- Cr Merron a eee NE ne ey ied me Pace ar array a SS LT A rr ie a see Oe atin Mr het if fits ye Sad nue i coi i ratn Ni i vou hay fi yee ids Ne Ni on mt y ; aa) A Aye Lied i Life . iv a nae : Niger y ag d be te Mn ; ~ anes i Vas ay. Cn 1h me a) hy . aN ua ny wie a ne : 1 ‘ar i. i aM CA ie ne LM on a ae Ki ue a: sn " vou Oy : ie i, », i a nie Liat Ldn * hat: ; eae a He a0 iy hf + a hi , -Y Vt aN ed +] Aa MD a von Lora y : a) erie Oar | fh a ae iy ht f was us Vey ae Me Eas ¥ hs Wy ee i vial in : . vr “ad: Pen OL AT as Le Rare : ; thy hs a 7 ay me Ry a ve eM ae 0 iy Uae en ye ota eet : ¥ ein ee ‘a is one p' oh i baer 2 ae a A fi ‘ fe a) y ie : hr ae oy ae ff iia ac i r Wis en a bes “i ih ee is 7 ‘v if A, Ay a 2 OTE ‘ Bin. @ ¢ oe. hc iy i Bi iy ‘. ; oF hi is eg oy i . ee ae . | Bid Pe, Sau e . ie 4 Ne i am ; iy Pan van by Be i nih A us i: 7 4 M4: oe aa es nh 7\ ie A et iat 0 4 via ne a ; vi ; ys he ‘\ 7 al ie + as, in y Tae bul rae th A Ph sei, | ae ee) oie yi qo re : ‘a ir pia Uee en Mey ON Xt CL eaae AV ae Sas aN a ‘ba ie i ot Soy A a T a rae i oe ites oan a ite z sae iy. ug iy a y s ig o a i ae i iH aun ne na ay Pies to Vlas eae a ae cas ewe a Fidl i iy ne ee La my id my ube ai Ae 4 a a an: 1 as bs Pee i ar ee. ited uit a a A ee Dek Py a ri it cle ‘ ae 7 ng a ie Be: wane we 4 ay i ae faut i ANY wit i) ‘teal ete ls kOe THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY, INCLUDING ZOOLOGY, BOTANY, ann GEOLOGY. (BEING A CONTINUATION OF THE ‘ANNALS’ COMBINED WITH LOUDON AND CHARLESWORTH’S ‘ MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.’) CONDUCTED BY ALBERT C. L. G. GUNTHER, M.A., M.D., Ph.D., F.B.S., WILLIAM 8. DALLAS, F.LS., WILLIAM CARRUTHERS, F.B.S., F.L.S., F.G.S., AND WILLIAM FRANCIS, Ph.D., F.L.S, L O N D O N : PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS SOLD BY LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO.; SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND CO.; KENT AND CO.; W HITTAKER AND CO.: BAILLIERE, PARIS: MACLACHLAN AND STEWART, EDINBURGH : HODGES, FOSTER, AND CO., DUBLIN: AND ASHER, BERLIN, 1884. “ Omnes res create sunt divine sapientiz et potentiz testes, divitiz felicitatis humane :—ex harum usu donitas Creatoris; ex pulchritudine sapzentia Domini; ex ceconomid in conseryatione, proportione, renovatione, potentia majestatis elucet. Earum itaque indagatio ab hominibus sibi relictis semper estimata ; a veré eruditis et sapientibus semper exculta; malé doctis et barbaris semper inimica fuit.”—Linnaus. “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 Systeme Animal, Leyden, 1767. ee euccene so ee eee helsyivanenpowmers 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-fiower 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. H © i CONTENTS OF VOR, XLV. (FIFTH SERIES. ] NUMBER LXXIX. I. On the Cryptoniscide. By Prof. R. KossMann ............ II. On the Spongia coriacea of Montagu, = Leucosolenia coriacea, Bk., together with a new Variety of Leucosolenia lacunosa, Bk., elucidating the Spicular Structure of some of the Fossil Caleisponsiz; followed by Illustrations of tae Pin-like Spicules on Verticillites helvetica, De Loriol. By H.J. Carrer, F.R.S.&c. (Plate I.) .... 17 III. Some Remarks upon the Variability of Form in Lubomirskia batcalensis, and upon the Distribution of the Baikal Sponges in general. By Dr. W. Dypowsx1. With P.SS. by H. J. Carrer, EBS. &e. (Leo SOE) Scions eke ee eres ee ea Pe er 29 IV. Descriptions of three new Species of Moths from the Island ofNies. By Antnur G. Burm, F.LS., F-Z8., &e. oo... 0.0.05 34 V. On the Systematic Position of the Pulicide. By Dr. Karu PRPS ENE EC lecor DEL gree kits ore wie’ sy cre ams flea Saha Lats a5 thes 36 VI. New Investigations on the Development of the Viviparous Aphides. By Dr. Orie Whe war eee. p,m ce sete sk 54 VII. Notes on the South-Russian Spongillide. By Dr. W. Dy- TGWIBIGL. 15 pcicitinGigid aac Hae © Lnin nga DiCDigar bootie eae arama 58 VIII. On the Synonymy of some Heterocerous Eee iia: By PUD OPH LOSENSTOCK. Es, Atiieia chan: seve avs e's oye bode vet ede wd ale 63 The System of the Monactinellide, by Dr. R. von Lendenfeld ; On Orbulina universa, by M. C. Schilumberge er; On the Ascidian Genus Lhopalea, by ‘M. L. Roule; On the Process of Diges- tion in Salpa, by Dr. Ch. 8S. Dolley ; On a Species of Tachina occurring on the Tracheal System of Carabus, by M. N. Cholod- 65—74 SONGS KAMEN Tcciot ofan eles si RARER Oh oi= os cic) cts bes! oiaiid svcie e aw Fubra veuneshs iv CONTENTS. NUMBER LXXxX. Page IX. Notes on Species of Ascodictyon and Rhopalunaria from the 2 Wenlock Shales. By Grorcr Roprert VINE 7i ee) «6 © © @ Selene ee 0 aledaie X. Descriptions of two new Species of Walckenaéra, Blackw. By the Rey. O. P. Campripes, M.A.,C.M.ZS., &e. (PlateIV.) .... 89 XI. A second Note on Pentastumum polyzonum. By F. JEFFREY Met AY, ya d's w oi aie ls bs 0 esals's cleo = Clete ne mete een as 92 XII. The Causes of Variation. By Romyn Hircucocr........ 93 XIII. Additions to the present Knowledge of the Vertebrate Zoology of Persia. By Jamus A. MURRAY 202... 3 5. 0c- seco es 97 XIV. Additions to the Reptilian Fauna of Sind. By James A. BVIUIRIRAY, occ ob aie v0 ese. 0 spciote «Sau es anelte a een nee Ps oe 106 XV. On a new Species of Lycopodites, Goldenberg (L. Stockir), from the Calciferous Sandstone Series of Scotland. By R. Krpstron, HOGS... (Plate V2). « oc 0c sv a5 «tin cep eee ee ere, foros 111 XVI. Synopsis of the Families of existing Lacertilia. By G. A. IROULENGEB: oo. co. e c:s 0 oie o.0 08 ols eae ann arene ee ane eee ee 117 XVII. Description of a new Species of Pseudacrea from Natal. By Anruur G. Burien, PAUS 22s eo ee ee eee ee 123 XVIIL. Moas and Moa-hunters. By A. DE QUATREFAGES...... 124 XIX. Onthe Presence of Eyesand other Sense-Organsin the Shells of the Chitonide. By H.N. Mosetry, M.A.,F.R.S., Linacre Professor of Human and Comparative Anatomy in the University of Oxford .. 141 On the Submaxillary in Masticating Insects, by M. J. Chatin; Ona new Type of the Class Airudine, by MM. Poirier and A. T. de Rochbrune ; On a new Type of Elastic Tissue observed in the Larva of Eristalis, by M. H. Viallanes ................ 147—151 NUMBER LXXXI. XX. On some Peculiarities in the Geographical Distribution and in the Habits of certain Mammals inhabiting Continental and Oceanic Eclands. By G. KE. Dopson, M.A., F.RiS: .c. cee sce eee 153 XXI. Moas and Moa-hunters. By A. DE QUATREFAGES ...... 159 XXII. On two Species of Alveolites and one of Amplexopora from the Devonian Rocks of Northern Queensland. By Ronert ErHe- RIDGE, Jun., and ARTHUR H, Foorn, F.G.S, (Plate VI.)........ 175 CONTENTS, Vv Page XXII. Crustacea of the ‘Albatross’ Dredgings in 1883. By SELDATOS. LIS BHT a 55 CITB SO a Oia ea 179 XXIV. Notes on Sponges, with Description of a new Species. By DRUPUEO WED NA BEN See Loo. s ee sa vee: os ee boos 183 XXV. On the Hard Structures of some Species of Madrepora. Byeron baMaArrin Duncan, FOR.S. VoP.LS., &er oi. ..2 55 os 188 XXVI. Contributions to a Knowledge of Malayan Entomology. remmtUU a Enya Vie ee MOISTANEL 5 ocicie an ing guia 6 tre eae beak oi wad 198 XXVII. On the Rate of Development of the Common Shore-Crab (Carcinus menas). By GrorGE Brook, I.L.S, (Plate VIL).... 202 Proceedings of the Dublin Microscopical Club .............. 207—212 New Books:—An Elementary Course of Botany, Structural, Phy- siological, and Systematic. By the late Prof. Arrnur Hen- - FREY, F.R.S. F.LS., &. Fourth Edition. By Maxwet. T. Masters, M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S., assisted by A. W. Bennett, M.A., B.Sc., F.L.S.—Second Annual Report of the United- States Geological Survey to the Secretary of the Interior, 1880- Sieve Vy. LOWNGE AD TeChOR cs). ssa ede toe i LON Ole On Floral Polymorphism in Narcissus reflerus, by M. L. Crié ; Anatomy of Epeira, by M. Vladimir Schimkewitsch ; On the Physiology of a Green Planarian (Convolu‘a Schultzit), by M. A. IEIMEU NG LORNY sp iaynsig dpa aaa © at vk oy ithe «FP seis 94 4 Semeur s 220—222 NUMBER LXXXII. XXVIII. The Classificatory Position of Hemiaster elongatus, Dune. & Sladen: a Reply to a Criticism by Prof. Sven Lovén. By Prof. P. Martin Duncay, F.R.S., and W. Percy SiapEn, F.LS....... 225 XXIX. Aspects of the Body in Vertebrates and Arthropods. By EMME TEACHER ta 570 vc otah ee ae dyn aictats Ga ¢ aja Sieh s alohvale Ye aals 4 Ale ance 243 XXX. A Contribution to the Knowledge of the Freshwater Sponge Dosilia Stepanowtt. By Dr. M. Dypowsx1 XXXI. Triassic Insects from the Rocky Mountains. By Samurn Lea CU DER Map norss te tast pepe ch ctavereminr ute Ae oheigisis feahes od cuvedt on. 254 XXXII. On the Affinities of the Onchidia. By Dr. R. Berau .. 259 XXXIII. On a new Species of the Theclid Genus Theritas from Colombia. By ArtHur G. BuTieEr, F.L.S., F.Z8., &........... 267 XXXIV. Some Phenomena in the Life-history of Clathrulina elegans. By Miss SARA GWENDOLEN FouLKE.................. 268 vi CONTENTS. Page XXXV. On Astylospongide and Anomocladina. By Karu A, GTS ete etety oa Ht aoe eh wi ate w: Ste oe so ne wien 019 © 2 aus eg ae 271 XXXVI. Contributions towards a General History of the Marine Polyzoa. By the Rev. THomas Hrncxs, B.A., F.RS. (Plates WHEE DG) ih acne tanirE Tricor hong a Salsas Gc < 276 New Books:—Memoirs of the Geological Survey of India. Palzeon- tologia Indica, being Figures and Descriptions of the Organic Remains procured during the progress of the Geological Survey of India. Series x. Indian Tertiary and post-Tertiary Verte- brata. Vol. II. Part 6. Siwalik and Narbada Carnivora. By R. LyprxKer, B.A., F.G.S., F.Z.S.—Report on the Zoological Collections made in the Indo-Pacific Ocean during the Voyage OO EUMLS, Alert,” 1881-82" ; 25. Joee ieee ene ere 285, 291 Proceedings of the Geological, Society Gio. - seamen oe 294—296 On the Copulation of Diffugia globulosa, Duj., by Dr. Carl F. Jickeli ; How Lycosa tabricates her Round Cocoon, by Dr. H. CheMeOook: vib. e400 os See OCIS eee eee ce 297, 298 NUMBER LXXXIII. XXXVI. Ophryocystis Biitschlii, a Sporozoan of anew Type. By AIMESCHNEIDER. (Plate 2X)r: sec. 5 sumer een iene eer er 301 XXXVIII. Descriptions of Palaeozoic Corals in the Collections of the British Museum (Nat. Hist.).—No. Il. By Ropprr ErHERIDGE, Jun.,and AnrHur H. Foorn; E:GiS. (Plate X12). .¢ eee 314 XXXIX. Diagnoses of new Species of Pleurotomide in the British Museum.” By Epear A. SMEni..c tuk <... ~: seek es eee ee 317 XL. The Auditory and Olfactory Organs of Spiders. By Frrep- Rio Oar, (Plate XT.) . .. tetera coasters eee 329 XLI. Description of a new Species of Microgale. By OLpFIELD Taomas, F.Z.S.,,Natural History Museum )..7. 7: «0 o.-06e-- oaar oT XLII. Notes on the Paleozoic Bivalved Entomostraca.—No. XVII. Some North-American Leperditie and allied Forms. By Prete. RUPERT JONES, EUR.S., F:G:S..0...o4 nee eee 339 XLII. Description of a new Species of the Coleopterous Family Cetonude from Madagascar. By CuarLes O. WaTERHOUSE...... 348 XLIV. On a Polythalamian from the Salt-pools near Déya, in Transylvania. By Dr. EuGren von Dapay .. O49 CONTENTS. Vil } Page New Books:—Vergleichende Morphologie und Biologie der Pilze, Mycetozoen und Bacterien. Von A, DE Bary.—Our Insect Ailiess / Dy RAHODORE WOOD: vaiignihetiim 5 sg.s0 as v0 be ete 363, 366 Note on the Occurrence of some rare Foraminifera in the Irish Sea, by Charles Elcock ; On the Occurrence of a Process resembling Copulation in Comatula mediterranea, by Dr. C. F. Jickeli ; On the Organization of -shaped blue marking at basal third of costa, followed by a broad, oblique, snow-white, externally blue- edged belt from costa to external angle; veins beyond the belt bluish; a blue and white subbasal dot: secondaries reddish orange, with the base, costa, and a rather broad external border black; a strongly dentated greenish-blue marginal stripe; thorax black; head dotted with blue and white; abdomen dull black, regularly banded with creamy white. Wings below somewhat as above, but the primaries with one or two subbasal blue-edged white spots, an oblique lunulated bluish stripe just before the middle, apical area greenish blue, with black longitudinal stripes between the veins ; secondaries with a pale blue basal spot; the dentated blue margin covering the outer half of the external border. Pectus black, spotted with bluish white; venter broadly banded with white. Hxpanse of wings 68 millim. At once separable from L. obliquarta by the great width and white colour of the belt across the primaries, and the absence of the black spot on the orange area of the secondaries. Euschemide. Panethia simulans, sp. n. Has the general aspect of Ophthalmis decipiens, but is of a paler blue-grey colour ; the wings are crossed by four oblique series of black markings, the first consisting of unequal oval spots, the third much the largest, but those on the secondaries subconfluent ; the second series consists of two reversed curved lines united by cross lines at the extremities upon the costal margin and the first median branch ; below this is a pyriform ‘spot on the internal border, followed by a squamose black line across the secondaries; the third series consists of unequal oval spots, the second and fifth large and double on all the wings; lastly, a series of elongated black spots gradually lengthening and widening towards the costa of the primaries, ‘where they unite so as to represent the black border on the « Ophthalmis ; body blue-grey, thorax banded with dull grey $ abdomen with the last three segments bright ochreous. Wings below duller than above, the black markings badly defined ; pectus grey; venter bright ochreous. Expanse of wings 48 millim. A more elegantly formed species than P. georgiata and differently marked. 3% 36 Dr. Karl Kriipelin on the Pulicide. V.—On the Systematic Position of the Pulicide. By Dr. Kari, KRAPetin*. [Plate III.] AFTER my investigations on the buccal organs of the Diptera and Rhynchota t had led me to the conclusion that in the former the true sucking-tube (not to be confounded with the labium, which serves only as its sheath) was formed by a dorsal and a ventral half-gutter (labrum and hypopharynx), and in the latter by two double half-gutters laterally mter- locked, it seemed natural to study also the aberrant members of the two series in the light of this criterion, which applied to all typical forms, in order to arrive at greater clearness with regard to their relationships. In this respect no small interest undoubtedly attaches to the group Pulicide, which, notwithstanding much difference of form, presents such a uniformity of organization, and as to the systematic position of which for more than a century the most different opinions have been expressed, without any generally acceptable and well-established view having yet been arrived at. The history of these opinions has already been given pretty completely by Taschenberg in his Monograph on the Fleas {, so that here a short recapitulation may suffice. Linné, as is well known, created an order Aptera for the wingless insects, Myriopods, Spiders, &c., and in this the flea found its place. A similar position was assigned to it by Geoffroy, Cuvier, and Duméril, as also by Gervais; while, on the other hand, the order Aptera was by many rejected as unnatural, and the relationship of the Pulicide with various winged insects was asserted. ‘Thus Kircher referred them to the Orthoptera, Fabricius and Illiger to the Rhynchota, Résel, Oken, Strauss-Durckheim, Newman, Burmeister, Walker, Von Siebold, and others to the Diptera. Lastly, there were also very early naturalists who would associate the flea with none of the existing orders of insects, but postulated a distinct order for it. The leader in this direction is De Geer. He was followed by Lamarck, Latreille, Kirby and Spence, Macleay, Leach, Dugés, Bouché, and Van der Hoeven, and, * «Festschrift zum 50-jaihrigen Jubilium des Realgymnasiums des Johanneums, Hamburg, 1884. Translated by W. S. Dallas, F.L.S. + In part set forth in the preliminary communication ‘Ueber die Mundwerkzeuge der saugenden Insekten” (Zool. Anz. 1882, pp. 574-79) and in a memoir, “Zur Anatomie und Physiologie des Russels yon Musca ” (Zeitschr. f. wiss. Zool. xxxix. pp. 683-719). } Taschenberg, ‘Die Flohe’ (Halle, 1880), Dr. Karl Kripelin on the Pulicide, 3% among later investigators, by Landois and Taschenbere. But although the last two authors especially pronounced most decidedly in favour of the independent position of the Fleas in the system, and although the most accepted special works upon the Diptera exclude the Fleas as not belonging to the series of forms in that order *, we find that even in the most recent manuals of zoology the group of insects in question is almost without exception cited as a suborder of the Diptera. This may pass in the first place as a proof that really stringent arguments have not yet been brought forward in favour of either view ; but we might also derive the hesitation felt by many zoologists to raise the rank of the Fleas (even under otherwise sufficient grounds) from the circumstance that they lead a parasitic existence, and by this means have possibly undergone profound and peculiar morphological changes by “ adaptation,” as is sufficiently established for other groups of parasitic forms. In opposition to this, however, it must be remembered that with only isolated exceptions (the females of the Sarcopsyllidz) the Pulicide are not stationary, but only temporary parasites, that their whole development is completed without parasitism, and that therefore we cannot well assume any considerable adaptation to a parasitic mode of life. But if this be so, if we succeed in proving that the Pulicide possess a series of morphological characters which cannot be regarded as acquired by parasitism, we must necessarily, in judging of their position in the system, consider the same points of view to be prescriptive that have been generally adopted for the establishment of orders, suborders, and families in the class of insects. These general points of view, however, do not offer us a very brilliant prospect. The Linnean principium divisionis, the form, number, and texture of the wings, having proved to be untenable, we find on the one hand the kind of transforma- tion and its various stages, and on the othe: the structure of the organs of the mouth, raised into the most important criteria of the nearer or more distant relationship of the groups of insects. But, as is always the case, when a single character is thrown too much into the foreground, and the general morphological relations of the two series of forms are not allowed to be prescriptive, difficulties make their appearance even with these apparently so thorough-going principles of division, which considerably diminish their value. The * It is interesting that the well-known work on the Diptera of the ‘Fauna Austriaca’ by Schiner certainly expresses itself decidedly enough in the above sense, but then gives a definition of the true Diptera, which might very well embrace the Pulicide. 