individual the testis was absent on one ovi- duct, but present on the other. In the early spring (September) these contained no spermatozoa; but in November they were abundant. During all this time the oviducts were crowded with * It is astonishing what a very full and accurate knowledge of the anatomy of this animal M. Milne-Edwards obtained by the dissection of one badly preserved specimen. 206 Mr, R. Etheridge and Dr. H. A. Nicholson embryos, which would prevent any spermatozoa finding their way up from the vulva. ‘This and the fact that the embryos in an oviduct are always (at least in my experience) in dif- ferent states of development, convince me that the organs in question are testes, and not receptacula seminis, which is also contradicted by their cellular structure. The oviduct proceeds from the posterior end of the ovary, and not from the anterior end as shown in Mr. Moseley’s figure. It also lies above the intestine, and not below it. My observations of the development of this animal are not yet sufficiently extended for publication ; but up to the present I have seen nothing to make me alter my views or accept those of Mr. Moseley. Dunedin, Dec. 16, 1877. XXVI.—On the Genus Paleeacis, and the Species occurring tn British Carboniferous Rocks. By R. Erueripcs, jun., F.G.S., and H. ALLEyNe Nicuorson, M.D., D.Sc., &e. [Plate XII.] 1. History of the Genus and Species. In 1836 the late Prof. Phillips, F.R.S., described a peculiar and anomalous coral, to which he gave the name of Hydno- pora ? cyclostoma* ; but, beyond the few words which form his diagnosis, he offered no remarks. It is needless to say that the coral in question has no affinity with the genus Hydno- pora, a fact which Phillips himself appears in some degree to have surmised. Following in the footsteps of Phillips, M‘Coy, in 1844, described his Astreopora antiqguat, and pointed out its close relationship with Hydnopora? cyclostoma, Phill.; indeed he considered the two might be congeneric, although specifically distinct, and he further indicated that the name Astrwopora was more appropriate than Hydnopora. The same author in 1849, in a paper, ‘‘On some new Genera and Species of Paleozoic Corals and Foraminifera’, gave Hook Point as the locality of his species. Messrs. Milne-Edwards and Jules Haime, in their magni- ficent work ‘ Polypiers Fossiles des Terrains Paléozoiques,’ refer H.? cyclostoma, Phill., and Astraopora antiqua, M‘Coy, with some doubt, to their genus Propora §, with the remark * Geol. Yorkshire, ii. p. 202, pl. 2. figs. 9 and 10. + Synop. Carb. Foss. Ireland, p. 191, pl. 26. fig. 9. } ‘Annals,’ 2nd ser. vol. iii. p. 183. § Pp. 224, 225. on the Genus Paleacis. 207 “ne parait pas en différer”’ (¢. e. the two species). However, in their ‘Monograph of the British Carboniferous Corals ’*, all doubt on the subject appears to have left their minds; for they there consider the two as identical, under the one name Propora? cyclostoma. So far as we have been able to ascer~ tain, no further effort towards the elucidation of these fossils was made for some time; but in 1860 Milne-Edwards de- scribed, in the third volume of the ‘ Histoire Naturelle des Coralliaires’t, a genus established by Jules Haime shortly before his death, but never described by him, under the name of Paleacis, containing a single species, P. cunetformis}, from the Carboniferous rocks of Spergen Hill, Indiana. The genus is thus described: —‘ Polypary free but composite, rounded and very compressed at its base. Calices disposed, one at the summit, and the others in pairs upon the two lateral margins. Coenenchyma finely vermicular.”’ It is provisionally assigned to the Madreporide, subfamily Turbinarine. The chief points brought out in the specific description are the cuneiform nature of the corallum, the presence of from two to five calices, each occupied by thirty or forty fine unequal striz represent- ing the septa, two of which are both described and figured as being stronger than the others. About the same time Messrs. Meek and Worthen had under observation similar fossils, to which, in a paper entitled “ De- scriptions of new Carboniferous Fossils from Illinois and other Western States ’§, they applied the name of Sphenopoterium, and considered them to be corals allied to Cyathoseris, Kdw. & H.; they, however, remark that they differ in having the outer wall perforated, and in the absence of distinct septa, as well as in the peculiar wedge-like form of the base of the coral- lum, which is usually, if not always, free instead of being at- tached. In their generic description of Sphenopotertwm, Meek and Worthen state that the cells are large and inseparable, and increase by lateral and interstitial development ; there are no tabule, columella, or well-developed rays ; but the walls are merely marked by distinct strie, and pierced by numerous pores which appear to terminate in the porous substance of the corallum. ‘They describe four species—S. obtuswm (the type), S. compressum, S. enorme, and S. cuneatum. It stands to reason, from their remarks and comparison with Cyatho- serts, that they considered Sphenopoteriwm to be a member of the Madreporaria Aporosa, family Fungide. = 2162, i Bae. { Loe. ct. pl. E. 1. f. 2. § Proc. Acad. Nat. Sciences Philadelphia for 1860, pp. 447, 448. 208 Mr. R. Etheridge and Dr. H. A. Nicholson In 1866 the same authors redescribed * their genus Spheno- potertum, abandoned its Actinozoal affinities, and, upon the authority of Prof. A. E. Verrill, referred it to the sponges as remotely allied to some of the Jurassic forms. The obscure striz seen on the interior of the “cups” of their specimens are again mentioned ; but their septal character is abandoned. To the already known species they here added a new variety, S. enorme, var. depressum }. We now arrive at a most important point in the history of Paleacis and Sphenopoterium. In the same year (1866) Von Seebach of Gottingen published, in the ‘Nachrichten der kéniglichen Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften zu Gottingen ’ for 1866 }, a paper, ‘‘ Die Zoantharia perforata der paliozo- ischen Periode,” in which he demonstrated, amongst other things, the identity of the two genera, and adopted Haime’s name§. This excellent paper was republished with figures in the ‘ Zeitschrift der deutschen geologischen Gesellschaft’ for 1866 ||. Von Seebach considered, from his own researches, that Paleacis (= Sphenopoterium) was a true Zoantharian of the section Madreporaria Perforata, thus being in accord with Milne-Edwards, but differing from the first opinion of Meek and Worthen. Again, he demonstrated the identity of Pale- acis cunetformis, Kdw. & H., with P. (Sphenopoterium) cunea- tum, M.& W., and concluded his paper with a diagnosis of alk the American species, describing two additional ones—P. eymba, v. Seebach, and P. wmbonata, v. Seebach J. The latter were figured in the ‘ Zeitschrift’ for 1866 **, Yet another contribution bearing on this subject appeared in 1866. Herr Ludwig published a very remarkable paper in the ‘ Paleontographica tT, entitled “Corallen aus paliolithis- chen Formationen,” apparently having for its chief object the complication of synonymy by the introduction of a cloud of unusually long and unnecessary names. He described as Ptychochartocyathus laxus t{ a form which Prof. de Koninck, later on, placed as a synonym of Paleacis cyclostoma, Phill. The description appears to bear out this view, although the figure, to-our minds, is less satisfactory. Ludwig, however, noticed a character very well marked in all our Scotch exam- ples of Paleacis—the concentrically wrinkled or ridged base ; and he further noticed the papilla-like form of the so-called * llinois Geol. Survey Report, vol. ii. p. 145 + Loe. cit. p. 146, { Pp. 235-243, § P. 240, || Vol. xvili. pp. 304-310, t. 4. 4] Nachrichten, pp. 241, 242. ** Pl. 4. figs. 3, 4. Tt Vol. xiv. 1865-66, pp. 138-244, tt P. 3381, t. 69. fig. 2, a. on the Genus Paleeacis. 209 septal strie, a feature which will be entered on more fully in our own remarks on this genus. Another excellent paper on Paleacis was that by Dr. Kunth, “ Korallen des schlesischen Kohlenkalkes ”’*. Dr. Kunth agreed with Von Seebach as to the identity of Paleacis and Sphenopoterium ; but he believed the determina- tion of the systematic position to be a matter of some difficulty, although he ultimately agrees with Edwards and Von Seebach as to its being a member of the Madreporide, but differs from them as to the subfamily to which the genus should be re- ferred. He very justly observes that, from the figures given by various authors, there appears to be no proper coenenchyma in Paleacis, and would place it in the subfamily Eupsammine, having its nearest ally in Astroides ; indeed, he adds, its re- semblance to A. calycularts, Pallas, is very great, only the latter has a columella and more strongly developed septa. By far the most important point brought forward by Kunth was the determination of mural pores, visible when the surface was worn, with an irregular direction and disposition, and corresponding to canals which traverse in every direction the substance of the skeleton, giving to it a spongy appearance, and placing the various cups in connexion with one another f. Dr. Kunth gave a detailed description and figure of Ptycho- chartocyathus lacus, Ludw., which he considered to be a species of Palwacis, from its general structure, external granu- lated surface, basal attachment, and the cup-like openings with circular mouths, and separated from one another by shallow depressions, &c. The determination of species in Paleacis, Kunth considers to be a difficult matter, from the few striking characters presented by the specimens. The external form is so open to modification from age, position, and condition of life, that little reliance can be placed on this. He confirmed von Seebach’s union of the two species, P. cunetformis, Kd. & H., and P. cuneata, M. & W., and further expressed his opinion that von Seebach’s own species, P. cymba and P. umbonata, and P. obtusa, M. & W., may, in reality, represent only one species §, an opinion in which we quite concur. Prof. L. G. de Koninck has devoted much attention to this genus; for in his ‘Nouvelles Recherches sur les Animaux Fossiles du Terrain Carbonifére de la Belgique ’||, a lengthened description is given, accompanied by copious notes on its history and structure. The observations of Kunth on the * Zeit, deutsch. geol. Gesellsch. xxi. pp. 1838-220. + Loe. cit. p. 187. { Loe. cit. pp. 185, 186. § Op. cit. p. 188. || 1** partie, pp. 154-161 (Bruxelles, 1872, 4to). 210 Mr. R. Etheridge and Dr. H. A. Nicholson structure and position of the pores perforating the substance of Palceacis are confirmed. A point upon which Dr. Kunth appears to have had some doubt, the presence or absence of a columella, is also set at rest by De Koninck, who proved the entire absence of this structure. Milne-Edwards, in his de- scription of P. cunetiformis, mentions the presence of two large septa, which Prof. de Koninck does not appear to have met with in the specimens he had examined. He also agreed with Dr. Kunth that, contrary to the opinion of Haime, there is no independent ccenenchyma in Paleacis; and, in consequence, the enus was removed to the Hupsammine, after Kunth; but, unlike the latter, De Koninck would not place it near Astroides, but probably between Cenopsammia and Stereopsammia, the latter, like Palwacis, being devoid of a columella. Including in this genus the two forms mentioned in the first two paragraphs of this paper (Hydnopora? cyclostoma, Phill., and ; a marginal row of black lunules ; fringe purplish brown, with a yellow undulated basal line: secondaries greyish brown, with broad diffused purplish brown outer border; costal area silky opaline whitish; fringe testaceous, tipped with white : body corresponding in tint with of Heterocera from Japan. 289 the wings; the thorax greyish whity brown in the centre. Wings below pale shining brown, a discal line and a diffused belt beyond it greyish; fringe as above; costa of primaries yellowish ; a brown discocellular lunule in secondaries. Ex- panse 2 inches 6 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Allied to O. sera of Felder. 137. Mormo mucivirens, n. sp. Primaries above dull olive-green, with darker markings, nearly as in Mormo maura, edged with pale green; the pale brown diffused areas of M. maura replaced by sericeous grey more or less mottled with olive-green : secondaries purplish brown, the external area broadly darker ; fringe testaceous, intersected by a grey stripe: body corresponding with the wings. Under surface fuliginous brown; primaries sericeous, especially towards the inner margin, which is greyish; two dusky parallel discal stripes ; outer border rather paler than the rest of the wing; costa spotted with testaceous beyond the cell ; fringe with a testaceous basal line: secondaries with a large spot at the end of the cell and a discal stripe blackish brown ; external area dusky ; fringe as above: legs blackish, speckled and banded with testaceous. Expanse 2 inches 6-7 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). PERINENIA, n. gen. Nearly allied to Nenia, agreeing with it in the normal or three-branched median vein of secondaries*, but differing in its very broad compressed palpi, the terminal joint of which is at least twice as broad and abruptly truncated. Type P. lignosa. 138. Perineenia lignosa, n. sp. Above shining fuliginous brown; primaries reticulated with paler brown; a longitudinal black streak through the cell, interrupted by white dots indicating the position of the orbicular and reniform spots, and terminating as it reaches a transverse undulated discal black line, beyond which are four or five decreasing black longitudinal dashes; a marginal series of black dots; fringe greyish, with a basal undulated testaceous line: secondaries with a broad blackish border ; fringe whitish : abdomen greyish. Wings below whity brown, with diffused and blurred blackish discal line and black disco- * It is placed among the “Quadrifide” because this vein ought to have four branches in all genera of that group. 290 Mr. A. G. Butler on new Species cellular spots; discoidal cell of primaries greyish; margin and marginal dots black. Expanse 1 inch 10 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 139. Neenia muscosa, n. sp. Primaries sericeous greyish brown, with darker and paler markings much as in NV. typica, but with the orbicular and reniform spots, a spot at the base, another near the base on interno-median area, and one near external angle pale greenish ; the inner geminate line much more undulated, the submar- ginal black-bordered whitish line strongly dentate, the centre forming two S-shaped characters: secondaries sericeous grey, with darker central line and outer border; fringe as in JN. typtca: thorax pale testaceous, the collar sordid whitish at the base on each side, and surrounded by semicircular blackish lines ; abdomen greyish. Wings below pale sericeous whity brown, the disk greyish ; two dark grey discal lines; marginal black liture ; fringe with an interrupted central grey stripe ; secondaries whitish at the base; a blackish spot at the end of the cell. Expanse 1 inch 8 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Toxocampide. 140. Toxocampa lilacina, n. sp. Allied to 7. vicie, but the primaries distinctly shot with lilac; the spot at the end of the cell subtriangular, excavated in front, without the upper black dots; the discal belt with its inner pale margin much more deeply sinuated, and its outer pale edge rather straighter; this belt and the external area greyish brown: secondaries greyer, with broader and more uniform fringe: body greyer, collar and crest of head jet-black. Under surface greyer, the discal belt more diffused; tarsi of anterior legs with the terminal joints black. Expanse 1 inch 7-10 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 141. Toxocampa enormis, n. sp. Primaries grey, with a slightly lilacine tint, crossed by five lines, the first basicostal, abbreviated, little more than an elon- gated brown spot, second straight, with a short angle above the costal vein, third regularly zigzag, bifurcate from the end of the cell (but interrupted by the reniform spot, which is black with brown centre and white margin), these three lines brown, indistinctly bordered with pale grey internally ; fourth or inner discal line whitish, zigzag, lunulated from the middle of Heterocera from Japan. 291 downwards; the wing beyond this line and the costal area as far as the third line suffused with brown; fifth line whitish and nearly straight to the first median branch, where it is replaced by a dark grey 3-shaped line; a submarginal series of short longitudinal whitish lines terminating in black dots ; fringe dark grey, traversed by a whitish line: secondaries pale brown, with a broad fuliginous outer border; fringe stra- mineous: thorax grey, black-speckled, crest of head and collar jet-black ; abdomen greyish, with the base and edges of the segments whitish; anal tuft stramineous. Under surface pale sandy yellow: wings with a broad blackish ex- terno-discal band, outer border brownish, widest in primaries ; fringe of these wings dark grey, with basal whitish line, dis- coidal cell and interno-median area greyish: secondaries with a grey dot at the end of the cell; front of pectus and legs above greyish. Expanse 2 inches 6 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Of more than twice the bulk of any known species. Ommatophoride. 142. Nyctipao letitia, n. sp. Near to N. crepuscularis, but altogether duller; the white discal stripe not bordered with lilac; the yellowish outer border of the arched white stripe and the diffused oblique bars on the external area replaced by dull pale brown; all the dark areas fuliginous; the ocellus smaller, its front margin more regu- larly convex; the white lunules on the disk of all the wings more slender, and enclosing large blackish spots. Under surface darker and duller, the white spots of the discal series rather larger, and the other spots smaller; the inner arched streak of secondaries further from the discal series of spots. Expanse 4 inches 5 lines. Hakodaté (Whztely) ; Yokohama (Jonas). Hypopyride. 143. Sprrama interlineata, n. sp. Spiramia (sic) japonica, Walker (nec Guénée), Lep. Het. Suppl. iii. p. 948 (1865). 3, Yokohama (Jonas); ¢ , Japan (Fortune). S. interlineata chiefly differs from the S. rectifasciata of Ménétriés, of which we also possess both sexes, in the creamy tint of the white belt, which in the primaries is traversed by two parallel brown lines. 292 Mr. A. G. Butler on new Species 144, Hypopyra Martha, n. sp. Nearest to H. dulcina of Felder, but at once distinguishable by its shorter primaries, its paler and redder coloration above, the absence of the oblique streak from the apex of primaries, ' the well-defined central belt formed by the central incurved grey line, and the series of black dots which in H. dulcina touch the pale undulated discal stripe, the latter placed near the submarginal line, which is strongly undulated; only two small black dots at the end of the cell; the transverse stripes of secondaries straight; body much as in H. dulcina, but the thorax darker and the collar redder. Under surface quite different, uniformly red, crossed by three equidistant dusky discal stripes; veins, base, and a submarginal series of <-like marks brownish. Expanse 3 inches 1 line. Yokohama (Jonas). Ophiuside. CHRYSORITHRUM, n. gen. Allied to Ophiusa (O. fulvotenia), but differing in having the terminal jointof the palpi twice the length, the tegule greatly developed laterally so as to form a roof-shaped crest over the back of the thorax, the secondaries without the angle at the end of the first median branch. Type ‘‘ Catocala amata”’ of Bremer. 145. Chrysorithrum sericeum, n. sp. Smaller than C. amata; primaries shining slaty grey, all the markings black, and surrounded by a line of the ground- colour, followed by a black line; the angular subbasal band of C. amata replaced by a very irregular band, not reaching the inner margin, its outer and inferior borders forming three un- dulations, its inner edge >-shaped: secondaries fuliginous brown, the disk deepest in colour, a broad tapering ochreous band, not reaching the anal angle, and widest just beyond the cell: body dark slaty grey; back of head, collar, and tegule blackish. Under surtace fuliginous brown, outer border narrowly grey: primaries with a broad subbasal triangular patch, sordid ochreous; a slightly curved discal belt, tapering at each end and crossed by black nervures, pale stramineous : secondaries with the basal third greyish; a central oblique squamose stramineous streak; palpi, tarsi, and the upper surface of the coxe and femora of the anterior legs brown. Expanse 2 inches 4 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). of Heterocera from Japan. 293 146. Ophiusa dulcis, n. sp. Allied to O. angularis of Boisduval, but rather smaller, egreyer, the lilacine belt of primaries with parallel margins, the brown belt beyond it narrower, feebly and regularly exca- vated from the middle to the inner margin, but not sinuate angulated as in O. angularis; apical blackish spots larger and confluent: secondaries with whitish border. LExpanse 1 inch 4 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). O. angularis is figured in Boisduval’s ‘ Faune de Madagas- car.’ Euclidiide. 147. Huclidia consors, n. sp. Primaries above like those of EZ. cuspidea, but paler, and with the oblique inner band formed like that of EL. glyphica: secon- daries like those of H. glyphica, but rather darker, the discal band broad and not interrupted, although narrow towards the apex; the basal area also complete: body as in L. cuspidea. Wings below ochreous, more or less irrorated with brown, with two discal parallel stripes, the outer one of the primaries macu- lar,interrupted in the centre, the inner one of secondaries (where both are angular) indistinct; cells terminating with dusky lunate spots; marginal line blackish, fringe black-tipped : body somewhat greyish. Expanse 1 inch 5 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). Remigiide. 148. Remigia annetta, n. sp. Upper surface like that of 2. gregalis, excepting that the se- condaries are greyish brown, under surface altogether paler and yellower: primaries silky grey, with the costal and outer borders ochraceous, fringe grey; limitation of outer border and a parallel line across the disk dark grey: secondaries ochraceous, irrorated with grey, disk crossed by two parallel greyish lines: body below sordid testaceous; palpi and coxee of legs sordid orange. Expanse 1 inch 10 lines. Yokohama (Jonas) ; Hakodaté (Whitely). Also allied to R. mutuata. Thermesiidz. 149, Azazia unduligera, n. sp. Wings above greyish brown; primaries crossed by two irregularly zigzag central dusky lines, indicating a broad 294 On new Species of Heterocera from Japan. central band, through the centre of which runs a straight dif- fused dusky streak enclosing the reniform spot, which is barely indicated, excepting by a small whitish spot ; two other dusky transverse lines near the base, the outer one subparallel to the inner central line, the inner one abbreviated; outer border dusky, cut off obliquely at apex by a black litura, which joins a nearly straight transverse black-edged yellowish line; a marginal series of black dots: secondaries crossed by a cen- tral bracket-shaped dusky line; outer border slightly dusky, crossed by a whitish nearly straight line; a marginal series of black dots: body greyish brown. Under surface paler ; wings crossed by two parallel dusky lines, followed by a dif- fused externo-discal dusky belt; discocellulars dusky; a whitish line at the base of the fringe; secondaries slightly paler than primaries; venter pale sandy whitish. Expanse, & linch 9 lines, ? 1 inch 7 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). This species has somewhat the appearance of Entomogramma mediocris, Ophiusa bistriaris, and Remigia congressa, but is clearly allied to Azazia rubricans. 150. Selenis lauta, n. sp. Allied to 8. costal’s from Natal; wings above pale coppery brown, a broad white costal border occupying nearly the anterior half of the primaries and the basal fifth of the secon- daries ; two parallel dusky white-edged discal lines; a mar- ginal series of white-edged black dots; fringe grey: secons daries with white costal area: head and thorax white, collar dark brown; abdomen pale brown. Under surface sericeous white: primaries sordid towards the costa, with indications of two parallel greyish discal lines; costa near apex marked with three black dots; all the wings with a submarginal series of black dots and grey fringe: body below creamy whitish. Expanse 8 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 151. Capnodes cinerea, n. sp. Blue-black, densely irrorated with white scales, so that it looks as if slaty grey striated with blackish: primaries with the basal two thirds of the costal area creamy whitish, inter- rupted near the base by a blackish spot followed by an oblique black dash, and opposite to the end of the cell by a large ferruginous spot followed by a similar black dash; a large ferruginous spot close to the base ; a small fulvous spot in the cell; reniform spot fulvous internally, white externally, divi- On Races of Herring observed in the Sound. 295 ded by a black line; apical border pale tawny ; fringe alter- nately sordid white and grey: secondaries with the costa pale, fringe as in primaries: body blackish, collar black, prothorax and base of abdomen crossed by white belts. Under surface fuliginous, costa of primaries streaked and spotted with ochreous; a black oval spot in the cell, and a fusiform spot closing the cell, both bordered with creamy white ; fringe as above. Expanse, ¢ 1 inch 1 line, 2 1 inch 4 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). 152. Capnodes cremata, n. sp. Shining slaty grey, becoming brown towards the borders, crossed by two central parallel sinuous lines of black spots ; a discal series of white dots parallel to the outer line, and ter- minating near anal angle of secondaries in a white W-shaped character; outer margin undulated, black, spotted with white, and followed on the fringe by a continuous series of black crescents; fringe also blackish externally, particularly on primaries; costa of primaries irrorated with testaceous and crossed by four or five angular spots of the same colour, from the outermost of which (a >-shaped marking) runs a zigzag pale greyish, black-edged line across the disk: secondaries with a discal series of black-edged testaceous spots: body greyish brown, thorax slaty grey. Under surface fuliginous, crossed by two central angulated dusky lines; a pale discal line; outer margin dusky, fringe greyish; discocellulars blackish; primaries with three decreasing whitish spots on apical half of costal margin ; tarsi black, banded with whitish. Expanse, ¢ 1 inch 3 lines, ? 1 inch 5 lines. Yokohama (Jonas). XXXIITI.—On Races of Herring observed in the Sound. By G. WINTHER*. THE common herring occurs along the coasts of the Kattegat, through the Sound, the Belts, and a large portion of the Baltic, in several varieties, distinguished by the size and rela- tive proportions of their body, as well as by their habits of life. In this respect the Sound offers some peculiarities on account of its constituting a connecting water between the Baltic and the North Sea, of which the Kattegat is a depen- ~ dency. There are three distinct races of herrings in the * Extract of a paper in the ‘ Nordisk Tidsskrift for Fiskeri’ (Copen- hagen, 1876). 296 M. G. Winther on Races of Sound. One of them spawns in the spring, and corresponds in its habits so closely with other fish which are known to be stationary in the Sound, that in all probability it is stationary: likethem. This variety is the smallest of the three—a circum- stance which is in good keeping with the supposition that it does not at any time leave this comparatively narrow and shallow basin. The other two varieties are migratory, and visit the Sound during the autumn for the sake of spawning— one of them coming from the south, the other from the north, both meeting in that part of the Sound which les between the islands of Amager and Saltholm and the Swedish coast, and where a chain of shallows, intersected by winding chan- nels, stretches right across. The southern kind of herring agrees with Nilsson’s description of the “ Kiviksill” (in Skand. Fauna, Fiskar, p. 496) ; this is in all probability peculiar to the western part of the Baltic, which differs not a little from the portion beyond Bornholm as to the saltness of the water &c. Every autumn large quantities of these herrings travel as far as the Flinterende, a channel, well known to navigators, between Saltholm and the Swedish coast, where they spawn, and from which they again return to the Baltic in the winter. Sometimes, but rarely, easterly winds and strong currents carry them further north after the spawning-season ; but until then they do not ordinarily go beyond the Flinterende. The second of the two varieties which spawn in the autumn arrives in the Sound from the Kattegat, and is intermediate between the Kiviksill and the Kullasill of Nilsson, or ordinary herring of the Kattegat. On account of its habits, this variety is called Bundsild or bottom-herring. Generally speaking it is very regular in its habits, keeping quiet near the bottom of the sea in the daytime, moving about in the deep from about an hour before sunset till an hour after sunset, or even as late as midnight if the moon is high, and then rising to the sur- face, where it remains until sunrise; but in the spawning- season these herrings move about irregularly, and may be caught at any time. On their journeys they follow the deepest channels, allowing themselves to be carried along by the current, and in stormy weather regularly seeking the lee coast. The temperature of the water in the Sound in the spawning-season is from 50° to 53°6 Fahr. ‘The principal spawning-ground of this kind is on a submarine plateau north of the Flinterende. After the spawning they usually take a turn south into the bay of Kjége, and then return north- wards to the Kattegat. The most remarkable circumstance in connexion with them is the periodicity which has been ob- served in the take of them. Herring-periods are known in Herring observed in the Sound. 