THE

NATURAL HISTORY REVIEW.

THE

NATURAL HISTORY REVIEW:

INCLUDING

THIS IFIROOIEIEIDIIsra-S

THE IEISH NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES.

FOE THE SESSIONS 1854-55.

i Wwtatts wto

VOL. II,

LONDON :
SAMUEL HIGHLEY, 32, FLEET-STREET.

EDINBURGH: JOHNSTONS AND HUNTER.

DUBLIN : HODGES AND SMITH.

1855.

PRICE TEN AND SIXPENCE.

DUBLIN:

PURDON, BROTHERS, STEAM-PRESS PRINTERS,
23, BACHELOR'S -WALK.

INDEX TO REVIEWS.

PAGE.

A Monograph of the Trochilidse, or Humming Birds. By John Gould,
F.R.S. Parts VII. and VIII. 1854 . . .3

A List of British Species of Geodephaga, intended for Labelling Collections.
By G. Guyon. 1855 ... .76

A Manual of Marine Zoology for the British Isles. By Philip Henry Gosse .
Parti. 1855 . . . .94

British Marine Testaceous Mollusca, a History of. By William Clark. 1855 108
,, Hymenoptera, Catalogue of. Part I. Spidse, or Bees. By F.

Smith. 1855 . . . . .98

Catalogue of British Marine Polyzoa in the British Museum. Parts I. and

II. By George Busk . . . .13

„ of the Coleoptera of Scotland. By Andrew Murray. 1853 . 1
Contributions to British Palaeontology. By Professor Frederick M'Coy.

1854 . . . . " . 68

Diptera Scandinavian &c. 11 Tomi, 8vo. A. Zetterstedt. 1842-1852 . 49

Ferns of Great Britain, Illustrated. By J. E. Sowerby and C. Johnston.

1855 . . . . . .45

Fossiliferous Deposits of Scotland ; being an Address to the Royal Physical

Society. By Hugh Miller. 1855 . . . .71

Monograph of the sub-class Cirripedia ; with Figures of all the Species. By
C. Darwin. Vols. I. and II. . . .18

Micrographia ; containing Practical Essays on Reflecting, Solar, and Oxy-
hydrogen Gas Microscopes. By Dr. Goring and A. Pritchard. 1855 . 28

Micrographic Dictionary. By Dr. Griffith and A. Henfrey. Parts I. to
VIII. 1855 . ... 28

On the Colouring Matter of the Flower of Strelitzia Reginae. By G. Lawson 8
On the Occurrence of Cinchonaceous Glands in Galiaceae. By G. Lawson . 8

Popular British Conchology. By G. B. Sowerby . . .86

„ History of British Mosses. By R. M. Stark. 1854 . . 12

Practical Treatise on the Use of the Microscope. By J. Quekett . 28

Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science. Vols. I. and II. 1853-1854 . 28

V INDEX TO REVIEWS.

PAGE.

Reading Lessons. First Book. Edited by Edward Hughes . . 88

Synopsis of the British Diatomaceae. By the Eev. William Smith. Vol. I.

1853 . . . . . .25

Stseger, Systematisk Fortegnelse over de i Danmark ftmdne Diptera, samt

Danske Dolichopeder . . . . .49

Stenhammar, Forsdk till Gruppering och Revision af de Svenska Ephydrinse . 49
Some Account of the Marine Botany of the Colony of Western Australia.

By W. H. Harvey, M.D. . . . .76

The Entomologists' Annual for 1855. Edited by H. T. Stainton . 1

„ „ 1855. Second Edition. Edited by H. T.

Stainton . . .69

The Sea-weed Collector's Guide. By John Cocks, M.D. . . 9

The Microscope, and its Application to Clinical Medicine. By Lionel

Beale, M.D. . . . .28

„ its History, Construction, and Application. By Jabez

Hogg. 1854 . . . .28

,, and its Application to Vegetable Anatomy and Physiology.

by Schacht . . . .28

The Butterflies of Great Britain. By J. O. Westwood, F.L.S. 1855 81

Wanderings among the Wild Flowers ; How to See and How to Gather

Them. By Dr. Thomson . . . .10

Wahlberg, Dahlbom, and Bohemann, Nya Svenska Diptera . . 49

Young Naturalist's Library— British Butterflies. By H. G. Adams. 1855 . 87

Zetterstedt's Insecta Lapponica . . .49

„ Diptera Scandinaviae . . . .49

Forbes, Professor Edward ... .23

Garret, James Robert . . . . .79

Johnston, George, M.D. ... .111

Landsborough, Rev. David . 23

Webb, Philip B. . . . . .47

Wing, William, F.L.S. . .48

Winterbottam, James Edward . . . .24

THE

NATURAL HISTORY REVIEW.

CATALOGUE OF THE COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND. By Andrew Murray,
M.R.P.S.E., &c., &c. Pp. 145. William Blackwood and Sons, Edin-
burgh and London. 1853.

THE ENTOMOLOGISTS' ANNUAL FOR 1855, comprising Notices of the
New British Insects detected in 1854. Edited by H. T. Stainton.
Pp.112. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster-row. 1855. Price
Half a Crown, with a Plate, coloured.

To every lover of nature, who has at heart the advancement of the study,
and therein the glory of his Creator, the appearance of works such as the
above cannot fail to give sincere pleasure, affording, as they do, an unmis-
takable index of the increasing amount of time and attention devoted to
these pursuits by a large number of his fellow*countrymen.

The Catalogue of Scotch Coleoptera, which claims notice first, as
being prior in order of time, has been the means of adding some twenty
new species to our records of those indigenous to Britain ; and of these, as
well as of all the rare species mentioned, the localities and captors are fully
detailed : moreover, Mr. Murray has rendered this book much more useful
than such catalogues often are, by appending to the Latin names those of
their authors, and to such species as are likely to appear of doubtful iden-
tity, the synonymes " generally in use on the Continent."

We could wish that other compilers of lists relating to extensive districts
would follow the example here set before them, of rendering their works
generally accessible, by publishing them in an independent form.

The Entomologists' Annual deserves a hearty welcome ; the idea which

it has embodied in a substantial volume, is to the Entomologists of these

realms as novel and as acceptable, as it promises to be useful. A blank

has been filled, more especially felt by those who were aware that the

VOL. n. A

REVIEWS,

zealous labours of Erichson and Schauni have, long since, given our
Continental brethren the benefit of similar compilations year by year.
Nor need this Annual in the least interfere with the utility of the
"Zoologist" and kindred monthly publications; to their pages a paper is
hardly admissible if not original, whereas to the Annual information will
be all the more valuable after it has stood the test of public scrutiny un-
scathed. According to the editor —

" The idea of the present work is to supply these two main desiderata — to give,
systematically, notices of all the new species found in this country in the past year,
and, at the same time, to intimate which once rare species had been taken in any
plenty. In the present volume, so much space bcin^ occupied by notices of the
novelties since the last standard work on the subject, there was not room left for
notices of the rare species which have become common, without swelling the book
to a size wbich, by enhancing its cost, would have diminished its usefulness by
limiting its circulation."

We must, however, tell our readers, that there is to the latter statement
a pleasing exception, and that the notices of the Tineina (the recent publi-
cation of his complete work on which, has given Mr. Staiiitou an advantage
over his brother writers, by reducing the addenda to a very small number),
are as completely worked out as, we trust, those of the other insects will
be hereafter.

The present number contains but three orders — Lepidoptera, by the
Editor ; Hymenoptera, by Mr. F. Smith, of the British Museum ; and Co-
leoptera, by Mr. E. W. Janson, who is new to us as an author, though
well-known to the members of the Entomological Society as curator of
their museum and library.

The new Microlepidopterd and Tortrices are enumerated from the pub-
lication of Stephens's " Illustrations," in 1835, and number 153 species.
The year 1854 has produced nine more, along with eleven of the Tineina —
the latter of which thus form a supplement even to the recent standard
work on that group. But there is here an omission — the Crambina seem
to have been thought unworthy of notice, and the Pterophoridae totally
forgotten. Now, we are not conscious of any particular predilection for
the unfortunate " snouts," as they are wont to be termed ; yet, as lovers of
impartiality, we must assert their claims to admission, and, likewise, those
of the elegant-plumed moths — which, surely, are an interesting group.

In the Hymenoptera, the new bees (numbering fifty-nine species) date
from Kirby's " Monographia," in 1802, and the new fossorial Hyme-
noptera, from Shuckard's "Essay," in 1836. These are followed by
" Notes on the Myrmicidse and Formicidae," and " Notes in explanation
of the New Species of Aculeate Hymenoptera, in Stephens's Systematic
Catalogue."

REVIEWS. 3

To the Coleoptera the largest additions of all have been made, and Mr.
Jauson has been, of necessity, confined to little more than a bare enume-
ration of the technical names, and the authorities from whom he has
quoted. Since 1839, the date of Stephens's " Manual/' 230 species, new
to Britain, have been discovered ; and we are glad to see, that though the
products of but a single district in Ireland have as yet been made public,
nine of the novelties have been furnished by that district alone.

Want of space compels us to be thus brief, and we can hardly notice
the coloured plate forming the frontispiece, which contains figures (accu-
rately drawn from nature, by Messrs. Wing) of five of the new moths,
with two of the new beetles ; the most conspicuous of the Lepidoptera is
our Irish Authrocera Minos.

Well may the British Entomologists feel grateful to the spirited origi-
nator of this excellent undertaking, and to his able coadjutors ; that their
appreciation of its merits will soon be made evident, we confidently hope ;
and, with every wish for its success, its enlargement, and its permanency,
we bid the new Annual no unmeaning farewell.

A MONOGRAPH or THE TROCHILID.E, OR HUMMINGBIRDS. Dedicated,
with permission, to Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal of England.
By John Gould, F.R.S., &c.

Part VII. With Fifteen Coloured Lithographs. Price Three Guineas.
Published May 1, 1854.

Part VIII. With Fifteen Coloured Lithographs. Price Three Guineas.
Published October 1, 1854.

London : published by the Author, 20, Broad-street, Golden-square.

IN introducing to our readers' notice Mr. Gould's splendid " Monograph of
the Trochilida?," we think we cannot do better than quote the words with
which the enthusiastic Audubon commences the description accom-
panying his beautiful illustration of the exquisite and lovely northern hum-
mingbird—

"Where is the person who, seeing one of these lovely little creatures mov-
ing on humming winglets through the air, suspended as if by magic in it,
flitting from one flower to another, with motions as graceful as they are light
and airy, pursuing its course onwards, and yielding new delights wherever
it is seen — where is the person, I ask you, kind reader, who, on observing
this glittering fragment of the rainbow, would not pause, admire, and in-
stantly turn his mind with reverence towards the Almighty Creator — the

4 1IKVIKWS.

wonders of whose band we, at every step, discover, and of whose sublime con-
ceptions we everywhere observe the manifestations in his admirable system of
creation ? There breathes not such a person." And this query and answer
are equally applicable to the whole of this numerous family.

The ancients knew nothing of the Trochilidae — for they inhabited no part
of the old world ; and even Africa and India had only types — but those
splendid ones — in their creepers and honeysuckers, of this class of fairy
birds. Their habitation is almost confined to the tropical portions of the new
world, and that great archipelago of islands between Florida and the mouths
of the Orinoco, with the mainland of the southern continent, until it passes
the Tropic of Capricorn. There, in the wild, uncultivated parts, they in-
habit those forests of magnificent timber, overhung with lianas and the
splendid bignonacea? — the huge trunks clothed with a rich drapery of para-
sites ; there,

" Like fairy sprites, a thousand birds

Glance by on golden wing,
Birds lovelier than the lovely hues
Of the bloom wherein they sing."

But, while some thus rejoice in the moist air of the denser forest, others are
equally at home in gardens or in flowery glades ; and, during recent years,
the most notable discovery in this department of ornithology has been made
at a vast height among the mountains. This fact is proved by the follow-
ing extract of a letter from Professor Jameson, of the University of Quito,
to Sir William Jardine, in which, referring to the Trochilus Stanleyi, he
writes as follows : — *" I enclose a specimen of hummingbird which must be
considered as very rare; and it is with much difficulty I procured a very few
specimens. The most interesting point of its history is the locality which
it inhabits — the snowy summits of Pichincha; feeding from the flowers of
Sida Pichinensis — a charming plant, which springs from the barren, sandy
surface surrounding the crater, and displaying large, violet-purple flowers.
The plant has no branches, and the little bird, insect-like, flutters round the
flowers, and is remarkably quick in its movements ; it only appears when
the plant is in full flower; and, probably, in a few weeks it might be impos-
sible to procure a single specimen." Thus we see that these birds, while
confined to the inter-tropical limits, are found at various heights — in the
plain, well-nigh scorched beneath a glowing sun, where the palm-tree raises
its lofty head; then, again, we see them higher up in the region where grow
the graceful arborescent ferns; and, in the instance just quoted, we again

* From MS. in Jardine Hall Library, as given in " Excelsior," vol. ii., page 262 —
a most valuable and interesting journal, published monthly, price fld. With illustrations.
London : .1. Ni«bet.

REVIEWS. «)

find them tip near the region where patches of recently-fallen snow begin
to cover the last effort of vegetable life, t before the line of eternal snow
begins.

The dazzling beauty of these winged gems has^at all times, attracted at-
tention, whether viewed amid the glowing scenery of their native forests, or
seen (as it was lately the privilege of the inhabitants and visitors to the
British metropolis) in the more artificial display of a collection. Every epi-
thet which man's ingenuity could invent has been used to give an idea of
the richness of their colouring — the lustres of the emerald and of rubies
have been compared to them ; but all fall short of the real brilliancy of some
of the Trochilidae, when seen hovering around the flowers of some tree,
with their breasts flashing in the sun's rays. In the days of the " gentle
Cortes," Prince Montezuma met the Peruvian conqueror clad in a superb
garment, not glittering with gold and silver, but with the feathers of these
birds ; and even the Indian could appreciate their loveliness, and delighted to
adorn his bride with gems and jewellery plucked from the starry frontlets
of these beauteous forms ;* and in his native language they are styled
by no unapt metaphor, the " beams" or "locks" of the sun.

It has somewhere been flippantly said, that " in tropical countries, where
brilliant and varied colours have been granted to the birds and flowers,
song has been denied to the one and fragrance to the other." This is by
no means a correct assertion ; and even in this tribe of " brilliant
and varied" coloured birds, we have a striking example of its
impropriety ; for the very smallest of all birds — as we are told by
Mr. Gosse, in a charming passage in one of his worksf — "The tiny
vervain hummingbird (Mellisuga humilis), not larger than a school-
boy's thumb, utters a song so sweet, but of sounds so attenuated withal,
that you wonder who the musician can be, and are ready to think it the
voice of an invisible fairy, when, presently, you see the atom of a performer
perched on the topmost twig of a mango or orange tree, his slender beak
open, and his spangled throat quivering, as if he would expire his little soul
in the effort."

The migration of these birds might at first appear strange ; but the more
one studies the works of a Supreme Creator, the more will he be struck by
the admirable fitness of all things for the conditions with which they are
surrounded ; and beautifully is this exemplified in the present instance. Well
may we in every case admire the- wonderful works of God. It is true the
hummingbird need not leave any of its accustomed haunts, because the

* " Hummingbirds," by Sir W. Jardine, vol. i., p. 96.
t " A Naturalist's Sojourn in Jamaica," p. 179.

6 REVIEWS.

earth is bound by an icy chain, or because the flowers on which it feeds
have gone to rest for a short season, in spring to arise again in fresh loveli-
ness ; no — every day is spring, or summer, or autumn in those lands, and
winter, in all its sternness, is unknown. Why, then, must they be away?
Our swallows and summer birds leave us it is true ; but, then, they love
perpetual sunshine, and need perpetual supplies of insect food, which that
sunshine calls into life ; and equally good are the reasons that guide the
migratory powers of the Trochilidre. Beautiful though be the climes they
live in, yet, as if it were to verify the vulgar saying, " that there is no part
of the earth without its drawbacks," those countries are at seasons sub-
ject to perpetual rains, which drench, and almost inundate, their abodes, or
to frightful hurricanes, that, in a few short moments, leave only a wreck
of what was before so magnificent and luxuriant ; and so, before any
such disasters have happened, these birds pass over to other lands, where
the reparation of a previous wreck is proceeding with all the magical
rapidity of tropical vegetation. To enable them to accomplish in safety these
journeys, often of a long duration, and during which they have sometimes
to withstand a passing gale, showers, or even the rigour of a snow storm,
we find them gifted with wings of a large size, and quills of a great
strength, entirely out of proportion to our ideas of symmetry in a creature
clothed with feathers, did we not take into consideration their migratory
disposition, and, then, the utility and design of them become most obvious.
But the fascination which attaches itself to this "gay creation" has led us
far from our original task ; in resuming it we will enumerate the various
works of importance that have been devoted to the history of these birds. We
pass over the accounts of single individuals, given us by Wilson, Audubon,
Bullock, and, lately, by Gosse, in his "Birds of Jamaica," and shall only
notice those works that can be compared to the "Monograph" before us: —
first, in 1820-23, M. C. J. Temminck published his "Nouveau Rdcueil des
Planches Colorees des Oiseaux, pour servir de Suite en de complement aux
Planches Enluininees de Buffon." Quarto, with plates. In comparing this
work with the one before us, we cannot but be struck with the unsatisfac-
tory nature of the descriptions, while very little notice is taken of the habits
of the birds. The plates also are a little too highly coloured, and would
lead to the impression that they had been drawn from stuffed specimens.
Secondly, in 1829, M. R. P. Lesson published his "Histoire Naturelle des
Oiseaux Mouches," with 86 coloured plates; in 1831, his "Hist. Nat. des
Colibres," with 66 plates; and, in 1834, his"Les Trochilides,"with 70 plates.
These are three most beautiful volumes ; the plates are delicately executed ;
and, uj) to the date of the publication of Mr. Gould's "Monograph," were the

FEVIEWS. 7

very best volumes on this subject. Lastly, in 1849, Mr. Gould commenced
the publication of the present series, in parts, each containing fifteen coloured
lithographs, with descriptions. The plates in this work are drawn with the
greatest accuracy ; we do not recognise in them stuffed specimens, but we
could almost fancy we saw the birds themselves fluttering their little wings
as they probe into the long corollas of the flowers; these plates stand at the head
of ornithological drawings. We cannot but tender our small meed of praise
to the author, for his indefatigable patience in publishing so many and such
splendid works on this subject. To dwell long on these " coloured repre-
sentations" would be useless, as there are few who do not know them ; and
all our praises would not excite in our reader's mind that thrill of delight
which is experienced in viewing these drawings of the birds themselves ;
second only is it, to visiting them in their own lovely paradise.

We cannot resist the pleasure of giving Mr. Gould's account of the Pano-
plites Jardini, so called after our distinguished British ornithologist.

"Panoplites Jardini. — This is one of the most beautiful of the Trochilidse
yet discovered. The means at my command are utterly inadequate to
give in the plate more than an idea of this exquisite living gem, whose
crown, back, shoulders, and chest- sides, are clothed with hues of metallic
blue and green, of such resplendent brilliancy that it would be impossible
to represent them upon paper ; those, therefore, of my readers who may
wish to view them, must seek an opportunity for attentively examining the
birds themselves.

" The native country of this glittering gem is the temperate regions of
Ecuador, where, in certain localities, it is tolerably common. It is still,
hoAvever, a rare bird in Europe; there are few collections which comprise
examples, and none, I believe, so fine as those contained in my own. For
these I am indebted to my good friend, Professor Jameson, of Quito — at
gentleman of high scientific attainments, and who has largely contributed
to our knowledge of the zoology and botany of the rich district in
which he resides. That he may still have a long life to enjoy, is, I am sure,
the sincere wish of all his scientific friends and correspondents; among
whom is included one whose name is familiar to every zoologist as that of
an ardent lover of natural history, and who has spent the greater part of
his life in the promotion of its cause — need I add that I allude to Sir
William Jardine, Bart., after whom this lovely bird has been named by M.
Bourcier, of Paris, as a just tribute to his merits as a naturalist.

" M. Bourcier, who first brought the species to Europe, states, that the
bird inhabits the hot regions of the great forests in the environs of Nane"-
gan. In the letter accompanying the specimens transmitted to Professor

8 REVIEWS.

Jameson lie says — * Having, from time to time, procured from collectors
a considerable number of fine species of Trochilidfe, from an extensive
forest, about two days' journey distant from Quito, I could no longer resist
my inclination to visit that part of the country ; and, as I particularly
wished to ascertain the precise localities frequented by the more interesting
species, I determined at once to carry my project into effect, and only
regretted you were not here to accompany me. You are aware that ex-
plorations in these countries are achieved at the expense of great bodily
fatigue ; the journey on foot usually commences at the upper boundary of
the forest — say, at 10,000 feet — and is continued downwards to that of
4,000 feet above the sea level.

" * The Trochilidae observed at the first-mentioned elevation were — Erioc-
nemis Luciani, Aglceactis cupripennis, and Helianthea Lutetice, all feeding
on the flowers of Syphocampylus giganteus. A little lower down, another
species, unknown to me, frequented the flowers of different species of
fuchsia ; and, at a station — 6,000 feet — where I remained for the night,
I saw, for the first time, that magnificent species named Jardini. It was
by no means uncommon ; and I shot a splendid specimen on a tree, be-
longing to the family Myrtaceae, which appeared to be its favourite haunt.
From the height of the tree I could not reach the blossoms, all I could do
was to procure a branch with leaves, which are rather large.' "

In conclusion, we would suggest to Mr. Gould, that, as the expense of
these parts precludes their existence in the libraries of a large number of
naturalists, he would render one more service to ornithologists by pub-
lishing, in one volume, his account of all the species of the Trochilidae ; and
if to each genus was appended an engraving of its type, we could hardly
conceive a more useful work, and, we have little doubt, it would be preserved
by every lover of a class of birds

"In whose bright plumes the richest colours live,
Whose dazzling hues no mimic art can give ;
The purple amethyst, the emerald's green,
Contrasted, mingle with the ruby's sheen."

ON THE COLOURING MATTER OF THE FLOWER OF STRELITZIA REGIN.E ;

from Report of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh ; and
ON THE OCCURRENCE OF " CINCHONACEOUS GLANDS" IN GALIACEJE. With a

Plate. By George Lawson, F.R.P.S., F.B.S.E., &c., &c.

WE know very little as yet of the anatomical conditions of the colouring
matter of plants (Chlorophyll being excepted), and, therefore, are glad
to see this subject made a matter of investigation. In the former of

REVIEWS.

these papers, Mr. Lawson confirms Mohl's view of the colouring matter in
S. reginae — viz., that the blue colour of the flower is not diffused colour,
but appears in the shape of spherical granules ; and that in the yellow
leaves the pigment has, as Mohl expresses it, the form of slender, crescen-
tically-curved, and irregularly-wound fibres, which swim in the cell sap.
Mr. Lawson adds, that it, however, occasionally occurs in globular bodies.
In the latter paper we have a very careful and detailed account of the
occurrence of Cinchonaceous glands on the interpetiolar stipules of the Gali-
acea?. Hitherto these glands were considered quite peculiar to the natural
order Cinchonacese, and have even been employed as a character to distin-
guish that order from Galiaceae. However, Mr. Lawson has discovered that
they are present in every plant of the order he has examined — amounting,
on the whole, to no less than twenty-seven species — and, we think, he may
fairly conclude their general occurrence in the order. The paper concludes
with reviewing the reasons for keeping those two orders separate. Both
these papers are of exceeding interest to botanists, and we are glad to see
them published in a separate form.

THE SEA-WEED COLLECTOR'S GUIDE. By J. Cocks, M.D. With a Plate,
coloured. Price 2s. 6d. London : John Van Voorst. 1853. 12mo.
Pp. xvii., 120.

WE have in these pages a really useful, because practical, guide for the
collector of our Marine Algae, and which we feel will be gladly welcomed
by all who admire the elegant varieties of form to be met with in this
most interesting and beautiful order. We can remember how gladly we
would have hailed such a manual when, for the first time, we endeavoured
to preserve some of our favourites for future examination, and saw how far
our attempts were from keeping the characteristic features of those we
were most anxious to preserve. With Dr. Cocks's name British Algseologists
are already well acquainted ; and few collections of our Algas, of any size, are
to be found, in which specimens put up by him may not be recognised by
their exceeding beauty and perfection ; and we only regret that their
merits are not better known and appreciated. We, however, have some
reason to hope, that in the course of the present year, Dr. Cocks will issue
to subscribers, at a moderate price, sets of British Algae, arranged in
fasciculi, in accordance with the PhycologiaBritannica; and we can scarcely
conceive a greater boon to the student than such a companion to the noble
Monograph of Professor Harvey, or one that would find a readier support
from all who are attracted to our coasts in search of health and pleasure.

10 REVIEWS.

Should Dr. Cocks cany out his present intentions, we can assure him of
our most cordial co-operation, as we have from experience learned to value
the luxuriant beauty of the specimens of Algse which he has already
arranged for distribution among his friends, and in which all the charac-
teristic features are most prominently preserved, while the graceful habit of
the plants is never sacrificed.

In the present little work our author's object is merely to assist the
collector, by such judicious directions, as will enable him to collect and pre-
serve his specimens for future examination. These directions (which also
include instructions of how to mount specimens for microscopic exami-
nation) are followed by a systematic list of the British Marine Algae, while
the volume is concluded by an alphabetical list of them, with localities and
times of appearance. We with difficulty refrain from extracting some
directions for the management of the more delicate species, and those for
the preparation of specimens for the microscope, which we had marked for
that pui-pose ; but, on reflection, we will, in justice to their author, content
ourselves with strongly advising our algseological readers to purchase, read,
and practice the directions of Dr. Cocks for the preservation of these ocean
flowers, and we will assure them that the increased beauty of their collec-
tions will amply repay the time and money expended.

WANDERINGS AMONG THE WILD FLOWERS; How to See and How to
Gather Them. With Two Chapters on the Economical and Medicinal
Uses of our Native Plants. By S. Thomson, M.D., F.RC.S.E. With
upwards of 1 70 Engravings. Pp. 338. 8vo. Price 5s. London :
Groombridge and Sous. 1854.

THIS little work contains a pleasing epitome of botanical science ; not, it is
true, very scientifically expressed, but sufficiently so, we think, to serve as
a stepping-stone to a work like Balfour's Botany. We have, in Part I.,
a popular treatise on the organs of plants. Part II. contains — Classifica-
tion of plants, its necessity and use. We need not dwell upon either of
these chapters, but will hasten to the next, which is the most original part
of this volume. It opens with an account of a student's botanical excur-
sion in Scotland. This is interesting, and we append it —

"The rendezvous for one of the Saturdays of July, 1835, had been fixed at the
village of Currie, six miles from Edinburgh— not then, of course, as now, a railway
station ; and, as botanists do not ride, it was walking distance. The trysting-time
at the inn, eight o'clock, and breakfast ready ; six, therefore, must be the time to
start from town. As bright a July morning as ever dawned it was, a.s the author,
with one friend— now the Madras editor, Dr. Alexander Hunter— started for the
meet. Parties of twos, threes, and fours soon gathered, all tending towards the

RKVIEWS. 1 1

same destination; and before the quarter after eight h.rl elapsed, upwards of fifty
young men were gathered in the large room of the inn, eagerly looking for the
advent of the rolls, the eggs, and all etceteras which were to satisfy appetites
sharpened by a six-mile walk. Fearful would have been the consternation of our
host had this inroad come upon him unprepared ; but two days' notice, and a pre-
vious knowledge of botanical appetites — by no means vegetarian, however — had
served to allow ample provision, testified by the clothes-baskets heaped full of rolls,
the huge wickers of eggs, the beef, and the hams.

" Almost we hear now the merry laughter of that breakfast- table, almost see the
air of bonhommie with which our good professor, after himself diving to the kitchen,
re-appeared with another basket of eggs, when all were thought to be exhausted
ere appetites were satisfied. Almost can we see the grave humour beaming in the
genuine Scottish face of ' old Macnab,' known far and wide in Europe as the
skilful manager of the Botanic Gardens, the professor's lieutenant, and whose
walking powers of three score could tire out many, if not most, of the younger
limbs then present. Now and then would the laugh become doubly hearty as some
laggard straggled in late, and looked ruefully around at the almost cleared board.
But, breakfast over, then came the start for the hills and moorlands which were to
be the scene of the day's explorations. Most of the band were really practical
botanists, were well shod for the purpose, wore the light shooting-jacket and light
cap, and carried boxes which would hold good store of plants ; not a few with
good, stout hand-spades slung to the waist or button-hole; some only evidenced
their novitiate by appearing in white trousers and natty boots, of whom more here-
after.

u A short two miles, and the first exploring ground is reached — an extensive
bog, where grew not only most of our common bog-plants, but a few rarer species ;
one, more especially, of the orchis family, the spurless coral-root, found only in a
very few situations in Scotland. No sportsman can feel more eager interest than
the enthusiastic botanist in search of a rare plant ; the plant was soon found ; but
well was that bog searched over, and more than once did eagerness or ignorance lead
some to venture on treacherous surfaces, to find themselves, without warning, sunk up
to the middle in the black bog-water. To the men of strong shoes and rough trousers
this was but a small calamity ; but woe betide the well-cut boot and white inex-
pressibles, whose luckless owner had the laughs of the entire party to meet. By
high noon, the bog having been exhausted, the hills had to be breasted, and more
than one covey of grouse whirred off from among the patches of the mountain
cloudberry (Rubus chammcemorus), to reach which formed the outside limit of the
excursion. Then, along the dry, open moorlands, gathering on our way the small,
white butterfly orchis (Habenaria albida}, the curious little fern-moonwort
(Sotrychium lunaria), and many others, till we came to, in a small hill-bog, the
thread-like stems of the cranberry ( Vaccinium oxycoccos), resting on the surface
of the white sphagnum moss, and bearing its rose-coloured blossoms and berries
together. But the sun of this July day has shone fiercely, and, by three o'clock,
thirst oppresses many who have not had a sip from a pocket-flask of cold tea, or
wine and water. There, on the side of ' the black hill,' a line of fresh green tells
that a spring rises no far way up, and sure enough we find it, clear and pure as
only these hill-streams are — cold too, almost too cold for safety ; but many a
thirsty one drinks from the ' diamond of the desert ' notwithstanding. Thirst
quenched, e'er long something tells that the stomach has long since disposed of the
ample supplies of the morning. Some had been careful enough to provide a bis-
cuit, or to pocket a roll from the breakfast-table, and some were happy enough to
own such a provident friend willing to share with them ; but the supplies were
sadly scanty.

"There is the professor — his tall, handsome form was ever distinguishable — striding
off to that hill farm-steading (or, rather, on Scottish ground, "farm -town"), and
soon his hearty call is heard. He has bought up the whole of the good wife's
dairy store — and milk, food, and drink together, is there for the whole party. We
wonder if the good woman ever had her milk-pans so thoroughly cleared before —
they were then.

u Another stretch across the moorland, a search down the narrow glen of the

1 2 REVIEWS.

bonny burn which makes its way through it, in alternate stream, cascade, and pool,
.stream :md cascade again, and seven o'clock in the evening finds most of the party
— some few had deserted early in the day — at the scene of the morning breakfast.
But, ahis, our host had not calculated upon an evening foray, as well as a morning
raid, and the late furnishing of comestibles was but scant compared with the early
— actually there was not enough. One ef the party we detected — we almost think
it was our friend of Madras — laying violent hands on some rather musty beef- bones
in the pantry, which the host had been ashamed to bring out.

u Then came the dispersion. Some, unused to the exertion, must stop at the
inn ; some lagged on the road ; some stopped at the half-way village ; and a few
only, with the professor and his veteran lieutenant, marched into town at ten
o'clock, well tired, but well satisfied, and one at least of the party to remember the
day as one of the green spots in life's retrospect, which, like a thing of beauty.

1 Is a joy for ever.' "

Then we have u Monthly Illustrations," which will be a guide to the
tyro botanist as to what plants he may find in each of the twelve months.
Lastly, we have a chapter on the economic properties of British wild
plants; one on "Native Medicinal Plants" used in regular medicinal
practice, and on those chiefly employed " popularly," in which we find that
the herbalists and old wives go in direct opposition to the saying, " that
what is sweet to the mouth is good for the stomach ;" for we do not find
one plant in the list given that is not a most disagreeable bitter. This
our readers can be made practically aware of by tasting the " tansey,"
" wormwood," and several others. We doubt not but that this little work,
unpretending though it be, will be a great help to many a beginner in the
delightful study of our " wild plants and flowers."

A POPULAR HISTORY OF BRITISH MOSSES; comprising a General Account
of their Structure, Fructification, Arrangement, and General Distribution.
By R. M. Stark, F.B.S. Royal 16mo. Price 10s. 6d. Pp., 324.
With 20 Plates, coloured, representing 55 species. London : Lovell
Reeve. 1854.

STRANGE though it may appear, this is the first work on the British mosses
which tells us about them in a popular and pleasant style, and, at the same
time, gives us the important and scientific descriptions of them, without
which we would be unable — however much we might be attracted by their
beauty — to distinguish one from the other. We purposely omit mention-
ing W. Gardiner's " Lessons on Mosses," which, though a delightful little
work, did not, we think, sufficiently combine the utile cum inutile — freely
rendered, the scientific part with the popular.

The introduction contains a very interesting account of the uses of the
mosses, which are more than, at first sight, one would imagine. Mr.
Stark gives them very little credit for usefulness in a medical point of

REVIEWS. 1 '•>

view ; and, even in treating of the well-known Marchantia, he forgets to
tell us, that for curing a " cold," or " binding of the heart," it is the
sovereign'st thing on earth. Whether this be the case or not, we think
there are few of our readers who will study this introduction but will unite
in saying, with an eminent botanist — " In the economy of man they form
but an insignificant part; but in the economy of nature, how vast an
end I"

We have the greatest pleasure in strongly recommending this work.
Let our readers but obtain a copy of it, together with a penknife and a
good Codington lens, and they will be enabled to find fresh interest in
their daily walks — whether they be on the mountain-tops, or by the river's
side — yes, even on the wall-top, and on the garden- walk, they will find
plenty to instruct both their eye and heart. They will, doubtless, have a
large field open to them, as there is no spot on the surface of our globe
more highly favoured with the mosses than the British Isles ; and some of
them may be found all the year round. If they be collected in boggy
ground — a favourite locality — the collector should beware lest he " fall into
a peat-hole," and come home in a most deplorable plight, with a loss of
all his mossy treasures, and a great addition to his accustomed weight.
We have instructions for raising some of the Musci by seed ; but, by some
mistake, we have none for preserving them — however, this is very easily
done.

We think naturalists, in general, should thank the publisher of this
series of popular natural history, and we think botanists, in particular,
should welcome this charming addition to its numbers. The plates are
drawn by Fitch, and represent 55 different species. With their aid, we
have no doubt, beginners will be able to make good progress in naming
their collections.

CATALOGUE OF BRITISH MARINE POLYZOA IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM.
With Plates. Parts I. & II. 8vo. By George Busk, F.R.S., &c., &c.

SINCE the publication of Dr. Johnston's Monograph, which must ever be
valued by the student of our native zoophytes as the authority to which
he will most naturally refer, the naturalist has received no so welcome boon
in connection with these but too long neglected classes as the present work,
for which we are indebted to the zeal and liberality of the Trustees of the
British Museum, and we gladly hail it as a proof of the rapid advance which
has been made, within the last few years, in zoophytological science, and as

14 REVIEWS.

a noble earnest of what the entire catalogue, of which these form a portion,
will be when completed.

In calling them "a catalogue" a slight error in nomenclature, resulting either
from that ignis fatwts love of uniformity, or from a, perhaps, more pardonable
excess of modesty, has, however, been committed by their able and judicious
compiler ; to give any just idea of the contents, he should have called these
parts a monograph and not a catalogue, containing, as they will when finally
completed, a catalogue of all the marine Polyzoa in the British Museum,
accompanied by figures and descriptions, not merely of the genera, but also
of all the species contained in their pages, and which, being drawn up from
the typical specimens, will give them an additional value, more especially to
the British student, as they refer to the specimens, in many cases, used by Dr.
G. Johnston and others when describing the species recorded in their writ-
ings. A sound discretion has been exercised in the selection of their com-
piler. Mr. George Busk — who has also made the drawings, with which they
are so plentifully enriched — has long been known as a laborious student of the
lower forms of animal life, while his skill, as a practical observer, has given
a facility in the use of the microscope, which is apparent on even a cursory
examination of the plates, which are all drawn to scale, with the camera
lucida ; so that the absolute and relative proportions of each object are at
once evident. In the two fasciculi now before us, are contained the sub-
order Cheilostomata, in which are included such of the Infundibulata as
are characterized by having the " aperture of the cell filled with a thin,
membranaceous or calcareous velum, with a crescentic mouth, and provided
with a moveable lip." Under this head are contained the following fourteen
families with their contained genera : — Catenicellidae, Salicornadae, Cellula-
riadae, Scrupariada3, Farciminariadae, Gemellariadas, Cabereadas, Bicella-
riada3, Flustradae, Membraniporidas, Celleporiadas, Escharadae, Vinculariadas,
and Selenariadas.

In drawing up the characters of the species contained in the foregoing
families, very considerable use is made of the Avicularian and Vibracular
organs — the possession of which appears to be, as Mr. Busk justly ob-
serves, peculiar to this suborder ; and a very able though brief analysis of
his views on this point is subjoined to the conclusion of Part II., with the
purpose of indicating the present state of our knowledge on this sub-
ject, and also of directing attention to their importance in affording
diagnostic or systematic characters. To these views we have already di-
rected the attention of our readers, when they appeared in the Transactions
of the Microscopical Society. Since that period, we ourselves have more care-
fully examined these strange organs, and we do not hesitate in expressing our

REVIEWS. 1 5

conviction of the importance of a more close and attentive observation of,
and would suggest to our fellow-students carefully to examine, them, as they
undoubtedly merit the statements made by our author, not only as they ap-
pear in print, but also by the test of actual observation. Much still re-
mains to be done upon this subject, which, however, requires patient indus-
try, joined to many mdependeut/fobservations, before any theory, however
plausible, can be finally adopted. We annex the summary we refer to,
and we trust that it will cause some of our sea-side readers to commence
an accurate and uninterrupted series of observations on these puzzling ap-
pendages.

u The organs in question are of two kinds — the one forming a sort of pincers, and
the other consisting of a long, slender, moveable seta, and the muscles, by which it
is moved, contained in a special receptacle or cell. To the former set of organs, of
whatever form, the term Avicularian is here understood to be applicable, and the
latter are termed Vibracula. With the respect to the structure of these organs of
either class, it is sufficient to remark, that however diverse their appearance may
be, they are all constructed upon the same general type — that is to say, the organ
consists of a hollow cup, containing two sets of muscles for the movements of the
motile portion — the mandible; as I have termed it, in the one case, and the seta in
the other.

*' The Avicularian, besides the moveable mandible, which varies extremely in form
and length, always has a more or less well-marked corresponding fixed beak — the
opponent, as it were, of the mandible, and serving to constitute the organ an in-
strument of prehension.

" This beak is necessarily absent in the Vibraculum, which appears to be merely
a defensive organ, or, perhaps, in some cases (as in the Selenraiadce}, having a loco-
motive function ; and its absence in cases when the moveable part of the organ is
detached, would serve to distinguish the one kind of organ from the other. It is to
be regretted, however, that, in the instance of fossil species, when such a character
would be of extreme value, this beak, which is, I believe, always constituted of a
horny or chitinous substance, is removed with all other vestiges of the animal tissues.
The presence of the beak also serves to determine, in some cases, the Avicularian
nature of the organ, when, as in several species of the Lepralia, the setose form of
the mandible might indicate that it would be more correctly referred to the Vibra-
cular type.

u 1. As regards the Avicularia.

" These organs, which appear first to have been noticed by Ellis, have been in-
vestigated and described by many subsequent authors, among whom are particularly
to be noticed Mr. Darwin, Dr. Van Beneden, the late Professor John Reid, and
especially Nordmann and Krohn.

" In some observations upon the structure of the Polyzoary, and other points in
the economy of the Notamia bursaria, published in the Transactions of the Mi-
croscopical Society for 1847, I described more particularly the structure of the
curious and unique form presented by the Avicularian presented in that Polyzoan,
pointing out, I believe for the first time, that the muscles were divisible into two
distinct sets — one for the closing, and the other for the opening of the mandible ; I
also indicated that the mandible and beak were constituted of a different substance
from the rest of the organs before referred to ; and that besides the two sets of
muscles, the cup contained a * peculiar body of unknown nature.'

" I have, in addition, to remark, that since then it has occurred to me to notice a
circumstance hitherto overlooked, and which may eventually serve to throw some
light upon the ' peculiar body' contained in the cell, to which I adverted in my
observations upon Notamia. It was in that species also that I first noticed the fact,
that when the mandible is thrown back, or, in other words, when the Avicularian
is open, a slight prominence comes into view, covered with delicate setae, which do not

1(> KKVIKWS.

se<>m to be of the liature of cilia, because they exhibit no motion. These minute
srt;v appear to be Mated on the 'peculiar body,' or, at all events, to be moved
with it, and the lattor, again, seems to be so connected with the muscles by which
the mandible is closed, or rather, perhaps, to be a membrane by which the open-
ing of the cell is covered, when the mandible is thrown back, as to be protruded,
simply by the throwing back of that process. The setae then project beyond the
level of the cup, and are withdrawn into it as the mandible closes. I have noticed
this arrangement, at present, only in three species of Polyzoa — viz., Notamiu
burnaria, Buyula plumosa, and B. avicularia. In Scrupocellaria scruposa, the
only other species I have had sufficient opportunity of examining in a living state,
I failed in detecting, and am, therefore, not prepared to state that it obtains
universally; the setce might be supposed to constitute a tactile organ, the object
of which would be to apprise the occlusor muscles of the contact of any minute
floating object, upon which the mandible is then suddenly closed.

44 With respect to the function of the Avicularia, several circumstances, indepen-
dent of their conformation, conspire, I think, to show that they are probably
organs of prehension.

44 Their structure so obviously indicates an aptitude for prehension, that the sup-
position of such being their function has long been entertained. The prehension
of objects may be either for purposes of defence, or, more probably, for
the procuring of food ; for, as Dr. Johnson observes, ' although they are
too short to hand the prey to the mouth, yet retained, in a certain position,
and enfeebled or killed by the grasp, the currents set in motion by the ciliated
tentacula may then carry it within reach.' The prehension of living objects
by these organs has been repeatedly observed ; and, on one occasion, I have
witnessed the capture of a minute vermide, by two of the Avicularia, simulta-
neously, on opposite sides of a branch of Scrupocellaria scruposa, and its reten-
tion by them for several days, notwithstanding the continuous and vigorous efforts
of the victim to escape.

"With respect to the Vibracula that they consist of a cup containing the muscular
apparatus, and of a movable seta articulated to the cup, and which appears to be
moved in the same way as the mandible of the Avicularia, this seta is, in most
cases, simple and terrete ; and in others, as in the family Selenariadse, the seta is
very variously and curiously formed — in some being bifid or trifid at the extremity ;
and in one (Selenaria maculafa^) it is spirally contorted and minutely annulated, so
as very closely to resemble the proboscis of a butterfly.

44 As to the function of the Vibracula it would appear, in most instances, to be
simply defensive. The seta may be observed in almost continual motion, sweeping
slowly and carefully over the surface of the polyzoary, and removing what might
be noxious to the general inhabitants of the cells when their tentucula are pro-
truded.

•4 Another circumstance, however, often to be observed with respect to these
organs is this, that each presents inferiorly a perforation sometimes rounded, as in
Scrupocellaria and Canda ; sometimes channelled, as in Caberea, which indicates
the point of attachment of a radical root or fibre. But that this connection with
a radical tube is not an essential attribute of the vibracular organ is sufficiently
obvious from the circumstance, that those tubes are frequently found where no
such organs exist ; while, on the other hand, where there are Vibracula, the tubes
invariably enter them, and not the cell itself. This is especially evident in the
genus Canda.

44 In the case of the Selenariadce, or Lunulites, I think it not improbable, as
above remarked, that the Vibracula may be subservient to locomotion. This
point would form a most interesting subject to those who may be so fortunate as to
obtain these remarkable creatures in the living state.

The Avicularian and Vibracular organs appear to be of very considerable im-
portance in a scientific point of view ; and although, from our imperfect know-
ledge of them — and, in fact, of numy points in the economy and structure of
the Polyzoa in general— the supposition can only be regarded as highly proble-
matical— it seems not unlikely that their presence or absence, especially of the
Avicularian, may be connected morr directly with the intrinsic nature of the

REVIEWS. 17

species upon which they are found, than has hitherto been supposed. It may,
for instance, be the case, that those furnished with those offensive weapons live
upon a kind of food different from that of the others, who do not require such
an aid in the capture or weakening of their prey. The Polyzoa may, perhaps,
be thus divided into vegetable and animal feeders ; or into feeders upon the dead
and those which subsist upon living organisms. One thing, however, may be
affirmed, that these organs afford, in many cases, excellent and available syste-
matic characters, of which application this Catalogue will afford abundant evi-
dence. With respect to this part of the subject it will be, therefore, unneces-
sary here to add more than a few words.

u Of the two sets of organs the Avicularia are found by far the most extensively ;
existing, in fact, in the majority of genera constituting the cheilostomatous
Polyzoa. In applying these appendages for the purposes of classification, it is
necessary to divide them into three classes — 1, the pedunculate ; 2, the sessile ;
3, the immersed. The two latter classes, however, run insensibly into each other,
while the pedunculate form is obviously quite distinct, inasmuch as it presents an
additional feature in the shape of a basal joint. It is to this form of Avicularian
that the term ' bird's1 or % vulture's heads' is more properly applied. It occurs
in Bugula avicularia, B. plumosa, B.flabellata, B. dentata^ and Bicellaria ciliata;
while it is wanting altogether in Bugula neritina, Bicellaria grandis, and B.
gracilis —species, therefore, which it is very desirable should be examined in the
fresh or living state, for the purpose of examining whether the inhabitant of the
cell does not afford characters sufficient to cause these species to be referred to
genera distinct from those to which, from consideration of their skeletons alone,
they are now regarded as belonging. A modification of pedunculate Avicularian,
where it assumes the form of a long, trumpet-shaped, or ' iufundibuliform' organ,
exists in Bicellaria tuba ; with the exception of this latter organ the pedunculate
Avicularia are always placed on the anterior surface of the cell, on one side, below
the level of the aperture.

" The sessile form of Avicularian, distinguished from the immersed, occurs pretty
extensively, though not so abundantly as the latter form. With a single excep-
tion, Amastigia nuda is almost invariably placed upon the front of the cell, below
the aperture, as in Alysidium Lafontii, most species of the genera Meniphea,
Scrupocellaria, and Canda, and in many of the genus Cabarea — in some (as in
Scrupocellaria ferox) attaining gigantic dimensions. It is distinguished from the
immersed form of Avicularia, not only by its greater projection, but also, and, per-
haps, more essentially, by its being composed of a more or less flexible material ;
while in the latter form, where it is even somewhat prominent, the cup is always
calcareous and rigid.

"The immersed form of the Avicularian occurs in a great number of genera and
species, and, in many instances — as in the genus Lepralia — affords excellent specific
characters. The variety of appearances and position afforded by this form of Avi-
cularian will be best appreciated upon inspection of the figures."

We have extracted these observations at full length, with the hope of
engaging the eyes of many who have already, perhaps, barely noticed these
curious appendages ; and, we trust, that a Catalogue, drawn up with such
care and fidelity, will soon prove its utility by increased exertions on the
part of many a solitary student, who, without such aids and encourage-
ments, would be almost tempted to abandon, as fruitless, the field of
research he had marked out. Two points in the Catalogue we notice with
regret — one the frequent change of nomenclature, in some instances dif-
ferent even from that recently adopted in the " List of British Radiata,"
another publication of the British Museum Trustees ; in extenuation of this,

VOL. II. B

1 8 REVIEWS.

its able compiler may, with great propriety, plead the almost infant state
of our knowledge of the Cheilostomata, and the abundant and accurate
lists of synonyms which he has in every case appended ; the other is the
price at which they are published. This we would not, perhaps, dispute
if they appeared as publications emanating either from the pen of Mr.
Busk or any other similar source; but when they are ushered into
existence with the pompous announcement that they are printed by order
of the Trustees of the British Museum, we would have hoped that the
price of the Catalogue might be such, that, when completed, even the
poorest student could have been in possession of it as a welcome addition
to his previously scanty store.

We, however, will look with impatience for the future parts, and hope
that these two, comprehending so many puzzling genera, will be succeeded
by others in which the same care and accuracy of description will be main-
tained, and that then- talented author will be spared to see them valued, as,
sooner or later, they must be by all who are capable of duly appreciating
the laborious research which every page bears evidence of.

We also regret, that in the conclusion of Part II. a Concordance of
Synonyms, similar to that appended to other lists published by the British
Museum, was not attached. We hope, however, to find it with the last
part, as we can speak from experience of the great facilities it affords the
student, who, perhaps, is only acquainted with the nomenclature of some
British Monograph ; and this is the more necessary, as in some genera of
the Cheilostomata the specific distinctions are often so trivial as even to
puzzle a practised observer to recognise them with certainty.

Of the illustrations of every species catalogued we cannot speak too
highly ; they far surpass anything of the kind we have yet seen for rigid
accuracy and fidelity of execution, and will be prized by all whose good
fortune it may be to possess so valuable and welcome an aid as " Busk's
Catalogue of British Marine Polyzoa."

A MONOGRAPH OF THE SUB-CLASS CIRRIPEDIA. With figures of all the
species. By Charles Dai-win, F.R.S., F.G.S. Volume I. 8vo. The
Lepadida3. London : Printed for the Ray Society. 1853. With 10
Plates. Volume II. 8vo. The Balanida3, The Verrucidae, &c., &c.
London : Printed for the Ray Society. 1854. With 30 Plates.

UNTIL comparatively recent years, the Lepadid* and Balanidas — commonly
known by the names of " barnacle," and " acorn shells" — were supposed to

REVIEWS. 1 9

belong to Cuvier's second division of the animal kingdom — viz., the Mollusca
— and came under the denomination of multivalve shells; which term was
applied by the great Swedish naturalist, not only to those animals which
really belonged to the Testacese, but also to the Cirripedes, which have
nothing whatever to do with shells, properly so called. It was not, how-
ever, until Mr. V. Thompson's splendid discovery of the larva in the last
stage of development in the Balanus, that this sub-class received its proper
place in the third division of Cuvier — namely, the Articulata — and in the
class Crustacea. This error in classification is not surprising when we
consider the fixed condition of their shell, and the degree of external resem-
blance between, on the one hand, Lepas and Teredo, and, on the other
hand, between Balanus and a Mollusc, compounded of a patella and chiton.
It is remarkable that Cuvier, although aware of their internal structure,
allowed the external false resemblance to the Mollusca to counterbalance
the opinion which his knowledge might have arrived at.