33° Dr. Kar] Kripelin on the Pulicide.. group of the Orthoptera, which is certainly not very natural,’ and their multifarious relations with the Neuroptera, the suc- torial Apide, the biting Mallophaga, and lastly the pupal rest of the male Coccide, may sufficiently establish this pro- position. It is still worse, however, as regards general avail- ability, with the distinctive characters of the orders generally cited—the segmentation of the thorax and tarsi, the structure of the wings, of the different buccal organs, antenne, &e. The mere fact of the agreement or difference of these organsindividu- ally cannot give us certainty as to the systematic relationship of two series of forms, but only the examination whether the general organization of one group, as expressed in the deve- lopment of all morphological characters, shows or does not show phylogenetic relations with those of another group; in other words, whether the observed differences in the structure of the parts may be referred equally well to a different “ fun- damental plan”’ in their arrangement, as to simple changes of form and reductions, such as may be explained by altered function. Self-evident as this proposition appears in the light of modern zoology, the history of opinion as to the sys- tematic position of the flea nevertheless shows very plainly how little it has hitherto been taken into consideration by entomologists. One important aid in such investigations upon the true phylogenetie relationships of forms is unfortu- nately at present still almost wholly shut out from us. I refer to the anatomical structure of the organs. The knowledge of this, and especially that of the generative organs, is at present 80 imperfect that a detailed consideration of the internal organization seems to be of little use in the classification of insects, After these prefatory remarks upon the principles which are or should be of force in the grouping of insect-forms, the question as to the systematic position of the Pulicidee may be postulated as follows :—Do they or do they not, in the totality of their organs, show near relations of aflinity with any of the other groups of insects? In the former case we should have to arrange them in this group of insects; in the latter we must establish an independent order for them. I naturally commence my examination with that order of insects which, in the judgment of zoologists, has the most right to receive the Pulicide into it, namely the Diptera. ‘The series of the Diptera must decidedly be called a unitary one; but the two characters so often brought prominently forward. {a perfect metamorphosis and suctorial buccal organs) do not alone establish this unity, seeing that we must also ascribe them to the Lepidoptera, the Apidae, and the male Dr, Karl Krapelin on the Pulicida. 39 Coccidee. Nay, even if we add the footless larva and the fusion of the thoracic segments as further criteria, we might perfectly well unite the Bees with tae Diptera. It is not the simple fact of the suctorial buccal organs that is of importance, but their specific structure, the position and arrangement of the parts composing the suctorial apparatus. If we fix our attention upon this point we at once recognize that the fly’s proboscis is constructed upon a perfectly different fundamental plan from that of the Apidae, that the two are not directly phylogenetically referable to each other, but that, on the other hand, the great variations in the buccal apparatus of the Diptera only represent modifications of one and the same type, distinctly demonstrable throughout. The characteristic of the bee’s trunk consists in the development of the lower parts of the mouth into the sucking organ, while the man- dibles retain their original function; that of the fly’s pro- boscis, on the contrary, in the employment of the labrum and hypopharynx for the formation of the sucking-tube, with which the mandibles and maxille associate themselves as stylets more or less developed as required, while at the same time the labium in all cases has to form a protective sheath for the comparatively delicate tube through which the fluids ascend. This fundamental plan of the employment of the parts of the mouth occurs, as already poimted out in the introduction, in all the groups (except the Pulicide) which have hitherto been placed in the group Diptera, in the piercing Culicid, ‘Tabanidee, and Asilide, the different families of honey-suckers, and the Pupipara, which are so depressed in position through parasitism ; nay, a bridge seems even to be thrown over towards the rudimentary buccal organs of the (Estride, through the structures which occur in Cuterebra. In figs, 1-3 (Pl. LL.) I have drawn transverse sections of the pro- boscides of those groups of flies which, upon one hand or the other, have been referred to as allied to the flea. While those of Tabanus and Culex (figs. 1 and 3) agree not only in the position but also in the number of the pieces composing the proboscis, that of Melophagus (fig. 2, the representative of the Pupipara) shows a great reduction, which finds its expression in the entire absence of the mandibles and maxilla*; but * The two valves embracing the proboscis of the Pupipara have been very erroneously interpreted as maxilla, their palpi, or even as a bipartite epipharynx (Meinert), From the whole arrangement of the proboscis, which is freely movable in a wide cavity of the head extending as far as the prothoracic ring, we can here have to do only with a conical prolongation of the head which has become paired, some- what such as we should obtain if we imagined the slight emargination at the apex of the frontal cone of Rhingia carried down to its base, The strongly projecting cheeks of many Catopides might also perhaps he regarded as analogous, 40 Dr. Karl Kriipelin on the Pulicidee. nevertheless it is easy even here to recognize the typical position of the pieces forming the sucking-tube (dorsally the labrum and ventrally the hypopharynx), and the labium which encloses these as a sheath. Further, the latter bears at the end that enlarged portion which is so characteristic of all Diptera, and which is probably to be interpreted as formed by uniarticulate labial palpi. The same unity in the Diptera appears also in the special structure of the thorax and its appendages. ‘That this appears always separated from the head by a deep incision 1s cer- tainly not without significance ; but it can furnish no decisive datum for the collocation of the Diptera. Of more importance, no doubt, is the fusion of the thoracic segments into a compact thoracic mass, which occurs in all the forms referred to this group. It is indeed true that in orders of insects (I refer particularly to the Rhynchota) the formation of the thorax as regards the separation or fusion of the segments composing it shows manifold differences, without its being necessary that we should separate forms which are united for other reasons, seeing that the fusion or separation of the thoracic segments has to do essentially with a function of the mechanism of flight, and the free segmentation of the thorax in a wingless form may very well be explained as a correlative phenomenon of adaptation. But the conditions are different if, on the contrary, a wingless form exhibits complete amalgamation of the thoracic segments. In my judgment it thereby demon- strates most unmistakably its descent from winged insects, and in this sense the compact structure of the thorax, with the characteristic process of the mesothorax described as the © scutellum,”’ in Jelophagus, the Nycteribiide, and the Brau- lide, decidedly acquires the significance of a still uneffaced relationship with the winged groups standing next to them. And just as on account of this character the assumption is justified that the forms just mentioned stand in close phylo- genetic relationship with winged insects, so does the ex- amination of the dorsal appendages of the thorax lead to the same conclusion. All Diptera do not possess a pair of wings and a pair of halteres; but the two organs which, because special, are certainly of such great importance in characterizing the Diptera, disappear so gradually in the continuous series of forms, that we may trace their progress to the rudimentary state, as it were, step by step. An Ornithobia pallida which, as Lipoptena cervi, tollows a per- fectly different mode of life, enables us at once to understand the case, when we see Melophagus, which is never parasitic upon birds, entirely destitute of wings. But as regards the Dr. Karl Kriipelin on the Pulicide. Al halteres, these, notwithstanding Schiner’s assertion to the contrary, are quite recognizable in the sheep-tick, while in the Nyeteribiide they show all gradations down to quite minute points, so that the complete absence of these apparently insig- nificant organs in the Braulidee need not give us any further disturbance. The ventral thoracic appendages, the legs, cer- tainly present but few differences in the group of the Diptera, nevertheless the five tarsal joints which are usually present are not always constant; and further, other orders of imsects sufficiently prove how little importance attaches in general to the number of tarsal joints and the development of the different sections of the legs. The developmental stages of the Diptera do not show a community of type so distinctly as the structural characters just referred to. ‘The larve are certainly throughout distin- guished by the absence of jointed thoracic limbs, which is of special interest in the case of those forms which live free upon leaves by prey (many larve of Syrphide) ; but with regard to the structure of the head, the armature of jaws, and the development of the tracheal system, there are, as is well known, such important differences, that they have been successfully employed for the systematic division of the order into several suborders and sections. Nevertheless even here intermediate grades are not wanting between the different structural characters (witness the variable development of the first cephalic segment) ; nay, in Brauer’s* opinion, the family Lonchopteridzs may possibly prove to be a perfect transitional group between the Orthorapha and Cyclorapha, so that the multifarious forms of the larve at least offer no veto against the unitariness of the stem of the Diptera. ‘The same thing can also be said of the pupze, which indeed likewise fall under two main types, but are so far brought together by Brauer’s inves- tigations, that these furnish a proof that the so-called “ tun- pupx”’ (obtected pupe) show very different grades of structure, and in many of them the enveloping larva-skin bursts exactly as in the ordinary moulting, and consequently is to be referred simply to a delayed moulting at the close of the larval period. In the latter case, moreover, if the appendages of the segments of the body are not so closely attached to each other and to the body as in the naked and consequently less protected and more easily injured “ mummy-pupz,” no important objection against the natural relationship of the two groups can be derived from this circumstance, which evidently results from * I, Brauer, ‘Die Zweifliigler des Kais. Museums in Wien,’ p. 9 (Vienna, 1883); also in the Denkschr. d, math.-naturwiss, Klasse d. k.-k. Akad, d. Wiss. Bd, xlvii. 42 Dr. Karl Kripelin on the Pulicide. altered condition. The “ mummy-pups,”’ however, show many differences among themselves with regard to the closer or looser appression of the appendages of the body, as may be demonstrated by a comparison of the pups of the Asilida, which rest in the ground, and those of Zipule which live in the water, Of anatomical peculiarities of the Diptera especial mention must be made of the ‘“ sucking-stomach,” which is always present, as also of the large thoracic salivary glands, the efferent ducts of which, wherever the buccal organs perform any function, unite into an unpaired closed canal, which, running along in the cavity of the hypopharynx, opens at its extremity. The testes are almost always two; the Malpi- ghian vessels almost as regularly four. As regards the tracheal system, the constant absence of the first thoracic stigma and the small number of abdominal stigmata are to be noticed; while the nervous system, as is well known, shows all possible forms of development, from the most ex- treme concentration to a very considerable segmentation of the ganglionic chain. If we turn from this brief account of the Dipterous type to the characters of the Pulicide, we must admit, in the first place, that in a whole series of points of comparison an agree- ment between the Diptera and the Fleas can be demonstrated. Like the Diptera, the Fleas have a suctorial buccal apparatus, a perfect metamorphosis, and footless larvee; as in them also the tarsi are five-jointed, there are four Malpighian vessels, and one pair of testes. But, as has already been indicated at age 38, we could only ascribe decisive weight to this agree- ment if all these characters were peculiar to the Dipterous stem alone, and if at the same time, by more detailed comparison, real tenable parallels could be drawn between the different parts of the organs, as between the different stages of develop- ment, ‘This, however, is by nomeans the case. The number of Malpighian vessels and of testes recurs in the same way in the Rhynchota, and therefore proves no more in favour of the relationship between the Fleas and the Diptera than the number of the tarsal joints or the annulation of the terminal knob of the antenne, which may be recognized in all possible groups of insects. At the first glance more importance seems to attach to the agreement of the two groups in the larval state, which in fact goes so far, that Brauer* has no hesita- tion about arranging the larva of the flea in his group of orthoraphal eucephalous Dipterous larve. In opposition to * Brauer, “Kurze Charakteristik der Diptereularven,” in Verh, k.-k, zool.-bot. Ges, in Wien, 1869, p. 846, — Dr. Karl Kyrapelin on the Pulicide. 