297 many foreign places; but in this case an explanation of the phenomenon can be given. In the Sound a herring-period lasts eight years. At the commencement the fish are few and small; but there is a steady increase in quantity and quality until the fifth and sixth years, which are the best, and are followed by two years of decrease in quantity, after which the large fish suddenly disappear; and in the ninth year only smaller herrings are taken, and the quantity is likewise defi- cient. How great the difference between the fish in the bad and the good years is, may be concluded from the fact that the length of the meshes of the nets used in 1874, when the last completed period terminated, was 56 millims., whilst in the nets used in 1867, when that period com- menced, it was only 39°5 millims. In 1875, when a new period came on, hardly any large fish were taken, but only small ones; and the question naturally arises, What has become of the large breed, and where does the small breed come from? ‘The former evidently have remained in the Kattegat; and the latter were of the southern or Baltic variety, which had spread over the excellent spawning- ground north of the Flinterende, which in ordinary years is occupied by the northern variety, but in that year was free. Having thus established themselves in the northern portion of the Sound, they have gone north into the Kattegat after the breeding-season, instead of returning to the Baltic, as this kind usually do. From the Kattegat they will now return every year to the Sound; and from living in a larger basin, and perhaps on account of the water being more salt there, they will increase in size until the Sound becomes too confined for them ; then the shoals, led as they always are by the biggest individuals, will seek other spawning-grounds in the Kattegat, leaving the one north of the Flinterende untenanted ; this will then be occupied by another instalment of Baltic herrings, probably in 1883. According to this view the Bundsild of the Danish fishermen is merely the Baltic herring, or Kiviksill, improved by emigration to more favour- able localities, where it remains till the improvement has been carried still further ; then they cease to return to the sound, but remain in the more open water of the Kattegat. Something quite analogous seems to hold good with regard to the herring in the Great Belt, and perhaps also with regard to other species of fish in these waters. It has not yet been observed whether the converse, a degeneration of races penetrating into the Baltic from the Kattegat, does not take place occasionally. In any case a similar explanation is very likely to afford the explanation of similar fishing-periods in other places. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol.i. 20 298 Mr. H. J. Carter on new Species of XXXIV.—On new Species of Hydractiniide, Recent and fossil, and on the Identity in Structure of Millepora alcicor- nis with Stromatopora. By H. J. Carrer, F.R.S. &e. [Plate XVII. ] In the ‘ Annals’ for 1873 (vol. xi. p.10) I have inserted a description of a branched chitinous polypary, to which the late Dr. J. E. Gray had given the name of Dehitella atrorubens, under the idea that it was a sponge, but which subsequently proved to be a species of Hydractinia; and I have now to present the following description of a chitinous polypary like that of Hydractinia echinata, but with short branches here and there similar in form and colour to those of Dehitella atrorubens, which, on the contrary, grows into a bush-like polypary from a single, smooth, compressed, root-like stem. Hydractinia arborescens, nu. sp. (Pl. XVII. figs. 1-4.) Polypary chitinous. Laminiform, surmounted by spines and branches indiscriminately scattered over the surface. Colour dark amber-brown (Pl. XVII. fig. 1). Surface follow- ing the form of the object over which the polypary may be growing (in this instance a turreted shell like Phos senti- cosus, family Buccinide) ; uniformly even, except where in- terrupted by the presence of spines and branches; presenting a granulated reticulation of short, broken, raised, serrulated ridges more or less surrounding minute holes once occupied by the polypites and other soft parts of the ccenosare (figs. 2, b, c, and 3, a, 6); traversed throughout by a venation of anastomosing grooves whose depth and distinctness is in pro- portion to their size, the largest being 1-180th inch in dia- meter (fig. 2, a, and fig. 4). Holes of the polypites, which are very numerous and equally present along the course of the vein-like grooves, as in the interstices of the granulated reticu- lation, may be best seen where the ccenosare has been well washed out, varying in size, according to their office, from 2 to 3-1800ths inch in diameter (fig. 2). Spines conical, vari- able in size and length, scattered more or less partially over the surface so as to leave here and there plane intervals of greater or less extent; often growing into erect branches variable also in length and thickness (fig. 1, aaa), the largest, which in this instance forms one of a group at the anterior extremity of the shell, being 1-12th inch in dia- meter at the base (fig. 1,6), and the remaining longest portion of the rest (for they have all been broken off more or less close to their origin in the laminiform part of the polypary) 1-3rd Recent and Fossil Hydractiniide. 299 of an inch. In all there were thirty branches or processes, of which those at the extremities of the shell respectively were the largest and most subdivided. Spines and branches pre- senting the same kind of surface as that of the rest of the polypary, with the exception that the serrulated ridges of the granulated reticulation being longer, thus give rise to oblong or more or less elongated interstices; those on the spines forming a series of grano-serrulated ridges, diminishing in number upwards, until the last three or four, uniting into a point at the summit as in Hydractinia echinata, thus close the cancellated structure of which the spine is otherwise com- posed, Branches more or less divided and covered with small spines, which terminate the free ends in an alternate manner like those of Sertularia. Internal structure cancellous throughout and in direct continuity with the surface through the holes of the polypites, so that the ccenosare thus forms a continuous mass, in which the chitinous, clathrous polypary, having been developed, becomes its skeleton or organ of sup- ort, sometimes extending into the calcareous material of the shell itself, and transforming the whole lip, as in the pre- sent instance, into polypary (fig. 1, d). Size depending upon that of the object over which the Hydractinia may be grow- ing; in the present instance the shell covered by it is 21 inches by # inch broad in its greatest diameters. Hab. Marine, growing over hard objects; in the present instance completely covering a shell like Phos senticosus or Fusus sulcatus. Loc. ? Polynesia. Obs. The specimen from which the above description has been taken now belongs to the British Museum, and was found, without any label or indication of its locality, among the late Dr. Bowerbank’s collections. Whether by the waves origi- nally, or subsequently from other causes, it has been lament- ably treated ; for at the present time, as above stated, out of the thirty short branches which it once possessed, not one now remains entire, the whole having been broken off at variable distances respectively from their origin in the Jami- niform portion, and some close to it; while the only branched one which is left projects laterally from that part of the poly- pary which once entzrely covered the apex of the shell as well as all other parts, but which is now broken away at this part, on the opposite side, so as to expose the apex of the shell itself, the only part consequently now uncovered (fig. 1, c). At first sight the specimen looks like a shell with branched spines ; but on closer inspection this is found to be a mistake, although the branches in some parts may have been initiated 20* 300 Mr. H. J. Carter on new Species of by the presence of short spines on the shell itself. At the same time, as with the lip so with the branches, the whole spine may have been replaced by the polypary of the Hydrac- tenia; yet then the shell could not have been either of those mentioned, especially as the largest and greater number of branches are to be found at the extremities; but I shall hereafter show that such branches may arise independently of the presence of any spine at all on the shell over which a Hydractinia may have grown. The large branches are so like in form, structure, and colour, together with their spines, to the branches of Dehitella atrorubens that no doubt can be entertained of the latter being identical with the former, except in specification ; while the grooved, anastomosing venation on the surface, which does not exist on D. atrorubens and the other bush-like forms that I have examined, is equally iden- tical with that of the fossil species Hydractinia pliocena (‘Annals,’ 1877, vol. xix. pl. viil. fig. 8), which is also pre- sent, but less markedly seen, in H. echinata. This grooved venation (fig. 4), which is the bed of the coenosarcal tubulation in which the whole organism originates from the commencement, and is the same in structure and function where it forms the first sarcodic lamina on the shell (‘ Annals,’ 1877, 2. c. p. 46) as on the surface of the full- grown polypary, is more or less repeated as a proliferous membrane on the surface of every layer, although it may not be so marked in some as in other species ; yet, in the present instance, it is as striking in the chitinous polypary of the recent H. arborescens as it is in the assumed calcareous one of the fossil species Hydractinia pliocena, and will be found even more developed in the new fossil species I am about to describe. Previously, however, it is desirable that I should add a few words on the recent species. Hydractinia calcarea, Cart. Since the description of this was published (‘ Annals,’ 1877, vol. xix. p. 50), Mr. Thomas Higgin, of Liverpool, has kindly sent me some more specimens on equally small shells of Fusus and Nerita respectively, from the same locality, many of which possess short branches which, in two instances, growing from a specimen on the smooth surface of a Nerita, at once point out that they, at all events, do not originate in the presence of a spine on the shell which may have become covered or entirely replaced by the polypary of the Hydrac- tinta, as at first supposed (‘ Annals,’ 1877, /. c. p. 51), but are distinct branches or processes similar to those of the Recent and Fossil Hy dractiniide. 301 chitinous species just described. On the smooth species of Nerita, to which I have alluded, the development of the branch can be followed throughout from the spine of the polypary to its ultimate form, which in the largest specimens is about 1-10th inch in diameter and 1-4th of an inch long, with a tendency to assume a compressed, palmate, bifurcate shape at the free extremity. So it should be remembered that the calcareous polypary of Hydractinia calcarea may also be branched like the chitinous one of H. arborescens. Hydractinia Kingti, n. sp. Fossil. Polypary massive, growing over a turreted shell, somewhat like that supporting Hydractinia arborescens, com-- pressed, extending here and there irregularly into a short, thick lobe, process, or branch. Composed of compact, greyish- white limestone. Surface uniformly even, thickly veined with anastomosing grooves amongst granular ridges once surround- ing the holes of the polypites, which are now tilled up and undis- tinguishable from the rest of the calcareous material; pustu- liferous—that is, presenting numerous depressed papillary elevations, which are the representatives of the spines in other species, and where broken open (as many are) disclosing the grooved venation on the surface of the subjacent layer. In- ternal structure concentrically laminated, presenting in a vertical section rows of chambers (?the hollow bases of the pustules of each layer), between which are the vertical tubes of the polypites, now, for the most part, filled with calcareous matter, but, where still hollow, possessing a diameter of 3-1800ths inch, and at their openings into the roofs of the chambers respectively a calcareous diaphragm with central hole, similar in form to that of Hydractinia calcarea (§ Annals,’ 1877, vol. xix. p. 51, pl. viii. fig. 4, g g), but apparently without its repetition which is seen along the vertical tubes in Hydractinia pliocena—a point, however, that must be de- cided by a more favourable specimen than the one which I possess. Size of the fragment from which the above descrip- tion is taken about an inch square and half an inch thick. Thickest portion of the polypary from the shell outwards §-12ths inch ; largest lobo-branch, which is circular in the section, but whose extremity has been broken off, 4 inch in diameter, and the same in length. Hab. Marine, on a turreted shell like Phos senticosus ; or it may have been a Cerithium, as there is only a fragment of the apex left in the specimen for this determination. Loc. ? Subapennine strata. Obs. At first I thought this was a specimen of Hydractinia 302 Mr. H. J. Carter on pliocena; but subsequent and more particular examination shows that it has several specific differences, viz. :—1, the visi- ble venation is much denser in H. Kingii than in H. pliocena ; 2, there are no spines on the former, which, as before stated, are represented by pustuliform elevations; 3, the entire mass is irregular in form and extended into a thick lobo-branch or process here and there; 4, the vertical tubes present no dia- phragm or septal divisions, except the one above mentioned. It has been named after Prof. King, of Galway, who kindly sent me the specimen, which he thought came from the Sub- apennines and had already received a name. Millepora alcicornis. As this is a well-known species, having been named by Linneus, stated by Ellis and Solander to be so abundant in the West Indies as to be ‘used principally for burning into lime,” and pronounced by Agassiz, in 1859, to be “ very nearly related to the Hydractiniz,” I shall only describe so much of it (from a dried fragment which, by accident, has lately fallen into my hands with fragments of sponges which indicate that it came from the seas between the two Americas) as may be necessary for the purpose of showing how closely allied in structure its corallum or polypary is to that of Stroma- topora. Its specific designation well indicates the general form. — The surface is harsh to the touch from being composed of the pointed free ends of a meandering reticulation of anastomo- sing more or less flat fibre, whose interstices form the openings ot a subjacent structure, which will be more particularly de- scribed hereafter, rendered uniformly uneven or bossed by gentle elevations and depressions ; over which, scattered more or less irregularly, are many apertures that may be divided into two sets, viz. large and small, the latter most numerous ; the largest, which more especially have a toothed or sub- asteroid margin, are about 1-120th inch in diameter and 1-12th inch. apart, while the smaller ones are about 1-225th inch in diameter and 1-48th inch apart; but both vary slightly in size and in their distances from each other. Be- sides this, the surface presents here and there an intricate tubular venation composed of chitinous canals in relief, more or less covered with calcareous material, whose minute branches anastomose freely over the points of the meandering reticu- lation mentioned, and, in many instances, become lost beneath it, the largest branches averaging 1-360th inch in diameter. I note this particularly because we shall find remnants of it by-and-by (fig. 8, @) on the surface of the fossil called Millepora and Stromatopora. 303 Millepora Woodwardit). Internal structure :—The surface, as already intimated, is the outward limit of a subjacent cancellated structure (fig. 5, b 6), formed by the anastomosis of more or less flattened reticulated fibre; and this, which is the staple sub- stance of the corallum, is remarkable for its minuteness and the tortuous form of both its solid and cavernous parts, the latter in the fresh state being occupied by the ccenosare, which is thus brought into direct continuation with the exterior. After forming a layer of about 1-180th inch in thickness and of yellowish-white colour, it becomes more compact and presents a bluish tint, which thus establishes a distinct line of demar- cation between the two; while, when the superficial layer is carefully picked off with a sharp point, the horizontal surface of the subjacent one is seen to be traversed by a deep grooved venation similar to that of Hydractinia arborescens, &c., with here and there the remains of a dry sarcodic ccenosarcal tube in it running along its course, thus indicating that the surface- layer, which is less compact, of a different colour, and overrun here and there by a tubular venation, is the external layer of the growing corallum; and therefore we may fairly infer that successively the corallum has been formed in this way through- out, although somewhat modified in density &c. by age and subsequent development. Having now described the staple substance of the corallum from the surface to the axis of the branch (that is, from the circumference to the centre), we have next to follow the large apertures in the same way. These, in the vertical section, may be observed to be the openings of tubular spaces varying from 1-360th to 1-180th inch in diameter, which descend more or less vertically and nearly to the central plane that separates the two lamine of which the elkhorn-like compressed branch is formed (fig. 5,aa). Further, it may be observed that these spaces are horizontally but unequally divided into several compartments by very thin transverse septa or tabule (fig. 5, c), and that their internal surface is plentifully perfo- rated by more or less rounded apertures (fig. 5, e) such as may be seen in Stromatopora, which communicate with the tortu- ous cavities of the coenosarcal skeleton or cancellated structure of the corallum, so that the tubular spaces are as much fora- minated (fig. 5, c,d) as the coenosarcal skeleton is cancellated, being simply excavated in the midst of the latter, without the least trace of any distinct parietes after the coenosarc has been abstracted. Indeed it is very remarkable that all the cavities of the ccenosarcal skeleton (that is, of the whole corallum, like that of Parkeria &c.) are formed upon the ccenosare (identical in this respect with the can- 304 Mr. H. J. Carter oz cellous structure of bone), so that, in the absence of the latter, as just stated, none of them presents the least sign of a wall. The only part which appears solid or different from the rest in structure is the tabula or transverse septum of the tubular excavations (fig. 5,c). Indeed, here as elsewhere in the Hydractiniide, it is the intricate anastomosis of the minute branches of the ccenosare which leads to the formation of the peculiar, cancellated, coenosarcal skeleton, which, again, is as indicative of the structure of the Hydractiniide as it is opposed to that of the Foraminifera. Not unfrequently the tabula is surmounted centrally by a kind of style, which, in some species of Stromatopora, seems to be indicated by the presence of a white point in the centre of the transparent calc- spar filling the rest of the calicle. Finally, if the elkhorn-like branch of Millepora alcicornis be split in two through the centre parallel with its flat sur- face, the plane of each part thus exposed will present concen- tric lines of lamination in the cancellous structure, which, ex- tending from side to side parallel with the plane, indicate the progressive formation of the flat branch upwards from the point at which it commenced to expand. These lines of lamination, however, are, in accordance with the rest of the structure, not indicated by distinct laminee, but by the position of the rows of apertures in the ccenosarcal skeleton or co- rallum. Thus we have every thing structural in the corallum of Millepora alcicornis that is to be found in Stromatopora, excepting the stedliform systems of venation. What, then, were those “ stelliform systems’ which, in my paper on Hydractinia, &c. (‘ Annals,’ 1877, vol. xix. p. 68, and pl. viii. figs. 19 &c.), I have likened to the superficial stelliform excretory canal-systems of some sponges, and sug- gested a like function? J] need hardly answer the question, after what has been above stated, especially when they are to be seen on the upper surface of every layer of a Stromatopora as it is split off from the entire specimen. ‘They were not water-vascular excretory systems as in sponges, but tubular venations of the coenosarc on the surface, probably filled with “‘entodermic cells,” as will appear hereafter, preparing the way proliferously for the new layer; and, although in no instance that I know of, yet there may be an existing species of Millepora in which the grooved venation, instead of mean- dering generally over the surface in large branches and sending off smaller ones, which by subdivision become still smaller, and ultimately intermingle with each other (like the capil- Millepora and Stromatopora. 305 lary system of blood-vessels in the warm-blooded animals), proceeds from central points, and thus resembles the stelliform arrangement characteristic of Stromatopora. That this stelliform arrangement should not have been exactly the same even in the different species of Stromatopora is as certain as that in all it seems to have been connected with the same function, and that function to have been what has been above stated. But let us now tur for a few moments to the able observations of Mr. H. Moseley, who has studied the Milleporide in their living state (Phil. Trans. 1876, vol. 166, p. 91). Mr. Moseley states that specimens of Helioporacerulea, which were obtained at Zamboangan, in Mindanao, one of the Philippine Islands, and Millepora alcicornis, in “ great profu- sion” at Bermuda, were found to be as different in their minute structure as in their general form; for while the corallum of Heliopora cerulea was observed to consist of “tubes of circular section, of nearly uniform diameter, closely packed side by side. . . . with their walls, where touching, fused together,” and the intervals filled up by a hard tissue, which appears above the margins of the tubes “in papilliform pro- minences”” (/.c. p. 99), that of Midllepora alcicornis was found to be composed of a network of tortuous branches of hard tissue, in which “the soft tissues appear to occupy a series of tortuous canals,” “ that lead from the calicles in all directions, and, anastomosing freely with one another, join the cavities of the surrounding calicles”’ (/. c. p. 113)—to which, as before stated, might be added that the tubes of the calicles are imbedded in this tissue at variable distances from each other respectively, as further indicated by the distance between these apertures on the surface. Mcreover Mr. Moseley describes our ‘ grooved venation ”’ as ‘‘canal-systems,” the tubes of which are “ not only lined by, but also always more or less filled with entodermic cells.” They are divided into two systems, viz. a deep or horizontal and a superficial or more or less vertical system—the former being that which I have more particularly described in Mille- pora alcicornis, and whose canals, cut across in the vertical section of this species, may be seen just below the last-formed or external layer in the same position as that figured by Mr. Moseley in Heliopora (l.c. p. 105, pl. viii. fig. 1, V', and pl. ix. fig. 8). That this is not a water-vascular system is thus proved beyond a doubt, as clearly as that it is the grooved venation, in which the original soft tube may be seen, as first noticed in Hydractinva echinata (‘ Annals,’ 1877, vol. xix. 306 Mr. H. J. Carter on p- 48, pl. viii. fig. 3), and now in a dried state subsequently in the venation on the penultimate layer of Millepora alci- corns. But these views are opposed to those of Drs. Nicholson and Murie, in the report of whose paper on the minute “ structure of Stromatopora,” read before the Linnean Society on the 20th Dec. last, we read that the authors “discard the notion of its alliance [that of Stromatopora] with the Nullipores, or belonging to the corals, Hydrozoa, or Foraminifera ;” while, “under negative evidence,” they would constitute for the Stromatoporids ‘a new order of calcareous sponges—NStro- matoporidea.” Herein, I need hardly state, it is impossible for me to acquiesce. Millepora Woodwardit, cast. (Pl. XVII. figs. 6-9.) Lastly I must advert to the fossil from the ‘ Lower Chalk” of Dover, kindly sent to me by Mr. Woodward of the British Museum, last year, and described in the ‘ Annals’ (vol. xix. . 64) under the provisional name of “ Bradya tergestina,” Stache, MS.”—chiefly for the purpose of giving a figure of it, which I then had not the opportunity of doing, as my plate of illustrations had been filled up previous to its arrival. Having in my private journal, however, accurately sketched the upper portion of it, together with the section, of the natu- ral size, it is herewith reproduced (figs. 6, 7), as well as a magnified view of the fragments of the “ creeping, branched, tortuous, dendriform fibre in prominent relief,” mentioned at p- 65 (é.c.), that remains on its surface (fig. 8, a), and a diagram, to scale, of one of the tubular spaces (fig. 9, a), now observed to be septate like that of Millepora alcicornis. To the great resemblance of the stelliform systems of venation (fig. 6,aa) to, if not identity with, those of Stromatopora I have already alluded; I have also likened them to the “creeping, branched, tortuous, dendriform fibre in relief ”’ on the surface of the chitinous one, Hydractinia echinata ; and now they may be identified with the calcareous one on the surface of Mdillepora alcicornis. I have also since seen the base of this fossil, which presents no stelliform venation, but an irregular surface indi- cative of that of attachment, while the upper or sectionized polished part shows that the tubes had septa (tabule) like those of Stromatopora and Millepora alcicornis ; lastly, I ob- serve towards the periphery a great number of minute spheri- cal bodies of different sizes below the 3-1800ths inch in diameter, which appear to have been ova. Can D’Orbigny’s Stellispongia variabilis, which extends from the Trias to the Upper Chalk (Senonien—not “ Sues- Millepora and Stromatopora. 307 sonien””’ or Eocene as stated by mistake in my paper, ‘ An- nals,’ Uc. p. 67), be allied to Millepora Woodwardit? At all events the former brings down the stelliform systems of vena- tion seen in the Silurian Stromatopora &c. to the Chalk age, as indicated by the type specimen from the Trias, given by D’Orbigny (Cours élément. Paléont. et Géologie, vol. i. p- 411, fig. 407), of which a tracing will be found among the illustrations (fig. 10). Through the kindness of Mr. Woodward I have also been able to examine the little globular fossils generally, in the British Museum, which have been obtained from the chalk of Dover, when being washed and prepared for officinal purposes. These would appear to have been first called by Phillips Millepora globularis (‘ Geology of Yorkshire,’ 1829, vol. i. p- 234, tab. 1. fig. 12), and are identical in structure with Millepora Woodwardii, except that they have no stellate vena- tion or branched tubulation in relief on the surface. More- over they are frequently more or less perforated by a cylin- drical cavity filled with chalk, in which they are identical with some specimens of Parkeria, wherein the cavity appears, from its heterogeneous contents, to have been filled with ‘“sea-bottom ”’ (p. 59, 7. c.); while, from the radiated structure in both Millepora globularis and Parkeria not having been altered or turned out of its course by the presence of the cavity, it would appear that the latter had been made by some organism after the Millepora or Parkeria had completed their growth respectively. At the same time, in Parkeria, a nucleus of this heterogeneous material frequently appears, singly or in plurality, in the midst of the structure, while some specimens of Millepora globularis present two or more such cavities of different depths, indicating that, if the exca- vating organism perished or left its cavity when the latter was shallow, and the Millepore or Parkeria continued to grow afterwards, the cavity might appear in the midst of the structure filled, as we see it in Parkeria, with “ sea-bottom.”’ Sometimes the excavation passes directly through both Jl- lepora globularis and Parkeria, simulating, as Mr. Woodward states, the beads of a “ prehistoric race ;” and sometimes, as just stated, there may be more than one excavation present. Frequently Millepora globularis, when fixed, assumed a hemispherical shape ; and also, having frequently grown as if on a conical body, the base presents a corresponding excava- tion, which is annulated concentrically with alternate grooves and elevations, covered with a smooth compact material, which contrasts strongly with the rough apertured surface of the hemispherical or free side, arising from the projection of 308 Mr. H. J. Carter on the free ends of the fibre forming ccenosarcal cancellated struc- ture between the apertures of the tubular spaces (? Lunulites urceolata, Phillips, l. ¢c., fig. 11). This form also occurs with a conical upper surface, when it somewhat resembles that species of Foraminifera called Orbitolina lenticularis, but differs from it in the concentric annulation of the ex- terior being on the convex instead of on the concave side, to say nothing of the internal structure, as may be seen by my elucidation of this fossil (‘ Annals,’ 1861, vol. vii. pl. xvii. figs. 5-9). Lastly, there is another subglobular free form, with one or more conical elevations on its upper surface, from which grooves radiate downwards, and, branching as they descend over the globular part of the fossil to its base, become shal- lower, and finally disappear before reaching the centre. This appears to be only a free form of Millepora Woodwardit. — In all these fossils we may observe that the remarkable form of cancellated structure which I have described in Millepora alcicornis, is excavated by tubular spaces that radiate from the centre to the circumference, where the same structure projects in little points above the surface around their apertures, iden- tically as the horny structure of the same kind projects above the apertures of the polypites in the polypary of Hydractinia echinata. ‘This structure is the same in all the branched species of Hydractinia, whether living or fossil, chitinous or calcareous; andit is perhaps nowhere seen more beautifully than in the branched Chitina ericopsis, where there is no cuticle and no core to the stems, which thus entirely and exclusively consist of this peculiar cancellated tissue excavated by tubular spaces. Such cancellated structure is never seen in any of the Foraminifera, not even in Polytrema, and only in a few stony corals; so that its presence, as before stated, appears to be decisive against the Hydractinie being Foraminifera. Having, on the 1st January last, received, with three other species of fossils allied to Hydractinia, from Dr. Steinmann of Munich, two specimens of Millepora globularis (Porosphera, Steinmann) from the Upper Chalk of Hanover, which he very properly identifies with Bradya tergestina, the old generic name of Phillips must take precedence of the latter ; and therefore I have called the Dover fossil “ Mcllepora Woodwardit ;” nor will it appear strange after this that Phillips should have applied the name of “ Millepora”’ to these little fossils (/. c.), subsequently changed by Etheridge to Cosci- nopora (ed. 1875). When, too, we remember that Millepora alcicornis is found under a ‘variety of forms,” one of which is stated by Ellis Millepora and Stromatopora. 309 and Solander (p. 142) to be ‘‘ like so many beads of a neck- lace,” and that the structure is radiated, we probably should find these “ beads’? not only very much like Millepora globu- laris, but, in their hemispherical condition, diminutive forms of Stromatopora, saving the stellate arrangement of the cceno- sarcal venation. . Millepora globularis and M. Woodwardii appear to be closely allied in structure; but as yet I have only been able to see the septa (tabule) in the tubular spaces of the latter, and this in only one instance (fig. 9); so it is either uncommon or difficult to recognize. There is yet another form in the British Museum, about the same size as Millepora Woodwardit, which was free. It was irregularly elliptical (having been now cut in two), com- pressed, and seems to have been globular at first, subsequently overlapped by an additional growth, which causes one side to appear under the form of four triangular segments, crucially arranged, with their points in the centre, two of the segments opposite, being the overlapping parts of the last growth. But the structure otherwise is the same as that of all the rest, viz. radiating tubular spaces, increased in number by - branching towards the circumference, where their apertures, therefore, are of unequal size and at slightly variable dis- {ances apart, situated in the midst of the peculiar ccenosarcal skeletal tissue above described. ‘The specimen also presents four or more cylindrical excavations on its surface of different depths, one of which reaches nearly to the centre of the fossil. Thus the forms of this organism may be still more nume- rous, and, after all, like those of Millepora alcicornis, only various growths of the same structure ; hence the necessity of a review of all the species of D’Orbigny’s Coscinopore and the like, with which they seem to have been more or less identified, that they may be respectively relegated to their proper position in the animal kingdom. Postscript, Feb. 7, 1878. Since the above was written I have received from Dr. Steinmann (on the 4th inst.) a copy of his interesting paper, entitled ‘“ Ueber fossile Hydrozoen,” published in the ‘ Pa- leontographica,’ n. F. v. 3 (xxv.), p. 101, in which are enumerated all the species allied to Hydractinia, both living and fossil, that have been identified, adding to the latter three new ones, viz. Spheractinia diceratina, Ellipsactinia ellipsoidea, and Cylindrohyphasma Milaschewitschi, besides changing the generic names of Millepora globularis, Phillips, 310 Mr. H. J. Carter on to Porosphera, and Certopora crispa et favosa, Goldfuss, to Thalimina respectively. It is worthy of notice that the specimen of Cylindrohy- phasma Milaschewitschi, which consists of a cylindrical por- tion 2 inches long and 9-24ths inch thick, should have its cavity filled with sea-bottom—that is, a heterogeneous mixture of sand and minute Foraminifera &c., like that which I have stated to occur in Parkeria. How does this material, viz. sea-bottom, get there? In a specimen from the “ Chalk Marl” just received from Mr. Charles Moore, F.G.S., there is the same condition, viz. the growth of a Hydrozoic (? cal- careous) polypary or corallum, somewhat like that of Parkeria, round a nucleus of “ sea-bottom ’’—that is, quartz-sand and minute Foraminifera &c. Certainly it was the habit of these Hydrozoa, as it was that of Stromatopora, preceded by their soft, sarcodic, proliferous membrane, to run in between and over every thing with which they came into contact. I possess a block of Stromatopora from the Devonian Limestone in the neighbourhood of Ipplepen (near Torbay) and its environs, in which this is represented upon a large scale, there being frag- - ments of half a dozen other things besides shells &c. in a mass of Stromatopora which must have originally been two or three feet at least in diameter. It was given to me by my friend Mr. William Vicary, of Exeter, who has perhaps as fine a collection of Stromatopora as any in existence. In his concluding remarks Dr. Steinmann places Stromato- pora under Spheractinia; Loftusia under Ellipsactinia; and Parkeria with Porosphera. Porosphera is adopted, as before stated, for Phillips’s Mille- pora, generically ; and unquestionably the use of Millepora here is confusing; at the same time it shows how sensible Phillips was of the real nature of this fossil originally. Dr. Steinmann’s paper is beautifully illustrated, and an advance upon the subject which cannot be ignored by those who wish to keep pace with paleontological knowledge. The slight discrepancy that exists between my figure of Hydrac- tinia arborescens and that given by Dr. Steinmann arises from the latter having been lithographed from a rough sketch and the former from a finished drawing. As regards the Stromatoporoid origin of Hozoon, however (footnote, p. 114), of which a type specimen is now before me, it might be observed that ‘‘moss-agates”’ from the trap of Western India frequently present arborescent glauconite as much like organic remains as the so-called Hozoon is remote from such resemblance. When, therefore, the figure in the metamorphic rock is even as like organic remains as that in Millepora and Stromatopora. 311 the Plutonic one, it will be quite time to speculate as to its original nature; till then it must remain in the abode of omne tgnotum pro magnifico, into which science forbids her votary to enter. (The specimen of Hozoon to which I have alluded (a slice about 24 x2 inches), was sent by Dr. Car- penter to Profs. King and Rowney, of the Galway College, Ireland, who kindly presented it to me.) EXPLANATION OF PLATE XVII. Fig. 1. Hydractinia arborescens, n. sp. on a turreted shell. Natural size. Branches of the specimen broken off. aa, branches; b, largest branch ; c, apex of the shell exposed, from a portion of the polypary having been broken off; d, lip of shell trans- formed into polypary, also broken. Fig. 2. The same. Diagram of portion of surface of the polypary, to show:—a a, large branch of the grooved venation passing through the surface ; 66, apertures of the polypites, &c.; ¢c¢, lines indi- cating the position of the grano-serrulated ridges of the polypary. Scale about 1-96th to 1-1800th inch. Fig. 3. The same. Diagram of portion of surface of polypary, more mag- nified, to show :—a a, apertures of polypites &c. in relation to bb, grano-serrulated ridges. Scale about 1-48th to 1-1800th inch. Fig.4. The same. Diagram of portion of surface of polypary, to show the grooved venation only. Magnified about 2 diameters. Fig. 5. Millepora alcicornis. Diagram of portion of corallum including vertical section of part of a tubular space. Much magnified. aa, tubular space; 66, ccenosarcal skeleton; ¢, transverse septa or tabule ; d, apertures of the cancelli in the ccenosarcal skeleton ; e, the same, opening into the tubular space. Trans- verse diameter of tubular space about 1-120th inch. Fig. 6, Millepora Woodwardii. Surface of upper half. Natural size. a a, systems of stelliform venation. [N.B. For the description of this fossil see ‘Annals,’ 1877, vol. xix. p. 64, under the provi- sional name of “ Bradya tergestina, Stache, MS.” } Fig.7. The same. Horizontal section. Natural size. a, horizontal section of tubular spaces at the centre ; 6, oblique section of the tubular spaces at the circumference. Fig. 8. The same. Diagram of a portion of the surface, much magnified, to show the fossilized fragments of a superficial tubulation like that appearing above the outer layer on some parts of Millepora alcicornis. a, branches of tubulation; 0, subjacent apertures of calicles or tubular spaces. Scale about 1-48th to 6-1800ths inch. Fig.9. The same. Diagram of portion of the corallum, including a ver- tical section of part of a tubular space bearing septa or tabule. More magnified. aaa, radiating tubular spaces; 06, cceno- sarcal skeleton between the radiating tubular spaces ; ¢, trans- verse septa or tabule; d, apertures of the ccenosarcal skeleton in the tubular space ; e, surface of corallum. Fig. 10. Stellispongia variabilis, D’Orb., from the Trias. Traced from his figure (Cours élément. de Paléontol. et Géologie, vol. i. p. 214, fig. 388). aa, systems of stelliform venation; 6, portion of surface, more magnified, 312 Mr. J. 8. Baly on some XXXV.—Descriptions of a new Genus and of new Species of Halticine. By Josep S. Baty, F.L.S. Genus Hypuasis, v. Harold, Deutsch, ent. Zeit., Dec. 1877, p/ 433. Corpus rotundato-ovatum, modice convexum. Caput in thoracem insertum, facie perpendiculari; encarpis distinctis, contiguis : carina lineariformi, elevata; antennis filiformibus. Thorax transversus, lateribus reflexo-marginatis. Scutellum trigonatum. Elytra thorace latiora, reflexo-marginata, modice convexa, con- fuse punctata ; limbo inflexo concayo, margine externo deorsum producto. Pedes mediocres, femoribus posticis valde incrassatis ; tibiis dorso canaliculatis, posticis extus ante apicem emarginatis, apice spina acuta armatis; t2bizs anticis quatuor apice inermibus; tarsis posticis articulo basali duobus sequentibus conjunctis lon- gitudine zequali vellongiore; unguidus posticis inflatis; wnguiculis appendiculatis. Prosternwm oblongum aut anguste oblongum, apice obtusum aut truncatum, disco plano aut longitudinaliter concavo ; acetabulis anticis apertis. Mesosternum obliquum aut subhorizontale, apice emarginatum. The short, plane or longitudinally concave prosternum, the concave ipflexed limb of the elytron, together with the general form of the body, will, combined, separate this genus from Homophoeta; the form of the prosternum, together with the difference in the length of the basal metatarsal joint, will sepa- rate it from Gdionychis. Hyphasis coccinelloides. H., rotundato-ovata, modice convexa, pallide flava, nitida, antennis (basi excepta) fuscis ; oculis nigris ; thorace levi, obsolete punctu- lato; elytris subcrebre punctatis, utrinque maculis subrotundatis quinque nigris ornatis, harum prima communi circa scutellum, secunda vix infra basin supra callum humerale, rotundato-ovata, duabus prope medium transversim positis, quintaque ante api- cem, prope limbum externum sita. Long. 22 lin. Hab. Borneo, Sarawak. Collected by Mr. Wallace. Vertex shining, impunctate ; encarpe transversely quadrate ; carina elongate, its upper end thickened; antenne with the four lower joints flavous, stained with piceous, the rest fus- cous. Thorax more than three times as broad as long; sides broadly margined, strongly reflexed, rounded and con- verging from base to apex, parallel at the extreme base, the anterior angles thickened, armed with a small excurved, acute tooth ; surface nitidous, faintly impressed here and there with fine punctures ; lateral margin longitudinally excavated. Apex new Species of Halticine. 313 of scutellum obtuse. Elytra much broader than the thorax, the shoulders broadly rounded; above moderately convex ; sides dilated, reflexed; surface rather strongly punctured. Basal joint of metatarsus longer than the following two united. Hyphasis bipustulata. H. late ovata, modice convexa, picea, nitida, antennis (basi excepta) nigris; thorace levi, fere impunctato; elytris nigro-piceis, tenui- ter sed evidenter punctatis, utrinque pustula magna ovata flava ornatis. Long. 12 lin. Hab. Celebes (collected by Mr. Wallace), also Birmah. Head and thorax fulvo-piceous ; vertex shining, impunctate ; encarp transverse, oblong ; anteune nearly three fourths the length of the body, filiform, the two lower joints piceous, the rest black. Thorax three times as broad as long; sides rather broadly margined, reflexed, rounded, converging at the base, and again from behind the middle to the apex ; anterior angles thickened, obtuse, slightly excurved; upper surface smooth and shining, nearly impunctate, a few fine punctures only being seen under a powerful lens ; lateral margin longitudinally concave. Scutellum piceous, its extreme apex obtuse. Elytra much broader than the thorax, rotundate-ovate, the shoulders broadly rounded ; above moderately convex, the lateral margin reflexed ; nigro-piceous, obscure rufo-piceous on the middle disk, finely but distinctly punctured ; each elytron with a large subovate pale yellow patch, which extends from just before to some distance below the middle of the disk, and laterally from within the outer limb to within a short distance of the suture. Basal joint of hinder tarsus equal in length to the following two united. Hyphasis picetpennis. H., rotundata, modice convexa, fulva, nitida, capite thoraceque rufo- testaceis, antennis (basi excepta) oculisque nigris, tibiis tarsisque nigro-piceis ; elytris tenuissime punctatis, piceis. Long. 2 lin. Hab. Borneo, Sarawak. Face elevated between the eyes ; the latter large, prominent ; encarpe quadrangular, well defined, contiguous; carina linear, strongly elevated ; antenne nearly three fourths the length of the body, filiform, two lower joints fulvous, the rest black, the third joint twice the length of the second, rather shorter than the fourth. Thorax three times as broad as long; sides broadly margined, reflexed, obtusely rounded, converging in Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. 1. 21 314 Mr. J. 8. Baly on some front, the anterior angles armed with a slightly excurved, obtuse tooth ; upper surface nitidous, very minutely punctured, the puncturing only visible underalens. Scutellum trigonate, its apex acute. Elytra much broader than the thorax, the shoulders broadly rounded ; above moderately convex, flattened on the disk, minutely punctured, lateral margin narrowly dilated, impressed on its inner edge with a single row of distinct punctures. Prosternum twice as broad as long, its sides parallel, its apex truncate, its surface longitudinally concave. Apices of the thighs piceous ; tibie and tarsi nigro- piceous; hinder tibia armed near its apex with a short acute tooth ; hinder metatarsal joint equal in length to the following two united. Hyphasis nigricornis. H. late ovato-rotundata, modice convexa, dorso paullo deplanata, flava, nitida, antennis (basi excepta) oculisque nigris, scutello, pectore tarsisque piceis; thorace minute punctato ; elytris dis- tincte, subcrebre punctatis. Long. 23 lin. Hab. Northern India. Face elevated between the eyes, the latter smaller and more widely separated than in H. piceipennis; encarpe transverse- quadrate, contiguous, separated from the front by a deep transverse depression; carina strongly raised; vertex and front nitidous, impressed with a few minute punctures, only visible under a lens; antenne more than three fourths the length of the body, slender, filiform, the three lower joints obscure flavous, the rest black, the third joint one half longer than the second, distinctly shorter than the fourth. Thorax more than three times as broad as long; sides broadly mar- gined, reflexed, nearly straight and parallel behind the middle, rounded and converging in front, the anterior angles armed with an obtuse, excurved tooth ; hinder angles distinct, sub- acute ; upper surface impressed with minute punctures, the interspaces still more finely punctured. Scutellum scarcely longer than broad, trigonate, its sides subsinuate, its apex subacute. Elytra very much broader than the thorax, the shoulders broadly and somewhat obliquely rounded; upper surface distinctly and rather closely punctured, the lateral margin broadly dilated, only slightly reflexed. Prosternum narrowly oblong, slightly sinuate on the sides, the apex obtuse; surface only faintly excavated. Hinder tibie un- armed; hinder metatarsal joint longer than the following two united. new Species of Halticine. 315 Hyphasis Wallace. H, late ovata, convexa, sordide fulva, nitida, antennis nigris, tarsis, tibiis posticis apice, tibiis anticis totis femoribusque anticis dorso nigro-piceis ; thorace levi, lateribus late nigris ; elytris subfor- titer punctatis, utrinque plaga magna humerali, ad marginem ad- fixa, postice oblique truncata, alteraque pone medium, subovata, apice acuminata, vix intra marginem posita, ornatis, Long. 3 lin. Hab. Malacca (Wallace). Vertex smooth, impunctate; eyes large, rotundate, promi- nent, black ; encarpe well defined, obliquely transverse, qua- drangular ; carina elongate, its upper half thickened; antenne nearly three fourths the length of the body, black, lower por- tion of basal joint obscure flavous. Thorax three times as broad as long; sides broadly margined, strongly reflexed, rounded, the anterior angle armed with an excurved, subacute tooth, hinder angle with an obtuse tubercle; upper surface shining, very remotely impressed with minute punctures ; lateral margin longitudinally concave. Apex of scutellum rounded. Elytra broader than the thorax, oblong, convex, their lateral margin narrowly dilated, reflexed. Hyphasis Bevani. H. ovata, convexa, nitida, subtus fulva, metapectore, femoribus pos- ticis apice tarsisque posticis piceis; supra rufo-fulva, antennis (basi excepta) nigris ; thorace evidenter, subremote punctato ; elytris subcrebre punctatis, obscure viridi-gneis, limbo exteriore anguste rufo. Long. 17 lin. Hab. Southern India. Collected by Lieut. Bevan. Head trigonate ; vertex and front smooth, impunctate ; inner orbit of eye coarsely punctured ; encarpze well defined, sepa- rated from the front by a transverse groove, subtrigonate, contiguous; carina linear, its apex thickened, obtuse; an- tennee with the two lower joints fulvous, the following two piceous, the rest black; labrum and apex of jaws piceous. Thorax nearly three times as broad as long; sides obliquely rounded and converging from base to apex, the anterior angle thickened, broadly and obtusely truncate, oblique, produced laterally into an acute tooth; upper surface transversely con- vex, distinctly punctured; lateral margin moderately dilated, reflexed. Scutellum trigonate, its apex obtuse, edged with black. Elytra oblong, broader than the thorax, convex, rather strongly and closely punctured ; obscure metallic green, the outer limb very narrowly edged with rufous; inflexed 7 ie 316 Mr. J. 8S. Baly on some limb slightly concave, its outer edge scarcely produced.. Pro- sternum oblong-quadrate, the lateral margins concave, the apex truncate, the upper surface nearly plain; outer edge of hinder tibie serrulate near the apex; basal joint of hinder tarsus longer than the following two united. This species differs from the typical form of the genus in its broader prosternum, and in the less strongly produced outer edge of the inflexed limb of the elytra. Gdionychis Mouhott. @. elongate-ovata, modice convexa, sordide flava, nitida, pectore piceo; vertice scutelloque nigris; thorace ante basin leviter trausversim impresso, tenuissime, remote punctato, lateribus late reflexo-explanatis; elytris sat fortiter, crebre punctatis, utrinque linea suturali maculisque tribus disco exteriore longitudinaliter positis, prima super callum humerale, basi adfixa, secunda prope medium tertiaque ante apicem, nigris. Var. A. pectore sordide flavo, elytrorum linea suturali nigra obso- leta. Long. 3 ln. Hab. Siam, Pachybouri. Collected by the late M. Mouhot. Vertex minutely punctured, front impressed with large round foveolate punctures ; encarpe subquadrate, contiguous ; carina short, wedge-shaped, its acute apex extending upwards between the encarpe for rather more than a third their length, its base terminating on a strongly raised transverse ridge, which extends obliquely on either side entirely across the clypeus ; antenne filiform, the third and fourth joints equal. Thorax three times as broad as long; sides broadly dilated, reflexed, straight and parallel for two thirds their length, rounded and converging near the apex, the latter anteriorly pro- duced, armed at its extremity with a slightly excurved, truncate tooth; basal margin sinuate on either side near the outer angle, the intermediate space truncate; upper surface im- pressed before the base with a broad but shallow transverse groove; minutely and remotely punctured; lateral margin longitudinally concave. Scutellum trigonate, its apex rounded. Elytra rather broader than the thorax, convex, the outer margin moderately dilated, reflexed. Gdionychis pretiosa. @. ovata, convexa, nitida, subtus nigro-picea, lateribus flavis ; supra fulva, vertice, antennis, pedibus posticis scutelloque nigris; thorace impunctato ; elytris suberebre punctatis, metallico-cyaneis, yio- new Species of Halticine. 317 laceo micantibus, utrinque macula prope medium limboque inflexo flavis. Var. A. elytrorum maculis discoidalibus flavis obsoletis. Long. 23 lin. Hab. Brazil, New Friburg. Vertex strongly but not very closely punctured, shining black ; lower face, together with the inner orbit of the eye, obscure fulvous, encarpe and carina piceous; encarpe sepa- rated from the front by a deep transverse groove ; carina oval ; antenne with the three lower joints obscure piceous, the rest black, third joint shorter than the fourth. Thorax with its sides broadly margined, reflexed, nearly straight and parallel behind the middle, thence slightly rounded and converging to the apex, anterior angles produced anteriorly, thickened, obtuse ; basal margin slightly bisinuate on either side, the median portion opposite the base of the scutellum also slightly sinuate ; upper surface shining, nearly impunctate, longitudi- nally excavated on the reflexed lateral margin, obsoletely elevated on either side just to within the latter, the middle portion of both the apical and basal margins narrowly edged with black. Scutellum subtrigonate, its apex rounded, de- pressed. Elytra broader than the thorax, broadly ovate, moderately convex, longitudinally depressed along the base of the suture, distinctly punctured ; inflexed limb flavous. Basal joint of hinder tarsus much shorter than the following two united. Gidionychis porosa. @. ovata, convexa, nitida, nigra, facie inferiore fulvo-picea, thorace flavo; elytris irregulariter foveolatis foveis fundo punctatis, cyaneis, limbo laterali (apice dilatato) flavo. Var. A. elytris nigris, limbo laterali trienteque apicali flavis. Var. B. 3 thorace nigro, lateribus anguste flavis, elytris nigro- zneis, limbo exteriore anguste flavo. Long. 33-4 lin. Hab. Ecuador. Collected by Mr. Buckley. Front with a deep cruciform depression ; on either side near the eye are three or four deep round punctures; the upper surface of the three lower joints of antennez piceo-fulvous. Thorax with its sides broadly reflexed, parallel at the base, thence rounded and converging tothe apex, anterior angles pro- duced into a short obtusely truncate tooth ; upper surface mi- nutely punctured. Scutellum trigonate, its apexobtuse. Hlytra moderately convex, their apical margin finely serrulate ; closely covered with irregular punctured fovese, their interspaces thickened, irregularly confluent, shining, impunctate. 318 Mr. J. 8. Baly on some Gdionychis limbata. @. elongato-ovalis, modice convexa, dorso subdepressa, subtus sor- dide albido-flava, prosterno, genibus, tibiis tarsisque nigro-piceis; supra nigra, antennarum articulis basali necnon ultimis quatuor piceis; facie, thoracis lateribus latis elytrorumque limbo exteriore lato albido-flavis; prosterno inter coxas longitudinaliter elevato. Long. 34 lin. Hab. Ecuador. Vertex and front smooth, impunctate ; lower portion of front depressed, separated from the encarpe by a transverse grooved line ; encarpe large, quadrangular, slightly oblique, contigu- ous; carina strongly raised, elongate ; antenne filiform, the third and fourth joints equal; labrum and jaws piceous; eyes large, prominent. Thorax with its sides very broadly mar- gined, reflexed, slightly converging at the extreme base, rounded and converging before the middle to the apex, the anterior angles thickened, produced anteriorly into a slightly excurved, obtusely truncate tooth ; basal margin very faintly sinuate on either side close to the outer angle, the interme- diate space transversely truncate ; upper surface very faintly impressed transversely in front of the base, very minutely punctured ; lateral margin longitudinally excavated. Scutel- lum trigonate, its apex obtuse ; on the disk near its apex is a piceous spot. lytra broader than the thorax, oblong, mode- rately convex, slightly depressed along the suture, the lateral margin broadly dilated, its outer edge slightly reflexed ; surface rather closely punctured, interspaces subrugulose. minutely punctured. Cdionychis circumcincta, De}. . late ovata, convexa, flava, nitida, antennis (basi excepta) nigris ; thorace levi, lateribus late explanatis, subruguloso; scutello nigro; elytris crebre, fortiter punctatis, interstitiis granulosis, crebre rugulosis. Var. A. elytris metallico-viridibus, limbo externo flavo. Var. B. elytris rufo-testaceis, limbo externo flavo, fascia basali communi, extrorsum abbreviata, vittaque submarginali, a basi ad apicem extensa, metallico-viridibus. Long. 4-6 lin. Hab. Brazil. Vertex smooth, impunctate ; front very sparingly impressed with round punctures, its lower end depressed, separated from the encarpe by a transverse groove; inner orbit of eye irre- gularly punctured ; encarpe transverse; contiguous above ; carina broad, its apex acuminate, separating the lower portion of the encarpe, its lower end terminating in a strongly new Species of Halticine. 319 raised transverse ridge which extends entirely across the clypeus; jaws piceous; antenne filiform, two lower joints flavous, the third piceous, the rest black; third joint distinctly shorter than the fourth. ‘Thorax with its sides broadly mar- gined, reflexed, straight and parallel from the base to beyond the middle, thence rounded and converging to the apex, anterior angles thickened, produced into a short excurved obtuse tooth; basal margin faintly sinuate on either side, its median portion truncate ; upper surface smooth and shining, very faintly reticulate-granulose; surface of dilated lateral margin irregular, subrugulose. Scutellum trigonate, its apex obtuse. Hlytra broader than the thorax, convex, slightly ex- cavated on the suture, a short distance below the scutellum ; coarsely and closely punctured, interspaces irregularly thick- ened, granulose. Gdionychis recticollis. @. elongato-ovata, postice vix ampliata, convexa, subtus picea, ab- domine sordide fulvo, prothorace lacteo; supra lactea, scutello pallide piceo, antennis (basi picea excepta) oculisque nigris ; thorace impunctato, lateribus rectis, a basi ad apicem convergenti- bus; elytris tenuissime, subremote punctatis, utrinque plagis duabus erosis, una infra basin transversim ovata, altera inter medium et apicem transversa, irregulari, nigro-piceis ornatis. Long. 4 lin. Hab. Mexico. Vertex smooth, impunctate; front impressed with coarse punctures ; encarpz ill-defined, pale piceous, separated from each other by a deep longitudinal groove; carina broad, oblong, convex, its apex obtuse, branching off on either side into a strongly raised oblique ridge; lower edge of clypeus and mouth nigro-piceous ; eyes narrowly oval, their inner side sinuate; antennz filiform, two lower joints piceous, the rest black ; third and fourth joints nearly equal in length. Thorax twice as broad as long; sides narrowly margined, straight, converging from base to apex, anterior angle thickened, strongly produced, its apex subacute; basal margin slightly sinuate on either side near the outer angle, the intermediate space transversely truncate ; upper surface smooth, impunctate, lateral margin narrowly reflexed. Scutellum longer than broad, trigonate, its apex obtuse. Llytra broader than the thorax, narrowly oblong, moderately convex, the lateral mar- gin narrowly dilated. Gdionychis Clarkia. . elongato-ovata, modice convexa, pallide flava, nitida ; thorace 320 Mr. J. S. Baly on some levi, maculis nigro-piceis quinque notato, harum tribus pone apicem, linea transyersa conjunctis, macula intermedia ad margi- nem adfixa, duabusque transversis, ad basin utrinque adfixis ; elytris subcrebre punctatis, punctis leviter impressis, pallide piceo tinctis; singulis linea suturali angusta, ante apicem abbre- viata, punctisque tribus, uno super callum humeralem, altero infra basin prope suturam, tertioque prope medium disci positis, nigro- piceis. Long. 4 lin. Hab. Brazil, Constancia. Collected by the late Rev. H. Clark. Face elevated between the eyes, the latter large, prominent ; vertex and front granulose, impressed with large, irregular shallow punctures; encarpe large, well defined, quadrate, contiguous; carina linear, strongly elevated; inner orbit of eye bounded by a row of irregular punctures; antenne fili- form, third and fourth joints equal. Thorax with its sides broadly margined, reflexed, rounded and converging from base to apex, the anterior angles thickened, produced ante- riorly, subacute ; the hinder angles produced into a short sub- acute tooth; basal margin sinuate on either side, the median portion also sinuate in front of the scutellum ; upper surface nitidous, very finely strigose, lateral margin longitudinally concave. Scutellum trigonate, its apex subacute. Elytra broader than the thorax, narrowly oblong, subacutely rounded at the apex, the apical margin obsoletely crenulate; above moderately convex, impressed with round, shallow, pale pice- ous punctures, paler and less deeply impressed towards the apex, their interspaces finely granulose, faintly wrinkled ; each elytron with a narrow sutural line, abbreviated before the apex, and three small spots, nigro-piceous ; of these the first is placed on the upper portion of the humeral callus, the second on the inner disk, halfway between the callus and the suture, slightly lower than the former one, and the third on the middle of the elytron, about halfway between the suture and the lateral margin. Gidionychis rugiceps. @. ovata, convexa, nigra, nitida, thorace flavo-albo, linea basali, utrinque abbreviata, maculisque novem, 2 super marginem apica- lem, 4 disci vix ante, 2 vix pone medium transversim positis, necnon una ante basin, nigris ; elytris subopacis, margine exte- riore, vitta discoidali, apice ad marginem adfixa, fasciaque obliqua subapicali inter limbum et vittam extensa, nitide flayo-albis. Long. 3 lin. Hab. Brazil, Parana. new Species of Halticine. 