Straus, who was an eminent and philosophic writer, remarkable for his bold
deductions and able generalizations, was supposed to have been the first
who, in 1819, maintained that the Cirripedes were most nearly allied to
the Crustacea ; but this view was disregarded until Mr. Thompson's dis-
covery, just alluded to, about eleven years afterwards ; since that time, with
trifling exceptions, the Cirripedes have been almost universally admitted
among the Crustacea.

In the present able Monograph Mr. Darwin divides the Cirripedia into
three orders — viz., the Thoracica, Abdominalia, and Apoda — between
which the fundamental difference consists in the limbs or cirri being tho-
racic in the first, abdominal in the second, and entirely absent in the third.
The Cirripedes are commonly bisexual or hermaphrodite ; but in some
genera the sexes are separate. The males in these genera are minute —
often exceedingly minute — and,' consequently, more than one is attached to
a single female. In several species they are short-lived ; for they cannot
feed, being destitute of a mouth or stomach. In those genera it is the
females which retain the characters of the genus, family, and order to which
they belong — the males often departing widely from the normal type.
Perhaps among all the wonders that we occasionally hear of in natural
histoiy, none are so strange or so startling as the description of the males
of the Cirripedes. In some cases they are rudimentary to a degree,
unequalled in the whole animal kingdom, so as to exhibit, in fact, nothing
but mere bags of spermatozoa. For example, the male Alcippe has no
mouth, no stomach, no thorax, no abdomen, and no appendages or limbs
of any kind! After such a surprising amount of abortion, Mr. Darwin

20 REVIEWS.

supposes it very likely that he may be asked, how he knows that these
rudimentary epizoons are really the males of the Cirripedes to which
they attach themselves, and answers — " that even if the whole course of the
metamorphoses had not been known in three of the cases, the mere fact of
these epizoons being cemented by the three terminal segments of their
peculiar, pupal antennas, would have been sufficient to have shown that
they belonged to the class of Cirripedes." He was also able to demonstrate,
in nearly every case, that these epizoons were males ; and as in several
cases the spermatozoa were developed, and in no instance, notwithstanding,
was there a vestige of ova or ovaria, it may safely be concluded that they
were not hermaphrodites, and, therefore, required females of some kind.
And who would, under these circumstances, conclude that they had no
special or sexual relation to the female Cirripedes to which they are
attached ? This subject is most fully treated of in the text ; but we give
the above interesting, though curious facts, hoping it may be the means of
making some of our readers take an interest in this strange class of
creatures. In speaking of the metamorphoses of the Cirripedes, Mr.
Darwin says as follows : —

u I have reason to believe that the metamorphoses undergone can be reduced into
three principal stages or heads, and that these three include all the main changes.
First, larvae in first stage — Their shape is oval and the whole dorsal surface is evi-
dently covered by a carapace ; the body exhibits no distinct articulations ; the eye
varies considerably in the state of its development, and is of different shapes. In
Scalpellum vulgare we see arising posteriorly to the eye a pair of minute curved
horns directed backwards. These horns are very difficult to make out, and proba-
bly could not be seen previous to first moult in any larva of smaller size than that
of S. vulgare ; but after the first moult these appear to enclose the first pair of an-
tennae ; the second pair are not found until the pupal state. The mouth is more or
less probosci formed, differing considerably in this respect in different species of
the Lepadidse; during its very early stages there are no jaws; but the labrum is
furnished with some short, thick, sharp spines and some hairs. We come now to
the three pairs of natatory legs ; the first has throughout the order only one ramus,
whereas the two succeeding pairs are biramous. After the first moult these limbs
are furnished with plumose spines, some curved and some straight and strong, which
are most probably prehensile. Lastly, behind the natatory legs on the ventral sur-
face, the body is much produced and terminates in a horny fork, which, after the
first moult, becomes much elongated ; after the first moult the posterior end of the
carapace becomes much elongated and serrated on both sides. Situated under this
posterior prolongation of the carapace there is a swelling which apparently lies on
the dorsal surface of the spinose and forked abdomen ; here, ^hen the larva is com-
pressed, the cellular and oily contents of the body burst forth ; and I suspect that this
swelling is the anus. Larva second stage — Only one specimen has hitherto been
observed of a larva in this stage. The carapace has now greatly altered its character.
The small internal and anterior pairs of antennae are, it would now appear, aborted ;
the eye has commenced becoming double ; the mouth is probosciformed and does
not differ much from its condition in the first stage ; the first pair of legs is unira-
mous, and the two other pairs biramous ; the abdomen has become much shortened,
but still space is left for the development in the pupn of the three posterior pairs of
legs. Larva in the third or pupal stage— On comparison with the larva in the
second stage, the changes in external appearance and structure are not very great ;

REVIEWS, 2 1

the prehensile antennas are freed from their cases ; the two eyes stand further apart;
the three posterior pairs of legs have been developed, and a small abdomen has be-
come distinctly separated from the thorax. When the due time for the act of
the metamorphosis has arrived, the pupal carapace splits along the dorsal edge and
is cast off, together with the acoustic sacks, the basil segments of the two antennas,
and the great, black, compound eyes, hanging to the UU-like apodemes. The ex-
uviae usually continue for a time united to the cemented antenna, but are finally
washed away."

We need hardly say that the above extracts are only a tithe of the
account given by the author, which extends over many pages, and that
in several species slight modifications occur. We have a long account of
the structure of the shell and of the anatomy of the various parts of the
body of the Cirripede. In speaking of their nervous system, we have
some interesting remarks on their sensitiveness, which we subjoii

" I found the following three species — viz., Balanus balanoides, B. crenatus,
and Chthamalus stellatus — very sensitive to shadows — that is, to an object like my
hand, passing even quickly, and at the distance of about a foot between them and
the source of light. They were indifferent to a gradual change from bright to ob-
scure light ; but instantly perceived and drew in their cirri, when my hand was
passed between the basin in which they were kept and the window, even when this
was tried rather late on a dusky evening, and, likewise, when my hand was passed
between them and a single candle. I took, of course, the precaution of passing my
hand in other directions, but this never produced any effect. These species are
moderately sensible to any vibration in the vessel in which they were kept, but they
were indifferent to noises made in the air, or in the water. I found it impossible
to touch, under water, an individual shell ever so lightly with a needle without all
the immediately surrounding individuals, when several adhered together, perceiving
it and retracting their cirri ; it made no difference whether the one touched had
withdrawn its cirri and was motionless. From this fact, and from seeing that a simi-
lar, but slighter effect was produced by touching the rock on which the specimens
adhered, I infer that the perception by the others of the one being touched, is com-
municated by vibration. When an individual was touched under water, not by a
needle but by a pointed camel-hair brush, it generally withdrew its cirri ; but the
neighbouring specimens took no notice ; when touched by a single hair of the brush
no notice was taken, unless the skin of the orifice leading into the sack was so
touched."

With respect to the geographical range of this sub-class, the results
arrived at have no very peculiar interest, owing to the species not being
sufficiently distinct, and, what is still more adverse, the genera, with unim-
portant exceptions, range over the world. Sessile Cimpedes are found in
every sea, from lat. 74° 18' north, to Cape Horn. Mr. Darwin divides
the globe into four provinces arid one sub-province. First, the North
Atlantic Province, to lat. 30° north, contains 31 species, of which 22 are
confined to the province ; if the West Indies be included, the numbers
will be 42 and 28. Second, sub-province of South Africa, total number
of species, 11 ; peculiar to the province, 5. Third, second province, west
coast of North and South America, total number of species, 22 ; peculiar,
15. Fourth, third province, East Indian Archipelago, total number, 37 ;
peculiar, 24. Fifth, fourth province, Australia, total number, 30 ;

22 REVIEWS.

peculiar, 21. Total number of species enumerated, 122, which, with 18
excluded, owing to their being attached to floating or swimming objects,
or to their habitation being unknown, make 147, which is the total
number of known existing Cirripedes.

Wonderful as is the present history of the barnacle, yet our forefathers
believed in fables which, certainly, if true, would have been more astonish-
ing than anything we have found in the pages of the two octavo volumes
before us. We allude to the once popular (?) belief that the barnacle
goose was the offspring of these marine creatures; and notwithstanding
that worthy Master Gerard gives a circumstantial account of the whole
process, and, moreover, prefaces it with a voucher, that " what our eyes
have seen, and hands have touched, we shall declare," and even goes to
the trouble of giving us a figure representing the metamorphose going
on — which should satisfy the most incredulous — Mr. Darwin passes
the worthy old naturalist by, and takes not the slightest notice of his
account; this could not have been forgetfulness ; for one could hardly
repeat the name of the first species of the first genus of the Lepadidae,
without having the whole story strongly brought before him.

We have now told our readers of the existence of these two volumes —
of what they treat about — and given them quotations, from which they will
perceive that the wonders of this portion of creation are almost un-
rivalled ; and it only now remains for us to give our opinion on the work.

We still recollect the suggestion given by one of our most distinguished
British naturalists, some twenty years since, " that those who were really
desirous of advancing the progress of zoology, should restrict their chief
attention to some given department, and, when practical, to those parti-
cular groups which have been least studied ; for that the longest life,
added to the enjoyment of the most favourable opportunities, would not
suffice for acquiring more than a very limited knowledge of the details of
the histoiy of all the existing species of nature." Acting on this advice,
Mr. Darwin has applied his talents to the elucidation of the sub-class of
the Cirripedia, as contained in these two volumes, which are published by
the Ray Society ; and it reflects credit on the Council of the Society that
they selected for publication a work in every way so worthy of them. The
plates to these volumes are drawn and engraved by George Sowerby with
the greatest care, and will be found faithful delineations from nature. Mr.
Darwin was awarded the Coply Gold Medal by the Royal Society of England
for his researches in the Cirripedia, the result of which is contained in these
volumes ; after this high mark of honour, praise on our part would be of
little worth ; and yet we cannot help quoting the words addressed by the

OBITUARY. 23

great Sir Charles Linne to John Ellis, and referring them, in all sincerity,
to Charles Darwin — " You have enriched our science by laying open a new
submarine world to the admirers of nature. You have taken so lofty
a rank in science, by your discovery among the Cirripedia, that no vicissi-
tudes in human affairs can obscure your reputation." Such is our opinion
of the author of this splendid Monograph ; and we have little doubt that
posterity will attach an equal value to it ; and this, it is universally ac-
knowledged, is the best test of a writer's merit.

IT is with feelings of more than ordinary regret that we are called on to
record the passage from time into eternity of two whose names were as
familiar as household words to many of our readers — the Rev. David
Landsborough, and Professor Edward Forbes ; each of whom has left a
blank in our scientific circles which will not be easily filled.

THE EEV. DAVID LANDSBOROUGH,

Whose labours, to use his own language, " though earned on late and
early, by one who all day, and every day, was occupied with his profes-
sional duties [duties which we know that he never neglected], were still
far from unpleasant," and the record of which are well calculated, from
their cheerful, popular style, to encourage many to tread in his steps. A
severe attack of cholera carried him from the little things of this earth into
the great things of eternity ; he has ceased from his labours, he has
entered into his rest ; and for him we sorrow not, as those without hope.

PROFESSOR EDWARD FORBES,

So intimately associated with the progress of natural science in this
country, has also passed away; but his memory will be long trea-
sured up among the bright things of the past by all who were ac-
quainted with him. Possessing scientific talents of the highest order, he
was also gifted with those social qualities which were most calculated to
endear him to all his fellow-students ; and though his circle of acquaintance
was more than usually great, it has been frequently remarked of him that
he was a man who never lost a friend. There are few who read this

24 OBITUARY.

notice who cannot record instances of his kindly disposition, often most
prominently displayed to those most in need of sympathy and friendship.
Professor Balfour, his early friend and fellow-student, has already sketched,*
with a kindly hand, the history of his discoveries ; and shown what a man
of zeal and energy may, even in this every-day world of ours, accomplish ;
and how, independently of a high reputation, he may also win that which
is more difficult of attainment, the love and respect of all engaged in the
same career.

He died at Edinburgh, on the 18th of November, 1854.

JAMES EDWARD WINTERBOTTAM, ESQ., M.B., F.L.S.,
WAS born on the 7th of April, 1803, and was educated at private schools,
partly at Twyford, near Winchester, under Mr. Clarke and Mr. Bedford,
successively ; but principally at the Rev. Dr. Mayrick's, at Ramsbury, in
Wiltshire ; he was entered a commoner at St. John's College, Oxford, in
May, 1831, and in July, 1833, took out his M.B. degree. Of independent
fortune, well educated, well informed, possessing a mind deeply imbued
with a love of natural history, and endowed with almost an athletic frame,
it is no wonder, says Sir W. Hooker, that he early sought to improve his
mind by travelling. Owing to his remarkably retiring habits, and a dis-
position to avoid whatever might bring him into public notice, it would be
impossible to do justice to his memory by stating all the services which Mr.
Winterbottam has rendered to science.

On the 3rd of January, 1854, he left home for Egypt, via Southampton,
and arrived at Alexandria on the 20th ; after performing a voyage up the
Nile for a considerable distance, he returned back to Alexandria, which he
left in an Austrian steamer on the 14th April, for Beyrout, in Syria; he
thence started over the Lebanon range to Balbec ; thence to Damascus,
Jericho, and Jerusalem, and all the other places of sacred interest. Having
stopped at the Dead Sea for ten days, he went on to Beersheba and to
Gaza, and returned thence by the coast to Beyrout ; and, having visited
Tyre and Sidon, went up to " the cedars," and almost to the summit of
Lebanon, about 4,000 <feet above them. Returning to Beyrout, he started
in an Austrian steamer, the Adriay for Smyrna, on his way to Constanti-
nople ; but, being taken ill of diarrhoea, he was put on shore at Rhodes, on
the 3rd of July, and died on the following day, after, it is said, six days
illness.

* " Annals of Natural History," January, 1855.

REVIEWS.

A SYNOPSIS OF THE BRITISH DIATOMACE^ ; with Remarks on their
Structure, Functions, and Distribution ; and Instructions for Collecting
and Preserving Specimens. Vol. I., with 31 Plates By the Rev.
William Smith, F.L.S. The Plates by Tuffen West. London. 1853.
Price £1 Is.

ABOUT seventeen years ago, an expensive and elaborately-illustrated folio
work was published in Germany. Its author was Christian Gottfried
Chrenberg, of Berlin, who had been already, by common consent, placed
at the head of the investigators of the minutest forms of animal life, and
whose fame as a microscopist had extended throughout Europe.

We shall not stop to criticise the views contained in the " Infusions-
thierchen." Its author had a vast field before him, hitherto almost totally
untrodden ; for, however popular may have been the study of those
infinitesimal beings which swarm in infusions of organic substances, and
however much the faculty of wonder had been fed by the early revelations
of the microscope, yet the whole attention of the older observers of these
living atoms was directed to their external forms and habits, while of their
internal structure there was, literally, almost nothing known till Ehrenberg
engaged in their investigation. Ehrenberg had, therefore, nothing to
fall back upon — he had no clue left by previous explorers to guide him
through the untrodden paths of the vast region on which he had entered.
Can it be any wonder, then, that he frequently went astray, and that sub-
sequent researches, with all the advantages derivable from his previous
labours, and from the unequalled excellence of more modern microscopes,
should have shown the untenableness of many of his positions, and have
drawn forth from the territory on which he first planted the standard of
scientific discovery new treasures, not even dreamt of by its own Co-
lumbus ?

One great revolution which modern researches has effected in that im-
mense tribe of organisms associated by Ehrenberg under the common
name of " Animalcules of Infusion" is, the total abstraction from it of a
very numerous class of forms, and the allocation of this class to the vege-
table kingdom as its rightful territory.

Among the beings which have been thus dissociated from the true
Infusorial Animalcules are a set of microscopic organisms, of very various
form, consisting essentially of a delicate vegetable cell, enclosed in a little

VOL. II. C

26 REVIEWS.

shell of flint, which almost always presents upon its surface the most
exquisite sculpture, varying from species to species, and in its delicacy and
beauty exhausting our conceptions of decorative form.

These wonderful little bodies are sometimes solitary ; but they are often
found associated into companies, in which the individual members are
united to one another, so as to form curious zig-zag chains, or flat ribbons,
or radiating fans, or elegant little trees. When exposed to the action of
strong acid or of fire, the soft, vegetable cell is consumed, and the flinty
case remains behind entirely unaltered, and retaining all its beautiful
sculpture ; and though thousands of years may have passed away since
the living vegetable was encased within its walls of flint, this same
sculpture will be preserved as perfect as if it were only a thing of
yesterday.

To become the possessor of the extraordinary productions we have thus
attempted to describe, you have only to make a careful search in the
nearest stagnant pool, or running brook, or along the sea-shore at low
tides ; you will be then almost sure to find multitudes of Diatomacece-—
for such is the name given by naturalists to the bodies now under consi-
deration— forming a brownish-yellow covering, like fine down or velvet,
on the stems and leaves of various water plants, or on submerged stones,
er spreading over the mud at the bottom of the water, or floating as a
a thin film upon the surface. The Diatomaceae being thus recognised, you
are to collect them from the different localities, in small, wide-mouthed
phials. It is, in most cases, impossible to obtain them at the time of col-
lection free from mud and other extraneous matter ; but, to separate them
from the various impurities with which they are associated, you have only
to expose them in water for a few hours to the light of the sun, admitted
through the window of your room, and then, by that mysterious sympathy
which exists between light and organized beings, the Diatoms will separate
from the surrounding impurities, and congregate at the light side of the
vessel.

But when once the Diatoms are in your possession, and you have fitted
them, by separation from extraneous matter, for examination under the
microscope, an important question at once suggests itself — How are you
to proceed in the study of them ? — how are you to find out all that is
already known about the produce of your day's collection ? — and how are
you to satisfy yourself that any particular species has been already described,
or may not be a totally new form which you have been so fortunate as to
discover ?

Two years ago this would have been a difficult task for the English natu-

REVIEWS. 27

ralist ; the works which were then in his hands were totally inadequate as
helps in this particular pursuit ; but, thanks to the beautiful book whose
title stands at the head of the present notice, the difficulty has been almost
entirely removed. Of Mr. Smith's work, only the first volume has as yet
appeared — it is to be completed in two — and we anxiously look forward to
the publication of the second, what we have as yet "had affording an earnest
of what we have still to expect.

It is proposed to figure and describe eveiy species of British Diatom.
The figures contained in the volume now before us are admirable examples of
accurate natural history drawings ; they are from the pencil of Mr. Tuffen
West, and indicate something more than the qualities of a mere draughtsman
in the artist. It is quite evident that he understood and appreciated his
subject, and that he is himself not destitute of the observing and discri-
minating powers of a naturalist. Our author's descriptions are excellent —
free from that vagueness which is too common in systematic works, dis-
gusting the young inquirer with a confused mass of unintelligible diagnoses
and convertible characters.

The present volume is preceded by an introduction, in which the author
enters into numerous important and interesting details concerning the habits
and general appearance of the Diatomacese, their structure, movements, and
other physiological phenomena.

There are, however, one or two points in which we cannot agree with
him ; we cannot, for example, assent to his opinion where he attributes to
the siliceous cases of the Diatomaceae a composition out of cellular tissue as
the true explanation of the various markings which they present. . To us
it appears, that we may just as well attribute to a similar cause the sculpture
on the pollen granule of the flowering plants. The Diatom, as well as
the pollen granule, is simply and essentially an unicellular organism ; all its
structural peculiarities and physiological phenomena connect themselves
with this fact ; and to attribute to any portion of it a mullicellular structure
is, certainly, opposed to our own observation, and appears to us contradicted
by general analogy.

This criticism, however, is not intended, in any degree, to detract from
the general usefulness and value of the "Synopsis of the British Diato-
maceae"— a work which has long been called for by the students of one of
the most charming departments of microscopical research. We believe
that Mr. Smith's Synopsis has already given a decided stimulus to the study
of the Diatomaceas in this country, and that many facts of value in science
have, even now, resulted from it ; and we cannot conclude the present
notice without congratulating the microscopic student on the fact, that Mr.

28 REVIEWS.

Smith's merits have just been recognised in his appointment to the chair
of Natural History in Queen's College, Cork, where enlarged opportunities
of research will be afforded him in a field where he has already shown
himself so able and philosophical an explorer.

PRACTICAL TREATISE ON THE USE OF THE MICROSCOPE. By John
Quekett. 12 Plates, and 270 Woodcuts. Second Edition. 8vo.
London: H. Baillere. 1852. Price 22s.

MICROGRAPHIA ; containing Practical Essays on Reflecting, Solar, and
Oxy-hydrogen Gas Microscopes, Micrometers, Eye-pieces, &c., &c. By
C. R. Goring, M.D., and Andrew Pritchard, M.RJ.A. 8vo. London.
1837. Price 7s. 6d.

THE MICROSCOPE, ITS HISTORY, CONSTRUCTION, AND APPLICATION. By
Jabez Hogg, M.R.C.S.E. 500 Engravings. 8vo. London: Orr and
Co. 1854. Price 7s. 6d.

MICROGRAPHIC DICTIONARY. By J. W. Griffith, M.D., F.L.S., &c., and
A. Heufrey, F.R.S., F.L.S., &c. Parts I. to VIII. Plates and Wood-
cuts. 8vo. London: J. Van Voorst. To be completed in Twelve
Parts, Price 2s. 6d. each.

QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPICAL SCIENCE. Edited by Edwin
Lankester, M.D., &c., and George Busk, F.R.C.S.E., &c. Vol. I.,
1853; Vol. II., 1854. Plates and Woodcuts. 8vo. London: S.
Highley. Price 17s. each.

THE MICROSCOPE, AND ITS APPLICATION TO CLINICAL MEDICINE. By
Lionel Beale, M.D., &c. Plates and Woodcuts. 8vo. London : S.
Highley. Price 5s.

THE MICROSCOPE, AND ITS APPLICATION TO VEGETABLE ANATOMY AND
PHYSIOLOGY. By Dr. Hermann Schacht. Second Edition, enlarged.
Edited by Frederick Carrey, M.A. Illustrated. 8vo. London : S.
Highley. Price 6s.

WITHIN the last century so rapid have been the advances made in the
science of observation, as to render it extremely difficult to trace the various
stages of its progress. In a great measure this, more especially in later
years, may be accounted for by the systematic mode in which observations
have been carried on, as well as the great improvement which has taken place
in those accessory instruments which the student has summoned to his aid.
Among these, none now can vie with the microscope. Alternately frowned
upon and petted, its claims have now been universally recognised as the
indispensable companion of every true naturalist. Nor does its influence
rest here ; the physician seeks by its aid to penetrate the hidden fountains
of disease, of whose outward manifestations alone he would otherwise be

REVIEWS. 29

cognizant ; the jurist has invoked its aid to solve mysteries which other-
wise would baffle his utmost skill ; and in the manufacturer's laboratory its
sway has been scarcely less potent.

Since the commencement of the present century its value has been,
however, more distinctly recognised ; and, in consequence, the improve-
ments which have taken place in it have been more numerous. Tho
withering ban of the immortal Linueus, and its failure to realize the
visionary dreams of its early votaries, long obscured its claims to the affec-
tions of the naturalist. These malign influences were slowly but steadily
removed, and it was, at length, after many a severe struggle, elevated from
the chilling atmosphere of the toy-shop to be the handmaid of science.
Its history, which is curious, has been ably wrought out through som«
nineteen centuries by Mr. Quekett. We do not mean to say, that the
ancient Romans, though highly intellectual, had, among their artificers, any
" Microscope-maker by appointment to the Emperor," nor any patron of
science with similar tastes to the late Mr. Goring, Mr. Solly, or others we
could name ; but^ Mr. Quekett rightly conceives that the history of ita
development — its germ, if we may so speak — should be traced from the
period when its scientific principles were first recognised ; the earliest
trace of it which now, perhaps, can be found occurs in the writings of
Seneca, who was born during the first year of the Christian era, and died
A.D. 65. He writes " that small and indistinct objects become larger and
more indistinct in form when seen through a globe of glass filled with
water."* From this period until the close of the sixteenth century, the
notices of the optical principles upon which the microscope is based are
few and scanty. At that period, however, at Middleburgh, in Holland,
lived two spectacle-makers, father and son, named Jansen, or Zansz, who
appear, among a host of rivals, to have made the first microscopes, and rude,
unwieldy instruments they were ; a copper, gilt tube, about six feet in
length, and supported on brass pillars on an ebony base; at least such was
the appearance of one presented, in 1617, to King James the First, by
Cornelius Drebbel, who pirated the invention of the ingenious Hollander.

We regret that our space is not sufficiently ample to trace even the more
marked epochs of its chequered history. We must turn to the wants of
the working naturalist, and refer those who feel an interest in the cu-
riosities of science to the pages of Mr. Quekett, where they will find ample
opportunity of gratifying their tastes.

In making the following general observations, we wish to be understood

* " Literse quamvis minntae et obseurse, per vitream pilaui aqua plenam raajores clari-
oresque cernunter." — Nat. Qncest., lib. •/., cap. 7.

30 REVIEWS.

as merely writing for those who, with very limited means at their disposal,
are desirous of procuring a microscope to aid their researches. We wish
to give some idea of what would be a good way of procuring a good, plain
instrument for use, and at a moderate cost. Microscopes, as is well
known, are divided into simple and compound — terms sufficiently well un-
derstood to need no definition ; the former may be divided into those used
in the hand, and those provided with a stand or apparatus for supporting
the object to be viewed. In choosing the latter, the principal points to be
attended to are, " to see that the stage is of sufficient size and strength,
and that the arrangements for holding the lenses, and moving them in
different directions, are convenient.'*

Microscopes of this kind used for dissecting are furnished by all the best
makers. Of those we have used we prefer that furnished by Mr. Ross.
In this instrument the arm at the top, which carries the lens-holder, has
a forward motion, by rack and pinion, and a traversing motion, on a pivot,
by which means the lens can be carried in any direction over the stage.
It is usually furnished with lenses of one inch, half an inch, quarter of an
inch, and one-tenth of an inch focal lengths, and sometimes with a Wollas-
ton's doublet. For a figure of this instrument, accompanying the above
description, we must refer to the pages of Schacht's valuable manual on
"The Microscope, and its application to Vegetable Anatomy and Physiology."
For those who may not be disposed to purchase so expensive a form
of simple microscope, we can recommend the very portable one, called
" Quekett's Dissecting Microscope," lately produced by Mr. Highley.
Of this microscope the accompanying
figures will give some idea. Fig. 1
shows the instrument folded up, with
an Indian-rubber band round it, in
a manner which admits of its being car-
ried in the pocket. The two wedge-
shaped pieces of wood unfold, and form
the legs (see figs. 2 and 3). Fig. 2
shows the internal arrangement and the
manner in which the mirror, lenses, and lens-holder are packed away. The
straight flat bar, on the right in fig. 2, serves to keep the legs from closing
together, and also as a support for the mirror, which slides into a piece of
brass tubing, attached to the flat bar. The circular hole at the lower end
of fig. 2, is another piece of brass tubing, into which the lens-holder
slides. The instrument is furnished with three lenses, and is to be had at
a moderate price.

REVIEW?.

31

Fig. 2.

In the compound microscope the mechanical parts may be divided into
two parts — the stand and the body. " The stand is usually composed of a
tripod, with two upright
pillars ; between these
pillars is a bent bar,
which works in a joint;
the bar carries at one
end the compound body,
to which the object-
glass and eye-piece are
attached, and at the
other end the stage and
mirror. The body con-
sists of a long brass
tube, which carries the
object-glass at one end
and the eye-piece at
the other ; the object-
glasses are screwed on
to the body, but the
eye-pieces are attached
by their own tubes,
which slide into the
tube of the body, "

" The stage consists of
a plate of brass, hav-
ing another plate of
brass, called the object-
plate, fitted to it, and
made so as to slide up
and down upon it ; the
object-plate has a raised
edge, at the lower end,
for supporting the object when the instrument is inclined." In|the^more
expensive instruments the object-plate is made to move in different direc-
tions by screws with milled heads. Quekett's dissecting microscope is
occasionally arranged as a travelling compound body. (See next page,
fig. 4.)

The accuracy with which observations can be made depends on the skill
of the observer and the quality of his object-glasses. The ease with which

32

REVIEWS.

his operations are conducted, to a certain degree, depends on " the build"
and finish of his instrument. French object-glasses, of very good defining
powers, may be obtained ; but they are not equal to those furnished by the
best English makers.

. 4.

Within the last few years considerable advances have been made in
grinding object-glasses, whose perfection is now estimated by the accuracy
•with which minute pores, striae, or other markings on certain objects which,

REVIEWS. 33

used as tests, are rendered visible. Complete freedom from aberration
and high magnifying power are not sufficient alone to give perfect vision to
this class of objects ; these essential qualities must be combined with a
large angle of aperture,* the attainment of which is of the utmost import-
ance in the construction of object-glasses. Within the last few years asto-
nishing perfection has been attained by some of our best makers. Micro-
scopists are still alive who can remember the admiration excited by the
first objectives of 20° or 30° aperture; and when Ross carried this ele-
ment to 60°, it was considered a ne plus ultra. Angles of 170° and
upwards have been HOAV obtained with us by some of our leading opticians,
and by Nachet in France, and Spencer in America.

To obtain object-glasses of good denning power should be the first aim
of the student ; the form of stand, provided it is free from tremor, &c., is
only a secondary consideration in comparison. The powers most useful are,
the inch, half-inch, and quarter-inch. He will rarely need higher powers.

Whenever practicable the student should carry on his researches by day-
light ; but, as in all cases this cannot Fijr ft
be done, he should provide himself
with some means of artificial illumi-
nation. A wax caudle gives a good
light ; but a much more agreeable light
is furnished by a lamp — that known
as the Cambridge is the best form — if
oil is used. In towns where gas can
be obtained, an achromatic lamp,
adapted to its use by Mr. Highley, gives
the most perfect means of artificial illu-
mination we are acquainted with. It
consists of a stage, supported by a tube
and socket (see fig. 5), and carrying
an Argand burner. A metal cone rises
to the level of the burner, and is about
an eighth of an inch from its outer
margin, by which means a bright cylin-
drical flame is procured. A Leblond's
blue glass chimney is placed over the
burner, which corrects the colour of the flame, and this is further rectified

* Those who feel an interest in the investigation of this subject should carefully
peruse the able memoir of the President of the Royal Irish Academy, read before that
body, January 23, 1853, and printed in its " Proceedings," vol. vi., part 1, pp. 38-47,
where the causes of imperfection in some glasses of high angular aperture is investigated.

34 REVIEWS.

by a disc of bluish-black neutral tint glass placed obliquely in front of the
chimney. Parallel to this disc, and behind the chimney, is placed a
metallic reflector, which concentrates the light.

For the engravings which illustrate the above remarks, from the
work of Dr. Sckacht, to which we have already referred, we are indebted
to the liberality of its publisher.

We would gladly have loitered over the microscope and its appur-
tenances, but we are reminded that our space has been nearly occupied,
while those who have devoted, we might almost say, the energies of their
life to its study and use are waiting an introduction to any of our readers
with whom they have not had a previous acquaintance, and with each of
whom we will only say a few words, trusting that those to whom they are
addressed will cultivate a closer personal acquaintance.

We have already expressed our sense of the importance of the " Treatise
on the Use of the Microscope," by Mr. Qtiekett, which is deservedly entitled
a practical treatise, as in it nearly every difficulty which the practical ob-
server meets with has been ably and lucidly treated. To give extracts
from such a work would be almost impossible, as any isolated fragments
would convey a most unjust, because inadequate, idea of its merits ; we
may, however, glance at its general arrangement, so as to show those of
our readers who may not be possessed of it (and we should say they are
few) how rich its treasures are. Mr. Quekett divides his treatise into
three divisions, or parts, which treat severally of Mechanical Arrangement,
The Use of the Microscope, and Manipulation. To the first of these we
have already referred in our glance at the history of the microscope,
with which the work opens, affording, in its introductory chapter, a
valuable sketch of its chequered career, which interested us not the less
because some of our own earlier observations were made with such rude
instruments as are figured and described in it. This chapter is followed by
an account of the simple and compound microscopes, and the accessory
instruments used with them. In the present edition (the second) a
seeming omission made in the first has been corrected, by a description
being added of all the best instruments made by our Continental neigh-
bours. We were glad to see this addition, as, while it does full justice to
the ability and skill displayed by such makers as Plossel and Schiek, of
Vienna ; Pistor, of Berlin ; and — names still better known to the English
microscopist — Oberhauser and Nachet, of Paris, it also shows the manifest
superiority of instruments made by Smith and Beck, Ross, and others
whose names are as familiar to us as household words. This part con-
cludes with a chapter " On the Magnifying Powers used with Simple and

REVIEWS. 85

Achromatic Microscopes." The second part, which our author entitles
" The Use of the Microscope," supposes that the reader is possessed of the
information contained in Part I., and also of some of the instruments
described in it, but requires some directions as to how to use the instru-
ment, with whose parts only he is familiar. The eye and the hand require
alike to be educated, before even the most ordinary observation can be
made with accuracy. Here Mr. Quekett's great experience and practical
knowledge of the instrument he writes upon is evident in every page,
while he describes, with brevity and accuracy, how to observe, how to
illuminate objects, and such kindred subjects. The last part (" Manipula-
tion") is devoted to what we conceive the most difficult and important
portion of the work — we mean, those niceties of manipulation which, when
once mastered, appear so simple, but which are almost impossible to de-
scribe to those who have not had opportunities of seeing them performed.
These are subdivided into their appropriate heads, and under each full
directions are given, which will, with a little patience and care, enable the
beginner to perform most of the niceties of microscopical research with
satisfaction to himself. We cannot close this treatise without expressing our
conviction that, as a single work on the subject it treats of, it is inferior to
none ; and in making this statement we are not insensible to the advantages
which many others present, and more especially those devoted to parti-
cular branches of research, which should, however, be regarded as consti-
tuting a particular class, and judged as such.

Leaving Mr. Quekett, our attention has been caught by the face of an
old friend, and a name which is well known to observers ; and though the
date of the work may appear, perhaps, rather antiquated, still we cannot
pass it by in silence, as it treats of a class of microscopes now but little
known. It is the " Micrographia" of Dr. Goring and Mr. Pritchard, and
is principally occupied by a consideration of Reflecting, Solar, and
Oxy-hydrogen Microscopes. Though some seventeen years of active and
busy progress have elapsed since its appearance, in which great changes
have been effected in the science of observation, still we cannot forget that
a new and most important era in microscopic science commenced with the
improvement of the reflecting microscope (constructed by Amici, in 1815)
by Sir David Brewster, Dr. Goring, and Mr. Pritchard. Since then the
progress in this country has been rapid, and more particularly so within
the last few years. As early as 1738, reflecting microscopes were in use ;
but, from defective construction, they were gradually abandoned, until
Professor Amici, of Modena, whose attention had been directed, in 1812,
to the improvement of the achromatic object-glass, during his investigations,

36 REVIEWS.

produced a reflecting microscope far superior to those previously in
use ; the advantages of this instrument were such, that, for a time, he laid
aside his researches on the achromatic object-glasses.

In 1824, Dr. Goring, with the assistance of Mr. Cuthbert, so far im-
proved upon the arrangement of Professor Amici that, for some years, this
form of instrument was the most perfect microscope manufactured in this
country. Like the reflecting telescope, however, it speedily fell into disuse,
owing to the difficulties attending the arrangement and management of the
reflectors. In the " Micrographia," and other works* of Mr. Pritchard,
are ably detailed the construction of this instrument, as improved by him-
self and Dr. Goring. To the liberal and judicious patronage of the latterf
British microscopists are especially indebted, as to it they owe the con-
struction, by Tally, of the first achromatic object-glass (in 1824) in this
country — of the diamond lens, by Varley and Pritchard — and of the im-
proved reflecting instrument of Amici, by Cuthbert. Impulses like these,
given at the threshold, if we may so speak, of scientific enterprise, have a
wonderful effect in urging it on, and stimulating others to action; but
those who give them are often unable rightly to appreciate their prospec-
tive results. This was the case with the late Dr. Goring, who stated it
as his opinion, in 1829, " that microscopes are now placed completely on
a level with telescopes, and, like them, must remain stationary in their
construction." The advances made since then have been such, that now
microscopists would hesitate before pronouncing such an opinion.

" The Microscope, in its History and Construction," by Mr. Hogg, is a
work essentially of a different stamp from those we have been considering,
and may be regarded as belonging to a daily-increasing class of observers.
It is a work for the million ; and we gladly hail it, as we do all such
works tending to direct their too often misspent energies into a wholesome
direction. With a similar object in view as that of Mr. Quekett, it has
chosen a much wider range of subjects, which, consequently, are not
treated with the accuracy which characterizes that invaluable treatise ; it
will, however, we feel confident, prove veiy acceptable to a large class of
readers. Its pretensions to originality are few; but the variety of the
selections are an ample compensation for this defect. The plates and
woodcuts with which it is interspersed are beautifully executed, and reflect
great credit on the taste and liberality of its publisher. We regret that it
is, in many places, disfigured by what, in charity, we must call misprints,
as no member of the profession to which Mr. Hogg belongs could be guilty

* The " Microscopic Cabinet" and the " Microscopic Illustrations."
t " Quekett's Tractical Treatise," 45.

REVIEWS. 37

of them. We mention this that they may be corrected in a second edition,
which we hope may be soon called for.

While these works may be regarded as furnishing the inquirer with
what he needs as to the microscope, and the auxiliary instruments needed
more or less by every student of nature, they do not fill a want which
every day he will feel more and more. He will require a book sufficiently
portable to be the constant companion of his microscope, which will briefly
tell him what is known of the objects he has been examining, and also
direct him to the best sources of information. This want is being now
supplied in the " Micrographic Dictionary," published by Mr. J.
Van Voorst, who seems to have resolved, that the school of British natu-
ralists shall feel no want in their pursuits which can be remedied. Eight
parts of the " Micrographic Dictionary" have now appeared ; each number
has made us more desirous of seeing its completion. We have already,*
on the appearance of the first numbers, expressed our opinion of its utility
— an opinion we see now no reason to alter. In the introduction prefixed
to the early numbers are contained some observations on the selection of
a microscope, which those about to purchase will not regret the careful
perusal of; they are clearly and intelligibly written, as well as remarkably
free from any tendency to exaggerate either the merits or defects of any
particular maker. The plates and woodcuts, with which it is plentifully
illustrated, possess the finish and accuracy which characterize the produc-
tions of Mr. Van Voorst's press.

The microscopist being deeply imbued with that "love of progress"
which is so marked a characteristic of the present age, still feels dissatisfied
with all the books on microscopy — though their name is legion — which
have issued from the press bearing on every imaginable subject on which
the aid of that instrument can be called in. He wants "sympathy;"
he needs " assistance ;" he wishes to tell what " he has done," and " to
hear what others are occupied with."

There had existed in London a society which a high legal functionary, f
in a late remarkable trial, justly described as " a learned body, who make
it their object to pry into all things" — we mean, the Microscopical Society
of London, which, from some cause or another — we suppose that defect in all
societies, too cumbrous machinery — was not so beneficial as might, from the
zeal and ability of its members, have been expected ; its Transactions,
appearing at uncertain periods, had but a very limited circulation. From
these and other causes, which we need not now discuss, it failed fully to

* Nat. Hist. Rev., vol. i., p. 126.

f The Lord President's address to the jury in the Tcrbane-hill mineral case.

38 REVIEWS.

supply the craving we have alluded to ; and some two years since, Messrs.
E. Laukester and G. Busk, whose names are a guarantee for the ability of
any similar undertaking, commenced to edit " The Quarterly Journal of
Microscopical Science;" a staff of writers were collected around them, among
which, names of European celebrity will be recognised. A judicious
arrangement was made with the council of that prying body — the Micro-
scopical Society — by which it was made the organ for publishing their
proceedings. A new impulse was given to the science of observation and
the unsatisfied longings of many isolated students, while a periodical,
Minerva-like, sprang into full vigour in an instant. Two yearly volumes of
this journal are now before us, full of rich treasures for the thoughtful student.
The works we have been previously glancing at, were the aids to the
naturalist; here we have stored, in rich luxuriance, the fruit of his
labour, and, as such, we cannot so summarily dismiss them. The volumes
are divided into two sections, with separate titles, indices, and pagination.
The first portion contains, properly speaking, the "Journal of Microscopical
Science ;" here the contents are both varied and interesting, presenting an
agreeable record of what has been done by observers, both here and on the
Continent ; while, " in order," as the editors observe, " to gather up frag-
ments of information, which, singly, might appear to be useless, but,
together, are of great importance to science, a department has been opened
for short notes, memoranda, and correspondence, to which they would
especially invite the attention of their scientific friends, as they believe
there are few possessors of a microscope who have not met with some
stray fact, or facts, which, published in this way, may not lead to im-
portant results. They hope, also, to relieve the graver or more scientific
matter of the journal by lighter contributions, such as will be found useful
to the beginner, not uninteresting to the advanced observer, and of interest,
perhaps, to the general reader." The reviews, which are contained in this
portion of the journal, are most interesting; and we are glad to find among
them a large proportion of Continental works of merit, which, without its
aid, might have remained long unknown to the English public. To this
first portion of the journal the naturalist is under especial obligations
for the careful manner in which the memoirs are written ; these we
need not specify in detail, a reference to the pages of our present and past
numbers, when treating of the serial literature of each three months, show
how much aid the naturalist has received from this journal.

The second portion into which the journal is divided contains an autho-
rized report of the transactions of the Microscopical Society of London.
Here we naturally look for papers of a higher tone, and expect to find

REVIEWS. 39

evidences of more careful research. The papers in it show a marked im-
provement over some of even the more recently published proceedings of
the same society, when issued in a separate form ; and we trust that the
improvement may be regarded as a proof of increased vitality in a body to
whose members British natural history has been so long and so deeply
indebted. The plates with which these volumes are illustrated are highly
finished ; they are executed by Mr. Tuifen West, from whose burin the
very beautiful plates which illustrated Smith's " Monograph of the Dia-
tomaceae" have also proceeded.

The two last books on our present list are devoted to special branches
of microscopical research — the one, to the use of the microscope in clinical
medicine, by Dr. Lionel Beale; the other, to its application in medical
anatomy and physiology, by Dr. Hermann Schacht. The former of these
(" The Microscope, in its Application to Clinical Medicine") is based upon
a course of lectures delivered in the spring of 1853. To the notes then
prepared, considerable additions have been subsequently made, forming the
present very complete and useful manual. The importance of observing with
attention those structural changes which are the result of disease is every
day more widely recognised ; and we fully agree with its author, that the
medical man will find in these investigations ample employment, and may
thus contribute to the advancement of the true interests of his profession.

A work devoted to such a line of investigation, at first sight may appear
to have but little charms for the naturalist ; still, we have perused it with
pleasure and profit. It is such a manual as we would gladly see more of
— suited to the wants of the student by its great simplicity, while, from its
ability and research, the more experienced practitioner will gladly turn to
its pages as a welcome guide. It is embellished with some 230 woodcuts,
ably executed by Mr. Davies ; and, what we conceive to be most valuable
in such a work, the student is told by what power they were examined by
Dr. Beale, and he is furnished with a scale by which he can test the accu-
racy of his own observations.

Among the topics most interesting to the naturalist are, notices of several
Entozoa and some parasitic vegetable structures, as Pencilium glaucum,
Achcerion Schcenleinii, Tricophyton tonsurans ; and, among the parasitic
algae, Sarcina ventriculi and Leptothrix buccalis.

As this work may, perhaps, not be consulted by some of our non-profes-
sional readers, we briefly extract an account of these productions, and
illustrate our quotations with woodcuts, for the liberal use of which we are
indebted to its publisher. Among the Entozoa noticed, are the Genus
Echinococcus, which has been recently shown to be the larvae of Taenia.

40

REVIEWS.

These curious productions, however, do not attain to their full development
into Tseiiiaj, unless they reach the alimentary canal.*

We extract Dr. Beale's account of the way in which they present
themselves to the student —

" Hydatids are not unfrequently mot with in the post mortem theatre. They are
usually found in the form of large cysts, occupying a considerable portion of the
liver. The parent cyst is often surrounded with a layer of purulent fluid. Upon
opening this parent cyst numerous small, rounder cysts (Acephalo-cysts), with
much fluid, escape. The walls of the cysts are usually quite white, not unlike the
boiled white of eggs, and vary very much in thickness ; the external surface is
smooth, but the internal appears
more transparent -and granular.
The granular appearance arises
from the presence of little ele-
vations with which the surface is
studded. By scraping these gently
with a knife, not unfrequently
many Echinococci will be remov-
ed. These may also be obtained by
allowing the contents of the Ace-
phalo-cysts to flow into a conical
glass. After a short time the
Echinococci sink, when they may
be removed with a pipette.

" In the annexed figure are

shown the appearance of two Echinococci, as seen under a quarter -of- an -inch
object-glass (about 220 diameter*). In one of these the hooks are seen to be ex-
tended, a condition which has been considered to result from the occurence of
endosmosis, and commencing decomposition."

Passing over the other Entozoa and EpLaoa noticed by the author, we
turn to some of the genera whose existence in the entophytic flora the
microscope reveals as closely connected with disease, and of which more
than one monograph has recently appeared. We have already named some as
figured in Dr. Beale's very comprehensive manual. We will now endeavour
to convey some idea of their appearance by again referring to his pages.

" There are certain vegetable structures, of a very low organization, which not un-
frequently fall under the notice of the practitioner. Some of these are found growing on
the surface of the skin or mucous membrane in certain forms of disease, while others
are met with in recent fluid secretions, or become developed at periods of time after
the secretions leave the

body. Fig. 7 shows the ff rt %&\/ Fig 7

general characters of a
fungus often developed
in acid urine (Penci-
lium glaucum).

"TheAchfErionSchcen-
leinii usually appears
as elongated vesicles,
of a more or less oval
form, many of them be-
ing irregular, and vary-
ing much in size, but often joined end to end, so as to form branches. This fungus

* See, also, "JMicrographic Dictionary," under Echinococcus and Acephalo-cyst.

REVIEWS.

41

grows in the hair follicle, and is also found in abundance amongst the epithelium,
in the neighbourhood. It may be frequently seen within the hair in consider-
able quantities (fig. 8), and may be found in abundance in the little honeycomb-
like masses, termed favus crusts.

Fig. 8.

Fig. lu.

" The favus consists of a little cavity, filled with spores of the fungus, granules,
and epithelial cells (fig. 9) ; one or two hairs usually pass through the centre
of the favus. The fungus is composed of the mycelium (a), or the proper sub-
stance of the plant ; of a receptacle (6), or sporangium, which contains the repro-
ductive organs ; and the reproductive organs them-
selves, or the spores.

*' This fungus occurs in Tinea favosa, Porrigo
favosa, scutulata, &c. The favus may be placed
upon a glass slide, moistened with water, and
subjected to microscopical examination. When
the hair is to be examined, the same course is
pursued ; but it will often be found advantageous
to treat it with a drop of the solution of potash,
which renders the hair more transparent and the
fungus more distinct.

" There are several other species of fungi infest-
ing the hair ; the Tricophyton tonsurans is found in
the form of very minute, oval or rounded, per-
fectly transparent cells, within the bulb, and in
the central canal of the hair. When it occurs
external to the canal of the hair, its presence de-
pends upon the hair having been broken, and
the escape of the contents.

u Other species are found in the epithelium of the skin. That condition of the
skin termed Pityriasis versicolor, depends upon the epithelial cells in the coloured
situations being infested with spores of another of these minute fungi. Cases havo
occurred in which a previously healthy individual has been infected with the disease
after having slept with a patient suffering from this affection.

" Parasitic plants are met with in the following skin diseases : —

1. Tinea tondens.

2. Tinea iavosa.

3. Mentagra.

4. Pityriasis versirolor.

5. Porrigo decalvuns.
0. Plica polonica.

VOL. II.

42

REVIEWS.

Fig. 11.

" Apthae ; Muguet. — The Apthaj which occur upon the mucous membrane of
the mouth and pharynx of ill-nourished infants, and the whitish matter resem-
bling false membrane, which is sometimes formed in the same situation in adults
who have long suffered from exhausting diseases, and to which the term muguet
has been applied, are composed of a vegetable fungus, which was first described, in
1842, by Gruby, and has been spoken of by him under the names of Aphta-
phyte and Cryptogames de muguet. It is placed under the genus Oidium, and
termed Oidium albi-ans by Robin.* The appearance of this fungus is shown in
fig. 10, which is taken from M. Robin's work. The examination of those vegetable
growths in the microscope presents no difficulty 5 but without care they may readily
be passed over unobserved. As their structure is very delicate, and they are gene-
rally found accompanied with epithelial cells and much debris, a very small piece
only should be admitted to examination, and should be moistened with a little
water or dilute syrup. They may be seen clearly with a power of 200 ; but to
bring out their characters clearly requires a power of 500 to 600.

ALG.E.

Sarcina Ventriculi.\ — This body is a species of alga which was originally dis-
covered by Goodsir, in 1842, among the matters vomited by a patient. Since that
period it* has been found by a great many observers, and, indeed, now may be
looked upon as by no means uncommon.

"The vomited matters have much the appearance of yeast,
and fermentation proceeds for some time after they have been
ejected. In vomit presenting these characters the Sarcince
are, I believe, never absent ; but they have been found in
other cases and in other situations.

"In all cases which have come under my own observation,
the matter in which the Sarcina was present was acid, al-
though, in several instances, in consequence of the ejection of
much clear fluid (pyrosis), the vomit generally had an alkaline
reaction ; but in these cases the brown flocculi which contained the Sarcinae were
entirely acid. The Sarcina is generally, but not invariably, accompanied with a
great number of oval torulse, which vary considerably in different cases (fig. 11, 6).
In the accompanying woodcut a partially digested starch granule is shown at c/,
and an oil globule at c.

" Other forms of alga3 are found in different situations ; for instance, in the
cavity of the mouth, especially towards the back ; mixed with, and adhering to, or
growing from, the cells of epithelium, will be
seen, with a power of 200 or higher, a vast
number of little, hair-like bodies, which consist of
filaments of very minute alga (Leptothrix buc~
calii). The filaments grow upon any small par-
ticles of food which may remain entangled in the
epithelium of the mouth. The papillas, at the
back of the tongue, are thickly covered with very
long filaments, consisting almost entirely of this
alga (fig. 12). It is very abundant between the teeth,
and the so-called tartar is partly composed of it.

"The examination of these substances presents
no difficulty ; Sarcinas may be removed with a
pipette from fluids, in which they subside as a de-
posit, or, in cases where the mass is very viscid,

with the handle of a knife. If necessary, a little water may be added, and the
whole covered with thin glass, which often requires to be pressed down firmly, in
order to obtain a very thin stratum for examination.

Fig. 12.

* " Histoire Naturelle des Vegeteaux parasites qui croissent sur 1" horame, et sur les
aniinanx vivants." Paris. 18-V!.

+ M. Robin has arranged it under the genus Merisuiopdia (Meye?i), and he calls it
Mensmopdia ventricnli.