43 this, however, we must not forget that maggot-like larvae also occur in groups far removed from the Fly-type, in Hymeno- ptera and Beetles, and therefore cannot possibly be of decisive Importance in judging of relations of affinity; as also, on the other hand, that the pupa of the Fleas with its quite separate limbs differs so much at least from the general type of the mummy-pupe, that from this very fact it has been attempted to set up a relationship of the Fleas to the Hymenoptera *. Hence the point of the question how far the analogous characters in Diptera and Pulicides depend upon true phylogenetic affinity would have to be sought in the investigation whether the construction of the sucking- apparatus is carried out in both cases on the same plan, 7. e. with the same employment of homologous parts. ‘That it is only from this discussion and from that as to the structure of the thorax and its appendages that a real decision of the question before us can be arrived at, may indeed be deduced trom the consideration that in these organs we find the only characters which, on the one hand, are confined to the order Diptera, and, on the other, may be traced through- out their whole series of forms, and therefore must be regarded kar’ éboxiyv as typical, The structure of the buccal apparatus of the Pulicide has been very frequently discussed without the question of its relationship to the sucking-apparatus of other groups of insects having as yet been solved. Thus to cite only a few :—Dugés ¢ thinks that the proboscis of the flea may be placed side by side with that of the Tabanidz, but also finds resemblances to the Hippoboscides and Apidax. L. Landoist suggests a resemblance of the mouth-apparatus of the Puli- cidz to the rostrum of the Hemiptera; while Taschenberg$, again, thinks he recognizes the Dipterous type, and espe- cially calls attention to the presence of a “tongue” as the most characteristic part of the mouth of a fly, This ex- traordinary diversity of opinions is principally to be ascribed to the uncertainty of the interpretation of this very “ tongue” of 'Taschenberg’s. ‘The mandibles, maxilla, and labium have long since been recognized with certainty; but the un- paired piercer ”’ (to express myself neutrally) has been referred to as the labrum (Westwood, Haller, Bonnet), as the hypo- * As by Dugés, in his “ Recherches sur les charactéres zoologiques du genre Pulex,’ in Ann, Sci. Nat, tome xxvii, p. 157, 7) Loe. cut. p. 151. } L. Landois, ‘Anatomie des Hundeflohes,” in Nova Acta Acad, Leop.-Car. 1866, p. 56, § Loe, cit. p. 41. A4 Dr. Karl Kripelin on the Pulicide. pharynx (Gerstfeldt), as the epipharynx (Karsten), and lastly, as already mentioned, as the “ tongue” (Savigny, T'aschen- berg), and therefore all serious homologizing must have been prevented, the more, as even the real components of the suck- ing-tube were not made out with certainty. In figs. 10 and 13 I give two transverse sections through the anterior part of the Pulicid proboscis. Fig. 10 represents a section from Pulex irritans ; fig. 13 a similar section, but nearer the base of the proboscis, from Sarcopsylla penetrans*, The sections show at once that the structure of the sucking- tube in the two most distant groups of the Pulicide is quite accordant. In both cases it is the mandibles (md), which, in conjunction with the “ unpaired piercer,” form the true food- canal; embracing the latter above and laterally, they join firmly together in the median line below. _A little while ago, Jules Kiinckel d’Herculais described a parasitic fly (Gymnosoma rotundatum), the larva of which lives in the body of Pentatoma §. In this case also the larva has its hinder extremity turned towards the stigma, and this end is embraced by a chitinous cup, called by Kiinckel “le siphon.” Kiinckel, however, thinks that ‘le siphon ” is a secretion of the larva itself, and by no means a pro- duct of the hypoderm of the infested insect. Kinckel also describes the mode of penetration into the body in a different fashion, namely, that the fly sticks its eggs to the ventral segments of the Pentatoma, and the escaping larva penetrates between the ventral segments into the abdominal cavity and only by degrees becomes connected with the stigma. However this may be with regard to the Penta- toma and Gymnosoma rotundatum, in Carabus the case is most probably as I have suggested. The penetration of the larva through the stigma is in this instance evidenced by the fact that even the very smallest larvee are attached to the stigma, and that they are only met with on the stigma.—Zoologischer Anzeiger, no. 169, June 9, 1884, p. 316. * Ann. Sci. Nat. tome x. p. 248. + ‘Kroyer’s Naturhistorisk Tidsskrift, 1838. See also Erichson’s ‘ Bericht uber die wiss. Leistungen im Gebiete der Entomologieim Jahre 1853,’ Berlin, 1840, p. 95. t ‘ Diptera Scandinavie,’ tome iii. pp. 1038-1039, § Ann, Soc. Ent. Fr. sér, 5, tome ix. (1879). THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. [FIFTH SERIES.] No. 80. AUGUST 1884. IX.—WNotes on Species of Ascodictyon and Rhopalonaria from the Wenlock Shales. By GrorGE Ropert VINE. In the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History’ for June 1877, Prof. H. Alleyne Nicholson and Robert Etheridge, jun., published their joint paper on “ Ascodictyon, a new Provi- sional and Anomalous Genus of Paleozoic Fossils.” In that paper (pp. 463-468) the authors describe forms from the Devonian (Middle, of Ontario) and Carboniferous strata (of Scotland). In a paper read before the Geological Society and ultimately published in their journal (“ Notes on the Polyzoa of Wenlock Shales,’ Feb. 1882), I placed upon record (p. 54) the name Ascodictyon filiforme, Vine, as a_provi- _ sional one. Since the publication of that paper I have been closely engaged on the study of Silurian and Carboniferous Ascodictya, and I find that the forms that I originally placed under the above name may conveniently remain. The or- ganism, however, is such a peculiar one, and my opportunities of studying its varied aspects so singularly fortunate from the possession of a large series of specimens, that I make no apology for adding further details of the species to the brief notice already referred to. The genus Ascodictyon is Paleozoic, though not peculiarly Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. xiv. 7 78 Mr. G. R. Vine on Species of so. In examining a series of Cretaceous Polyzoa in the possession of Miss E. C. Jelly, one specimen appeared to me to belong to the genus. In describing an American Silurian form—in some respects similar to forms found in the Wenlock Shales—Mr. E. O. Ulrich (Journ. of Cincinnati Soc. Nat. Hist. April 1879, pp. 18, 19) has established a genus under the name of Rhopalonaria. The species of the genus, F. venosa, Ulr., the author places with the Crisiide, remarking, “ that the form has only been observed incrusting Streptelasma corniculum. On account of the great delicacy of the fossil, the fronds themselves are rarely found ; but instead we find a series of impressions on the exterior coat of the Streptelasma, which very well represents the fronds and cells of the same.” A specimen of the species described by Mr. Ulrich is before me. It is from the same Cincinnati rocks; as I shall have to refer to the genus again, I have thought that it might be more satisfactory to make reference to an actual specimen than to the mere description of the same. Ascopictyon, Nicholson & Etheridge, Jun. Ascodictyon, Nich. & Eth. jun,, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., June 1877, pl. xix. ; ‘“ Notes on Polyzoa of the Wenlock Shales,” Vine, Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc. Feb. 1882, pp. 52, 53. 1. Ascodictyon filiforme, Vine. Ascodictyon filiforme, Vine, “ Notes on Polyzoa of the Wenlock Shales,” op. cit. pp. 54, 55 (merely referred to in the above). Organism filamentous, forming linear, contorted or clustered threads, adherent to shells, stems of crinoids, fragments of trilobites, but rarely to corals. /ilamentous threads hollow, but surrounded by delicate calcareous walls ; the hollows filled with a dark brown granular mass. Lagena-like divergences developed on the sides of the thread, sometimes as single vesicles, otherwise as groups of vesicles. Peculiarly clustered stellate fibres are also formed at unequal distances. Locality. Buildwas beds, generally distributed throughout the whole of the washings, but more abundant in nos. 36 and 38. This curious organism begins its existence as a mere speck upon stone or shale or stem, which forms the nucleus of a colony. From this delicate filaments are developed (fig. I. 1 a, a‘), sometimes in two or three, at other times in four different directions ; these vary in thickness, but the average size, both in breadth and depth, may be taken as measuring between qin and zi; inch. ‘The threads are sometimes, but rarely, white, more generally of a dark brown tint. Viewed as Ascodictyon and Rhopalonaria. 79 ,opaque objects on shell-fragments they appear like fine hairs laid in lines across the surface, or contorted, crossing each other at different angles, or running in parallel lines; but it would be useless to direct attention to any special feature in their modes of growth, for they vary considerably ; but one Fig. I. ns at . Ascodictyon filiforme, Vine, ;4; inch thick. Two filiform threads run- ning almost parallel. The point of origination is a'; the portion marked a@ is nearly similar, but wanting the nucleus; a* single vesicle, . A. radiciforme, Vine, =4; inch thick. One of the filiform contracted threads, placed here for comparison. . Thread of A. fikforme, drawn from a transparent specimen, showing dark brown pulp. bo co feature which appears to me to have something to do with the development of the colony must not be lost sight of. Occa- sionally some of the filaments bifurcate, and before bifurcation takes place the organism contracts at intervals, and out of this contracted portion a new thread originates. It must not be supposed, however, that this simple explanation is, on the whole, a plainly satisfactory one. ‘The two different sorts of threads, though apparently allied, give rise to two distinctly separable colonial growths in the after stages of their exis- tence. Yet in the earliest, or initial stages, it is not easy to distinguish the difference between them. It will be better, however, to keep the two forms distinct. In a few cases I have been able to reduce the thickness of the shell to which a typical A. filiforme is attached, and have mounted the specimen in balsam on glass. It is then seen that the filament is hollow, and the central parts filled with a dark brown granular matter. This granular matter, which I 7 80 Mr. G. R. Vine on Species of shall call the pulp, is sometimes continuous, at other times, slightly separated from the adjoining mass, when the grains appear like a row of beads dotting the centre of the threads (figs. I. & IL. 3to 5). Surrounding the pulp are delicate and transparent walls, which are distinct and clearly defined. In a few cases the filament bifurcates and the pulp in the undivided portion separates at the node and passes into the divisions thus formed. Real development takes place at irregular inter- vals. On the sides of the thread there is a slight protuberance of the wall, which increases in size until a roundish knob or a lagena-like vesicle is formed. Into these vesicles, which may be either single or in groups, the pulpy mass passes; but to what extent the colony increases beyond the A.-s7luriense stage, I am unable to say; although I believe we may safely regard this species, at least, as the ultimate outcome of the colonial development of A. jiliforme, Vine. Fics 1, Lf Ex, VEZ "ca he aes 4,5. Ascodictyon filiforme (transparent and semitransparent), showing vesicles and pulp. 6. Ditto, showing clusters of vesicles, passing into 7. A. siluriense, Vine. At this stage of inquiry it may be well to ask, whether the name A. siluriense, Vine (Wenlock Polyzoa, op. cit. p. 52), should be suppressed. If the Silurian name is suppressed the Devonian name (A. stellatum, Nich. & Eth.) must be suppressed also, unless the one name may be allowed to embrace both the type and the varieties. In opposition to this view, I think the wiser course would be to allow the forms to retain their present names as given below, for the simple reason that it would be perhaps impossible, or almost impos- sible, to make another collection similar to my own unless the Ascodictyon and Rhopalonaria. 81 shales were searched with the same minute care that I have bestowed upon those furnished to me by Mr. George Maw. Then, again, A. s¢lurdense and A. radiciforme were the firstfruits of my labours; and A. jiliforme was the result of closer exa- mination. As with me so with others, because the matured forms will, I fancy so at least, be considered by the student of micropaleontology as by far the most important as initial Stages in an inquiry like the present one. Another conside- ration is with me of much greater weight than any previously given. It may be, after all the care that I have exercised in thus tracing the origin and development of a colonial growth, that some few facts or fossil illustrations may have been over- looked, and it may be necessary at some future time to limit the type now characterized as A. jfiliforme. If this should happen, the suppressed names would have to be restored, In his observations on A. stellatum Prof. Nicholson remarks (op. cit. p. 465), that in its youngest stage the organism “ pre- sents itself simply i in the form of scattered oviform or pyriform calcareous vesicles attached to the exterior of foreign bodies. When mature it consists of similar vesicles combined into clusters.” I do not doubt the accuracy of Prof. Nicholson’s observations, though I cannot, on the whole, endorse them from my own labours: all the vesicles are united to the filiform thread, though in a few isolated instances ‘‘ apparently ” they are not so. I have examined a large series of 4. filiforme for the purpose of putting the observations of Prof. Nicholson to the test, and I am consequently unable to confirm his views. In his description of fig. 6, pl. xix. (op. cit.), the author says, “‘ Four young vesicles (2) of the same (A. stellatum) &c. ;’’ the vesicles are not foraminated, as in the other figures (2 to 5, pl. xix.), and in this special feature the Ontario vesicles are allied to, though not identical with, those shown in fig. II. of the present paper as gradational stages in the development of A, Jjiliforme, Vine. 2. Ascodictyon stellatum, Nich. & Eth., jun., var. siluriense, Vine. = Ascodictyon stellatum, Vine, Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc. Nov. 188], p. 618. aay? ; Ae = Ascodictyon stellatum, vay. siluriense, Vine, Q. J. G. Soc. Feb. 1882, p. 52. The details of this species have been given in the works referred to above. 82 Mr. G. R. Vine on Species of 3. Ascodictyon radiciforme, Vine. ca al radians ?, Vine, Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc. Nov. 188], . G19. BYAu gectyon radiciforme, Vine, Q. J. Geol. Soc. Feb. 1882, p. 53. When I wrote the details already given in the papers re- ferred to above I did not possess the fine suite of specimens which has enabled me to extend my remarks on the origin, growth, and apparently final (?) development of this peculiar group of organisms, found as yet only adherent to other organisms in the Wenlock shales. In speaking of A. filiforme, I incidentally referred to a single form apparently related to the species, but which I said it would be best to keep separate. J have now to consider the relationship of that form, but which, not being the earliest in the development of the species, I will defer till later on. In fig. I. 5 I have sketched the fragment of a crinoid stem, magnified about 2 diameters, on which one of the finest of my colonies of the earliest stages of this species (A. radiciforme) is attached. {do not, however, found the whole of the evi- dence which I am about to bring forward on a single specimen. I have corrected both the positive and the negative evidence by appeals to between sixty and seventy other specimens ; but as this one affords me evidence of continuous growth, I have built up my description mainly on it. And here I must be allowed to say that, contrary to my general plan in drawing, the whole of my sketches are drawn by the eye, and not by the aid of the camera lucida ; but every figure is a faithful delinea- tion of the original. In fig. IIT. 1, 2, and 3 I have drawn a fibre which is conti- nuous on the fragment of crinoid stem already referred to. At 2, a and a’, we have two nuclei, either of which may be referred to as the originating nucleus of the colony; but it will be best to speak of them separately. In fig. III. 2, a, a kind of false stellate cluster is formed ; but this I regardas only an offshoot ; the true nucleus is at a’, and at this the central part only. It appears to me that the central nucleus originates by the combination of minute spores, which up to the present have escaped my observation; but immediately after the combination, delicate prolongations of the central mass or radii are sent off which do not in every case produce fibrous threads. Ata’ one of these minute combinations is formed, but only one of the rays is apparently developmental *. * Tt will be understood by the paleontologist that in restricting myself thus I only take the evidence presented to me. I have not the least doubt but that what I say of one might be said of all the rays; but I have only the one evidence to rely upon—the positive. Ascodictyon and Rhopalonaria. 