321 Head coarsely rugose ; encarpe and carina ill-defined, the lower end of the latter terminating on a strongly raised trans- verse ridge; antenne scarcely half the length of the body, moderately robust, thickened towards the apex, entirely black ; third and fourth joints nearly equal in length. Thorax nearly three times as broad as long; sides broadly margined, reflexed, straight and parallel, rounded and converging before the middle, anterior angles produced, thickened, obtuse; basal margin slightly oblique and faintly sinuate on either side near the outer angle, the latter produced, acute ; intermediate space obtusely truncate, narrowly edged with black; disk finely granulose, nitidous, sparingly punctate ; lateral margin con- cave, the outer edge thickened. Scutellum trigonate, rather broader than long, its apex obtuse. Hlytra broader than the thorax, oblong-ovate, moderately convex, finely granulose- punctate, subopaque; the white marking nitidous, finely punctured. Gidionychis nigro-lineata. @. ovata, modice convexa, nitida, subtus piceo-nigra, prothorace abdominisque limbo exteriore sordide fulvis; supra sordide fulva, vertice, scutello antennisque (harum articulis basalibus tribus piceis exceptis) nigris; thorace levi, tenuiter, remote punctato, maculis quinque, 2 et 3 dispositis, nigro-piceis notato; elytris evi- denter, subcrebre punctatis, utrinque linea suturali, vitta sub- marginali, apice cum linea suturali conjuncta vittaque discoidali, a basi fere ad apicem extensa, nigris. Long. 23 lin. Hab. Brazil, Bahia. Vertex smooth, nearly impunctate, lower portion of front coarsely punctured ; encarpe subquadrangular, separated from the front by a deep longitudinal groove; antennz robust, second and third joints nearly equal in length; labrum and jaws obscure piceous. Thorax with its sides broadly mar- gined, straight and nearly parallel behind the middle, thence rounded and converging to the apex, anterior angles armed with a slightly excurved, obtuse tooth ; upper surface nitidous, remotely and finely punctured, lateral margin reflexed. Scu- tellum trigonate; its apex obtuse, piceous. Hlytra rather broader than the thorax, oval, moderately convex, much more strongly punctured than the thorax; lateral margin narrowly reflexed ; inflexed limb obscure fulvous, its inner edge nigro- piceous. Anterior border of prosternum deflexed. Basal joint of hinder tarsus nearly equal in length to the following two united. 322 M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida. Gidionychis Chevrolatit. G. late ovata, convexa, nitida; subtus, cum capite (encarpis flavis exceptis), nigra, abdomine piceo, margine externo segmentorumque marginibus pallidioribus ; supra flava; thorace levi, impunctato ; scutello trigonato, nigro; elytris sat remote, tenuiter punctatis, utrinque vitta suturali, altera submarginali, his apice conjunctis, tertiaque discoidali, paullo ante apicem abbreviata, nigro-cyaneis ; limbo exteriore angusto piceo. Long. 3 lin. Hab. Mexico. Vertex smooth, impunctate; inner orbit of eye and the upper surface of the front impressed with large, round punc- tures; lower portion of front very finely strigate ; encarpz separated from the front by a distinct transverse groove, sub- quadrangular, pale fulvous; carina strongly elevated ; second and third joints of antennz nearly equal in length. Thorax three times as broad as long; sides nearly straight, very slightly converging behind the middle, thence converging and slightly rounded to the apex; anterior angles mucronate ; basal margin bisinuate on either side, the median portion not produced, obtusely truncate ; upper surface shining, impunc- tate; lateral margin broadly reflexed. Scutellum trigonate, its apex acute. LElytra broader than the thorax, increasing in breadth from the base towards the apex, the latter broadly rounded ; above moderately convex, longitudinally excavated along the base of the suture, the depressed surface rather strongly and coarsely punctured. [To be continued. | XXX VI.—Studies on the Hydrotda. By C. MrerescHkowsky. [Continued from p. 256. } III. Systematic Facts. As I am now busy preparing a complete description of all the Hydroids occurring in the Russian seas, which will shortly appear in my native language, I shall here give simply a list of the species which I have met with in my two visits. to the White Sea, and only describe a few of the new species and the new genera. The deficiency of material in respect of Hydroids in our zoological museums sometimes renders the determination of the species very difficult, and in some cases rather doubtful ; for frequently it is very desirable to compare two specimens, one of which is already determined. But 1 M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida. 323 hope to be able to procure in England specimens of the most desirable species in exchange for my own, which will enable me to verify my determinations. At any rate, I shall attach a note of interrogation to any species that is in the least degree doubtful. The species are as follows :— So oO oo NAO Oe ed _ . S. tricuspidata, Alder. . S. rugosa, Linn. ee . Diphasia, Agass., sp. indet. . Sertularia pumila, Linn. . S. filicula, Ellis & Sol. Suborder ATHECATA. . Oorhiza borealis, nov. gen. et nov. sp. . Hydractinia, sp. indet. . Syncoryne Sarsti: Meduse (Sarsia tubulifera) in great numbers. . Stauridium productum. . Hudendrium arbuscula (?), S. W. . E. minimum, nov. sp. . Bougainvillia paradoxa, nov. sp.: the Meduse only in very large numbers. . Monobrachium parasitum, mihi (see Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., September 1877). . Tubularia simplex, . T. indivisa. Suborder THECAPHORA. . Obelia geniculata, Linn. . O. gelatinosa (?), Pall. . O. flabellata, Hincks. . Campanularia volubilis, Linn. . C. integra (?), Macgillivray. . C. verticillata, Linn. . C. neglecta, Alder. . Leptoscyphus Grigoriewt, nov. sp. . Lafoéa dumosa, Sars. . L. pocillum, Hincks. . Calycella syringa, Linn. . Cuspidella, sp. indet. . Salacia abietina, Sars. . Filellum serpens, Hassall. . Coppinia arcta, Dalyell. . Halecium Beanii (?), Johnst. . Halecium, sp. indet. . Sertularella gigantea, mihi, = 8. polyzonias, robust variety, of Sars and Hincks. — 324 M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida. 34. 8. abietina, Linn. 35. S. argentea, Ellis & Sol. 36. S. albimaris, nov. sp. 37. Hydrallmania falcata, Linn., var. bidens. 38. Thutaria thuja. 39. T. articulata (?). 40. Polyserias mirabilis, Verrill. 41. P. Hinckswi, nov. gen. et nov. sp. Suborder GYMNOCHROA. 42. Hydra oligactis, in the fresh water of the isle of Solo- vetzky. It will be seen that among the forty-two species there are about eight which are new; the Hydroid fauna of the White Sea is therefore a rather peculiar one. Besides this we also see that as regards its fauna the White Sea belongs to regions which are quite polar, more polar, in fact, than the north of Norway and even the Mourmansky bereg (north of Lapland). Thus, while the White Sea has no representative of the family Plumulariide, which is characteristic of the southern seas, and, on the other hand, has many representatives of the fami- lies Lafoéide, Coppiniide, and Sertulariide, the Mourmansky bereg has furnished magnificent specimens of Antennularia antennina, of which the Zoological Cabinet of St. Petersburg is in possession. The Baltic has several species in common with the White Sea; but all these species are represented in England, Germany, or Belgium ; they have consequently been able to arrive there through the Cattegat and Skagerrack, without its being necessary to explain this fact by the assump- tion of a union between the two seas; so that, as far as the Hydroids are concerned, they do not present any’ facts in support of Lovén’s hypothesis, which, moreover, has been much shaken by the investigations of Prof. O, Grimm, of St. Petersburg*. Lastly, on comparing this fauna with that of the north of the Pacific Ocean, as represented by Mr. Clark, and also by the collection of the Museum of the Academy of St. Petersburg, it will be seen that there are relations between these two faunas. The genus Polyserias is especially charac- teristic of the north of the Pacific (I am acquainted with three species of this genus from the sea of Ochotsk) ; and, as we see, the White Sea possesses two species, one of which is common (Polyserias mirabilis). Further, the presence of Coppinia arcta, Lafoéa dumosa, Campanularia integra, Lafoéa pocillum, * O. Grimm, ‘On the Fauna of the Baltic Sea and its Origin’ (in Russian), 1877. M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida. 325 Calycella syringa, several Sertularie, Sertularella rugosa and tricuspidata proves that the fauna of the White Sea is only a special department of a circumpolar fauna. From what we now know of the distribution of the Hydroids it may be seen that, in fact, there exists such a circumpolar fauna, on the one hand perfectly special, and on the other represented by species which also occur in Europe, in England, the Baltic, &c. It is always easy to recognize to which fauna a species must belong, from a consideration of its size: in its native place, in the country from which it started, the species will certainly appear in all its splendour and of its largest size ; for it is there especially that the conditions of life are most favourable toit. Thus, among the Hydroids there are certain species which frequently occur in the north (Iceland, Green- land, Spitzbergen, &c.), and which are there distinguished from the same species obtained from England, for example, by their excessive size. It is clear, therefore, that the polar regions must be regarded as the native place of these species, as the starting-point from which they have spread southwards into warmer seas, which certainly must have had an effect upon them, rendering them feebler; and it is in this that I find the answer to the question raised by Hincks*, as to why this phenomenon is observed. But, on the other hand, it must not be forgotten that in the family Plumulariide there are species characteristic of the southern seas of gigantic size, as, for example, that described by M. Sempert, which proves that the native place and starting-point of all these Hydroids must be regarded as in southern regions; and it is very pro- bable that the further to the north they are met with, the weaker and poorer they will be. I will now pass to the descriptions of new Hydroids. OoRHIZA, nov. gen. (Pl. XV. figs. 7-11.) Hydrorhiza a continuous layer consisting of a mass of anastomosing tubes, covering the shells of Gasteropods. From its surface rise spines and sexual and nutritive individuals. Trophosome cylindrical, with a single whorl of filiform tenta- cles. The sporosacs rise directly from the hydrorhiza, with- out the intervention of blastostyles. As will be seen from the character of this genus, it must undoubtedly be placed in the family Hydractiniide, which appears at once from the habit of this Hydroid. The con- tinuous layer of the hydrorhiza, the spines, and the long and * Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1874, vol. xiii. p. 147. + Zeitschr. fiir wiss. Zool. vol. xiii. p. 560. 326 - M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida. , slender hydranths, all unmistakably recall a Hydractinia or a Podocoryne ; so that from the trophosome alone it is impossible to distinguish Oorhiza from one of the above-mentioned genera. But the sexual individuals (gonosomes) present such charac- teristic peculiarities that it is impossible to place the Hydroid in question in any of the known genera of Hydractinide. Podocoryne, as is well known, has the gonosomes consisting of blastostyles upon which Medusz are produced ; Hydractinia differs in that the same blastostyles give origin to sporosacs ; lastly, Oorhiza has no blastostyles at all, but the sporosacs rise from the hydrorhiza itself. It is true that in Podocoryne the presence of the blasto- styles is not a constant character: their absence, indeed, is constant in Podocoryne areolata; in others, as for example Podocoryne aculeata, there may or may not be a blasto- style; and, finally, in Podocoryne carnea the Meduse are constantly produced upon blastostyles. But this does not apply to the genus Hydractinia, nm which the presence of blastostyles is a perfectly constant character and essential to the genus. The genealogical relations between the genera and species of the family Hydractiniide may be expressed by the accom- panying diagram :— echinata. polyclina. Hydractinia Oorhiza borealis. P. areolata. P. carnea. \ / s Z S f Intermediate form*. ; Podocoryne aculeata. SS : Bg ? * This hypothetical intermediate form must have existed analogically with Podocoryne aculeata ; it must have possessed indifferently sporosacs on blastostyles and without blastostyles: on one side Hydractinia was developed (analogically with Podocoryne carnea); on the other Oorhiza (analogically with P. areolata). If ever this hypothetical form is found, it will be necessary to unite the genera Hydractinia and Oorhiza into a single one, or else to establish a distinct genus for Podocoryne aculeata, which can by no means be done, M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida. 327 Oorhiza borealis, nov. sp. (Pl. XV. figs. 7-11.) Trophosome.—The continuous layer of the hydrorhiza is furnished with fine spines in the form of elongated cones. The body of the hydranth, of a pale rose- or flesh-colour, has the form of an elongated cylinder. The number of tentacles varies from six to ten; their length is not equal, in consequence of different states of contraction. Gonosome.—The gonozooids are placed very close together and in great numbers, and in consequence of their spherical form give the surface of the hydrorhiza a tuberculose aspect. Hach gonozooid consists of a short spadix rising directly from the hydrorhiza, and a single ovum placed at the extremity of the spadix. : Locality.—The neighbourhood of the island of Solowetzky, at a depth not greater than 10 fathoms. The spadix widens at its upper extremity ; and it is upon this dilated part that the ovum is placed, as if upon a plate (fig. 8). A single spadix never bears more than one ovum, which may be of different sizes, sometimes very considerable, which proves that the ovum may grow up to a certain point— after which the absorption of nourishment changes the process of growth into a process of multiplication; the segmentation of the ovum commences. In the granular contents of the ovum a pale nucleus is always observed, and frequently a nucleolus. It would appear from M. Wagner’s drawings that the ovum is surrounded by a layer of ectoderm (Pl. XV. fig. 8), the same ectoderm that covers the spadix, so that the ovum is placed between the ectoderm and the endoderm. ‘The number of tentacles is very variable; but the numbers most frequently met with are those produced from 2, such as 6, 8, and 10, which leads us to regard 2 as the fundamental number of the Hydroids (fig. 7). The tentacles of Oorhiza borealis present facts of ver great importance. ‘Their surface at the end (Pl. XV. fig. 11) is not smooth ; it is mamillated, and the mamille give origin to something like secondary tentacles, or, rather, like pseudo- podia. ‘They consist of short, but not very fine, colourless, transparent, structureless cylinders, which spring from the surface of the mamille usually in groups of three or four together. These pseudopodia move very slowly; and M. N, Wagner has seen them issue and disappear just as in the Amebe. Moreover he has seen issuing from the surface, but also very slowly, larger and thicker protuberances, which be- came more and more rounded and inflated, and at the same time became constricted, so that they remained attached to 328 M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida. the tentacle only by a very thin peduncle (Pl. XV. fig. 10). In the interior there was to be seen a yellowish mass, the nature of which could not be ascertained by M. N. Wagner. At the same time the surface of this little sphere or protube- rance gave origin in its turn to cylindrical pseudopodia, exactly of the same kind as those which were produced by the surface of the tentacles. These protuberances move slowly, and are put forth and disappear under the eyes of the observer. M. N. Wagner has communicated to me the inter- esting fact that, on making thin sections across the brain of the frog, previously hardened by freezing, it has keen observed under the microscope that after the nervous substance was thawed, it began to move after the fashion of the Am@be, and thus changed its place, just in the same way as the protube- rances of Oorhiza which I have just described. M. N. Wagener thinks that there is an analogy between these two facts, and supposes that these protuberances may be of a nervous nature, although certainly but little differentiated. In one of the ends of tentacles of Oorhiza figured by M. Wagner, I observe the presence of pigment dispersed in the form of red granules of different sizes among the trichocysts (Pl. XV. fig. 9). The presence of these in a spot to which they could not be conveyed by the current of digestive fluid (they are placed principally close to the surface of the end of the tentacle), as also their habit, which greatly reminds us of the pigments which are met with in the eyes of the Meduse (e. g. Syncoryne Sarsiz), leads me to believe that we really have to do here with the first commencement of the organ of sight, which certainly could hardly choose a better place than the tips of the tentacles. This explanation of the pigment in question is placed absolutely beyond doubt and has become a proven fact for every one who has read the brilliant article, “ Die Organ-Anfinge: I. Seh-Organ,” by M. G. Jiger, which appeared in the second part of the new German perio- dical ‘Cosmos’ *. M. Jiger treats the question of the forms under which the organs of sight must appear in the animal kingdom, and proves with marvellous clearness that the first indications.of these organs must consist in a part of the proto- plasm becoming pigmented (red, green, &c., and subsequently black), which retains the light and transforms the molecular movement produced by it into sensation of light, while the non-pigmented protoplasm, allowing all the light to pass through it, cannot feel the sensation of light. Thus not * Cosmos: Zeitschrift fiir einheitliche Weltanschauung auf Grund der Entwickelungslehre in Verbindung mit Ch. Darwin und E. Hickel, 1877, May, p. 94. M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydrotda. 329 only the Medusz, but also the Hydroids, possess organs of sight. Oorhiza is always seated upon the shells of Gasteropods, especially Buccinum undatum and Fusus despectus, in large colonies, near the island of Solowetzky, most frequently at a depth of 5-8 fathoms. Prof. M. Wagner, who first found, examined, and figured it, has most kindly furnished me with all his facts and draw- ings, some of which are represented in Pl. XV. It is from these drawings that I have prepared the description of the Hydroid. Leptoscyphus Grigortewt, nov. sp. (Pl. XIV. figs. 1, 2.) A small branching colony. The branches which bear the hydrothecee with their pedicels are regularly and slightly angularly bent and slightly ringed, especially above each angle. The pedicels which support the hydrothece are short, never exceeding half the length of the hydrotheca, and are much more strongly ringed than the branches. They are very regularly arranged alternately upon the branches, and always issue from the angle formed by the branch. The hydrothece are of an elongated form, in the shape of two cones, of which the inferior is the larger, and the upper, smaller one is divided into lobes, which form an operculum; this division is not deep, never exceeding 4 of the length of the whole hydro- theca. The gonophores are unknown. Locality.—The colonies were found seated upon an Ascidian which is very widely distributed in the White Sea, in the Bay of Onega, at the mouth of the river Kem, in 34° 55’ of longitude at a depth of 5 fathoms, on a muddy bottom, July 5, 1875. The position that I have assigned to this Hydroid, in the genus Leptoscyphus, is only provisional; it might equally well be placed in the genus Campanulina, which only differs from Leptoscyphus in the gonophores, with which I am un- acquainted here. In regard to its specific distinctness, there ean be no doubt that the Hydroid in question constitutes a new species, which I have called Leptoscyphus Grigortew?, in honour of my travelling companion, the botanist, A. W. Grigoriew. This species is distinguished principally by the form of the hydrothece, which have the segments of the superior cone not very deep, usually less than one third of the total length of ithe hydrotheca. ‘This distinguishes it from L. tenuis, Allman, with which it has many resemblances. The lower part of the hydrotheca narrows regularly (Pl. XIV. fig. 2, d) ; Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. 1. 22 330 M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida. but frequently individuals are met with in which this part diminishes very little, and thus acquires a nearly cylindrical form (Pl. XIV. fig. 2,a). Another characteristic feature is the shortness of the pedicels which support the hydrothece, and which are a little less than half the length of the hydrotheca, whilst in Z. tenuzs the pedicel is longer than the hydrotheca. The annulation is pretty well marked, but far from attaining the development observed in Campanulina repens, which is further distinguished from Leptoscyphus Grigoriewi by the mode of ramification and the form of the hydrotheca. In our species the annulation is clearly marked only in the pedicels, and on the branches above the points of insertion of the latter. The colour of the branches is especially distinct at the base of the colony, where it is a dull brown; it becomes lighter and lighter towards the middle, and finally disappears at the ex- tremity. The hydrothece are always colourless. Length of the hydrothece (average) 0°34 millim., length of the superior cone 0:1, maximum breadth of the hydrotheca 0091, length of the pedicel 0°15, breadth of the branches 0-065. Sertularella gigantea, mihi. (Pl. XIV. figs. 6, 7.) Sertularia polyzonias, Linn., var. robusta, Sars, “ Bidrag til Kundskaben om Middelhavets Litoral-Fauna,” in Nyt Magazin for Naturvidens- kaberna, 1857, p. 163. Sertularia polyzonias, Linn., polyzonias (ex parte), Hincks, Hist. Brit Hydr. i. p. 235. Sertularia polyzonias, Linn., var. gigantea, Hincks, “ On Deep-water Hydroida from Iceland,” Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 4, vol. xiii. (1874), p. 151, pl. vii. figs. 11, 12. Sertularta polyzonias, Linn., var. gigantea, Hincks, 8. Smith and O. Hagen, “ Report on the Dredgings in the Region of St. George's Banks in 1872,” Trans. Conn. Acad. of Arts and Sciences, iii. part i. (1876), p. 53. The tolerably flexible stems spring from the branched hydro- rhiza often without ramifying ; sometimes they divide at their base into two or three branches, each of which may again ramify once more; the terminal branches are in all cases very long and straight. The hydrothece are evidently alternately arranged upon the angularly bent stem; frequently we ob- serve three or four undulations (ribs) crossing the hydrotheca ; its form is much elongated, only a little widened at its base ; in size it is two or three times the length of the hydrotheca of S. polyzonias. In adult individuals the margins are always furnished with several ledges, and an equal number of small opercula placed one above the other. Below each hydrotheca the stem 1s slightly ringed. Gonophores unknown. M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida. 331 Localities.—1. Island of Solowetzky, on a Balanus (depth unknown) ; 2. Not far from the Orlow promontory, 67° 17’ N. lat. and 41° 35’ KE. long., at a depth of 35 fathoms ona gravelly bottom, attached to Flustra (June 28) ; 3. Glacial sea, Mourmansky bereg, Gaurilowo, Stanowischtjé (from M. Danilewsky, in the collection of the Museum of the Academy of Sciences of St. Petersburg). This species has long been known; but M. Sars and Mr. Hincks have regarded it as simply a polar variety of Sertularella polyzonias. Nevertheless, even by its appearance to the naked eye, by the habit, it is always very easy to distinguish this species from every other species of the genus Sertularella; and this distinction is produced principally by the enormous hydrothece, which are often twice the length of those of S. polyzonias. And besides all this, it must be taken into con- sideration that, among all the Hydroids of my collection, I do not find a single one that presents a form intermediate be- tween S. polyzonias and S. gigantea, which I possess from three different localities. Hence this character is very con- stant, and is characteristic of the northern seas. Neither Mr. Hincks, nor M. Sars, nor MM. Smith and Hagen say a single word as to intermediate forms;.so that I am led to regard the var. gigantea of S. polyzonias as a distinct species, as constant as any other, and having characters sufficiently salient to enable it to be recognized with facility. Besides its size, this species is further characterized by the form of the hydrothece, which are much elongated and often have three or four ribs, by the margin, which is always adorned with several (sometimes eight or even ten) ledges, giving it a very peculiar aspect, and, lastly, by the mode of ramification. All this will be better understood from figs. 6 and 7 of Plate XIV., especially if these drawings be compared with that of S. polyzonias given by Hincks*. Usual length of the colony 3-4 centims. Length of the hydrotheca 1:3 millim., its breadth 0°52; space between two successive hydrothece along the stem 0°63. Sertularia albimaris, nov. sp. (Pl. XIV. figs. 3-5.) Hydrorhiza composed of a continuous layer, produced by the confluence of an ordinary ramified hydrorhiza in a single plane; so that the thickness of the layer does not exceed the diameter of the tubes of the hydrorhiza. The surface of this * Hincks, Hist. of Brit. Hydr. pl. xlvi. fig. 1. Ihave Sertularella polyzonias from the Black Sea; so that I have been well able to compare the two species; and it is strange that Mr. Hincks did not find it possible to separate these two very different forms. joe 332 M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida. layer is furnished with small spines. The principal stem is very wide; it gives origin to slenderer branches, arranged alternately and regularly in a single plane, so that the whole acquires the aspect of a feather. The lateral branches may divide dichotomously at their extremities. The position of the hydrothece is not exactly opposite ; their form is not very characteristic ; the summit is a little compressed and notched, so as to form two points. Gonophores unknown. Locality.—The narrow part of the White Sea (Gorlo), be- tween the river Ponoy and the island of Morjowetz, in 66° 55' N. lat. and 40° 45’ E. long., at a depth of 20 fathoms, on a gravelly bottom (June 28, 1876)? I am not quite sure that the ticket attached to this Hydroid is the right cne. This is undoubtedly one of the most singular and interest- ing species of the genus Sertularia; and, indeed, if the differ- ences presented by the hydrorhiza are increased by those of the gonophores, it will be necessary to form a distinct genus for it. What most characterizes it is the hydrorhiza, which is composed ofa rather thin layer, giving origin at its surface to several colonies in the form of pretty bushes, so that the whole resembles a little shady thicket. Under the microscope it is seen that the hydrorhiza is adorned with an irregular branching pattern, formed by partitions which are nothing but the lateral walls of the tubes of the hydrorhiza, which has become a continuous layer by means of these walls (Pl. XIV. fig. 5). This is the reason why we always notice that the partitions seen in profile have a line in the middle, which is caused by these partitions being formed by two lateral walls belonging to two neighbouring tubes, which are thus united. Both the upper and lower layers of chitine, between which the partitions are placed, are nothing but the upper and lower walls of the original tubes. ‘hus we see that the hydrorhiza is formed of several ramified tubes, which have become fused together by their lateral walls; these lateral walls, after having joined in. growing, form the pattern already men- tioned (figs. 5, 6), whilst the upper and lower walls constitute the upper and lower continuous membranes, between which the pattern is placed. There are spots at the margin of the hydrorhiza where this process is still continuing; and here it may all be seen perfectly. So far as I know, there is not a single species, not only in the whole family Sertulariide, but generally among the 'The- caphora, that has a hydrorhiza of this kind, which much re- sembles the hydrorhiza of Hydractinia or Podocoryne, but with the difference that in these latter the hydrorhiza is composed M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydrotda. 