REVIEWS. 43

" To examine the alga from the mouth, it is only necessary to scrape the upper
surface of the tongue, and examine the epithelium and debris, removed in the
usual way, and moistened with a little water, under the microscope."

The series of text-books, of which this work of Dr. Beale's forms a
portion, are no slight boon to the student, as they present, in a small
compass, and at a moderate cost, an amount of laborious research, which
those who have engaged in similar investigations can alone appreciate.
We have refrained from extracting more largely from this manual only
because of its purely professional character, which, however, will not,
we feel assured, prevent its being read with profit and interest by many
who are not connected with the profession, to whose wants it is now
more particularly addressed.

" The Microscope, and its Application to Vegetable Anatomy and Phy-
siology," as Dr. Hermann Schacht styles his work, is no ordinary produc-
tion, but one which will amply repay the time spent in its study by every
botanical observer, and which we feel sure must exercise a most important
influence on the microscopic examination of vegetable tissues. The rapid
sale of the first edition — no bad criterion of its value — has already made
a second necessary ; and even if our attention had not been called to it by
the translator's preface, we could not fail to have remarked the very useful
practical changes effected in the present, by the introduction of new matter,
and the omission of what was not valuable. These changes are the intro-
duction of four chapters at the commencement of the work ; for these the
editor, Mr. F. Currey, is responsible. We are glad to see that, in
chapter iii., he has retained the very useful list of re-agents found in the
first edition. The first of these chapters contains some elementary prin-
ciples of optics necessary to a proper comprehension of the microscope ;
the second, a description of English microscopes, &c. ; the third, an
account of the accessory apparatus and chemical re-agents necessary for
microscopical investigations in botany ; and the fourth is occupied by
directions for the preservation of specimens. At the suggestion of
Dr. Schacht, chapters ix., x., and xi., have been added, containing a very
interesting account of the embryogeny of the coniferae ; these are a trans-
lation of a portion of a work published by him last summer.* Besides
these very important improvements, Dr. Schacht had communicated to the
editor many manuscript additions, the result of his researches since 1851,
which have been incorporated with the text, so that it can scarcely be
regarded as a translation of the original work. Some omissions, how-
ever, will be found in the present edition ; chapters vii. and viii. of the

* " Beitrage zur Anatomic und Physiologic der Gewaehse."

44 REVIEWS.

first no longer exist as such, their more important details being included
in chapters iii. and iv. of the present edition, which treat nearly of the
same subjects.

Passing over the four first chapters, whose contents we have already
referred to, we find the fifth occupied by " General Rules for the Use of
the Microscope, and for the Preparation of Objects," which, though not
containing anything novel, are marked by great clearness of expression.
The three following chapters are devoted to the histology of vegetable
tissues, and the concluding chapters (ix., x., and xi.) we have already
noticed as having been extracted from another and later work by the same
accomplished observer.

As a microscopist, Dr. Schacht has long maintained a deservedly high
reputation, and his works are free from that crudeness of theory which
disfigures so many Continental productions. We are glad to find that
their ability has been recognised, and that their author's zeal has been
stimulated to increased exertion by those marks of royal favour too rarely
bestowed on the man of science. For another important work, containing
his researches into the vegetable cell, and kindred subjects,* he was for-
tunate enough to gain the notice of the King of Prussia. This, though
attracting considerable attention, is scarcely superior to the one we have
been noticing in its claims on the attention of the student. The manner
in which Mr. Currey has executed the delicate task of editing this work,
and the judgment and care with which his additions and omissions have
been made, lead us to hope that we may again be gratified by an intro-
duction to other Continental works of merit from one so well able to
appreciate their points of attraction, and gracefully to veil their defi-
ciencies.

In thus briefly noticing works which have long reproached us for our
silence, there are topics which we passed over because we felt that they
demanded a separate notice ; to these we purpose, at a future time, to
revert. It was, for example, our first intention to have introduced into
the present article some account of the application of micro-photography to
the purposes of natural history ; on more mature consideration, we have
preferred deferring it to a future number, when we hope to notice some-
thing of what has been written and done on this subject. We cannot, how-
ever, dismiss the subject without urging the necessity of habits of repeated
and accurate observation. Theories are, alas, too often and too superficially
advanced, and the result is discredit to the cause of science. The student
is surrounded by objects all demanding and all worthy of examination.

* Die Pflanzenzelle, der innere Bau tind das Leben der Gewfcchse. Berlin. 1852.

REVIEWS. 45

The brilliant discoveries which stud, at short intervals, the career of some
men, are not so much the result of fortunate coincidences, or superior
abilities, as they are the legitimate offspring of habits of close observation,
carefully and systematically pursued ; and we believe that, to the earnest
student, there is no department of natural science whose unknown trea-
sures do not exceed the wildest imaginings of her most enthusiastic
votaries.

The student who would seek a close acquaintance with nature, must toil
long, and watch anxiously ; bright glimpses will often illumine his path,
tempting him to stray into theories which his severer judgment would
condemn ; but as he struggles onward his pleasures will gather at each
step more thickly around him, while the sense of his own ignorance will
deepen in contemplating the wondrous wisdom of Him who made all the
things of beauty by which he is surrounded, and whose contemplation fills
his inner soul with joy.

THE FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. Illustrated by John E. Sowerby, Pro-
prietor of Sowerby's English Botany. The descriptions, synonyms, &c.,
by C. Johnston, Botanical Lecturer at Guy's Hospital. London : J. E.
Sowerby, 3, Mead-place, Lambeth. 1855. 8vo. Pp. 88, with 49
plates. Full coloured, price £1 7s. ; partly coloured, 14s.

NOT very long since we introduced to our readers' notice the first part of
the volume before us, with the intention of bringing it again before them
when the work was complete. This we have now the pleasure of doing,
and it affords us much gratification to be able to say, that the volume now
complete has kept up the promise of its first number.

This work naturally divides itself into two distinct heads ; the descrip-
tions by Mr. Johnston, and the illustrations by Mr. Sowerby. An average
of one page of letterpress is devoted to the description of each species. The
descriptions are neatly written and have appended to them instructions for
cultivating the ferns. The nomenclature is somewhat of a puzzle to us,
and the preface affords us no hints by which we could arrive at a conclu-
sion. One thing is certain, the author has not adopted that proposed by
Mr. Newman in his third edition of the " British Ferns." We expected
that, this being an illustrated work, we should have had every species that
had any claims to such, figured ; but we shall presently show our readers
that this is not the case, and that Mr. Johnston has not been a writer
of descriptions to introduce illustrations, but claims notice, if not as a

46 REVIEWS.

species maker, at least, as a species breaker. To avert for one moment to
Mr. Newman's "History of British Ferns," we find, in the introduction, a list
of four ferns " which stand, though of a second grade, as far as regards
their rank, as species, yet stand established as such in the text, and without
any manner of doubt." On turning to one of these — Cystopteris Dickieana
— we find, that "the propriety of separating Dickieana from fragilis rests on
these grounds — it is a perfectly healthy plant, not monstrous nor distorted,
and produced freely from seed, becoming a perfect weed ; whereas, fragilis,
under similar treatment, rarely reproduces itself. Cultivated in the same
soil and in the same pot with fragilis, the latter becomes larger and more
vigorous — Dickieana smaller and less vigorous ; and the more care the cul-
tivator bestows on these two plants, the more will he find they recede
from each other ; whereas, all differences between the so-called C. fragilis,
augustata, and dentata are speedily lost in cultivation." This certainly ap-
peared to us very fair evidence that Dickieana had a right to its place as a
distinct species ; but this right Mr. Johnston denies, and says — " If there
be any value attached to physiological facts of this kind, regarding the de-
termination of species, it must depend upon their correspondence under all
circumstances, and the above remarks do not agree with my own experi-
ence of nearly thirty years."

We have a description of Cystopteris alpina ; but, as the plant gathered
at Low Leyton was found on a suspicious locality — a garden wall — and as
no specimens have yet been gathered wild in Britain, we do not see its right
to be classed along with the " British Ferns."

We have also Asplenium fontanum described and figured; and we think
it has but the shadow of a right to be considered as indigenous to Britain ;
and its admission as such is questioned by, we believe, all our English
botanists.

In concluding these brief remarks on the letterpress of this volume, we
must say, that it is carefully written, displaying evidence of a deep knowledge
and long experience of the subjects about which it treats; it is compressed,
too, into the smallest compass, and the volume will not prove a burdensome
one to the botanical tourist ; at the same time, it is not a " History of the
British Ferns," nor, indeed, does it purpose to be so.

With regard to the illustrations which occupy the latter half of the
volume, we must give them our warmest praise and recommendation ; they
are generally faithful portraitures, perhaps, in some cases, a little too highly
coloured, but, for the most part, accurate, neatly drawn, and faithfully deli-
neated.

REVIEWS. 47

Of all botanical productions the ferns are, we think, the most difficult
to represent by drawings ; of some we have never seen a perfect likeness,
so impossible is it to catch their exact outline ; and we think the only re-
medy for this would be, to call in the aid of the photographist, and thereby
obtain figures which will represent those peculiarities which appertain to
them, and which, though they be wanting in the majority of engravings,
yet the best Ptendologist would find himself perplexed to point out exactly
were the artist was in error.

To such of our readers as cannot afford to buy the "fully-coloured
copies," we can recommend the half-coloured ones, as being equally useful ;
and the price at which they are published is such, as to place them within
the reach of all. The engravings are forty-nine in number, and we have
no hesitation in saying, that they should have a place in the library
of every botanist.

PHILIP B. WEBB, ESQ.

THE decease of this distinguished botanist took place in Paris, on Thursday,
the 31st August, 1854, aged 61 years. Although a native of England,
and proprietor of the beautiful estate, Milford House, Surrey, yet most of
his time, of late years, was spent in Paris, where he found facilities for
carrying on expensive scientific publications. He was born in July, 1793,
and first went to Dr. Moore's celebrated school, thence to Harrow, and
afterwards to Christ Church, Oxford, where he took a first class, in 1815.
The principal work published by Mr. Webb is his magnificent work, pub-
lished in connection with M. Berthelot, the companion of his travels,
entitled " Histoire Naturelle des Isles Canaries," par MM. P. B. Webb et
S. Berthelot. This must rank amongst the most remarkable publications
of the present day, and consists of three large quarto volumes, with plates
and numerous maps.

Mr. Webb was assigned the Legion of Honour by the Emperor,
Napoleon III. ; and Her Majesty Queen Isabella II., not only permitted
his work, entitled " Otia Hispanica," folio, forty plates, to be dedicated
to her, but conferred on him the Cross of the distinguished Order of

48 OBITUARY.

Charles III. — the first order in Spain, after that given only to princes of
Spanish blood. The whole of Mr. Webb's fine botanical collections, with
his library, have been bequeathed to the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and
will be shortly removed to Florence.

WILLIAM WING, ESQ., F.L.S.,

SECRETARY OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON,

HAS left a blank that will not be easily supplied. As an entomological
artist he had few rivals. It was at the age of fifteen that he first turned his
attention to entomology, and, in the course of a few years, he succeeded
in forming an extensive collection of British lepidoptera, hymenoptera, &c.
A talent for drawing was early developed, and this, combined with his
predilections for natural history, soon led to his being employed at that
great national establishment, the British Museum. Many will remember
that their first recollection of Mr. Wing is as a slight, rather delicate
youth, assiduously plying his pencil in the entomological room of the
British Museum. He lithographed a number of plates for the British
Museum Catalogues, and also for the Transactions of the Entomological
and Linnean Societies. He was naturally very retiring, and though pos-
sessed of a great amount of knowledge on a variety of subjects, he never
used it for the purpose of display ; and few who had not opportunities of
drawing him out, would have suspected the extent of his information.
Latterly his attention had been more particularly directed to making
drawings of the larvae of the microlepidoptera, and upwards of 200 of
these representations, which, for accuracy and life-likeness, have never been
surpassed, testify to his industry and perseverance.

It was just as he was entering on the new career of usefulness, indicated
by the promised " Natural History of the Tineina," that he was smitten
with an incurable disease (diabetes), which speedily assumed such a serious
aspect, that great fears were entertained that he would sink under it last
spring; fortunately, prompt medical attendance, together with his own
habitual cheerfulness of disposition, succeeded in restoring him to health ;
and during this temporary prolongation of life he was enabled to ex-
ecute the plates to Mr. Stainton's volume of the "Insecta Britannica."

Mr. Wing's death occurred on the 9th of January, in the 28th year of
his age.

REVIEWS. 49

RECENT WORKS ON THE DIPTERA OF NORTHERN EUROPE.

1. ZETTERSTEDT, INSECTA LAPPONICA, ETC. 1 Tom. Folio; Lipsise, 1840.

2. ZETTERSTEDT, DIPTERA SCANDINAVIA, ETC. 11 Tomi, 8vo. Lundse,

1842-1852.

3. STAGER, SYSTEMATISE FORTEGNELSE OVER DE i DANMARK FUNDNE DIP-

TERA, samt DANSKE DOLICHOPODER, o.s.v. i Kroyers Naturhistorisk
Tidsskrift, Iste Raekke, lste-4de Bind, 1837-1844.

4. STENHAMM AR, FORSOK TILL GRUPPERING OCH REVISION AF DE SVENSKA

EPHYDRIN.E, i Kongl. Sv. Vet. Akademiens Handlingar for aar 1843.

5. WAHLBERG, | NyA gvENSKA DIPTERA) j detsamma, och Oefversigt af K.
BOHEMANN f Sv. Vet. Akad. Fbrhandlingar,— aatskUliga aar.

THE extent of the field which Entomology appropriates, even since the
Crustacea and Arachnida have been detached from it, has made its literature
already voluminous, though barely of the growth of a century, and promises
an increase in proportion for a long time to come. Apart from the com-
mon domains of anatomy and physiology, the history and classification of
its countless species, probably outnumbering all the other denizens of the
land, are enough to occupy Reaumurs and Degeers, if such there should be,
yet unborn. Probably, in consequence, a somewhat partial and one-sided
character has been impressed upon the science with most who have pur-
sued it with predilection ; so that the results to be looked for from the study
of the endlessly-diversified, yet closely-linked, modifications of that one well-
marked type of organization, have scarcely yet redounded to the benefit of
biological science in general. And not only has Entomology been treated
as if it were an independent branch, but the attention both of collectors
and systematists has been much confined to one or two orders out of the
whole. Indeed, reasons may be easily found for the preference so generally
given to the Lepidoptera and Coleoptera; and the classification of the latter
has now arrived at such a stage, that the study of it may be considered as
a preliminary training for that of the other orders. But, this point attained,
we are glad to see increasing attention of late directed towards the some-
time slighted clearwings of collectors, as preparing the way for broader
views of the class of insects, in itself as a whole, and in its relations to
the rest of animated nature. Each of the other orders, meantime, may

VOL. II. E

50 REVIEWS.

invite a study as particular as the Coleoptera have received, and some of
them, perhaps, will afford a field as ample. Local Faunas, Monographs,
the collections of voyagers, all have their use in building up parts of the
unfinished fabric ; and the productions of our own country naturally will
occupy the greatest number of students at home. But, with the excep-
tion of the two orders before named, the British collector quickly finds
himself at a loss for any ready means of determining even the names of
the puny myriads that flit or creep, dive or burrow, on every side about
him. In default of manuals devoted to the productions of our own country,
we may look abroad, next, to those which describe the insects of the
nearest mainland, from which chiefly the island Fauna seems derived, a
colony diminished by the broken continuity of land, and the lower summer
temperature of a seagirt shore. The Fauna of France, whose territorial
limits lean on the snowy buttresses of the Alps and Pyrenees, on either
hand, flanking a gulf of the Mediterranean, whither many of the insects
seem as if transmitted, with the hot winds, from the African coasts oppo-
site, is enriched with Alpine and southern forms wholly strange to us.
But a comparison of the Coleoptera of each, points to the inference that
the British insect Fauna might almost be presented as an extract from that
of neighbouring France ; while the species deficient in the latter may
mostly be found in the Scandinavian Fauna, along with the great majority
common to the three countries. Passing beyond that order and the Lepi-
doptera, the materials for such a comparison have been hitherto more im-
perfect. We have coupled together, at the head of this article, the chief
contributions to the Dipterous Fauna of Scandinavia, which have appeared
since Meigen's Systematic Description of the Diptera of Europe was com-
pleted. The impulse given by that classical work to the study of this
order has tended to antiquate itself in some degree, as Meigen's terse and
scientific definitions became inadequate, amid the additions made by the
industry of his scholars. Among those who have contributed to such a
revolution, the Swedes may justly claim a foremost place ; and we would
scarcely dispute Bohemann's judgment of the great work of Zetterstedt
now concluded, that no other country can show a descriptive catalogue of
its Diptera so complete and accurate as Sweden possesses.* Restricted to
the limits of the Scandinavian and Jutish peninsulas and islands, it does
not affect the character of a DIPTEEOLOGIA EUROP.EA, as Oken has ven-
tured to style it.f But for the determination of the British species of
Diptera in general, we have, up to this time, no book of reference as use-

* Aarsberiittelse for 1847-8. t Isis, 1848, 696.

REVIEWS. 51

ful and complete. The other essays, which we have coupled with it, having
been chiefly incorporated in this comprehensive work, we shall have little
occasion to review them individually, but some notice of them seemed ne-
cessary towards a general summary of the contributions to the literature of
the order, which have proceeded from this quarter, since the last addi-
tions were engrafted on the system by Meigen.

St&ger commenced, in 1838, publishing a catalogue of the Diptera of
Denmark, in Kroyer's N. H. Journal, with descriptions of the new species
only, of which the number was not inconsiderable. We owe to him the
institution of two new genera, Ptiolina and Boletina. Having gone
through the Nemocera on this plan, and commenced a Monograph of the
Dolichopidce, of which only the species of Dolichopus, Sybistroma, and
Orthochile were given in detail, he transferred the materials for the rest
to the behoof of Zetterstedt's work, which his communications chiefly
have rendered a Fauna for both countries.

Stenhanimar has produced a very accurate and complete description of
the Ephydrini of Sweden, the number of which he has much more than
doubled. His generic arrangement deserves the highest praise, and the
changes which Zetterstedt has made, while adopting it in the main, cannot be
called improvements. His careful delineation also of the external anatomy
of these insects has both laid the grounds for a better characteristic of the
genera and species, and supplied materials for a more precise glossary of
the parts. We think the term prcelabrum, which he has introduced, su-
perfluous, the part denoted corresponding to the epistoma in other orders,
where it is separated by a distinct suture from the hypostoma or face. We
gladly look for a promised Monograph of the Sphaerocerini from the same
pen, expecting that an enlarged acquaintance with the literature of Ento-
mology will exclude from it such nominally new, but, in fact, previously-
described, species and genera, as have gone to swell the synonyms among
the Ephydrini.

Of the shorter essays in the Transactions and Proceedings of the
Swedish Academy, in which many species have been described originally,
those by Wahlberg are the most important, as containing the characters of
several new genera, Thinophilus, Psairoptera, Amphipogon, Lobioptera,
Selachops.

Zetterstedt's earlier work, INSECTA LAPPONICA, opens with a very in-
teresting sketch of the distribution of insects on the several stages of
ascent of the Lappish Alps. The outline, drawn with a masterly hand by
Heer, " On the Highest Limits of Animal and Vegetable Life on the
Swiss Alps" has since been filled up, in part, for the zones -of the Alps, the

52 REVIEWS.

Pyrenees, the Riesengebirge, and Caucasus, respectively, by Ghiliam,
Dnfour, Kiesenwetter, Kolenati, and others ; but scarcely one of them has
produced a picture more full of life, or rich in details, than Zetterstedt, the
earliest of the list. The greatest number of the new Dipterous genera,
and a large proportion of new species, were characterized in this volume ;
but we propose to treat all such together in our examination of the DIPTERA
SCANDINAVLE. This great work, a monument both of untiring industry,
erudition, and acute discrimination, is comprised in eleven 8vo volumes,
which average above four hundred pages each ; and the publication, com-
menced at the author's own expense, and afterwards worthily sustained by
the public purse, has extended over a period of ten years. After a short
preface, and list of works cited, an hundred and three pages are given to
the analysis and characteristic of the families and genera. A final index
of one hundred and ninety-two pages, containing the synonyms, as well
as the generic and trivial names of the text, affords every facility for re-
ference that can be desired. The specialities, analysis, description, and
history of the species, with supplementary characters of the genera (two
hundred and eighty-five in number), fill nearly four thousand two hundred
and fifty pages, giving for each of the 3,462 species described, after all
deductions, a good deal more than a page on the average. Of this num-
ber, 1,585 purport to have been first described in one or other of the books
we have titled, making the proportion rather more than five new species to
six previously included among the European Diptera of Meigen ; and of
these last, Fallen had recorded but 845, where Zetterstedt has 1,260 in
the corresponding families ; so largely has the older stock of Fallen and
Fries been added to by the author's own travels in Lapland, and by the
communications of Dahlbom, Wahlberg, Anderson, and Skogmann,
from the same source; of Liebke, in Norway; Sahlberg, Nylander, and
Mannerheim, in Finland; Stager, Schioadte, Drewsen, Boje, Jacobsen,
and Westermann, in Denmark ; besides a list of about twenty corre-
spondents in the Swedish provinces, including the honoured names of
Schbnherr and Bohemann. When will our own islands furnish such help
to any one who may undertake for them a task like that Zetterstedt has
achieved for his country ? Particular attention has been paid to the geo-
graphical distribution of the species, and various localities are assigned for
most of them ; so that the names of some of these correspondents recur as
authorities almost in every page. These volumes of Zetterstedt's are the
more available to the British student, as they are wholly written in Latin
— fair, entomological Latin ; a quality which, without pretending to clas-
sical nicety, we are not disposed to undervalue, with the recollection fresh

REVIEWS. 58

of the curious dialects that certain naturalists, on either side of the Alps,
have muffled in the folds of the toga. Erichson has given a recipe for such
cases when, criticising a compatriot, he goes on to say — " Our western neigh-
bours, also, in their natural history works, favour us pretty often with a Latin
which can only be deciphered through the medium of a literal retranslation
into the vernacular idiom of the writers." The closer affinity of the Runic
idioms to the English may render us less sensitive to isms from this source
than we are to the German, French, or Italian dialects of Latin. Certainly
we have found no occasion for a Latin-Swedish dictionary, in order to under-
stand Zetterstedt's descriptions. We must demur, however, when he calls in
question subsultans of Linnseus, or borrows such a superfluous barbarism
as anciennetas, foreign alike to the vocabulary of the great master, and of
his classical models. But these are the rare and pardonable slips of a style
sufficiently correct in general. To us the least satisfactory portion of
Zetterstedt's work is the composition and arrangement of the families.
Commencing with Tabanus, the series of the Brachycera is made to end in
Phora, followed by the Coriacece, which again the Nemocera succeed.
Here the interposition of Phora and the Coriacece excludes all thoughts
of a natural transition between the two great sections of the order. The
system of the Diptera Scandinavia is avowedly an artificial one; but
viewed simply as such, seems not to fulfil the end so well as to com-
pensate for the disregard of natural affinities. Zetterstedt, in grateful
deference to the authority of his illustrious master in Entomology, has re-
tained the arrangement and names of Fallen's older system to a great ex-
tent, when, perhaps, his unbiassed judgment might have accorded better
with the more recent systems of Meigen or Macquart. But in the Nemo-
cera also, where he had not that precedent to constrain him, and his classi-
fication is more original, some of the families appear as far from natural
groups. Perhaps the most signal instance is that which Schaum has
already singled out — the Ryphii, in which Rhyphus, the typical genus,
possessing three equal and equidistant ocelii, an ambient vein, and normal
system of venation, stands associated with Ceroplatus and Cordyla, two
genera transferred from the Mycetophilinte, a family whose characters are
nearly the opposite of those ; while the larvae of the two are no less diffe-
rent, that of Rliyphus being amphipneustic,* those of the Mycetophilina
peripneustic.f Another genus, Pachyncura, having three ocelli, and want-
ing the suture of the mesonotum that is characteristic of the Tipulides, with
which it is ranked by Zetterstedt, should probably also be referred to the

* With anterior and posterior spiracles only. f With intermediate spiracles also.

54 REVIEWS.

Hycetophilince, with some of which it closely agrees in the venation. The
latter family, again, should be rid ofCorynocera — a genus whose affinity to
his Chironomii has not entirely escaped Zetterstedt's observation, and to us
appears unquestionable. In the section Brachycera, again, the conjunction
of Lonchoptera with Phytomyza in one family (Phytomyzides) seems un-
accountable, except on the ground of Fallen's preponderating authority, all
other modern systematists having removed the former genus entirely from
the Muscidce. This great family has been carved by Zetterstedt, follow-
ing Fallen, into a number of groups, which, though here denominated fa-
milies, cannot, in respect of characters, be accounted co-ordinate with the
other families of this order, however the multitude of species to be
grouped may recommend such a plan in a system professedly artificial.
But, indeed, the subdivisions of this family have been so variously treated,
that we do not venture to criticise closely the order or limits of Zetterstedt's
corresponding groups. Only the Hcematomyzides may be specified as a
merely artificial assemblage of members taken from three different natural
groups ; Siphona being closely related to Tachina, Prosena to Dexia, and
Stomoxys to Musca. We are compelled to regard it as a retrograde step,
that Zetterstedt has fused again so many modern genera into one vast one —
as in the cases of Tachina, Anthomyia, Aricia, the last two being distin-
guished from each other merely by the colour of the legs. The caref Lilly -
constructed analytical tables of the species, given with each at least of the
more extensive genera, do, however, remedy, in a great degree, the incon-
veniences of such a fusion ; nor can we attribute the rejection of so many
genera to any indolence, since in the notes he has been at the pains of re-
ferring every species he has described of these to its appropriate place in
some one of the genera adopted by Meigen in his supplementary volume.
The descriptions of the species in the DIPTEKA SCANDINAVIA we have
found in general as clear as they are full ; and we must commend, in par-
ticular, the simple phrases by which he has, in many instances, delineated
the varying venation of the wings without the help of figures. Having ex-
pressed dissatisfaction with the families he has given, we shall rather fol-
low the arrangement proposed in the first volume of the INSECTA BRITANNIC A,
and refer the new genera we have to notice to their places in the families
according to it. MYCETOPHILID.E — Pachyneura, venation not very unlike
Platyura, antennae filiform (18-jointed?), palpi 4-jointed, lateral spines of
tibia3 very slight; one species P. fasciata, 9-11 lines long; Lapland and
N. Sweden about rotten trunks of trees. Boletina Stg., for the species of
Leja Mg., in which the forks of the two brachial veins are equally distant
from the base of the wing. CHIRONOMID^ — Corynocera, wings adiaphauous,

REVIEWS. 55

with four or five very obsolete veins, the tip armed with a long curved
bristle, which is triple in the female, antennae 12-jointed, the first joint
short and stout, the last oblong and thickened, the intermediate joints small,
globose, and compact; one species C. ambigua, 1-^-2 lines long, found on
the shore of a lake in Tornea Lapland. TIPULID.E — Psiloconopa, wings
divaricated, venation nearly as is Limnobia, Mg. Zw. i. t. 5, f. 6, antennae
16-jointed, moniliform, eyes meeting under the antenna?, proboscis short,
palpi 4-jointed ; one species Ps, meigeni, 3 lines long, like Erioptera late-
ralis in colour ; found throughout the northern provinces in watery places.
Tricyphona, distinguished from Limnobia by the peculiar venation, type
L. immaculata, Mg. Zw. i. t. 5, f. 8. Dicranota, antenna? 13-jointed, type
Limnobia pavida Hal. (D. guerinii Ztt.), and it seems to us that L. bima-
culata (Schiimmel) is congenerous, although Zetterstedt has left that species
among his Limnobice. LEPTIDJE — Ptiolina Stg., dismembered from
Atherix, third joint of antenna oval, with short apical arista; e.gr. A.
melcena Mg. BOMBYLID^E — Psilocephala, founded on the species of The-
reva with naked face ; but Loew (Beytr. ii.) has retained them as a portion
of that genus. ACROCERID.E — Sphcerogaster, resembling Cyrtus in the an-
tennae and exserted proboscis (which is horizontal and as long as the head),
and Henops in venation ; the alulae very small ; one species Sph. arcticus,
little more than ^ line long, a single specimen found on a mountain of Fin-
mark. EMPIRE — Anthalia, like Euthyneura, third joint of antennae ovate,
without a style, hind femora rather long ; seven species, almost exclusively
northern; A.furcata^ having the cubital vein forked, should probably be
removed from this genus. Iteapkila, like Euthyneura, but the cubital
vein forked ; two species, chiefly northern. Hormopeza, seems to come
near to Ragas, but the third joint of the antenna? is ovate, and the style
longer in proportion, the fore tarsi moniliform in the male ; one species H.
obliterata, above two lines long; Toruea Lapland and the north of Bothnia.
Microcera Ztt. is synonymous with Sciodromia. Phyllodromia, type
Tachydromia melanocephala Fabr., differing from Hemerodromia chiefly
by the simple cubital vein. Wiedemannia, type Heleodromia bistigma
Curtis (W. borealis Ztt.)] Wahlberg has remarked that longicornis is the
only genuine Brachystoma, and that the other species referred to that
genus by Zetterstedt belong to Paramesia Macquart (synonymous with
Heleodromia) ; we would add that both Heleodromia and Wiedemannia,
and, perhaps, Ardoptera too, might be reunited with Clinocera; and
Wiedemannia has been employed as a generic name, not only in another
family of Diptera, but in botany also. DOLICHOPIDJS — Thinophilus, like
Rkaphwm, but the third joint of antennae round, with dorsal arista ; type

56 REVIEWS.

Rhaphium flavipalpe Ztt. PLATYPEZIDJE — Platycnema, two species, type
Empis pulicaria Fin. Microsania, including Cyrtoma pectipennis Mg.
and a second species, differs from the preceding chiefly in venation, the
cubital vein running to the hind margin. PIPUNCULID.E — Nephrocerus,
antennae with the third joint reniform, the venation nearly as in Pipuncu-
lus auctus; two species, larger than any of that genus. MUSCIDJE, 1.
CALYPTERI — Micra, placed next to Phania, the clothing pubescence with-
out bristles, the abdomen ovate ; one species M. Trixina, 2 lines long, a
single specimen found in Northland. Wahlbergia, type Tachina melanura
Mg., allied to Ocyptera, the radial vein longer and not curved, the angle
of the subapical vein more obtuse, the alulae smaller. Gymnopeza, distin-
guished from Phasia by the nearly naked body and legs, and the gentle
curvature of the subapical vein, which joins the cubital exactly at the end,
and resembling Phania by the incurved extremity of the abdomen ; two
species, scarcely exceeding 2 lines in length. Cinochira, of rather
doubtful affinity ; the subapical vein approaching the cubital with a slight
curve towards the end, the alulae pretty large, antennae with the third joint
not longer than the rest, rounded, the arista long and capillary, eyes dis-
tant (in male ?) ; one species C. atra, 2 J lines long ; allied to the Tachi-
nides in the opinion of Wahlberg the discoverer, but placed by Zetterstedt at
theend of tlieMuscides, immediately before iheAnthomyzides. 2. ACALYPTERI
— Leptopa, one species L.filiformis Ztt. (Cordylura flava Hal., Ent. Mag.
A.D. 1836, but Wiedemann had previously a C. flava from Egypt); sepa-
rated from Cordylura on account of the shorter antenna and oblong eyes ;
the orbits of the face very prominent below, where they bear the ordinary
" mystacine" cilia. Ectinocera, differing from Tetanocera in the com-
parative length of the joints of the antennae, the third being elongated, and
the two preceding short ; E. borealis, a northern species, 2^ lines long.
Psceroptera Wlbg., allied to Ortalis, and the wings spotted in like man-
ner, hypostoma short not keeled, habit of Sepsis; four species, from 1-J to
3 lines in length ; frequent the trunks of trees, running with the wings
extended horizontally in constant motion ; the larvae feed under the bark.
Colobcea, type Opomyza bifasciella Fin. (Sciomyza concentrica Mg.).
Rhynchcea, resembling Lonchcea, but the oral angles of the face armed
with a bristle ; one species Rh. lonchceoides, 1^ line long. Macrochira
(Clusia Hal, Ann. Nat. Hist, ii., 188, A.D. 1838), type Heteromyza flava
Mg., but Zetterstedt has not recognised their identity, though he happens
to have adopted the same trivial name. Amphipogon Wlbg., much re-
sembles the preceding, but the round third joint of antenna? bears the
naked arista near the base ; one species A. spectrum Wlbg., between 2

REVIEWS. 57

and 3 lines long, the male distinguished by the cheeks, hypopygium, fore
and hind thighs, and middle tibiaa being pectinated; generally found on
fungi in the northern provinces. Ampycophora Wlbg., identified by
Zetterstedt with Aulacigaster Macquart. Earomyia, like Lonchcea, face
more prominent, eyes smaller ; one species E. lonchceoides, 2 lines long.
Anthophilina, synonymous with Leptomyza Macquart. Lobioptera
Wlbg., allied to Milichia, but the fore edge of the wing with a deep in-
cision at the end of the subcostal vein, and the costal vein vanishes before
the end of the subapical ; one species L. ludens Wlbg., 1^ line long.
Selachops Wlbg., like Lonchcea, but the mediastinal vein indistinct, and
the ovipositor not protruded, form of the head somewhat like Tetanops,
the protuberant front overhanging the short antennae, the third joint of
which is round, with the naked arista implanted towards the tip ; one
species S. flavocincta Wlbg. (Eucodocera bicolor Lw.), occurring in the
northern and central provinces, and abundant on the banks of the Eiver
Luleaa. And of the " sections" of Stenhammar, but which are formally
named and divided as genera, Parydra Stnh. is synonymous with Napcea
Desvoidy, but the latter name pre-occupied in botany ; Epipela Stnh. is
Ilythea Hal. ; Philygria Stnh. is Hydrina Desvoidy, including Hyadina
and Axysta Hal. ; Clasiopa Stnh. is Discocerina Macq., as limited by
Haliday, A.D. 1839. HIPPOBOSCIDLE — Leptopteryx, of rather doubtful affi-
nity, differing from the rest of this family by the distinctly triarticulate
antennas without an arista, long slender legs, and wings not distinctly
veined; L. nivalis, 1J lines long; a single specimen found crawling on
the mountain snow in Lapland.

Among the more remarkable species made known by Zetterstedt,
are a species of Scenopinus, with the second branch of the cubital vein
again forked, S. furcinervis, and an Echinomyia, with 4-jointed tarsi,
E. tetramera. Only one specimen had occurred of each. May they not
be symmetrical monstrosities, such as are not without example ?

The space will not allow us to pass in review the multitude of species
first made known in these volumes, or to indicate the synonyms of some,
which appear to have been described before. We hope to see this yet
done, as well for the " Diptera Scandinavia?," as the " Insecta Britannica,"
when the concluding volume of the latter shall have appeared, since the
collation of both works may lead to more satisfactory results.

We have endeavoured to arrive at some estimate, of course a very pro-
blematical one, of the relative numbers of Diptera in Sweden and in the
British Islands. Walker, in a preface to the second volume of " Insecta
Britannica," has expressed an opinion that the numbers may be about equal;

58

REVIEWS.

but such a conclusion seems scarcely borne out by the data, as we have
collected them in the annexed table : —

COMPARATIVE NUMBER OF RE-
CORDED SPECIES OF

SCANDINAVIAN.

BRITISH.

Zettei
n. spp.

•stedt.
total.

Curtis.
Guide.

Walker.
Ins. Br.

PULICUXE

—

—

17

MYCETOPHILID.E

135

235

138

CECIDOMYZID.S:

21

33

33

BIBIONID.E

10

37

34

SIMULIDJE

5

12

13

CHIRONOMUXE

107

222

154

CULICIDJS

7

20

27

PHLEBOTOMLDJE

1

10

9

HETEROCLIT.E

1

5

10

TIPULID.E

62

198

161

KHYPHID^:

0

3

4

STRATIOMID.E

9

42

50

49

XYLOPHAGID.S:

0

4

2

3

TABANID.E

16

38

29

17

ACROCERID2E

2

6

4

3

ASILID.3J

8

37

33

25

LEPTIDJE

3

19

20

15

BoMBYLnXSJ

4

35

27

17

SCENOPINIDJE

1

3

(8)

2

EMPHXE

146

267

183

155

DOLICHOPIDJE

104

204

132

138

LONCHOPTERHXE

3

8

8

5

PLATYPEZIDJB

8

24

19

17

PlPUNCULIDJE

11

25

14

12

SYRPHID^E

106

284

210

153

CONOPID^

0

7

8

9

Y| ( Calypteri

473

859

369

(760*)

'J \Acalypteri

338

775

584

CE STRIDE

1

11

8

7

PHORID^;

16

38

32

18

HIPPOBOSCID^:

1

7

10

5

NYCTERIBID^B

0

0

2

2

1599

3468

2335

* Computed.

We may here observe that since the completion of Zetterstedt's work in
1852, more species appear to have been added to the Swedish Diptera
than have been to the British since 1851, when the first volume of the
"Insecta Britannica" was published, if we may judge from a comparison of
one or two of the principal families included in each. Thus, the Dolicho-
pidce have been increased by two with us, and as many for Sweden ;
the Empidce by three for Sweden, and none here. Curtis, in his Guide,

REVIEWS. 59

has enumerated, as it appears, 2,335 species of British Diptera, exclusive
of the Pulicidce, which neither he nor Zetterstedt has included in this
order. Of these, 650 belong to the families treated in detail in the
first of Walker's volumes, where they are reduced to 620, out of which
470, or more than three-fourths, are 'described in the DIPTERA SCAN-
DINAVLE. If the same proportion hold good in the remaining families,
the total number of British species known would be about 2,130,
and we might expect above 1,600 of them in Zetterstedt. Walker,
however, thinks the Tachinides and Anthomyzides are much more
numerous than has been supposed hitherto. Adopting his estimate of
them (uncertain as such a computation of species unnamed may be), we
should have nearly 400 to be added to the number of these given in the
Guide, still leaving the total of British Diptera. short of the Swedish by
about 950 species. Nor does this seem a very improbable excess on the
other side, taking into account the extent of the peninsula, with the
greater variety of temperature and elevation, the tracts that border on the
Arctic circle, the Alpine chains of Lapland and Norway, the breadth of
primeval forest, and the more genial summer of the south of Sweden,
parted only by a narrow strait from Jutland and the vicinity of central
Europe. Accordingly, the Swedish fauna has representatives of many
Continental genera unknown with us — Ceroplatus 6 spp., Gnoriste 3,
Penthetria, Macropeza, Chionea 2, Pachystomus, Canomyia, Hexatoma,
Microsania 2, Gloma, Pelecocera 2, Stachynia, Lophosia, Wahlbergia,
Cystogaster, Rhinophora 2, Dialyta, Selachops, Colobaaa ; against which we
can set off only Mochlonyx, Sycorax, Geranomyia, Actina, Spania, Euthy-
neura 2, Ulidia, Lucina, Eurhina, Camarota, Tichomyza, Nycteribia 2. So
far as known at present, the following — Pachyneura, Corynocera, Psilocon-
opa, Sph&rogaster, Anthalia, Iteaphila, Hormopeza, Nephrocerus, Gymno-
peza, Ciuochira, Ectinocera, Psasroptera, Rhynchasa, Amphipogon, Earomyia,
Lobioptera, Leptopteryx — appear to be peculiar to the Scandinavian fauna;
while the British islands claim on their side — Leptomorphus, Epidapus,
Cluuio, Ragas, Aphrosylus, Tethina, Atissa, Glenanthe, Canace, unknown
to Sweden. In certain genera of wide geographical range, and rich in
species, the great disparity between the lists is probably owing, in part, to
the neglect of them by the British collectors. The genus Rhamphomyia
numbers only 24 species in Curtis's Guide, reduced to 10 by Walker ;
while Zetterstedt has described no less than 72, and, out of that number,
21 as new species of Swedish authors. Other genera augmented largely,
in like manner, if not in equal proportion, are Anthomyia with new species
122 to 68 previously described, Alicia 176 to 66, Tachina 112 to 94,

60 REVIEWS.

Cordylura 46 to 21, Dolichopus 71 to 65, Mycetophila 48 to 20, and
many more which might be mentioned. We had extracted from the
INSECTA LAPPONICA a list of species given there as proper to Lapland or
the northern provinces of Sweden, which have been found in these islands.
Later investigation, however, has proved most of these to be diffused
farther south, several of them extending into Germany also ; and probably
the few remaining exceptions may also be withdrawn by future research.
It is possible that North Britain, when explored more diligently, may yield
other species hitherto attributed as peculiar to the northern provinces of
Scandinavia ; but it is not likely that the number should be considerable,
since our mountains scarcely attain to the limits of an Alpine fauna, and
the disconnected lower ranges are everywhere comparatively poor in num-
ber of species, and in peculiar forms. But experiment will best solve the
question, which at present we approach with such imperfect evidence.

Zetterstedt is not one of the writers who are content to make a parade
of erudition, by transcribing synonyms one after another, without the pains
of critical discrimination. The authorities he cites have evidently been
collated with scrupulous care, while he has not thought it necessary, in
general, to go back to the older authorities, with the exception of Linnasus,
Fabricius, and Degeer. But he has not had access to all the recent sources,
especially those of the English literature, so that some portions of his
matter will turn out to have been anticipated. The admirable BRITISH
ENTOMOLOGY, of Curtis, is not once referred to, and thus, among other
things, the genus Dolichopeza is attributed, without remark, to Meigen,
who had omitted to cite from Curtis, the original author. Hence, also,
the representatives of other modern genera, in the Swedish fauna, lie dis-
guised under alias names — Diadocidia ferruginosa as Sciara testacea —
Catocha under Lestremia — Corynoneura among the Chironomi of Zetter-
stedt. Having inserted, for completeness' sake, the descriptions from other
pens of some species, the originals of which he had not an opportunity of
collating, he has, consequently, been led, in one or two instances, to give
the same insect twice over ; thus,, the genus Cordyla appears among the
Rhyphii, and, again, as Pacliypalpus (Macquart), among the Myceto-
philince, and Ditomyia annulata is twice described as Ceroplatus flavus,
and as Mycetobia annulata. He has not constantly regarded the strict
law of priority to which we have been accustomed to defer, in the appli-
cation of generic and trivial names. Fallen and Fabricius seem to weigh
more with him sometimes than age or usage, and rules are made to yield
to predilection. We will let the dates stand, instead of statements in
detail, for judgment of the principal instances of this sort, which affect the

REVIEWS. 61

generic nomenclature. Zetterstedt has adopted (1) Hirtea Fb. (1798) for
Bibio Geoffroy (1764) ; Hirtea Scopoli (1763) being a different genus. —
(2) Chenesia Macq. (1834) for Orphnephila Haliday(1831), or Thaumalea
Ruthe (same year). — (3) Sicus Fb. (1798) for Coenomyia Latr. (1797) ;
Sicus of Scopoli (1763) being Myopa.— (4) Eristalis FaUen (1810) for
Chilosia Mg. ; whereas Eristalis was first named and characterized by
Latreille in 1804, while Eristalis of Fb. Antl. (1805) is made up of
species of the genera Chilosia, Eristalis, Helophilus, Merodon, Mallota,
Milesia, Eumerns, Pipiza and Chrysogaster. — (5) Syrphus Fallen, for Eris-
talis Latr.; Meigen having defined the genus Syrphus otherwise in 1803,
and Syrphus of Fb. Antl. including Volucella and Sericomyia along with
part of Eristalis. — (6) Scaeva Fb. (1805) for Syrphus, previously applied
by Meigen as above. — (7) Scatomyza Fallen (1810) for Scatophaga Mg.
(1803)— and (8) Scatophaga Fallen for Psila Mg. (1803), being tour years
before Jurine applied the name of Psilus to the Hymenopterous genus
Diapria Latr. (1797).— (9) Oxyrhina Mg. (1838) for Trigonometopus
Macq. (1835).— (lO)UlidiaMg. (1826) for Mosillus Latr. (1804), or Chry-
somyza Fallen (1817). But Ulidia also maybe retained, being limited,
according to Loew's suggestion (Beytr. i. 27), to U. erythrophthalma and
the allied species.

Here we close the chapter of criticism ; and if we should seem to have
discharged the task in a spirit more captious than tolerant, the volumes on
which we have dwelt so long do not need, and could not gain by, any com-
mendation we might bestow, while every correction, and every doubt, may
contribute in some small degree to their better use, which we would desire
to see more general in the hands of our fellow-students. We lay them
down, glad to see that the latest portions of his long labours betray no
symptoms of failing eyes or energy diminished, and hoping that the vene-
rable author, now in his seventieth year, may be enabled, next, to complete
a like history of the HEMIPTERA of Sweden, which we are authorized to
expect from his hand. — A. H. H.

A HISTORY OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES. By the Rev. F. 0. Morris, B.A.,
Member of the Ashmolean Society, Life Member of the British Asso-
ciation for the Advancement of Science, &c., <fec. With seventy-one
Coloured Plates. London : Groombridge and Sons, Patemoster-row.
1853. Price £1 Is.

THIS is a book by no means destitute of attractions. A thick, good-
looking, royal 8vo, rather elegantly bound in green cloth, with wide

62 REVIEWS.

margins, and ample space allowed for both letter-press and plates. There
is something showy about it, calculated to render it, as it was doubtless
intended to be, in a certain way popular. It would look very well on a
drawing-room table, and would be pronounced " a very pretty book." The
author is well known for his devotedness to natural history in various
branches, in connection with some of which he has put out other very
pretty and popular books ; but he confesses in the preface to the book
now before us, that, " if there be one branch of natural history which is
to me more captivatingly interesting than another, it is entomology," and
in this we are at one with him. It is, also, very gratifying to find that he
is a naturalist on right principles, those which lead us to seek and find
God in every work which he has made, and to love them for his sake, and
study them for the better showing forth his wisdom and glory ; while, at
the same time, he acknowledges that, for one in his position, and bearing
the sacred office of " a Priest in the Church of God," these pursuits ought
to be followed merely as a relaxation from more arduous duties. "I trust,
indeed," he writes in the preface, "that I have not forgotten, do not forget,
and never shall forget, that I have high and holy duties to perform, to
which all else must be subordinate and give way. Knowing, however,
that these studies are innocent in themselves; that they add to the amount
of human happiness ; and that, if used as they always should be, they
infallibly lead from the works of nature up to the God of nature, in feelings
of the holiest adoration, and most humble worship ; I encourage others to
follow them, so far as it may be right for them to do so."

The book itself is addressed altogether ad populum, and aims at
exciting an interest in the minds of the previously careless or ignorant,
and promoting a desire to collect specimens rather than at giving them
instruction in the science of the pursuit, still less increasing the knowledge
of the scientific entomologist. Accordingly, there is no admission granted
to anything that could be called a dry detail, no sesquipedalian terms are
found there, no nice criticisms on the various characteristics of families and
genera, no balancing of authorities in nomenclature, no questions of scien-
tific precedence or etiquette interfere with the light-hearted good humour
of the book; the author's object is to attract and captivate the uninformed,
as it were to matriculate freshmen into the entomological university; and
he knows very well that freshmen do not expect to be confounded with the
profound mysteries which make even solemn professors look grave. So he
leads them gaily along from butterfly to butterfly, with something of the
sprightly nonchalance of Harold Skimpole, and, it must be feared, nearly as
ready to be diverted from his object — but more of this hereafter. If a

REVIEWS. 63

butterfly rejoices in twenty names from twenty different naturalists, with
all impartiality they are set down in order, and no apparent preference is
given to any. The change of the generic name, from time to time, is
notice enough that we have entered on another genus; why the pale
clouded yellow should be called " Colias," and the next species, the black-
veined white, " Pieris," why they may not be both Colias, or both Pieris,
and what is the difference between Pieris and Colias, we are not informed.
The only important fact is, that both are handsome butterflies, and may be
found at such and such times, and in such and such places — if one is lucky
enough to find them. This principle, which is acted on throughout, is
carried, we think, rather too far, even where scientific information is not
the primary object. It reduces the study to the level of a mere .plaything,
which is scarcely fair in these days, when it is no longer considered a mark
of childishness to be an entomologist. The dignity of the title, " A His-
tory of British Butterflies," is hardly sustained in the body of the work,
which is little more than portraits of eminent and ordinary British butter-
flies, and references to their residences — sylvan, rural, or marine. Surely,
Mr. Morris might have found room for one or two of the leading charac-
teristics of each family, if not of each genus ; it would not have made the
book less interesting, and it would have rendered it far more practically
useful.

We would, nevertheless, by no means, undervalue what we have got.
The copious list of localities appended to the several species is very va-
luable, and it would be well if the localities in which rare species have
been captured were more carefully collected, and more widely published ;
not merely because it would direct entomologists where to look for them,
but because much curious information might be elicited as to the times,
situations, variations, and peculiarities of their appearance, disappearance,
or recurrence, which at present seem full of anomalies and perplexities, but
might not improbably be in time reduced to something more like order and
system. Other peculiarities, relating to the more abundant species, might
also be discovered, if note were taken of the localities in which they are
not to be found, which may be as interesting, in a scientific point of view,
as the record of places where others are to be met with. For this reason
we are glad of the information that, in the neighbourhood of Falmouth,
some of our commonest butterflies are scarce — e.g., the Hipparchia hyper-
anthus, Hipparchia pamphilus, and Vanessa atalanta.

The careful record of the times of appearing of the species is also ad-
vantageous, though, of course, its value depends on its rigid accuracy
when the period is predicted to a day or two. The variations in the

64 REVIEWS.

temperature of the seasons in different years must, more or less, affect its
accuracy ; but still to know, within a week, when to look for freshly-
evolved specimens of valuable insects, is knowledge not to be despised.

From the character of the work, little controversy of any kind is to be
expected ; but, on two occasions, Mr. Morris does battle vigorously — the
one being in support of the claims of Papilio podalirius to be accounted a
native species ; the other, in refutation of the imputations cast by " certain
malignants" on the character of Mr. Weaver, the original capturer of the
Melitasa dia. As to the former, we should have thought that few persons
would now have ventured to deny to Papilio podalirius a place among our
native fauna; but if there be any such remaining, and they are open to
conviction, Mr. Morris's array of " facts" and proofs from ocular evidence
ought to silence the tongue of suspicion for ever. And for Mr. Weaver,
we think it a disgrace to English entomologists that any further defence
should be needed; right and proper it is that all care should be exercised
in admitting the claims of a previously-undiscovered species ; but when
the only obstacle to receiving it is, that people choose not to be convinced,
and their only answer to unanswerable and reiterated proofs is, that an
upright and honest man is forging a series of "unblushing falsehoods,"
we confess we would not waste another word on them ; for they do not
deserve any notice. If they think it less likely that a new British butter-
fly should be discovered than that a man of unblemished honour should
tell a parcel of lies, we can only say, " Oh, infidel, great is thy faith."