83 This extends for a short distance, when another, or pseudo- combination, takes place, the result of which is shown, so far as I am able to trace it; but in that portion which recedes towards a” the fibre is slightly contracted at certain distances. Fig, IIT. In fig. IIL. 1 the fibre is white, undoubtedly hollow, with here and there a broken surface, showing the dark brown pulp (or matrix) below. In fig. III. 3, which is a continuation of fig. IIT. 2, at a’’ we find the continuation of the contracted fibre and 84 Mr. G. R. Vine on Species of other features which it may be well for the reader to refer to, the stellate cluster being a continuation of the fibre at 3*. In following the above remarks it will be easily understood that LT attach very great importance to the method of formation and the character of the tongue-like vesicles which form the radii of this anomalous species, A. radiciforme. Sometimes atter single vesicles are formed, at other times after a combination of vesicles, the organic matter of the thread or fibre undergoes other changes, to which reference has not been made, A group of vesicles combined as in fig. HI. 3*, some of the cells, and occasionally the whole of them, will contract towards the centre or separate from the nucleus, forming club-like cells. In nearly all the instanees where I have seen this mode of con- traction the cells have a very delicate covering of calcareous matter, and are foraminated either in a single line along the centre or indifferently over the whole surface; the latter, however, is a very rare occurrence. I have given figures of the club-like cells (fig. III. 4 a, 44), showing the direction and positions of the foraminated surfaces; but in fig. IT. 4 I have shown the basal attachment of one of the fibres, which shows that the under surface was more densely foraminated than the upper. The irregular fibre shown in fig. III. 6, though not strictly speaking a portion of a stellate cluster, is likewise foraminated., In the ‘Journal of the Cincinnati: Society of Natural History,’ 1879, vol. ii. pl. vii. figs. 24 and 24a, Mr. E. O. Ulrich describes and figures a very peculiar fossil adherent to the exterior coat of Streptelasma corniculum. For the species a new genus 1s founded—Rhopalonaria, from rhopalon, a club—which Mr. Ulrich places in the family Cristide ; and he says that “the genus is related to Hippothoa, but in the form and arrangement of the cells they ditter widely.” There is not, however, any relationship to Hippothoa in the species described; but as the cells are somewhat club-shaped, it may be well to accept the genus if more fully defined. In the species, &. venosa, Ulr., the “cells are uniserial, long, acutely elliptical, and joined together at their contracted ends. . . . Cell-mouths not clearly determined, but appear te be situated near the middle of the cell” }. In my own speci- men of this species I cannot detect any cell-mouths, but the other characters are well defined by the author. In the Ludlow rocks and also in the Wenlock shales there are several fossils that might have been conveniently placed in this genus if my specimens did not throw some little light + Italics mine. Ascodictyon and Rhopalonaria. 85 upon their origin and development. In fig. IV. I have given sketches of four distinct types of very common forms found in theshales. In fig. 1V. 1 we have the rarest of these, showing elongated cells very similar to some of the cells of Stomato- pora elongata, Vine (fig. IV. 2), only that the cells are in an opposite direction to what (apparently ?) is the case in 8. elongata. I cannot, however, detect any orifices in these cells such as we have in S. elongata. Another form, very common indeed, is shown in fig. IV. 3. Only that the cells are not club- shaped, I suggested for this type £. botellus, as descriptive of its peculiar sausage-like character, But even of this type better evidence is afforded by Fig. IV. U = Ss \ == ALL. - oN 3S | oS : SS & a SSD J ae 1, 3, 4, 5. Rhopalonaria, Ulrich ; species described in text. 2. Stomatopora elongata, Vine. fig. [V. 4, in which both the dotellovd and the rhopalotd charac- ters are shown in one colony. Some of the cells in the last figure have, one would suppose at first sight, cell-mouths. This is not so: those cells that are shown ie are a little more eal- careous than the others; the walls are broken at this part, and the dark brown Hier is shown below. I have some few specimens of the last two types, and the whole of the walls or outer covering is destroyed, and the dotella-like matrix is still adherent ie the fragments to which the original organism was fixed. In fig. IV. 5 we have a fourth and 86 Mr. G. R. Vine on Species of last type, which is similar in some respects to R. venosa, Ulrich *. In addition to my own observations I have the evidence of a most careful observer as to the existence of Rhopalonaria in the Ludlow rocks. In 1881, J. D. Longe, Esq., of Chel- tenham, sent me a series of sketches (fig. V.), with the Fig. V. x30 = es X65 Rhopalonaria, Ulrich, from the Ludlow rocks. Figures supplied by J. D. Longe, F.G.8., Cheltenham. following remarks :—“ I also enclose a sketch of a very abundant, encrusting, creeping ‘ stoloniferous’ form, which I have on shells (Spcrifer) from some Upper Silurian bed... . probably Ludlow.” These beautiful forms are different from any known to me in the Wenlock shales, and their publica- * Not similar to his figures, but similar to some cells seen on the spe- cimen of Ulrich’s species in my own cabinet. Ascodictyon and Rhopalonaria. 87 tion with the above details may be the means of helping others in their researches among the micaceous and other shales of the Ludlow series of rocks. My labours are entirely confined to the Wenlock series and some only of the shales over the Wenlock Limestone. I do not think it necessary to speak more fully now of the genera Ascodictyon and Rhopalonaria. It is important, how- ever, in vindication of my remarks, to make some reference to the various opinions on the organisms which Prof. Nicholson gives in the section of his paper entitled ‘‘ Systematic Position and Affinities ” (/. ¢. p. 466). He says, in the first place, that Dr. Strethill Wright (to whom Scoteh specimens of A. radians, Nich. & Eth., were submitted for examination) ‘‘ was unable to throw any light upon their nature.’’ Prof. Huxley, to whom the same specimens were submitted, after considerable hesitation, suggested that they might be Protozoa. Mr. H. B. Brady, after a protracted examination of both the Scotch and the American forms, has arrived at the conclusion that they cannot be referred to the Foraminifera. Some of the American specimens (A. fusiforme, N. & E., and A. stellatum, N. & HE.) were kindly submitted by Mr. H. B. Brady to the Rey. Thomas Hincks, who suggested that they were possibly allied to the recent Anguinarie. Neither Prot. Nicholson nor Mr. Etheridge expresses any positive opinion as to their systematic position or affinity. The difficulties encountered by these various authorities when speaking of this remarkable group are valuable so far in helping to establish the uniqueness of the types submitted to them; but none of the suggestions help to throw light upon their nature and affinity. Yet I have respected the whole of the remarks, and have compared specimens of the fossil species with specimens of every known living type suggested as ‘ probable” by these authors, but without any definite results. Perhaps it would be wise to pause here, for it is not for me to suggest possible affinities when so many experts have failed. Yet I cannot allow the paper to pass out of my hands without making a suggestion, Which may possibly share the same fate as the others. There are not, so far as I am aware, any Cyclostomatous Polyzoa which may be considered as truly stoloniferous. Some of the Hydrozoa are; -but I know of none whose stolons are adherent to stone or shell, such as are found in these ancient rocks, neither am J aware that the stoloniferous Ctenostomatous Polyzoa are adherent to stone and shell, like Ascodictyon or Rhopalonaria. Yet it seems to me that we have, in Ascodictyon filiforme at least, primitive representatives 88 On Species of Ascodictyon and Rhopalonaria. of the stoloniferous Vesiculariide, such as Vestcularia and Bowerbankia, or, possibly, some member of the more humble race of the Entoprocta. Barrois has already, in his paper “ On the Embryogeny of the Cyclostomatous Polyzoa” (Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. Nov. 1882, p. 402), spoken of a pro-Bryozoan race, composed of “ free swimming organisms.” May Asco- dictyon be the attached, or larval torm, of some of the as yet unknown pre-Upper-Silurian types of organic life, polyzoan or otherwise ? There is, however, another suggestion which may help to throw some little light on the development of A. radiciforme, Vine, though we cannot hope by the comparison to explain away all the difficulties which surround the subject. I refer now especially to some remarks contained in a paper by Mr. George Busk, F.R.S., entitled “ Notes on a peculiar Form of Poly- zoa Closely allied to Bugula, =Kinetoskias, Kor. & Danielsse1”’ (Quart. Journ. Microsc. Soc. vol. xxi. new ser.). After speaking of the development of the various species of Aéneto- skias, Mr. Busk says, “I have yet scarcely adverted to the most remarkable feature of Aénetoskias, viz. the peduncle or stem, which appears to exist in all species. . . . The mode of formation of this part of the zoarium, which is undoubtedly the homologue of the bundle of separate radical tubes so commonly met with among the Polyzoa, is extremely curious and interesting, and, at the same time, in some points as yet more or less obscure, as, in fact, may be said respecting the mode of formation and development of the more ordinary Jorm of radical tubes *. “In the more common forms they are cylindrical, jointed, chitinous tubes, with rather thick walls and with very scanty contents, beyond a few granular particles and irregular threads, representing, as it would seem, the remains of an endosare, with which, in order that their progressive increase in length, and occasionally complicated branching &c., may be effected, we must suppose the tube to be furnished. In fact it is otherwise impossible, without assuming the presence of a germinal material, to account for the fact that even after the tubes have attained a considerable length the extremity, or a considerable part of the tube, may undergo great changes in form, as is seen in the production ot hooks and other means of ensuring adhesion to foreign bodies, changes showing a most extraordinary adaptability to circumstances. Not the least remarkable of these adaptations is the division of the extremity of the tube into a multitude of very minute tubular * Ttalics mine. On two new Species of Walckenaéra, Blackw. 89 filaments, each of which may be traced into independent con- nexion with small foreign bodies.” Had Mr. Busk been writing of Ascodictyon instead of species of K?netoskias, he could not have given more faithful descriptions of some of the specimens found in the Paleozoic rocks. The suggestive inference to be drawn from these remarks, and others that might have been given, is that the dark brown masses (pulp &c.) in the various species of Ascodictyon are probably the remains of endosare in these once living filaments and semi- tubular and bulbous tubes. There is just one other point in Mr. Busk’s paper to which I will direct attention in conclusion, because it will help us to understand and appreciate at its proper value Ascodictyon and the abortive or “ blind cells” of Rhopalonaria :—" That the radical and connecting tubes, like the avicularia and vibra- cula, represent modified zooids, is, I believe, generally admit- ted; nor can it be denied in this case (Bugula &c.) that each successive joint or internode is a distinct zooid.” And in a note the author says, “In Bicedlaria and in Notamia it may almost be said that the inhabited part of the zocecia is simply a dilatation at one part of the internode of a radical tube, which is continued to the ultimate extremity of the branch.” X.— Descriptions of two new Species of Walckenaéra, Blackw. By the Rev. O. P. Camsripge, M.A., C.M.Z.S., &e. [Plate IV. ] AMONG a large number of Spiders sent to me for identification, during the last three or four years, by Major-General A. W. M. van Hasselt, from Holland, are two of the curious genus Walckenaéra, Bl., which I believe to be undescribed. Their discoverer having kindly permitted me to do so, I now sub- join descriptions and figures of these novelties. Family Theridiide. Genus WALCKENAERA, Bl. Walckenaéra Hasseltit, sp. n. Adult male, length 35 of an inch, or 2 of a line. Cephalothorax rich black-brown. Legs yellow, tinged with orange-brown. Perhaps i1 some examples they would be bright orange-yellow. 90 Rev. O. P. Cambridge ox two Abdomen jet-black, thinly. clothed with short fine yellowish hairs. The upper part of the caput is slightly raised above the ordinary level, and presents a flattish summit, the middle of which forms an oval distinctly marked by a surrounding groove; the hinder slope or occipital portion looked at in profile is short and abrupt. The profile resembles in this respect pretty nearly that of W. Becki, Cambr., and a not very strong, small, narrow-oval, slightly curved indentation or fovea runs backwards from just above each lateral pair of eyes a little below and parallel with the upper margin of the caput; in the middle of the ocular area are a few short strong upturned hairs. ‘The cephalothorax is short, almost round, and the thoracic region is somewhat flat and its sur- face rugose, while that of the caput is smooth and glossy. Eyes small and very indistinct, placed on the fore part of the caput, one pair (the hind centrals) on the anterior edge of the raised portion in a transverse line about a diameter apart from each other; immediately beneath them is a slight trans- verse indentation, and just below each extremity of it is a lateral par placed obliquely, and midway between the two lateral pairs (and contiguous to each other) is the fore central pair. The height of the clypeus is about two thirds of that of the facial space. Legs slender, not very long nor very unequal in length, 1, 4, 2,3, furnished with very short fine hairs only. Palpi short, similar in colour to the legs, excepting the radial and digital joints, which are dark yellow-brown. The radial joint is similar in length to the cubital, but much stronger ; it is of a rounded spreading form and has a short bifid apophysis bent abruptly inwards at its fore extremity on the outer side. The digital joint is rather large, oval. Palpal organs highly developed, prominent, with several spines and corneous processes ; a very long, slender, filiform spine issues from the middle of their outer side and curves round beneath with a long, free, sinuous, exceedingly slender, hair-like point, and another short black spine is curved in a circular form at their extremity. Falces small, conical, directed strongly backwards, and of a deep yellow-brown colour. Maxille and labium of the ordinary form common to the genus, and similar in colour to the falces. Sternum large, short, heart-shaped, convex, and of a glossy deep black-brown colour. An example of this distinct spider, which I have great new Species of Walckenaéra, Blackw. 91 pleasure in naming after its discoverer, was sent to me in 1880 by Major-General A. W. M. van Hasselt from the neighbourhood of the Hague, Holland. This species appears to be nearly allied to W. sordidata, Thor. (W. atra, Bl.), a spider I have never seen; but the description of it is not sufficiently close to the spider now described to justify the conclusion that the two are identical. The profile also is much like that of W. erythropus, Westr.; but the caput is less elevated and the palpi totally unlike. It is also allied to, but I think quite distinct from, W. elegans, Cambr., a Bava- rian species (P. Z. 8. 1872, p. 766, pl. Ixvi. fig. 23). Walckenaéra nemoralioides, sp. n. Adult male, length 35 of an inch; adult female ~; of an inch. In size and form, as well as in the coriaceous punctured upper surface of the abdomen, this little spider closely resembles W. nemoralis, Bl.; but the colour of the cephalothorax and abdomen is blacker and that of the legs is a clearer yellow than in that species. ‘lhe two may also be more readily distinguished by the form of the radial joint of the palpi. The apophyses of this joint are in a similar position, but the outer (tapering) one is much larger, longer, and more prominent, being double as long as the joint, slightly curved, projecting outwards at right angles to it, and very slightly hooked at the point. The other apophyses are very similar to those of W. nemoralis, but proportionately larger and of a different form, that in front being constricted near the middle. In W. nemoralis the outer apophysis is not only shorter and less strong, but consists apparently of two parts, a basal por- tion, prolonged and ending with a very fine, sharp, somewhat thorn-like addition. Examples of this spider have been sent to me at different times during the last two years by Maj.