333 of several layers superposed upon one another, whilst in Sertu- laria albimaris it only consists of a single layer. As I have already said, the surface of the hydrorhiza bears processes of chitine in the form of long, slender cones, empty 1n the middle and without openings at the extremity (fig. 5, a). The length of these conical spines does not exceed 0°2 millim. These cones, which remind us of the spines in Hydractinia and Podocoryne, are not numerous. It is a very mteresting fact that, in all the cases in which the hydrorhiza assumes the form of a continuous layer, this peculiarity is always com- bined with another, namely the existence of spines; and it would be interesting to ascertain the wherefore of this charac- teristic comcidence that exists between these two facts. Another peculiarity presented by this Hydroid is that the principal stem (fig. 3) is very wide in one direction (it is compressed) ; and this width is not induced by the size or breadth of the hydrothecee, but by the central portion which bears the hydrothecee, which gives the colony a very peculiar habit. The width of the lateral branches is much less. The hydrothece are a little compressed at the end, not, however, in the same direction as the principal stem, but in a direction perpendicular to this ; and their orifice is notched so as to form two teeth. In general form they remind us of those of Poly- serias mirabilis. Sometimes, however, hydrothece occur with very elongated necks bent to one side. ‘Two or three pairs of hydrothece (sometimes, especially on the principal stem, a single pair) form an articulation which may easily be detached. ‘The position of the hydrothece is more or less opposite, more alternate on the lateral branches than on the principal stem; but even then it is easy to group them in pairs; so that, according to M. Kirchenpauer, it would be necessary to arrange this species in the genus Dynamena; but, considering the insignificance and the want of clearness of this distinction, I prefer to retain the English termi- nology. aes Length of the colony 16 millims.; breadth of the principal stem (measured between the outermost summits of two oppo- site hydrothece) 0°8, the same breadth in the lateral branches 0°60-0°73 ; length of the hydrothece 0°43, their breadth 0°17 ; length of the spines 0:2. POLYSERIAS, nov. gen. This genus, belonging to the family Sertulariide, forms a very peculiar type among the Hydroids of the order Theca- phora, by reason of the arrangement of its hydrothece. Ex- cept Salacia abietina and Campanularia verticillata, there 334 M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida. exists no Thecaphorous Hydroid in which the hydrothece are arranged in more than two rows; but even in the above two species the apparent arrangement in several rows is, funda- mentally, the result of the stem being composed of as many smaller stems amalgamated together as there are rows of hydrothece ; so that here the number of rows is only apparent. But in all the Hydroids in which the stems are not complex the hydrothece are arranged either in two rows, as in Sertu- laria, Thuiaria, &c., or im a single one, as in Plumularia, Aglaophenia, Hydrallmania, &e. In Polysertas, on the con- trary, although in all other respects it differs but little from Sertularia or Thuiaria, the arrangement of the hydrothece in several (6, 8, 10) longitudinal rows is a character that occurs without the stem being composite. This multiserial arrangement gives a perfectly peculiar aspect to all the species of Polyserias: the branches become thick, round, and longi- tudinally striated; the colonies are usnally large, and the branches long. It is characteristic of the whole genus, that on the principal stem the arrangement of the hydrothece is, as usual, biserial. The gonosomes are not very different from the gonophores of Sertularia or Thutaria, except that their arrangement may also be multiserial, like that of the hydrothece. When I gave a short description of the genus Polyserias in this journal some months ago*, I knew nothing in literature upon this type of Hydroids. Since the publication of my de- scription there has appeared the third part of the ‘ Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,’ in which Mr. Clark, in a memoir upon the Hydroids of the Aleutian Islands, describes two species of Hydroids which undoubtedly must be placed in my genus Potyserias. Unfortunately the author has not paid sufficient attention to the significance of the multiserial arrangement of their hydrothece, and has ranged one of them in the genus Diphasia, and the other in Thuiaria. It is evident that this view must give place to mine, according to which all the forms should be united in a single genus, Polyserias. It was, moreover, only from this memoir that I learned that this polyserial form was de- scribed by Mr. Verrill, under the name of Diphasia mirabilis, as long ago as 1872, in the ‘ American Journal,’ and subse- quently in a Connecticut journal; and I do not think I am mistaken in identifying Diphasia mirabilis, Verrill, with my Polyserias Hincksivt. * Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., Sept. 1877. + For the references to these citations see the synonymy of Polyserias mirabilis, M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida, 335 Polyserias mirabilis, Verrill. (Pl. XV. figs. 5, 6.) Diphasia mirabilis, Vervill, Amer. Journ. Sci. vol. v. (Dec. 1872), p- 9; 8.Smith & O. Hagen, Trans. Conn. Acad. of Arts & Sci. vol. iii. pt. i. (1877), pp. 219, 225; Clark, Proc. Acad. Phil. 1877, pt. iii. p- 219, pl. xiii. fig. 36. Polyserias Hincksti, Mereschkowsky, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. xx. (1877) p. 228, pl. vi. figs. 15, 16. Colony rigid, plume-like, attaining a length of 16 and a breadth of 6 centims. The principal stem is angularly bent, and only bears two series of hydrothece ; from each angle issues a long and straight branch which is never ramified ; the arrangement of the branches is regular, alternate, and in the same plane; they are of equal length to [near] the ex- tremity, where they become shorter. Sometimes, especially in the largest colonies, the stem gives off from its two lower bends, not, as usual, a single branch, but [twoor more] branches, which issue simultaneously from the angle formed by the prin- cipal stem ; and in this very rare case each pair of branches is not arranged in the same plane as all the other branches. Each branch is attached by means of a short peduncle, and forms with the principal stem an angle of about 45°. The hydrothece upon the branches are always arranged in six dis- tinct and regular rows, even to the ends of the branches, which terminate abruptly. The transverse section of the branch, if it is rather slender, only shows three cells around the central cavity ; but on making the section a little higher up, we obtain three other cells, placed, not directly above the former, but between them in the interstices—which proves that we have to do with six rows, and that at the same time two hydrothecee belonging to two rows are not placed side by side, but sometimes higher, sometimes lower (that is to say, alternately). This will be better understood by examining the drawing which I have already given*. ‘The form of the hydrothece is that of those of the Sertularie in general, fur- nished with a pretty long neck inclined outwards and slightly flattened, and with a wider part united with the stem. The aperture of the hydrotheca is operculate and furnished with two very distinct teeth placed at the corners of the orifice, which, in consequence of the compression of the neck, is elongated. . The gonophores in their young state have the form of a reversed cone attached by its apex (Pl. XV. fig. 5); but in the completely developed state they differ very little from the gonophores of Sertwlarta or Thuiaria. Their form is elon- * Ann, & Mag. Nat. Mist. 1877, vol. xx. pl. vi. fig. 16. 336 M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida. gate oval, narrowed below into a short peduncle, and abruptly truncate at the extremity above, where they are narrowed into a sort of wide and very short tube. The arrangement of the gonophores upon the branches may be in four rows; and frequently they are in such great numbers and so close toge- ther that they compress one another and then acquire an irregular form. When looked at from above they then have the appearance shown in the accompanying figure (fig. 10). This species, which I only describe very briefly now, was at first named by me P. Fig. 10. Hincksii; but as I have since convinced myself that it was described several years ago under the name of Diphasia mirabilis, the laws of priority compel me to change the name, and to call it Polyserias mira- bilis. At the same time I shall change the name of another Polyserias, which I have briefly described as P. glacéalis, and I shall give it the name of P. Hincksiz, in honour of the Rev. Thomas Hincks. The description of this species will follow immediately. It must be remarked that Polyserias mirabilis is one of the most magnificent, and, at the same time, one of the largest species that have been met within the White Sea. Nor can I say that it is rare, as I have several specimens of it from several localities. The largest specimens, which have only retained their branches in the upper part, measure nearly 16 centims. Their colour is a rather dark brown, darkest especially on the principal stem and at the ends of the lateral branches. The length of the branches is from 1 to 2 centims., and their width about 1:1 millim. Length of hydrothece 0-55 millim., their breadth 0°48 ; length of the mature gonothece 1:1 millim., their breadth 0-63. This species, as indeed the whole genus, is purely polar, and apparently even circumpolar. Localities.—1. The island of Solowetzky, near the monas- tery, at a small depth (not more than 15 fathoms) ; 2. Near the promontory of Orlow (White Sea), 67° 17! N. lat. and 41° 35! EH. long., at a depth of 35 fathoms, on a gravelly bottom, June 28, 1876 (gonophores present) ; 8. Glacial Ocean, N.E. of the Swiatoy Nos (the Holy Nose), on the Mourman- sky bereg, 68° 13’ N. lat. and 40° E. long., at a depth of 60 fathoms, on a bottom of sand and shells, June 30 (the best specimens, with many gonophores). M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida. 337 Polyserias Hincksti, nov. sp. (Pl. XV. figs. 1-4.) mere glacialis, Mereschk. Ann, & Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. xx. (1877) p. 226, Colony rather rigid, plumiform, attaining a length of 20 centims. and a breadth of 10 centims. The principal stem is angularly bent, and only bears two kinds of hydrothece. From each angle issues a branch, which at first forms with the main stem an angle of about 45°; but afterwards this angle enlarges more and more until the position of the branch becomes vertical to the main stem. ‘The branches are long, cylindrical, attain a length of 6°5 centims., and become shorter im proportion as they approach the apex of the colony. They are attached by means of a short and slender peduncle ; their arrangementis alternate and in the same plane (Pl. XV. fig. 1). The hydrothecee upon the branches are always arranged in six rows, as in the preceding species, and in the same alternate manner; but here each pair of rows (fig. 2) forms a distinct system, separated by a small interval not occupied by hydro- thece. The roundness of the branches is more distinct in this species, as also the rows of hydrothece. The thickness of the branches is very considerable, and still greater in the youngest. The hydrothece are oval, a little wider below, with a more or less regular oval aperture ; they are immersed in the stem for their whole extent, and their neck does not project outwards. In the lower part of the hydrothece there is a small tube, which constitutes the communication between the hydrotheca and the central canal which traverses the whole length of the branch. Colour of the branches pale yellow, that of the main stem dark brown; the points of the branches are not of darker colour as is usual in P. mirabilis. Gonophores in the young state (fig. 4) in the form of a re- versed cone, just as in P. mirabilis, but generally smaller. In the adult state (fig. 3) they retain their conical form, but the cone becomes larger and more elongated; below, it is attached by a short peduncle; above, it is truncate with the margins much rounded, and furnished with a tube of very inconsiderable length, which is scarcely observable, and much narrower than in the preceding species. The gonothece of this species are never present in such abundance as in P. mirabilis. This species, the largest that I am acquainted with in the White Sea, is distinguished from the preceding by the greater breadth of the colony, due to the extreme length of the lateral branches, by the much lighter colour, and especially by the stout, cylindrical form of the branches, the surface of which is 338 M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida. completely smooth, in consequence of the form of the hydro- thecee, which more approaches that occurring in Thusaria, being entirely immersed in the chitinous substance, while the outwardly curved necks of P. mirabilis give a hispid aspect to its branches. Width of the branches of the middle of the colony 0°75 and 0°85 millim., of the uppermost branches 1°10 millim. ; length of the hydrothece 0°52 millim. (at the end 0°57), their breadth 0°34 millim. (at the end 0°45); length of the gonothece 0-9 millim., their breadth 0°5. This species, which is a still more magnificent one than the preceding, is not more rare; but it is especially from the Glacial'‘Ocean (near the Swiatoy Nos) that I have collected the largest and most luxuriant specimens. Localities.—1. White Sea, near the promontory of Intzy (on the Zimnij bereg), in 66° N. lat. and 40° 25’ H. long., at a depth of 10 fathoms, on a stony bottom, June 23 (without gonophores) ; 2. Glacial Ocean, N.E. of the Swiatoy Nos, upon the Mourmansky bereg, in 68° 13!’ N. lat. and 40° KE. long., at a depth of 60 fathoms (the large specimens), upon a bottom of sand and shells, June 30, 1876 (with gono- phores). PROPOSITIONS. The following are the fifteen propositions, contained in the present memoir, which, I think, I can sustain and defend :— 1. Forms like Syncoryne, Coryne, Gemmaria, Stawridium, Cladonema, Millepora, &c. form a type which I name the articulate type; all these forms are governed by the law of metamerism. 2. Articulation is produced by incomplete transverse division. 3. The very large number of metameres is produced by the law of physiological inertia of N. Wagner. 4, The articulate form in the Hydroids is almost always accompanied by capitate tentacles ; tins form is the best adapted to fulfil the function of defence, the only function that remains to them when their position has become too distant from the mouth. 5. The exceptions to this rule may be perfectly well ex- plained, and by no means contradict proposition 3. 6. The hydranth with its tentacles may be regarded as a polymorphic colony (tentacles and body) composed of several Archhydre, Hiick., produced by the process of gemmation. ‘he tentacles are not the homologues of such organs as feet, hands, &c. ; they are only their analogues. M. C. Mereschkowsky on the Hydroida. 339 7. The medusa of Obelia flabellata is developed in the manner ascertained by F. HE. Schultze in the case of Syn- coryne Sarsit, in the first place by the impulsion of the active ectoderm into the passive endoderm. 8. The first stages of the development of the ova of the medusa of Obelia flabellata before fertilization consist in a repeated division of the nucleolulus, followed by the division of the nucleolus into several parts, a division which stops at the nucleus. 9. Obelia flabellata, under certain conditions, appears to be able to increase by spontaneous fission by a sort of cyst, after the fashion of Schizocladium ramosum and Corymorpha. 10. There are more than forty species of Hydroids in the White Sea, about eight of which are new. The fauna is more polar than that of the north of Norway and the Mourmansky bereg, and shows some oriental features (7. e. features of the fauna of the Pacific Ocean). It does not prove Lovén’s hypothesis of a connexion between the White Sea and the Baltic. 11. Oorhiza borealis, nov. gen. et sp., is distinguished by the sporosacs issuing immediately from the hydrorhiza with- out the intervention of blastostyles. 12. There are Hydroids (Oorhiza borealis) the tentacles of which are furnished with eyes (or ‘ eye-pigment’’). 13. The northern variety of Sertularella polyzonias must constitute a distinct species—Sertularella gigantea, mihi. 14. Sertularia albimaris, new species, with a hydrorhiza in a continuous layer. Description of Leptoscyphus Grigo- riewt, NOV. sp. 15. The forms of the family Sertulariide, which have their hydrothece arranged not in two but in several series, must form a new genus, Polyserias. (Description of two species.) EXPLANATION OF PLATES. Prats XII. Fig. 1. Young medusa of Obelia flabellata in the form of Archhydra. Figs. 2, 3. Subsequent stages of development, in which the ectoderm alone is active and buries itself in the endoderm. Fig. 4. Optical section of fig. 5. Fig. 5. The four radial canals, strongly developed ; commencement of the formation of the manubrium. Fig. 6. Young medusa still attached to the blastostyle. Fig. 7. Medusa of Obelia flabellata, completely developed and furnished with four sporosacs. Figs. 8, 9. 10. Ova taken from the sporosacs of the medusa of Obelia fla- bellata, not fecundated, and showing different stages of develop- ment of the nucleolus and nucleolulus. Fig. 11. The nucleus, highly magnified, to show the relative size of the 340 Mr. W.C. Hewitson on new Species of Hesperide. nucleolulus and its irregular, variable form: »', nucleus; 7’, nucleolus; »'’’, nucleolulus. Figs. 12, 18. More advanced stages of the development of the ovum, asso- ciated with an enlargement of the ovum. Fig. 14. A second observed case of a nucleolus in process of division : 7", nucleolus. Fig. 15. A nucleolus (n'’), much magnified, with a nucleolulus (x'") in the middle and an aureole of five small granules. Fig. 16. The apex of a stem of Obelia flabellata, in which the ccenosare has become detached as a cylinder with a cavity. : Fig. 17. A hydrotheca in which the ccenosare has formed, instead of a cylinder, a sphere with a cavity, ectoderm, endoderm, and pe- risarc, PLATE XIV. Fig. 1. Leptoscyphus Grigoriewi, nov. sp., magnified, drawn with the camera lucida. Fig. 2. Two varieties presented by the hydrothecee of Leptoscyphus Gri- gortewi, more highly magnified. Drawn with the camera lucida. Fig. 8. Sertularia albimaris, nov. sp., principal stem and lateral branches. Enlarged ; drawn with the camera lucida. Fig. 4. A colony of Sertularia albimaris, natural size. Fig. 5, Portion of the hydrorhiza of the same, much enlarged (camera lucida): a, the spines; 0, the vertical partitions formed by the lateral walls of the tubes, which are joined in growing. Fig. 6. Sertularella gigantea, mihi, natural size. Fig. 7. The same, enlarged. PLATE XV. Fig. 1. A very fine colony of Polyserias Hinckswi, nov. gen. et sp. Fig. 2. Part of a stem of the same Hydroid, enlarged (camera lucida). Fig. 3. A mature gonotheca of Polyserias Hincksu. Fig. 4. A young gonotheca of the same. Fig. 5, Polyserias mirabilis, with immature gonothecee (camera lucida). Fig. 6. A mature gonotheca of the same Hydroid. Fig. 7. Part of a colony of Oorhiza borealis, nov. gen. et sp., enlarged, from a sketch by M. Wagner. Fig. 8. Sporosacs of Oorhiza borealis, issuing from the hydrorhiza. Fig. 9. Tip of a tentacle of Oorhiza borealis with pseudopodium-like fila- ments and red pigment grains (eye-pigment). Fig. 10. A body on a peduncle, moving like an Ameba, and giving origin to filaments. Fig. 11, Another tip of a tentacle, to show the arrangement of the fila- ments. XXX VII.—Descriptions of twenty new Species of Hesperide from his own Collection. By W. C. HEwirtson. Plesioneura Tola. Alis utrinque nigro-fuscis: anticis fascia media, regulari, nervis albis quinquepartita, nivea. Both sides dark brown. Anterior wing crossed in the Mr. W. C. Hewitson on new Species of Hesperide. 341 middle from the subcostal nervure to a little below the first branch of the median nervure, below which it is narrow, by a broad oval, regular, transparent snow-white band, divided by the nervures, which are of the same colour. Exp. 2 inches. Hab, Tondano (Wallace). Plesioneura Crona. Alis utrinque fuscis: anticis fascia media, regulari, nervis fulvis tripartita, aurantiaca. Both sides dark brown. Anterior wing crossed in the middle from the subcostal nervure, where it is narrow, to the first branch of the median nervure, where it is broadest, by a semitransparent regular band of orange. Exp. 133 inch. Hab. Batchian (Wallace). Plesioneura Cythna. Alis utrinque rufo-fuscis: anticis fascia media hyalina alba, nervis albis tripartita: posticis basi margine costali albo nitido. Upperside rufous-brown. Anterior wing crossed in the middle from the subcostal nervure, where it is narrow, to the first branch of the median nervure, where it is broadest, by a transparent band of white. Posterior wing with the costal margin from the base to its middle white and polished. Underside as above, except that the white band is con- tinued to the inner margin. Exp. 1;% inch, Astictopterus Verones. Alis utrinque rufo-fuscis : anticis infra macula apicali fulva. Both sides rufous-brown. Underside of the anterior wing marked by a subapical rufous spot. Exp. 1,3; inch. Hab. Sumatra (Wallace). Astictopterus Harmachis. Alis utrinque fuscis: anticis fascia lata, irregulari, angulata, nervis nigris quadripartita, hyalina, flava. Both sides dark rufous-brown. Anterior wing crossed in the middle from the subcostal nervure to the submedian ner- vure by a very irregular angular transparent band of yellow, divided into four parts by the nervures, which are black: the 342 Mr. W.C. Hewitson on new Species of Hesperide. first part large and oblong within the cell, the second. trian- gular between the second and third branches of the median nervure, the third oblong and bounded by the first and second branches of the median nervure; two small spots, one of which is very minute, towards the apex. Underside as above. Exp. 2 inches. Hab. Sumatra (Buxton). This species is also in the collection of Dr. Staudinger, from Malacca. Astictopterus Oztas. Alis utrinque fuscis: anticis supra fascia media sinuata, nervis flavis quadripartita, hyalina, flava: infra, anticis apice, posticis fasciis duabus latis cinereis. Upperside dark rufous-brown. Anterior wing crossed at the middle, from the subcostal nervure to the submedian ner- vure, by a broad irregular transparent band of yellow, divided by the nervures, which are of the same colour, and twice in- dented on its inner border: the first part within the cell trian- gular; the second triangular, formed by the median nervure and its second and third branches ; the third oblong between the first and second median branches. Underside. Anterior wing as above, except that the apex is broadly grey. Posterior wing crossed below the middle by two broad bands of grey. Exp. 1, inch. Hab. Java. . This species is also in the collection of Dr. Staudinger, from Java; my specimen is without a locality. This and Harmachis have the appearance of Lesperia. Astictopterus Othonias. Alis utrinque rufo-fuscis: anticis fascia media tripartita maculaque aurantiacis. Both sides rufous-brown. Anterior wing crossed at the middle from the subcostal nervure to near the submédian ner- vure by an irregular band, broken into three orange spots by the nervures: the first in the cell; the second oblong, bounded by the first and second branches of the median nervure; a fourth spot, outside of these, placed between the second and third branches of the median nervure. Exp. 235 inches. Hab. Borneo. Mr. W. C, Hewitson on new Species of Hesperide. 348 Astictopterus Vibius. Alis utrinque fuscis : anticis macula magna media, sub apice sinuata, aurantiaca. Both sides dark rufous-brown. Anterior wing witha large central orange spot, circular, except opposite the apex, where the brown is obtruded in a quadrate form. Exp. 133; inch. Hab. Gaboon. Ceratrichia flava. Alis utrinque flavis: anticis margine postico late nigro punctis duobus minutis sub apice notato: posticis apice nigro. Infra; anticis maculis apicalibus albo notatis: posticis semicirculo punc- torum nigrorum. Upperside bright yellow. Anterior wing with the outer margin black, marked beyond the end of the cell by a minute yellow spot, and near the apex by a very minute spot of the same colour. Posterior wing with the apex black; some minute black spots on the outer margin. Underside yellow. Anterior wing as above, except that the apex is rufous, marked by black spots, each marked by a minute white spot; the margin black, traversed by a line of yellow; the fringe black and white alternately. Posterior wing with two or three subbasal brown spots, followed by a semicircular series of brown spots, some of which are marked with yellow ; a submarginal series of minute black spots; the margin also spotted with black. Exp. 134 inch. Hab, Cameroons (Ltutherford). Ceratrichia Aretina. Alis rufo-fuscis: anticis maculis sex albis hyalinis maculaque opaca, posticis maculis tribus: posticis infra flavo minioque tinctis. Upperside dark rufous-brown. Anterior wing with six transparent white spots: one near the imner margin, one intersected by the median nervure, the third beyond this, and three near the apex. Posterior wing with two transparent central spots: one before the middle ; the other below it, bifid. Underside. Anterior wing as above, except that the base of the costal nervure is white, and that there are some pale spots near the apex. Posterior wing with the costal half yellow- white, marked by two or three small brown spots, and on the costal margin by a carmine-brown spot; anal half, except the 344 Mr. W.C. Hewitson on new Species of Hesperide. abdominal fold, which is pale yellow, carmine-brown, marked by the transparent spots as above. Exp. 175 inch. Hab. Calabar. The two species which I have described, together with C. nothus and C. Cesar, form Mr. Butler’s well-marked genus Ceratrichia. Pterygospidea grisea. Alis utrinque griseis, fasciis tribus macularibus nigris: anticis punctis octo albis hyalinis. Upperside dark brown, so thickly irrorated throughout with white as to give it the appearance of being dark grey. Both wings crossed by three irregular bands of black spots. Anterior wing with eight small transparent spots : three from the middle of the costal margin (two of which are in the cell), two between the branches of the median nervure, and three near the apex. Underside as above, but paler. Exp. 13, inch. Hab. Gaboon (Rogers). Pterygospidea Kehelatha. Alis utrinque rufo-brunneis: supra fasciis duabus transversalibus nigris: anticis macula nigra subbasali maculisque septem albis hyalinis, quatuor in medio positis. Upperside bright rufous-brown. Both wings crossed be- yond the middle by a band of brown and by a submarginal band of the same colour, partly broken into spots. Anterior wing with a distinct black spot not far from the base of the inner margin; seven transparent white spots, four of which are in the middle, one on the costal margin, one in the cell large and quadrate but sinuated on its inner border, and two below it between the branches of the median nervure. Posterior wing with two or three subbasal indistinct brown spots; the outer margin angular at the middle. Underside rufous-brown. Anterior wing as above. Pos- terior wing marked by several black spots: three (one of which is bifid) m a semicircle before the middle, and seven in pairs, also forming a semicircle beyond the middle. Exp. 13 inch. Hab, Macassar (Wallace). Pterygospidea Sephara. Alis utrinque rufo-brunneis: anticis punctis tredecim hyalinis, Mr. W. C. Hewitson on new Species of Hesperide. B45 fascia, media, fascia subapicali fasciaque anali fuscis : posticis basi apiceque fuscis, fasciisque duabus pallide brunneis. Upperside rufous-brown, marked by thirteen transparent white spots, all of which, with one exception, are very minute: five near the middle of the costal margin, three of which are in the cell, where two of them are upon a spot of brown; four below these between the branches of the median nervure and the submedian, one of which is square and larger than all the rest, one very minute, and one linear ; and four near the apex, all placed upon a transverse brown band; a band of brown near the apex and also near the anal angle. Posterior wing with the base and apex dark brown, a brown spot on the costal margin, and two transverse bands of paler brown. Underside as above, except that it is without the brown at the middle of the anterior wing, as well as that at the base of the posterior wing. Exp. 1,3; inch. Hab. Brazil. This and the last described are most nearly represented by P. éruncata. Hesperia Netopha. Alis fuscis: anticis maculis quinque hyalinis maculaque opaca alba: posticis macula media bipartita alba. Infra anticis radiis api- calibus flavis: posticis flavis maculis margineque posteriore nigris. Upperside dark brown. Anterior wing with six white spots, five of which are transparent : two in the cell; four in a longitudinal central band, the first near the inner margin, opaque, the last towards the apex, very minute. Posterior wing with a trifid pale yellow central spot. Underside. Anterior wing as above, except that the outer margin is ochreous and that there are rays of yellow at the apex. Posterior wing yellow, marked by several black spots: two at the base, two before the middle, followed by a trans- verse curved band of six; the outer margin and some of the nervures where they touch it dark brown; the fringe yellow. Exp. 1,4 inch. Hab. West Africa. Hesperia Nyasse. Alis fuscis : anticis maculis quatuor hyalinis maculaque opaca alba: posticis macula media bipartita flava. Infra anticis apice cine- raceo, fusco striato: posticis cineraceis, maculis nigris notatis. Upperside dark brown. Anterior wing with five white © spots: one in the cell bifid, four in a central longitudinal band, the first near the inner margin opaque, the last towards Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. 