In regard to the species admitted or rejected, Mr. Morris proceeds
rather arbitrarily, at least in the suppression of the reasons of his selection,
which ought to have been given — e.g., at the close of his remarks on
Pontia, Catophaga, Papilio, Ganoris or Pieris, Brassiere (we are obliged to
give all the generic names, as Mr. Morris has not informed us which he
himself has adopted, and we do not wish to choose for him), he briefly
adds — " Some have imagined a separate species under the name of Pontia
chariclea ;" but there is not a syllable of information as to whether this
species differs from Brassicae in size, colour, markings, form or neuration of
wings, times of appearance, habits or appearance of larvae, or in any other
way ; nor does he say who the " some" are, nor why he dissents from
their " imagination." In a somewhat similar manner he speaks of a
" variety5* of Pontia (&c., &c., &c., &c., as before) Napi, " erroneously
made into a species under the name of ' Pontia sabellicro,' " except
that in this case he enumerates the points of difference, though he makes
no further observation on it. No allusion, however slight, is made to Par-
nassius Apollo, though its claims are so very slender that Mr. Morris

REVIEWS. 65

may be forgiven for excluding it. Not so easily, however, for his silent
exclusion of three beautiful insects — Chrysophanus chryseis, Hippothoe, and
Virgaureae — the first and last of which can scarcely be denied, unless he
will consider them extinct, and then they might have had a passing notice
in the course of the OprjvoQ over the now extinct Dispar, while the Hip-
pothoe, if not regarded as a variety of Dispar, has a good right to be
noticed as a native species, as its claims to be indigenous, however tradi-
tionary, cannot be positively refuted, and, indeed, are by no means despi-
cable. On the other hand, we have figure and notice of Cynthia Hamp-
stediensis, which has no claim to be esteemed British, having been in-
troduced into the lists by a merely accidental error.* The original figure
of the insect has been copied and recopied from a sort of traditionary res-
pect for this, we believe, unique discovery ; but, certainly, in a work in
which Chrysophanus chryseis, Hippothoe, and Virgaureae do not appear,
Cynthia Hampstediensis is out of place. Again, Cynthia Huntera, which
Mr. Morris expressly calls " an American species," appears with figure and
ample description. Similarly, Argymnis aphrodite — of which he says,
" This is an American species" — is treated with great respect, we know
not whether on account of the remarkable fact which our author senten-
tiously announces, that " it is unquestionable that a specimen was taken in
an undoubted [sic] wild state in Upton Wood, a few miles from Leaming-
ton." We never had the pleasure of capturing an undoubtedly tame
butterfly, nor should we know how to define the expression.

We do not complain of the introduction of the figures of these in-
sects ; on the contrary, we should be glad if figures of all exotic species
captured in this country were preserved, with particulars of their capture ;
what does seem objectionable is the introduction of such species, to the ex-
clusion of others, which have a right to appear in a work like the present.

The descriptions of the insects are, in general, sufficiently accurate for
identification, though they fall short of the scientific accuracy of some other
works ; this is, however, in all probability, the result of the principle which
pervades the whole book, of excluding, as far as possible, all purely scien-
tific terms and details, which, while it has its advantages in making the
work more intelligible to the unscientific, for whom it is written, bends, in
some degree, to diminish from the perspicuity of these minute descriptions,
the necessity for which clearness first rendered the introduction of these
terms requisite. The figures themselves are, for the most part, very good,

* Mr. Dale's remarks in a letter read before the Dublin University Zoological Associa-
tion (vide "Proceedings of Societies," p. 115) explains how the mistake occurred in re-
gard to this species.

VOL. II. F

66 REVIEWS.

particularly in the drawing, which is, in some instances, highly effective.
The colouring is more variable, often evincing great carelessness and want
of finish — e.g., the nerves of the wings in Pieris brassicaa and rapae are
actually coloured a rather strong blue, with a greenish hue from the ground-
colour of the wings being yellowish. And even Aporia cratsegi is decorated
with blue lines between the black veins, which greatly injures the effect.
The ground-colour of the anterior wings of Vanessa io is much more of a
brick red than the magnificent " rich, dark, brownish red" mentioned in
the text. To the Apaturairis no brush can do any justice; but more might,
we think, have been suggested to an entomological student's mind than Mr.
Morris has succeeded in doing ; no one, however, ought to be severe on
failure where success is so impossible. On the other hand, many of the
figures of the Hipparchiaa and some others are coloured with a most happy
general effect, as is, we think, the upper side of the Vanessa C. album.
On the whole, the figures are very creditable.

At the end of the book are given very elaborate and particular instruc-
tions in the arts of catching, killing, setting, and preserving insects, which
will be found very useful and intelligible by the most inexperienced.
Figures are given of all the instruments required, the mode of setting, the
store-boxes, drying-case, and all the manifold impediments which this pur-
suit entails on its votaries. An engraving of the cabinet is promised, but,
for some reason, does not appear. The clap-net is the favourite with our
author; but we must say we cannot agree in the preference ; it has always
seemed to us vastly inferior to a good bag-net, as being much more un-
wieldy and less fitted to secure the captured insects. But, every man to
his taste. With regard to the best mode of killing insects, we are glad to
see that he gives the chloroform bottle a place among the ordinary essen-
tials for a lepidopterist : most assuredly it ought to supersede every other
method of ancient or modern invention. Why, in some places, he speaks
favourably of the " lucifer-match" method, we cannot tell. It is only fit
to be forgotten. The instructions given are admirable in the main, and
will be found amply sufficient for all purposes.

And here our notice of this book, so far as it is a " History of British
Butterflies," may be considered to end. To the scientific entomologist it
will be probably of comparatively little assistance ; but to the uninitiated,
or the simple catcher of butterflies, it will be a considerable acquisition ;
while the general good temper and friendliness which pervade the whole
must dispose every one to feel kindly and cordially towards the enthusiastic
and Christian author. A few words must, nevertheless, be added on what
seems to us to be the great defect in the book — viz., the vast quantity of

REVIEWS. 67

Irrelevant matter introduced in all places. Not content with the clear de-
finition of the only principles on which a Christian man should enter on
these studies, which renders the preface so pleasing, where such comments
are thoroughly in place, Mr. Morris profusely scatters minor prefaces, frag-
ments of " improvements," over every page of the work, sometimes, as at
pp. 116, 117, at a great length. What he says is very true, very good,
but very commonplace, the " garden whites" of moralizing, and, in almost
every instance, would be equally appropriate anywhere else; the interference
with the matter in hand is conspicuous and offensive, and exceedingly un-
called for. It is true he defends himself by saying, that " moralizing is
never out of place" (which we devoutly hope may never pass into an
axiom) ; but the only good point in the defence is, that it shows that his
conscience is a little uneasy. Such inopportune " reflections,1' where they
have no connection whatever with the subject, do the holy cause he would
further far more harm than good ; his readers are fretted at the interruption
of the " history" of some butterfly for the sake of introducing a sentiment
which would be as much to the point in the "• History" of any other but-
terfly from P. machaon to Cyelopides painscus, or in any book of natural
history, or science, or history, or biography, or travels, or good storybook,
or anywhere else. All such things are, we believe, much better confined
to the preface, which is an introduction to the subject treated of in the
book ; when we enter on the book itself we want information about butter-
flies, not sermonettes, however good in themselves. But this is not all ;
Mr. Morris is as discursive as one of his own butterflies ; he gives us an
account of some of his friends' notices of his Oxford life, extracts from the
University Calendar, thoughts on the introduction of railway travelling, and
scraps of Mrs. Norton's songs ; he touches on the pleasures of angling, and
says, that to catch a rare butterfly is as great a treat in its way as to catch
a trout of three pounds weight, &c., which last effusion, by the way, is an
introduction to the common ringlet. He even takes the trouble to assure
us that Captain Blomer is no relation of Mrs. Bloomer, which a moderate
study of orthography would have suggested to any one, to say nothing of
the bad taste of such a remark. These ghostly pleasantries are abundant
throughout the work, and, amongst them all, religious observations are led
up and down in a fashion that strongly reminds us of poor Christian and
Faithful, in Vanity Fair. Thus a great deal of time, paper, and patience,
is mercilessly wasted, which would have been far better employed in im-
parting some slight information about the leading characteristics of the
different families and genera. Mr. Morris will, we hope, forgive these re-
marks, which may be strong, because we feel strongly the greatness of the

C8 REVIEWS.

defect in a work of this nature ; the author's goodness, kind-heartedness,
and high spirits have misled his judgment, and we are sure that if he
would remember this in future he would do more justice to both religion
and science, and to his own sincere reverence for the one and devotion to
both. And now, in all kindness, we take our leave of him and his book.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO BRITISH PALAEONTOLOGY ; or, First Descriptions of Three
Hundred and Sixty Species and several Genera of Fossil Radiata, Arti-
culata, Mollusca, and Pisces, from the Tertiary, Cretaceous, Oolitic and
Palaeozoic Strata of Great Britain. By Frederick M'Coy, F.G.S.,
Hon. F.C.P.S., Professor of Natural Sciences in the University of Mel-
bourne. Cambridge : Macmillan and Co. 1854.

THE work of which the title has been placed at the head of this notice is a
reprint of contributions made by Professor M'Coy to the " Annals and
Magazine of Natural History" from 1849 to 1854 ; and the additions made
hi it to the fossil fauna of Great Britain have been principally discovered
by Mr. M'Coy during the arrangement of the valuable museum of the Uni-
versity of Cambridge. As a guide to the fossils named by Mr. M'Coy in
that museum it may be found very useful, as the fossils may be compared
with the descriptions contained in the book ; but to persons not having ac-
cess to that museum, Mr. M'Coy's work will not have anything like the
same value, as it is not accompanied by any illustrations, with the excep-
tion of one plate and some woodcuts illustrative of new genera. It appears
to have been originally intended to have issued a set of plates with this
volume, and it is to be regretted that this intention was abandoned in
consequence of the expense.

Professor M'Coy is well known to geologists in England and Ireland as
the author of two most valuable unpublished works, illustrative of the car-
boniferous and silurian fossils of Ireland; and we may, perhaps, be permitted
to express a hope that these works, which were printed for private circula-
tion, will ultimately be accessible to the geological public at large, as it has
not unfrequently happened that our well-known carboniferous fossils, figured
and described in one of these books, have been described with other names
by geologists unacquainted with Mr. M'Coy's labours. To these works on
the fossils of Ireland, Mr. M'Coy has recently added his " Catalogue of the
Cambridge Palaeozoic Fossils," in which many of the fossils described in the
present work are figured. Professor M'Coy does not appear to us to be
altogether free from a fault, which was at one time more common than it
is at present — we mean the fault of making more species than is absolutely

REVIEWS. 69

necessary for the purposes of description and recognition. Yet, on the
whole, he has abstained from using his privilege of creating and naming
unnecessary fossil species in this volume more than might have been ex-
pected from his previous works. Amongst his new genera, the geologist
will gladly perceive several which ought to have been recognised before, and
which serve to draw more distinctly the line of demarcation between recent
and fossil forms. Among the most judicious of these changes we may
mention the new genus Aviculopecten, of the middle and upper Palaeozoic
beds, to the separation of which from the recent Pectens, Mr. M'Coy was
led by the examination of a series of fossils from the dark limestone 01
Lowick, Northumberland, at present preserved in the collection of the Uni-
versity of Cambridge. From these fossils it was evident that in the Palaeo-
zoic Pectens there was no mesial ligamentary pit beneath the beak, as in
recent Pectens, but the ligament, as in Avicula, is confined to the hinge
margin, while the external form of the shell closely resembles the recent
Pecten, with the exception that the posterior ear is larger than the anterior,
thus differing from Pecten and approaching Avicula.

We strongly recommend this handbook of Professor M'Coy to those geo-
logists who have an opportunity of comparing its descriptions with the
Cambridge fossils, and to those who are in possession of the works in which
the fossils described in it are figured.

THE ENTOMOLOGISTS' ANNUAL FOR 1855, comprising Notices of the
new British Insects detected in 1854. Edited by H. T. Stainton.
Pp. 153. With a coloured plate. London : John Van Voorst, Pater-
noster-row. 1855. Price 2s. 6d. Second Edition, with considerable
additions.

"WHAT are the additions?" will be the first question suggested by the
above somewhat unlooked-for announcement of a second edition of the
Annual. We shall at once supply the information by telling our readers
that they consist of instructions for collecting, preserving, and arranging,
lepidoptera and coleoptera, together with a few scattered notes of addi-
tional localities, &c., of different species, and an " Address to the Young
Entomologists at Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Rugby, and at all other
schools."

How the necessity arose for publishing this edition we shall allow the
author to explain in his own words —

" The enthusiastic reception which * The Entomologists' Annual' has

70 REVIEWS.

met with from all classes of entomologists, not only renders its continuance
in future years a matter of certainty, but has rendered it necessary to bring
out a second edition of that 'for 1855.' *

" I hope that the increase in the size of this edition will not render the
purchasers of the first edition dissatisfied with their bargains; as the
chapters added are quite elementary, they are comparatively useless to the
( old hands ;' yet if any one feels himself aggrieved in this matter, if he
wishes it, I shall be happy to give him a copy of the second edition in
exchange for his copy of the first."

We need only remark on this quotation, that we rejoice to find that
public opinion has so substantially confirmed our original estimate of the
work, and that we have little doubt that our author's very liberal offer of
exchange will suffice to allay any feeling that might arise alien to that of
the delectable contentment whose charms he has ably depicted in his
address to the young.

The only addition to the number of species noted will be found among
the macrolepidoptera, at p. 32, but this is balanced by the unfortunate
necessity of laying aside one of the new eoleoptera figured, Lathrobium
carinatum (vide p. 123); this seems to have been previously described on
the Continent, and,, moreover, to have occurred (for the first time ia
Britain) near Dublin, where it was taken by Mr. Haliday many years
since. Among the additions, however, none of the entertaining chapters
proposed in the preface to the first edition have yet appeared ; nor can
we regret their absence, seeing that the only apparent justification to their
introduction — namely, the unpopularity of a strictly scientific book of the
kind — has been dissipated by the rapid and unexpected sale of the first
edition.

The proposal (put forward in the new preface) to publish a list of ento-
mologists' names and addresses, is one which will bear timely consideration
before it is earned into effect. If it were to include all who would consent
to supply their names, &c. — though, on the one side, it would be no small
convenience to the younger collectors to know how, where, and when to
address for information their more exalted brethren, it might, on the other,
tend to develop and encourage a morbid love of notoriety, very far wide of
the true motives upon which the study of nature should be undertaken and
pursued. Should it, therefore, in this, as in other matters, appear advan-
tageous to follow in the steps of our continental brethren, who regularly
publish such lists, our opinion is that the English list should not include
any names but those which have already appeared in some of the pe-
riodicals, or before some of the learned societies of the day.

REVIEWS. 71

Ere concluding, we must express our pleasure at having seen the ad-
vantages derivable from the pursuit of entomology, both to the body and
mind, so well and so judiciously advocated, in the address to young col-
lectors at Eton, &c. We feel certain that his " sermon" is not in the least
" too long" for the buoyant and volatile spirits that may now be scanning
and (we will not hesitate to say it), perhaps, also, questioning the truths
in those light-spirited, cheerily-written pages ; we can truly say of the
higher impulses to such pursuits, in the words of the poet —

" This truth philosophy, though eagle-eyed
In nature's tendencies, oft overlooks ;
And, having found his instrument, forgets,
Or disregards, or (more presumptuous still)
Denies the power that wields it."

Heartily do we commend to our readers the excellent and well-timed
hints on collecting and preserving coleoptera, furnished by Mr. Wollaston
when on the eve of departing once more, and for the third time, to the
shores of the Madeira Islands ; and we hope the second volume of the
Annual will not appear without something similar being published as to
the best means of studying the less known, but hardly less important
order hymenoptera, which has been assigned to the long-tried and able
hands of Mr. Frederick Smith.

THE FOSSILIFEROUS DEPOSITS OF SCOTLAND ; being an address to the Royal
Physical Society, delivered 22nd November, 1854. By Hugh Miller,
Author of "The Old Red Sandstone/' &c., &c. Edinburgh. 1855.

WE have never read in the space of 32 pages more interesting or valuable
matter than that contained in Mr. Miller's address to the Royal Physical
Society of Edinburgh. It is the condensed result of upwards of twenty-five
years of active geological exploration of his native land, and is intended to
point out to younger Scottish geologists the lacunce in Scottish geology,
which may be filled up by their labours. In pointing out the wants, Mr.
Miller gives a masterly sketch of the geology of Scotland, confined, how-
ever, to its palseontological point of view.

We shall select for our readers — so far as we can do so without abso-
lute piracy — a few paragraphs relative to the old red sandstone and gravel
beds of Scotland, in which questions of the highest interest are raised and
suggested to the zeal of young explorers. A remarkable and thick con-
glomerate, as is well known, forms the base of the old red system in
Scotland, above which Mr. Miller distinguishes three groups of strata —

72 REVIEWS.

lower, middle, and upper old red sandstone groups. Each of these groups
of rocks is characterized by special forms of fish remains, the upper and
lower most resembling each other, and differing widely from the fishes of
the middle group. It would appear, also, that the fish remains occur in
beds interstratified with others containing remains of plants, which have
never been thoroughly described, but on which a new light is thrown by
the fossil plants discovered by the Government surveyors at Kiltorcan, in
the County of Kilkenny, and by Mr. Griffith, at Tallow-bridge, in the
County of Waterford. We shall give our readers Mr. Miller's sketch of
each of these three formations, and add a few remarks to illustrate their
bearing upon the interesting questions relating to the Irish red and yellow
sandstone beds —

" Above the upper beds of the great conglomerate, at distances varying from
forty to a hundred and sixty feet, the fishes of the lower old red sandstone ap-
pear— curious, as the most ancient ganoids known to the geologist, and further, from
the circumstance that, while the still older placoids of the upper silurian system
exist merely as detached teeth, spines, and shagreen points, these old red fishes
exhibit in the better specimens the entire outline of the original animals, with not a
few of their anatomical peculiarities. It is from this formation that our knowledge
of the oldest skulls, of the oldest vertebral columns, and of the oldest pelvic and
thoracic arches, anywhere preserved, is to be derived. With the fish we sometimes
find associated, though not often, specimens illustrative of what seems to be our most
ancient terrestrial flora — club mosses — reed-like casts and impressions, streaked
longitudinally, like the interior of the calamite, but apparently without joints — what
appear to be ferns — and, in at least one unique specimen, a true wood of the arau-
carian family — the oldest which has yet presented its structure to the microscope."

Of the middle red sandstone system, Mr. Miller observes —

" There is, perhaps, no Scottish formation in which the palaeontologist has still
so much to do as in this middle old red sandstone. Our respected President, Dr.
Fleming, called attention, a full quarter of a century ago, to some of its plants, and
again took up the subject no farther back than last year, in an interesting paper
read before our society ; and Agassiz has figured and described some of its fishes,
and, more particularly and incidentally, at least one of its crustaceans. But much
still remains to be done. From what I have seen of Mr. Webster's collection, I
should infer that materials have been already accumulated sufficient for the restora-
tion of its great crustacean — one of the most gigantic of its family, whether recent
or extinct ; and as the Den of Balruddry has furnished, of itself, nearly a hundred
specimens of Cephalaspis (still a comparatively rare ichthyolite elsewhere), most
of which are now in the hands of Lord Kinnaird, it would be well that some ich-
thyologist had access to the collection, in order to determine whether in Scotland,
as in England, we have more than one species of this singular genus. Dr. Fleming
found in this middle old red formation an apparent fern, with kidney-shaped leaf-
lets ; and it yielded several years ago, near Clockbriggs, in Forfarshire, a large
specimen of Lepidodendron, which exhibits the internal structure. I owe a frag-
ment of this fossil to an intelligent geologist, Mr. William Miller, banker, Dundee;
but so imperfect is its state of preservation, that, though it presents to the micro-
scope the large irregularly-polygonal cells of its genus, it bears none of the nicer
specific marks which might serve to distinguish it from the several greatly more
modern species which occur in the coal measures."

The occurrence of Lepidodendra so far down hi our geological scale as
the middle old red sandstone is an important fact, if it be well ascertained.

REVIEWS. 73

A plant referred by the late Professor Forbes to the genus Lepidodendron,
was found by the Government surveyors in the upper sandstone beds of
Kiltorcan, near Knocktopher, a specimen of which is figured in Sir Charles
Lyell's "Manual of Geology" (fifth edition, p. 418). This plant appears
to be identical with the Lepidodendron minutum found in the carboniferous
slate of Tallow-bridge, by Mr. Griffith. May not the " apparent feni, with
kidney-shaped leaflets," of Dr. Fleming be the Cyclopteris Hibernica of
Professor Forbes ?

" Above this middle formation lies the upper old red sandstone, with its pecu-
liar group of organisms, chiefly fishes. And of it, too, much remains to be known.
Save that it has not yet produced a Coccosteus— a genus which seems restricted to
the oldest ichthyic group of the system— its fishes more resemble those of the
lower than of the middle old red. It has its three species of Pterichthys, its
Diplopterus,Sin& apparently its Dipterus ; and its Celacanths, chiefly of the Holop-
tychian genus, represent, not inadequately, the Celacanths of the genera Asterolepis
and Glyptolepis, which occur chiefly, though not exclusively, in the lower forma-
tion. The two formations appear, however, to have no species in common."

The absence of Coccosteus from the upper red sandstones of Scotland,
is probably due only to its rarity, as this genus, associated with Dendrodus,
has been found in the corresponding beds in Ireland.

" I must mention, ere concluding this part of my subject, a curious fact connected
with the flora of the formation. When visiting, last spring, the Museum of Eco-
nomic Geology, in Jermyn-street, under the friendly guidance of the late Professor
Edward Forbes, he pointed out to me an interesting group of plants, in a fine state
of keeping, which had been derived from the old red sandstone of Ireland. The
genera seemed identical with those of the coal measures, but all the species were
different. I marked, among the others, an elegant Cyclopteris {Cyclopteris Hi-
bernica}, of which Sir Roderick Murchison figures a single pinna in his recently pub-
lished ' Siluria.' The professor also introduced me to the only ichthyic organism that
had been found in the Irish deposit, with the plants, a ganoidal fish, apparently a
Celacanth, and very much of the type of those of the upper formation, though I
failed to identify the species with any of those already known. Professor Forbes,
in return, visited my collection here only a few weeks ago ; and in a fern of this
upper deposit, laid open by our ingenious member, Mr. John Stewart, in Preston-
haugh quarry, near Dunse, he recognised his Irish Cyclopteris. As Mr. Stewart
found the Scotch specimen associated with plates of Pterichthys major and scales of
Holoptychius Nobilissimus — two of the most characteristic ichthyolites of the upper
formation — there can be no hesitation in assigning to it its place in the scale ; and,
of course, its position as an upper old red fossil in Scotland may be held to deter-
mine that of the interesting group to which it is found to belong on the Irish side of
the channel."

An interesting field is here opened up for Scottish geologists in the flora
of their old red system, and it promises to connect the geology of that
system in Scotland with the corresponding groups of the south of Ireland.
The Irish Devonian beds are nearly destitute of fish remains, but contain
occasionally abundant traces of vegetation, the remains of which are more
or less well preserved, and it is not improbable that Scotch and Irish geo-
logists may ultimately be enabled to compare their old red systems by

74 REVIEWS.

means of their fossil flora ; indeed, " the club mosses — reed-like casts and
impressions, streaked longitudinally, like the interior of the calamite, but
apparently without joints" — of the Scotch geologists, remind us strongly of
Lycopodiaceous-like remains we have seen from Kiltorcan, and of the
Sigillaria dichotoma described by Professor Haughton, from Tallow-
bridge.

We pass over — recommending it, however, to the earnest investigation
of geologists who may have the opportunity of examining for themselves —
the curious doubt which hangs over the true age of the famous Telerpeton
Elginense ; which, according to Mr. Miller, may belong to an outlier of the
lias formation, such outliers being common in the part of Scotland in
which this interesting fossil was discovered. If this conjecture should
prove correct, and the Telerpeton be found not to be of Devonian age, it
should serve as a caution to theorists not to press too hastily into the
service of their systems supposed facts, the evidence for which may prove
very doubtful. Our readers will remember the celebrated case of the sup-
posed Chelonian footprints from the Potsdam (Silurian) sandstone of North
America, which proved, on investigation, to be the traces of the passage
of Crustaceans.

We pass on to the drift gravels of Scotland, in which Mr. Miller dis-
tinguishes three epochs. Of the shells found in the gravels of Banffshire,
the oldest of these groups of gravels, Mr. Miller observes —

" The only peculiarity of the shells themselves, viewed in the group, is their in-
tensely boreal character. The sole species of Astarte which I have yet found at either
Gamrie or Castleton King Edward— and I have now visited these deposits five seve-
ral times — is the Greenland shell (Astarte Arctica}; Natica clausa — a shell of
Spitzbergen and the North Cape— is the prevailing Natica ; and the most abundant
shell, of at least the Gamrie deposit-, is a bivalve not yet found living in our seas,
but common ten degrees farther to the north, Tellina proximo,. Even the great size
to which the latter shell attained in this locality is not without its bearing on the

rjstion. ' The few specimens which have been dredged [dead] in Britain,' says
late Professor Edward Forbes, in his admirable history of the British Mollusca,
* are much smaller than the exotic ones, none which we have seen exceeding three-
quarters of an inch in length, and about half an inch in breath.' The mollusc is
one of those which attain to their fullest development amid the frosts and snows of
the higher latidudes ; and it is a curious fact, that in the Gamrie and Castleton de-
posits we find it of a considerably greater size than anywhere else in Scotland. My
largest specimens from the Clyde beds hardly exceed an inch in length ; whereas
my largest Gamrie specimens are nearly two inches long, and their breadth very
considerably exceeds the length given as British by Professor Forbes."

Of the boulder clays of Caithness, the second of the groups of gravel
beds, Mr. Miller states —

"The prevailing molluscs of the deposit are Cyprina Island/ca and Turritella
communis, especially the former ; the prevailing Astartc, though the Arctica also
occurs, is Astarte elliptica; the prevailing Tellina, Tellina xolidula. Tellina prox-
imo is of smaller size than in the Gamrie beds; and Natica clausa less common.

REVIEWS. 75

Still the deposit is very decidedly a boreal one in its shells, and in its mechanical
phenomena, the most decidedly boreal of the group. Every rock- surface on which
it rests is grooved and striated ; almost every softer pebble which it encloses is
scratched and furrowed, usually in the line of its longer axis ; all its larger shells
exist as broken fragments, often rounded as if by attrition, and bearing in their
lines and scratches marks of the same agents that dressed the rocks and scored the
pebbles — nay, the very substance and colour of its prevailing clays show that it is
mainly composed of the dressings of the rocks on which it rests — all giving evidence,
apparently, of a time when our half- foundered country sat from eight hundred to a
thousand feet lower in the water than it does now, and vast packs of grinding ice-
bergs went careering over what are now its lower hills and its higher table-lands."

The third and newest of the drift-beds, well developed on the borders, of
the Clyde, is thus introduced to his hearers by Mr. Miller —

" I had the pleasure of laying open, two years ago, at Fairlie, on the Ayrshire
coast, a virgin deposit, unknown before, in which I found continuous scalps of
Pecten Islandicus still occupying the place in which they had lived and died, and
with their upper valves covered with large balani, such as we now dredge up from
the outer limits of the laminarian zone, and all fresh and unbroken. Huge Pano-
pace were there sticking fast in an unctuous clay, with their open siphuncular ends
turned upwards ; and entire specimens of Cyprina [slandica and Modiola modi-
O/MS, with their valves still connected by the sorely decayed ligament. Tellina
proximo, was abundant, but reduced in size to little more than half the Gamrie di-
mensions. I found Astarte eliiptica the prevailing Astarte ; and groups of younger
Cyprinae huddled together in the character — which they do not now assume on our
coast — of gregarious shells. No crushing iceberg had passed over this deposit ; a
grooved and polished rock of old red sandstone lies beneath, overlaid by a thin
stratum of red clay, apparently derived from it, but the higher-lying gray stratum
in which the shells occur had a different origin ; it is simply the partially consoli-
dated mud of a quiet sea-bottom, and, though its group of organisms manifest deci-
dedly the boreal character, I cannot doubt that they lived at a time when, either
from some change in the currents of the coast, or from the elevation of the protect-
ing islands outside, an effect of a general rising of the land, the sea was no longer
an exposed one. They, in all probability, mark that later stage of the wintry period
to which the last-formed group of our local glaciers belonged, and in which our
gradually -emerging country presented, age after age, a broader and yet broader
area, won from the deep."

We cannot part company with Mr. Miller without expressing our sense
of the obligations under which he has placed his fellow-labourers in
geology ; not more by his valuable contributions to their common pursuit,
than by the example he has set them of what may be accomplished by
sturdy independence of mind and vigorous use of the means at our own
disposal. So far as we know, Mr. Miller owes his present high position in
the estimation of geologists to his own unaided exertions, and to his
freedom from pretence ; and we sincerely hope that his younger fellow-
labourers in science may imitate, not only his zeal in the pursuit of science,
but also his manly independence and uprightness of character. We take
our leave of his Address with pleasure and regret — pleasure caused by its
perusal, and regret occasioned by its brevity.

76 REVIEWS.

A LIST OF BRITISH SPECIES OF GEODEPHAGA : Intended for Marking Desi-
derata and Labelling Collections. Taken from Mr. Dawson's " Geode-
phaga Britannica." By G. Guyon, Richmond, Surrey. Post free for
Four Stamps.

THIS list comes very opportunely for labelling collections of that portion of
the Coleoptera which includes the Geodephaga or ground beetles. It is,
however, printed on both sides of the paper; and for the purpose of
labelling, two copies must be ordered. The typography is the same as Mr.
Doubleday's " Catalogue of Lepidoptera," and is very correct throughout.
The Catalogue will fail, in some measure, in being a catalogue for marking
" desiderata," because entomologists will not recognise the insects under
Mr. Dawson's nomenclature. A person might have scores of Agoiium
marginatnm without knowing that he had a single specimen of Trichomenus
marginatus ; and here if Mr. Guyon had inserted the previously-used
generic names in brackets, as Mr. Dawson has done in his index, it would
have made his list very much more valuable. As it now stands, one
must have recourse to the " Geodephaga Britannica" itself — a work which
no coleopterist should be without.

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE MARINE BOTANY OF THE COLONY OF WESTERN
AUSTRALIA. By W. H. Harvey, M.D., M.R.I.A., &c. (Transactions of
the Royal Irish Academy, Vol. xxii. — Science).

WITH feelings of more than ordinary sympathy we welcome this contribu-
tion to the botany of a coast hitherto but little explored. We welcome it
as the production of one from whom we have learned much, and would
gladly learn more ; but, more than this, we welcome it as the record of a
lonely observer's labours, pursued at a distance from his wonted haunts and
the cheering applause of his fellow-students — a memoir which serves as a
friendly link to connect the wanderer in a distant land with his work-fel-
lows at home — a bright glimpse afforded of the rich harvest which will be
laid before them upon his return, laden with the spoils of what, to the
marine botanist, is, indeed, terra Australis incognita.

The present memoir gives a rapid, though masterly, review of the botany
of a coast with which we were hitherto but very imperfectly acquainted,
concluding with a catalogue of the algae collected in Western Australia,
between the months of January and August, 1854 ; characters of the new
genera and species accompanying the latter. The land vegetation of Western
Australia, Dr. Harvey remarks, is now tolerably well known, while that of

REVIEWS. 77

the sea-shore of the colony is much less so ; our earliest acquaintance with
its algce is derived from small, but interesting collections made by some of
the early French expeditions, and by Dr. Eobert Brown, who accompanied
Flinders ; while the largest collection of algae (141 species) from this coast
was brought by Mr. L. Preiss, a nearly complete set of which were de-
posited by Senator Binder, of Hamburgh, in the Herbarium of Trinity Col-
lege, Dublin, while they were described by Dr. Sender. These, with other
similar advantages, Dr. H. had availed himself of previous to the com-
mencement of his own researches, which were carried on at King George's
Sound and Cape Biche, on the southern coast, and Freemantle, Garden
Island, and Rottnest Island, all in the immediate vicinity of Swan river, on
the western coast. The peculiar features of the coast at each of these
points are described with a happy brevity which we would gladly enrich
our pages with were sufficient space afforded.

Some of the descriptions reminded us forcibly of the rock-pools in which
Mr. Gosse pursued his researches on the Devon coast ; while others pre-
sent a curious contrast to the scenery which a European eye is accustomed
to. Of these, the description of Rottnest Island, or rather its shore, inte-
rested us very much. This island, which is about seven miles long by
three wide, is situated about twelve miles W. by N. from Freemantle, and
is thus described —

" Almost the whole island is surrounded by limestone reefs, at greater or less dis-
tances from the shore. The limestone seems of very recent formation, and is of
similar character to that at Arthur's Head, and in other localities near Freemantle,
already described by several geologists. It is remarkable for very fantastic and di-
versified forms. The reefs are generally flat- topped, but the surface is very rough,
either thickly bristling with sharp points, a few inches high, or broken into mina-
ture mountains and valleys — strongly recalling to mind the raised map of Switzer-
land. Other reefs are ridged ; the ridges parallel to each other, but variously di-
rected towards the shore. The outer face of the bordering reef is generally very
steep, often perpendicular or overhanging ; and frequently it goes down, like a
quay-wall, into two or three fathoms of water. At the N.E. angle of the island, a
very remarkable quay-like reef, called the 'Natural Jetty,' runs out many hundred
yards into the sea. Its surface is laid bare, at low water, of spring tides, which
rise and fall from two to three and a half feet. Many of the detached reefs are
shaped like round tables, or mushrooms, being fixed on a slender central stalk, often
only a few feet in diameter ; the horizontal ledge, or table, spreading out to many
yards on all sides. Sometimes two or three of these tables are joined together by
narrow stone bridges ; and sometimes large holes, through which you can look
down two or three fathoms into the clearest water, are found in the table ; and the
swells rise through them, and flow over. I often wondered how these filigree
reefs could so long withstand the beating of the waves in winter storms, Almost
all of them offer good harvests to the algologist ; and beautiful pictures to any
one who can appreciate the loveliness of living vegetable forms. The surfaces
of most are well clothed with the smaller Rhodospermece (Laurencice, Hypnece,
Acanthophora, Sfc,\ and thickly studded with a Caulerpa (C. Icetevirens, Mont?}
with short stems, clothed with brilliant club-shaped leaves, resembling minature
clusters of grapes. At every few yards, deep, basin -like hollows, of greater or
lesser size, break the surface of the reef, and afford well- sheltered nooks for a

78 REVIEWS.

variety of beautiful aljrae. The water in these basins is always intensely trans-
parent ; the bottom frequently of white sand ; and the steep and craggy sides
clothed with algae vegetation, in which the brightest tints of green, purple,
carmine, and olive, and the most graceful waving forms, are mingled in rich
variety. Here is the favourite locality of some eight or ten species of Caulerpa,
of several very distinct forms, and every one a beautiful object. All these are
green ; but the tints vary from the darkest bottle-green to the pale, fresh green
of an opening beech leaf. Some resemble soft ostrich feathers ; others, branches
of the Norfolk Island pine ; others, strings of beads ; others, squirrels' or cats'
tails ; and C. scalpelliformis is like a double saw. Under the shelter of the
Caulerpa the smaller Rhodosperms (such as Dasyce and Cattithamnia) are often
found. But these are most numerous on the perpendicular sides of the border reefs,
where also rich meadows of Caulerpa are seen waving in the clear water, from a
foot beneath the surface to a considerable depth. Various Fucoidece and Ecklonia
radiata are scattered here and there through the deeper pools, and on the sides
of the reef. None of these are ever left dry at low water. In many places a
profusion of a Bryopsis (J3. Australis) enlivens the rocks with its silky tufts of
green, each tuft separate from its neighbour. Some of the shallower reefs, near
high-water mark, are partially covered with sand ; and this is the habitat of
Penicillus arbuscula, a little green Alga, which may be compared either to a
miniature tree, or to a shaving-brush. Struvea plumosa abounds on all the
reefs, at about half- tide level, generally growing on the very edges of the rock-
pools and border reefs. I obtained from Mr. Stanford, Colonial Secretary, a
specimen of a new Struvea, sent by Mrs. Drummond from Champion Bay,
differing from S. plumosa in its vastly larger size, and more compound network.
The specimen has been bleached white, and in this state strongly resembles a
beautiful pattern of old point- lace, and might be made into ladies' collars, as it is
of a tough substance."

The catalogue contains 352 species, of which 277 appear peculiar to
the Australasian flora, and 75 either to pelagic species or to more or less
distant botanical regions ; these may be grouped as follows : —

Whole number collected. Australian.

Ser. 1. — Melanospermeae ... 42 ... 26

„ 2.— Rhodospermeae ... 270 ... 216

„ 3. — Chlorospermeae ... 40 ... 35

352 277

In reviewing the algae collected in this tour, not the least interesting
feature is the comparison of the connecting links which may be traced,
showing affinity with the vegetation of other coasts. 27 species, common
to both the British Islands and Western Australia, have been observed by
Dr. Harvey ; for an enumeration of these, as well as those which associate
this very rich marine flora with other lands, we must refer our readers to
the pages of a memoir which, like everything that has issued from the
same pen, will be gladly received by all who feel an interest in the subject
of which it treats. Our regret at the brief way some points are touched
upon is, however, removed by the promise of copious descriptions, and a
fuller memoir, on its author's return to Europe, when we hope to call our
readers' attention to the result of his labours.

OBITUARY. 79

A CLASSIFIED LIST OF BRITISH MOSSES. Compiled by George Dixon,
Great Ay ton, near Stokesley, Yorkshire, from Wilson's " Bryologia
Britannica." Price 3d. each, or 5s. 6d. per 100, free by post.

THOUGH there are other lists of mosses published, yet none of them ap-
proach the one before us in accuracy of detail, and beauty of its typo-
graphy. A great advantage in this list is, that all the varieties, as given in
Wilson's " Bryologia Britannica," are given ; and whenever the varieties
are distinguished by Greek characters, they are spelt in full — thus not ex-
cluding them from the list, because they boast of names consisting of
a single letter.

Each species has both the generic and specific name given in full ; and
the list being only printed on one side, gives it great advantage for labelling
collections. It is entirely free from typographical errors in the orthography —
in fact, as a list, nothing better could be wished for. And after examining
and criticising it in every way, we can find no fault with it, except that the
paper might be a little weightier, and thereby show the printing to better
effect. Hitherto a list must needs be printed on very light paper to come
under the post-office regulations ; now, however, that by the more
enlightened policy of our Chancellor of the Exchequer all printed matter
under four ounces can be sent through the post for the small sum of one
penny, we would wish to see all lists and catalogues printed on such good
paper as the matter may require.

JAMES B. GAKRETT, ESQ.

IT is with extreme regret we announce the death of James R. Garrett,
Esq., of Belfast, one of the Council of the Natural History and Philoso-
phical Society of that town. He was by profession a solicitor, and as
such possessed an extensive practice, and enjoyed the esteem and respect
both of his clients and of his professional brethren. He had, from an early
period, given attention to the habits of our native birds ; gradually he was
led to regard them as a naturalist, and, in course of time, became an acute,
skilful, and well-informed ornithologist. His name is of frequent occurrence

80 OBITUARY.

in Thompson's " Birds of Ireland." The distinguished author of that work
gave an expressive intimation of his high opinion of Mr. Garrett's capa-
bility and judgment, by appointing him one of the literary executors, to
whom the publication of his extensive MSS. was confided. Mr. Garrett
did not restrict himself to ornithology; he studied all departments of
vertebrate zoology, and for the last two or three years of his life had given
considerable attention to our native fishes — especially to the points of dis-
tinction laid down by ichthyologists, as existing among nearly allied species.
His residence at Holywood, County Down, extended the sphere of his
observations, until they embraced portions of the marine invertebrata of its
shores, and the flora of the neighbourhood. The subject, whatever it
might be, which engaged his attention at any time, was examined with the
utmost diligence ; and in critical points, such as come under the notice of
the naturalist, he delighted to compare the specimens before him with the
recorded descriptions of the best authorities on the subject, and then to
form his own opinion. This great assiduity and care, which was with him
habitual, found exercise in the copious manuscripts which his deceased
friend, Mr. Thompson, had entrusted to him; and we believe we are
correct in stating, that the mammalia, reptilia, and fishes were almost
entirely revised and arranged for publication by Mr. Garrett, in the very
limited leisure his professional duties allowed.

He was of remarkably unassuming manners, kindly disposition, and
simple, yet refined, tastes. It was natural, therefore, that he should have
acquired a large circle of sincere and zealous friends He was, in point of
fact—

" One who in life, where'er he moved,
Draw after him the hearts of many."

And his death has occasioned in his native town a corresponding degree
of regret.

He was elected a corresponding member of the Dublin University Zoolo-
gical Association in February, 1853. He died of fever, the 2nd of April,
1855, in the thirty-eighth year of his age.

REVIEWS. 81

THE BUTTERFLIES OF GREAT BRITAIN. By J. 0. Westwood, F.L.S., &c.
With coloured Plates. 8vo. London: W. S. Orr and Co., Pater-
noster-row. 1855. Price 15s.

WE have read of two good hermits who lived together, and never fell out,
until, weary of being so unlike the rest of mankind, they agreed together to
have a quarrel as other men had ; but, being unused to the thing, no better
way occurred to these simple-hearted men than to place a stone between
them, and for one to say, " This is mine," and the other, " Nay, it is
mine f and so they hoped to get up a quarrel. The present work bids
fair to rival the reputation of the stone in the legend, though it is not the
ownership, but the age, of the book which is the grave subject of debate.
Mr. Bladon, on its appearance, rises up and says, " This is an old book ;"
and Mr. Westwood says, " Nay, it is a new book ;" and so they have got
up a very pretty dispute for the columns of the " Athenaeum." The end
of the hermits' quarrel may not be inapropos — " Well, brother, if it be
thine, then take it ;" " and so," adds the historian, " they could not quarrel,
having been so long accustomed to peace." Whether the fraternity of
entomologists be as peaceful naturally as that of the hermits, let those who
sit in the seat of the judges decide. The joke of the matter is, that in
this case the dispute was settled ere it was begun. " It is an old book,"
says Mr. Bladon. " The proprietor of the work, entitled ' British Butter-
flies and their Transformations,' and ' British Moths and their Transfor-
mations,' " says Mr. Westwood, in the first words of his preface, ft hav-
ing determined to re-issue the former," &c. One calls it an old book, the
other a re-issue. What are they fighting about, then ? " If it be old,
brother, why, then, it is old." " Nay, brother, if it be a re-issue, then it
is a re-issue." Much ado about nothing. The truth is, it is a new edition,
considerably improved, with certain valuable additions, and the results of
the experience of the years that have elapsed since its first appearance. At
the same time, in order to reduce the bulk and price of fhe work, many
omissions have been made, but not of " any important or necessary infor-
mation." We commend the story of the hermits to the consideration of
the combatants, and retire ourselves from the lists, with the single remark,

VOL. II. Gr

82 REVIEWS.

that, whether old or new, our relish for the present work was not des-
troyed by the possession of the original one.

The principal variations from the first edition are — 1st, A much more
full introduction, " containing the general characteristics of the butterfly
tribes in greater detail than in the original work ;" 2ndly, An entirely fresh
set of plates, drawn by the author, which, however, scarcely equal the other
in finish or accuracy of colouring ; 3rdly, " Two elementary plates, devoted
to the illustration of the general characteristics of the butterfly tribes, and
containing a great number of microscopical details, both of their perfect
and preparatory states, which, in conjunction with the full description given
of these two plates, it is hoped, will be of great service to the entomolo-
gical tyro," which, we think, will fulfil the hopes of the author, and deserve
to do so; 4thly, The Index Expurgatorius, at the end, is greatly in-
creased ; in the first edition, it was modest, and contained but six species ;
it now numbers no less than forty-three, among which figure many
species admitted into the original work, but now regarded as doubtful, or
only varieties of other species. This index in the re-issue takes the form of
an " Appendix of reputed British Butterflies." Besides these, there are
admitted of greater precision — e.g., Pieris Chariclea, P. Metra, and P. Sa-
bellicje are treated as undoubted varieties of Brassiere, Rapsa, and Napi
respectively ; while in the former edition it was left in each case, at
many minor alterations in the body of the work, as advanced science
least, an open question. One error, however, and an amusing one, has
been left unaltered, and has even, with one author at least (Mr. Morris),
been regarded as an authority. We are told that G. Rhamni varies from

2 inches to 3^ inches in expansion of the wings — i.e., it sometimes attains
a size exceeding by |ths of an inch the largest dimensions given for P,
Brassica3, and equals the average of P. Machaon, which is said to vary
from 3 inches to 3 and nearly |ths. The blunder arose from a miscon-
ception of Stephens's description, " 2 inc. 3 — 6 lines — i.e., from 2 inches

3 lines to 2 inches 6 lines. That Mr. Westwood should have not only
made the mistake at first, but repeated it in the re-issue, is odd enough ;
but that Mr. Morris should have deliberately adopted it is truly surprising.

The introduction in the present edition is divided into six sections, of
which the original introduction forms the first, while the fifth consists of
" directions for collecting and rearing caterpillars and preserving the perfect
insect," mainly taken from the chapter on that subject, appended by Mr.
Humphreys to the original edition. The remaining sections are new, and
greatly enhance the general interest of the work. The second is headed
" Characters of the Rhopalocera, Lepidoptera, Diurna, or Butterflies in

REVIEWS. 83

general," but contains very little information, merely stating that many
of our native species are very beautiful, though^ not rivals to the tropical
species, and alluding to the interest excited by the fact — no less wonderful,
truly, for being known to most — -that the transformations of butterflies are
but successive rejections of its outward skin by an animal always one and
the same in all stages of its existence.

The general characters of the Imago are treated of in section third, which
contains an outline of the principal features of their external anatomy, and
the general structure, neuration, and clothing of the wings, with much
interesting information about the scales, especially those recently disco-
vered to be peculiar to the males of various species of Diurna, belonging
to the genera Pieris, Argymnis, Hipparchia, and Polyommatus, and " chiefly
found in those species of which the males have the upper surface of the
fore wings ornamented with patches of velvet-like hairs." Several figures
of these " male scales" are given in the second of the two elementary
plates, and are very curious. In the close of the section, Mr. Westwood
observes, that the variations in the flight of the different species and
tribes have been as yet but slightly investigated. We should be glad to
see more attention paid to this subject, as it may not improbably prove of
considerable value, and it is difficult to see why a well-defined variation in
the modes of flight should not be as important as a difference of structure,
on which, indeed, such variations often depend. It may probably be
pretty safely affirmed that no two species of our native Diurna have
exactly the same kind of flight ; and a careful observation and record of
their variations would be at once interesting and instructive, and would,
at any rate, save the young collector the trouble of many a laborious
chase, ending in fruitless capture. We speak from experience and the
memory of past years.

Section four is devoted to " the preparatory states of Diurnal Lepidop-
tera," giving a general sketch of the progress of the insect from the egg to
the imago, illustrations of which, from Sepp and Herold, are found in
elementary plate B.

Section six is a description of the two elementary plates, consisting of
details of the perfect and preparatory states of butterflies, and forming an
important and valuable addition to the work.

" In this introduction," says Mr. Westwood, " I have embodied the
results of a very minute and microscopical examination of a vast number
of species, which had been rendered necessary for my completion of the
great work on the genera of Diurnal Lepidoptera, commenced by Mr.
Edward Doubleday, and in which several important characters, hitherto

84 REVIEWS.

almost or entirely neglected by the lepidoptertsts, were examined in detail —
such as the structure of the palpi and fore legs, the veining of the wings,
the articulation of the antennae, the ungues and their appendages, and
the external marks of distinction between the sexes in the different groups.
Many of these neglected characters were found to be of great value, not
only as indicating family and generic, but often specific distinctions." Such
is the introduction, which, as being the great novelty of the re-issue, has
received a more detailed notice. We have reason to congratulate the stu-
dents, for whose sake this addition has been made, on the decided improve-
ment in the constitution of " the old book."

With regard to the species excluded from the re-issue, though there are
as many as seventeen, of which descriptions and, in nearly all cases,
figures were given in the original work, there are but four which
were admitted as unquestionably genuine. These are — P. Podalirius, M.
Dia, H. Briseis, and C. Hero. The supplemental plate given in the former
edition is also omitted. The beauty of the book, as a book, is, perhaps,
somewhat diminished by these extensive omissions ; but its practical utility
is but little impaired, and this is more than made up for by the additional
matter which the author has, by these means, been enabled to introduce?
while greatly reducing the size and price of the book.

The bulk of the work, consisting of descriptions of, and observations on,
the various species, remains as it was, except where tjie difference of the
specimens figured renders some change necessary, or additional observa-
tions are inserted when fresh light has been thrown on any point, as occa-
sionally happens — e.g., under Colias Edusa, mention is made of the two
vars. considered by Stephens as C. Ohrysothema and C. Myrmidone, both
of which were allowed distinct places in the original work, the latter as
having some claims to be considered as British ; and in the remarks on the
genus Melitsea additional reasons are given for adhering to the usual divi-
sion of the Fritillaries into the two genera Melitaea and Argynnis, instead of
several sub-genera, as suggested by the author. Here and there we find
traces of a too lax revision of the original letter-press where minor changes
were necessary, as, where we read in the old edition — " The number of
British species of this genus (Pieris) has been the subject of much recent
inquiry, it having, until within the last fifteen years, been considered that
there were but three. In 1827, however, Mr. Stephens increased the
number to seven," &c., which is all very well in a work published, accord-
ing to the title-page, in 1841 ; but when we find the same words repro-
duced verbatim in a book published in 1855, the effect is not so good,
and would be rather puzzling to pne who neVer saw the first edition, and

REVIEWS. 85

had learnt a few elementary lessons in arithmetic. A little ordinary care
would have prevented such oversights as this, which impart an appearance
of haste and slovenliness, by no means advantageous to such a work as the
present professes to be.

As for the plates, we do not, on the whole, think them an advance on
the prior edition; they are sometimes harshly executed, though these are
the exceptions, and occasionally they even have the advantage of their pre-
decessors. The desire of economizing both space and price has sometimes,
also, we think, carried the author too far — e.g., so fine and striking an
insect as Aporia cratsegi, and such a rarity as P. daplidice, deserve
more than a half-view of the under side (which is all we are favoured
with), especially while we have full-sized portraits of much commoner and
in no way striking insects, as Pieris Brassicse, &c. On the other hand,
we have several interesting figures of gynandromorphous specimens, parti-
cularly a most remarkable one of Argynnis paphia, which mingles not only
the male and female characters, but those, also, of the type and the
variety. Such figures add greatly to the interest of the work.

Although, therefore, taken as a whole, this book is but a re-issue, it
presents many of the features and possesses many of the advantages of a
new work; and, in spite of sundry incidental defects, it may be considered
as representing the latest, most matured, and, therefore, most valuable
opinions of a man than whom few could be found more competent to dis-
charge the office which he has here undertaken, and, we doubt not, it will
be appreciated accordingly.