-Gen. A. W. M. van Hasselt from Holland. Mons. Simon, on examining one of these which [ forwarded to him, considered it to be only an example of W. nemoralis, Bl.; but the differences above noted (as well as some other minor ones) are so constant that I do not feel the smallest doubt of its being specifically distinct. I have received also one example of the typical W. nemoralis, Bl., $, from Holland; but the species now described has not yet been found in Great Britain. The female resembles the male in colours, but the occiput is simply a very little gibbous when seen in profile, and the height of the clypeus is rather less than half that of the facial space. 92 Prof. F. J. Bell on Pentastomum polyzonum. EXPLANATION OF PLATE IV. Fig. 1. Walckenaéra Hasseltii. a, spider, magnified ; 4, ditto, in profile, without legs or ee ; ¢, slightly perspective view of caput; d, caput, from in front, showing the position of the eyes; e, left palpus, from in front and rather inside; f, natural length of spider. Fig. 2. Widatnaera nemoralioides. a, spider, magnified, g; 6, ditto, in profile, with legs and palpi removed ; c, caput, from in front, showing the eyes; d, left palpus, from in front and rather on the inner side; e, radial joint of palpus; g, 2 in profile, without legs or palpi; A, natural length of spider; %, genital aperture, ?. Fig. 3. Walckenaéra nemoralis, Bl. Part of palpus of ¢. XI.—A second Note on Pentastomum polyzonum. By F. Jerrrey Bett, M.A. In the sixth volume of the current series of the ‘ Annals’ (pp. 173-176) I published a short note on the rediscovery of the Pentastomum polyzonum of Harley, two female specimens of which had been acquired by the British Museum in 1880. Lately we have received other specimens which formed part of the collection of the late Dr. Edwards Crisp, but are without any indication of origin* and not in first-rate condition. A short time since an interesting essay on the structure of Pentastomum was published by Mr. W. EH. Hoyle in the ‘Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’ (vol. xxxu. pp- 165-191), in which he describes a new species (P. pro- telis), and gives an account of its anatomy. Mr. Hoyle was fortunate enough to have examples of both sexes of the parasite, and he describes the male as being 13-17 millim. in length, and as having sixteen or seventeen annuli. Of the two specimens which formed the basis of my former note neither was male; of the seven specimens now received one is a male, and I have been able to observe that it, while measuring 36 millim. in length, has only seventeen rings, and that the most anterior of these are much less pro- minent than they are in the female. In addition, therefore, to the numerous points of similarity indicated by Mr. Hoyle, we have another in the smaller number of annuli in the male than in the female. Another point is to be observed in the * Although a careful search has been made in Dr. Crisp’s collections, there are no indications of the Pentastomum annulatum of Baird, which did, I believe, on the dispersal of the Zoological Society’s museum collec- tions, pass into the hands of Dr. Crisp. It is greatly to be wished that this type should be found. Mr. R. Hitcheock on the Causes of Variation. 93 fact that of the six female specimens now before me two have twenty, while the others have only nineteen annuli; in other words, the result to which I was led (tom. cit. p. 176), a good deal to my surprise, as to the great value of the number of rings in the body, is a little shaken, although it falls in rather with one’s general experience as to the specific value of num- bers such as these. It is to be noted, further, that the two females with twenty annuli measured respectively 75 and 80 millim., or less than three with nineteen rings, which measured 90, 95, and 105 millim.; a specimen of 46 millim. in length had nineteen rings. The fact that the male has seventeen annuli, while that of P. protelis has sixteen or seventeen, and the discovery of the fact that the female of P. polyzonum is not absolutely limited to nineteen rings, diminishes the gap that separated the two species, Mr. Hoyle being apparently inclined to give as much importance as I did to the seeming constancy of the number of rings in the female. While these considerations, then, tend to the union of the species P. protelis with P. polyzonum, the fact that the two animals, the small carnivore and the voracious snake, do live in the same area gives a clenching force which, to my mind, is almost irresistible. XII.—The Causes of Variation. By Romyn Hitcncock’. THE recent studies of Dr. W. B. Carpenter upon Orbitolitest are of special interest, owing to the remarkable manner in which the stages of variation and development have been traced. The monograph by Dr. Carpenter, published in the Reports of the ‘Challenger’ Expedition, was the subject of some remarks recently made by the writer before the Biological Society of Washington, in which an effort was made to explain how such a simple sarcode organism as the animal Orbitolites has been led to produce a shell of complex form. Dr. Carpenter regards it as the expression of a not understood “ progressive tendency along a definite line towards a higher specialized type of structure in the calcareous fabric.”’ This, however, is merely a statement of the facts observed, and in no wise assists in their explanation. Elsewhere it may be gathered from the author’s words that he regards the * From the ‘ American Journal of Science’ for July 1884, pp. 49-52. + Phil. Trans. part ii. (1883). Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. xiv. 8 94 Mr. R. Hitchcock on the complex shell as significant of a ‘‘ plan so definite and obvious as to exclude the notion of ‘ caswal’ or ‘ aimless’ variation.” The facts seem capable of a somewhat different interpreta- tion, which seems more in accord with our present knowledge of simple organisms, and quite sustaining the views of Darwin that “plan,” in the sense used by Dr. Carpenter, should be superfluous. or if there be an inherent tendency to variation among these organisms, as Dr. Carpenter seems to believe, how do we explain the persistence of the original Orbitoline type, O. tenuissima? Biologists seek to discover the causes of variations which they observe; but it seems not less important that the persistence of types should also be explained. 0. tenutssima is a very ancient species, and surely any inherent tendency to change would have mani- fested itself during the long period of its existence, even under unfavourable conditions. The observations I have to offer may be said to relate entirely to change of environment; but their tendency is to demonstrate that the changes observed in the shells of this family are not due to any inherent tendency resulting in a definite plan, but that they are due to causes easily understood. It is far from my intention to deny a definite plan of growth to these organisms. But plan of growth does not imply that there have been causes acting within the organism—special tendencies of the protoplasm toward higher structure. It seems to be such an assumption that has led Dr. Carpenter to speak of a “not understood” progressive tendency, &e. In my opinion the causes of such progression as can be observed are easily understood; and the plan of growth becomes a natural consequence of these causes, which are purely physio- logical, and independent of any supposed tendency to varia- tion. While Dr. Carpenter, on the one hand, seems to regard variation as due to an inherent tendency of ‘the protoplasmie body, the writer, on the other hand, attributes it entirely to the more or less favourable conditions of life of the different species. Moreover, I am quite unable to understand how any inherent tendency to variation impressed upon the sarcode could fail to find expression in some differentiation of the sarcode, which in the cases in question has not been ob- served. The same view seems to be held by O. Schmidt, who, in his ‘Grundziige einer Spongien-Fauna des Atlantischen Gebietes,’ alludes to Dr. Carpenter’s previous studies, and compares the changes observed in the Sponges and Forami- nifera. He says the changes in the latter are found in the general habit of the form and the variable grouping of Causes of Variation. 95 the chamber-systems, while among the Sponges the variation is in the microscopic detail. ‘One may speak of the iicro- scopic form of Foraminifera, but not of microscopic elements.” The complexity of the shell is merely in the multiplicity of chambers and the manner of their intercommunication. ‘The process of growth, even in the complex O. complanata, is in all respects identical with that in other species, and in no essential feature differs from that of Peneroplis. What Dr. Carpenter designates as a “ higher specialized type of struc- ture’ does not represent an advanced degree of specialization in any part; nor can we discover any advantage to the organ- ism arising therefrom. It is true there is an advance in com- plexity; but unless accompanying this there is an evolution in function, or unless it results from some effort of adaptation which confers some benefit upon the organism, it seems not proper to regard complexity of shell-structure as a proof of biological advancement. Seeking for an explanation of the cause of the increased complexity of shell-structure, so beautifully illustrated in the Milioline family, the writer was led to the conclusion that itis entirely due to the favourable conditions of life and the abun- dance of food available. It is true, as already said, this may be regarded as a mere statement of the influence of environ- ment causing variation; but a careful consideration of the subject will show that there is a broad distinction between environment as a cause of variation and adaptation to environ- ment; for in this case we are unable to perceive any benefit to the organisms arising from their adaptation to changed conditions. If it be said we can seldom discover the benefits supposed to be derived from adaptation, it may be answered that it is usually possible to infer how the changes observed may prove beneficial. In the case under consideration, however, an examination of the changes that have taken place does not indicate any possible benefit to the organism. The multipli- cation of chamberlets necessitates very intimate intercommu- nication for the transference of food and the continuation of the processes of life. The organism is not thereby better adapted to its surroundings, but is made more dependent for its existence upon the continuance of the favourable conditions under which it has developed. ‘The advance in complexity—the multiplication of chamberlets—would only be possible under the most favourable conditions, for all the nutriment received by the interior segments must be col- lected by the sarcode at the margin of the shell, and the necessary food could only be obtained where the ay was * 96 Mr. R. Hitchcock on the Causes of Variation. abundant. It may be conceived that if O. complanata were placed in situations less favourable as regards food it would die of starvation, owing to the quantity of inner sarcode requiring nourishment, while O. tenuissima needs only more favourable conditions as regards food and, perhaps, tempera- ture to become as highly complex in structure as the last- mentioned species. As a further proof of the influence of environment leading to changes which cannot be regarded as special adaptations, in the usual meaning of the word, the forms of O. complanata found on Fiji reef are especially characterized by thick plicated margins, as though growth proceeded with too great rapidity to produce symmetrical disks, and these forms are associated with the largest repre- sentatives of the species. The distinction above referred to seems an important one, which, if it has already been recognized, has not been promi- bed =) o,;2 . . nently brought forward in the writings with which ] am familiar. Before the Biological Society the subject was briefly considered in the following words :— “ Regarding the subject from this point of view, we are led to examine more closely the relations between the spiral and the cyclical methods ot growth. ‘Their intimate relation is only noticeable when we observe how one has been derived from the other. When the spiral growth of Orbiculina pro- duces a complete circular disk, further spiral growth becomes impossible; and if we concede that the extrusion of the sarcode to form successive chamberlets is due to nutrition and growth, the cyclical plan then becomes a necessity. In this way it may be supposed cyclical growth originated, purely a result of nutrition, not by adaptation to environment, but as a result of it; not because such growth is or ever was better adapted to the conditions of life. “We find here a steady course of variation a result of physiological processes, independent of those external causes to which we are accustomed to attribute such changes. These variations, as successively produced, have been perpetuated through inheritance, until the plan of growth has, in some species, totally changed. Herein, therefore, we may find an indication of how the plan of growth originated, and a sugges- tion that the inscrutable laws which govern the progress of evolution may each have beginnings equally simple, and not beyond the range of human insight to discover. Evolution in this case seems not to be a result of a definite plan of growth, but the plan of growth is the result of physiological pro- cesses. However great and important the influences of environment and selection may have been in the production On the Vertebrate Zoology of Persia. 97 of genera and species, perhaps the attractiveness of the idea and the ease with which it enables us to dimly understand many biogenetic problems permits us to lose sight of other influences more obscure, but of equal importance in the history of life.” This view of the subject seems to derive still further support from the geographical and bathymetrical distribution of the species. Without entering into a lengthy discussion of this part of the subject, it may be said that as a rule the more complex species are found in the warmer waters under conditions most favourable to the activity of nutritive pro- cesses. As an example, the very large specimens of O. complanata from Fiji reef may be taken. On the other hand, the ancestral form O. tenudssima still inhabits the colder and deeper waters, retaining the simple characters of its earliest known condition. XI1.—Additions to the present Knowledge of the Vertebrate Zoology of Persia. By JAMES A. Murray. Since the publication of Mr. Blanford’s valuable work on the Zoology of Persia (1876), giving a complete list of the animals inhabiting that country, nothing, I believe, has been published as an additional contribution, except a single paper in the Proc. Zool. Soc. for 1881, which added five species to the already large list of reptiles; these are Agama persica, Scincus controstris, Hydrophis temporalis, Catachlena dia- dema, and Hydrophis cyanocincta, the first three being newly described species. The Kurrachee Museum, having now rather an extensive collection of Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles from Hastern Persia—very kindly made for the institution by Mr. W. D. Cumming, of the Persian Telegraph, during the past three years—and having also acquired a collection, comprising thirty- six species of Reptiles and seven Mammals (also from Persia) —made, it is said, by a member of some foreign exploring cominission in 1876—77—I am enabled, after careful examina- tion of these materials, to add a few more species to the existing knowledge of the Vertebrate fauna of the country. For the collection said to be made by a member of some foreign commission, the institution is indebted to Mr. Poss- man, also of the Persian Telegraph. Although this collection dates as far back as 1876-77 the specimens are in an excel- 98 Mr. J. A. Murray on the lent state of preservation ; each specimen has been carefully labelled, giving the date, year, and localities of capture, the latter being chiefly Bushire, Tanjistan, and Charbagh, near Bushire. Among Mammals there is nothing new, but a few species, of the occurrence of which Mr. Blanford seemed to doubt and which are comprised in the collection, are noted below. 1. Rhinolophus ferrum-equinum, Schreb. Rhinolophus ferrum-equnum, Schreb., Bf. EK. Pers. ii. p, 19. 1¢: Bushire, 26. 11. 83. 2. Ursus thibetanus, F. Cuv. Ursus, sp.?, Blf. E. Pers. p. 47. cee gedrosianus, BIf, J. A. S. B. xlvi. pt. 2, p. 317; P. A.S. B. 1879, p. Mr. Blanford records this from Beloochistan, on the assu- rance of the natives of the country. Major Mockler very kindly procured for me three skins with skulls of the animal inhabiting the Beloochistan hills. These with two other skins from the Sind hills were those of Ursus thibetanus. There is now a live specimen in the Kurrachee Zoological Gardens, from the Sind hills. 