1. 23 346 Mr. W.C. Hewitson on new Species of Hesperide. the apex scarcely visible. Posterior wing with a bifid ochreous central spot. Underside. Anterior wing as above, except that the costal margin is rufous, the apex broadly lilac-grey, intersected be- tween the nervures by lines of dark brown. Posterior wing lilac-grey, marked by several black spots: two at the base, three in a transverse band before the middle, and four beyond the middle. Exp. 12 inch. Hab. Nyassa (Thelwall). This and the last described are very different from any other species, but singularly like each other in marking, though upon a totally different ground-colour. Hesperia vermiculata. Alis supra fuscis: anticis punctis quinque hyalinis punctoque opaco flavis, puncto in cellula punctisque in fascia longitudinali positis: posticis fascia margineque anali flavis. Infra anticis radiis apicalibus flavis: posticis flavis maculis nigris albisque. Upperside dark brown. Anterior wing with six spots, five of which are transparent and slightly tinted with yellow: one in the cell, oblong; five in a longitudinal central band, the first of which near the inner margin is opaque, the last, towards the apex, minute. Posterior wing with an oblique short central band and the fringe yellow; the anal angle also broadly yellow. The abdomen dark brown, banded with yellow. Underside. Anterior wing as above, except that there are two lines of yellow from the base of the costal margin, which are united near its middle; rays of the same colour at the apex, and a triangular white spot at the end of the cell. Posterior wing yellow, spotted with black and white; the base and costal margin dark brown, with the nervures yellow; two white spots below the middle of the costal margin, a white spot near the inner margin; a transverse series of black spots below the middle, followed by a series of white spots, and again by an apical series of black spots. The white spots slightly tinted with blue. Exp. 155 inch. Hab. Sumatra (Buszton). A beautiful species, near H. Liburnia and H. Latota. Syrichthus Cenchreus. Alis fuscis, fascia submarginali macularum albarum : posticis fascia media maculari alba: posticis infra albis, fasciis tribus fuscis. Upperside dark brown. Both wings with a submarginal Mr. W. C. Hewitson on new Species of Hesperide. 347 series of white spots; the fringe brown, bordered inwardly with white. Posterior wing with a spot in the cell, and a central band of oblong white spots. Underside. Anterior wing as above, except that it is white near the base. Posterior wing white, crossed by three bands of dark brown: one before the middle, short; one below the middle, longer; and one submarginal, broadest and longest and irrorated with white. Exp. 144 inch. Hab. Para (Bates). Arteurotia Cambyses. Alis supra nigro-fuscis, fascia submarginali maculari cineracea. Infra fuscis: anticis margine interiore cinereo: posticis fasciis duabus indistinctis. Upperside black. Both wings with a submarginal series of grey spots, largest at the apex of the anterior wing, scarcely visible towards its anal angle. Anterior wing with a very indistinct short band of grey from the middle of the costal margin. Posterior wing with a similar band in its middle. Underside. Anterior wing dark brown, the apex paler, the inner margin grey. Posterior wing red-brown, with the costal margin and two indistinct transverse bands of darker brown. Exp. 155 inch. Hab. Bolivia (Buckley). This species is nearly allied to Mycteris cerula of Mabille, which belongs to this genus. Arteurotia Castolus. Alis utrinque fuscis: anticis punctis tribus subapicalibus hyalinis. Infra anticis puncto cinereo apieali: posticis angulo anali late cineraceo, fusco undulato. Upperside dark brown. Both wings indistinctly variegated by grey. Anterior wing with three minute subapical trans- parent spots. Underside as above, except that there is a small grey spot at the apex of the anterior wing, and that the anal half of the posterior wing is grey undulated with brown. Exp. 1,3; inch. Hab. Brazil. . Arteurotia Celendris. Alis utrinque fuscis: anticis punctis duodecim minutis hyalinis : posticis dimidio inferiore cinereo, fascia submarginali fusca: his infra fascia media maculari alba maculaque anali magna nigra. 348 Dr. F. Briiggemann om Artamus monachus. Upperside dark brown. Anterior wing with twelve minute transparent spots: three at the middle of the costal margin, two of which are in the cell; six in a central oblique band, two of which are lunular; and three near the apex; a minute white spot on the fringe at the apex, and a lunular spot of the same colour near the analangle. Posterior wing with the outer half grey, bordered above with white, crossed near the outer margin by a band of dark brown. Underside. Anterior wing as above, except that there are two minute white spots above the lunular spot near the anal angle. Posterior wing with a band of white spots at the middle, a series of smaller white spots below these, and a large black spot at the anal angle bordered above and below with white. Exp. 155 inch. Hab. Amazons (Bates), Conognathus Platon of Felder is the typical representative of this genus; but as Mr. Kirby informs me that Conognathus is preoccupied, I have adopted Artewrotia of Butler and Druce. Thracides Aristoteles of Westwood also belongs to this genus, and bears very little resemblance to the species which Hiibner puts into his genus Thracides. XXX VIII.—WNote on Artamus monachus. By Dr. F. BRbGGEMANN. In 1850 Prince Bonaparte established a new species of Arta- mus from Celebes (A. monachus), with the following dia- gnosis :—‘ Capite, alis caudaque nigris” (Consp. Avium, i. . 843). ; ; In 1877 Dr. Sclater established a new species of Artamus from New Ireland (A. ¢nsignis), with the following dia- gnosis :— Diversus ab A. monacho capite alis et cauda nigris” (Proc. Zool. Soc. 1877, p. 101). | Going further into the question, it may be mentioned in advance that A. monachus was first distinguished and named by Temminck; but as the Dutch ornithologist never gave a description of it, we have not at all to deal with an A. mona- chus of Temminck, as quoted by most authors. The next account of the species was given by the illustrious traveller Wallace, who described specimens from North Celebes and the Sula Islands (P. Z. S. 1862, p. 340), as having the head, wings, and tail ashy grey instead of black. Upon this, Lord Walden, in his elaborate memoir on the birds of Celebes (Trans. Zool. Soe. viii. p. 67), where also a good figure of the Mr. D. G. Elhot on a new Ptilopus. 349 species is given, expressed his doubts about the identity of Bonaparte’s and Wallace’s birds. Having found again the characters indicated by Wallace in one of Von Rosenberg’s specimens, I suggested in a previous paper (Abh. Ver. Brem. v. p.- 69) that there might be a lapsus calami in Bonaparte’s statement. Such being the state of affairs, until a short time ago, there could not be much objection to naming the Celebean bird “A. monachus.” Bonaparte’s diagnosis is, indeed, short enough; and recently one of his appellations, although in general use, has been rejected on account of its being accom- panied by a diagnostic phrase consisting of only fowr words. However, I cannot agree in fixing a certain number of words as indispensable for the establishment of a species. This would lead to a most trivial higgling ; for it is extremely diffi- cult to tell how many words should be considered sufficient. In some cases, I think, even a single word might do; besides it can never be demanded that the first description of a species should be exhaustive in every respect. But Bona- parte’s diagnosis is erroneous; and, as lately the Oriolus indicus has been renamed because of a wrong original description, it might have been regarded as necessary to find anew name for our bird. But this objection is, in my belief, not sustainable, as the species could be ascribed to Wallace, as well as the Oriolus indicus to Jerdon. However, it has become unavoidable to rename the Celebes bird; for now a species is known answering fully to Bona- parte’s diagnosis, viz. A. insignis; and therefore I venture to propose the name of A. spectabilis for the former. It now little matters whether Bonaparte’s term “ nigris”’ is miswritten or not, and whether the type in the Leyden Museum is really A. cnsignis (and in this case the habitat would be wrong) or A. spectabilis (and then the description would be wrong); on the contrary, I consider it best, under such circumstances, to drup “A. monachus” altogether, and to use the new names for the two species respectively. XXXIX.—Description of an apparently new Species of Pigeon of the Genus Ptilopus. By D. G. Extiot, F.R.S.E. &e. Prilopus pictiventris. Adult, Front and crown rosy purple, with a faintly in- dicated yellow margin. Occiput greenish grey. - Throat whitish; neck, upper part of mantle, and breast ashy green. 350 Miscellaneous. Flanks light green. Centre of abdomen rufous, bounded above by a deep purple line. Crissum and under tail-coverts bright yellow, the latter orange towards their tips. Back and upper tail-coverts bright green. Scapulars tipped with lilac. Tail bright green, with a broad apical yellow band. Bill greenish, with a yellow tip. Feet probably dark red. Total length 81 inches, wing 53, tail 3, culmen ;% inch. Hab. Nukahiva (type), Marquesas Islands, Samoa (Whit- mee); Savage Island, Navigators’ and Friendly Islands Layard). This is, I presume, the bird called P. apicalis by Layard in the ‘ Proceedings of the Zoological Society ’ for 1876, p. 495. It differs from the P. apicalis, Bon., a very distinct species, by being of a much lighter colour on the neck and breast, and by having the rufous of the abdomen bounded above by deep purple, and the scapulars tipped with lilac. In the type of P. apicalis there is no purple on the abdomen, the patch being rufous mixed with yellow, and the scapulars are uniform green. The locality Vavao, given by Bonaparte, is question- able, as the type was brought by Hombron and Jacquinot from the Samoan Islands ; but which one is not stated. The type of the Prilopus pictiventris is now in the collection of the Paris Museum, and came from Nukahiva, of the Marquesas group. I have also seen two specimens in the British Mu- seum, sent by the Rev. 8. J. Whitmee from Samoa and Savage Island, which are precisely like the type, and bore upon their label (written by Mr. Whitmee) the name of Ptilopus fasciatus, Peale, which is a very different species, in no way to be confounded with it. As there is considerable confusion still existing among these small fruit-pigeons of the South-Sea Islands, I will add that the present new species differs from the others with a yellow apical band on the tail especially by the colouring of the abdomen. Its proper posi- tion in the group will be fully shown in a paper upon these birds, on which I have been for some time engaged, and have now nearly ready for publication. MISCELLANEOUS. On Dinichthys, Newberry. Pror. Owen, followed in this by Prof. Huxley, constituted an order, Protopteri (Dipnoi, Huxley), for the genus Lepidosiren, which combines with essentially ichthyic characters structural peculiarities which greatly approximate it to the perennibranchiate Batrachians. Paul Gervais and others, on the contrary, class the Miscellaneous. 351 type of this order among the Ganoids; and Dr. Giinther, going still further, regards the Dipnoi as nothing more than a suborder of the Ganoids, and thinks that these latter should be united with the Plagiostomi, to form with them a single order (Paleichthyes) charac- terized by a heart furnished with a contractile arterial bulb, an intestine with a spiral valve, and uncrossed optic nerves. The discovery of Ceratodus Forstert certainly seems to diminish the value of the order Dipnoi. This fish, which approaches Lepido- siren in regard to its respiratory apparatus, departs from it, on the other hand, by the structure of its heart, which is perfectly ganoidean, consisting only of two cavities with an arterial bulb ; moreover the intestine is furnished with a spiral valve. The genus Dinichthys is a new type, which, combining the osteological charac- ters of the Lepidosirens and those of the Placoderms (cuirassed Ganoids), furnishes an additional argument in favour of M. Gervais’s opinion and establishes a fresh transition between the different groups of Ganoids. Besides its great size (a cranium measures 3 feet in length and 2 in breadth) the Dinichthys is especially remarkable by its denti- tion. The lower jaw consists of massive rami, the posterior extre- mities of which are rounded and flat. The anterior part of each ramus is bent upwards so as to form a sort of strong, acute, and prominent tooth ; behind this tooth the jaw is thickened by a bony projection on the inside, which terminates in front in a triangular process like a tooth ; beyond this process the margin of the mandi- ble is compressed for a distance of 5 or 6 inches, and consists of a very dense bone-like enamel; in one species this margin is entire but trenchant; in another it is denticulated with conical points half an inch long. The upper jaw consists of two triangular premaxillaries, constitu- ting, as it were, two great incisors, followed by two maxillaries with trenchant or denticulate margins. This structure much reminds us of the dentition of Lepidosiren and Coccosteus ; and the resemblance becomes still more striking when we compare figures representing these three forms. Unfortunately, the upper part of the cranium being but imperfectly known, we cannot tell whether the bones called premaxillaries by Mr. Newberry are or are not the homologues of the dentigerous nasals of Lepidosiren ; but with respect to the mandible the resemblance is as complete as could be desired. The body of Dinichthys was covered with a buckler composed of plates exactly similar to those of Coccosteus decipiens, of the same number, and arranged in an almost identical manner, the only differences shown by a comparison of the figures being a certain narrowness of the buckler and the termination in a sort of point of the outer angle of the posterior plates. The jaws of Dinichthys present several points of resemblance to those of Coccosteus ; but this is not the case with the cranium and the back, the bony armour of which, in the former fish, much more resembles that of Asterolepis and Heterosteus. Whilst the outer 352 Miscellaneous. surface of the bony plates of the Placoderms is covered with stellate tubercles, that of Dinichthys is only marked with fine granulations, with slightly deeper and very irregular furrows. The fins are only known from a fragment 6 inches long and 3 or 4 inches broad, which probably formed part of a median fin with ossified rays as thick as a man’s litle finger. Thus, as we pass from the Dipteri of the Devonian to the existing Ceratodus Forsteri by means of the Carboniferous Otenodus and the Triassic Ceratodus, so Dinichthys binds together Coccosteus, Pterich- thys, Astcrolepis, and Lepidosiren, although in both cases we by no means possess all the intermediate forms.—Azbl. Univ. June 15, 1877, Arch. des Sct. p. 195. On an Ostracode Crustacean of anew Genus (Acanthopus), met with in the deep Waters of the Lake of Geneva. By M. H. Vurner. This entomostracan cannot be referred to any type hitherto ob- served in fresh water ; it belongs to the marine family Cytheride. Like the representatives of that family it possesses only a single pair of maxillee, and, on the other hand, three pairs of feet armed with strong hooks at their basal articulation (the other freshwater Ostra- codes having two pairs of maxille and two pairs of legs). The rudimentary postabdomen is reduced to two rounded lobes, each bearing two hairs. The antennez also much more resemble the type of the Cytheride than that of the Cypride. The reproductive apparatus does not present any thing peculiar ; it resembles that of the Ostracodes in general. Besides the sexual tube there is a receptaculum seminis in the female, and a very com- plicated chitinous copulatory apparatus in the male. The vulve are placed below the two postabdominal lobes. With regard to its mode of life, this crustacean is unable to leave the bottom. It does not swim at all; it sometimes creeps, but usually buries itself, and thus travels in the mud and organic debris by the aid of its feet and antenne. The hairs and segments of the feet are driven into the mud, which serves as a support. Thestrong hooks of the basal articulation are especially useful, “but give a somewhat awkward appearance to the mode of progression. The mechanism of this locomotion may be compared to that of a man who endeavours to advance upon his knees, aiding himself with his toes. The two pairs of antenne act in opposite directions; their action may be compared to that of the two anterior paws of amole. These are the members which enable our crustacean to bury itself in the mud. With reference to the origin of this organism two suppositions may be formed: it may be descended from a marine species intro- duced by some means into our lakes ; or it may have for its ancestor a freshwater crustacean ; the genus Candona would be that which it most resembles, though nevertheless very dissimilar. The field of hypotheses remains open upon this point.—B2b/, Univ. Oct. 15, 1877, Arch. des Set. p. 334. THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. [FIFTH SERIES.] No. 5. MAY 1878. XL.—WNotes on the Genus Retepora, with Descriptions of new Species. By the Rev. THomas Hincxs, B.A., F.R.S. [Plates XVIII. & XIX.] THE singular beauty of the Lace-corals has always attracted the collector ; but, so far, little has been accomplished towards the elucidation of their history. Of the many forms which exist, especially in the Southern Ocean, few have been discriminated. Even the representatives of the tribe in Northern and British waters and in the Mediterranean have been only imperfectly investigated; and much remains to be done amongst them. The notices of Retepora which we have from the older writers are valueless for purposes of identification; and the same remark applies to many of the descriptions of more modern date. The following recent species have been described :— From Australia : Retepora phcenicea, Busk. R. monilifera, Macgilivray. R. porcellana, ¢d. R. granulata, id. R. fissa, ed. I believe that the foregoing are all distinct from the forms described as new in this paper; but in so difficult a genus it is essential that the diagnosis should be much fuller and more minute than authors have usually made it, and identification is not always sure. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. i. pi 304 Rey. T. Hincks on the Genus Retepora. From the South Seas : R. versipalma, De Blainville (Man. d’Act. p. 419). Of this species the diagnosis is hopelessly defective. From India: R. indica, D’ Orbigny. Nothing is to be learnt of this species from the brief notice of it in the ‘ Paléontologie Francaise’ (vol. v. p. 364); but it is identified by D’Orbigny with a form figured by Rumphius (Amboin. pl. 87. fig. 5); and as Busk quotes the latter as a synonym of his 2. phenicea, it is possible that this species and &. indica may be identical. From Florida : R. marsupiata, Smitt* (also from Teneriffe). R. reticulata, Pourtales +. Ranked by Smittas a variety of R. Beanwna, but probably a distinct species. Dredged from a depth of 270 fathoms. R. reticulata of Johnston § Couch cannot be identified from their descriptions. From the Arctic seas: R. Wallichiana, Busk § Hincks { (associated with R. Beaniana, King, and R. cellulosa, Smitt). From the North Sea: R. Edwardsii, Van Beneden § (probably identical with R. cellulosa, Smitt). ; From the British seas: R. Beaniana, Avng ||. From the Mediterranean : R. cellulosa, auctt. There has been much confusion amongst authors as to the application of this name. The northern form, with which Smitt has connected it, ranges to the Mediterranean ; but it has probably been applhed to other Mediterranean forms by the earlier writers. I do not give this as an exhaustive list, though I believe that it will be found to include most of the described species * Floridan Bryozoa, pt. ii. p. 67, pl. xiii. figs. 245-254. + Ibid. p. 69, pl. xiil. figs. 242-244, ¢ Hincks on Polyzoa from Greenland (wrongly “Iceland” in the text) and Labrador, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. for January 1877, p. 107, pl. xi. figs. 9-15. § “Sur les Polypes Bryozoaires de la Mer du Nord,” Bull, Acad. Roy. d. Belg. vol. xv. no. 2 (1849), pl. x. figs. 9-13, || Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1846, xviii. p. 257. Rev. T. Hincks on the Genus Retepora. 355. (if not all) which are recognizable. If so, the number of known forms is remarkably small compared with the probable extent of the genus. The Retepores have a wide distribution in space, ranging from the Arctic seas to New Zealand and Australia, where they are represented by many species, and occurring in the Indian seas (Straits of Malacca &c.), at the Canary Isles, off Cape Horn, and on the southern coasts of North America. They have also a wide bathymetrical range, and have been taken at great depths as well as in comparatively shallow water. The new species which I am about to describe are in part Australian ; one of them is common to our own shores and to the Mediterranean; and one or two besides are inhabi- tants of the latter or of the Red Sea. The most important specific characters in this group are the structure of the oral aperture, the shape and size of the fenestre, and the form and position of the avicularian appen- dages. Some of the species are distinguished by a slit or fissure in the lower margin of the mouth, terminating below in a loop-like foramen; in others thisis wanting. ‘The genus may be conveniently divided into two groups, characterized by the presence or absence of the oral fissure. Class POLYZOA, J. V. Thompson. Subclass HoLopraNcHIA, HE. Ray Lankester. Group a. Ecrorrocra, Nitsche. Order GYMNOLZEMATA, Allman. Suborder Cheilestomata, Busk. Genus Rerepora, Lamarck. a. With an oral fissure. 1. Retepora Couchti, n. sp. (Pl. XVIII. figs. 1-6.) Retepora Beaniana, Wincks, Devon and Cornw. Cat., Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 3, ix. 306 (50, sep.). Retepora e:llulosa, var. Beaniana, Manzoni, Bryoz. Foss. Ital. quarta contrib. 19, pl. v. fig. 26 (Sitzungsb. d. k. Ak. d. Wiss. Bd. lxi, 1 Abth. Marz-Heft, 1870). Zoarium irregularly cup-shaped, undulated and contorted, with asinuated margin, hispid. Menestre small, oval; stem short. Zooecia subcylindrical, depressed, except at the upper extremity, surface smooth ; orifice semielliptical, the front — 24 356 Rev. T. Hincks on the Genus Retepora. margin produced into a tall mucronate process, broad below and narrowing towards the apex, bent outwards, and bearing on its summit a minute avicularium, with rounded mandible ; peristome elevated on one side of the mucro into a broad, wing-like process, produced at its upper and outer angle into a pointed spine; a slit-like fissure between the mucro and the lateral process, closed above, but forming a looped foramen below; elongate, linguiform avicularia, with a very delicate mandible, distributed over the zoarium, frequently one on the front of the cell towards the side. Dorsal surface vibicate, with many small subcircular and linguiform avicularia, irre- gularly placed. Ooecia elliptical, smooth, with a narrow longitudinal fissure. Height (of the largest specimen examined) a little more than 4 inch, breadth about ? inch. Hab, On stones &c., deep water. : Localities. Off the Land’s End (2. @. Couch) ; south-west of Polperro, on stone, 40 fathoms (7. 17.) ; Guernsey (Rev. A. M. Norman). Distribution. Mediterranean, 390 fathoms (‘ Porcupine’ expedition, teste Busk). fiange in time. Italian Pliocene beds (Manzon‘). The very much produced and recurved rostrum, with its minute terminal avicularium and the wing-like elevation of the peristome on one side of it, are the most salient and striking features of this species. But it is also distinguished from its allies 2. Beaniana and RK. cellulosa by differences in the avicularia and fenestre, From the former it is also sepa- rated by the presence of an oral fissure. This is probably the form which Borlase records from Scilly, and which Couch includes in his ‘Cornish Fauna’ under the name of AR. reticulata, though it is quite impossible to identify it by their descriptions. I infer that it is the same species, because no other south-western Retepore has been brought to light by recent dredgings. 2. letepora pretenuis,n. sp. (Pl. XIX. figs. 6-8.) Zoarium forming a simple, reticulated frond, more or less curved and contorted. Fenestre usually of large size, elongate, and narrowed towards both extremities; the branches very slender, commonly composed of only two rows of cells. Zooecia ovate, very slightly convex, smooth; orifice sub- orbicular, peristome not elevated, a small fissure on the lower margin, and beside it usually a minute avicularium with rounded mandible; on the front of the cell, a little below the mouth, frequently a raised elongate avicularium ; mandible Rev. T. Hincks on the Genus Retepora. 357 bruad at the base, slender and somewhat curved above, directed downwards. Ooecia small, suberect, semielliptical, closely adnate to the cell above, somewhat flattened in front, produced below into a truncate process, which reaches down some way within the aperture; a short and narrow fissure in the front wall. Dorsal surface very slightly vibicate, with many scattered elongate avicularia. Height (of fine specimens) about ? inch. Locality. For my specimens of this very beautiful species Tam indebted to R. 8. Newall, Esq., F.R.S. It was included amongst a number of Polyzoa which were said to have been taken from a telegraph cable in the Red Sea. On examining the collection, however, I find it to contain so many Mediter- ranean forms that I suspect there has been some mistake about the locality. Probably both Mediterranean and Red-Sea forms may be mixed in it. Mr. Newall is unable to clear up the point ; and I can therefore only refer the present species doubt- fully to the Red Sea. A large proportion of the specimens in the collection afford unmistakable evidence as to their habitat, the base from which they rise having been moulded on the cable and forming a cast of it. fi. pretenuis is one of the most beautiful of its tribe. Whether it ever assumes the caliculate form I am unable to say; but all the specimens which have come into my hands (about a dozen in number) consist of a simple reticulated ex- pansion. The fenestre are usually much elongated, and the inosculating branches which compose the network remark- ably slender, giving an air of great lightness and delicacy to the whole structure, which is very slightly put together and extremely fragile. The oral fissure is very small, almost rudimentary, and is associated with a minute, rounded avicu- larium, rising from the lower margin beside it. The peristome is very slightly developed; and the structure of the oral aper- ture is essentially simple. ‘The elongate and pointed avicu- laria are not present on every cell; but on every specimen a considerable number may always be met with, and they form a good distinctive character. They are raised on a mound- like elevation ; and the slender acuminate mandible points, as a rule, straight downwards. ‘The ovicell presents some very marked peculiarities. It is small and decidedly suberect ; the front wall is flattened, and is prolonged below into a kind of lamina, subtruncate at its lower extremity, which extends some way into the aperture. The fissure is very short and narrow, and is not open below. 858 Rev. T. Hincks on the Genus Retepora b. Without an oral fissure. 3. Retepora plana, n. sp. (Pl. XVIII. figs. 7, 8.) Zoartum thin, flat, and compressed. Fenestre rather large, usually pointed above and below, separated by wide inter- spaces (three or four rows of cells) ; habit of growth unknown. Zooecia ovate, very slightly convex, surrounded by a raised line, surface smooth ; orifice arched above, with a straight lower margin; peristome not raised, thin, entire, unarmed; fre- quently a small avicularium, with rounded mandible, imme- diately below the mouth, usually supported on an umbo. Dorsal surface smooth, vibicate, destitute of avicularia. Oocecia ? Locality. Red Sea (probably). The specimens form part of the collection to which I have previously referred. 3 This very distinct species is characterized by the flatness and evenness of its surface, by its great simplicity of structure, and the slight development of the accessory appendages, which are usually so abundant amongst the Retepores. The cell resembles that of an ordinary Lepralia (auct.). The orifice is well arched above and straight below, the height somewhat exceeding the breadth, and is surrounded by a per- fectly simple peristome, which is not raised above the level of the surface. The small rounded avicularium, which is often present below the mouth, usually mounted on an umbonate rising, is the only appendage which occurs in my specimens. 