In taking leave we would suggest to Mr. Westwood that he would
confer a great benefit on British entomologists if he would subject the
remaining volumes of the original work — viz., British Moths and their
Transformations — to the same process of revision and re- issue through
which the butterflies have passed. He would find much more to do in
that field, of which our knowledge has increased more rapidly, because,
probably, there was more to be known — consequently, more changes have
taken place, and a more complete work than we, as yet, possess, is some-
what imperatively called for. We sincerely hope that the success of his
recent labours will be such as to encourage him to go through with the
re-issue, and that speedily.

86 REVIEWS.

POPULAR BKITISH CONCHOLOGY ; A Familiar History of the Molluscs
Inhabiting the British Isles. By George Brettingham Sowerby, F.L.S.,
Author of " Manual of Conchology," &c., &c. London : Lovell Reeve.
1854. With twenty Coloured Plates. Royal IGino. Price 10s. 6d.

THE work before us is essentially popular in its character and design, and
may be considered to form one of a series of such works from time to time
appearing, some of which have already received notice in our pages.
Useful and attractive, they serve greatly to lessen the apparent repul-
siveness of long scientific descriptions and tedious research, which, in
former days, were the only means of gaining any insight into nature's
works, and which still must continue the single path for scaling the high
eminence of real distinction in scientific knowledge.

Mr. Sowerby opens with a very brief preface, in which we are informed
that he adopts, without hesitation or reserve, the scientific arrangement of
the classes, orders, and genera given by Messrs. Forbes and Hanley, in
their great work on British mollusca ; having announced which fact, he
speedily commences his work, proceeding to enumerate the British species
under each genus, and to interweave with the descriptions many of the
most interesting details that can be collected in regard to the economy of
each. Scientific descriptions he has entirely waived, and in their place he
mentions of each of the species any peculiarity, whether of form or colour,
that may be calculated to strike the eye ; indeed they are mostly those
signs by which naturalists are wont to discriminate the species as they see
them cast upon the shore, although not, in many cases, the really dis-
tinctive characters of each.

In one point, however, which would have been no small assistance to
his readers, the author has shown a strange neglect — we mean in hardly
ever alluding to the comparative size of different species, either in the de-
scriptions or figures ; some of the more minute are represented in the plates
by highly-magnified figures, some of the larger on a diminished scale,
while others appear their natural size. But how, under the circumstances,
any one previously unacquainted with the subject is intended to identify
the shells, we are at a loss to imagine.

Moreover, we must notice another fault in the work, which might still
more easily have been avoided ; it is the wide separation of the plates
from the descriptions of the species figured in them. It is our opinion
that it would have been better to collect them all together at the end, than
that Plate X., facing page 136, should relate to the shells mentioned from
page 69 to page 74 ; while Plate XL might, with more convenience to
the reader, have taken the place of Plate VI.

REVIEWS. 87

Yet, notwithstanding these faults, which we have felt it our duty not to
pass over, we consider this work well calculated to have a good effect in
arousing a taste for so interesting a study as that of our native shells, and
of their inhabitants more especially. The figures are accurately drawn, and
very fairly coloured ; besides which, the reader will find at the end some
useful explanations of scientific terms, incomprehensible to many at first
sight, though, it may be, rather more necessary than our author seems
willing to acknowledge.

Gladly as we would spend a little longer in reviewing the very pleasing
subject before us, and in telling our readers of each lovely form or more
instructive story that rises to our sight as we turn from page to page, it
is here our place to conclude ; therefore, with our best wishes for its suc-
cess, we would close at once both our book and our review.

YOUNG NATURALIST'S LIBRARY — BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES ; BRITISH
SPECIES. By H. G. Adams, author of " Nests and Eggs of Familial-
British Birds," &c., &c. London : Groorabridge and Sons. Price Is.

IN these days of cheap literature we are not often arrested by the low
price of a book, but, in this case, we were, at the first sight ; and, having
read it, confess that we should call it singularly cheap at double the
money. Written for the young — the very young, we should say, from the
overdone childishness which peeps out here and there under the plea of
simplicity and entertainment — it is, in the main, admirably adapted for the
end designed — " to fasten and encourage in the minds of the young a taste
for the study of natural history, to lead them to a close examination of the
wonderful works of the Creator, and to teach them how to read the great
book of nature." We get, for our shilling, a good introduction of twenty-
six pages on the history of a butterfly, its preparatory states, the more
prominent features of its structure in all of them, with several nicely-
executed illustrations in the margin, and a liberal seasoning of poetry to
boot, which, to say the worst, cannot do any harm ; coloured figures and
descriptions of twenty-two species of native butterflies — the figures, if we
mistake not, after Mr. Morris, of whom the author is a devoted admirei
and, may we say without offence, occasionally an imitator in points where
imitation had better been avoided ; sixty pages are devoted to the descrip-
tions of these species. Lastly, we have a list of all the British species,
with the scientific name, time of appearance, and place of resort of each —
the last particular too generally treated to be of much use; and under

88 REVIEWS.

" Time of Appearance," we find such entries as " very rare," " only one
taken," &c. ; still we approve of the table on the whole — the idea is very
good.

The author, Mr. H. G. Adams, is fond of hunting out derivations, and
the origin of names, &c., which are sometimes far-fetched, as the deriva-
tion of Machaon, from " the Latin Machera, a dagger or knife" (he might
have said the Greek at once, from which the Latin adopted it), in allusion
to the pointed tails of the insect ; and the name of the comma butterfly
from the " outline of the wings, which, forming the kind of curve pre-
sented by the stop called a comma, gave occasion to the name." Oddly
enough, in the very next sentence he gives the true derivation while
accounting for the addition " album," which we should have thought so
plain as to need no comment, much less to excuse such a recondite ab-
surdity as we have just quoted. These are minutiae which we can laugh
at and pass by ; the little book has a good aim, and is well written, is
uncommonly cheap, nicely got up, and has our hearty commendation and
recommendation.

Ere passing from the subject, we may inform our readers that this little
book is one of a series of similarly cheap and illustrated works now being
issued by Mr. Adams, two of which have already appeared — one on
British Birds' Nests, and their Eggs, the other on Mollusca. Some of
these we hope to give an account of on a future occasion.

READING LESSONS. First Book. Edited by Edward Hughes, Head
Master of the Royal Naval Lower School, Greenwich Hospital. Long-
man, Brown, Green, and Longman.

MR. HUGHES is already well known to the public as a successful writer on
educational subjects. His excellent " Outlines of Physical Geography,"
and " Scripture Geography and History," need no commendation of ours
to make them better known to those who are engaged in the arduous and
responsible work of education. One of the prominent features of this age
is the effort which is made in every quarter to imbue the minds of the
youag with a knowledge of scientific subjects. There exists, in fact, a
rage for scientific education, and in this, as in every similar instance where
there is a great public desire to be satisfied, abundant opportunity is given
to quacks and pretenders of every kind to palm off on the unsuspecting
their spurious wares. There exists at present an anxious and, we think,
a reasonable desire to appoint a commission, to examine " Adulterations of

REVIEWS. 89

Food ;" would it not be well, following out this idea, to institute a kindred
commission, whose duty it shall be to investigate " Adulteration of Know-
ledge ?'' Is it more culpable, we ask, to put copper in our pickles, or blue
vitriol in our bread, than to supply the minds of the rising generation with
wrong ideas or false information? To adulterate a book is, in our opinion,
no less a crime against society than to adulterate our food. We, therefore,
hail with pleasure the appearance of Mr. Hughes's Reading-book ; in his
good intentions, and in his thorough experience as a teacher, we have, at
least to some extent, a guarantee that no deleterious element is to be found
in the food he offers, and that we may, with safety, put his books into the
hands of our youth.

Mr. Hughes's object is, no doubt, a good one ; how well or how ill he
may have accomplished it cannot well be told until the series be completed.
A review, however, of his first volume may serve to encourage him in the
prosecution of his useful labour, and, at the same time, warn him against
the dangers to which a project such as his is peculiarly liable. His reading
lessons — comprising, as they do, so great a variety of subjects — may be
compared with a cyclopaedia ; and who is it that does not know the diffi-
culties and dangers of such an undertaking ? No man, be his learning or
information ever so extensive, is competent to write on every branch of
knowledge, to delineate -naiSeLa in all its parts — he must call in the aid of
others; and although he may preface each man's performance with his
name, the responsibility of the work, as a whole, must, nevertheless, fall
upon him — his reputation must depend on the character and reputation of
those with whom he may associate himself. What judgment, then — what
determination — what discrimination of character — will he not require to
carry him safe through his arduous undertaking ? His work is like that of
an engineer engaged in some ponderous construction — every rod and beam,
every bolt, nut, and screw, must be looked to with an experienced and
suspicious eye ; no part of his material is good until it be thoroughly tested
and examined ; his production, in fact, is a striking instance of the maxim
that " nothing is stronger than its weakest part." Mr. Hughes himself
seems to have some such idea of his work ; his " well-considered plan,"
as he states in his preface, is " to make each book of the series a complete
platform of knowledge, upon which the mind may, as it were, rest, and
take a general view before ascending to a higher stage." What becomes
of the platform if it have a faulty plank — or, rather, beam — just at the point
where the weight most needs support ? In this consists the danger pecu-
liarly incidental to his task, and through which we would desire to see him
safe.

90 REVIEWS.

The subjects discussed in this volume present great variety. We have
an excellent article from Mr. Hughes's pen on physical geography, a sub-
ject on which he is so well qualified to write. The form of the globe on
which we live, its dimensions, the mode of ascertaining these, the relative
amount of land and water, their distribution, &c., all these questions, so
capable of being laid before the minds of boys in a simple and entertaining
form, are treated in a manner worthy of the author's former reputation.
These lessons, with their excellent wood-cut illustrations, and interesting
facts, form a most pleasing feature of the book.

Mr. Edward Purcell — his able coadjutor, we understand, in the Lower
Naval School — has contributed two articles ; one on practical mechanics,
of which it is not our intention to speak, the other on mental culture ; on
this subject, notwithstanding its rather metaphysical aspect, it does come
within the proper province of this review to speak. " How to get Know-
ledge," and " How to Observe," two of the questions discussed, are, and
must always be, of prime importance to every student of nature. These
lessons are written in a pleasing, familiar style ; the suggestions which are
intended to guide us in our search after truth are, in the main, judicious,
and such as have evidently proceeded from a thoughtful man, himself
accustomed to follow the thread in Nature's labyrinth. If we were to
venture on criticism, might we not say that matter of this kind is, perhaps,
one grade too high for boys ? On this, however, we shall not insist, as
in the class-room there are often found, even at an age which we may think
unfavourable to reflection, individuals of a thoughtful cast, who may,
perhaps, derive nutriment and growth from such mental food.

The next lesson, or lessons, to which we shall advert are by Mr. J. B.
Jukes, on a subject of quite another character — geology. Here we have
an opportunity of laying facts — facts, too, of the most interesting nature —
before the youthful mind. What boy is there who will not be glad to
learn something more about the earth, which, with Mr. Hughes, he has
already circumnavigated and measured ? Of what stuff it is made — how
this stuff comes to be where we find it — whether laid down by water or
protruded upwards by the agency of unruly subterranean fire. Not only
how these layers and mountains of stuff differ in material, but how they
may be proved, by the interesting remains of animal and vegetable life, to
belong to different ages of the world, suited by atmospheric and other
conditions to different stages of organic existence. On casting our eye
over Mr. Jukes's production we confess we felt somewhat disappointed ;
three out of his four lessons seemed to be taken up with a description of
minerals, their composition, form, colour, degrees of hardness, &c. — a sub-

REVIEWS. 91

jed;, to say the least of it, not calculated to engage the attention of boys,
and certainly, if at all properly handled, not level with their capacity.
One chapter we have on rocks, in which, as a matter of course, we are
told the difference of aqueous, igneous, and metamorphic rocks, but not a
word about a fossil — not so much even as to lead the boy who reads of
geology to know what the great business of geology is — namely, from the
exuvia of defunct species of animals and vegetables to trace out the ages,
groupings, and relative positions of the rocks which lie apparently in such
utter confusion on the earth's surface.

Let us now return, no matter how unsatisfactory the task may be, and
examine whether this food provided for the sustenance and growth of the
youthful mind is merely insipid and innutritive, or whether it may not
contain some noxious ingredient — whether, in fact, the baker has not put
alum or plaster of Paris in our bread.

The author begins by cautioning his boy-reader against the exploded
error of the old philosophers, who taught the existence of four elements —
earth, air, fire, and water ; and informs him that, in the present state of
chemical knowledge, we believe in upwards of sixty elementary bodies,
which he proceeds to classify. Our reader, perhaps, expects to find the
old-fashioned division of metalloids and metals, of the metals into alkalies,
alkaline earth, earths, &c. ; if so, he will be disappointed, perhaps not
justly. We all know the extreme difficulty which so frequently recurs in
the natural sciences of accurate and scientific division. We all know, for
instance, the doubt that is felt in placing magnesian with the alkaline
earths, rather than with the earths — in considering arsenic as a metal,
rather than a metalloid, isomorphous with phosphorus. And if this be
so, why should not Mr. Jukes be allowed the privilege of proposing a new
classification ? His division is three-fold ; we quote his words — " First of
all, there are all the pure metals — such as gold, silver, iron, lead, copper,
tin, antimony, manganese, zinc, and a great many others which do not
ordinarily occur; secondly, there are six substances, called sulphur, phos-
phorus, carbon, silicon, boron, and selenium; and, lastly, there are seven
substances which, when pure, are always found in the state of gas, or
aeriform fluid ; these are called oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, iodine,
chlorine, bromine, and fluorine."

We can readily conceive the astonishment of the chemist who reads this
page ; but for the sake of the general reader, and lest any mistake arise,
we shall enter into particulars. We are told that iodine, is a gas ; on
referring to " Turner's Chemistry," we find it described as " a soft, friable
opaque solid, of a bluish-black colour, and metallic lustre ; it occurs usually

92 REVIEWS.

in crystalline scales, having the appearance of micaceous iron ore." Bro-
mine, too, we are told, is a gas.; this Turner tells us "is a liquid, the
colour of which is blackish red," and that it is three times heavier than
water. The gaseous nature of fluorine also is dogmatically taught,
although every one that has learned chemistry knows that the properties
of this substance, in an insulated state, are not known, and that Baudri-
mont's imperfect guesses on the subject are all we have.

Are these lessons intended to be the boy's first introduction to the
Temple of Science, or merely as interesting summaries of what he may
have learned before in the lecture-room of his school ? In the former case
the boy believes all that he is told, and then we have to contemplate the
melancholy picture of his pure mind being burthened with three — at any
rate two — grievous errors, almost before he takes his first step. In the
latter case, if the effects be not so positively injurious, they are, at least,
confusing. Which of the two is the boy to believe — his lecturer, who
exhibits a bluish-black solid in one phial, and a dark red fluid in another,
calling one iodine and the other bromine, or the so-called leader of science,
who pronounces them both gases?

We are exhorted by an ancient moralist to reverence youth. The duty
is incumbent in intellectual no less than in moral culture. A single error
or careless statement uttered before a boy tends to check his mental growth
just as much as an indecent word or a pernicious doctrine to ruin his
morals. We have dwelt, perhaps, too long upon this topic, and shall,
therefore, pass over, without criticism, the other parts of this absurd
attempt at classification. A single error in a book should not procure its
condemnation — it may occur through inadvertence, through haste in trans-
cribing, or some cause difficult to explain. The fact of its being an error
of this pardonable kind is not unfrequently proved by a correct statement
of the same thing in the next paragraph or next page. Can this be the
case in the present instance ? the reader may ask. We regret to say that
it is not so. The next paragraph shows the error to be deliberate ; and
the remainder of the article abounds in errors which it would be difficult,
in the same number of pages, to parallel in any other book that ever saw
the light. We shall dismiss the subject by briefly noticing those which
are most prominent in the order in which they occur.

Iron pyrites is called a sulphuret of iron ; it is a bi-sulphuret.

" Although each mineral has one simple crystalline form, yet that form
admits of many modifications, according to the ways in which it may be
split or cleaved." This statement is altogether erroneous, although it is
commonly believed by sciolists.

REVIEWS. 93

" Potash and soda both occur native." Not only is this untrue, but the
nature of these substances forbids the possibility of its being true.

" Common salt," we are told, " is formed by the combination of soda
with hydrochloric acid, or muriatic acid, as it is sometimes called." This
is also untrue ; common salt is composed of the metal sodium and the
metalloid chlorine.

" Alabaster and plaster of Paris are made of gypsum." Plaster of Paris
is an article of manufacture, alabaster is not.

"Fluor-spar — the beautiful mineral called blue-John in Derbyshire —
is fluorate of lime." Such a substance as is here described is unknown to
chemists ; the mineral spoken of is fluoride of calcium.

Alum is spoken of as a substance " of which there are many varieties,
all combinations of alumina and sulphuric acid, together with other
matters. Common alum is a sulphate of alumina." A rare substance,
called " feather alum," is a sulphate of alumina. Common alum is a
sulphate of potash plus a ter-sulphate of alumina.

Silicates of magnesia are represented as "all easily melted by the heat
of the flame of a blow-pipe." The exact reverse is the case ; they are,
in general, most refractory substances, and can never be fused, except in
cases where they include abundance of lime or iron.

" They (the metals) are commonly combined either with oxygen or
with some of the various acids — such as the sulphuric, the carbonic, or
the nitric." No mention whatever is made of sulphur and arsenic, the
great companions of the metals ; and, as for the acids, we need not refer
the reader to works on metallurgy or mineralogy to prove the well-known
fact, that the metals are only sometimes combined with carbonic, but
rarely with sulphuric, and never with nitric acid.

Meteoric stones are said to contain, as well as iron, " almost invariably
a small proportion of the rarer metal (nickel) combined with sulphuric
acid." This is not only untrue, but impossible.

" Copper is not unfrequently met with native, but not often in any con-
siderable quantities." There is a specimen from Cornwall, in the hall of
the Museum, in Jermyn-street, with which our author should be familiar,
which weighs some tons ; and at Lake Superior native copper exists in
great abundance, and is worked with profit.

We have done with our unpleasant labours, and greatly regret, for the
sake of Mr. Hughes's series, that in its first volume an article should have
occurred which is so bad as to be past mending in a second edition. We
can see no remedy but in its removal ; it is a case for the surgeons ;
no cure but complete excision. With pleasure we turn to an article,

94 REVIEWS.

somewhat farther on, in the book by Mr. Tyndall, of the Royal Institution.
The subject treated is " Natural Philosophy." This gives the writer a wide
range ; and, therefore, as his space is limited, he must choose a few sub-
jects to illustrate his views. We confess we were charmed with the luci-
dity of his style, his clearness of thought, and vivid illustrations. It is
well for Mr. Hughes that, if mistakes be made in one part of his series, we
can often find their correction in another. Thus, in Mr. Tyndall's prefa-
tory remarks on Natural Phenomena, and those agencies called forces, by
writers on Physics, we get a rational account of what the " cleavage of
minerals" means. When common salt is referred to, for the sake of illus-
tration, its composition is correctly given. Of the subjects he selects for
treatment, we shall not speak much, as they do not properly fall within our
province ; but we cannot refrainYrom saying, that he has succeeded, to a
marvellous degree, in making plain and simple that difficult elementary
notion in dynamics — viz., that the force which exists in a body in motion
is measured by mass X velocity, or by its momentum, as Newton de-
fined it. We have alluded to the vividness of his illustrations ; we cannot
omit the following, which is most felicitous. He is speaking of the impact
of two equal and perfectly elastic balls, moving in opposite directions, with
the same velocity : — " If, for example, each ball possessed a velocity of
nine feet a second before impact, this velocity is not only destroyed in
each case, but is converted into one in the opposite direction ; and in this
case it is usual to say that the loss of velocity is doubled. I know that
this will appear a new notion of loss to many boys, inasmuch as the abso-
lute velocities after impact are the same as before. The case may be illus-
trated by a parliamentary candidate, who reckons on the support of a
certain voter ; if the voter dies, the candidate may be said to lose a vote ;
but if the voter change his opinion, as our ball has changed its direction,
and votes for the opposition candidate, then the loss may be said to be
doubled."

A MANUAL OF MARINE ZOOLOGY FOR THE BRITISH ISLES. By Philip
Henry Gosse, A.L.S. Part I. Pp. 204. Price 7s. 6d. London :
John Van Voorst, Paternoster-row. 1855.

BRITAIN is a favoured country so far as natural history is concerned. Mo-
nographs on various subjects connected with the natural sciences are con-
tinually pouring from its press, and, with all this, her naturalists are still
bringing before our notice new forms and new species, plucked from the
world of chaos, and proving to us how much is still to be done in these

REVIEWS. _ 95

sea-girt isles of ours, and showing us the folly of sighing for other worlds
to conquer.

And its natural history is not confined to the few and to the learned,
but is daily becoming the study of the many, and they are beginning —
it may be by slow degrees, but yet surely — to find it sweet to look round
them, and behold the things which a bountiful Creator has strewed in
living perfection about them, and of which, when he had made them, he
pronounced to be very good ; and when man takes an interest in any of
God's creation, he delights to place upon it some token by which he may
talk of it to others ; and hence he gives to it a name. It was early in
the world's history, while man reigned by himself in Paradise, that the
beasts of the field, the fowls of the air, and every living creature, appeared
in one long array before him, and Adam gave to them all a name. Would
that that nomenclature was still extant, and then we should be able to
know and to recognise all creation, and be freed from the Babel that
modern men's devices have raised.

And now let us suppose that an inquirer, one who wishes to know somewhat
of the animated nature of this our native land, should apply to us to know
how he was to discover what names had been attached to the objects of his
search, we would direct him to the many and costly monographs that have
from time to time made their appearance, and tell him he would get the
information he needed in some one of them. Oh ! but, he might say, I
want some single volume that may contain, in a condensed form, all the
instruction that I need. Surely, if Linnaeus wrote a Systema Naturae
meant for the whole world, some of our many naturalists have done the
same kind office for this much smaller world of ours ; and until but very
recently we should, albeit reluctantly, have answered him in the negative,
and told him to wait for some better time.

But now we can introduce to the notice of such inquirers as these the
book which stands at the head of our notice. Previously we told them
of monographs, whose^ very perfection put them far beyond their reach ;
now we can tell them of a manual whose chief perfection is, that it will be
within the reach of all, that the tyro, or even the more advanced student,
may, with the greatest ease, carry in his pocket, and refer to as he sits
upon the weed-fringed rock, or stands upon the tide-washed shore.

This manual of British Marine Zoology is the production of a naturalist
well-known to our readers, whether they think of him as the sojoumer
in the Bluefields of Jamaica, under the shade of the calabash trees, or by
the sea-coast and the rock-pools of sunny Devonshire. View him as we
may, we still see the genuine naturalist, one who woos Nature in her own

9C REVIKWS.

retreats, and wishes others to do so also ; hence the publication of the pre-
sent work, which is to be completed in two parts, the first of which is
before us.

" Knowing," says our author, " by experience the difficulties which lie
in the way of identifying animals by published characters, I have laboured
to remove or to lessen these difficulties as far as was possible. I have endea-
voured to make these pages practically useful to the beginner, while yet
they should be precise enough to serve the advanced zoologist as a conve-
nient medium of reference ; and I believe the student will find here the
means of learning, with as little trouble and doubt as possible, the generic
name of every animal that has been recognised by naturalists as inhabiting
the British seas, from the lowest sponge up to the whale ; and it is not only
upon descriptions that the student has to rely, but he has also for his
assistance figures, the majority of which are striking as faithful likenesses
of the animals they represent." Indeed this is one of the most remarkable
features of the present work, that while it is published at so very small a
price, it should yet be most copious in the number of illustrations, con-
taining figures of no less than three hundred and forty species (a figure
of every genus named), of which one hundred and thirty are drawn from
living and one hundred and two from preserved specimens, the remainder
being copies from Johnston, Forbes, and others. We do, indeed, acquit
the author of all vainglory when he affirms that upwards of one hundred
figures, taken from living animals in these low forms, constitute a some-
what unusual feature in a book of this size and price.

The part before us contains the following classes : — T. Poriphora ;
II. Infusoria ; III. Rhizopoda ; IV. Zoophyta ; V. Acalepha ; VI. Echino-
dermata ; VII. Turbellaria ; VIII. Annelida ; IX. Rotifera ; X. Crustacea ;
XI Cirripedia ; XII. Arachnida ; and, XIII. Insecta. In the synopsis of
the classes which part two is to contain, we find, greatly to our surprise,
that the class Aves is to be omitted. Why leave out the birds, and include
the insects ? Surely many of the former have their home, almost always,
in the great deep ? Ask the stormy petrel where its home is. It would,
doubtless, say on the crest of the briny wave. We will not deny that it
visits, and that often, the dry land ; but if so, why we should convict
Aepus mariniis of constantly doing the same. And, then, we have
known the Saxicava — and, we presume, it will be included in part two —
have its hiding-place but a little below the nesting-place of some of the
to-be-neglected class — Aves. We would ask Mr. Gosse to reconsider the
subject. Our opinion is, that British marine zoology will be incomplete
without the addition of this very interesting class.

REVIEWS. 97

And now having acted the part of champions for the " Birdies fair,1' in
order that they may be included in the future part, we must also defend
the right of some smaller fry that have been excluded from the present
part. If we turn to the 178th page, we find that of all the classes that
come under marine zoology, that of Insecta is the smallest in respect of
numbers. We are aware that of this — the most populous class, beyond
all comparison, of animals, embracing as it does more than ten times as
many species as all other living beings put together — the sea is singularly
destitute. It has, indeed, been frequently said that no true insect is
marine ; and, though this is not literally true, the minuteness of the
exception makes the .rule even more striking than it would have been if
absolutely universal. Of the hundreds of thousands of insects known to
exist, but two, says Mr. Gosse, live in the sea. Now, if .we can help
it, this solitary pair shall no more pine alone ; for, we fancy, we shall be
able to add to this small band, at least, two pair more.

We would sincerely wish for Mr. Gosse's company as far as the Portrane
sands, not far from Dublin, where we would show him one, at least, of
the two pair ; but, meanwhile, we must tell him of them, and this shall
be done in the words of an entomologist of whom we are justly proud,
and who was the discoverer of one of the insects : — " I found," says Mr.
Haliday, " Cillenum laterale under stones, near few-water mark. They
prey upon the sand-hoppers, and the tide retiring has scarcely unco-
vered the sand, when these little depredators are abroad from their hiding-
places, and alert in the chase." We forbear to quote more of this inte-
resting history ; but Mr. Gosse will find it in No. 18 of the " Entomological
Magazine" for January, 1837.

In company with the Cillenum, Mr. Haliday discovered a new and sin-
gular minute brachelytrous insect, which he has described under the name
of Diglossa mersa, and which is, like its companion, buried beneath the
ocean surge on every incoming tide. (A description of its larva will be
found, with a figure, at page 116, of the "Natural History Review,"
vol. ii., Proceedings of Societies.) So far for the first pair, which have
often come beneath our notice.

Mr. Spence, if we mistake not, also tells us of two of the coleoptera
having very similar habits — namely, Pogonus Burrellii — the habitation of
which is entirely covered, during the winter and part of the summer months,
with water ; and Bledius tricornis, which inhabits the sand-hills near the
sea at Ely, in Norfolk, and also the North Bull sands, near Dublin.

The Rev. G. Rudd, writing in the " Entomological Magazine" for April,
1834, on the habits of Hesperophilus arenarius, says — " I saw great flights
VOL. 11. II

98 REVIEWS.

of this insect alighting below high-water mark. The tide rolled on, co-
vered the sands, with all their inhabitants, and again receded. I dis-
turbed the little insects in their retreat ; they were as lively as if they had
been sporting in the sunshine." This species is abundant at Baldoyle, near
Dublin, in the same localities as the Cillenum and Diglossa. We hope to
see these, and it may, probably, be others with them, added to the list
of Mr. Gosse's Marine Insecta, in the shape of an appendix.

In making these remarks we have considered that every animal that is
dependent on the salt-water for its sustenance — in fact, that cannot live
without its presence — has a right to be included in a Manual of Marine
Zoology. We know it is difficult to draw a line of demarcation ; but we
think it would be better, if necessary to err at all, to do so on the safe
side.

When part two makes its appearance we shall return once more, and
notice the present one ; and we would now take our leave of it, assuring
our readers, that as a Manual of British Marine Zoology, it need fear no
rival ; as a sea-side book, it will be the constant companion of the student
of nature, who will find it a most useful work. We prophecy a long run
of prosperity to it, and hope the author will have frequent occasion, as new
editions make their appearance, of keeping its contents up to the standard
of the day.

CATALOGUE OF THE BEES OF GREAT BRITAIN. By Frederick Smith, M.E.S.
Printed by Order of the Trustees of the British Museum. 8vo. London.
1855, with ten plates. Price 6s.

TWENTY years of intimacy — for so far back, as he has told us himself, do
his continuous observations date — have eminently qualified the author to
commend to his readers a theme in itself attractive —

" The bee with honied thigh,
That at her flowery work doth sing."

—(exquisite picture of cheerful industry!) does not the very name conjure
up fragrant memories of long bright days of delicious summer, of child-
hood's pastime, and the fresh face of smiling nature. Bees — blithe, busy
bees, thrifty withal, and valiant in the defence of your well-earned store
and darling brood — we, too, have heard your carol, have watched you,
too, at rosy morn, and noon, and dewy eve, with interest and curiosity
that have grown and ripened since that early moral lesson by thee sug-

REVIEWS. 99

gested, little busy bee, was lisped in artless rhyme, till such time as the
tomes of Reaumur, of Huber, or of Kirby, wiled us from repose, and
lighted up again the waning hours, then sent us forth, with the return of
day, in the fields and woodlands, to verify the more than fabulous wonders
and yet unexhausted secrets of your true history. Where the garden
blends gay colours and grateful scents in voluptuous profusion, there ye
are found ; in open forest glades, and deep-hollowed lanes, where the full
gush of concentrated sunshine reverberates from the wayside bank, search-
ing every nook and cranny, and flooding all with genial warmth and bril-
liance, there your countless dwellings are, populous cities of Troglodytes.
Free commoners of nature, yours, too, is the wide range of purple heather
mantling the mountain slope far above the track of the gleaming plough-
share, high aloft beyond the murky veil that wraps the clanking forges,
and the atmosphere of carking cares hanging about the marts of
human traffic ; where the skylark's song is silent and the chirrup of the
grasshopper, and no voice awakes the quivering ether but your glad hum,
unless it be the mellow tinkle of a sheep-bell, or the low gurgle of some
tiny brook, treading its way unseen among huge, moss-clad stones, or
that the distant boom of mighty ocean may come up, stealing faintly,
as a ghost of sound, upon the uncertain ear. We welcome you,
winged elves of the realm of flowers, and your historian, who comes to
tell us of your families and kin, to teach your proper names, particular
tastes and qualities. For, among bees, there are many shades and
diversities of instinct ; not all alike exemplify the character, moral and
poetical, that is conventionally attributed to the race at large. There are
domestic bees and wild, social and solitary, honey bees and parasites.
Man's wholesale pillage indeed is limited, in this country, to one species,
the highest in the scale of instinct and intelligence ; but many others bear
witness also to the poetical truth, that

Vos non vobis mellificatis, apes.

It is gratifying, however, to have such incontestable authority as Mr.
Smith has adduced, to clear the reputation of sundry families of bees
from the unmerited charge of setting up an establishment for self and
family, without working, at the cost of their more industrious neighbours.
Appearances indeed were against some of them, but our author teaches us
that appearances are deceitful : " Observation alone can be relied upon,
when the history of an insect is to be written ; all classification, based upon
structural differences alone, will frequently be at fault." On behalf of the
whole family Andrenidce the general plea is put in " not guilty." " The

1 00 REVIEWS.

result of my observations," Mr. Smith declares, " leads to the conclusion
that no species of the Andrenidce is parasitic." Indeed, the genus
Prosopis was the only one against which grave suspicions of this nature
were, till lately, entertained, resting, as it appears, upon no stronger
evidence than their being destitute of the usual apparatus for collecting
pollen. The first person that had a word to say for them, as we are
informed, was Mr. Thwaites, who bred two species from bramble-sticks, in
which the larvas were found arranged in the same regular order as is the
case with the acknowledged working bees.

Mr. Smith, from his own observations, also has vindicated the indus-
trious habits of Sphecodes against Lepelletier St. Fargeau's imputation of
parasitism, almost unnecessarily we think, since that hypothesis was framed
in disregard of the distinct testimony of such accurate observers as
Reaumur and Kirby. Concerning the kindred Halicti, Kirby has simply
said, " the insects of this family nidificate much in the same manner with
those of the preceding (Sphecodes) in bare banks."

Among the genuine bees (Apidoe) the genus Ceratina has been qualified
as parasitic by St. Fargeau, again in opposition to the express statement
of Spiniola, the correctness of which has been confirmed by the late obser-
vations of Thwaites and of our author. They construct their cells, like
Prosopis, in the dead shoots of brambles. The veritable parasites belong
to the genera Nomada, Epeolus, Ccelioxys, Stelisj and Melecta, composing
the tribe CuculinoB of Latreille. The Apathi, also, are known to live, on a
rather ambiguous footing, in the nests of the humble-bees (Bombi), which
they resemble so closely. We will leave Mr. Smith to state the case for
them, as he will make the best of it —

" What office these bees perform in the economy of the nest has not been dis-
covered ; they live on the most friendly terms with the industrious part of the
community, and it is probable that upon them devolves some important office, the
nature of which it would be very interesting to discover. It has been supposed,
from the very close resemblance of the Apathi to the Bombi, that the former are
an idle race, reared at the expense of the industrious bees, and wearing a livery in
imitation of them, for the purpose of deception ; but there can be little doubt of
these aristocrats of the community performing important and necessary duties
highly conducive to the general prosperity of the whole. That the close resem-
blance of these bees is not for the purpose of deception is at once proved by the
fact of A. Barbutellus, a yellow-banded bee, being found in the nest of B. Der-
hamellus, a black species having the tip of the body red ; and we have already
seen that, amongst the solitary bees, the greatest difference in appearance exists ;
we would instance Epeolus and Colletes, Andrena and Jornada, also Melecta and
Anthophora."

But, in truth, these same humble-bees are a much-enduring race of
drudges, as many a schoolboy can testify, who has learned to "pluck the

REVIEWS. 101

honeybag o' the bee," before his acquaintance with the sweets of Shaks-
peare's Muse has gone much further. We turn to Kirby's homely, but
faithful, picture of their awkward feats in the science of self-defence.
" When these animals are walking upon the ground, if a finger be moved
to them, they lift up the three legs of one side to defend themselves,
which gives them a very grotesque appearance." Mr. Smith has noticed
more particularly —

" The various degrees of pugnacity which they exhibit when their dominions are
invaded ; the moss-builders exhibit little or no courage in the defence of their
citadel, they may be taken with impunity ; but a far different race are those which
build underground ; these are bold and daring insects, which defend their nests
with great courage.

" The term moss-builders must not be taken literally, since many nests are
composed entirely of grass and leaves ; but in situations where moss is plentiful,
the nests will be found to be constructed entirely of that material. To show that
humble-bees avail themselves of such materials as are most readily found, and
suitable to their purpose, I may instance a very remarkable nest found near a
farm-house. One of the brown species of humble-bees was observed frequently
flying into a stable through the latticed window ; the bee was busily engaged in
collecting bundles of short horse-hair accumulated from the currying of horses ;
this she flew off with to a short distance, and settled down with it amongst some
grass ; on examining the spot, a nest composed entirely of horse-hair was dis-
covered ; this interesting nest was destroyed before the bee had quite completed its
construction. Another very interesting deviation from the usual economy of the
moss-building bees was observed by Dr. William Bell. During the summer of
1854, a robin built its nest in the porch of his cottage at Putney; some time after
this had been observed, an humble-bee took possession of the nest, and adapted it
to her own purpose; he was, unfortunately, unable to identify the species by cap-
turing a specimen, the nest having been destroyed ; but Dr. Bell saw the bee on
one occasion, and observed that it was black \\ith yellow bands, probably Bornbus
pratorum."

The economy of the " cuckoo-bees" has been hitherto so imperfectly
investigated, that Mr. Smith may justly claim credit for the additional
materials he has contributed towards their biography. Of the Nomadce]
the most numerous in species among the parasitic genera, we have the
following account : —

' ' The bees belonging to this genus are popularly known by the name of wasp-
bees, from their close resemblance, in their gay colouring, to the smaller species of
Vespidse ; they are, however, true bees, and constitute the most beautiful of all the
genera found in this country ; notwithstanding the generally-received history of
their economy, we shall search in vain for much precise information.
No one appears to know anything beyond the mere fact of their entering the bur-
rows of Andrenidas and Apidaj, except that they are found in the cells of the
working bees in their perfect condition ; it is most probable that they deposit on
the provision laid up by the working-bee, that they close up the cell, and that the
working-bee, finding an egg deposited, commences a fresh cell for her own pro-
geny. My reason for thinking it probable that the parasite closes the cell is, that
1 have frequently captured Nomadse and Melectse with masses of clay attached to
their posterior tibiae ; and in the well-known genus of exotic parasitic bees, Cro-
cisa, specimens are of frequent occurrence which have masses of clay or mixed
earth on their tibise ; this, however, requires, and is deserving of, further investi-
gation. I have found several of the species in the cells of Andrenidse — these will

102 REVIEWS.

be mentioned under the respective species. It is, however, necessary to record one
instance which throws some light upon the economy of the genus. Some years
ago, in the month of June, I met with a large colony of Eucera longicornis, and
observed great numbers of Nomada sexfasciata flying about amongst the bees, and
occasionally entering into and issuing from their burrows. In the beginning of
April of the following year I visited the locality for the purpose of obtaining males
of the Nomada, as very few were found when the colony was first discovered ; the
cells of Eucera were found at about the depth of eight inches in a stiff clayey soil ; of
these a considerable number were obtained ; on examination, many of the bees
were found to be in the pupa state, some far advanced towards their perfect con-
dition, others still larvae ; on opening one cell, it was found to contain two speci-
mens of Nomada sexfasciata. Since the former visit I have, on several occasions,
obtained the cells of Eucera, and have endeavoured to find the larva of Nomada,
but in vain ; perfect individuals of N. sexfasciata have been found in the cells of
Eucera on several occasions, usually two in each cell, and once a pair of N.
alternata."

Of Epeolus variegatus, again (the only indigenous species of this genus),
the author informs us —

" This pretty little bee is very abundant in many parts of Kent, Surrey, and
Hampshire ; it is also met with at Southend, in Essex ; it is, however, local ;
wherever Colletes Daviesana is found, Epeolus, its parasite, is to be met with ; it
has been found in the burrows of that bee. It usually appears early in July ; the
males pass a great portion of their time reposing in flowers, particularly on the
heads of the ragwort ; they are also partial to the mouse-ear hawkweed, and may
frequently be found enclosed in the petals of the flowers ; the habit of this bee is
very sluggish ; they are easily captured by hand ; their sting is very acute."

The preceding extracts may give some idea of the Natural History
touches which are interspersed among the descriptive portions of the
volume, so abundantly, that there is scarcely one, except the rarest species,
with regard to which Mr. Smith has not some particulars to communicate.
Having drawn so freely already from the source, we will venture to extract
only one more bit of biography before we proceed to the technical details,
indispensable in reviewing a work of such scientific character —

"If I were asked which genus of bees would afford the most abundant materials
for an essay on the diversity of instinct, I should, without hesitation, point out the
genus Osmia. I propose to notice in this place all that has occurred to me during
an attentive observation of their economy for the last twenty years. Mr. Kirby,
in the ' Monographia Apum Angliae,' has quoted the history of Reaumur's mason-
bee, which, although not included in the present genus, is still so nearly allied that
its history might be taken as a parallel to that of Osmia ; but as it is riot a British
species, I merely allude to it to call attention to the highly-interesting history
given by Reaumur of its economy. The most abundant species is Osmia bicornis ;
its economy is varied by circumstances ; in hilly country, or at the sea-side, it
chooses the sunny side of cliffs or sandy banks, in which to form its burrows ; but
in cultivated districts, particularly if the soil be clayey, it selects a decaying tree,
preferring the stump of an old willow } it lays up a store of pollen and honey for
the larvae, which, when full-grown, spin a tough, dark brown cocoon, in which
they remain in the larva state until the autumn, when the majority change to
pupae, and soon arrive at their perfect condition ; many, however, pass the winter
in the larva state. In attempting to account for so remarkable a circumstance,
all must be conjecture, but it is not of unfrequent occurrence ; this species, also,
frequently makes its burrows in the mortar of old walls. Osmia leucomelana may
be observed availing itself of a most admirable, and almost ready, adaptation for a

REVIEWS. 103

burrow ; it selects the dead branches of the common bramble; with little labour
the parent bee removes the pith, usually to the length of from five to six inches ;
at the end she deposits the requisite quantity of food, which she closes in with a
substance resembling masticated leaves — evidently vegetable matter ; she usually
forms five or six cells in one bramble-stick. The bee does not extract the whole
of the pith, but alternately widens and contracts the diameter of the tube, each
contraction marking the end of a cell. The egg is deposited on the food imme-
diately before closing up the cell ; it is white, oblong, and about the size and shape
of a caraway-seed. The larva is hatched in about eight days, and feeds about ten
or twelve, when it is full-grown ; it then spins a thin silken covering, and remains
in an inactive state until the following spring, when it undergoes its transforma-
tions, and appears usually in the month of June.

" Osmia hirta burrows in wood, seldom in any other material ; the same habit
will be observed in Osmia aenea ; but I have observed this bee more than once
constructing its burrow in the mortar of walls, and sometimes in hard sandbanks.
Osmia aurulenta and O. bicolor are bees which commonly burrow in banks, the
latter being very abundant, and forming colonies in some situations , but although it
appears to be the natural habit of these species to construct tunnels in hard banks,
with great labour and untiring perseverance, still we find them at times exhibiting
an amount of sagacity, and a degree of knowledge, that at once dispels the idea of
their actions being the result of a mere blind instinct, impelling them in one un-
deviating course. A moment's consideration will suffice to call to mind many
tunnels and tubes ready formed, which would appear to be admirably adapted for
the purposes of the bee — for instance, the straws of a thatch, and many reeds ;
and what could be more admirably adapted to their requirements than the tubes of
many shells ? So thinks the bee. 0. aurulenta and 0. bicolor both select the
shells of Helix hortensis and H. nemoralis ; the shells of these snails are, of course,
very abundant, and lie half-hidden beneath grass, mosses, and plants ; the bees
finding them in such situations, dispense with their accustomed labour, and take
possession of the deserted shells. The number of cells varies according to the
length of the whorl of the shell selected, the usual number being four, but in some
instances they construct five or six, commencing at the end of the whorl ; a suit-
able supply of pollen and honey is collected, an egg deposited, and a partition
formed of abraded vegetable matter ; the process is repeated until the requisite
number is formed, when the whole is most carefully protected by closing up the
entrance with small pellets of clay, sticks, and pebbles ; these are firmly cemented
together with some glutinous matter, and the bee has finished her task.

" We will now observe the intelligence of the bee under different circumstances.
She has selected the adult shell of Helix aspersa ; the whorl of this species is much
larger in diameter than that of H. nemoralis or H. hortensis — too wide, in fact,
for a single cell ; our little architect, never at a loss, readily adapts it to her pur-
pose by forming two cells side by side, and as she advances towards the entrance
of the whorl, it becomes too wide even for this contrivance ; here let us admire the
ingenuity of this little creature ; she constructs a couple of cells transversely ! And
this is the little animal which has been so blindly slandered as being a mere
machine.

u I will take this opportunity of correcting a very widely- diffused error, which
appears to have originated with Reaumur ; or, if his account of the development of
Xylocopa be correct, it differs from that of every wood-boring bee which inhabits
this country. He says—1 When the larva assumes the pupa, it is placed in its
cell with its head downwards ; a very wise precaution, for thus it is prevented,
when it has attained to its perfect state and is eager to emerge into day, from
making its way out upwards, and disturbing the tenants of the superincumbent
cells, who, being of later date each than its neighbour below stairs, are not yet
quite ready to go into public.' Mr. Kirby also quotes from a letter by the Kev.
George Ashby, who, after describing the nest of Megachile centuncularis, says—
4 The lowest and first born passes out through the bottom of its own (lowest) cell,
and so escapes without disturbing the rest, who are not yet ready to emigrate.'
All such conclusions originate in conjecture. In the case of Osmia aurulenta con-
structing her cells in the spiral tube of a snail's shell, where is the possibility of

104 REVIEWS.

escape? when burrowing in a sand-bank the same difficulty presents itself; when
Chelostoma florisomnis avails itself of the tube of a straw or reed, how is the
insect to pass the first knot which opposes its escape? Such are the results of
theoretical conclusions ; let us seek for knowledge in the careful investigation of
the operations of nature.

"A bee is observed to alight on an upright post, or other wood suitable for its
purposes ; she commences the formation of her tunnel — not by excavating down-
wards, as she would be incommoded by the dust and rubbish which she removes —
no, she works upwards, and so avoids such an inconvenience. When she has pro-
ceeded to the length required, she proceeds in a horizontal direction to the outside
of the post, and now her operations are continued downwards; she constructs a
cell near the bottom of the tube, a second, and a third, and so on to the required
number; the larvae, when full fed, have their heads turned upwards; the bees
which arrive at their perfect condition — or, rather, those which are first anxious
to escape into day — are two or three in the upper cells ; these are males ; the
females are usually ten or twelve days later. This is the history of every wood-
boring bee which I have bred, and I have reared broods of nearly every species
indigenous to the country. I have observed in the instance of Chelostoma floris-
omnis, that whilst one bee was carrying on her operations as detailed above, ano-
ther was tunneling in a horizontal rail ; here no lower opening was required, the
bee pushed the chips out at the entrance, and as no outlet was necessary at the
end of the tunnel, the bee in this case made none.

"There is still another species of this genus whose habits are so different to the
rest, that our admiration of the ingenuity of these bees is greatly increased when
we consider its curious details, and reflect upon the degree of care and foresight
exhibited by the provident parent — this is the Osmia parietina, a bee only found in
the northern parts of this country. This species selects the underside of a slate or
stone lying on the ground, and having a hollow space beneath; to the stone the
bee attaches the little bails of pollen. A stone of this kind was found at Glen
Almond, Perthshire, on the Grampians, 800 feet above the level of the sea, by Mr.
J. Robertson, who, on turning it up, observed a mass of cocoons ; although he was
not much acquainted with entomology, still he knew them to be the production of
some insect; he presented the stone to the British Museum, and it was placed in
my hands for observation. The size of the stone was ten inches by six ; the num-
ber of cocoons attached to it two hundred and thirty. When first discovered,
about one-third of them were empty ; this was in the month of November. In the
beginning of the following March, a few males made their appearance, and shortly
afterwards some females ; they continued to come forth occasionally until the end
of June; at this time there remained thirty-five undeveloped cocoons; on opening
one or two of them, they proved to contain active larva? ; these I carefully closed,
and left the whole undisturbed until the following April, at which time, on exami-
nation, they proved to be still in the larva state ; but at the end of May they
changed to pupae, and about the end of June beytin to come forth perfect insects.
This, then, was the result — a portion of a deposit of ejrgs made in 1849 had been
three years in arriving at maturity : when found, one-third were developed ; the
following year a second brood came forth, and whilst in my possession a third. In
the first instance, the whole deposit was subject to the same influences, and had
produced larva? ; what was the cause of the retarded development of the rest, it
were vain to attempt to determine."

We cannot but respect the modesty that has left untouched those higher
problems of system and philosophy, on which the undying fame of the
" Monographia Apum Anglic" mainly rests. After the lapse of more than
half a century, and when the peaceful and honoured age of the Patriarch
of Entomology in Britain has sunk into the grave (the evening that precedes
sunrise), the groups, and the disposition of them which he has indicated,
still form the groundwork for the arrangement of these families ; while the

REVIEWS. 105

very discrepant and boldly original views which Lepelletier St. Fargeau
has more lately proposed appear to have gained few converts. But still
after that, much remained, which could hardly be accomplished by a work
produced at a time when war had almost wholly interrupted the communica-
tions with the Continent, then, at the best, and for long after, tardy and pre-
carious in matters of literature — produced, too, from materials nearly limited
to his private collections and observations, made in the leisure hours of a life
consecrated then, as it was afterwards, for a period exceeding the average
duration of human life, to the duties of the ministry in a country parish.
Kirby himself was aware of many imperfections in his own work. Of the
last of his groups he has remarked — " I know no family of which it is more
difficult to distinguish the species than the present, for there is little differ-
ence in the form of the Bombinatrices, and the hue of their bodies, at least
of all our English ones, is the same, so that the describer must rely almost
solely upon the colour of their hirsuties for his characters, and this is so
subject to vary, even in the same individual in different periods of its
existence, that it is not safe to depend upon it, but under particular
restrictions. An insect recently disclosed, in this respect appears a different
species from the same where it has long been exposed to wind and
weather." And again — " But this is not all the difficulty with which the
describer has to struggle ; the males, in general, resemble the females
sufficiently to be known as such, but there are several so unlike
them, as to be easily mistaken for different species ; and I am by
no means certain that I have not, in more instances than one, described
the sexes under different names ; till all can be traced to their nidi this is
not easy to be avoided."* Such instances as are here anticipated have
afforded scope accordingly for correction by further observation. Large
additions, too, have accrued to the list of indigenous species through the
industry of collectors, during the fifty years, and upwards, that have passed
since Kirby wrote. And while collections have increased and multiplied
at home, the growing facilities of communication with the Continent, and
the interchange by traffic of scientific publications, have tended to dis-
seminate the literature of the science, and to harmonize the nomenclature.
Mr. Smith has availed himself with judgment and ability of these advan-
tages, for the production of a volume which may be considered a necessary
supplement to those of Kirby. It might seem, at first sight, that little
had been added, in respect of numbers, since the commencement of this
century; two hundred and twenty-one species having been given by

* Monographia Apum Anglite I. 207, 208.

106 REVIEWS.

Kirby, at that time, as indigenous, while Smith's Catalogue embraces two
hundred and six only. The actual additions among these, however,
amount to seventy ; four, treated by Kirby as mere varieties, have had
their right acknowledged to specific distinction ; and three out of his list
are excluded as of exotic origin.* The resulting disparity is to be explained
by more extended observation having eliminated many supposed species as
mere differences of sex, and by the reduction to their proper specific type
of many of the varieties which are apt to arise from the wearing away and
bleaching of the pubescence through age or accident. Let us take for an
example the group of bees to which Kirby's remarks above quoted
directly applied. Under the first of these, Bombus muscorum, Mr. Smith
remarks —

" Having included seven of the species of our great monographer in that of
JB. muscorum, I must observe that it has not been done without having repeatedly
examined the communities of a large number of nests ; in some, all the varieties
described were found ; in different nests, one or other of the varieties will usually
be the most numerous ; in nests found in the north of England, the variety B.
agrorum is much more numerous than in the west. This species is found in all
parts of the United Kingdom, and is undoubtedly the true A. muscorum of Lin-
naeus : the typical specimen preserved in the cabinet at the Linnean Society is a
female."