3, Delphinus plumbeus, Duss. Not recorded in Zool. E. Pers. The Kurrachee Museum has two skulls from Lingah. 4, Dipus Blanfordi, sp. nov. Dipus macrotarsus ?, Wagner, Blf, E, Pers. p. 74. 1 g,192 adult (pregnant), and two adolescent: Bushire, July 1882. Four juv.: Tangak, May 1877. One adolescent, Tanjistan, June 1877. These agree in every particular with Mr. Blanford’s de- seription. The long black tuft of hair beneath the hind feet is very characteristic, also the broad whitish band across the upper part of the thigh and the rufescent fawn thigh-patch. These differences being constant, the Persian form must be considered distinct ; and Mr. Blanford having first character- ized the species, I have much pleasure in associating his name with it. I must, however, add the following particulars to the de- scription given by Mr. Blanford:—Mammze 8—one pair under the throat in front of the fore legs, one pair behind Vertebrate Zoology of Persia. 99 the fore legs, and two inguinal pairs. In adults the tail is unicolorous up to the pencil of hairs and of a pale isabelline colour, while the black portion of the pencil in adolescents is a dark brown, tinged slightly with rufescent; the back is much darker in colour in adults, owing to the bases of the hairs, which are of a dark ash-colour, showing through ; claws horny. Molars of upper jaw all biplicate, inside and out: of lower jaw, Ist biplicate on both sides, 2nd triplicate without and biplicate within, 3rd biplicate outside and rounded within. The following are dimensions of an adult pregnant female and an adolescent male :— Adoles- Adult 9. cent ¢. in. in, Length from tip of nose to root of tail ...... 5°25 o'70 Pittoror talk. snikidsveenthe Suis See poe Ne 72 6:0 Ditto of pencil at end of tail ........., We eeug Ordo 0-56 Totaldengthy 6a. 0e sontne 13:2 10°31 Height of ear from upper margin of outer conch 0°75 05 Dittovromi base of skull 100 0). fe oes bee ae 0:82 Breadth: of ear laid flat: .... 6... cece ea ees 0°62 O-44 Length of tarsus, foot, and claws .......... 2°62 2°12 Longest whisker (reaching to beyond the axil Gielen Chee persis tere. csshectte os aoe sien ctes ni « 25 30 Skull, from upper edge of foramen magnum to endtof masa WbOnes'., 44. 5» sim aigeiske achore vise 1:25 Skull, from lower edge of ditto to front of upper MERCISOLS ep cen i seN elt c uw Aauctogt Aetoncse ak bobo) aS 1+12 Breadth across hinder part of zygomatic arches 0°87 Ditto; between Orbits. x... i2nscecebess aes 0:5 Length of lower jaw from condyle to inner BASE! OL MICISOTS’. 0. cat hae te toe tee ses 0-72 Reeth-line, Wpper jaws .'... 0 id eli tle danse os 0-18 esth-line; lowerjavy. -... cae e jeee ee os 0-18 Space between inner edge of Ist molars...... 0-18 Across tympanic bones .........+00: a storvenas Ui des 5. Dipus Lofiust. Dipus Loftust, Bif. Kast Pers. p. 75. 1 g: Bushire, 6. 12. 83. 1 ¢ juv.: Tanjistan, Nov. 1876. 1 2? and four foetal young: Nov. 1876. The foetal young of this species have the whiskers fairly well developed, and the tail is less than half the length of the head and body. Length of largest specimen (spirit) :— in. Mcreee ANVGe POU Y,, a sey creo a ies s tite «Aaye vise 5°37 TNS Neher tom at armas ae NA ne a 60 Tarsus, foot, and claws ....0:0..s..+s00 L965 100 Mr. J. A. Murray on the 6. Lagomys rufescens, Gray. Lagomys rufescens, Blf. East Pers. p. 83. 1 g: Bushire, 4. 1. 84. This agrees well with the description of it by Mr. Blan- ford, except that the chin, throat, and underparts are a silky yellowish white, as are also the fore and hind feet and the soles of the feet. The longest whisker is white at its extre- mity, and the lower series of 4—5 white throughout. This is recorded from Afghanistan, Northern Persia, and Mesopotamia, but not from S.E. Persia. Length 7°5 inches. Among Birds I have to add :— 1. Falco peregrinator, Sund. Falco peregrinator, Sund., Bif. East Pers. p. 103. Four live birds were netted at Bushire and sent to me for the Rev. Mr. Watson, who trained them for the quarry. All belonged to the atriceps type. 2. Circus macrurus, Gmel. 2 dg: Bushire. 1 g: Fao, Shat-el-Arab. 3. Hypocolius ampelinus, Bp. 1 g,1 9: Bushire, 13. 9. 83. According to Mr. Cumming this species passes through Bushire in November. Its range extends N.K. to Fao, on the Shat-el-Arab, as far as at present known, southward to Sind. It breeds in the country. Mr. Cumming and Mr. Betts have taken the eggs at Fao. ‘This is not recorded from E. Persia by Mr. Blantord. 4. Ardeola leucoptera. Several specimens from Bushire. Breeds in June and July. 5. Sterna fuliginosa, Gmel. 2 9, Bushire, in breeding-plumage, received with ten eggs; and 1 @ taken on the Astola Island, S. Persia. 6. Pelecanus onocrotalus and P. crispus. Both common in the Persian Gulf. ‘The first has been found breeding at Fao, or rather 50 miles west, on a mud island surrounded by a large marsh, whence Mr. Cumming obtained five eggs. Vertebrate Zoology of Persia. 101 7. Phenicopterus minor, Geoftr. A male sent to me from Lingah by a Mr. Belcher, a pas- senger to Bussorah, with a note to the effect that it was shot out of a flock of larger ones, evidently P. antiquorum. Among feptiles the collection contains several species not recorded from Persia. 1. Stellio nuptus, var. fuscus. Stellio nuptus, var. fuscus, Bf, East Pers. p. 320. 2a, 9: Bushire, July 1876, Mr. Blanford records this from Jalk and Kalagan, in Beloochistan, and not from Persia. 2. Centrotrachelus Asmussi *. Centrotrachelus Asmussi, Strauch, Blf. Hast Pers, p. 337. 3g: Bushire, July 1885. Largest specimen 23:5 inches in length. I have hada live specimen since August 1882, still in excellent condition. The animal is extremely lively during the hot hours of the day up to 4 o’clock ; after this hour it sleeps soundly, curling itself in a corner of the box in which it is kept. Its means of defence is the spiny tail it possesses, which it lashes like a whip when disturbed. It is extremely fond of having cold water thrown on its body ; it then appears much pleased, standing high on its fore legs, with head erect, turning it round, upwards, and looking with each eye, and extending the loose skin of its body to double the usual size. Whether the animal burrows for itself or occupies the burrows of field- rats &e. is a question, as, although it has a foot of soft sand in the box (without a bottom), on the bare ground, it has never yet attempted to burrow. 3. Hemidactylus Cocteaut, D. et B. Three: Charbar, Beloochistan, June 1880. Two: Charbagh, near Bushire, August 1876. One: Bushire, August 1883. Four: Tanjistan, July 1877. The non-entry of this species by Mr. Blanford is evidently an omission. * 2 C, lortcatus, Blf. ‘Eastern Persia,’ ii. p, 340, described from the neighbourhood of Bushire. 102 Mr. J. A. Murray on the 4. Gymnodactylus brevipes. Gymnodactylus brevipes, Bil. East Pers. p. 344. Three: Bushire, Oct. 1883. One: Tanjistan, Aug. 1876. This has been recorded from Aptar, near Bampur, in Be- loochistan. Mr. Cumming’s collection from Bushire contains well-marked specimens of this species. 5. Gymnodactylus scaber, Riipp. Thirteen: Bushire, June, July, August, 1883. Seven: T'anjistan, September 1876. In form the counterpart of Gymnodactylus petrensis, Murray (Vert. Zool. Sind, p. 362). Rostral broader than high and cleft above. Upper labials 10-12; lower labials 8-10. Pupil vertical; first labial and three small shields behind rather smaller than those covering the muzzle; interorbital space and occiput with large conical tubercles interspersed, a few also on the muzzle and a line of 3-4 in front of each eye. ‘Two pairs of chin-shields, the first largest and in contact. Back covered with granular scales and sharply-keeled trihedral tubercles, the latter as large as or slightly larger than the vertical ear-opening, and arranged across the middle of the trunk in 14 longitudinal rows; between the hind limbs the number is six. The tubercles on the sides of the body are rather smaller and subcarinate. Scales across the middle of the abdomen in 18-20 rows. Preanal pores 5-6. Outer surface of limbs with large trihedral tubercles. A pair of tubercles on each side of the sacral region, The fore limb laid forward reaches the end of the snout; laid back it reaches the axil of the hind limb. The hind limb laid forward extends beyond the axil of the fore limb. Tail verticillate, with three rows of sharply-keeled trihedral tubercles on each side to within an inch of the tip, beyond which it is covered with irregularly-arranged imbricate scales. Subcaudals distinct, single, about 44-54; a few of the anterior ones bifid. Length 4°5 to 5 inches, of which the tail is 2°5 to 2°75. Colour greyish brown, with three longitudinal rows of dusky subquadrate spots on the back ; in some specimens one more row of rather indistinct spots on each side. ‘Tail with 10-12 dark bands above. Hab. Bushire and Tanjistan, in Persia; Fao, in Southern Mesopotamia, at the head of the Persian Gulf, on the banks of the Shat-el-Arab, and Charbar, in Beloochistan. Vertebrate Zoology of Persia. 103 Collected by Mr. W. D. Cumming, to whom I am in- debted for a large collection of reptiles, fish, &c. from Bushire and Fao, in Southern Mesopotamia. The synoptical table below will show the differences between this species and the other allied forms of Gymnodactylus. | | Pores. Labials. “Dorsal | Sana eee ee outed, | Femoral P | | re- +f | on each a Upper. | Lower. | thigh. ee oe | Gymnodactylus caspicus, Hich- | TL Good jhe eine et ee | 18-20 pe y| * 39 34 EY A geg brevipes, W. Bif, ......+0000. 110 gS ie 2 ee 4 | 9 i — hetérocercus, W. Bl. ...... 12 | 25-30 | none | 8-10 7-8 —— petrensis, Murray ......5.. | 12 D435 |) aedven 4 |, 10=12)) |, 8210 scaber, Riipp. .....0000| 14 Le DOw iy Ween 5-6 || 102195 )/) 8216 =—.kachensis, S¥ol....c.sssccssese 12-14 | 28-30 | *48 11-12 | 8-9 | frenatus, Giinther ......... | 6-8 37 a er | es 11 9 ——"Oldhami; Theod, ....0..0000. 30 ra * iN } 11 10 | | 6. Pristurus rupestris. Pristurus rupestris, Blf. Kast Pers. p. 350. Seventeen specimens from Bushire and ‘Tanjistan, 1876-77. 7. Ceramodactylus Doric. Ceramodactylus Dorie, Blf. East Pers. p. 353. I have seven specimens of this lizard from Tanjistan, nearly 300 miles further north-east of Bunder Abbas, where Marquis Doria’s single specimen was obtained. 8. Ceramodactylus affinis. General form of Ceramodactylus Doriw, but of a more robust habit. The nostril is placed rather behind the outer hind angle of the rostral, instead of immediately above and between the suture of the rostral and first labial. The three shields behind the nostril are flat, and not distinctly swollen, asin C. Dorie. The mental is rather of a different shape, having slightly concave instead of straight sides, and a very * In a continuous line on both thighs. 104 Mr. J. A. Murray on the convex hind margin. Upper labials 11, with a number of smaller ones behind, scarcely larger than the granular scales of the tympanic region. ‘ail not attenuate, as in C. Dorie, but ends rather abruptly ; it is three fifths the length of the head and body, while that of C. Dorie is nearly the length of the head and body. The head is short and thick, and presents a very different aspect from that of C. Dorie; its height is about a fifth less than its greatest breadth, or a fifth less than that of C. Dorte, both in height and breadth. The fore and hind limbs are very much stouter and shorter than those of C. Dorie. 'The fore limb laid forward, the tips of the fingers reach only to the end of the snout, while in C. Dorie the tips of the fingers extend beyond the snout by the length of the foot. The hind limb laid forward does not extend as far as the axil of the fore limb, while that of C. Dorie reaches nearly to the ear-opening. Fingers and toes much shorter and more robust. Length, head and body 2°62 inches, tail 1°37. Colour: instead of the spotted character of the markings of Q. Dorie, this species is banded, the bands being rather curved, with the concavity in front. There are four bands, one on the occiput, one behind the shoulder, another on mid- trunk, and the fourth on the loins. The tail has 7-8 dark bands. ‘The ground-colour is apparently ochraceous. There are 2+3 dark oblique streaks below the eye along the labials. Sides of the body slightly darker than the back. Hab. Tanjistan, in Persia. Two specimens among seven of CO. Dorie, collected in 1877. 9. Rhagerrhis productus, Ptrs. Head moderate, distinct from neck. Snout rather de- pressed and produced beyond the mental. ‘Tail short ; anal bifid. Eyes rather large; pupil circular; rostral produced, obtuse in front, reverted on to the upper surface of the head, Vertebrate Zoology of Persia. 105 and forming a triangular suture with the prefrontals; below, the rostral is deeply concave. Nasals 2. Nostrils situated in the anterior portion of the postnasal, which is received in the hind, nearly quadrangular, cavity of the prenasal. Loreal 1, square. Preocular 1, reverted on to the upper surface of the head, but not touching the vertical. Postoculars 2. Upper labials 8 ; lower labials 11, 6 in increasing series from the mental, and 4—5 other smaller ones about the size of the adjoining scales, Sixth upper labial the largest; the fifth under the eye. Mental narrow, angular and pointed behind, slightly convex in front. Mental groove distinct. Two pairs of subequal chin-shields. ‘Two pairs of frontals; ver- tical elongate, obtusely triangular in front and triangular behind, where it is received in the triangular concavity of the occipitals. Occipitals rounded behind, convex laterally, and longer than their greatest width ; temporals variable, gene- rally 2-3 alongside the occipitals, and in some split into small plates. Scales in 17 rows, all, even the head-shields, minutely punctulated with brown (only seen through a Coddington lens). Ventrals slightly angulated. Colour (spirit-specimens) ochraceous, with equally distri- buted dusky spots in five rather oblique series. A small dark brown spot under the eye; another less distinct above it (not present in all specimens), a third obliquely behind the eye, followed by a large temporal spot, also oblique, and extending beyond the last labial. Lower parts unspotted, pale yellow. Hab. Bushire, lt g, 2 9; Tanjistan, 3.¢°,.2 (9% Length of largest specimen 46 inches, of which the tail is ‘7 inches ; length of smallest specimen 15 inches, of which the tail is 2°5 inches. 10. Bufo viridis, Laur. The following is a description of specimens from Bushire: Crown of the head flat, smooth, and devoid of osseous ridges ; orbitals elevated and covered with horny-tipped tubercles ; interorbital space equal to the width of the eyelid. Hind crown, back, and the upper surface of fore and hind limbs covered with rather close-set horny-tipped tubercles. Parotoids oblong, flattened above about their middle, and separated from each eye by a deep groove. Length of each parotoid equal to the distance between its front edge and the nostril. Tympanum distinct, about one half the size of the eye. Under surface of the body smooth, without any trace of tubercles. Fore feet with a large mesial palmar pad and a smaller one at base of first finger. Laid side by side the 106 Mr. J. A. Murray on the first finger is very slightly longer than the second and as long as the fourth; third finger longest. Tarsus with a mesial and lateral longitudinal row of distant tubercles, and a cuta- neous fold on the inner side extending to the inner metatarsal tubercle. The tubercle on the outer edge scarcely so promi- nent as the inner one, which is elongate. Soles of the hind feet faintly tuberculate. Toes half-webbed; the tip of the first reaches the second joint of the second toe. Hind limb long ; laid forward alongside the body the metatarsal tubercle reaches the eye, and one half of the foot extends beyond the snout. Length 3 inches; hind limb from anus to tip of second finger 4:2 inches. Colour yellowish, a dark spot on each eyelid; another oblique one from the hind edge of the eye to the tympanum, and a third very small one on each nostril; fore and hind legs with 2-4 transverse blotches on their upper surface. Sides of the first and upper surface of first and second fingers black. Under surface pale yellowish. ‘Tips of toes slightly swollen and of a brownish colour. These specimens come near to Bufo olivaceus, Blanf. (Kast Pers. p. 434, pl. xxvii. fig. 3), but differ from it by having the dorsal surface closely set with horny-tipped tubercles, a flat instead of a concave crown, by its under surface being smooth and not tuberculate, and by its shorter hind limbs. From B. vulgaris it is distinguished by its longer hind limbs, having a cutaneous tarsal fold, a distinct tympanum, and no dark band below the parotoid. XIV.