4, Retepora tessellata, n. sp. (Pl. XTX. figs. 9-12.) Fenestre elongate, narrow, not so wide as the interspaces, which are broad and rather massive; habit of growth un- known. Zooecia short-ovate, smooth, flattish, bordered by a raised line ; orifice arched above, lower margin straight, with a small central sinus, the front wall (in the adult state) carried up on each side of it and terminating above in a somewhat pointed extremity, hollowed out below it ; a spine immediatel above each lateral prolongation of the front wall; usually on the front of the cell a slender elongated avicularium with pointed mandible, frequently placed transversely, but sometimes directed downwards ; many stout processes distributed over the zoarium, standing out at right angles to its surface, and bearing a large pointed avicularium on one side. Oowcéa im- mersed, subglobose, smooth, hollowed out in front. Dorsal surface divided into numerous distinct areas, bounded by raised lines, each bearing one or more of the elongate avicularia. Rey. T. Hincks on the Genus Retepora. 359 Locality. South Australia*. In this species the characters of the mouth are very distinc- tive. The shape and the minute marginal slit and the way in which the cell-wall in the adult is carried up on each side of it and hollowed out in front are all very characteristic points. The aviculariwm on the front of the cell is a very constant feature; it is sometimes depressed and sometimes slightly elevated above the surface. Perhaps, however, the most marked peculiarity is to be found in the tessellated condition of the dorsal surface. It is mapped out into distinct areas, each bounded by a raised line, and is covered with great numbers of the pointed avicularia, similar to those which are so abundant on the front of the zoarlum, 5. Retepora robusta, n. sp. (Pl. XVIII. fig. 9, 10.) Zoartum thick and massive. Jenestre elongate-oval, large, separated by very wide and solid interspaces; habit of growth unknown. Zoowcia regularly rhomboidal, surrounded by raised lines, which terminate above on a level with the inferior mar- gin of the orifice; surface smooth, uneven, often depressed in thecentre. Orifice arched above; lower margin almost straight; no sinus ; occasionally a small oval avicularium placed trans- versely immediately under the lower lip, or upon it; on the front of most of the cells a somewhat tongue-shaped avicu- larium, pointing straight downwards, or sometimes placed obliquely, often occupying its central depression. Oowcia Dorsal surface vibicate, with scattered small avicu- laria, Locality. South Australia. This species is distinguished from all the preceding by its massive zoarium and large reticulations. The meshes are much elongated and the inosculating branches of remarkable width and solidity. There are points of agreement between it and Macgilli- vray’s R. porcellana. But as he has not given us a detailed account of its minute structure, or a figure, it is impossible to decide whether such agreement implies specific identity. His description of the avicularium which occurs towards the middle of the cell in R. porcellana, as having a “short man- dible,” is sufficiently vague; but, so far as it goes, it does not apply to that of the present form, which is elongate and tongue-shaped., * T am indebted for most of my Australian specimens to my friend H, R. W. Lemann, Esq., of Bath. 360 Rey. T. Hincks on the Genus Retepora. The very regular rhomboidal shape of the cell in R. robusta, and the way in which its bounding lines extend only to the inferior margin of the orifice and do not embrace the mouth itself, are distinctive points. Its most striking characteristic, however, is the stoutness of its habit, by which it can be at once distinguished from all the other southern species with which I am acquainted. The species which follow have already been described ; but I venture to supply a fuller account of them than we have from the authors who have previously noticed them. In studying this very difficult family I have vividly realized the necessity of thorough and minute diagnosis, if we are to escape the very serious evils of doubtful identification and a burthensome synonymy. 1. Retepora monilifera, Macgillivray*. (Pl. XIX. figs. 1-5.) Zoarium regularly cup-shaped, or much convoluted, and forming a number of irregularly shaped cavities, the smuous and anastomosing walls of which give a very intricate appear- ance to the surface; surface minutely granulated. enestre very small, narrow-oval ; interspaces broad. Zoowcia sub- cylindrical, distinct, flattish ; orifice (primary) arched above, slightly curved outwards below, broader below than above, with a minute sinus on the inferior margin ; secondary orifice (formed by the elevation of the cell-wall) orbicular, with a deep looped sinus in front, on each side of which is an as- cending process, one of the two bearing on its inner side a small avicularium, the mandible directed upwards ; a tall and stout jointed spine on one side just above the avicularium. Small oval avicularia distributed over the zoarium. Tall and stout aviculiferous processes, expanding downwards, often present in great numbers; the avicularium placed on the front with a pointed mandible. Oowcia large, prominent, subpyramidal, with a granulated rim above the upper edge of the aperture, from the centre of which a somewhat clavate band, also granulated or beaded, extends upwards, almost to the top of the ovicell. Dorsal surface dense, minutely granu- lar, slightly vibicate, with scattered small oval avicularia. Locality. South Australia. On the young marginal cells the primary orifice with its minute sinus is met with; in the older portions of the colony #* “Notes on the Cheilostomatous Polyzoa of Victoria and other parts of Australia,” by P, H. Macgillivray, A.M., M.R.C.S. (Trans, Phil. Inst. of Victoria, vol. iv. 1860, p. 168, pl. iii. figs. 6-9), Rev. T. Hincks on the Genus Retepora. 361 it 1s almost entirely concealed by the secondary orifice. In this we find the characteristic orbicular shape, the large loop- like sinus, and the marginal processes and avicularium. The remarkable spine (Pl. XIX. fig. 3) which rises on one side of the orifice seems to have escaped observation. Its struc- ture is peculiar. At the base it is articulated by a corneous joint to a small tubular process on the margin, and is com- posed of a number of segments or pieces, each of which is contracted below and expands upward, and seems to fit into the one beneath it; so that the spine presents an uneven out- line and has the appearance of being jointed at pretty regular intervals. The large aviculiferous processes are often present in profusion and give a very marked character to the zoarium ; occasionally, however, they are scantily developed. The variety of the avicularian appendages in this species is re- markable. In addition to those which have been described, there is occasionally a gigantic avicularium, exceeding the zoocecium in length, which occupies an elevated space at the top of the fenestre, with a much elongated subspatulate man- dible directed obliquely downwards. ‘ihis is sometimes re- placed by a very curious form, which I have not met with elsewhere. It is narrow-elliptical in shape, usually large, with a very solid semielliptical mandible, of a dark horn- colour (Pl. XIX. fig. 5). This form, I believe, is really an aborted condition of the gigantic avicularium just described, and consists essentially of the basal portion of the latter minus the long mandible. 1 was at one time induced to think that the form with the gigantic avicularia should be accounted distinct; but in its minute characters it agrees with the present species. It is perhaps worthy of being distinguished as 2. monilifera, var. munita. lt should be noted that the aspect of the cell, and especially of its oral aperture, is subject to great variations, corre- sponding with the stages of growth and development. After the formation of the secondary orifice has been commenced, its sinus appears as a very small slit almost closed above, and the avicularium lies transversely on the margin beside it, without being elevated, as it is subsequently, on a mucronate process. The peculiar structure of the ovicell, which has suggested the specific name, seems to be due to the filling-in of the fissure, which exists in the usual condition on the younger cells, with a granulated calcareous plate. ‘The oocecia are commonly developed in such quantities as almost to conceal the surface of the zoarium ; and this profusion may perhaps be accounted a specific character. 362 Rev. T. Hincks on the Genus Retepora. R. monilifera affords a very striking illustration of the diversities in the habit of growth which are so characteristic of the present family. So utterly different in aspect are its simply caliculate and its convoluted and chambered variety, that it is difficult to believe that they are reterable to one and the same species. I was at first so completely deceived by the very distinctive habit of the latter, combined with some other trifling peculiarities, that I had marked it as a new species, under the name of Lf. contortuplicata. 2. Retepora phenicea, Busk *. Zoartum of a rich red colour, irregularly cup-shaped, variously contorted, the edges of the lamina sometimes uniting so as to form cylindrical cavities. Jenestre small, oval, the inosculating branches broad and rather massive. Zooacia rhomboidal or irregularly ovate, commonly enlarged aboye, narrowed downwards, and truncate at the bottom, flat, with a conspicuous line and a few very large punctures round the edge; surface smooth and polished; orifice orbicu- lar ; peristome raised and somewhat thickened, subtubular, slightly bent forwards, the margin often serrulate; some- times a minute circular orifice in the centre, immediately below it; a depression on the front of the cell below the mouth, from which a pointed avicularium extends upwards to the lower margin. Dorsal surface solid, smooth or minutely warty, strongly vibicate, and generally destitute of avicularia. Ooecia globose, subimmersed ; surface entire, smooth and shining, hollowed out in front, the fissure being filled in by a thick opercular plate, which is prolonged below within the orifice. Locality. South Australia, Adelaide and Glenelg. Mr. Busk has characterized R. phenicea with his accus- tomed accuracy ; but as his description is very concise, in har- mony with the plan of his work, it may not be superfluous to furnish a further account of it. To the elements of beauty which are common to the tribe, the charm of rich colouring is superadded in the present species; and its fine red tint is well preserved in fresh un- bleached specimens. The cell exhibits strongly marked cha- racters, but is subject to a certain amount of variation. The subtubular peristome is sometimes wanting, and the orbicular orifice, with its slightly thickened rim, is on a level with the surface. The edge is often entire and shows no trace of ser- rulation. ‘The minute central foramen below the mouth I have * Cat. Marine Pol. part ii. p. 94, pl. exxi. figs. 1, 2, Rev. T. Hincks on the Genus Retepora. 363 not always been able to detect, even when it is not concealed by the apex of the suboral avicularium. The latter is not always present ; but it must be accounted a characteristic fea- ture of the species. It is immersed, extending from a depres- sion situated about halfway down the cell, or less, to the lower margin of the mouth, on which its pointed extremity rests. It is rounded below and is furnished with a short mandible, very broad at the base, and tapering to a fine point. Very characteristic also is the flat, smooth, polished and tinted surface of the cell, bordered by a distinct raised white line, and sparsely punctured round the edge. The punctures or foramina are of very considerable size; two are generally placed side by side at the bottom of the cell. I have examined many fragments of this fine species; but the only perfect specimen which I possess is of a compressed cup-shape, with the lamina gracefully curved and the margin sinuated. The cup is much flattened at one side; and on the other side, which is greatly produced, it widens out and then terminates in a pointed spout-like projection. The height 1s half an inch, andthe width aninch. ‘Lhe formis a singularly elegant one, even for a Retepore; but in this genus the habit of growth is so variable that it cannot be relied on as a specific character. 3. ? Retepora granulata, Macgillivray. (Pl. XIX. figs. 13-15.) Zoarium cup-shaped, thick. Fenestre very small, oval or subrotund, much narrower than the very broad interspaces. Zooecia rhomboid, flat, lined round, the surface covered with granules, which often form a border or edging round the upper margin of the mouth; orifice suborbicular, somewhat ex- tended transversely ; peristome not raised; frequently one or two small oval or subcircular avicularia placed transversely immediately below the inferior margin ; many such avicularia scattered over the surface of the cells; numerous blunt and low mamillz distributed over the zoarium, bearing on the upper side an avicularium with broad triangular mandible. Ooecta large, prominent, subglobose, surface granular, no fissure. Dorsal surface indistinctly vibicate, with scattered circular avicularia, sometimes absent. Locality. South Australia. This is probably the R. granulata of Macgillivray—though, in the absence of a sufficiently minute diagnosis of the latter, I hardly venture to identify the two with certainty. Amongst my specimens there is much difference in the degree in which the surface is granulated. In some cases the cells are almost smooth; in others the surface is thickly studded with small 364 Rey. T. Hincks on the Genus Retepora. glossy granules. Round the upper part of the orifice they are frequently of larger size, and are ranged in line and placed close together, so as to have much the appearance of rudi- mentary spines. The oocecium in R&. granulata is described as ‘“ immersed and granular ;” in my specimens it is closely united to the cells about it, and the base may be slightly immersed, but its striking characteristics are its massiveness and prominence. It stands out boldly from the surface of the cell, sometimes smooth, sometimes much roughened and bearing several of the small avicularia. ‘The minute characters of the zoocecium and its orifice are not included in Macgillivray’s diagnosis. In most of the cells of the form which I have in view an oval avicula- rium, set transversely, occurs immediately under the lower mar- gin of the orifice, placed towards one side. Sometimes a second is present. Great numbers of similar avicularia are distributed over the cells, whilst the aviculiferous mamille, very dif- ferent from the tall acuminate processes which occur on other species, thickly stud the surface of the zoarium. The inoscu- lating branches are very thick and massive, and the meshes small and often suborbicular in shape. Macgillivray describes the zoarium of his 2. granulata as “expanded, foliaceous, convoluted.”” The habit of growth, as I have already remarked, has no specific significance in this tribe; but the fragments of the present species which I have examined show it to be caliculate and occasionally to form subcylindrical cavities. é 4, Retepora cellulosa, Smitt *. This species has a wide range. It occurs in the Arctic seas and in the Mediterranean, but has not been obtained, so far as I know, on our own coasts. Darwin took it off Cape Horn Macgillivray, a slender variety of it, in Australia ; Hutton records it from New Zealand. I have a characteristic specimen from South Australia. EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. PLATE XVIII. Fig. 1. Retepora Couchii, Hincks: natural size. Fig. 2. The same. Fig. 3. A portion of the zoarium, front surface, magnified. Fig. 4. A portion of the zoarium, dorsal surface, magnified. Fig. 5. A single zoocecium, magnified. Fig. 6. One of the larger avicularia. * Kritisk Forteckn. ofver Skandinaviens Hafs-Bryozoer, ivy. (1868) pp. 34, 203, pl. xxviii, figs, 222-225. On new Species of Heteropterous Hemiptera. 365 Fig. 7. Retepora plana, Hincks: portion of the front surface, magnified. 4g. 8. The same: portion of the dorsal surface, magnified. Fig. 9. Retepora robusta, Hincks: a fragment of the zoarium, natural size. Fig. 10, The same: portion of the front surface, magnified. PruatE XIX. Fig. 1. Retepora monilifera, Macgillivray : zoocecia, magnified. Fig. 2. The same: a zoocecium in an earlier stage. Fig. 3. One of the oral spines, magnified. Fig. 4. One of the gigantic avicularia, magnified. Fig. 5. Large elliptical avicularium, magnified. Fig. 6. Retepora pretenuis, Hincks: portion of the front surface, magni- fied. Fig. 7. The same: portion of the zoarium, magnified, showing the rela- tive width of the fenestree and the interspaces. Fig. 8. Fragment of the zoarium, nat. size. Fig. 9. Retepora tessellata, Hincks: front surface. Fig. 10. The same: dorsal surface. Fig. 11. The oocecium. Fiy. 12. Fragment of the zoarium, nat. size. Fig. 13. ?Retepora granulata, Macgillivray : front surface. Fig. 14. The oocecium. Fig. 15. Two fenestree magnified, showing the width of the interspace. XLI.—Descriptions of new Species of Heteropterous Hemiptera collected in the Hawaiian Islands by the Rev. T. Blackburn. —No.2. By F. Bucwanan Wuire, M.D., F.L.S. HAVING received from Mr. Blackburn information as to the habits, localities, &c. (as well as more examples of some) of the species noticed in my former paper (vol. xx. p. 110), it will perhaps be as well to give notes on these species before describing certain new ones since received. In my last paper I omitted to number the species, which I will now do. 1. Geotomus subtristis, Buchanan White. 2. Geotomus jucundus, Buchanan White. Both widely distributed and pretty common, living under stones and about the roots of herbage, and not confined to the mountains. 3. Triphleps persequens, Buchanan White. Three specimens only found. 4, Cardiastethus mundulus, Buchanan White. Not rare about the outside of roofs of houses. 366 Dr. F. B. White on new Species 5. Nabis innotatus, Buchanan White. The specimen from which the description was made appears to be a pale form; in others the dark markings of the pro- notum are more distinct, and the centre of the scutellum, as well as the two spots near the apex of the first vein of the corium, which are so frequently present in species of the genus Nabis, are more or less fuscous. On the whole, how- ever, the name “ ¢nnotatus”’ is not amiss. Taken commonly by sweeping, but chiefly on the higher ground. 6. Nabis subrufus, Buchanan White. Rare. Three specimens taken singly under bark on the ; aoe 8 higher mountains. 7. Nabis? lusciosus, Buchanan White, Appears to vary in the intensity of the markings. Not very common. Taken by sweeping, and also under and about bark on the higher mountains. The bark-fre- quenting propensity of this and the preceding species is, | think, very unusual in the genus. . 8. Luteva insolida, Buchanan White. Common everywhere, on the lower ground, in December. 9. Merragata hebroides, Buchanan White. On small stagnant pools formed by the temporary overflow of streams on the higher mountains. When the pools dry up, the insect frequents the holes where the water has been. 10. Corixa Blackburnt, Buchanan White. Very common in salt-water pools on the sea-shore. These pools are formed artificially for the manufacture of salt. As the liquid becomes more dense by evaporation, the Cortxe migrate to pools more recently filled. Some would appear, however, to remain too long, as, in the last stage of evapora- tion, the pools generally contain a few dead Corize. Mr. Blackburn has hitherto failed to find any freshwater species of this genus. Asopide. 11. @chalia patruelis, Stal. Fe Arma patruelis, Stal, Freg. Eug. Resa, ins. 930.3. This species, which has not been found elsewhere, is com- mon on forest trees at no great elevation. of Heteropterous Hemiptera. 367 12. @ehalia pacifica, Stal. Arma pacifica, Stal, 1. c, 221. 4. Like the last this is also peculiar to the Hawaiian Islands. Though widely distributed it is not common, and frequents trees on the mountains. Lygeide. 13. Nysius Dallast, n. sp. N. oblongus, testaceo-flavescens, pallido-sericans ; capite vitta laterali utrinque intra oculos et marginibus angustissimis vitte pallide centralis, rostri apice, pronoto intra marginem anticum et macula utrinque prope angulos posticos, scutelli basi, tarsorum articulo primo, tertio apice unguiculisque, sterno maculis nonnul- lis, ventre vitta laterali utrinque marginem haud attingente et testaceo-maculata nigricantibus; antennarum articulo primo ad apicem exteriore, secundo apice et tertio basi, margine antico angustissimo corii, femoribus anticis maculis parvis, et tibiis apice, fusco-brunneis; membrana albido-hyalina. Capite cum oculis quam pronoti apex latiore ; antennis gracilibus ; rostro metaster- num attingente, articulo primo bucculis paullo longiore; bucculis dimidio capitis fere equilongis, retrorsum sensim humilioribus et eyanescentibus ; pronoto apice quam basi breviore, longitudine quam latitudine paullo minore, sat rude punctato, lateribus, im- pressione lineari antica et vitta media levigatis, utrinque intra angulos posticos elevatos oblique sulcato; scutello punctato sat fortiter triradiatim rugoso; elytris basi parallelis, dein ampliatis et rotundatis; pedibus gracilibus, tibiis apice paullo incrassatis, tarsis posticis longis articulo primo articulis duobus ultimis ad unum multo longiore; ventris segmentis 3 apicalibus foemine angulariter emarginatis. §. Long. 5, lat. 13 m.m. Not being closely allied to any of the species in Stél’s ‘Enumeratio,’ its place is between that author’s sections a. and aa." This species (which I have much pleasure in dedicating to Mr. W. 8. Dallas, the founder of the genus Nysius, and whose ‘ List of Hemiptera in the British Museum’ is so useful to all students of this order of insects) occurs rarely amongst mixed herbage near the summit of a mountain-pass known as the “ Pali,” near Honolulu. 14. Nysius delectus, n. sp. ‘NV. suboblongus, dilute flavescenti-testaceus ; antennarum articulo primo vitta externa et articulis 3 ultimis, rostri articulis 3 ulti- mis, capite (vitta centrali angustissima et tuberculis antenniferis exceptis), pronoto intra marginem anticum, punctis in disco, macula triangulari utrinque prope angulos posticos necnon margine 368 Dr. F. B. White on new Species postico ante scutellum, scutello (lateribus apiceque exceptis), corii margine antico angustissimo, lineis interruptis ad venas, maculis nonnullis in disco, et margine apicali plus minus inter- rupto, clavyi sutura commissuraque, femorum maculis seepe con- fluentibus presertim superne, tibiarum basi apice et linea angus- tissima ad marginem anticum, tarsorum articulo primo apice et articulo tertio unguiculisque, sterno (incisuris exceptis), abdo- minis ‘marginibus posticis segmentorum 3 ultimorum saltem in medio, genitalibusque nigris vel piceo-nigris ; antennarum articulo secundo apice imo pallido et articulo tertio apice dilutiore ; ooulis rufo-brunneis; membrana albido-hyalina. Capite cum oculis apice pronoti latiore, dense pallido-sericante; antennis sat graci- libus, articulo secundo tertio longiore, tertio quartoque zquilongis; rostro metasternum attingente, articulo primo bucculas superante ; bucculis fere dimidio capitis equilongis, retrorsum sensim humi- lioribus et evanescentibus ; pronoto pallido-sericante rude punc- tato, vitta media, impressione lineari antica, lateribus, et enemies posticis leevigatis, sat brevi, margine antico quam margo posticus 2 a breviore, longitudine quam latitudo postica disdincte minore, mar- gine postivo utrinque intra angulos posticos elevatos sulea obliqua instructo ; scutello pallido-sericante et rude punctato, ruga sat elevata levigata; elytris parce sericantibus, basi parallelis, dein ampliato-dilatatis et sensim rotundatis; tibiis apice clavatis, tarsorum articulis primo tertioque apice incrassatis; margine exteriore calloso orificiorum auriculato-prominulo; ventris seg- mentis 3 ultimis foemine angulariter emarginatis; sterno ventre- que dense pallido-sericantibus. det. Long. 5-6, lat. 2-2} m.m. Somewhat allied to the preceding species, which, however, differs in its more slender form, longer and more graceful antenne and legs, as well as in the coloration. Widely distributed (but not very common) on the moun- tains, and generally taken by beating. 15. Nysius arboricola, n. sp. NV. oblongus, testaceus, nitidus, glaber; capite, rostri apice, vitta laterali utrinque, corpore subtus, scutelli basi lateribusque nigris ; antennis totis dilute et articuli primi maculis obscurioribus, rostro apicem yersus, oculis, callis transversis intra marginem anticum pronoti et angulis posticis, scutelli ruga callosa (apice imo ex- cepto), corii venis, maculis 2 magnis triangularibus ad marginem apicalem et apice, femorum maculis nonnullis, tibiis apice imo, et tarsorum articulis apice plus minus brunneis vel fusco-brunneis ; orificiis et maculis connexivi rufo-flayidis; membrana albido- hyalina. Capite ruguloso, cum oculis pronoti apice paullo latiore ; antennis sat brevibus rostro brevioribus, articulo secundo tertio longiore ; rostro metasternum attingente, articulo primo bucculis subeequilongo; bucculis basin capitis fere attingentibus, pone of Heteropterous Hemiptera. 369 medium retrorsum sensim humilioribus; pronoto rude punctato, callo transverso antico et angulis posticis subelevatis levigatis, mar- gine antico quam margo posticus paullo breviore, longitudine quam latitudo postica + minore ; scutello fortiter triradiatim calloso- rugoso, ad latera punctato ; elytris fere a basi sensim rotundatis et subampliatis, sutura clayi distincte biseriatim punctata; pedi- , bus subcrassis, tibiis apice et tarsorum articulis subclavatis. Q. Long. 4, lat. 14 m.m. Apparently allied in some respects to N. helveticus, H.-S. As yet rare, only two specimens having been taken. These were beaten from trees (one in May, the other in July), some miles apart, high up in the mountainous district. 16. Nystus caenosulus, Stal. Nysius coenosulus, Stil, 1. c. 243, 59. The specimens which I refer to this species do not alto- gether agree with Stal’s description, as the scutellum is only black in part, the apex of the second joint of the antenne and the inner vein of the corium are not markedly dark, the mesosternum is sulcate, and the whole animal is more hairy. Still I think that they are properly referred here. N. cano- sulus is peculiar to the Hawaiian Islands. Rather common on and about a small plant that grows in sandy places on the sea-shore. 17. Pamera nigriceps, Dall. Rhyparochromus nigriceps, Dall. List, ii. 577. 47. A common species on low plants and under stones &c., but not occurring below about 1000 feet above sea-level. This species is reported also from the Philippine Islands, Taiti, and New Zealand. The last-mentioned locality is on the authority of Dr. Mayr (‘ Novara’ Hemiptera, p. 128) ; and I think it is just possible that a mistake may have occurred, though Dr. Mayr is so good a hemipterologist that I have much hesitation in suggesting this. ‘The reasons I have for thinking there may be a mistake are these :—Dr. Mayr records nigriceps from New Zealand under the name Plociomerus nigriceps, with the remark that it seems to unite the charac- ters of both Paromius and Plociomerus. Paromius, it may be mentioned, is synonymic with Pamera in part. Now there is a New-Zealand Plociomerus (which I have described under the name P. Douglas’) which very much resembles Pamera nigriceps, and which, if Dr. Mayr had only Mr. Dallas’s description of the latter species (written when it alone was known) before him, it is not difficult to imagine that a mis- Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. i. 25 370 Dr. F. B. White on new Species take may have occurred. Nigriceps, however, distinctly he- longs to Pamera, and Douglasi to Plociomerus. Plociomerus Douglasi is, moreover, a smaller and a darker-coloured insect. 18. Clerada apicicornis, Sign. Clerada apicicornis, Sign. in Maillard, Notes sur Vile de la Réunion, Ins. 28, pl. 20. 8. Taken by beating dead branches of a species of palm in mountain forests. This insect is rather widely distributed, occurring in Réunion, Bengal, Celebes, Cuba, and Venezuela. It is now recorded for the first time as a native of the Hawaiian Islands. In Walker’s catalogue it is described from Celebes under the name Grastrodes terminalis ; or, at least, the species so named is not separable by the description from Clerada apicicornis. RECLADA, gen. nov. Corpus anguste ovatum, depressum. Caput porrectum, thoraci fere eequilongum, ad oculos haud immersum, parte postoculari cylin- drica, utrinque pone oculos ocellos ferente. Buccule elevate. Rostrum pedes anticos attingens, articulis primo et secundo ad unum parti anteoculari capitis subequilongis, articulo secundo primo breviore. Antennz articulo primo capite breviore, hujus apicem tamen superante. Pronotum transversum, trapezoideum, antrorsum angustatum, marginibus lateralibus acutis reflexis, medio levissime sinuatis, margine basali recto. Scutellum trian- gulare subsquilaterum, commissura clavi fere duplo longius. Hemelytra completa, margine costali leviter rotundato, margine apicali in medio sinuato deinde sensim sed distincte ad apicem commissure rotundato. Membrane vene haud bene discrete. Pedes mediocres, femoribus inermibus, anticis vix incrassatis, tarsis posticis articulo primo apicalibus duobus simul sumptis longitudine fere equali. Genus Clerade Sign. maxime affine, structura rostri et hemelytrorum distinctum. 19. Reclada mesta, n. sp. . obscure ferruginea, supra subtusque distincte et dense punctata ; rostro, tarsis, membranaque pallidioribus ; corii maculis in disco et ad marginem apicalem indistincte fuscis. 3. Long. 3}, lat. 13 m.m. Rare. Circumstances of capture unfortunately not noted. METRARGA, gen. nov. Corpus ovato-oblongum, supra planum, subtus convexum. Caput subquadrilaterum, fere ad oculos immersum, antice compressum, of Heteropterous Hemiptera. 