The specific marks to which Audovin first directed attention have been
employed by Mr. Smith to fix the species of this difficult genus found in
Britain. The result has been that while four species, unknown to Kirby,
have been added since, his original list has been reduced from thirty
species to fourteen, retained in the pages of Smith. Of the parasitic
genus Ccelioxys, on the other hand, of which Kirby actually knew but one
species (for his C. inermis would seem to be but a male variety of the first),
four more have been since discovered in Britain.

Kirby, as various notices in the Monographia show, had not neglected
to consult the authentic specimens of Linnaeus, which had become the
property of his accomplished friend, Sir J. E. Smith, not very long before ;
but he did not deem it necessary to follow out the consequences so
rigidly as later authors have done ; and many of those notes remained
forgotten or unregarded, until Mr. Smith resuscitated, and enlarged them,
by a fresh collation of the Linnean types, which has led to the restora-
tion or corrected application of several of his trivial names. Thus the
Sphex gibba of Linna3us, appropriated by Scopoli (whom most later authors
have implicitly followed in this) to a genuine Linnean Sphex, now Pompilus,
is properly recognised as a bee Sphecodes gibbus. And while Apis retusa

* Apit violacea, A. fiollinaria, A. druriella.

REVIEWS. 107

of Kirby appears as acervorum Fabr., an Anthophora unknown to Sweden,
where Kirby's A. haworthana is common, this last is proved, by a
reference to the authentic original, to be the true Apis retusa of Linna3us.
The common yellow-tailed and yellow-banded humble-bee* turns out to
be the A. terrestris of Linnseus, while the nearly similar bee, with a white
tail, that has been more generally considered as such, is identified as the
female of his A. lucorum, a male with different marking. The results of a
scrupulous examination, by Dr. Ny lander, of the collection in the University
of Kiel, have been, in like manner, made available for the more certain
identification of the species which Fabricius had described. The strict
application by Mr. Smith of the rule, that where the sexes of one species
have been contemporaneously described as distinct, the trivial name given
to the male should have the preference, has led to some changes in the
commonly received nomenclature. So Ccelioxys conica sinks in the
quadridentata ; Apis licornis L. is found under Osmia rufa, A. ccerulescens
L. under Osmia cenea, and A. ursina K. as a synonym of Panurgus
banksianus.

It seems to be tacitly assumed by the author that the reader comes pre-
pared by the previous study of Kirby's Monograph, and Westwood's
Modern Classification, as regards the families and their primary subdivi-
sions, since no characters of these are given in the Catalogue. For the
aggregate group ANTHOPHILA, or bees in the widest sense, including both
the families, Andrenidce and Apidce, we are, indeed, provided at the outset
with a sort of Natural Character. We feel no sort of doubt that Mr. Smith
can tell a bee at sight, with unerring certainty ; but we do greatly mis-
doubt whether the author himself, or his readers either, would be enabled to
distinguish the same from (almost) any other winged Hymenopterous insect
of the section Aculeate, by means of any or all of the structural characters
there given, unless it be the single one, which is specifically invalidated by
exceptions. It may be said to be of little moment ; how we know — so we
know ; if so, commend us then to the life-like pictures of Sturm or Curtis for
our study, in place of the painful poring over crabbed phrases. Neverthe-
less, it is not a difficult matter, in fact, to know a bee from all the rest of
the Hymenoptera ; but that by means of characters, not without them, by
definite marks, and a peculiar aggregate of them, not by such as are vague,
or common, or applicable but partially.

* Not just a corruption of humming-bee, as Mr. Smith conjectures; but of much
older origin, since all the branches of the Teutonic stock have got the name in forms
little altered; Dutch Hommelby; Swedish Humla (bi) ; Danish Humle-bi; German
Hummel (biene), &c.

108 REVIEWS.

Of the plates, ten iii number, one-half are devoted to exemplify the vary-
ing forms of the oral organs, which are of so much moment for generic
division in these families. The rest present examples of the principal
genera, with the veining of the wings, and other details of structure. The
eye of the entomologist has guided the hand of the artist here ; and these
illustrations are calculated to please more generally than Kirby's own rude,
but instructive, etchings. The generic characters, which the plates seem
to elucidate, are drawn up with care and neatness, without unnecessary
diffnseness. The veining of the wings has been made to afford the ground
for a natural subdivision of the extensive genus Andrena, to which Kir by
had confessed himself unable to discover any clue. In the delineation of
the species, we are glad to see that Mr. Smith has adhered to the good old
Linnean pattern, neither swelling out the diagnosis to the amplitude of a
description, nor wholly dispensing with it, as has been done by some late
Monographers, whose merits, in other respects, have been of the highest
order. It is easier to give a good diffuse description than a good concise
one, but the apt construction of the diagnosis is the hardest test of all such
skill.

In conclusion, we would say that this Catalogue, whether as a manual
of reference for naming a collection, or a pocket-companion on entomologi-
cal rambles, may be considered as indispensable to every one intending to
collect and study the British bees.

MOLLUSCA TESTACEA MARIUM BRITANNICORUM. A History of the British
Marine Testaceous Mollusca, Distributed in their Natural Order on the
Basis of the Organization of the Animals, with Reference and Notes on
every British Species. By William Clark. London : John Van Voorst.
1855. 8vo. Pp. 536. Price 15s.

THERE is, says Adanson, in his "History of the Shells of Senegal," published
one hundred years since, something more to consider in shell-fish besides
their shells. The animal that inhabits them should guide our methodical
arrangements — should be our only regulator — since it is the principal part,
and that which gives to the shell its form, size, hardness, colours, and all
the other peculiarities in it which we admire so much. Though by no
means subscribing to the truth of the above extract, we have quoted it for
the purpose of introducing to our readers' notice the volume on British
Marine Testaceous Mollusca, by William Clark, who, in some particulars
at least, might be called the Michel Adanson of the present century. Our

REVIEWS. 109

space will not permit us to enter into details, or to write a history of all
that has been said and done for conchology or malacology, from the time
that Aristotle, with unwearied industry, and ever-to-be-admired ingenuity,
tracked out for himself a path in this neglected desert, down to our days,
when this desert has become a fruitful field, and names like Cuvier,
and Blainville, Milne-Edwards, Miiller, Owen, and our ever-to-be-lamented,
but never-to-be-forgotten, Forbes, with a whole host of others, stand like
beacon-lights, showing us the broad, distinct track which each and all have
left behind them, some few shining steadily, with an enduring brightness —
while other of the lights but flicker and die ; and others still shine, like
the light-house on a barren rock, but to show us where danger lies, and to
warn us off the coast. For, truly, to again quote from Adanson, the details
of the study is, by no means, childish play ; far from it ; but the way
thereto is a thorny one, and beset with much difficulty.

In our opinion, the fate of malacologists and conchologists must be
very like, indeed. Finding fault, as they almost invariably do, with the
systems of their predecessors, they found some new one of their own, which,
in its turn, shall, perchance, be stigmatized by some fresh candidate for
the withering laurel, as so much ingenious trifling, supposing he gives it no
harder name.

Now, it must be well known to our readers that, since the year 1757,
when the " History of the Shell-fish of Senegal" was published, and even
before that date, naturalists, at least the major part of them, have, in
the study of shells and their inhabitants, fallen into one or the other of two
extremes — by either describing the shell as if it had no inhabitant, or else
describing that inhabitant as if it had no house of its own wherein to live
in ; and as each successive naturalist glides slowly into either of them, he
is called (as in the former case) a conchologist, or (as in the latter) a mala-
cologist. To the latter of these divisions the author of this volume
most unquestionably belongs ; one extract will prove this, if it be not
already known. Under the head of Littorina rudis, in page 342, we find
the following synonymic list : —

L. patula, Brit. Moll., iii., p. 36.

L. tenebrosa, Brit. Moll., iii., p. 39.

L. saxatilis, Brit. Moll., iii., p. 43.

L. fabalis, Brit. Moll., iii., p. 49.

L. palliata, Brit. Moll., iii., p. 51.

L. gonaria, L. nidissima, L. jugosa, L. neglecta, Auct.

and the following reason why it is given — " To describe the above,
which are the pseudo- species of authors, would be to say, that the organs
of all, both external and internal, do not vary in the slightest degree in

110 REVIEWS.

form." Now, we do not mean to query the truth of this reform among the
Littorinidae ; they, undoubtedly, wanted some change. We know that one
of the authors of the British Mollusca was of opinion that some of the
species above quoted might be varieties of each other ; but still we cannot
say we are quite satisfied at some eighteen or nineteen pages of Messrs.
Forbes and Hanley's works being so very roughly handled, particularly by
an author who seems hardly to be aware of when he has made up his
mind upon a subject, and when, for all we know to the contrary, we may
find him at some future time telling us that, on reconsideration of the sub-
ject, he has found himself unable to make two species out of one.

We do not wish to be harsh in our criticism of this book, but there is
about it an undigested look, which detracts much from its value as a scien-
tific work, and much from its author's reputation as a modern malacologist.
Many of the memoirs in this volume have been published in the " Annals
of Natural History" from time to time, and are reprinted in exactly the
same form as they appeared in that journal ; so that, when opportunities
presented themselves of examining the mollusc, and mistakes were dis-
covered, they, instead of being incorporated in the text, are appended to it ;
and hence we are frequently annoyed, after reading the account of an animal,
to find just at its close the words " since the above was written ;" and then
follow statements that not unfrequently are diametrically opposite to the
ones we have been perusing. A curious instance of this occurs in the
author's description of the branchiae of Pandora obtusa. We find in the
British mollusca of Forbes and Hanley, a note, by Mr. Clark, stating that
this animal possesses " two palpi, one branchial lamina, and (perhaps) an
obsolete one, on each side of the body;" but as fresh specimens were
examined, we find that (see p. 151 of the present work) he can now say,
beyond dispute (sic), that there are two palpi and two branchiae on each
side, and that he has preparations that can prove it ; whilst in the appendix,
in spite of saying and proving, our author returns to his original opinion!
For our author's credit, we may say, en passant, that this is the worst
case our ingenuity could find ; but we do meet, and that frequently, with
cases where old opinions are made, and that without ceremony, coolly to give
place to new ones. Now, new or old, which is the reader to patronize ?

The system followed is based on sexual organization ; and following his
predecessors in this method (for it is, by no means, of Mr. Clark's devising),
he gives us the following divisions: — Hermaphrodite sine concubitu,
Hermaphrodita sine congressu, Hermaphrodita congressu, (and here
we find the Trochida : what will malacologists say to this ?), and, lastly,
Bisexual — the most obvious meaning of this latter word is the very

OBITUARY. Ill

opposite to what it is used by Mr. Clark to represent in this division of
the mollusca.

Perhaps the most astounding portion of this work is the part devoted to
the Muricidae. Here we find the well-known genera, Buccinum, Fusus,
Pleurotoma, Purpura, Nassa, Trichrotropis, and Cerethiopsis, all placed
under the one genus — Murex. No difficulty is there in believing that this
must be an enormous genus, when the shores of Great Britain itself affords
so many antiquated (?) genera — so many species. We perfectly agree
with the author when he, on reviewing this awful ruin caused by his own
hand, says it will be hard to cast off these old names. Yes ; hard it will be
— so very hard, that we must declare our intention to follow the bent of our
inclinations in retaining them, though old, and though, as Mr. Clark says,
they represent objects without the slightest generic pretension.

In conclusion, we would say that this work is not a history of all the
British mollusca, but only of those that came beneath Mr. Clark's notice in
the southern part of Devonshire; and, as it is illustrated with no figures,
it remains yet to be seen whether our author's description, as he fondly
imagines, will more than take their place.

Notwithstanding its defects — notwithstanding what its author might call
our prejudices — we must, and we do it willingly, record our opinion that
this volume is a most important addition to our British Malacology; it con-
tains a vast amount of valuable observations, and is a work that must be
consulted by any future British naturalist who will write upon this subject.
The crudeness of our author is almost atoned for by his industry ; and his

manifest inclination to record his observations for the benefit of others, is

•

deserving of our highest esteem ; at the same time, we would observe that
in order to do malacology a good service, our author should cling less de-
votedly to those dicta with which this work abounds.

GEORGE JOHNSTON, M.D., EDINBURGH.

WITHIN the last twelve months, when fire and the sword have been slay-
ing their thousands on the battle-field of a foreign land, the grim arm of
death has not been less vigilant in this, our native soil. Already have we
penned the brief tribute of respect to one whose talents and kindliness of
disposition raised him high among the admired of mankind ; and now we

112 OBITUARY.

are called upon to record the departure from among us of another of
our most distinguished members.

George Johnston was bora on the 20th of July, 1797, at Simprin, in
Berwickshire. About the year 1813 he commenced his medical studies in
Edinburgh, and entered as a pupil of the well-known Dr. Abercrombie.
He took out his degree of M.D. in 1819, and soon afterwards became a
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He then removed
to Berwick, where he established himself as a physician, and was not long
in becoming one of the leading medical men of that town. He devoted
himself with the greatest assiduity to the duties of his profession ; and we
believe that he never completely recovered from a severe wetting to which
he was exposed while visiting a patient in the country. He sought, in
the retreat afforded by the Bridge of Allen, some slight relaxation from
the harassing duties that devolved upon him, and it was here that he was
attacked with a fit of paralysis. He was quickly removed to his resi-
dence at Berwick, where he shortly afterwards fell into a state of un-
consciousness, which lasted, with a few and brief intervals, until, on the
morning of the 30th July, he calmly passed from the scene of his labours.

Thus was finished the life of a great as well as a good man. Dr. John-
ston was essentially a British naturalist — perhaps we had better said that
Dr. Johnston was the naturalist of the Eastern Border ; for, although
the author of the " British Zoophytes and Sponges," yet he always felt, to
quote Southey's words, " The better, as well as the happier, for local
attachment ;" and one of the most charming productions in the English
language is his " Botany of the Eastern Borders." Some months since,
he informed us that the second volume of fiis " Terra Lindisfarnensis" was
nearly ready. Let us hope that some one will be found to follow up the
work that our lamented friend had begun.

The driest details became interesting when they flowed from Dr. Johnston's
pen. fiver forward in the pursuit of the natural sciences, he lost no
opportunity of advancing their interests, and to this we owe the formation,
about two-and-twenty years since, of the Berwickshire Naturalists Club.
Some of the excursions of this club will be found narrated by his poetical
pen in the pages of his last work, just referred to. His favourite flower
was the wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella). Well may we say with Words-
worth, that —

" A flower is not a flower alone —

A thousand sanctities invest it;
And as they form a radient zone,
Around its simple beauty thrown,
Their magic tints hecome its own,
As if their spirit had nossess'd it."

THE

IATURAL HISTORY REVIEW.

THE ARMAGH NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, THE BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY AND

PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, THE CORK CUVIERIAN SOCIETY, THE DUBLIN

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, THE DUBLIN UNIVERSITY

ZOOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, AND THE LITERARY

AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION OF

KILKENNY,

FOE THE SESSIONS 1854-55,

Hit| 1800tatfs

VOL, II,

LONDON :
SAMUEL HIGHLEY, 32, FLEET-STREET.

EDINBURGH : JOHNSTONE AND HUNTER.

DUBLIN : HODGES AND SMITH.

1855.

INDEX TO PROCEEDINGS.

PAGE.

Crating Aquatic Vivaria . . . • .17
Algas of the East Coast of Ireland .... 125

Anacharis Alsinastrum . . . . .6

Andrews, W., M.R.I.A. . . .34, 36, 91, 129

Animals, remains of . . . .99

Annelida, a species new to Ireland . . . .34

Annual Report of the Council of the Dublin Natural History Society . 8, 13

Anthocaris Belia, capture of . . . .48

A^ntlers of Red Deer found . . . .36

Armagh Natural History Society, Report of Council . • 1

„ „ „ Librarian . 3

Axolotl, notice of . . . .4

Balaklava, Cricetus Phseus, from . .46

Ball, R., LL.D., M.R.I.A., Pres. D.U.Z.A. . 17, 45

Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society . . 4, 86

Birds, Local List of those found in County Dublin. (Part 1) . .22

(Part 2) . . 26

Bonaparte's Gull, occurrence of . . .65

Botrychium Lunaria, digitate variety of . . .15

British Mollusca, on collecting them . .65

„ „ Catalogue of . . .69

Capture of Anthocaris Belia . .48

,, ,, Remarks on . . .49

Capture of Iceland Gull ... .91

Capturing Lepidoptera, directions for . . . .39

Carpophilus Hemipterus, new to the Dublin List . . .48

Carte, A., M.D., Hon. Mem. D.U.Z.A. . 46, 59

Catalogue of British Mollusca . . • .69

,, Irish Microlepidoptera .... 109

Cholera-like Disease attacking Lepidopterous Larva . 19

Coleoptera infesting Granaries . . . .14

taken near Dublin . . . .22

IV INDEX TO PROCEEDINGS.

PA91C.

Collecting British Mollusca . . . .65

Cork Cuvierian Society . . . . . 6, 29

Council, Report of, Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society . 1

„ „ Dublin Natural History Society . . 8

Cricetus Phaous, from Balaklava . . . .46

,, Remarks on . . . .47

Crustacean, Remarks on, of the Genus Hyas . . .65

Dale, J. C., F.L.S. . . . . .115

Dunshaughlin, Remains of Animals at . . .99

Davis, Robert, Corres. Mem. D.U.Z.A. . . .20

Peer, Red, Antlers of . . . .36

Descriptions of Insects figured, and reference to Plates . . 59

„ New or Rare Insects . . . .121

Dickie, G., M.D., Professor Queen's College, Belfast . . 4, 5

Digitate variety of Botrychium Lunaria . . .15

Dingle, notes of Insects observed in neighbourhood of . .50

„ Entomological Tour along the South of . .53

Diurnal Lepidoptera of part of Worcestershire, Remarks on. (Parti) . 17

» » » » (Part 2) . 103

Directions for Capturing Lepidoptera . . . .39

Dredge, Local Range of Mollusca, traced out by the . .31

Dowden, R., Pres. Cork Cuv. Soc. . . . .29

Dublin Natural History Society . . 8, 31, 91

„ Coleoptera taken near . 22

„ Local List of Birds of. (Parti) . . .22

(Part 2) . . .26

„ Algse'of, List of . . . . .125

,, Bay, probable occurrence of Lepidopus Argyreus in .45

„ University Zoological Association . . 17, 38, 103

Egg of the Eared Grebe, found in Ireland , . .20

„ Ivory Gull . . . . .59

Effects of the Frost at Kilkenny . . . .88

Sligo . 125

Entomological Remarks . . . . .116

,, Tour along the South of Kerry . . .53

Familiar Facts connected with Sounds and Hearing . . 29

Farran, C., M.D. . . 31

Fiords, the, of Norway . . 86

Forbes, Professor Edward, death of .21

Fresh-water Breeding Station for the Common Gull . 20

Frost, effects of, at Kilkenny . 88

„ Sligo . . 128

Fungi Parasitic on Insects . . . .55

INDEX TO PROCEEDINGS. V

PAGE.

Grainger, John, A.B. . . . . .65

Granaries, Coleoptera infesting . . . .14

Grebe, Eared, Egg of, found in Ireland . . 20

Greene, Rev. Joseph, A.M. . . . 39,49

Gull, Common, Fresh- water Breeding Place of . .20

Haliday, A. H., M.A., Hon. Mem. D.U.Z.A. . . 53, 59, 116, 121

Haughton, James, jun. . . . . .14

Hogan, A. K., A.B., Hon. Sec. D.U.Z.A. . . 22, 48, 50, 109

Hopkins, W. . . . . . .97

lanthina Communis, on . . . .97

Iceland Gull, capture of, in Ireland . . . .91

Ichthyology of Ireland, addition to . . .36

Insects, Fungi Parasitic, on . . . .55

„ Kerry, Description of . . .59

„ New or Rare, Descriptions of . . . .121

„ Dingle, various notes on . . .50

Ireland, addition to the Icthyology of . . . .36

„ on the Natural History of the South-west of . , 91

Irish, new, Locality for Lophodium Spinosum . . .15

„ Microlepidoptera, Catalogue of . . 109

„ Mollusca, Catalogue of . . .69

„ Lepidoptera, Fungi Parasitic on Larva of . .55

„ Fauna, addition to . . . . .34

Ivory Gull, exhibition of Egg of ... 59

Kerry Insects, notes on . . . 50, 53

„ description of . . .59

Kilkenny, effects of Frost at . . . .88

„ Literary and Scientific Institution . . .88

Kinahan, John Robert, M.B., Hon. Sec. D.N.H.S. . 15, 22, 26

Lamprey, Jones, M.D. . . . . .21

Laridffi, on the Habits and Yarities of . . . . 100

Larus Bonapartii, occurrence of . . .65

,, Canus, Fresh- water Breeding Station of . .20

,, Islandicus, occurrence of . . .91

Larva, Lepidopterous, Cholera-like Disease of . . .19

,, Microlepidoptera, management of ... 106

Lea, J. Walter, Corres. Mem. D.U.Z.A., M.E.S.L. 17, 19, 25, 48: 103

Lepidoptera, notes on the Diurnal, of part of Worcestershire. (Parti) . 17

,, Diurnal, notes on, of part of Worcestershire. (Part 2) . 103

,, directions for Capturing . . . .39

,, Rearing, from the Pupa state, notes on . . 106

,, Micro, on the management of the Larvae and Pupse of . 106

INDEX TO PROCEEDINGS.

PAOK.

Lepidopus Argyreus, probable occurrence of, in Dublin Bay . . 45

Lepidopterous Larva, Cholera-like Disease of . .19

Letter from Dr. Lamprey, Ceylon . . .21

„ J. C. Dale, F.L.S. . . . .115

Librarian, Report of, Armagh Natural History and Philosophical Society . 3

Local Range of Molluscous Animals . . . .31

Lophodium Spinosum, new Irish Locality for . . 15

Merula Torquata (Water Ouzel) . . . .28

Micro Lepidoptera, management of Larvae and Pupae of . . 106

„ „ Catalogue of Irish .... 109

Mollusca, British, on collecting . . . .65

„ „ Catalogue of . . .69

Molluscous Animals, Local Range of . . . .31

Murphy, Professor . . . . .6

„ Joseph ... .86

Native Zoophytes, Lecture on . . .86

Natural History of the South-west of Ireland . . .91

Nerius Tubicola, new to the Irish Fauna . . .34

Norway, the Fiords of . . . .86

Notes of the Greater Shearwater (Puffinus Major), and on the Natural His-
tory of the South-west of Ireland . . .91
„ on the Diurnal Lepidoptera, and on the Sphingidse of part of Worcester-
shire. (Part 2) . . . . .103
„ on the Diurnal Lepidoptera of part of Worcestershire. (Parti) . 17
„ on various Insects captured or observed in the neighbourhood of Dingle,

County Kerry, in July, 1854 . . . .50

Notice of the Axolotl 4

Occurrence of Bonaparte's Gull . . . .65

„ of the Iceland Gull . . . .91

Ogilby, William, F.R.S., M.R.I.A., Corres. Mem. D.U.Z.A. . . 47

Ouzel, Water (Merula Torquata) . . . .28

Parasitic Fungi on Insects, with particular reference to some lately- discovered

Irish Specimens . . . . .55

Pectunculus Glycymeris . . . . .31

Percidae and Serranidae, remarks on . . .36

Pieris Daplidice, remarkable variety of . . .25

Podiceps Auratus, Egg of, found in Ireland . . .20

Probable occurrence of Lepidopus Argyreus in Dublin Bay . . 45

Professor Edward Forbes, Resolution in consequence of the Death of . 21

Puffinus Major, notes on . . . .91
Pupa state, rearing Lepidoptera from .... 106

,, Microlepidoptera, on management of . . 106

INDEX TO PROCEEDINGS. TU

Rare Insects, descriptions of new and .... 121

Rearing Lepidoptera from the Pupa state . • 106

Red Deer, Antlers of . . 36

Relations of Position, Number, Form, and Colour in the Flower . 5

Remarkable variety of Pieris Daplidice . • 25

Remains of Animals at Dunshaughlin . . • .99

Remarks on the Percidse and Serranidas • 36

„ on Cricetus Phseus . . • .46

„ on Anthocaris Belia . .49

Report of the Council of the Armagh Natural History and Philosophical

Society ... .1

,, „ Librarian ,, „ „

„ Annual, of the Council of the Dublin Natural History Society . 8

Resolution in consequence of the Death of Professor Edward Forbes . 21

Robertson, E. G. • 88

Sanders, Gilbert, M.R.D.S. . . . .125

Shield, Robert, Associate Mem. D.U.Z.A. . 106

Sounds, familiar facts connected with . . . .29

Species of Annelida new to Ireland . . . .34

Sphgeria, notes on Irish . . 55

Sphingidae, notes on the, of part of Worcestershire . . . 105

Spirula Peronii, notes on . . . . .97

Sligo, effects of the Frost at . . . .128

The Fiords of Norway . . . . .86

Thompson, Wyville . . . . .86

Tour, Entomological, along the South Shore of Dingle Bay . . 53

Trouton, William . . . . ,36

Varieties, on the, of the Laridse * 100

Variety, remarkable, of Pieris Daplidice . . .25

,, digitate, of Botrychium Lunaria . . .15

Vivaria, aerating Aquatic . . . .17

Wakeman, G. W. . . . 16, 99

Warren, T. W., Hon. Mem. D.U.Z.A. . 28, 65

Warren, R., jun. . . . . .20

Water Ouzel . , . . .28

Watters, John J. . . . .100

Worcestershire, capture of Anthocaris Belia in .48

,, notes on the Diurnal Lepidoptera of part of . 17, 103

Wright, E. Percival, Hon Sec. D.U.Z.A. . . 55, 65, 69

Wynne, Right Hon. John . . . . .128

Zoophytes, Native, Lecture on . . .86

tote.

REVIEWS —

Page 25, 8 line from head, for Chrenberg, read Ehrenberg.
„ 29, 23 ,, „ indistinct „ distinct.

„ 39, 12 „ „ medical „ Vegetable.

„ 55, 6 „ „ is

„ 59, 3 line from foot

21

n.
51.

„ 76, 13

head

Trinchomenus read Anchomenus.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES —

Page 53, Foot note, the references are inverted.
,, 54, 17 line from head, for bicolor read bicolon.

57, 16

„ 58, 13
„ 60, 8
„ 62, 26
,,118, 4
„ 119, 20
„ 124, 23

foot
head

M

foot

head

Aphidce read Apidae.

muxologicorum read mycologicum.

Cryptogam marum read Cryptogammicarum,

Hepnum read Hypnum.

bicolor ,, bicolon.

mouth ,, front.

definitely ,, definitively.

arenosus ,, arenarius.

bicolor ,, bicolon.

Jjratttfohigs 0f j&sadm.

ARMAGH NATURAL HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHICAL
SOCIETY.

OCTOBER 18, 1854.

Rev. Dr. ROMNEY ROBINSON, in the Chair.
The Secretary read the following Report for the year 1854 : —
A stranger to our Society might ask regarding it such questions as these — What
is the Society ? what does it attempt ? what is it doing ?

It is considered that an annual report furnishes a proper opportunity for replying
to such inquiries, affording to the members occasion to review the past, and to the
Society a means of exhibiting anew its character, advantages, and claims.

Union is strength, and men act the more cheerfully from acting in concert.
Many objects may be accomplished by conjoined effort which baffle individual
exertion. Proceeding on these principles, the members of this Society have united
themselves together for common purposes, casting their respective acquirements
into a common store — a store which possesses this peculiar property, that the more
largely it is drawn from, the larger it becomes ; and the Committee cannot too
strongly impress upon the members what, indeed, reason would suggest, and the
experience of this and every similar institute proves, that in order to healthy,
vigorous, and sustained action, there must be general exertion towards individual
improvement and common progress.

But are the objects in view worthy of such union? What is to be done? Hi-
therto natural history and philosophy have been the fields over which this Society
has sought to expatiate. In the one department the classification and arrangements,
the uses and the beauty of the material creation come under notice ; in the other,
the human mind turns* inward upon itself, investigates its own character, and
analyzes its own phenomena. In the one, the sphere of observation is so wide and so
easily accessible that every one may occupy a place ; in the other, each inquirer has
the subject of examination within himself. In the one, there is a variety like that
of England's Great Exhibition, where the mind was at first bewildered by the mul-
titude of objects ; in the other, there is variety like that of the clouds, where the
scene is ever shifting, yet this very variety restrained by specific laws. In the
one, thei*e is a rich universe without, and physical science bids us look upon it, to
understand, admire, and adore its Great Author ; in the other, there is an universe
of thought within, and the metaphysical inquirer needs no costly apparatus, and has
no tedious waiting for seasons of observation. Each is a gold field where all may
search and all find treasure — where no quarrel need exist as to division of territory,
and in which, as elsewhere, patience is sometimes rewarded with the richest dis-
coveries in ground that has been already explored.

The Society has this year extended the sphere of its exertion. At the annual
meeting, held 4th October, archseoloey was added to its objects ; notice of the pro-
posal having been duly given by Dr. Riggs. There are, doubtless, minds between
which and this branch of interesting investigation there is a strong affinity, and by
their enlistment, an accession to our resources may be expected with confidence.

And what, it is asked, has been done ? To this the Committee are in a position
to reply with unmingled satisfaction, that the progress of the Society during the
past year, if not rapid, has been uniform and steady — an addition of literai-y and
VOL. ii. a

2 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

scientific works has been made to the library, and a considerable increase to the
membership can now be reported. Numerical power does not, indeed, constitute
our real strength, unless, as it is hoped and believed in this case, our new associates
bring to the pursuits of the Society earnestness of mind, and habits of vigorous and
continued application.

In the latter part of 1853, monthly conversaziones were proposed as likely to
stimulate and improve the members. The new year was commenced with these
meetings, and the plan has been carried out with great spirit and advantage. The
attention of the members has been successively turned to such objects as u The
Armagh Marble," u The Atmosphere," " Gold, and what effects are likely to result
from its increased supplies," " Coal, what is it?" " The Geology of Armagh and
its neighbourhood." Much information has been conveyed, and deep interest
awakened, as may be inferred from the fact that the last-named topic formed the
subject of three conversaziones. The advantages of such meetings are obvious.
Those who might shrink from the elaborate preparation of a paper, can thus con-
vey the results of their reading and observation, and either remove difficulties or
give explanations with all the freedom of ordinary intercourse. Familiarity with
the vocabulary of science is acquired, and the power of conveying thought by speech
is cultivated and improved. He who estimates aright the proportion of his ideas
derived from conversation will fully appreciate the excellence of this arrangement.

The energies of the Society have not been flowing in this direction only, several
papers having been read by its members. A subject of deep interest to us as Irishmen
was vigorously and clearly treated by Mr. Kay, in an essay on "Self-reliance, in
relation to the Improvement of Ireland." Attention was gracefully and ably called
by the Rev. Wm. Anderson to u the advantages to be derived by non-professional
men, from an acquaintance with the principles of Mental Science." With his
accustomed practical interest in the Society's operations, the Rev. George Robinson
delivered a deeply-interesting lecture on u Botany ;" followed by the Rev. Mr.
M'Alister, in a valuable paper on the subject of u Light." An essay by the Rev.
Wm. Henderson, on " First Truths, their character and importance," formed the
last of these important contributions — the only thing to be regretted about any of
them being the limited attendance of the members and their friends.

It will be seen that among these, two lecturers entered upon the Society's philo-
sophical department. It is hoped that others will follow in the same direction.
Kight views of the science of mind are of the last importance to the successful cul-
tivation of any other science. As foolish it would be to suppose that a man can
be a good astronomer who does not understand the nature and construction of his
telescopes, as to expect any branch of physics to be pursued with accuracy and
success without a due acquaintance with the mental instrument by which the objects
of all the sciences alike are defined, arranged, and measured.

The expectation of a course of lectures on u Geology," during the year, was
confidently entertained, application having been duly made to the Royal Dublin
Society 'From peculiar circumstances, however, in connection with the election
of the Committee for provincial lectures, the result of that application has not yet
been officially notified. Your Committee do not, however, abandon the hope of
such a course, the advantages of which, if duly appreciated, must be obvious.

The necessity of affording to the country members increased facilities for pro-
curing books from the library, and the propriety of opening the reading-room
every evening in the week, having been brought under the consideration of
the Committee, these subjects were referred to the opinion of the members
specially convened for that purpose. The Committee recommended that a paid
officer should be appointed for the purpose of taking charge of the library
and reading-room, that the reading-room should be open to the members
from seven to ten o'clock every evening, and that on Tuesdays, for the more
especial convenience of country members, the library and reading-room should
be accessible during the hours of one and four o'clock. The Committee feel
great pleasure m stating that these suggestions were unanimously approved of
by the members ; and since the appointment of such officer, and the introduction of
these arrangements, the advantages connected with the reading-room have been,
and are more highly appreciated, and the books in the library more sought after

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. O

than hitherto. With reference to the more regular and convenient supply of books
from the library, the Committee contemplate making some further improvement,
so that every facility of obtaining them may be afforded to the members. Among
subjects, such as the u Flax-plant," " the Linen Manufacture," and others of direct
practical bearing on daily life around us, there is a wide field of profitable inquiry
yet, so far as we are concerned, unexplored ; and fully sensible of the important
aid the friends and members from the country can render, everything that can be
done has been thus attempted to engage their co-operation, and the Committee an-
ticipate the result with hope and confidence.

There is still cause of regret in the Society's limited accommodation, owing to
which the extension of the museum is seriously impeded. This is to be deplored
from the importance of this appendage to an Institute like ours, but especially
from the fact, that many members are prepared to present to the Society interesting
specimens in geology, natural history, and antiquities ; and from the want of pro-
per accommodation, the Society is not in a position to avail itself of the kind offer.
However, during the past year, some difficulties that threatened the well-being of
the Society have been overcome, and a very large amount of prosperity has been
enjoyed 5 and with a cheerful and hopeful spirit would we anticipate the removal of
this and every other obstacle that lies in the way of future usefulness and efficiency.
The museum is specially desirable as a means of interesting those who, from many
circumstances, might not be able to watch the progress of the Society for any length
of time, but to whom a collection, such as is easily attainable by us, would present
tangible and distinct evidence of progress and position.

Having thus given a view of what is being done, the Committee would bespeak
not only an increased but extended interest in behalf of this Society. It is true
that the defence of the liberties of Europe has imperatively demanded the best and
bravest of Britain's sons ; and it is true that all men look with thrilling interest to
the issues of the strife ; but, if knowledge be power — and we know it is — there is all
the more reason why we should seek the peaceful triumphs of knowledge. Who knows
not that extending science has diminished to an amazing extent the loss of human
life in actual war ? Enlightenment at home must ever strengthen our power abroad.
And who can tell what impulses may be communicated to minds even by efforts
such as ours ? Edward Gibbon beguiled the hours of his sickly youth with such
books of history as came in his way, till the foundation was laid on which rested
his great work, " The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire." Clarkson wrote
a prize essay in Cambridge on the subject of Slavery. His energetic mind was
aroused in the process of preparation, and he asked himself, at last, u must not
some one begin the attempt ? Might not I ?" And the answer to the question was
seen in the mighty movement at the close of which Britain laid twenty millions of
money on the altar of freedom ! And who can tell what intellects among us, yet to
be powerful for good, may be now receiving into their virgin soil the seed of actions
of which history shall, in future days, take charge ? And if not — if no future Arago,
or Owen, should be among us — yet the aggregate of human happiness shall not be
unincreased. In pursuits like ours there is a present reward. As the coral insect
continues to build, without knowing the beautiful isle of which it is laying the
foundation, so let us labour, and One there is who will evolve the proper issues.

Extraordinary activity now marks the human mind in the pursuit of the true,
the beautiful, and the useful. Though the caloric ship has not crossed the Atlantic,
the north-west passage has been discovered. This very activity, however, needs to
be guided, directed aright, and controlled. The circumstance of being in an associ-
ation where the mature experience of some may temper and direct the ardour of
others, is favourable to useful exertion ; and with motives to effort so powerful, and
encouragements so abounding, the fault must be our own if we reap not both plea-
sure and profit.

T. R ROBINSON, CHAIRMAN.
B. P. DAVIDSON, SECRETARY.

The Librarian, also, read the following report : —

LIBRARY.

MR. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN — In presenting you with a report of the
library and reading department of our Society, I regret I cannot lay before you a

4 PROCEEDINGS OF SOC1KTIKS.

regular statistical statement of the actual number of times that the lending volumes
in the library have been lent out, because the figures would give you no adequate
idea of tho state of matters in this respect. During the past year there has been
much irregularity, in consequence of members detaining some of our very best
books longer than the time allowed by the Society, and continuing to detain them
after having been noticed to return them. Although this state of things has caused
many complaints, I am happy to be able to inform you that a decided improvement
has taken place during the last two or three months, and the books are now being
circulated more regularly among the members.

At the close of the year 1853, the number of persons taking out books from the
library was 62 ; at the close of the present year, the number is 98, showing an in-
crease of 36.

Several volumes have been added to the library during the past year. In the
year ending October, 1853, there were 273 volumes in the library ; in the year just
ended, there are 325 volumes — being an increase of 52 volumes.

BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHICAL
SOCIETY.

NOVEMBER 1, 1854.
Dr. ANDREWS, President, in the Chair.

Dr. Dickie read a notice on specimens of the axolotl, from the Lake of Mexico,
where it is abundant, and is highly prized as an article of food. It belongs to the
perenni-branchiate reptiles, so called from the persistence of gills which co-exist
with the usual pulmonary or air-breathing apparatus. The axolotl in general
appearance resembles the tadpole of the common water salamander, but is much
larger — being, when fully grown, eight or nine inches long. Cuvier examined two
young individuals procured by Humboldt, and came to the conclusion that it might
be the immature or tadpole state of a gigantic salamander. This idea he subse-
quently abandoned ; the view in question is still, however, held by some zoologists.
Dr. Dickie entered into details regarding the organization of the axolotl, and of
the perenni-branchiates generally.

Mr. Mac Adam exhibited specimens of sandstone from Scrabo, having upon them
ripple marks similar to what may be observed at the present time on sandy beaches,
and which were evidently produced by the action of sea water many thousand years
ago.

Dr. Dickie stated that he had observed in the east of Scotland similar markings
on recent dry sand at some distance from the sea, and which had been caused by
the action of the wind.

NOVEMBER 15, 1854.
Dr. STEVELLY, V.P., in the Chair.

The President of the Society, Dr. Andrews, read a paper on the Art of Photo-
graphy. After alluding to the early attempts of Wedgwood and Davy to copy the
fleeting picture of the camera, by receiving it on a sensitive chemical surface, which,
although attended with partial success, led to no practical result, from the impos-
sibility of subsequently fixing the picture, the author gave a short historical account
of the more recent discoveries of St. Victor, Daguerre, and Talbot — the two latter
of whom especially may be considered as the founders of the present art of photo-
graphy. The processes now chiefly in use for obtaining light pictures were then
briefly described, and the chemical actions which accompany them explained. The
causes of the imperfections in photographic representations of natural objects were
fully considered— one of the most important of which arises from the circumstance

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 5

that certain visible portions of the solar spectrum produce scarcely any effect upon
the sensitive surfaces usually employed, while other portions of the spectrum, which
produce no impression upon the organs of vision, act with great energy upon the
same surfaces. In conclusion, the many interesting applications which this art has
already received were shortly alluded to.

An interesting discussion followed the reading of this paper, in which Doctor
Dickie, Professor Stevelly, Mr. MacAdam, and other members took part.

DECEMBEK 6, 1854.
Dr. DICKIE, V.P., in the Chair.

Mr. Stephen Archer read a paper on the Geography of the Ancient Greeks. It
commenced by noticing the inferiority of the ancient Greeks to the Phenicians in the
art of navigation, and in a knowledge of the earth's surface — the prevalent opinion
being that round the dry land there existed a circumfluent ocean, from which the
principal rivers flowed into the Mediterranean, and that, on the outer boundaries
of the ocean, there was a chaos or mixture of the elements. Allusion was then
made to the opinions of Homer, Hesiod, Thales, and Anaximander — the last of
whom may be considered as the founder of geographical science. He was the first
to form a map or chart, which he had engraved on a tablet of brass. The rivalry
of the Greek and Phenician navigators was then noticed. A short abstract was
given of the chapter of Herodotus on Scy thia ; and a comparison was made of the
tribes mentioned by him — viz., the Scythians, Cimmerians, Sarmatians, Anthro-
pophagi, Argasippi, Tauri, &c., with the present inhabitants of the Russian
empire. The Ural and Altai mountains, so celebrated for their produce of gold,
were mentioned by Herodotus, but he did not give their names. The Tauric
Chersonesus, or modern Crimea, with its Greek settlements and interesting legends,
was then adverted to ; also Sinope, and the warlike nation of Amazons. The paper
concluded with an inquiry into the origin and language of the Turks, and allusion
was made to the Mantchous, Tungusians, and ether inhabitants of Northern Asia.

DECEMBER 20, 1854.
ROBERT MACADAM, Esq., V.P., in the Chair.

Before commencing the business, resolutions were adopted, expressing the deep
sorrow felt by the Society for the lamented death of one of their most distinguished
Honorary Members, Professor Edward Forbes, of the University of Edinburgh ; and
the Secretary was directed to transmit a copy of the resolutions to the bereaved
family of the Professor. A paper was then read by Dr. Dickie on the " Relations of
Position, Number, Form, and Colour in the Flower." Proofs were, in the first
place, adduced that all the parts of the flower are homotypes with the leaf; the
transition from leaf to bract, from the bract to the calyx, and from the latter to the
corolla, being often sufficiently obvious. The ovarium or seed-vessel, in general
aspect, frequently presents a nearer approach to the leaf- type than some other parts
of the flower ; in the stamen the relation to the leaf is frequently not so evident ;
in the water-lily and allied plants the stamens, however, have an obvious resem-
blance to the petals, and in double flowers all are alike. The law of the spiral
regulates the position of leaves, their alternation being thus explained — The
opposite and whorled positions of leaves in some plants are modifications of the
alternate, owing to shortening of the axis. The flower and its parts consist of a
series of whorls upon a short axis, and, as in whorls of leaves, those of each series
stand opposite to the spaces between those in the next, so that the pieces of the calyx
alternate with those of the corolla, and so throughout, and no plant is known in
which all are opposite to each other. Relations of number are not less evident ; the
two great types of flowering plants called exogens or dicotyledons, and endogens
or monocotyledons, have the parts of their flowers regulated principally by the
numbers, five and three, respectively — presenting thus an interesting relation be-
tween the structure of the flower and that of the stem, of the leaf, and of the seed.
When the pieces of the calyx and of the corolla are of the same size and form,

6 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

these parts are called regular, when not so, they are irregular ; some forms of the
latter are peculiar to certain natural families, and we observe fixed conditions of
form and colour. The colours of plants are regulated by generally understood
principles — viz., that a certain primary colour is associated with a certain secondary,
which is its complement — that is to say, the two together contain all the elements
of white or compound light. Relations of structure of position, and of number,
have long been familiar to botanists ; such betweeen colour and form are not less
obvious and interesting. In regular corollas there is not only uniformity in the
size and shape of the different pieces, but also in the distribution of the colour or
colours, when, as is often the case, two are present, and these two a primary and its
complement. When the corolla is irregular, so also is the distribution of the colours ;
and in flowers whose parts are arranged on the quinary type, the piece, called by
botanists the odd lobe, may be usually distinguished by its colour, which differs
from that of the others.

CORK CUVIERIAN SOCIETY.

DECEMBER 6, 1854.
PROFESSOR BOOLE, LL.D., in the Chair.
Professor Murphy read the following paper

ON THE ANACHARIS ALSINASTRUM,

And produced some specimens taken from the Bishop's brook. The plant is a
native of Canada and other parts of North America, in which five or six species are
found. This weed has attracted a good deal of public attention in England during
the past few years, from its tendency to choke up drains and obstruct the navigation
of canals and rivers. The species (alsinastrum) is said to have been first observed
in Britain, in 1842, by Dr. George Johnston, of Berwick, who found it growing
in the lake at Dunse Castle, in Berwickshire. It was also discovered in the Junc-
tion Canal, at Market Harborough, in Leicestershire. Attention was drawn to it
by Mr. Babington, in a paper read before the Botanical Society of Edinburgh, in
December, 1847. It was next observed by Mr. Marshall, of Cambridgeshire, in
August, 1852, at which time it was also noticed by many persons in different parts
of England. He thinks it was introduced by a seed, or a portion of the living plant
attached to timber floating down some of the rivers of Canada. Mr. Babington
thinks it may have been introduced with aquatic plants from America. The
Anacharis, when once introduced, would, in a few years, spread into any connected
water system from one end to the other, and is thus supposed to have been dissemi-
nated through the midland districts of England. A bit of it was planted in Cam-
bridge Botanical Gardens, whence it got into the Cam, and it needs no longer be
sought for ; it may be found everywhere, in more or less quantity, from Cam-
bridgeshire downwards, choking up the mouths of docks, sluices, and narrow
watercourses, and in the upper portions of the river, impeding both navigation and
drainage. If it should continue in anything like the same ratio as it has done, the
upper parts of the river will no longer be able to pass their waters to the sea, and
the navigation interest may surrender to the railways what little remains to them
of the carrying trade. That it is already a source of annoyance to our watermen
is evident by the universal complaints which have been made of the obstructed state
of the River Cam. Sluice-keepers complain that masses of it get into the pen, and
when the slackers are drawn, the openings are choked, and the operation of letting
boats through is greatly impeded. The railway dock at Ely became so choked with
the weed that the boats could not enter until several tons of it had been lifted out.
Rowers, too, found it interfere with their amusements ; and swimmers remarked

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 7

that it clung to them like " scratchweed," and that if they were overtaken by a
lump of it, they were likoly to be entangled and dragged by it into deep water.
Even the fishermen complained that they could no longer ply their nets so freely as
they were wont, and discontinued setting their hook-lines — z'.e., lines laid across the
river with a series of hooks attached — because the " new weed" either carried them
away bodily or stripped them of their baits and fish. Lastly, the drainage was
seriously impeded. So much for the " behaviour," to adopt the expression of Mr.
Marshall's, "of the Anacharis alsinastrum in England." As respected the origin
of the specimen exhibited, Mr. Murphy said his son had brought a small piece of
it, with other aquatic plants, in 1850, from Trinity College Botanic Gardens. These he
planted in a small pond, fed by a spring which issued from the lands of Ballygaggin,
and which pond was intended "to contain the aquatic plants of the proposed botanical
collection of the School Farm. The Anacharis was forgotten, but in the following
summer it appeared, forming a dense tuft, a beautiful object, at the bottom of the
pond. It extended itself rapidly, and by the autumn had nearly occupied the
whole of the little reservoir, which was then cleared of it 5 but it soon recovered
possession, and, at length, overpowered and destroyed all the other aquatics. The
overflow of the pond falls into the Bishopstown stream, and there, especially in the
still parts of it, as in the bathhouse beneath Mr. Haycroft's nursery, it has esta-
blished itself. In the more rapidly-flowing parts it has insinuated itself amongst the
stones at the bottom, but does not appear able to master the current. It is not
found higher up the stream than the point where the water discharges itself from
the pond ; and, fortunately, as this is so near the sea, it cannot, from the locality,
extend itself injuriously, as it has done in England. Its introduction into Ireland
is also attended with mystery. The Anacharis belongs to the monocotyledonous
class, and is dioecious — in other words, staminiferous and seed-bearing blossoms are
produced on separate plants. The English plants are all female; but not having
seen it in flower in Ireland, he was unable to say whether it is male or female, or
both. Every bit of it is capable of throwing out roots and forming a distinct plant.
Anacharis belongs to the natural family Hydrocharidacea, which includes, amongst
numerous others, the interesting Vallisneria spiralis, which, like Anacharis, bears
seed and staminiferous flowers on different plants, and concerning which the beau-
tiful fiction has been invented of the stamina-bearing flowers ascending to the surface
of the water, being separated from their stalks, and floating with the current
amongst the style-producing flowers. Being anxious to ascertain its value as
manure, he had asked Dr. Blyth to determine the amount of its contained nitrogen
and phosphoric acid, and the result, which was much more favourable to it as a
manure than he anticipated, was, that in its wet state, as taken from the water, it
contained 0.24 per cent, of nitrogen, and, when dried, rather more than 3 per cent.
It contained a considerable amount of lime, and a very little phosphoric acid, in
the shape of phosphate of iron. The per centage of nitrogen would lead us to
expect very beneficial results from its application as manure. Farm-yard manure,
as determined by Boussingault, contained, when dried, only 2 per cent, of nitrogen
— in the wet state, 0.40. The Anacharis, as taken from the water, and merely
shaken, contains 90 per cent, of water ; but the farm-yard manure examined by
Boussingault contained as much as 80 per cent, of water. The Anacharis, in its
moist state, contains, weight for weight, nearly as much nitrogen as the straw of
corn in its ordinary dry state ; and a very valuable application of this plant would,
therefore, be, should it ever become sufficiently abundant, to use it as a bedding for
cattle — for which purpose it would become sufficiently dry in a very short time iu
fine weather.

Dr. Porter exhibited a curious growth in the branch of a laburnum tree — the
lower part of the tree being thin, while the upper part was thick, and threw out
several branches. This the learned doctor attributed to damage done to the surface
of the branch, and the juice thus obstructed caused the unnatural thickness ob-
servable.

PltOCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

DUBLIN NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.

NOVEMBER 17, 1854.
DOCTOR CHOKER, M.R.I.A., in the Chair.

The preliminary business having been disposed of, the donations sent to the
Society during the recess were laid on the table.

Thanks having been returned to the donors, Mr. Andrews, Honorary Secretary,
read the Annual Report of the Council.