—Additions to the Reptilian Fauna of Sind. By James A. Murray. Since the publication of my work on the ‘ Vertebrate Zoology of Sind,’ a collated descriptive account of all the species of mammals, birds, and reptiles (including several new species) known to inhabit the province, some little interest appears to have been aroused in zoological inquiries, which has resulted in the Kurrachee Museum acquiring several collec- tions of reptiles from hitherto unknown localities in Upper Sind. Among these are four species from the barren sandy wastes of the frontier districts, collected by my indefatigable corre- Reptilian Fauna of Sind. 107 spondent Mr. IF. Gleadow, of the Forest Department, three of which I believe are undescribed forms. 'These are :— 1. Melanochelys pictus. Head two thirds as broad as long, its greatest length 3 inches. It is covered with skin, divided into plates; a long central one above a single broad frontal; a superciliary on each side, and a small subtriangular plate behind in suture with the sides of the central plate. Temples covered with numerous irregular-shaped plates. Upper jaw with a small festoon on each side, the groove in the middle of the jaw rather deep. A plate in front of the eye in suture with the sides of the frontal; another nearly as large under the orbit, and a third about twice the size of the latter behind the eye. Anterior half of neck covered with small subimbricate plates in transverse series. Shell oblong-ovate, elevated, much arched, nearly half as high as long, nodosely tricarinate, the costal carina being much nearer the vertebral carina than the marginal plates. Length of shell over curves 14 inches; breadth over vertebrals 11°75 inches. The sternum is bent upwards from the suture of the pectorals with the postgulars ; greatest length of sternum to point of furcate projection of anal plates 12 inches. Anals deeply notched posteriorly, the distance between the projecting ends being 1°5 inch and the depth of notch 1°37 inch. Width of sternum at axillary incision 6 inches, at inguinal 4°75. Gulars together broader than long, their hind margin received into the subtriangular concavity in front of the postgulars, which are as broad as long. Pectorals very narrow, each 3 x 1°5 inches, the suture between them about equal in length to that of the postgulars and slightly more than half of that of the abdominals. Abdo- minals nearly rectangular, winged beyond the inguinal incisions, and forming a suture on each side with the inguinal plate and sixth marginal. Postabdominals longer than broad, the length of their suture together slightly less than that of the abdominals; transverse sutures of postgulars with abdo- minals and abdominals with postabdominals straight; suture of postabdominals with anals concave ; the suture together of the anal plates is shorter than the suture of a single one with the postabdominal. Nuchal plate oblong (0°75 x 0°5 inch). Vertebrals hexagonal ; first somewhat bell-shaped, convex in front, straight behind (except a concavity mesially to receive an apophysis of the second vertebral), sinuately concave on each side in its anterior half and convex lower down. Second and third vertebrals hexagonal, as broad as long; fourth 108 Mr. J. A. Murray on the similar, but concave behind in suture with the convex front of the fifth, which is about twice the size of the other verte- brals, broader than long (2°37 x 3°37 inches), with the sides sloping outward to the last marginal; its suture with the caudals is straight. Caudal notched, the suture of both plates a little more than half the length of the fifth vertebral. Tail short, 1°5 inch in length. Costals large, four in number, nodosely carinate on their upper margin, but not extending, or scarcely seen on the fifth vertebral. The first costal is subtriangular and largest, convex in front, in suture with one half of the first and the whole of the upper margin of the second, third, and fourth marginals; second costal in suture with the fifth and sixth marginals, its greatest breadth about two thirds its greatest length (4x 2°75 inches) ; third costai in suture with the seventh, eighth, and anterior third of the ninth; it is nearly the size of the second in length and breadth ; fourth costal smallest and forming sutures with the posterior two thirds of the ninth marginal, entire tenth, mesially the apex of the eleventh, and the sides of the fifth vertebral. Marginals variable in size, not serrated poste- riorly, but slightly dilated at the eighth, ninth, and tenth. Feet anteriorly covered with imbricate scutes, posteriorly, or higher up, subimbricate, the scutes much smaller. Toes short, strong, and webbed to the claws; they are covered with annular scute-like plates. Claws strong and hooked. Sides of the legs fringed with large scales. Colours: all the scales on the tarsi and feet with a yellow spot. Head black, with large spots, blotches, and streaks of yellow; a patch on each side of the snout, also on each side of the nostrils ; one under each eye, ancther at the maxilla on the labial margin, and two behind each eye. ‘There are also some large blotches on the tympanic and temporal regions, and three on each side of the lower jaw. Shell olive or greenish brown, the marginals, lower part of costals, and vertebrals with pale yellowish blotches and streaks of irregular shape. Sternum pale yellow, with linear transverse lines, very close together on the abdominal plates, and forming a large patch. The gulars and postgulars are not marked. Mr. Gleadow, obtained this species in the Sind “ Doro,” in the Kushmore Talooka, Upper Sind. It differs from all the described forms of Aelanochelys, first by its greater size, next by the size and shape of the vertebrals and costals, and lastly by the markings of the shell and the spotted character of the head and feet. Reptilian Fauna of Sind. 109 2. Hemidactylus kushmorensis. Head rather depressed. Rostral grooved above, slightly wider than high. Upper labials 10; lower labials 8. Two pairs of chin-shields, the first only in contact. Muzzle covered with granular scales. Nostrils between the rostral, first labial and three small shields behind about equal in size to those covering the muzzle. Crown of the head interspersed with numerous rounded tubercles. Back with rounded tubercles arranged in twenty-two longitudinal series across the middle of the body; a few tubercles between the hind limbs are subtrihedral. Tail verticillate, each verticil armed laterally with three rows of rather elongate subtrihedral tubercles, except on its posterior third, where they are re- placed by imbricate scales. Fore and hind limbs on their upper surface studded with round tubercles. ‘Toes covered with imbricate scales. Claw on thumb well developed. Scales on the throat about one third the size of those on the abdomen, across the middle of which they are arranged in 32-36 longitudinal series; the anterior half irregularly and ey 1-3 crenulate, less conspicuous on the posterior ralf, Femoral pores 10-12 on each thigh. Under surface of tarsi covered with large imbricate scales. Subcaudals single, 44-46. Middle toe with six pairs of plates and an odd one at each end. Colours neutral grey or brown, with three rows of squarish dark blotches, forming either longitudinal or obliquely trans- verse interrupted bands ; a few smaller spots on the sides. A dark streak through the eve with a pale line above it. Scales on the under surface of the body freckled with 1-3 dark spots; many, especially on forward part of body, without them. ‘Tail with 14-15 dark bands. Pupil vertical. Hab. Upper Sind, Kushmore and Thool Talookas. Two only of six specimens with unreproduced tails. Length 4 to 4:25 inches. ‘Type from Bhaner, Upper Sind frontier. Differs from all the other species of the genus in having a greater number of dorsal tubercles, also femoral pores, except H. Gieadow?, and fewer abdominal scutes, except LZ. triedrus, and in having rounded tubercles. The following Table will sufficiently show the differences between it and the other allied species of the genus :— Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. xiv. 9 116 On the Reptilian Fauna of Sind. Pores. Labials. Abdo- Species. t poe minal jpuvercrs-! scutes. | Femoral on each | Preanal.| Upper. | Lower. thigh. Hemidactylus Gleadowi, Murray ‘ (26 Shy) 15-16 | 388-39 ibs ie rene 10-12 | 8-10 H. karachiensis, Murray (V. Z. BETA Renae ac tomnccen stemene sonces 16 38-40 | ...... 6 | 9-10 8-10 H., sp., Blanford (E. Persia) ...| 14 40 none 10 8-9 RIPEESICUS, BUS. os. ..sessessesss 16 42-44 |... 8 11-12 9 H. kushmorensis, sp. nov. ...... 20-22 | 32-36 | 10-12 | ...... 9-10 8 H. subtriedus, Jerd.* ............ 18-20 ? Sib aria dees Me le conce. H. triedrus, Daud.* ............ Nume- 30 Wesetra al Wea 9-10 8 rous. Hesmaculatus, DyeceBe® cs. .ce- do. 37-41 LOSI eee 11 8 H. Pieresi, Kelaart* ........... do. 40-42 $2-/36t 11-12 10 H. gracilis, Blanford* ......... do. Pe Nesaciee 6 ? ? 3. Gymnodactylus scaber, Riipp. Two specimens collected at Sukkur and one at Lakai, be- tween Shikarpoor and Sukkur, by Mr. F. Gleadow (see my preceding paper, “ On Additions to the Fauna of Persia,” for description of this species). It replaces Gymnodactylus petrensts in Upper Sind. 4. Acontiophis paradoxa. Acontiophis paradoxa, Giinth. Proc. Zool, Soc. 1875, p. 282. This snake was known from a single specimen only, the locality of which has only now been ascertained. I count ventrals 180, and subcaudals 52. My specimens are greyish brown; a dark line from behind the eye to the nape, a subovate dark patch on the occiput and a border along the margins of the occipitals from the anterior half of the super- ciliaries. A dorsal series of quadrangular dark spots with white interspaces, nearly of the same width to within an inch of the end of the tail, where they become smaller and more faint, and gradually disappear. Total length of larger of two specimens 14:25 inches, of which the tail is 2°10 inches. * From Giinther and Theobald’s works on Reptiles of Br. Ind. + In a nearly continuous line. 20 On a new Species of Lycopodites, Goldenberg. 111 Hab. Upper Sind, Thool Talooka, at Zungipoor, frontier districts. Mr. F. Gleadow states that the two specimens of this snake were dug up from depressions a quarter-mile apart in a con- siderable area of blown sand forming hillocks 20 to 30 feet high. XV.—On a new Species of Lycopodites, Goldenberg (L. Stockii), from the Calciferous Sandstone Series of Scotland. By R. Kipsron, F.G.8. [Plate V. ] THE genus Lycopodites, as originally employed by Brong- niart* and most of the older writers, did not contain any plant which was really entitled to the name, in so far as it was used to infer their closer affinity to the recent Lycopodium than that held by the genus Lepedodendron; and Brongniart, in his later writings, discarded his genus Lycopodites, as sub- sequent investigations had shown him that his original view of the plants he included in it was founded on an erroneous notion of their true nature f. Hence, when Goldenberg resuscitated the genus Lycopo- dites, it was used by him in an entirely different sense from that to which it had been applied by previous writers, and in fact was a new genus though under an old name. To enable us more clearly to appreciate the light in which Goldenberg regarded his genus Lycopodites, | quote his intro- ductory remarks regarding it. Lycopopires, Goldenberg. 1855. “ Branches with leaves placed spirally or in verticils. Sporangia placed in the axils of the leaves or forming ter- minal cones.” “In the genus Lycopodites we place the true herbaceous Lycopods of former ages, which agree in all essential points so exactly with recent Lycopods that, at the most, they can only be regarded as a subdivision of the genus Lycopodium. “The fossil plants included by Brongniart and others under this name are probably only young twigs of Lepidodendron * ¢Prodrome,’ p, 83 (1828), and ‘ Classification des végétaux fossiles,’ p. 46 (1822). Tableau d. genres de Végét. foss. p. 40 (1849). if { ‘ Flora Sarepontana Fossilis,’ Heit i. pp. 9, 10 (1855). g* 112 Mr. R. Kidston on a new Species of or Conifer. This view, which we here accept, has been pointed out by Brongniart in his last work (‘Tableau des genres de végéteaux tossiles, considérés sous le point de vue de leur classification botanique et de leur distribution géolo- gique ’), and is thus stated by him :— “©The plants really analogous to the recent Lycopods are very few in number in the fossil state. “¢¢T do not know even one which, by its dimensions and the disposition of its leaves, may be compared with certainty to the species of the genus Lycopodium properly so ealled ; the greater part of the plants which I have designated or which have been indicated as Lycopodites, are probably either the upper portions of young branches of Lepidodendron or the branches of Conifers. . “¢ Thus the greater part of the Lycopodites with dichotomous branches from the Carboniferous formation appear to belong to the first class; those species with distichous pinnate branches evidently belong to Conifers of the genus Walchia. The greater part of the species from more recent forma- tions, as the Lias and Oolite, belong to this latter group; such are in particular Lycopodites Williamsonis and patens. “¢¢ Among these there is, however, one species, which has all the characters of a Lycopod, or perhaps more the character of the genus Selaginella. ‘This, the Lycopodites falcatus, L. & H.*, has lately been rightly separated, and from its delicate and dichotomous branches, apparently distichous leaves (but which are probably opposite and unequal), has all the appear- ance and essential characters of the numerous species ot the genus Selaginella. ‘¢¢ 7 know no species which resembles the true Lycopods, as at present defined, nor the genus 7mes¢pteris.’ “ We have therefore in Lycopodites the addition of a new genus of fossil plants to the Carboniferous flora, which, according to Brongniart, is at present only known by onespecies from the Oolitic formation of Kngland}. For the plant-remains which hitherto have been described and figured from the Carboniferous formation under the name of Lycopodites Bronnii, longifolius, &c., belong, as we have seen, to quite other genera of plants, as they do not exhibit any of those points which form the principal characteristics of club-mosses. ‘Many years ago | found plant-impressions in the Carbo- niferous rocks of this neighbourhood (Saarbriick) which, in the character of their growth, showed a great similarity to our herbaceous Lycopods. At the Meeting of the Natur- * ¢ Fossil Flora,’ pl. xi. + Lycopodites falcatus, L. & H. ee Lycopodites, Goldenberg (Li. Stockii). 113 historischen Vereins der preussischen Rheinlande at Kreuz- nach I exhibited a pretty complete example, and also later, in the Transactions of this Society, made some preliminary remarks on the occurrence of such plants in the Carboniferous formation. {I succeeded later in discovering several other species, of which some even bore distinctly their organs of fructification. It then appeared that, as regards the position and form of the fruit, these fossil remains agree completely in all essential points with our living Lycopods. “The Lycopodites which we are about to describe may, like our recent club-mosses, be placed in two subdivisions, accord- ing to whether the sporangia are seated in the axils of the leaves or form terminal cones.” The six species described by Goldenberg are classed under these two heads :-— A. Sporangia placed in the leaf-axils. 1. Lycopodites denticulatus, Goldenberg. 