371 vertice valde convexo-elevato. Oculi parvi, retrorsum curvati. Ocelli prope basin capitis siti. Rostrum pedes posticos attingens, articulo primo capiti equilongo. Antenne dimidio corporis equi- longee; plus dimidio articuli primi apicem Capitis superans ; tubercula antennifera extus valde spinosa. Pronotum trans- versum, angulis anticis prominulis, marginibus lateralibus cari- natis subacutis in medio sinuatis, angulis posticis calloso-promi- nulis, basi fere recta. Scutellum paullo longius quam latius, leviter elevato-marginatum. Hemelytra completa, margine an- tico rotundato, explanato et subreflexo, margine apicali angulum interiorem versus fortiter sinuato, angulo exteriore producto, Pedes mediocres, coxis posticis haud remotis, femoribus iner- mibus vix incrassatis, tarsis posticis articulo primo duobus ulti- mis simul sumptis fere equilongo. Ventris segmentorum omnium margines postici recti et latera attingentes, spiraculis tribus ultimis in ventre sitis, ceteris obscuris. Type M. nuda, n.sp. Affinity doubtful. 20. Metrarga nuda, n. sp. M. fusco-brunnea, capillis brevissimis depressis parce vestita ; pro- noti linea centrali subelevata et angulis posticis, scutelli apice imo, pedibusque albido-testaceis, his piceo-nigro annulatis ; an- tennis rostroque pallide rufo-brunneis, illis articulo primo basi apiceque et articulo secundo apice dilutioribus, hoc apice nigro ; oculis rufo-brunneis ; corii margine antico vitta latissima inde- terminata irregulariter albido-testaceo maculata, margine imo hinc illine piceo-notato ; membrana fusca maculis plurimis parvis pallidis notata. Capite pronotoque dense et sat rude punctatis ; tuberculis antenniferis extrorsum dente acuto instructis ; antenna- rum gracilium articulo primo sat crasso leviter curvato, articulo tertio secundo paullo breviore, quarto fusiformi; pronoti linea media subelevata, impressione lineari antica et angulis posticis levigatis, angulis anticis dentato-prominulis, lobo antico ad latera subdepresso, marginibus lateralibus in medio sinuato- emarginatis, margine antico quam basis paullo breviore ; scutello fortiter punctato, apice levigato, basi depresso, ruga longitudinali subelevata instructo ; elytris apicem abdominis paullo superanti- bus dense sed subtiliter punctatis, membrana venis 5 instructis, vena quarta furcata; pedibus sat brevibus haud gracilibus; sterno rude punctato. do. Long. 8, lat. pone medium 43 m.m. Only two specimens found, and the circumstances of capture not noted. 21. Metrarga villosa, n. sp. M. obovata, testaceo-brunnea, villis brevibus depressis dilutioribus densissime vestita ; capite nigro, clypeo et tuberculis antenniferis pallidis ; antennarum articulo secundo rufo-brunneo basi apice- 25* 372 Dr. F. B, White on new Species que dilutioribus, tertio quartoque fusco-brunneis; rostro apice nigro; elytris irregulariter fusco-brunneo notatis, margine antico distinctius maculato ; membrana fusca; pedibus albido-testaceis fusco-nigro annulatis, tarsis fusco-brunneis. Capite subtiliter punctato, tuberculis antenniferis extrorsum dente subobtuso ar- matis; antennarum articulo primo sat crasso, secundo tertioque - subequilongis, quarto fusiformi; pronoto subtiliter punctato, impressione lineari antica et angulis posticis levigatis, margini- bus lateralibus sinuatis antice elevatis, margine antico in medio calloso-tuberculato ad latera depresso, disco utrinque callo lon- gitudinali instructo, basi apiceque fere eequilatis ; scutello rude punctato, basi media depresso, ruga longitudinali elevata in- structo; membrana parva apicem abdominis haud superante, pone apicem corii parum extensa, venis haud bene discretis; sterno punctato. 3. Long. 5-53, lat. pone medium 23-3 m. m. Apart from its villosity and smaller size, the different struc- ture of the pronotum and of the membrane at once distin- guishes this from the preceding species. Not rare among rotten leaves &c. at the foot of a precipice on the mountains five or six miles from Honolulu. Capside. 22. Capsus pellucidus, Stil. Capsus pellucidus, Stal, 1. c. 255. 92. A common species, but peculiar to the Hawaiian Islands. Anthocoride. 23. Cardiastethus sodalis, n. sp. C. rufo-brunneus, capillis pallidis vestitus ; oculis et lobo postico pronoti nigro-piceis ; antennis, pedibus elytrisque luteo-brunneis ; clavi apice cuneoque presertim ad apicem brunneo-fuscis; anten- narum articulis secundo apice, tertio quartoque, capite inter oculos, membranaque fuscis, Long. circa 23 m. m. Rather closely allied to C. rufescens, Costa (=testaceus, Perris), which, however, is larger and differently coloured ; much more closely related to C. bicolor, Buchanan White, from St. Helena. C. bicolor, however, is a shade larger, more evidently punctate and more thickly clothed with hair, and differs besides in the colour of the anterior lobe of the pronotum and scutellum and in the markings of the elytra. Not very common, about the outside of the roofs of houses in company with C. mundulus. of Heteropterous Hemiptera. 373 Acanthiide. 24. Acanthia lectularia, L. An introduced species, and far too common. Saldide. 25. Salda exulans, n. sp. S. nigra, subnitida, brevissime nigro-griseo pubescens ; maculis 2 parvis anticis capitis, rostro, antennarum articulo basali (apice excepto), pronoti marginibus angustis lateralibus (margine imo et angulis posticis exceptis), marginibus acetabulorum pedibusque (coxis basi, femoribus tibiis tarsisque apice exceptis), clavi macula pone medium, corii margine antico lato, maculis 2 et linea longitudinali inter marginem et venam primam, illius interne linea ad dimidium apicale, maculis 3 et dimidio apicali marginis interioris, necnon membrane areolis 3 exterioribus plus minus sordide brunneo-albidis. Capite quam apex pronoti latiore ; pronoti latitudine postica quam longitudo media triplo majore, mar- gine postico quam margo anticus plus duplo longiore, callo antico mediocri in medio foveolato, marginibus lateralibus rectis, margine postico late et sat profunde sinuato ante scutellum ; scutelli depres- sione media mediocri; elytrorum margine antico distinctissime rotundato ; membrana parva, areolis 4 instructa; antennis pedi- busque gracilibus ; alis brevibus. 3. Long. 4, lat. pone medium 2 m.m. Belongs to section e of Stal’s ‘Enumeratio,’ and is re- motely allied to S. coxalis, Stal. Sparingly in wet moss in one place on the mountains near the “ Pali.” Nabida. 26. Nabis Blackburn, n. sp. N. elongato-oblongus, griseo-testaceus, parce pallido-pubescens ; capite vitta’ medio latiore, pronoto cicatriculis anticis vittulaque disci longitudinali, in collo latiore quam in lobo postico et in lobo antico fere geminata, fusco-nigris ; lobo postico pronoti utrinque striis 3 subobliquis obsolete fuscescentibus, exterioribus angulum posticum yersus distinctioribus ; abdominis dorso nigro-fusco ; capitis lateribus subtus, sterni vitta laterali et maculis in medio, ventrisque vitta lata laterali aliaque angustiore media nigris ; antennis pedibusque corpori concoloribus, antennarum articulo secundo apice nigro, articulis duobus ultimis fusco-brunneis ; femoribus maculis plurimis et lincolis transversis, tibiis punctis indistinctis, tarsorum articulis apice fusco-brunneis; elytris apicem abdominis paullo superantibus griseo-testaceis, costis dilutioribus irregulariter fusco-cinctis, interstitiis hine inde 374 “Mr. E. L. Layard on new Species fusco-brunneo maculatis, corii vena exteriore maculis duabus nigro-fuscis ; membrana griseo-hyalina venis latis permultis fus- cis, basi extus puncto nigro notata; connexivo pallido stria interiore longitudinali sanguinea notato. Capite pronoto bre- viore; antennarum articulo primo capite breviore; femoribus anticis capite et pronoto simul sumptis brevioribus; pronoto postice sat fortiter ampliato, basi fere zeque lato ac longa. 3. Long. 73-8 m.m. Abdomen vix duplo longius quam latius. Allied to N. punctipes, Reuter, but differmg by its larger size, and in other respects as noted above. Common amongst long grass in damp hollows on the higher mountains. Veliid ee. 27. Microvelia vagans, n. sp. M. fusco-nigra, pilis brevissimis fusco-brunneis densissime vestita ; pronoti margine antico macula latera haud attingente, et margine postico, necnon connexivo (margine imo excepto) luteo-fulvis ; antennarum articulis duobus primis fusco-brunneis, primo basi dilutiore et apice obscuriore; pedibus obscure fusco-brunneis, femoribus dimidio basali fusco-lutescentibus; capite utrinque ad oculos vitta angusta capillorum argenteorum instructo; elytris brunneo-fuscis, venis obscurioribus, maculis 5 vel 6 plus minus albidis notatis ; corpore subtus nigro, pilis argenteis vestito. 3 et 2. Long. 3-33, lat. 1 m.m. Not uncommon on running water. ~ XLIT.—Descriptions of new Species of Birds from the Island of Lifu, New Caledonia. By H. L. Layarp, C.B., H.B.M. Consul, Noumea, New Caledonia. Turdus Pritzbuert, Layard, n. sp. d. Entire head, chin, throat, upper part of cheek very pale sepia; the whole of the rest of the body, above and below, very dark sepia, some of the feathers of the abdomen having paler sepia edges. Bill, feet, and legs pale yellow. 2 like the ¢, but the crown of the head and lower portion of the chest brownish, and general colour of body not so dark. Juv. Top of the head brown, spotted with rufous ; under- parts deep rufous, spotted and wregularly marked with small broken bars of dark sepia. 3. Length 8", wing 3” 7”, tail 3” 3’”, tarsi 1” 2’”-25, bill 13”. Hab. Lifu, New Caledonia. of Birds from New Caledonia. 375 Pachycephala Littayet, Layard, n. sp. 3. Upper three fourths of head jet-black ; chin and throat pure white, succeeded by a broad black collar; all the rest of the lower parts rich gamboge-yellow ; upper plumage yel- lowish green; wing- and tail-feathers greenish brown, the former edged externally with yellowish green. ‘Length 7" 6", wing 37 10", tail 3” 2”, tarsi 13’", bill 12°”. 2 unknown. Hab. Lifu, New Caledonia. Zosterops minuta, Layard, n. sp. Upper parts all a bright yellow tinged with green, brightest on the front of the head; forehead, as far as the eyes, bright yellow; eyelids white, as usual, but with a narrow black line under the lower lid; chin, throat, breast, abdomen, and under tail-coverts bright yellow; flanks and sides of abdo- men buff; wing- and tail-feathers grey-brown, edged with | bright greenish yellow. Length 3” 8”, wing 2” 1", tail 1" 6", tarsi 8!", bill 6”. Hab. Lifu, New Caledonia. Zosterops tnornata, Layard, n. sp. Head dull green; black dark sepia, faintly tinged with green. No white eyelid visible. Wing- and tail-feathers same as the back, but edged on the outside with green ; chin greyish; throat and breast dirty greenish. Sides of breast sepia-brown ; flanks inclining to buff. Abdomen pale sepia. Upper mandible dark brown ; lower pale. Bill very strong and sharp-pointed. Length 5" 6", wing 3" 1", tail 2" 4", tarsi 11, bill 11/”, Hab. Lifu, New Caledonia. Its sombre lining renders this bird difficult of description ; but on comparison with any other species the differences are very marked. Erythrura cyanofrons, Layard, n. sp. General colour above and below green, rather lighter than in £. psittacea; rump, upper tail-coverts, tail-feathers dull scarlet, not nearly so bright as in #. psittacea. ‘Two central tail-feathers elongated. Forehead and cheeks bright blue, and a black mark over the lores. Bill black. Length 5", wing 2" 3!", tail 2" 3!, tarsi 7", bill 6”. Hab. Lifu, New Caledonia. 376 Mr. H. J. Carter on Purisiphonia Clarkei. XLI.—Emendatory Description of Purisiphonia Clarkei. Bk., a Hexactinellid Fossil Sponge from N.W. Australia. By H. J. Carter, F.R.S. &c. Iy the month of May 1869 the late Dr. Bowerbank published a description, with microscopic structure, of a fossil hexacti- nellid sponge from N.W. Australia, to which he gave the name of Puristphonia Clarkez, after the Rev. W. B. Clarke, F.G.S8., who found the specimen at Wollumbilla in Queens- land (Proc. Zool. Soc. 1869, p. 342, pl. xxv. figs. 6 and 7) ; and in May 1870, Charles Moore, Esq., F.G.8., gave a figure of the entire specimen, with Dr. Bowerbank’s description (‘Australian Mesozoic Geology and Paleontology,” Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc. vol. xxvi., May 1870, p. 235, and pp. 240- 242, pl. xvii. fig. 1). In October 1877, while going over some of the late Dr. Bowerbank’s collections, I found a specimen of this sponge, and, not having observed any allusion to it in Prof. Zittel’s “Studien iiber fossile Spongien” (Hexactinellida), transl. ‘ Annals,’ 1877, vol. xx. p. 257 et seqqg., I mentioned the fact to him, which he acknowledged to be the case, and suggested my writing a new description of Purtsiphonia Clarke, for which he kindly supplied me with the references. It was not, however, until February 1878, that I obtained Mr. Moore’s address, when he informed me that the original specimen had been sent back to Sydney, but that he had two small portions of it, which, together with a copy of his paper, he subsequently forwarded to me. Thus with the three frag. ments, each of which is about two inches square and the whole thickness of the sponge, viz. about half an inch, I have, together with Mr. Moore’s figure, every thing that is neces- sary for description, saving the figure of the sponge entire, which, if yet found, has never been published. Purisiphonia Clarket, Bk. Fossil siliceous. Entire specimen consisting of an irregular triangular portion about 4 inches square and half an inch thick, more or less curved, so as to give the idea of having once formed part of a hollow sponge, which had grown out here and there into processes, as indicated by three large holes (one of which is 2 inches in diameter), whose external edge, respectively, is raised above the common level of the specimen, indicative not only of the outside of the sponge, but of its having grown outwards in this direction. What these processes were like, viz. whether short or long, open or closed, the specimen does not reveal. Colour ochre-yellow, Mr. H. J. Carter on Purisiphonia Clarkei. 377 where the structure is still filled with siliceous grit, but whitish grey where it has been emptied by means of acid of the calcare- ous material that originally filled this part (Moore, /. c. p. 235). Surface undulatory on both sides. Pores, which are organs of the sarcode, of course, in like manner, absent. Oscules very numerous, averaging }> inch in diameter and about the same distance apart, more or less regularly disposed over each surface, expanded at the outlet, and bridged over by reticu- lated spiculous structure, which divides the subjacent large aperture into several smaller ones, and in some instances, from its regularity, presents a septate or stelliform figure ; followed by their respective canal-systems, which, descending vertically and branching out towards the opposite sides of the sponge, end just under the surface in the intervals between the oscules; thus the excretory canal-systems, connected with the oscules on one side, terminate on a level with the oscules on the other side of the sponge, and vice versd@, where proba- bly, in the living state, the pores of the dermal sarcode opened into them: sometimes two systems may be seen, side by side, reversed in this way. Internal structure made up of straight spiculiferous bundles, averaging half an inch in length, which cross each other at different angles in all directions, in the midst of minute vitreous reticulation, the whole cemented together into a common mass by silicified sarcode, traversed by the excretory canal-systems above mentioned. Spiculiferous bun- dles composed of fine, smooth, long, linear spicules, arranged parallel to each other, and surrounded generally by silicified sarcode, or united together in smaller bundles, separately, by the silicified sarcode being disposed in the form of transverse bars, so as to present a ladder-like appearance. Reticulated structure consisting of small sexradiates, united arm to arm and to the spiculiferous bundles by the silicified sarcode, which is more or less spined throughout, and the spines in some instances multifid. Spicules, for the most part, re- placed by an axial cavity in the spiniferous silicified sareode, which, in many parts of the skeleton, is thus rendered more or less continuously canaliculate. Rosette globular, radiate ; rays capitate, about 1-3000th inch in diameter. Smallest sexradiate seen in the reticulated structure 1-75th inch in diameter. Hab. Marine. Loc. Upper Oolite or Cretaceous system, in boulders with marine shells, ‘ not uncommon” (Moore, /. c. p. 235). Wol- lumbilla Creek, Queensland, N.W. Australia. Obs. As the specimen of Purisiphonia Clarkei above de- scribed is so imperfect, I prefer the term “hollow” to that of 378 Mr. H. J. Carter on Purisiphonia Clarkei. “fistulous,” used by Dr. Bowerbank (J. c.), since the latter implies a form which we are not justified in giving to the only fragment of this sponge brought before the public, even if, when entire, it could under the circumstances be called ‘*fistulous.”” That the curved state of the specimen indicates a concavity, and that the large holes in its surface indicate growth in these directions respectively, with a wall averaging half an inch in thickness throughout, is all that can be said towards a description of the entire form, whatever this here- after may prove to be; but the forms of the same sponge are often so varied, that the next specimen may in this respect be totally different from the present one. In general structure (which, where the calcareous infiltration has been dissolved out by acid, is as beautiful and perfect almost as it ever could have been) Puristphonia Clarket is somewhat like the speci- men of Dactylocalyx pumiceus, Stutchbury, in the British Museum—that is, in the general thickness of the wall and the arrangement of the excretory canal-systems (this specimen is circular, flat-vase-shaped, 17 inches in diameter, and about an inch in thickness),—but in the minute structure totally different, as it is from the structure of all other hexactinellids with which I am acquainted, inasmuch as the bundles of linear spicules, cutting each other in all directions at different angles in the midst of the reticulated structure, are entirely absent in D. pumiceus; and although somewhat resembling those of Huplectella aspergillum, and similarly united by Jadder-like structure, they are comparatively short and ar- ranged in a totally different manner, never apparently cross- ing each other at right angles. Itis true that, where the spiculous structure bridging the oscules is rubbed off, the surface presents the lattice-like appearance of Huplectella ; but this is in an unnatural state, while the rest of the struc- ture of the wall, together with its thickness, resembles that of D. pumiceus rather than that of Euplectella. By chance I found, under 41-inch compound power, a microscopical fragment of the skeleton bearing a rosette, which I now possess, mounted in balsam; and this, as above stated, is globular, radiated, like that of Dactylocalyx subglobosus and also D. pumiceus (‘ Annals,’ 1873, vol. xi. pl. xii. fig. 6). It is the only instance in which I have found a rosette fossilized ; and but for the unusually perfect state of the decalcified skeleton, chance, and the use of a high microscopic power, this, in all probability, would never have occurred. Still it shows that the rosette may be preserved, although the combination of circumstances necessary for its detection may seldom happen. The presence of this globular radiated form of rosette, how- Mr. C. Wachsmuth on Paleozote Crinotds. 379 ever, seems to point out that Purisiphonia did not belong to the Huplectellide, nor to the hexactinellids with scopuliform spicules, as in all these, so far as my observation extends, the rays of the rosette are arranged en fleur-de-lis. Lastly, we learn from Mr. Moore’s paper that specimens of this sponge are not uncommon in the calcareous boulders which are found in the ‘brittle marl” of the Creek of Wol- lumbilla, and among the “ grits and sandstones ”’ of the neigh- bouring plains, indicating, from the other fossils which they contain, and their worn state, that such boulders belong to a drift deposit, and originally came from Upper-Oolitic and Cre- taceous strata, which have previously existed in Australia in their entirety, if this be not the case now, in some parts as yet undiscovered. XLIV.—WNotes on the Internal and External Structure of Paleozoic Crinoids. By CHARLES WACHSMUTH*. THE structure of fossil Crinoids has occupied the attention of many able writers; and numerous ingenious and plausible theories have been advanced to demonstrate the physiological functions of the various parts of their complicated organization. The results of investigations heretofore made have been by no means harmonious; and newly discovered evidence renders many of these theories wholly unsatisfactory. I have been favoured with unusual facilities for obtaining accurate know- ledge upon many of the questions involved in these researches, and therefore hope that I may contribute useful information on the subject. The collections of eighteen years at Burling- ton, Iowa, have brought to light material, unrivalled elsewhere, for this study. I have obtained upwards of four hundred spe- cies of Crinoids at that locality, many of the specimens in such a condition that not only the whole calcareous skeleton of the animal, but even the most delicate internal organs are preserved almost as perfectly as in those dredged from our pre- sent seas. Careful observations, extending through many years, and study of this material in connexion with extensive collections from other formations, have enabled me to add to the present knowledge of these forms many interesting and important facts, and have led me to conclusions which I pre- sent in the following pages. 1. The Mouth and the Tubular Skeleton below the Vault. The apparent absence of a mouth has proved to be one of * From ‘Silliman’s American Journal,’ August 1877. 380 Mr. C. Wachsmuth on the Internal and the most perplexing points in the investigation of the structure of Paleozoic Crinoids. In all Radiates (even of the most inferior groups) this organ is located invariably at one end of the vertical axis, although that axis or centre is not always the centre of figure. It occupies in the recent Crinoids the upper end of this axis; but in many at least of the Paleozoic Crinoids, the portion of the summit where, from analogy, we should expect to find the oral aperture is perfectly covered by solid and immovable plates. The only aperture in connexion with the visceral cavity is lateral or subcentral, placed out- side of the radiation and within the interradial area, where, from analogy, we must expect to find the anus. If, as Mr. Billings*, Dr. Whitey, and the older writers on Crinoids sup- posed, this aperture served both as mouth and vent, so that these Crinoids took in their food through the anus, this stands as the sole exception to the rule governing the class. It is -true the Ophiurans, for instance, have no separate anal opening, and the same aperture performs both oral and anal functions ; but it is placed within the radial centre, and there- fore cannot be homologized with the interradial orifice of Paleozoic Crinoids. In Antedon rosaceus, although the nas- cent Crinoid develops already within the pseudembryo a separate mouth and vent, a single orifice serves for some time both as oral and anal aperture ; yet it is the permanent mouth, occupying the centre of the ambulacral system}. While we thus find the mouth performing permanently or temporarily anal functions, we have on the other hand no evidence, either from recent nature or from embryology, that an anus ever becomes developed into, or performs the office of, a mouth. The Crinoids of our present seas live exclusively on micro- scopic food; and we must expect to find that the Paleozoic Crinoids subsisted upon very similar food and had a very similar mode of alimentation. Whenever in Antedon alimen- tary particles fall upon the furrows of the arms or pinnule, they are transmitted downward along these furrows to the mouth wherein the furrows terminate. Dr. Carpenter remarks on this subject § :— “The transmission of alimentary particles along the ambu- lacral furrows is the result of the action of cilia with which their surface is clothed. Although I have not myself suc- * Silliman’s Journ. 1869, vol. xlviii. no. 142, p. 69. + Journ. Nat. Hist. Boston, 1862, vol. vii. no. 4, p. 481. { Sir Wyville Thomson, Phil. Trans. of the Royal Society. § “Researches on the Structure, Physiology, and Development of Ante- don rosaceus.—Part I.,” by W. B. Carpenter, M.D., F.R.S. (Phil. Trans. Roy. Soe. vol. clvi. part 2, 1866). External Structure of Paleozoic Crinoids. 381 ceeded in distinguishing cilia on the surface which forms the floor of these furrows, yet I have distinctly seen such a rapid passage of minute particles along their groove as I could not account for in any other mode, and I am therefore disposed to believe in their existence. Such a powerful indraught, more- over, must be produced, about the regions of the mouth, by the action of the large cilia which fringe various parts of the in- ternal wall of the alimentary canal, as would materially aid in the transmission of minute particles along those portions of the ambulacral furrows which immediately lead toward it; and itis, I feel satisfied, by the conjoint agency of these two moving powers that the alimentation of Anéedon is ordinarily effected.” It appears from these observations that the mouth of Ante- don has no special functions as such, but is merely a receiving centre or general passage, into which the food which acci- dentally falls into contact with the furrows of the arms or pin- nul enters—a passage which might as well be external, hidden beneath a vault, as open to the surrounding element, provided the food could be brought into contact with it. The large cilia on the inner wall of the alimentary canal, which Dr. Carpenter describes as being capable of producing such a powerful indraught to the region of the mouth, afford, it seems to me, also a very satisfactory explanation of the mode by which the transmission of food was effected in Paleozoic Cri- noids. How much more powerful must have been the effects of these cilia in individuals in-which mouth and furrow were arched over and in which the current was unobstructed from without! Considering, further, that probably the covered parts of the food-channels themselves were fringed with cilia of similar functions, it could have been of but little moment how remote from the mouth the food entered. We find another most striking example in confirmation of this supposition in Hypomene Sarst, Lovén, a recent Cystidean, indicating, in analogy with recent nature, that Crinoids had the mouth some- times internal. Prof. Lovén found in the covered parts of its channels microscopic Crustacea, larval bivalves, and other re- mains of the food of the animal, apparently taken through the open parts of the channels. Applying this observation to Paleeozoic Crinoids, it seems very probable that their food was taken up along the open parts of the arms or pinnule, and conveyed through the closed parts to the concealed mouth. Dr. Ludwig Schultze, in his excellent ‘ Monograph on the Echinoderms of the Eifel’ (Vienna, 1867), was, so far as I know, the first author who suggested the idea that all Cri- noids which are covered on their ventral side by solid plates, and have but one orifice, were provided with an internal 382 Mr. C. Wachsmuth on the Internal and mouth. He further suggested that the food was conveyed by the open food-groove to the inner cavity through the arm- openings at the base of the arms, by means of subtegminal channels along the inner surface of the vault. Dr. Liitken, fully confirming Dr. Schultze’s observations, gives a full description of the ducts and subtegminal galleries, and compares these with the covered food-grooves in Hypo- mene Sarst, expressing the opinion that the galleries under- neath the summit, which he considered to be closed at the bottom and thus transformed into ducts, were food-passages. Meek and Worthen describe and figure, in the Illinois Geo- logical Report, vol. v., from my former collection, now in the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Cambridge, several speci- mens of well-preserved digestive organs, and also an Actino- ertnus proboscidialis, in which askeleton of tubular canals pro- ceeds from a point below the central axis of the vault to the arms. There are in that specimen five main tubes which bi- furcate midway toward the arm-bases, each division bifurcating again, sending a branch to each one of the twenty arms of that species. ‘The main tubes and branches are constructed on their lower side of alternating plates, upon which, on either side, a second row of minute quadrangular interlocking plates is attached, longitudinally arranged, thus covering the tubes. The upper rows of plates are not preserved in this specimen ; but I have found them in two specimens of Sérotocrinus, which I obtained recently, in which they are well preserved and in place. The condition of the specimen, as Meek and Worthen remark, leaves but little doubt that the tubes form through the arm-openings of the calyx a continuation of the arm-furrows. In removing parts of the vault, I unfortu- nately broke the upper part of the fragile skeleton ; but enough is preserved to prove that the five main tubes did not connect directly with each other, but communicated at their upper end (separately, asit seems) with an annular vessel of which traces are yet preserved. Sucha vessel was found in wonderful pre- servation in a specimen of Acténocrinus Verneuilianus, Shum. The radiating canals were here not preserved ; but the little openings through which they communicated are plainly visible in the circular organ. There are, at the lower side of the ring, which is composed of minute interlocking plates, five other small openings, which, alternating with the former ones, were apparently in connexion with organs of the interradial system (communicating perhaps with a circulatory system). ‘Lhe whole upper part of the stomach is here placed within the ring—differing in this particular from ne : ~ “ = ne “ : i a ~ SE IT - “ wa wenn “ PME TS LOE A EAE NONE OE ce : , 2 ; i - ~ er eas OO NI et AO WOON 3 9088 01313 9928