The sixteenth Annual Report of the Society is now submitted ; and, taking
into consideration the circumstances of the last twelve months, your Council have
every reason to be satisfied with the position the Society maintains. The steady
support given by the members is most gratifying, and the interest and usefulness
of the subjects brought forward during the past session, the following general out-
line of the proceedings will convey :— The first ordinary meeting of the session was
held in the month of December, 1853, at which Dr. Kinahan gave a paper " On
the occurrence of the Reddish-grey Bat (Vespertilio Nattered)." In that paper Dr.
Kinahan remarked on the very limited knowledge we possess of the bats of this
country — animals whose habits were but little known and but little studied. At the
time, Dr. Kinahan considered this to be the second record of its occurrence in this
country — the first being brought to the notice of the Society by F. M'Coy, Esq., in
1845, who presented it from G. Mangan Esq., and as the first record of its capture
in Ireland, having been killed at the Scalp, county of Dublin, near Enni^kcrry.
The specimens obtained by Dr. Kinahan were from Levitstown, county of Kildare,
where he, at the same time, captured the Pipistrelle bat (Scotophilus murinus). It
adds much to the interest of a collection, when the habits and peculiarities of
objects brought to notice are accurately noted, as in the instance of the paper com-
municated by Dr. Kinahan. The habits of the Pipistrelle bat, he observes, differ
much from that of Nattered ; its flight and turns are more rapid and sudden — its
cry shriller — much more wary and dodging in avoiding capture, and still more
remarkable from that of Nattereri by its foetid odour. The Pipistrelle appeared of
less common occurrence — impatient, squealing, and vindictive when captured ;
while Natterer's bat was gentle, submitting to be handled without biting, and
merely gaping with its mouth, uttering a low chirp. At a former meeting Dr.
Kinahan had submitted a specimen of a bat, of which he had some doubts as to the
species ; and now, on comparing the characteristics of Nattereri, he was inclined
to consider its characters to partake both of Vespertilio Daubentonii, and V.
mystacinus, Bell. In conclusion, he submitted a local list of the animals of a part
of Carlow, Kildare, and the Queen's County, from the observations of F.
Haughton, Esq. Mr. Andrews, one of the Honorary Secretaries, then gave a paper
u On an Addition to the Ornithology of Great Britain." In the introductory part
of the statement, he alluded to the climate, geological features, and peculiarities of
seasons, as affecting much the geographical distribution of animals and plants.
The south-west of Ireland, from its extreme western position and temperature,
possessed many of the characteristics of the western shores of Portugal and Spain ;
hence, many instances of local peculiarities had been noticed in the botany, ichthy-
ology, and marine animals of the coasts, identical with those of the Pyrenees, and of
the shores of Portugal and the Mediterranean. The present notice, however, was
one of far greater interest than any that had hitherto been recorded as a visitor to
this country. It was that of the membranaceous duck (Malacorynchus membrana-
ceus), a native of Australia, and of rather local occurrence in that country. Six

of these singular birds were observed, during very severe weather in the month of
February, feeding on the soft slob in Castlemaine Bay, county of Kerry ; and the
beautiful specimen which Mr. Andrews submitted was the only one shot out of the
flock. The continued severity of the weather prevented further approach to them

during the time the birds were observed in that bay. Until this most singular
occurrence of this bird on the shores of Kerry, it was not known but in Australia.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Mr. Andrews described the characteristics of this hand some duck, deriving its name
from the loose, angular skin attached to the upper mandibles. It is termed
" Wrongi" in New South Wales, and known as the pink-eyed duck by the colonists
of Swan River. At the same time was also noticed the capture of the dusky
petrel (Puffinus obscurus), in the month of May of the same year, off the Island of
Valencia ; and also the obtaining, in Dingle Bay, the young of the greater shear-
water (Puffinus major), but termed Puffinus fuliginosus of Strickland, and, at the
time, considered to be distinct from the great shearwater (Puffinus cinereus). Mr.
K. J. Montgomery exhibited a specimen of the great cinereous shrike (Lanius
excubitor), and the black-cap warbler (Motacilla atricapilla), both shot by him
in Beaulieu Wood, county of Louth. The shrike, or butcher-bird, was the fifteenth
of its record in Ireland. Mr. Andrews noticed that it had been communicated to
him by Mr. Blackburn, of Valencia, that the turnstone (Strepsilas interpres), with
four young ones, unable to fly, were taken, in the month of June, near the old
revenue station, in that Island, being confirmatory of the breeding of that bird in
Ireland. At the meeting, in the month of January, of this year, Professor Allman
stated some observations that he had made on a remarkable peculiarity of the ad-
ventitious roots of " Jussiasa Grandiflora." The remarkable condition he
observed, was in a specimen of this plant which grew in the College
Botanical Gardens. Some of the roots which proceed from the nodes of the
stem, instead of growing downwards, so as to fasten themselves in the mud in
the bottom of the water in which the plant grows, assume an ascending
direction, and grow into the air, where they present a very remarkable appear-
ance, looking Jike portions of rush-pith attached to the stem of the plant.
A microscopical examination of these roots exhibited peculiar structures of ex-
ceedingly delicate stellate cells — the intercellular spaces constituting air chambers
of a very remarkable character in the vegetable kingdom. In the woody fibres
of the same plant, Professor Allman discovered the remarkable peculiarity of
their being filled with starch granules — a state of prosenchymatous tissue almost
unique in the vegetable kingdom. This was followed by a paper from Mr.
Andrews " On the Harbour Fish of the south-west coast of Ireland," principally
relating to those fish that were permanent residents in harbours and estuaries,
and those that visited such localities for the purposes of spawning. He alluded
to the great attraction and interest afforded in the Zoological Gardens of
London, by the arrangement of those extensive tanks in the vivaria, where the
habits, modes of progression, and the seeking of food, which influence marine
animals, form a pleasing study to the accurate observer, who is thus enabled
to detect important facts in their economy and habits, which the silent depths of
their haunts veil from inquiry, and render observation of, conjectural. In the enu-
meration of the several genera and species, Mr. Andrews described the habits,
characters, and localities of some rare and beautiful species he had obtained on
the south-west coast, and concluded by noticing positions where extensive store-
ponds could be formed, and in which the habits, and spawning states of our deep-
water marine fish could be traced, and where not alone important physiological
facts could be arrived at, but the accumulation of stores of fish, which would
be available at seasons as a valuable traffic. Mr. Callwell said, the subject
brought forward was one of great interest and value, both to the scientific and to
the practical. He could confirm, with regard to the fisheries, how useful the for-
mation of such store-ponds would be. At the Island of Innistrahull, about six
miles from Malin Head, off the coast of Donegal, the islanders supplied vessels
with fish on passing the island. They had fine whale boats ; and during the
fishing seasons brought the fish alive, which they placed in a store-pond, naturally
formed in the island ; and they were thus prepared to put turbot and other prime
fish on board the steamers on the passage from Sligo to Glasgow, or to Liverpool.
Mr. Ffennell, Commissioner of Fisheries, commented on the importance of the
concluding part of Mr. Andrews's statements ; and as bearing on the artificial pro-
pagation of fish, he noticed the operations carrying on in the salmon fisheries of this
country. He read a report communicated by Mr. Buist, of Perth, and stated the
system of the propagation of the ova of the salmon, by Mr. liamsbottom and by
the Messrs. Ashworth, in Lough Corrib, the experiments in progress at St.

10 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

"Wolstnns, and those of Mr. Doherty, at Bushmills. He also alluded to his own ex-
periments at the Custom-house, and described the progressive growth and develop-
ment of the young salmon fry, which had been of such attraction in the Exhibition,
and which were still thriving well. At the meeting in February, Mr. Andrews
again brought forward some notices with regard to the membranaceous duck, as he
hud received reliable statements fully confirmatory of the fortunate circumstance of
its capture in Castlemaine Harbour. He entered more fully into its character and
affinities ; and, through the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Blackburne, of Valencia, he
had the opportunity of exhibiting the specimen of the dusky petrel (Puffinus
ohscurus) which had been caught off Valencia ; also the Manx petrel, and the egg
taken with the nest in the cliffs of the same island. Mr. Andrews also exhibited
the egg of a petrel, which had been brought to him from the smaller Skellig Island,
and which, on being compared with specimens of petrels' eggs in the British
Museum, bore strong resemblance to the egg of Bulwer's petrel (Thalassidroma
Bulweri). Dr. Kinahan, in observing on the interest of the facts of birds breeding
in parts of the country where they were only considered as occasional visitants, men-
tioned his belief that siskins breed in Rath gar and Donnybrook, in the county
Dublin. In Powerscourt woods and in Tipperary, he had met those birds as late
as the end of July. He had no doubt but that the red-wing sometimes bred here,
and likewise the black-cap warbler. The next paper, on the same evening, was by
Dr. Kinahan, " On the Reproduction and Distribution of the Smooth Newt, and
notices of the popular superstitions relating to it." Doctor Kinahan 's attention being
directed to the examination of a great number of these animals in the neigh-
bourhood of Dublin, he had the opportunity of watching the earlier stages of develop-
ment of the only species met there, the smooth Newt (Lissotriton punctatus). These
remarks were with reference to the habits of the smooth Newt, its mode of depositing
its eggs, and development of the ova, and which, closely watching through the dif-
ferent stages, led him to dissent in many points with the conclusions arrived at by
Mr. Higginbotham (whose statements appeared in the u Annals of Natural History"
for the month of December, 1853), and in the belief of Rusconi and others; but
that his observations could corroborate most fully the views of Professor Bell. Dr.
Kinahan then entered into details of the several parts of Ireland and peculiar locali-
ties the smooth Newt most commonly occurred in, mentioning the provincial terms
and superstitions relating to it in different districts. In the month of March, Mr.
Gilbert Sanders gave the result of a series of microscopical examinations of the
genus Desmarestia (the species liirulata), being a marine alga, of common occur-
rence on our coasts, but in which no trace of fructification had hitherto been de-
tected. Mr. Sanders's observations led him to believe that he had detected the
spores, indicative of fructification, in the species ligulata, and he demonstrated the
forms of the tubercles on the pinnse, which he regarded as conceptacles and super-
ficial. If further investigations enabled him to maintain the views he had formed,
there could be no hesitation in removing that genus from the order Sporachnaceae
to Dictyotacea3, or probably the constitution of a new genus. He had not been
able to detect any appearance of fruit in either of the other species — D. aculeata or
D. viridis. Mr. Sanders exhibited and made some remarks on D. pinnitinervia,
which had been added to the marine botany of the country by his friend, Mr.
Sawers, of Londonderry. Dr. Kinahan followed, by a paper u On the Injury done
to fry in fish-ponds and vivaria, by the smooth-tailed stickleback (Gasteros-
teus leiurus)." In this paper, Dr. Kinahan noticed the extreme voracity of the
stickleback, or pinkeen, and gave the observations of C. Brunetti on its destructive
habits in destroying the fry or young of the goldfish, by greedily attacking
and biting away the pectoral and tail- fins of the young fish, and eventually
causing their death. In the review of the habits of the sticklebacks and
their distribution, Doctor Kinahan exhibited much power of observation, so
essential to a naturalist, and an untiring energy in following out the most
minute details of interest on the subject. Common as its distribution would
appear to be, there was a district in the north of Clare, around Feakle,
where it was utterly unknown, even by name, its place being taken by the
smooth loach (Cohitis barbalula) ; and the gudgeon, which, in general, is a local
fish, swarmed there in abundance. The minnow was also unknown there. In the

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 11

neighbouring counties the smooth- tailed stickleback is plentiful. In addition to the
list offish which he had given with reference to the Dodder, he could now add the
introduction of the dace (Lenciscus vulgaris). Mr. Andrews exhibited some
recent specimens of fish, with reference to his paper on the harbour fish of the south-
west coast ; among them were fine specimens of Crenilabrus tinea, C. cornubicus,
and C. gibbus, which were all referable to one species — that of C. tinea. These
were taken in Dingle and Ventry harbours, county of Kerry, and also specimens
of Crenilabrus microstoma, A plant of Scolependrium vulgare (var. marginatum)
was exhibited by Dr. Kinahan, found by him at Tinnehinch, county of Wicklow —
being its first record as Irish. The peculiarities of the forms discovered in England
by Sir W. C. Trevelyan and Mr. Wollaston were mentioned, and a series of spe-
cimens, illustrative of the remarks, exhibited. In the month of April, Mr. Ffennell,
Commissioner of Fisheries, submitted very full details with regard to the salmon fish-
eries of this country, and dwelt very forcibly on the great importance of scientific
inquiry in the promotion of practical knowledge. He mentioned the interest taken
in the experiments he was carrying out in the growth of the young salmon fry, and
which induced a Dr. Merron, Professor of Anatomy in one of the London colleges,
to visit Dublin, for the purpose of understanding the system of those operations.
Dr. Merron was interested in the formation of a company for the object of trans-
porting the ova, and propagating the salmon in the rivers of New Zealand. In com-
menting on the failures last season of the experiments of the Messrs. Ashworth, he
alluded to some peculiarities in the habits of the male and female salmon in the
spawning season. Under the aid of the Board of Public Works, he had projected
a salt-water enclosure at Kingstown, and he doubted not but that the young fry
would there thrive, and reach mature growth when transported at the proper season.
He was satisfied that enclosures of inlets and estuaries on our coasts, might be con-
verted into valuable fish parks. Mr. Andrews made some observations on
the restocking of our rivers by artificial means, and alluded to the causes
affecting lakes and rivers, which might influence the seasons of the early and late
breeding fish, and of the periods of their condition. Mr. Andrews then made
some slight allusions to the Syngnathidas, or Pipe-fish family, and mentioned that
several that he had obtained on the south-west coast were identical with the species
occurring on the shores of Finland and in the Baltic, particularly the two varieties
of S typhle. Dr. Kinahan then read a paper u On the Abnormal Forms of
Ferns." In this statement he elaborately entered into the characteristics of aberrant
forms of variety and subvariety, of permanent and non-permanent continuities, and
of the peculiarities of venation, division of frond and fertility, submitting a very
extensive list of these forms of the several species of British ferns. At the meeting
in May, Mr. Williams, in presenting to the museum specimens of game fowl from
Ceylon, made remarks on the peculiarities of the breed, which differed in the
carriage of the tail from all the known varieties of domesticated poultry. He
noticed the distinctive characters of the Cingalese fowl ; and, if disposed tospeciilate
on that question, might be inclined to refer the Ceylon fowl to the Gallus furcatus,
which is wild in Ceylon. Mr. R. J. Montgomery made some remarks on the pecu-
liarity of locality of the nest of the cole-titmouse (Parus ater), and upon that of the
little grebe (Podiceps minor). Dr. Kinahan called the attention of the Society to
two bats presented by him, and upon which he had formerly made remarks, refer-
ring one obtained by him in the county of Clare, in 1852, to Vespertilio Dau-
bentonii ; the other, obtained in the county of Kildare, in 1853, to V. Nattereri ;
though, at the same time, he pointed out differences from the description of that
bat. He now, through the kind assistance of Professor Bell, could refer the one
captured in Clare to the Vespertilio mystacinus, a species new to Ireland, and the
other bats to V. Daubentonii. Thus the Society's collection included V. Nattereri,
V. mystacinus, and V. Daubentonii — the two first being as yet unique as Irish.
Doctor Farran followed, with a paper " On Helix pisaua, audits localities." In
presenting a beautiful series of the shells of this local mollusca (designated cin-
genda) to the Society, he was anxious to clear up the vagueness of its hitherto-
named localities, by reducing to a certainty the extent of its distribution as an Irish
species. He gave some details with regard to this beautiful shell, and observed that
it may be obtained atLaytown, Bettystown, and up to Drogheda— these places being

1 2 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

continuous with Knockangin. On the strand of Knockangin, near Balbriggan,
Scalaria Turtoni had been found, and named in honour of Dr. Turton. Dr. Kinahan
had obtained Helix pisana rather abundantly near Baltrae, on the north side of the
Boyne, and also very fine specimens on the south side of the Boyne. Dr. Kinahan,
on the same evening, gave a continuation of his paper " On the Abnormal Forms of
Ferns," bearing out his former observations, and adducing many views in support of
a systematic arrangement of all those varied departures from the original type which
their several gradations might justify. Mr.Williams then made some remarks on the
opinions advanced by Mr. Ffennell at the last meeting, with reference to the habits
and periods of spawning of the salmon, and read a communication that had been
forwarded to him by a gentleman experienced in the river fisheries of the south,
more especially those of the Bandon river. The next month, June, Mr. Andrews
gave a paper, u Observations on the Salmon, the Parr, and the Gravelling." This
paper was a review of the several opinions that had been given upon the subject at
the two previous meetings, and of the observations that Mr. Andrews had made on
the habits of the salmon and on the peculiarit;es of the western rivers, noted by him
from his inquiries in connection with the fisheries. Some confusion prevailed with
reference to the young fry, in classing all the young states of the salmonidaa as the
parr or gravelling, and such to be the young of the salmon. Sufficient distinction
had not been understood as to the characters of the young salmon fry, nor as to the
periods of their several changes of growth. Most of the salmonida? and species of
trout presented very strikingly in the young state the peculiarity of the transverse
bars ; and Mr. Andrews was satisfied, that in many of the clear, gravelly, and swift-
running trout streams of this country, a species similar to the description of the
parr, figured in Yarrell, having the dark spots on the gill-covers and the trans-
verse bars, were to be met at all seasons, and that they were distinct from
the young of the salmon, at the same time ; in those rivers frequented by
salmon, the salmon fry, at different stages of growth throughout the year, exhibit
the transverse bars, and dark spots on the gill-covers. The practised eye of the
scientific ichthyologist can at once detect the symmetry of form, and peculiarity of the
pectoral and caudal fins, that distinguish the young of the salmon before assuming
the smolt state. These views, however, have fully appeared in the proceedings of
the Society, and which Mr. Andrews at the meeting illustrated by a complete series
of the specimens of the young of the salmon in its early stage and in its migratory
dress, and also the parr ; the young of the white trout and of the brown trout,
brought from the Bandon river, county Cork ; the Laune and Caragh rivers, Kerry ;
and the Greece, in Carlow. Dr. Kinahan, in connection with the subject (the
spawning of fish), exhibited recent specimens of the nidus and ova of the smooth-
tailed stickleback, taken the previous day in the Dodder. He gave an account
of the habits of this little fish on the spawning ground, and its extreme pugnacity in
defending the nest. Further observations made by Dr. Kinahan on ferns and
their varieties, and his examination of the extensive collections of Dr. Allchin and
G. B. Wollaston, Esq., had cleared his doubts as to how far varieties combine
inter se. Dr. Farran expressed a hope that a greater number of ornithological facts
would be in store for the ensuing session, and mentioned the occurrence of a flock
of male wheatears he had noticed at Knockangin, in April last, feeding in the man-
ner of flycatchers, and the singular fact of the total disappearance of the Brent
goose (Anser Brenta) from the Dublin market. These proceedings and remarks
terminated the session ; and your Council trust that the Society has maintained
throughout the transactions its course in a scientific as well as in a popular style,
and that the subjects on the natural history of this country, brought before the meet-
ings, have proved original, useful, and instructive.

On being moved by K. Callwell, Esq., and seconded by Doctor Farran, the Ke-
port was unanimously adopted.

The donations made to the Society during the last session were detailed under their
several heads by Dr. Kinahan.

The Treasurer then submitted his statement, and observed that he had only to
reiterate the views expressed by him at the last annual meeting, as to the continued
prosperity of the Society. The expenses had been heavy, but he was gratified to
announce that he had a balance in hands of £88 10s. Id. — £45 of which had been
carried to the credit of the sinking fund account.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 13

The Chairman then read the result of the ballots, that the following gentlemen
were unanimously elected to serve for the ensuing year : —

Council — Professor Allman, F.R.S., M.R.I.A. ; Joseph Anderson, Sir Edward
Borough, Bart., M.R.I.A. ; Thomas F. Bergin, M.R.I.A. ; F. W. Brady, Chas.
Croker, M.D., M.R.I.A. ; J, R. Dombrain, Charles Farran, M.D. ; Samuel Gor-
don, M.D., M.R.I.A.; W. H. Harvey, M.I)., M.R.I.A.; John Hart, M.D.,
M.R.I.A. ; Robert John Montgomery, James Edward Stopford, LL.D. : R. P.
Williams, M.R.I.A. ; Gilbert Sanders, M.R.I.A.

Treasurer— Robert Callwell, Esq., M.R.I.A.

Secretaries — William Andrews, M.R.I.A. ; J. R. Kinahan, M.B.

And that Lord Talbot de Malahide, the Yen. Archdeacon West, Charles Dom-
ville, James M. O'Reilly, and Henry M. Barton, Esqrs., were elected members of
the Society.

The meeting was then adjourned to the second Friday in December.

DECEMBER, 8, 1854.
GILBERT SANDERS, Esq., M.R.I.A., in the Chair.

The minutes being confirmed, letters were read from Professor Bell, J. O. West-
wood, and E. Newman, Esqrs., expressive of their gratification and thanks at being
nominated honorary members of the Society.

Dr. Kinahan mentioned that Mr. E. Newman, author of the " British Ferns,"
had sent a package of his u complete list of British Ferns" for distribution among
the botanical members of the Society.

Dr. Kinahan presented to the Society some specimens of Crustacea — Portunus
holsatus (Stenorhynchus phalangium), Crangon vulgaris, Pandalus annulicornis
— and stated, it had been his intention to have completed the collection, as far
as practicable, but that circumstances had arisen within the last few days which
would prevent his doing so ; he hoped at some future day, however, to give the
Society a paper on " The Shore or Drift Crustacea of the South Coast of Dublin,"
as from this source he had obtained nearly three-fourths of the species recorded as
Irish, including, amongst others, Atelecyclus heterodon, Portunus holsatus, P. pu-
sillus, P. variegatus, Corystes cassivelaunus, Hyas coarcatus, Cancer pagurus,
Carcinus masnas, Pagurus Bernhardus, P. Prideauxii.

Thanks having been given for the donations,

Mr. Andrews, on being called on for his paper

ON AN ADDITION TO THE FAUNA OF IRELAND,

Said, it was with much regret he heard this evening that the Society was
about to lose the services of Dr. Kinahan, who had informed him that he was
shortly to embark for Australia ; and as it would be some time before he would
again be present at the meetings of the Society, Mr. Andrews would waive the
priority of his paper, in order that Dr. Kinahan might have time to [record his views
with regard to the paper he had in the list for this evening. Mr. Andrews said he
would make a few remarks on some fine specimens of Crustacea, which he presented
to the Society, being the first of a series he intended to give towards forming a com-
plete set of the Irish Crustacea. These were fine specimens of Stenorynchus pha-
langium and tennirostris, taken in Dingle and Ventry harbours, coast of Kerry, and
also large specimens taken in deep water, in the trawl, in Dingle Bay, with Inachus
dorsettensis and Corystes cassivelaunus. He also presented several species of
Paguri, or hermit crabs, taken in the shells of Pleurotoma and Natica, at the depth
of 84 fathoms, off the Blasket Islands. Mr. Andrews mentioned that he met with
many minute species of Crustacea in that depth of water, taken up in a small dredge
with the pebbly and shelly soundings, as Pandalus annulicornis, and the common
prawn. Paloemon serratus was also taken at that depth, and the latter was found
in quantities in the stomachs of the cod fish, taken on the long lines. Mr.
Andrews presented specimens of Palosmon serratus thus taken. Although the
specimens of Crustacea in the collection of the Society were at present by no means
perfect, yet he would mention that very complete lists of the Irish Crustacea had

14 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

been noticed and recorded in the proceedings of the Society. So far back as the ,'inl
of January, 1845, Dr. Farran road a paper, the result of an extensive series of
observations of the late Mr. William MH/ulln, enumerating a very full list of the
collections made by him on the west coast of Ireland. Those lists contained the
record of the discovery of Thia polita — the original specimen being in the museum
of the Society. A notice of it was also made by Dr. Scouler in the " Annals of
Natural History" for March, 1846. Yet. in a very recent publication of the British
Crustacea, by Professor Bell, the entire credit of adding this interesting Mediter-
ranean crustacean to the Fauna of Britain is given to Dr. Melville, of the Queen's
College, Galway. Mr. Andrews did not impute the slightest desire or intention on
the part of either of those gentlemen to deprive of credit where it was due, but he
blamed them for the absence of reference to what had already been accomplished
in the natural history of this country. Mr. Andrews intended to bring forward a
general recapitulation of the proceedings of the Society, in which many facts of
interest would be noticed with regard to the late Win. M^Calla, whose zeal and in-
telligence had been great, and whose ardour in the pursuits of natural history had
not been surpassed in this country.

Doctor Gordon begged to move a vote of thanks to Mr. Andrews for his dona-
tions, as one who had always been indefatigable in promoting and forwarding the
interests of the Society.

This being seconded by Dr. Farran,

Mr. James Haughton, juu., read a paper

ON THE COLEOPTERA INFESTING GRANARIES.

He said — Mr. Chairman and gentlemen — Having, for some time past, had frequent
opportunities of observing the habits, &c., of many of the coleoptera which infest
the granaries in this city, I beg to bring before you a few observations which I have
recorded about them, in the belief that any facts concerning even the most insig-
nificant insect, cannot fail to be of some interest to those to whom their habits are
not generally known. In the summer season many of our corn stores are visited, in
vast numbers, by the weevil tribe, which commences depredations on a scale which,
1 think, classes them amongst the most destructive of all insects. To give an idea
of the mischief they are capable of committing, I may mention, that previous to the
repeal of the corn laws, when the duty upon grain was very high, wheat, which had
remained in band for a length of time, frequently became so infested with them,
that it might actually be seen shifting its place on the lofts from the move-
ments of the living mass contained in the heap, and, in some instances, the
portion left, not being worth the duty, had to be thrown out ; also, an instance
of a loft of wheat, containing 1,000 barrels, having, in a few months, become
deficient upwards of fifty barrels, in addition to a depreciation in the value of
the remainder of about ten per cent. — almost all of which loss was caused by
the common corn weevil (Calandra granaria). From the foregoing statements,
it is obvious that it is of great importance to find out some way by which
these mischievous insects can be destroyed without injury to the grain. The
wheat to which I have last alluded was Egyptian, which, from its excessive
dryness, is peculiarly suited to the multiplication of the species. A curious
fact connected with them is, their propensity for gathering into masses in one
place. The amount of heat they genei-ate when thus collected is quite
surprising, and is even more observable when the wheat in which they are
stored is in sacks, instead of being thrown loosely on a loft. On applying
the ear to the outside of a sack in which there are many weevils, one can
quite distinctly hear the buzzing and crackling noise caused by the incessant boring
going on inside. When the grain is stored in bulk on a loft, and removed from its
contact with the wall-, the weevils creep out in immense numbers, and are then
easily swept up and destroyed. I myself have seen many malt shovelsfull taken
away in a single day. I have brought with me some of the weevils, of which it
will be easily perceived there are several kinds, and also some wheat bored by them,
which will give a good idea of the ravages they commit, as, in many instances,
nothing is left of the grain but the outside shell or bran. Most workmen about
corn stores assert that they bite wickedly ; but, although I have constantly been on

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 15

lofts on which they abounded, I can say, that as regards myself, I have never been
bitten. They are very susceptible of cold ; and on the approach of winter, if the day
be chilly, I have seen them falling in great numbers off the walls, &c., on which
they may have crept. If it was not that the cold kills them, the mischief they
would do would be incalculable, as they multiply exceedingly fast, and are very
active during the continuance of the hot weather. Another fact in connection with
them is, the partiality they have for collecting in or on places where water has been
dropped. I have seen small spots covered with them to the depth of about half an
inch. This may, perhaps, be accounted for by their crawling on blindly, and so
becoming entangled in the wet. I do not, however, think this likely, as they must
have gone out of their usual course to get to the damp portion of the flooring. This
is a curious fact in opposition to their usual custom of selecting the driest and
warmest places they can find. By their borings in wheat they cause a large
quantity of dust to accumulate, which, mixed with the Nile mud, which is always
more or less through Egyptian wheat, makes, as I am credibly informed, an ex-
ceedingly fertilizing manure, almost equal in its forcing effects to guano. I regret
that my information as to species, &c., is too limited ; but, as I have not studied
them scientifically, I hope I shall be excused on that head. Their appearance
under a microscope, exposed to a moderate magnifying power, is exceedingly
beautiful, and agreeably disappointing to one who has only seen the:n with the
naked eye. They are covered with brilliant spots, bearing some reMimblance to
those on the elytra of the diamond beetle. I tried several modes of killing them,
and found hot water the speediest. Chloroform (which will destroy without injury
almost any insect) also kills them ; but if put into cold water, and left for a consider-
able period, when taken out and placed in a moderately -warm situation, they, in many
instances, recover, although to all appearance quite dead. With respect to chloro-
form, it may not be out of place to say that I have found it the most humane, and,
at the same time, the quickest, way of killing, without injury, butterflies, moths,
beetles, and, in fact, most insects; and even if it is dropped on the most delicate
insect, the evaporation is so rapid that it does not injure it in the slightest degree;
whilst a few drops, put into a box with the most refractory butterfly or moth, kills
it in a few seconds.

The Chairman said, he heard with much pleasure Mr. Haughton's statements,
and they were such that characterized the proceedings of the Society, and which
rendered its transactions of practical utility. He wished that gentlemen similarly
circumstanced as Mr. Haughton would turn their attention to noting such observa-
tions, which might tend to result in much useful information.

Dr. Kinahan said he could, from his own observation, corroborate Mr.
Haughton's statements as to the number and destructiveness of these insects. On
examination, he found there were evidently six coleopterous and one dipterous
species present among the corn. These he submitted to his friend, A. K. Ho-ran,
Esq , who kindly examined them, as well as the packages of insects taken from
the wheat — in which latter, Mr. Hogan detected another species of coleopterous
insect. From Mr. Hogan's list it appeared that the most numerous species present
were Calandra oryzee and granaria, as well immature as full grown. These two
species made up the great bulk of the heaps. Next in point of numbers came
Corticaria ferruginea and Cor. pubescens, in about equal quantities. The other
species present were Stene ferruginea and Silvanus surinamensis — this latter de-
tected by Mr. Hogan. Beside these there was a single species of a beetle as yet
unindentified. These, with a single specimen of Tenebrio molitor, make out no
less than eight species of granivorous beetles infesting the parcel of corn.

Dr. Kinahan then gave his paper

ON A DIGITATE VARIETY OF BOTRYCBUM LUNARIA, AND A NEW IRISH
LOCALITY FOR LOPHODIU3I SPINOSUM.

As far as I can learn, this interesting form of the common moonwort
has been hitherto undescribed, differing so obviously as it does from the
forms described as rutaceum and matricarioides. Its chief interest is, I take
it, twofold — first, as showing the relation between forms of vernation, which
appear distinct ; and, secondly, as throwing not a little light on the true

] G PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

horaologies and relations of the fruitful "branch," as it is called, in this
plant. ^Strikingly it differs from the linear outline of the ordinary form, with its
simple pinna; and flabelliform venation, whilst this form has a deltoid outline, and
the lower pinna} decompounded, with pimuitified pinnules, and a distinct mid- rib,
and secondary venation springing therefrom, being exactly the converse of the
variety of Bleehnum spicant, which I exhibited before you, under the name of dis-
sectum (Kin.), and which Francis first described as strictum, in which we found the
ordinary linear pinnules of that fern reduced to simple pinnate lobes, and the
venation, instead of being made up of secondary veins, springing from a median
axis, reduced to the flabelliform arrangement, which is the normal arrangement in
Botrychium. But it is in the second point I think its chief interest consists ; for
taking this form in connection with two other abnormal forms — viz., that in which
we find the pinnce deeply incised at their edges, and that in which we find
many of the pinnte soriferous at their edges — we are led to believe that these two
portions of the ordinary plant of Botrychium, generally called branches, really
represent the two surfaces of an ordinary dorsiferous fern, only that in one the
venations take on the flabelliform, and in the other the branched form ; for, examine
those fronds whose pinna; are soriferous at their edges, and we see the nerves
coalescing, and forming a sort of a mid-rib to the division of the pinnas, on whose
termination the sorus is placed ; nearly the same arrangement as we find in the
deltoid form just described, where we find the nerves uniting and forming a common
mid-rib, on whose sides the secondary divisions of the pinna3 are placed. Going a
little farther — this may lead us to believe that the form of Ophioglossum vulgatum,
where we find two leafy fronds developed instead of one leafy and one fertile frond,
are really only plants whose fertile element, from some reason or another, is not
fully developed, but remains as a barren frond. That this is the correct explanation
of the change is shown in one specimen, in which one half of the frond is normal,
the other of the deltoid type ; and also in the Bleehnum spicant, where, even in
the same frond, we see parts in which the usual linear pinna? are preserved, and
others in which this, if I may call it so, flabelliform type is well shown ; while by
comparing the common form with this variety the interchange of the two types is
well seen. In conclusion, I have the pleasure of recording a new Irish habitat for
Withering's fern (Lophodium spinosum, Newm.), which I met with, in some quan-
tity, on the edges of the bog drains in Armagh Inch, parish of Dorrha, county Tip-
perary. Its occurrence as Irish has been previously made known by Lovat Darby,
Esq., in the county Monaghan.

Mr. Wakeman begged to present to the Society two heads of cows, with the
horns, which were obtained at Dunshaughlin, in digging turf. They were found in
a bog, where a lake once existed, but is now dried up, and in the centre of which
was traced a Crannog, or fortified island. There appeared to have existed there a
fortified encampment, and where, among animal remains, the bones of horses, cows,
and an extinct species of pig were discovered ; also other animals, besides weapons
of war and ornaments. The heads of these animals before the meeting appeared
of some antiquity, belonging to the tenth century, and illustrated the kind of
animals in Ireland at that period. He thought that such a notice came within the
province of inquiries of the Society, and he would be happy, on a future occasion,
to give more full details of the subject.

The thanks of the Society having been unanimously given to Mr. Wakeman,

Mr. Andrews said, that in concluding the business of the evening, he would again
allude to the intended departure, from this country, of his brother Secretary, Dr.
Kinahan, but that his absence, however, would not be for more than a year. He
was sure the members would respond to his sincere and best wishes that he would
be successful in his enterprise, which was most cordially concurred in.

The meeting then adjourned to the month of January.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 17

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY ZOOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION.

NOVEMBER 4, 1854.
R. BALL, LL.D., President, in the Chair.

Mr. Wright having announced the following donations to the Library, viz. : —

" The Twenty-second Annual Keport of the Royal Zoological Society for Ire-
land," from Dr. Ball ;

" The Naturalists' Repository," by E. Donovan, F.L. S., five vols., from a Lady ;

"The Commissioners' Report of the Fisheries of Ireland," from J. W. Ffennell,
Esq., Commissioner of Fisheries ;

"The Natural History Review," Vol. I., from the Editors; and

" Insecta Maderensia," by T. V. Wollaston, Esq., from the Author ;

The best thanks of the Association were ordered to be given to the several
donors.

Dr. Ball mentioned that the special thanks of the members were due to Mr.
Wollaston, for his donation of his u History of the Coleoptera of Madeira ;" it had
been published in a very costly manner ; and he hoped this splendid gift would
induce some of our other members to add to the formation of our Library.

The President demonstrated the method he had adopted for the aeration of the
aquatic vivaria in the gardens of the Royal Zoological Society. He stated that a
house had been constructed, round which twelve tanks had been erected, so that
the sides of the tanks, being inserted in apertures of the wall, and being framed,
present, from the interior of the house, the appearance of so many animated
pictures. Above the tanks so placed, is carried a leaden tube, from which pro-
ceed twelve small gutta-percha tubes, the ends of which are perforated with small
holes, and lie along the bottoms of the tanks, concealed in the rockery ; the
leaden tube is connected with a simple blowing-machine, worked by a handle,
which may be used by a visitor. On pumping, air is forced up from the bottom of
each tube in small bubbles, and presents a highly ornamental appearance ; whilst
its value has been proved by the improved condition of the many fishes and other
animals contained in the several tanks. It is intended to apply this process to the
breeding of salmon ova ; and, with some modifications, it appears to promise success.

Mr. A. R. Hogan read the following paper from J. Walter Lea, Esq., Cor-
responding Member : —

NOTES ON THE DIURNAL LEPIDOPTERA OF SOME PORTION OF WORCESTER-
SHIRE.—PART I.

Fruitful as several of the midland counties of England are in Lepidoptera — as,
for example, Warwickshire, which is famous — none that I have in any degree
explored surpass, if, indeed, they equal, the productiveness of Worcestershire.
Judging from the success which I have met with in but a comparatively small
portion of the county, I should think that a careful search throughout the whole
might be rewarded with the capture of a considerable portion of our valuable
butterflies. The district — which I have explored more or less accurately at various
times between the years 1840 and 1850 — is not very large, including the neigh-
bourhood of Bewdley, bordering on Shropshire, and the right bank of the Severn,
from that town nearly to Worcester, taking in part of the Malverri, and the
Abberley Hills ; also, the neighbourhood of Kidderminster. It is a favourable
district, even at first sight, as it includes woods, commons, marshy places, hills,
valleys, and river sides — in a word, most varieties of country. Various circum-
stances have prevented me from doing anything like as much as I- ought other-
wise to have done in the time ; and I dare say that good work during two summers
would be a perfect equivalent for my long- interrupted and rather desultory inves-
tigations, extending over a period of nearly ten years. The arrangement and
nomenclature which I have made use of, are those adopted by Mr. Westwood in
his beautiful work, undertaken in conjunction with Mr. Humphreys. I insert the
names of all the allowed species, in hopes that the experience of others may be able
to fill up some of the vacancies.

VOL. II. &

J

18 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Papilio machaon. Not observed.

„ podalirius. Do.
Goniapteryx rhamni. Common.
Colias edusa. Not found.

„ hyale. Do.
Pieris brassicae. ")
,,. chariclea.

„ rapae. 1 All in abundance. P. sabellicae not so common as the

„ metia. f others.
„ napi.
„ sabellicae.

„ daplidice. "One specimen, not far from Bewdley.
Euchloe cardamines. Abundant.

Leptoria caudida. Pretty freely taken near Astley, and in Bewdley Forest.
Aporia crataagi. Found several times near the Astley and Shrawley Woods.
Melitaea artemis. Found, but very rarely, near the Valley of the Teme.
„ cinxia. Not found.
„ athalia. Do.

„ selene. Very common, especially on the west side of the Severn.
„ euphrosyne. Common in same localities as the rest.
„ dia. Not found.
Argymnis lathonia. Only one specimen, near Woodbury Hill.

„ adippe. Only one specimen, at Astley; but I should expect that, both in
this and the following case, the solitary instance of capture must have
been accidental, as neither insect is generally accounted rare ; and
several of the other Fritillaries usually found in similar localities,
are sufficiently abundant in the district in question. The fact is,
however, rather singular, or else I have been very unfortunate with

„ aglaia. One specimen, at Astley.

„ paphia. Not uncommon about Abberley and Shrawley Wood.
Vanessa C. album. Very abundant, west of the Severn ; comparatively rare, how-
ever, on the east side of the river; and about Kidderminster and Wol-
verley I have scarcely ever found it. Probably this may be owing to
the fact, that in this portion of the district the hop is not cultivated,
as it is on the other side of the Severn ; and though the caterpillar of
the C. album feeds on many plants besides hop, particularly the nettle,
I have always found it much more abundant wherever the hop is culti-
vated. The difference in proportion for the two sides of the Severn
would be, at least, 60 to 1 in favour of the right bank. I have fre-
quently observed very great variations, not only in the colour but the
form of the wings of this insect ; one of the most curious of which is,
that the projections which form the extremities of the scallops in the
posterior wings are divided, so as to present the appearance, in some
cases, of a furcated cauda, where the projections exceed the ordinary
length ; and this peculiarity I have occasionally noticed in every similar
projection, on both the anterior and posterior wings, though very rarely
in the former. When the scallops chance to be less deep than ordina-
rily is the case (and I have found them almost obliterated), this forma-
tion has a very peculiar effect. There are numerous variations in the
markings of the wings, the bars traversing the discoidal cells being
represented (particularly the inner one) by separated and well-defined
spots of black or, more properly, velvety brown ; and the ordinary
spots, also, vary exceedingly in number and depth of colour, as well as
in arrangement. The earlier evolved specimens are generally darker
than the later ones ; and I have noticed that the darker specimens are
less liable than the others to the singular variation in the form of the
wings which I have noticed above, and also have the scallops com-
monly deeper. As there are two broods in the year, it is possible that
these peculiarities of structure may be found principally in the later

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 19

one, which is generally paler in colour than the brood appearing in
the end of June. I have met, however, with more variations of all kinds
in this species than in almost any other butterfly ; and I should think
that, in any ordinary season, I could have collected an almost complete
series of gradations from the type to the greatest deviation from it,
within the limits of the district which I have mentioned.

Vanessa polychloros. This insect I have taken several times, particularly in the
neighbourhood of Astley; but have never found it in any great abun-
dance. One or two specimens may be obtained in ordinary seasons
from the above-named locality, and very probably more than that num-
ber if carefully hunted for ; I never looked particularly for them.
„ urticae. Very common.
„ io. Ditto.
„ antiopa. Not found ; but I strongly suspect it might be met with, as

these are places very favourable to it.
„ atalanta. Very common.
Cynthia cardui. Far from uncommon, particularly about Astley, and on the

right side of the Severn generally.

Apatura iris. I have not taken this insect myself in this district, and am rather
surprised at it, excepting for the reason that I have not made express search for
it. I have very little doubt that it is to be found, and should be glad if any one
could inform me that it has been caught there. The locality is, at the least, as
favourable as those in the neighbouring county of Warwickshire, about Coleshill,
and Merivale Abbey, and Coventry ; and in Leicestershire, about Bardon Hill,
on the confines of Charnwood Forest ; in which places it is to be found, or, at
least, was, between 1840 and 1843, when I was hunting in those neighbourhoods.
The only other locality which I personally know as producing it, is near War-
minster, in Wiltshire ; but none of these places are more favourable than this
district in Worcestershire, where there are oaks and sallows in abundance. It is
chiefly to be met with in the southern counties of England, but by no means
exclusively. I am acquainted with one or two other districts towards the middle
of the country, where I expect it may be found, though I have not seen it there
myself; but being, unfortunately, very short-sighted — which is a bad failing for
a Lepidopterist — my failure, especially in such a case as that of the A. iris, is
not of any great consequence, nor can it weigh much against the districts in
question.

Limenitis Camilla. Unquestionably very rare ; but to be found about Bewdley
Forest occasionally, and scattered over the wooded district between the valleys
of the Severn and the Teme. It seems, however, to be somewhat fitful and
uncertain in its appearance.

Also, the following note, from the same gentleman, in reference to a cholera-
like disease which he had found to attack Lepidopterous larvae : —

"On June 21, I took eleven fine and apparently healthy caterpillars of the
Lasiocampa roboris, not far from Dover, within a distance of about two miles.
The next day I gave two of them to a friend, and kept the rest. They have been
constantly supplied with abundance of fresh food, and have eaten well ; and one or
two of them have moulted since I had them, and seemed healthy and lively after-
wards. About a fortnight ago one of them seemed sluggish and ill — the finest of
the whole number — and, in a day or two, died — its skin tearing, and the inside
running out. Since that time four others have died in the same way, as well as
the two which I gave my friend. The four remaining ones seeming very languid
and weak, I examined them carefully, and found them infested by numbers of
minute white mites, semi-transparent, with smooth, globular bodies, six legs — the
posterior pairs considerably longer than the others, and two rather long antenna.
They concealed themselves principally at the roots of the hairs, and in the folds of
the skin, between the segments of the body, and ran very quickly if disturbed. I
found many of them on the body of the caterpillar which moulted a few days ago,
and died this morning ; and numbers on the remaining four which yet survive.
I cannot, as yet, determine whether they live entirely on the surface of the body,

20 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

or penetrate also beneath the skin. In one or two cases the caterpillar has been
attacked by a violent diarrhoea for one or two days before death ; in one case the
anal segment of its body rotted away. I expect to lose the remaining four speci-
mens, as all are ailing, and the hairs are coming off, as was the case, more or less,
with the others.

" Is this a common occurrence, or an accidental one? The complaint seems
epidemic about here now ; a caterpillar of Odonestis potatoria in my keeping haa
just died of a similar disease, and one or two of other species, some of my own,
some in the possession of a friend. Is there any way of removing the disease, or
guarding against it? I shall be glad of any information on the subject, as I never
before had any caterpillars attacked in a similar manner."

The Rev. Joseph Greene mentioned that he had lost a fine specimen of the larva
of the rare Notodonta trcpida by a disease similar to that mentioned by Mr. Lea.
In his case he observed a number of mites in the folds of the skin, and these he
suspected were eventually the cause of the death of the individual. He had also
noticed, that in one compartment of his breeding-cage, three inches square, con-
taining two larvae, one of them was attacked, while the other remained perfectly
free from the parasites which caused the other's destruction.

Mr. Wright read the following note from Robert Warren, jun., Esq., dated
Moy View, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo: —

u My DEAR SIR — I have the pleasure of informing you that I have ascertained
the locality of a fresh-water breeding station of the common gull (Larus canus).
It is at Lough Talt, in the centre of the range of Ox mountains, in this county.
Lough Talt is completely surrounded by heath-covered mountains, and is situated
about ten miles from the sea-coast. It is about one mile in length, and half a
mile in breadth, with one or two small, rocky islets on which the gulls build.
When I visited it, although so late as the middle of July, I found the nests con-
taining eggs (upon which the old birds were sitting), and saw several young binte
flying about, and between four and five pairs of adults. As the lake is strictly pre-
served, and no one is allowed to molest the gulls, it is to be hoped that their num-
bers will increase rapidly."

Also the following from Robert Davis, Esq., of Clonmcl : —

u MY DEAR FRIEND — About the middle of this month (July), 1852, I had sent
me, from a part of the Bog of Allen, near Killemaule, an egg of some unknown
bird, which I have since been unable to get named until a few days ago, when
having transmitted it to a good judge, he, on careful comparison, pronounced it to
be that of the Eared Grebe (Podiceps auritus, Selby). As I am not aware of any
instance of this bird being found breeding in this country before, I lose no time
in communicating it, through you, to the Association. This bird itself is very rarely
met with here, and only in the immature plumage."

The President stated, that out of a large collection of shells, &c., which had
been collected by Professor Harvey, in Ceylon, and forwarded to him, he had
selected those which were exhibited on the table; among them were some beautiful
Helices, which he thought interesting, representing, as they did, the same varia-
tions of colour as had been observed in our Helix nemoralis.

The General Secretary announced that, through the kindness of Mr. Callwell, he
had been enabled to visit the light-ship, which had just returned from the Conabeg
station, in hopes of obtaining any marine shells or animals that might have adhered
to her during her sojourn at that place ; however, owing to the vessel being copper-
sheathed, he found nothing save a few mussels (Mytilus edulis), which hung by their
byssus from the bolt heads attached to the rudder ; he trusted he might be more
successful in future examinations, particularly on vessels returning from a long sea-
voyage, which he would be able to inspect, through the kindness of the Commis-
sioners of the Ballast Office, who expressed the greatest willingness to co-operate
with the Association.

NOVEMBER 25, 1854.

R. BALL, LL.D., President, in the Chair.

Professor Robert Smith, of Trinity College, being proposed and seconded,
was elected an honorary member ; the Rev. Dr. Romncy Robinson and Richard

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 21

Dowden (Richard), Esq., were elected corresponding members ; and Robert Barton,
Joseph Greene, and George Norris, Esqrs., were elected ordinary members of the
Association.

The President then stated that the following resolution had been agreed to : —

u Resolved — That the members of the Dublin University Zoological Association
have received, with extreme sorrow, the President's announcement of the prema-
ture death of their excellent corresponding member, the late Professor Edward
Forbes 5 they deeply sympathize with his many friends at the loss which, as indi-
viduals, they have sustained, and with naturalists, generally, at the death of one
whose well-ordered mind and high talents had so much contributed to raise to its
present philosophical character zoological study, and from whom, in the eminent
position he had obtained, much was expected for the future. They call to mind,
with melancholy gratification, the interest he evinced for the progress of the Asso-
ciation, the valuable advice he gave at its formation, and the lucid information he
afforded when he attended its meeting."

Dr. Ball stated, that the collection of Artie Zoology would not be exhibited until
he could secure the presence of Captain M'Clintock, who would then give much
useful information about them.

Mr. Lamprey read the following letter, from his brother, Dr. Lamprey, of the
15th Regiment, Ceylon, Corresponding Member : —

" Kandy, October 9, 1854.
"MY DEAR BROTHER,

" My boy brought me the insects and the wool-like substance which I enclose
in this letter — the history and description of which I will endeavour to give; and,
perhaps, some of your entomological friends will be able to recognise them. I was
struck, some time ago, by observing a white, wool-like substance, of a beautifully
fine texture, and very strong, on a leaf of a white-blossoming plant (Datura, I
think) ; and on opening it at the time I found a quantity of small eggs, which I
fancied were the eggs of a spider ; but I mislaid the specimen, and thought nothing
more of it till my servant-boy brought me another specimen, which he found on a
leaf of a mulberry (morus) plant. Unfortunately he tore it nearly off, but I think
you will be able to understand what it was like when you refer to the diagram and
examine the enclosed. 1 observed a number of larva? crawling about the leaf, and
thought that they were those of the common horse-fly. On examining them a few
days after, I found them very torpid. When I first got them, I put some on a
piece of raw beef, and others on a piece of plantain, to ascertain whether they sub-
sist on animal or vegetable substances ; but they touched neither ; on the contrary,
they died soon after.

" Unfortunately I was sent to an out-station to do duty, and was not able to
observe them further ; but on looking into the box in which I left them during my
absence (about three weeks) I found that, instead of torpid larvae, there were a
number of flies scattered all around, and all dead. I was much disappointed, in
every sense of the word, and am puzzled to find out whether one fly, as small as
the enclosed, could manufacture such a large quantity of silk. That the silk is not
the product of a caterpillar, I have every reason to believe; and you can ascertain
this point by opening the mass, and you will not find a chrysalis, or anything
indicative of such a fact ; and my finding eggs in an earlier stage, sufficiently
satisfies me on that score. The larva, before changing to the fly, formed a chry-
salis of its own in the substance of the wool, which you can see ; perhaps you may
also find a matured fly unescaped.

" It would be a valuable discovery if it could be ascertained how to rear the
insect which produces this substance, as its texture is so beautiful— of extraordinary
fineness, strength, and purity of colour (white).

u I will endeavour to send you a variety of the same, which I found attached
to the walls of a garden well ; but the animal producing it is aquatic, and the sub-
stance, though four times the size, is slimy, and, I fear, too bulky to send by post.
I found masses on the leaves and stems of the trees overhanging the water, as well
as on the wall of the well. I have sent my boy out for a specimen. The
variety I first described is not very common, and but occasionally met with."

22 PKOCEEDlNGS OF SOCIETIES.

Mr. Hogan exhibited the following Coleoptera, which had been taken near Dublin,
since he read his list : — Bembidium flavipes and Xantholinus tricolor, by Mr.
Haliday ; Elaphrus riparius, Stomis pumicatus, Patrobus rufipes, Dytiscus punctu-
latus, and Olophrum piceum, by Dr. Kinahan ; and Leistus fulvibarbis, Geotrupes
vernal is, and Sitlpingus planirostris, by himself.

Dr. Kinahan then read the first part of a

LOCAL LIST OF BIRDS FOUND IN THE COUNTY DUBLIN.

This list does not pretend to include all the birds that have been found in the
County Dublin, but merely those species which have fallen under my own obser-
vation. The great majority of them are natives of Donnybrook. The nomen-
clature adopted is that of Mr. Thompson's work. I have, in a few instances, made
observations in reference to habits which I found either contradictory or expla-
natory of the statement in this work.

RAPTORES.

Falco sesalon. Occasionally all the year round. In the winter it may be seen
chasing the larks ; I have also, on two occasions, witnessed these birds
chasing dunlins — once off Clontarf Island, in 1848, and also at the
Pigeonhouse ; I have seen either this or the next chasing the common
godwit (Limosa rufa). Breeds at Howth.