2. elongatus, Gold. . Sporangia forming terminal cones. ; leptostachyus, Gold. macrophyllus, Gold. 6. —— taxinus, L, & HL, sp. B 3. Lycopodites primevus, Gold, 4 5 In regard to his last-mentioned species, which he identifies as Knorria taxina, L. & H., its claim to belong to the genus Lycopodites rests on very slender grounds. ~ Mis figure only shows a small portion of a stem 13 inch long and about } inch wide, with spirally arranged leaf- scars, in general form very like those of L. Stochd? (Pl. V. fig. 1) ; but this single character, as shown in Goldenberg’s figure, appears of too little importance to be of generic value. But apart from the question as to the systematic position of Goldenberg’s LZ. taxtinus, it is clearly not the same fossil as that named Knorria taxina by Lindley and Hutton. The specimen, from which the last-mentioned author’s plate is taken, is preserved in the ‘ Hutton collection,” New- castle-on-Tyne. This I have compared with their figure, which, I am sorry to say, is not a very correct representation of the fossil. I believe Lindley and Hutton’s plant is merely asmall stem of Cordaites, certainly a quite different plant from Goldenberg’s Lycopodites taxinus. In the same year (1855) in which Goldenberg described 114 Mr. R. Kidston on a new Species of his specimens, Geinitz figured and described another species, Lycopodites Gutbiert*. All these plants Schimper has placed in the recent genus Lycopodium}. Both Goldenberg and Geinitz considered them, if not identical with Lycopodium, extremely closely related to that genus. Schimper’s opinion of the systematic position of these plants has been adopted by Renault}, who has described a small Lycopodiaceous stem under the name of Lycopodium puncta- tum§ ; another, in the same communication, is described by Ad. Brongniart as Lycopodium Renaultia. Both these small stems, though perhaps elosely related to Lycopodium, possess some structural differences which we are inclined to regard as of sufficient importance to exclude them from the recent genus in which they are placed. Renault, in his very interesting paper, has pointed out the presence of areolated vessels in his fossils, which he admits do not occur in recent Lycopodium. It is quite possible that the specimens described by Renault and Brongniart are stems of plants similar to Goldenberg’s Lycopodites ; but as they are not identical in structure with any known Lycopodium, I think it better to place them in Lycopodites than in Lyco- podium. . The same train of reasoning inclines me to reject the genus Lycopodium for Goldenberg’s species, notwithstanding their undoubted close relationship to it. If we place them in Lycopodium, we commit ourselves to the opinion that the fossils are identical in all essential structural peculiarities with their recent representatives—an opinion not at present satis- factorily substantiated by proof. I therefore propose to rein- state the genus Lycopodites, Goldenberg, for the following species :— A. Sporangia placed in the axils of the leaves. 1. Lycopodites denticulatus, Gold. 2. elongatus, Gold. B. Sporangia forming terminal cones. 3. Lycopodites primevus, Gold. 4, leptostachyus, Gold. * «Die Versteinerungen der Steinkohlenformation in Sachsen,’ p- 32 pl. i. fig. 1 (1855). , + Schimper, Traité d. paléont. végét. vol. ii. p. 8, pl. lvii. (1870). t Cours d. botan. foss. p. 74, pl. xii. figs. 9, 10 (1882). § Ann. des Sciences Naturelles, 5° sér. Bot., vol. xii. pp. 178-182, pls. xii.—xiv. (1869). ’ Lycopodites, Goldenberg (Lu. Stockii). 115 5. Lycopodites macrophyllus, Gold. 6. Gutbiert, Gopp. (=L. stachygynandroides, Gutbier). 7. Stockit, Kadston, n. s. C. Sporangia unknown. 8. Lycopodites punctum, Renault, sp. 9. —— Renaultii, Ad. Brong. sp. 10. (?) —— taxinus, Gold. (not L. & H.). The above list contains all the plants, as faras I am aware, which are entitled to be placed in Lycopodites, Goldenberg ; but since Brongniart and Goldenberg wrote on this subject, notwithstanding the warnings given by these two authors, many Lepidodendroid twigs have been figured and described as Lycopodites. Most of “these belong, T believe, to Lepido- dendron Sternbergti and Lep. rimosum, and probably to caltes species of the same genus. I have seen specimens of these two Lepidodendra with small delicate branches springing from stems of considerable size, which could be specifically identified with described species of Lycopodites. ‘These small lateral branchlets are merely the result of very unequal dichotomy *. Whatever view may be taken of these Lepidodendroid twigs, or so-called Lycopodites, it will, I think, be admitted on all hands that they do not find a suitable place in Golden- berg’s genus Lycopodites. Lycopodites Stockit, Kidston, n. s. Description. Cone terminal, composed of a number of oval sporangia; leaves arranged in whorls, dimorphic (2), the larger ‘leaves ovate- cordate, acuminate with a strong central midrib, the (?)smaller leaves transversely oval. Remarks. The specimen from which the above description is taken, is about 4 inches long; of this, the cone, which is imperfect at its apex, occupies 1z inch. The leaves are mostly displaced, but the form of many of them is well shown. Unfortunately the state of preservation of the fossil is not all that could be desired; but it is sufficiently distinct to enable one to give a description by which it can easily be recognized. In Pl. V. fig. 1 is given a careful sketch of the plant. The cone consists of a number of oval bracts: some of them appear reniform in shape, but the fossil is so much compressed that the individual contour of the sporangia * As an example, I give on Pl. V. fig. 5, some small branchlets of Zepid. rimosum from the Upper Coal-measures, Timsbury, Somerset. 116 Ona new Species of Lycopodites, Goldenberg. cannot be well made out. The leaves shown on the sides of the stem are ovate acuminate, with a very distinct middle nerve (fig. 2). An interesting point in the fossil is the occurrence of a ver- tical row of curiously formed leaves (?), entirely different from those just described. One of these (a, fig. 1) is shown en- larged at fig. 3. This curious structure has very much the appearance of a sporangium ; but the occurrence of a terminal cone and of sporangia situated in the axils of the leaves of the same species, is altogether unknown in any Lycopod, either fossil or recent. The most perfect of these curious structures (whether leaves or sporangia) appears to have three inflations (fig. 3); but I am rather inclined to think that this appearance has been caused by its being pressed against the stem, and that we have under consideration a leaf and nota sporangium. In this ease we have merely a dimorphic condition of leaves, such as occurs in those fossils already described by Goldenberg and Geinitz, and is common in the recent genus Selaginella. In this example, in no case are they exhibited so clearly that one can positively affirm they are leaves; but I believe this to be their true nature notwithstanding their sporangium-like form. In the enlarged sketch (fig. 3) the dark dentate margin has no connexion with the supposed leaf, but only a small broken piece of carbonaceous matter, which probably represents the cortex. The leaves appear to have been arranged in whorls of 6 or 8, as shown by the cicatrices on the enlarged portion of the stem (fig. 4). My thanks are due to Mr. T’. Stock, Edinburgh, who has submitted this fossil to me for examination and description, and after whom I have pleasure in naming it. I believe the opinion generally current regards the genus Lepidodendron as the ancestor of our herbaceous Lycopods ; but I am rather inclined to believe that the genus Lepido- dendron has entirely disappeared, and that our recent Lyco- pods are the descendants of Goldenberg’s Lycopodites. Horizon. Calciferous Sandstone series (Culm of Stur). All the species of Lycopodites, Goldenberg, previously de- scribed have been derived from the Coal-measures; hence the discovery of the genus so far down in the Carboniferous formation is of considerable interest. Locality. Glencartholm, Eskdale, Dumfries. On the Families of existing Lacertilia. 117 EXPLANATION OF PLATE V. Fig. 1. Lycopodites Stockii, Kidston, n. sp., nat. size. a, b, ¢, d, f. Sporan- gium-like leaves (?); e. Reniform sporangia of terminal cone. Leaf, enlarged, seen on fig. 1, g. Sporangium-like leaf (?), enlarged, seen on fig. 1, a. . Small porticn of stem, enlarged, showing leat-cicatrices. . Lepidodendron rimosum, Sternberg. Fig. Ig. Ug. Fig. Or 9 bO XVI.—Synopsis of the Families of existing Lacertilia. By G. A. BOULENGER. WHILST engaged in a revision of the Lizard-collection in the British Museum, I have felt the necessity of a thorough syste- matic rearrangement of the order Lacertilia. The classitica- tions proposed by Duméril and Bibron and Gray, and now still generally in use, with slight modifications, are, on the whole, as unnatural as can be, and founded to a great extent on characters of pholidosis and physiognomy. Physiognomy is worth nothing as a guide in the formation of higher groups ; as to the characters afforded by the scales I have convinced myself that they are very deceptive, and ought to be taken into consideration in the definition of families only when accompanied by other characters. Like Cope, whose lizard- families * I regard as the most natural hitherto proposed, I shall lay greater stress on osteological characters and on the structure of the tongue. Special importance must also be attached to the presence or absence, and the structure, of dermal ossifications on the head and body, and these will be found to correspond with many other characters. Bocourtf, to whom is due the merit of having pointed out their syste- matic importance, did not realize the very great progress made by means of that character, the modifications of which he so ably illustrated, for he still maintains the artificial group Scincoidiens, in spite of the objections of Cope, whose views are evidently confirmed by the researches of the French herpetologist. The order Lacertilia, as restricted by Giinther {, may be divided into two primary groups only, the Chameleons on the one hand, and all the other Lizards on the other. The Amphisbenians, which by nearly all recent authors are sepa- * Proc, Acad. Philad. 1864, p. 224, and Proc. Am. Assoc. Adv. Se. ' xix. 1871, p. 236. + Mission Scient. Mexique, Rept. p. 476 (1881). { Phil. Trans. Roy. Soe. elvii, 1867, p. 625, 118 | Mr. G. A. Boulenger on the rated as a suborder, or even as an order, I include among the true lizards, and regard them as a degraded type of. the Teiidee, with which they are to some extent connected by the Chalcides and their allies. The principal characters which have been put forward in favour of their separation are :— (1) absence of interorbital septum ; (2) absence of columella cranii; (3) very short mandible, causing the quadratum to be nearly horizontal ; (4) division of the occipital condyle ; (5) ab- sence of postorbital and fronto-squamosal arches; (6) absence of scales. These characters, which are mostly negative, are not all constant throughout the group, and many will be found, to a greater or less degree, to be characteristic of all strongly degraded, burrowing forms, such as Aniel/a near the Anguide, Anelytrops (Typhline) and Dibamus near the Skinks, &e. The importance of these characters justifies our placing the Amphisbenas in a separate family ; but, in a opinion, not in a higher group, for the following reasons 1. The absence of interorbital septum also occurs ie Ophiognomon among the Teiide, and there is every grada- tion between the skull of that genus and that of higher members of the same family : besides Aniella and Dibamus, which belong to totally different families, also possess the same negative character. 2. The columella disappears gradually with the interorbital septum ; it is hardly distinguishable in Ophiognomon and totally absent in Anzella and Dibamus. 3. The aberrant lower jaw, not in itself a very important character, is not even constant, the genus Blanus differing in that respect as much from the typical Amphisbena as from a typical Lizard. 4, The division of the occipital condyle, also a character the importance of which ought not to be exaggerated, is not even constant, the Acrodont Amphisbenians forming eXx- ceptions. 5. The absence of postorbital and fronto-squamosal arches, which occurs in the most diverse groups of Lizards, cannot be regarded as more than a family character. 6. The naked integuments (if we may apply this term to the skin of the Amphisbenians with its soft scales) are not special to the group, but occur also in Geckos ; and they are so closely approached by those of some Cercosaurine. and Chalcidine T'eiide as to render any sharp distinction im- possible. On the other hand, characters such as are afforded by the tongue, which in Ail Amphisbeenians is in every respect similar to that of the Cereosaurine and Chaleidine Teiide, Families of existing Lacertilia. 119 the preanal pores of most Amphisbenians, and the anterior limbs of Chirotes are indicative of affinity to the Teiide. Respecting the latter, it may be remarked that in the other Lacertilia which dispense with the limbs, the fore pair dis- appear before the hind pair, and this holds true for the Ophi- dians, the less modified type still showing rudiments of pelvis, whilst not one preserves any thing of the pectoral arch. A reverse process obtains in the Teiides and Amphisbeenide. Ihave already put forward my objections to recognizing the suborder Nyctisaura*. Having separated the Chameleons, we are in presence of the large suborder of true Lizards. This I have divided into twenty families, which I regard as perfectly natural groups. But there is great difficulty in arranging these families in a line. ‘Two characters seem to demand special attention—those of the lingual papille and the clavicle, as, excepting the Geckos and Kublepharidse, they exactly correspond, ¢. e. the forms with smooth or villose tongue have a slender, non- dilated clavicle, whereas those with scaly tongue have the clavicle strongly dilated proximally and generally enclosing a fora- men, Order LACERTILIA. Suborder I. LACERTILIA VERA. A. Tongue smooth, or with villose papille ; clavicle dilated, loop-shaped provimally ; no postorbital or fronto-squamosal arches. Fam, 1. Gecxonip™. Vertebree amphiccelian ; parietal bones distinct. Fam. 2. KusiepHarip. Vertebre proccelian ; parietal single. B. Tongue smooth or with villose papille ; clavicle not dilated provimally. Fam. 38. Uropiatip%. Vertebree amphiccelian; interclavicle minute; no postorbital or postfronto-squamosal arches. Fam. 4, Pycopopipa. No postorbital or postfronto-squamosal arches ; pre- and postfrontal bones in contact, separating the frontal from the orbit. Fam. 5. AGAmipm. Postorbital and postfronto-squamosal arches pre- sent ; supratemporal fossa not roofed over by bone; tongue thick ; acrodont. Fam. 6. Igvantpa:. Postorbital and postfronto-squamosal arches pre- sent; supratemporal fossa not roofed over by bone; tongue thick ; pleurodont. Fam. 7. XeNnosaurtp™. Postorbital and postfrontc-squamosal arches present ; supratemporal fossa not roofed over ; anterior portion of tongue retractile. Fam. 8. Zonurtp#. Postorbital and postfronto-squamogal arches com- plete; supratemporal fossa roofed over ; tongue simple. Fam. 9. Ancurps. Postorbital and postfronto-squamosal arches present ; supratemporal fossa roofed over; body with ostecdermal plates * Ann, & Mag. Nat. Hist. (5) xii. 1883, p. 308. 120 Mr. G. A. Boulenger on the with irregular, arborescent, or radiating channels ; anterior portion of tongue retractile. Fam. 10. ANrELLip#. No interorbital septum, no columella cranii, no arches. Fam. 11. HeLoprrMatip™. Postorbital arch present, postfronto-squa- mosal arch absent; pre- and postfrontals in contact, separating the frontal from the orbit. Fam. 12. Varanip®. Postorbital arch incomplete; postfronto-squa- mosal arch present; supratemporal fossa not roofed over; nasal bone single; tongue deeply bifid, sheathed posteriorly. C. Tongue covered with imbricate scale-like papilla or with oblique plice ; clavicle dilated proximally, frequently loop-shaped. Fam. 13. Xantusupa. Parietals distinct; postorbital and postfronto- squamosal arches present; supratemporal fossa roofed over. Fam. 14. Trp. Postorbital and postfronto-squamosal arches present ; supratemporal fossa not roofed over ; no osteodermal plates. Fam. 15. AMPHIsSB=NID#. No interorbital septum; no columella cranii; no arches; premaxillary single. Fam, 16, Lacertips. Arches present; supratemporal fossa roofed over ; premaxillary single ; no osteodermal plates on the body. Fam. 17. GerRHosAURID®. Arches present; supratemporal fossa roofed over; premaxillary single; body with osteodermal plates with regular channels (a transverse one anastomosing with perpendicular ones). Fam. 18. Scrycipm. Arches present; premaxillary double; body with osteodermal plates as in the preceding. Fam. 19. ANELYTROPID&, Premaxillary single; no arches; no osteo- dermal plates. Fam. 20. Drsamip#. Premaxillary double; no interorbital septum; no columella cranii ; no arches; no osteodermal plates. Suborder II. RHIPTOGLOSSA. Fam. 21. CHAMALEONTID®. The Geckonide and Lublepharide, which ditfer from all other families in combining a dilated clavicle with a simply papillose tongue, are well distinguished from each other by the vertebre, which are amphiccelous in the former and pro- coelous in the latter. As characters of minor importance may be mentioned the coossification of the parietal bones in the Eublepharidx, while they remain distinct in the Geckonide, which are also distinguished, constantly I believe, by having one bone less in the mandible, the supra-angulare having coalesced with the angulare. Next come the Uroplatide, which are now for the first time separated from the Geckos. Although agreeing in most respects with the latter, their sternal apparatus differentiates them widely ; the clavicle is slender, not at all dilated, and the interclavicle is reduced to a minute bone. Except the chameleons, all other lizards in which the pectoral arch is not Families of existing Lacertilia. 121 rudimentary have a large interclavicle. To this very im- portant character is added another ; the nasals are united into a single bone, a peculiarity which is found elsewhere only in the Varanide among recent lizards.