„ tinnunculus. Common. Breeds in Mount-merrion demesne. This bird
preys extensively on birds as well as mice. I have witnessed several in-
stances of its daring and pertinacity. In the year 1849, near Crumlin,
I saw it chase a skylark. The poor lark doubled and doubled, the hawk
closely following, and keeping abov^e it, and every now and then striking
at it with outstretched talons ; but the lark was too quick for the hawk,
and always dropped, as if shot, whenever the hawk struck. At last the
lark took refuge under the flank of a cow, which was lying down near,
and the hawk, after soaring round and round for some minutes, flew away.
I then, with great difficulty, succeeded in rousing the lark from its strange
refuge. The whole time the birds were never more than ten yards above
my head, and often not five Another time, in Tipperary, when out
shooting, with a companion, we came across some golden plover. Out
of these my comrade succeeded in bringing down a brace — one of which
fell at his feet, the other at some distance. While my comrade was re-
loading, I went to pick up the bird which had fallen at some distance,
when a kestrel, sweeping past me, stooped and clutched the bird which
was lying at my comrade's feet, with which he succeeded in getting off.
This was in September, 1849. I might mention many other instances of
the same kind. This bird also chases the dunlins on the strand.
Accipiter nisus. Our commonest hawk. A pair may be constantly seen about
Merrion-square, and the south side of the city ; it is equally daring with itf
congeners j ust mentioned.
Buteo vulgaris. A fine specimen killed in Killiney last year ; now in the Royal

Dublin Society's Museum.

Circus cyaneus. About Donnybrook. A winter visitant only, and then but oc-
casionally ; it preys on the larks, which flock at that season, and I have seen
it capture them on the wing in the Bishop's Field. I have, at Rathgar, seen it
dash at, and clutch a redwing out of a thick thorn hedge. It does not confine
itself to such small game always, as I find a note of one carrying off a wounded
grouse from me, when shooting in the county Tipperary, in 1848 ; this feature
in its history has been alluded to by Thompson. I have seen the bird constantly
on the Three-rock Mountain and the ridges in its neighbourhood.
Otus vulgaris. I have seen specimens from Clondalkin and Stillorgan.
Strix flammea. Common.*

Other raptorial birds are found in the county Dublin, but these are all I have
met myself.

» Strix nyctea. — Tt may be of interest to mention, that on the 28th December, 1853, I saw a pair
of these birds at Annagh Inch, county Tipperary.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

INSESSORES. -

Muscicapa grisola. Not uncommon ; breeds in Donnybrook. I have met it at

Clondalkin and Roebuck.

Cinclus aquaticus. In our mountain glens common. I can, from personal obser-
vation, testify to this bird's powers of walking under the water, as I have seen it
several times ; the bird possesses the power not merely of walking but also of
remaining stationary under the water; and, during the period of its submergence,
it appears like a ball of quicksilver, arising, as I take it, from the oiliness and
texture of its feathers. The study of its habits will well repay any observer. I
have seen the bird as low down the Dodder as Milltown.

Turdus viscivorus. Scarce about Donnybrook, but breeds with us. In the mountain
glens it is more frequent. Dr. Drummond, in his translation of the
" Chase of Glenismole," has fallen into an error in giving this bird, with
its harsh, inharmonious song, credit for being the species from whence the
thrush valley got its name. All the species of Turdus are found here,
this being the rarest. I have seen this bird, and the two next following,
on several occasions, in the College Park, in this city.

„ pilaris. A winter visitant ; remains sometimes through the summer.
Some years ago, when crossing the south side of Ilowth, I found several
dozens of these birds lying dead in the furze, with the upper part of
their skulls stove in, and the brain gone — the rest of the bird perfect,
even to the eyes. It is the felt, or field -fare of the country folk.
„ iliacus. A winter visitant ; sometimes breeds here. I had a young bird
which I believe to be this species, I think, in 1850 ; it was brought to me
as a young thrush ; its underwing coverts, red ; over the eye, a broad white
stripe ; the remainder of its plumage resembling that of the missel-thrush ;
the bird pined away and died.
„ musicus. Common. This bird paired here in June, with the next. The

nest was robbed. The thrush was the hen, the cock the blackbird.
„ merula. Common.

„ torquatus. Local. The Three-rock Mountain and Kilmathogue Hills are
tenanted by a few pair. I once, many years ago, saw a specimen of
this bird killed, in December, at Roebuck.
Accentor modularis. Common.

Erythaca rubecula. In 1849, a pair of these birds built their nest, hatched, and
reared their young, in a small watering pot, which was lying in the centre of a
grass plot, beside a frequented walk, at Moorefield, Roebuck. I saw the nest my-
self when it had three eggs in it, one having been broken by the pot having been
shifted. The nest and pot were presented to the Trinity College, Dublin, Museum
by my friend, Dr. Wm. Haughton.
Saxicola rubicola. Common.

,, cenanthe. Common in the mountain glens.

„ rubetra. Scarce. I have shot this bird several times in the winter — on
the 12th December, 1847, and, again, on the 25th of January, 1850,
at Salthill.

Salicaria phragmitis. Donnybrook ; general.
Curruca horterrsis. This bird I introduce in doubt ; but, I think, it has occurred

once, at least, at Donnybrook.
„ cinerea. Common ; breeds.
Sylvia rufa. Common. The earliest date I have seen this bird was March 10,

1849 ; the latest, September 26, in the present year.
„ trochilus. Common.

Regulus cristatus. Common ; but rather local. I have found this bird's nest in
the bank of a ditch, concealed under the leaves of the yarrow (Achillea mille-
folium).*
Parus major. Common ; breeds.

* I believe I have met with the fire-crest (R. ignicapillus), as, in December, 1849, I shot, at
Ranelagh, a bird answering to its description, especially in the markings on the cheeks.

24 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Parus caeruleus. Common ; breeds. I met an instance of this bird's building in

the inside of a pump, which was in constant use.

,, palustris. The rarest of our tits. It has only come under rny notice at
Donnybrook in four instances. On one occasion I shot a hen and three
young birds at one shot.
„ ater. Rather scarce at Donnybrook.
„ caudatus. A winter visitant only at Donnybrook. Breeds at Rathgar and

in the Phoenix Park.
Motacilla Yarrellii. Common.

„ boarula. Do. ; but rarer than last.

„ flava. Rare; local. I have met this bird on the Dodder and at

Rathgar.
Anthus arboreus (?). I shot a bird in the winter of 1847, which I believe to be of

this species.

„ pratensis. Common.
,, petrosus. Strands ; common.

Bomby cilia garrula. A specimen shot at Sandymount, in 1852.
Alauda arvensis. Common.

„ arborea. Occasional. Bred here in 1850. In the previous winter I had

remarked the bird in " bunches" along with A. arvensis.
Plectrophanes uivalis. Pigeonhouse-wall.
Emberiza miliaria. Rather a rare bird in Donnybrook ; a paii'or two build every

year there.

,, citrinella. Very common.

„ schceniclus. Rare ; at Donnybrook; one pair generally build here yearly.
Fringilla coelebs. Very common.

,, montifringilla. Rare. I shot a hen bird, in the winter of 1847, at

Donnybrook, and a pair, in the same locality, February, 1848.
Passer domesticus. Very common.
Coccothraustes chloris. Common ; flock in the autumn, and feed on the seeds

of the grasses.

„ vulgaris. I met one of these birds in the neighbourhood of Rathgar,

in the summer of 1851 ; I have also met them in the Phoenix
Park.
Carduelis elegans. Rare at Donnybrook ; in the Dodder glens frequent ; breeds

at Donnybrook ; also found at Kingstown.

„ spinus. An occasional visitant and resident. I first met this bird, De-
cember, 1846, on Sandymount Marsh, on the alders ; there were a pair,
and one of these I shot the following February. I again met them, in
large flocks, at Major Sirr's, Ranelagh, in company with the lesser
redpole, feeding on the alders. These birds remained there from De-
cember, 1847, up to April, 1848. During 1847 there were a pair
which, I believe, bred in the Bishop's Field. I found a male also, as
noted, in Sandymount Marsh, January 25, 1849. I have seen them
also in Rathgar.
Linaria cannabina. Common.
„ minor. Do.

„ flavirostris. A winter visitant during three years ; these birds bred, in some
low shrubs, in the Bishop's Field, in numbers. These shrubs are now
pulled up, and last year I saw only one pair.
„ borealis (?). I have several times met individuals resembling this species ;

but it is very difficult to distinguish between it and L. minor.
Pyrrhula vulgaris. A very rare bird at this side of Dublin. I have only seen one
in the Bishop's Field during the last eight or nine years ; they some-
times, however, occur in large flocks in the neighbouring plantations.
Sturnus vulgaris. Very common.
Corvas corax. Killiney Hill and Dodder valley.

„ corone. A young bird of this species was shot by my brother, J. H. Kina-

han, Esq., in the Bishop's Field, some years ago.
comix. Too common.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 25

Corvas frugilegus. Very common.
„ monedula. Too common.

Pica caudata. Common.

Garrulus glandarius. A single pair seen in Stillorgan Park.

Certhia familiaris. A few pair about Donnybrook.

Troglodytes Europseus. Common.

Cuculus canorus. Scarce about Donnybrook ; common, however, in tbe County
Dublin generally, especially about Mountpelier and Clondalkin, at which last
locality, on the 17th June, 1848, I had, while in company with my friend, Dr.
W. Haughton, the pleasure of having the truth of LeVaillant's theory, concern-
ing the manner in which this bird deposits its egg in its future niches, entirely
confirmed. My friend succeeded in winging a female cuckoo as she was rising ;
she fell into a ditch, owing to the depth of which several minutes elapsed before
we could get her out. Having obtained the bird, I proceeded to kill her, by
pressing on her breast, having my thumb on the cavity formed by the os fur-
catum, when I felt something slip from under my thumb, with a gurgling sound.
Dr. Haughton, attracted by the sound, turned at the same moment, and we both
saw an egg in the act of falling to the ground, from whence I picked it up, per-
fectly uninjured. This egg agrees with all descriptions I could obtain, and on
being shown to Dr. Ball, he at once recognised it as a cuckcoo's. On dissection
by Professor Allman, the bird proved to be a young female, and had in her
ovary two full-grown eggs, one ready to pass into the oviduct. No remains of
eggs could be detected in her stomach, even when examined with a powerful
microscope. Full details may be found in the Appendix to u Thompson's Birds,"
page 442. The egg and the skin are in the collection of the Dublin Natural
History Society.

Alcedo ispida. Occasionally met with on the Dodder, at Donnybrook ; abundant
higher up the river.

Hirundo rustica. Common ; used to breed in Donnybrook Church.
„ urbica. Common.
,, riparia. Do.

Cypselus apus. Do.

Caprimulgus Europaeus. I have seen a specimen from Howth.

This concludes the list of the Raptorial and Insessorial tribes. On a future

occasion, I hope to give a list of the Rasorial, Grallatorial, and Natatorial families

found here.

After some conversation, the meeting adjourned.

DECEMBEE 16, 1854.
ROBERT BALL, LL.D., President, in the Chair.

H. T. Stainton, Esq., Mountfield, Lewisham, Kent, was elected a correspond-
ing member.

The President gave a demonstration on the Coracida?, being in continuation of
a series illustrative of the collection in the University Museum, and exhibited va-
rious species remarkable for the brilliancy of their plumage, especially the Trogon
resplendens.

Mr. A. R. Hogan exhibited a coloured drawing, by J. Walter Lea, Esq., corres-
ponding member, of a remarkable variety of Pieris daplidice (?), taken by him in
Worcestershire, and read the following extract from his letter : —

" The distinctions between the present insect and the Pieris daplidice are obvious ;
all the dark markings on the anterior wings, and the difference of the marks on the
costal edge, which in the new Pieris rather follow those of the Vanessse. Moreover
(though this is scarcely perceptible in the figure), the small branch emitted from the
third branch of the postcostal nerve, close to the apex of the fore wing, which Mr.
Westwood mentions as typically characteristic of the Pierides, and as being wanting
in P. daplidice, is found in this other species. The wings also are more transparent,
the markings on the under side of the posterior wings being not only much more

VOL. II. C

26 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

perceptible on their upper surface, but are also apparent through the anterior wings
where they overlie the posterior. The form of the posterior wings widely differs
from that of Daplidice, as is clearly expressed in the figure. Another remarkable
difference in which the unknown greatly surpasses the Daplidice in beauty is, that
while in the latter the light parts of the posterior wings underneath are dull, irre-
gular bands, in the former they take the form of glossy, well-defined spots and
patches — some very minute. The gloss is rather satiny than silvery, but still, so far
as apparent, approach to the succeeding genera of Fritillaries. The dark portions
of the same wings are more dark in this species than in Daplidice, and more heavily
irrorated with dark, powdery spots, which give it a green appearance, equal in
strength and depth to that of the corresponding parts in Euchloe cardamines.
In Daplidice it is much lighter and less bright in colouring. Of my two specimens
the new species is distinctly larger than the Pieris daplidice ; but my specimen of
the latter may be rather small."

Mr. Haliday was of opinion that the variety described under the specific name
Bellidice on the Continent was the nearest approximation to Mr. Lea's specimen ;
and translated the following description from the work of Ochsenheimer and
Treitschke : —

"Daplidice, var. Bellidice, Brahm. Ins. K. 862. — Much smaller; upper side of
wings, a strong, black cloud at base, which, in under wings, extends in a broad
streak almost to the middle, and there is lost in the ground colour ; on the upper
wings forms a deep, black streak at the inner margin. The under side of the lower
wings, as well as the tip of the upper wings, is dark green, without any yellow tinge,
and thickly bestrewed with black specks. The white spots are present pretty much
as in Daplidice ; but they are smaller, more sharply defined, and form no bands.
Occurs at Vienna and Leipzic."

The Rev. Joseph Greene said, that there were such endless varieties among the
Lepidoptera, that he was not surprised at this example, which, however, was a very
singular variety, at least.

Dr. Kinahan then read the second part of his paper on a

LOCAL LIST OF BIRDS FOUND IN THE COUNTY DUBLIN.

The species enumerated in the following list were all observed by myself; but the
list is not so perfect as I could have wished ; but, I trust, I may be excused when I
inform the Association that I am preparing to leave Dublin early in the following
week on a voyage to Australia and Peru. It is my intention to be absent about
eleven months ; and as I take with me all the articles needed by a naturalist for
collecting, I hope on my return to be able to lay before you many interesting de-
tails in connection with zoology.

The Basores are but scantily represented ; they are —
Columba palumbus. Donnybrook, and generally. I saw a flock of these birds,

containing some hundreds, at Donnybrook, in the winter of 1851. In some

parts of the county, as at Portrane, they may be seen, at any season, in

myriads.*

Tetrao scoticus. Mountain and common.
Perdix cinerea. Stubbles and common.
Coturnix vulgaris. Donnybrook. This bird remains here all the year round ; at

least some straggling pairs may be seen in the winter.

This ends the Rasorial Birds.

The Grallatores arc as follows : —
Gulicnemus crepitans. A specimen was shot, in my presence, on Clontarf Island, in

1841), by R. W. Atkinson, Esq.
Chanulrius pluvialis. Dublin mountains ; common ; breeds there ; Donnybrook ;

hard weather.
„ hiaticula. Merrion Strand.

* I may here mention, that in the caves at Portrane the common house pigeon breeds annually,
in company with Hirundo urbicus, H. rustica, and Cypselus apus. I saw them last year there.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 27

Charadrius cantiarms. Clontarf Strand ; rare.

Squatarola cinerea. Donnybrook, 1849 ; Clontarf Strand ; Malahide ; Merrion

Strand.

Vanellus cristatus. Mountain glens ; common ; Donnybrook ; hard weather.
Strepsilas interpres. Merrion Strand ; very rare.
Calidris arenaria. Merrion Strand ; rare.
Haematopus ostralegus. Sea coasts ; very common.
Ardea cinerea. Very common.
Numenius arquata. Strand ; common ; Donnybrook.

,, phaeopus. Strand.
Totanus fuscus. Shot this bird at Bohernabreena, in the millrace, in the winter

of 1851.

,, calidris. Merrion Strand ; rare.

„ hypoleucos. Dodder river and mountain glens ; common in summer.
„ glottis. Donnybrook ; winter of 1851.
Limosa melanura. Merrion Strand and Clontarf Island ; much rarer than the

next.

„ rufa. Strand ; very common.
Scolopax rusticola. Donnybrook ; in hard weather.

„ Gallinago. Do., and Sandymount Marsh.*

„ gallinula. Donnybrook.

Tringa variabilis. Strand ; common ; occasionally seen on the rivers.
Crex pratensis. Common ; some birds remain there the winter.
Rallus aquaticus. Portrane, Baldoyle, and Kiver Dodder ; rather rare in Dublin.
Gallininula chloropus. Abundant in the winter ; frequents the dry ditches.
Fulica atra. A pair were resident at Sandymount Marsh previous to its being

drained.
Anser segetum. Comes to Donnybrook occasionally in hard weather. Wild

geese are seen flying over Dublin every winter.

„ albifrons. This species is common in the Dublin market, it sometimes
occurs in Donnybrook. I saw a flock of them once pitched in a field
near Firhouse. In the county of Tipperary I have counted 250 birds all
feeding at one time in the callows.
„ bernicla. Dublin Bay every winter.
,, brenta. Very common on Merrion Strand.

Anas boschas. Donnybrook (used to breed near Ball's-bridge), Merrion Strand,
and formerly, also, to be found at Sandymount Marsh, which, however,
has been drained within the last few years, and, thereby, this and many
other birds have ceased to be residents.
„ acuta. I have seen this bird at Malahide.
„ crecca. Donnybrook, in a quarry -hole in very hard winters ; Sandymount

Marsh, &c.

„ penelope. Merrion Strand ; sometimes in hundreds.
Fuligula ferina. Merrion Strand ; rather scarce.
,, marila. Merrion Strand.
,, cristata. Merrion Strand.
Clangula vulgaris. Merrion Strand.
Mergus serrator. Kingstown Harbour.

Podiceps cristatus. A pair of these birds came to Eochford's pond ; after sojourning
there a while, they were scared away. I had frequent opportu-
nities of examining them, as when first they came they were quite
tame.

„ minor. Dodder. A specimen was taken alone this month by a friend
of mine, near Classon's-bridge, in this city; the bird easily escapes
detection owing to its habit of diving, and only allowing the end of its
bill being seen above water.
Colymbus glacialis. Dublin Bay.
,, septentrionalis. Do.

* As a rule, snipes are much scarcer in the County Dublin than in Tipperary, Carlow, or Galway.

28 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

UriaTroile. Howth.
„ grylle. Howth.

Fratercula arctica. Killiney and Dalkey Sound, and Dublin Bay generally.
Alca torda. Merrion Strand, occasionally ; in the Bay, generally. I have taken this
and the preceding alive several times, having been left by the receding tide
in shallow waters.

Phalacrocorax carbo. Common in Dublin Bay. In the county Tipperary this
bird is met far inland both on Lough Deargh and a little lake
called the Pous Lake, near Lorrha.

„ graculus. Dublin Bay. I saw a young bird of this species, within

the last fortnight, picking in Kingstown Harbour ; the young
are a great deal less wary than the old bird. Both these
birds have great vital power. I saw one of the preceding
species dive, and remain under water for about five minutes,
during which time it swam about 40 yards under water ; it
afterwards swam nearly as far before we caught it ; yet, upon
dissection, it proved to have been shot through the heart.
Sula bassana. Common in Dublin Bay.
Sterna Dougallii. Dublin Bay.
,, hirundo. Dublin Bay, &c.
„ macrua. Do.

Larus minutus. I have seen this bird on two occasions in Dublin Bay.
„ ridibundus. Common both on shore and inland.

,, tridactylus. Common ; in some years, at least, this bird remains all the
year round at Ardrone, County Waterford. I have also been forwarded
specimens of these birds, found dead in the winter, eighty miles from sea.
„ canus. Common on Merrion Strand and mountain glens.
,, argentatus. Merrion Strand and Donnybrook.
„ fuscus. Do.

„ marinus Do.

Of the Skuas I have seen many, bat never succeeded in killing them ; therefore,

prefer to remain silent as to their species.
Puffinus major. I may here mention, that I have seen two live specimens of this

bird, taken at Youghal, County Cork, hooked on gentlemen's lines.
,, anglorum. Howth.
Thalassidroma pelagica. Occasionally, though rarely, in Dublin Bay.

Thus, gentlemen, I have finished the task I had undertaken ; I had hoped to
have entered more fully into details concerning "the species enumerated, but a hur-
ried summons to a distant land has prevented my being able to do so. I must,
therefore, apologize for laying this second portion of the list in such an unfinished
state before you.

The President said, that he regretted Dr. Kinahan's absence for the sake of na-
tural history in Dublin ; but, with his indefatigable love for investigating natural
history, his intended voyage would, doubtless, result with the greatest benefit to
both himself and the Association ; and he was sure he was joined by every one of
its members in wishing him a safe and prosperous voyage, from which he, in com-
mon with them, would anticipate great scientific advantages.

Some interesting conversation then ensued relative to this paper.

Mr. T. W. Warren exhibited a specimen of the water ouzel, and wished to hear the
opinions of the members, as to whether it really possessed the powers of walking
beneath the water and diving, sometimes attributed to it.

Dr. Kinahan said, that he had most distinctly seen it walk down a shelving
bank into the water beneath it, and that it walked under the surface of the water,
without any seeming inconvenience.

Dr. Ball contrasted the form of this bird with that of the Greenland diver,
and drew the attention of the Association to the fact, with a view of showing
how often the theorizing of naturalists was at variance with observations. The
Greenland diver is the perfection of mechanical form for diving ; the ouzel
wanted this peculiar form, yet it appeared to have equal power in this art.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 29

CORK SCIENTIFIC AND LITERARY SOCIETY.

JANUARY 4, 1855.

WILLIAM DOWDEN, Esq., V.P., in the Chair.
Mr. R. Dowden read a paper, entitled

NOTES ON SOME FAMILIAR FACTS CONNECTED WITH SOUNDS AND HEARING.

Sounds are much affected in the impressions they make by comparison and by
attention. It is known that sounds at night are heard much more distinctly than
by day — that is, when the places where they are made are liable to the noise and
bustle of day activity, and when these noises and bustle subsiding, leave the stillness
of night to permit the conveyance of sounds undisturbedly.

That sounds can be drowned by noise we all know ; Ei chard the Third cries out —
" Strike up drums, let not the heavens hear these tell-tale women rail on the Lord's
anointed." Sometimes, in the calm evening, we hear distant music, which, by day,
we could not hear, or distinguish so clearly. Some conditions of the air are
described as being more favourable than others for the transmission of sounds ;
but that subject I do not now enter upon ; comparison is my principal topic.
Let any person go from Fleet- street, in London, to Ludgate-hill, and he
will, of course, observe an increase of uproar ; but if he proceed from
Lincoln's-Inn Fields, and compare its quietness with Holborn-hill, at mid-
day, the contrast will be very remarkable. Taking a tour for another in-
stance, let me come home, and tell you, that the reduction between the distances
from the pitch of one noise to another, has here presented curious effects. In a
masquerade- room, in Cork, there were some thousand or fifteen hundred
masquers talking, shouting, singing ; so that the very undertone or buzz of the
room had a certain amount of general elevation. One gentleman, who perfigurated
as Cornet Allopod, the sportsman and yeomanry apothecary in the play of " The
Poor Gentleman," came in his cavalry dress, red, turned up with " rhubarb-
coloured lappets ;" and, intending to cause a sensation, he let fly one barrel of his
fowling-piece ; when what was his astonishment to find that, pooh, it made no
more noise than a good popgun ; this was too bad ; he thought he had not ram-
med down his charge ; and, being resolved on gaining distinction, he fired his other
barrel ; alas, he had the same result ; he won no applause, no more than if he
had clapped his hands together ; but he thus learned, experimentally, the acous-
tical fact, that the nature of our sound-perceptions are much influenced by
comparison.

Eaising the pitch of sound has another effect worthy of a little notice ; deafish
persons can sometimes hear a little when they are addressed in a noise. There are
probably two reasons for this fact — firstly, that the nerves of hearing may be
somewhat stimulated out of their inertia by noise, and thus may be made suscep-
tible. When hearing is promoted by beating a drum or braying a trumpet at a
deafish ear, this may be one provocative to audition ; but there is also another
cause for this effect — in our common conversation with persons " hard of hear-
ing," we scream some of our words, and then we drop into low cadences ; in this
way we disturb, but do not satisfy, the obtuse hearer. Now, if we travel in a
carriage, whose roll demands of the converser a steady, equable elevation of pitch,
we are more likely to be heard than when we are at liberty to make fitful changes,
from shouting to whispering.

The next acoustic circumstance which has a marked result is, attention. We
know that the ticking of a clock, and other habitually heard noises, cease to engage
our notice, except we choose to attend ; but sometimes the same sound seems much
louder when intensely observed than when treated with indifference.

There is an echo which can be awaked within " Gleana Coppuil" — " The
Horse's Glen" — in Mangerton Mountain ; this is a reverberatory percussion of the
sound made ; and, of course, at every point whence it is reflected, some loss of the
VOL. II. d

30 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

original impulse of the air must be sustained ; thus, the last echo of two or three
(which are generally heard) ought to be the faintest, and physically it must be so ;
but the apparent effect is the contrary ; the first echo returns a strong sound, and
it diminishes by striking against a great rock at an angle in the deep ravine ; the
sound momentarily subsides, but every ear is now fixed in acutest attention, when
suddenly rolls out the sound again, as it were of a small cannon, with the seeming
power of thunder, startling the listeners, who believe, from their own sensations,
that the noise is wonderfully increased by its travels. This, however, is only the
result of sensitiveness, produced by the deepest attention which is given to it.

The next effect on hearing to which I shall request consideration, is the different
states of susceptibility which the same person experiences in differing states of
health. I do not here refer to such extreme perceptivity of sound as often afflicts
fever patients, or other well-marked valetudinarians, sufferers from nervous dis-
eases, &c. ; but I allude to the different susceptibilities of persons in good, average
strength, but in differing states of robustness and powers of resistancy. Cannoniers
can stand the report of a six-pounder without a start ; and some of their
power to do so arises from mental pre-occupation in the duty which engages
them ; but it is probable that if these men were suddenly, and without an occupy-
ing duty, placed by a ship's seventy-four-pounder, the discharge would cause
them to start, as most civilians do now, who come close to the firing of light artil-
lery guns. Some ladies, perhaps, indulge in starlings at sudden noises, and do it
for effect ; but sensitive nerves, at times, leave people no power to resist ; so that
what is uncontrollable is sometimes deemed unjustly to be affectation ; still, a
habit of effort in subduing the practice of starting, when only produced by usual
noises, is a good, moral training of the physical powers. We know that reflection
and preparation make horses steady in field-firing, and these methods applied to
nobler creatures may be equally true. So much for our normal conditions with
respect to sudden sounds ; we now come to certain morbid states of the nerves,
under similar influences. A gentleman who was capable of bearing, without in-
convenience, the noise of gun and pistol firing (which was usually so much the old
habit here at times of public rejoicing), was surprised and annoyed at finding
himself, when walking the illuminated streets with some ladies, continually start-
ing at the explosions all around ; this was somewhat unlike the constitutional
firmness proper to a man ; the noises gave him real pain ; but the ladies themselves
being able to stand the firing without a bounce, their escort was not a little discon-
certed at his irresistible susceptibility. The matter was capable of easy expla-
nation ; the gentleman was about a month recovered from a bilious fever ; all the
parts of his system which had been tested before had indicated perfect restoration ;
but the undue sensibility of the auditory nerves proved that these organs were still
only convalescent. The sufferer had fears that his pristine firmness, under such
trials, might never return to him ; but he soon attained his resistancy and good
endurance, as perfect as they ever had been. It is known that sudden noises make
young children cry with painful alarm, when the pitch only reaches that which
healthy adults could bear without inconvenience ; this results, of course, from the
greater sensibility of the hearing nerves of children.

It would not properly belong to this short memoir to describe the morbid sen-
sibility to sounds which ignorant alarm inflicts on some people ; how loud the
cricket's chirp is to the superstitious listener, or how the shrinking of the timber of
an old press or cupboard can seem, at times, to some terrified night- watcher, to be
the tearing down of wainscots, and bursting open of doors. The exaggerations
of acuteness in the perceptions of self-deluders are too numerous to record at pre-
sent, but strange facts sometimes do try the courage and the judgment even of
steady observers. A young gentleman was engaged in a manufactory, and it some-
times happened that processes had to be continued all night ; on these occasions
the workmen who had to sit up were permitted to go home for an hour or so, and,
during their absence, our young manufacturer had charge of fires and furnaces,
which called for all his attention. After the men went away — say, about eleven
o'clock at night — he used to lock the gate of the factory insidej and, for some time,
he had the whole lonely concern to himself. On one night the work to be done
was in a hurry ; consequently, the fires, under the boilers, had to be urged ; and,

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 31

in one case, the iron-work of a fire-door was driven to a glow of heat which
illuminated the darkness all around ; there was danger here, and our young friend
had to run down a ladder, and open the furnace-door ; knowing his way, he ran
up quickly to the boiler, when instantly he heard a series of sharp blows below, and
under him, which astonished and somewhat alarmed him. The neighbourhood of
the factory was one of very doubtful repute, and our young friend concluded,
that thieves, from the next lane, had scaled some wall, and were terrifying
him away, so as to give them a clear course for their robbery. However, he,
firmly believing that misdoers are usually cowards, determined to see after the
plotter or plotters ; he lighted three or four candles, so as not to be benighted in his
work, and placing them in succession on his way, he approached the locality of
the noise, bearing a handy iron bar as his protection, and deeming his up-stairs
condition as a good vantage ground. He progressed — he inspected — all was silent ;
but when he came near the furnace-fire, he was met by a loud shot, like as if from
a pistol ; it was the iron furnace-door, which, in cooling from its red heat, and, at
the same time, shrinking, thus demonstratively taught him a lesson of acoustics
and general physics at the same time.

The natural range of hearing, from grave to acute, is also a curious subject.
Wollaston tells us, I think, that he could not hear a bat's scream, it was too treble
for his auditorial powers. We must suppose that there are also sounds too grave
for other ears ; but the philosophy of acoustics is so wide a field that your ears
must content them with this superficial sketch on the subject at present.

DUBLIN NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.

JANUARY 12, 1855.
GILBERT SANDERS, Esq., M.R.I.A., in the Chair.

The usual preliminary business being disposed of, Mr. Andrews laid on the table
the 8th volume of the Proceedings of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Li-
verpool, presented by the society ; and from himself, Notes on Irish Natural History.

Mr. James Haughton then presented, from Dr. Kinahan, specimens of Crustacea,
from the Dublin coast ; Daubenton's bat (Vespertilio Daubentonji), captured in Kil-
dare, 1854, &c.

Thanks having been returned for the donations,

Dr. Farran read his paper

ON PECTUNCTJLUS GLYCYMERIS, AND ON THE LOCAL RANGE OF MOLLUSCOUS
ANIMALS, TRACED WITH THE DREDGE.

It may be within the recollection of some members present that I laid before
the Society the result of my examination, by the dredge, of Berterbie Bay, in the year
1844 ; and, although that communication extended to an unconscionable length, I
felt that many most interesting circumstances had been, of necessity, omitted, which
I then purposed, at a fitting opportunity, to bring under the notice of the Society,
when I had satisfied myself of the correctness of my views by a re-examination of
that interesting bay. In accordance with this determination, I have selected from
many subjects of high interest the history of the beautiful shell, Pectunculus glycy-
meris, specimens of which are placed before you, purposing to touch but slightly on
it as to its general distribution, but dwelling somewhat more particularly and at
greater length on its relation with Berterbie Bay and the shells associated with it in
that locality. Its history may be briefly given. It is laid down by the best autho-
rities on the subject as being an inhabitant of the European seas, attaining the size
generally of from two to two and a half inches in length, and nearly the same in

breadth, increasing in intensity of colour as it approaches the south, and generally
covered with a thick, villous coat, from which it had,

for a length of time, derived its

32 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

specific name of "pilosus," but which has now been laid aside, and the Linnean
name, glycymeris, substituted on the ground of priority. It is recorded as having
been found in various localities and at different depths on the English coasts, and
is of great beauty in the seas surrounding the Channel Isles, where it constitutes
both genus and species. As a fossil, it is found generally diffused in the tertiary
formations, preserving its colour, markings, and villous coat in a surprising manner.
I will now proceed to what more immediately concerns the subject before us. Any
gentleman who has the good fortune to possess a copy of Mr. Thompson's " Fauna
of Ireland," a work which I cannot permit to pass without observing, that, although
small in compass, it exhibits a depth of patient research seldom equalled, never sur-
passed, will see that he mentions that Pectunculus has been found on three sides
of our island, but that it had not been discovered on the west when his work was
published in 1 843. I have a distinct recollection of having seen in my first visit to
Roundstone, some years before 1844:, obsolete valves of Pectunculi brought up by a
very bad dredge, which Mr. M'Alla had then in his possession ; and subsequently
having mentioned the circumstance to Mr. Thompson, he was unwilling, on such
evidence, to admit it as having been found in the west, although he candidly con-
fessed it was more than likely it would be found there hereafter. When I made
a more accurate examination in my visit of 1844, I found that at the entrance, or
nearly so, of Berterbie Bay a large bank of obsolete shells had accumulated in the
middle of the channel, and running parallel to the shore on each side ; it is so formed,
that by keeping close to the shore when sailing up the bay, and doing the same on
returning on the opposite side, you will not find a trace of this large bank ; but by
crossing the bay you will at once come on it. When you examine the contents of
the dredge after drawing it over this bank, you will find they consist of obsolete
valves of Pecten maximus, Lutraria elliptica, Cardiumnorvcgicum, and Pectunculus
glycymeris.

"in the occurrence of the three first-named shells I felt but little interest
at that time, as I was tolerably conversant with their history; but as to the
Pectunculus I certainly was very anxious to discover its whereabouts, as I would
then be able to fill up the point indicated as wanting in Mr. Thompson's Fauna, as
well as to satisfy myself as to its habits. But the question at once presented itself
to my mind — from whence did this large mass of shells proceed — from what source
did that supply flow? After much reflection I arrived at the conclusion, that situa-
tions suitable to the various molluscs within the bay, more particularly the banks of
yellow sand from which the bay derives its name, and which are very numerous,
must be the birthplaces of the various animals ; and having remained there for their
appointed time their empty shells were carried by the drift to the entrance of the
bay, where, meeting with the incoming tide, they were prevented from proceeding
further, and thus this accumulation had occurred. Impressed with this conviction
(which I shall presently show was very fallacious) I devoted a considerable time to
the examination of those banks, which were generally covered by ten or twelve
fathoms of water, but without any success. I suggested to the boatmen that we
should proceed to the bottom of the bay ; and, having tried several banks there,
we were fortunate in finding a single specimen of Pectunculus, and one also of
Venus cassina. Encouraged, I remained on the bank for a length of time, sailing
backwards and forwards, but without any further success. Although this was very
discouraging, still I felt gratified that I had found Pectunculus in situ, thereby
filling up the points wanting in Mr. Thompson's Fauna, and completing its circle
round our island ; but, on the contrary, I felt somewhat mortified on finding that my
well-digested theory was not borne out by fact, as the supply and maintenance of
the accumulation never could have been brought from that quarter ; so, very philo-
sophically (and as others do in similar cases), I cushioned the subject, and never
reverted to it until this evening, when I trust to be able to give a satisfactory solution
of the problem. I was enabled, last summer, to revisit the scenes of my former
labours, and, of course, Berterbie Bay was the first object — stimulated in no slight
degree by again seeking for Pectunculus ; this I did, but without any success, neither
did I obtain any specimens of the rarer shells, which I formerly got ; so that I con-
fess I was somewhat disappointed ; I, therefore, willingly agreed with our steersman
to try new ground, and, accordingly, proceeded to the ground called emphatically by

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 38

that functionary " clean ground," on which the fishermen shoot the spilliards lying
between the Deer and Hard Islands, about five miles from land. When we got
into twenty fathoms of water the dredges were thrown overboard, and soon I was
gratified by obtaining Pectunculi associated with Venus cassina in considerable
numbers, of large size, and finely coloured. However, we met with so many
annoyances from the dredge becoming entangled in rocks, that we shifted more in-
shore, to ground lying between the Hards and Innislacken Islands, and was
astonished to find, on hard and clean sand, Pectunculi in such numbers that it was
only a matter of time as to obtaining any number. I present for your inspection
specimens of rich colouring and marking, small and large — the latter measuring
nearly three and a half inches, being three quarters of an inch larger than those re-
corded by Forbes and Hanley in their work on the British shells. Associated with
Petunculus I found Venus cassina, Solecurtus candidus, and Cardium norvegicum.
I can entertain no doubt that this is not only the natural habitat of the Pectunculus,
but also of the other shells specified, particularly Cardium norvegicum ; and this
may be fairly inferred by comparing them with the same shell found within the bay,
the first being smooth and clean, with a bright citron colour, those within the bay
presenting an ochreous, worn, and dead appearance. I can only account for this
fact by supposing, that from the vast accumulation of animal matter thrown together
on this bank gases are extricated which act on the shell, and thus produce the de-
cayed appearance presented in those specimens. The same may be observed in the
specimens of Venus cassina and Pectunculus found at the top of the bay in 1844.
Gratified as I felt by the discovery of this interesting locality, my pleasure was
greatly heightened by its affording a clue in solving my problem ; for I ascertained
that the current or drift which passed over this spot set directly into Berterbie Bay ;
and the seamen told me that sometimes the power of the current is so great that it
carries everything coming within its influence into the bay ; or, as they graphically
described it by saying, "that it sucked up everything that came to its mouth,"
from which it never returns ; and from hence, I think, I may fairly conclude that I
have obtained a correct solution of my problem ; for the mollusc dying the shell is
disengaged from the position it held during life, and is carried directly by the current
or drift into the bay ; and thus the bank increases daily in size, and ultimately will
shallow the bay. Cardium norvegicum is subjected to the same process ; for it is
evident that its natural habitat is on this spot — those found within the bay, as I
pointed out, not presenting the same appearance of health as those externally. It
may be instructive to remark, that the same association of shells found in Berterbie
Bay is also found in Bantry Bay, and I entertain no doubt that when other bays
have been investigated some singular results will be elicited.

Having thus given an outline of the history of Pectunculus glycymeris, I beg to call
the attention of the Society to an able paper, by the late Professor Edward Forbes, en-
titled "The Geological Relations of the existing Fauna and Flora of the British
Isles, "contained in the u Memoirsof the Geological Survey of Great Britain." In this
paper he lays it down as an axiom, that all animals and plants have specific centres,
from which the members of the family radiate by different processes. If it would
not be considered very presumptuous in such an humble votary of science as myself,
I might fairly conclude, from the great number, large size, and varied colouring,
that if I have not reached the centre, I have, at least, come across a most flourishing
colony of this interesting species. I shall take an early opportunity of again
alluding to Professor Forbes's paper. I think I would be guilty of great injustice if I
did not bring the merits of the dredge on the table prominently forward — invented
and manufactured by our fellow-citizen, Mr. Rochford. It was my good fortune to
be possessed of this admirable instrument in my late visit to Connemara, and it is
owing to its capability that I have the satisfaction of placing those fine specimens
before the Society. I can safely say, that no naturalist will be disappointed in having
it as his companion when at sea, and I consider that it must supersede all others.

Doctor Farran then exhibited a splendid series of the Pectunculi in all stages
of growth, and pointed out the several specimens, which, from different depths and
positions in the bay, varied in size and in the beauty of their markings. He also
exhibited fine specimens of Venus cassina, Cardium norvegicum^ and Solecurtus
candidus.

34 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Doctor Carte observed, that Doctor Farran's specimens of Pectunculi were the
finest that had been obtained in the British Isles. He brought the beautiful work of
Forbes and Hanley " On British Mollusca," to show the great superiority of size and
beauty of marking of the specimens obtained by Doctor Farran. Doctor Carte
remarked, that the interior of the valves of the foreign specimens exhibited very
rich colouring, and he would like to know whether any of Doctor Farran's spe-
cimens presented similar characters.

Doctor Farran said he would examine his collection, and notice the subject at the
next meeting.

The Chairman observed upon the correctness of Doctor Farran's remarks as to
the accumulation of the dead valves of the Pectunculi, which he attributed to the
set of the currents from the grounds where the molluscs were abundant in the living
state. On the south coast of England he had found the dead valves in quantities in
Whitsund Bay, but the living animals were rare. In shoal water the shell appeared
to be more covered with the villous coat ; in deep water the shell was more free from
it, and the markings were more vivid. Off Plymouth Sound the true habitat of the
animal was, he considered, in sixteen fathoms. Strong currents set in among the
shoals and formed a kind of delta, where quantities of the dead shells accumulated.

Mr. Andrews said, that being aware of the great interest that the display of such
an unrivalled series of fine specimens of Pectunculus glycymeris would create, and
the importance of the discovery on the west coast of the living animals in such pro-
fusion as recorded by Doctor Farran this evening, he had been led to offer a few re-
marks from his own notes of the south-west coast of Ireland. He fully concurred in the
statement made by Dr. Farran, as to the value of the admirable report drawn up by
the late William Thompson, Esq. — valuable for the scrupulous attention to details,
and omission of all questionable or doubtful records of localities ; hence, to the period
of its publication, being a standard reference of the known distribution of the Inverte-
brata of Ireland. This report, however, can only be considered as a general review ;
for few at the time had obtained any very extensive local information of the zoology
of the country, especially with reference to the west and south-west coasts, and this
may account why Pectunculus glycymeris and Bulla hydatis, also recently recorded
by Dr. Farran, should have escaped being marked in Mr. Thompson's report as
western species. These molluscs, which Dr. Farran has established to occur in
such abundance on our west coast, with Venerupis irus and Kellia suborbicularis,
have most extensive distribution, being found on the shores of Spain and Portugal,
and off the Canary Islands and Madeira. Robert M'Andrew, Esq., a most prac-
tical and scientific investigator of the distribution of marine mollusca, obtained Pec-
tunculus glycymeris abundantly off the Canary Islands, in fifty fathoms, sandy sound-
ings. Now that such investigations are assuming a philosophical aspect, local Faunas
must become of great importance, as embracing a more perfect survey of distribution
of animal life, interesting to zoology and to physical geography. Hitherto our in-
vestigations of the marine zoology of the western and southern coasts have been
limited, especially in deep water, where the different soundings afford endless forms
of animal organization ; forms, he might say, innumerable in beauty, and in vividness
of colouring, and many of them of the most delicate structure inhabiting the
greatest depths of the ocean where animal life can exist. Before bringing to their
notice one of these beautiful, yet fragile, animals, which he obtained in deep
soundings off the coast of Kerry, and considered new to the fauna of the country.
He would make some remarks on the soundings of the south-west coast. Along that
coast, and off the entrances of the Shannon, Dingle, and Kenmare bays, the
soundings run gradually out from forty to one hundred fathoms ; and where, as also
inside, around, and off the Blaskets and the Skellig Islands, the soundings vary,
with bottoms of fine sand, sand and mud, shelly and pebbly, coarse-gravelly, and
rocky and corally grounds, and these characterize the different feeding grounds of the
cod, ling, haddock, turbot, and sole, as well as many of the more common kinds of
our edible fish. Where the fish most frequent to seek the food suitable to their
habits, there the marine animals most abound ; and it is on the feeding grounds of
the ling, the cod, and the haddock, that many of our more rare Pelagian mollusca
and Crustacea are met.

I have observed that the paucity of our information is attributable, on the

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 35

west coast, to the confined examination of the dredger, whose labours have
principally been engaged in the exploration of the bays and estuaries, and not
to any depth of soundings off the coast. Instances are recorded of many rare
molluscs captured on the lines of the fishermen on the great bank of Newfound-
land, and also on the inner banks, as well as frequently taken from the stomachs of
the cod fish. I have taken fine specimens of Fusus islandicus on the lines in 81
fathoms ; and Dr. Farran informs me that Buccinum Zetlandicum has only been
taken on the fishermen's lines at a distance from the land sinking Urisbeg mountain.
Animals enjoying life at great depths of the ocean are more extensively distributed
in different latitudes from the uniformity of temperature ; while warm or cold cli-
mates affect those animals that are peculiar to shoaler grounds. The western shores
of Spain and Portugal abound in marine animals, and it has been remarked that
the eastern shores of the American continent are barren in proportion to its western
coasts, which are plentifully inhabited by testaceous animals. The west of Eng-
land affords nearly two-thirds of all the marine animals yet discovered in Britain ;
and we may, therefore, conclude, that the rich shores of the west of Ireland may yet
add largely to its fauna. Among recent labourers you witness this evening what
has been accomplished by Dr. Farran, and I may add, that from this coast much is
to be expected from the well-directed researches of Professor Melville, of Galway.
In one of the experimental trials in which I was engaged, in connection with the
fisheries, we had run out soundings nearly ten miles to the north-west of the Toraght
Bock, one of the Blasket group, where we found bottoms of fine gravel and shells
from fifty to eighty fathoms, and which we found, on trial, to be valuable fishing
grounds. The soundings were taken up in a small dredge, to which a heavy iron
bar had been attached. I shall pass, for the present, the several objects of interest
captured, and submit to you the subject of the present paper. It belongs to that
class of articulated animals, the Annelides. The Annelides and Nereids constitute
a tribe of exceedingly interesting animals, apparently insignificant in their habits,
yet beautiful in structure, and rich in brilliant tints. These invertebrate creatures
form a peculiar class in the eyes of naturalists, verging on the confines of the sub-
kingdom, yet exhibiting modifications of other higher groups. Their annulose
character and nervous system range them in an intermediate link between the ver-
tebrata and annulosa. They possess a vascular apparatus for circulation, with
generally a long, slender body, soft, and divided by circular folds into a great num-
ber of rings. On each side of the body are a long series of fasciculi of bristles, sup-
ported on fleshy tubercles, which act as feet. The characters, however, vary in
many species. In some the head is distinct, in others it is wanting ; and the head is
frequently ornamented with fascicles or plumes of cirri, acting as antennae. These
animals are distributed (the greater number marine) from the shoalest to the
deepest water. Some, for protection, form a calcareous tube, almost like the shells
of molluscs ; others form a coating by agglutinating grains of sand or shells, and,
likewise, some are in tubes, which are entirely membraneous or horny. Of this last
number is the species that I shall bring before your notice, as being an addition to
the fauna of Ireland. It belongs to the genus Eunice, Cwv., characterized by
having plumose branchiae, proboscis, armed with horny jaws, each foot armed with
two cirri, and a bundle of setae, five tentacula surrounding the mouth and nape.
The animal in the living state was almost colourless, inhabiting a horny tube,
beautifully transparent, and of from 2^- to 3 inches in length ; the head of the
animal plumose, the plumes of a delicate pink or violet tinge. I obtained three
specimens from a depth of 81 fathoms, in soundings of fine gravel. It appears to
be identical with the Nereis tubicola of Miiller, which inhabits a horny tube, and is
figured and described in the " Zoologica Danica." I may mention that I have also
obtained on the same coast, in shoal soundings of soft sand, Pectinaria Belgica, the
animal enclosed in a fragile tube of agglutinated grains of sand, the head of the
animal ornamented with golden plumes. It is beautifully figured in Donovan, as
the Sabella tubiformis.

Doctor Carte observed, that from the extreme interest of the proceedings of this
evening, it must be seen that our knowledge of the extent of the marine zoology of
the western coast was as yet but very imperfect. He much wished that a dredging
association could be formed, whose labours would be directed to more extensive

36 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

investigations. He considered that the strongest spirits of wine was the
best calculated to preserve perfectly the characters of the more delicate marine
animals.

After some conversation on the subject of Dr. Farran's specimens, the meeting
was adjourned to the second Friday in February.

FEBRUARY 9, 1855.
EGBERT CALLWELL, Esq., M.R.I. A., in the Chair.

The minutes and the usual business being confirmed and disposed of,

Mr. Williams requested permission to notice a fine specimen of the Iceland gull,
(Larus islandicus), in immature plumage, which had been presented to the Society,
through Joseph Todhunter, Esq., from Doctor Harvey, of Cork. Mr. Williams
said, that he was in expectation of the particulars of the capture of this rare bird,
which he would submit at the next meeting.

Mr. Andrews presented to the Society a well-preserved specimen of the Por-
beagle shark (Lamna cornubica). This was the second specimen that Mr. Andrews
had obtained in Dingle Bay. These sharks generally appear in the bay in the
autumn months, during the time that the hake and herrings are plentiful in the bay.
They are of less frequent occurrence than the blue shark (Carcharias glaucus),
which appears at the same season, and is sometimes troublesome to the fishermen's
lines. Mr. Andrews noticed, that the Fox shark, or Thresher (Carcharias vulpes),
had been met with in Dingle Bay.

The Chairman mentioned, that in one of the tours of inspection in the Ballast
Office steam vessel, he had visited Carlingford Lough, in the month of August.
Herrings, at the time, were plentiful in the lough, and he had noticed a species of
shark frequently springing several feet out of the water, which the crew pointed out
to him as the Thresher shark, from the peculiarity of the action of its tail fin.

Mr. Hopkins presented to the Society very fine specimens of lanthina communis,
which he found abundantly thrown ashore at Kilkee, county of Clare, after a gale
of westerly wind. He had noticed several other rare species, which he would
submit a list of at the next meeting.

The thanks of the Society having been passed to the donors,

Mr. Andrews said, he would read a communication from Mr. Trouton, of
Drogheda, with reference to the skull and very fine antlers of the red deer, which
were before the meeting. " I beg to say, that they were discovered in August last
by some fishermen, whilst drawing their salmon net across the river — the River
Boyne ; the net having become fast in one of the horns, it was with some difficulty
they raised them from where they were embedded in the centre of the river ; but
using great care they were enabled to take them up in the very perfect state in
which they appear. Although they have been taken from the now present bed of
the river, I have to remark, that within the last few years, the river has been
deepened by excavation, about four feet ; so that, until lately, the horns were depo-
sited in a stratum four or five feet below the water. This, I think, will fix a very
early date for their original deposit. The dark colour of the skull and horns will,
I think, bear out this idea."

The horns were those of the red deer, and were perfect and of full growth.

Several of the members said, that such specimens were by no means uncommon
in the country, and that they were frequently met with in parts of the Boyne.

The Chairman also remarked, that he had seen and obtained very fine horns of
the red deer, and in a perfect state, found between Moate and Athlone.

The thanks of the Society were given to Mr. Trouton, for his kindness in for-
warding the horns to be exhibited at the meeting.

Mr. Andrews was then called on for his paper, entitled

REMARKS ON THE PERCIDJE AND SERRANI, AND ON AN ADDITION TO THE ICH-
THYOLOGY OF IRELAND. (WITH A PLATE.)

It is always a subject of extreme interest to the naturalist the record made of
any addition to the zoology or to the botany of a country. On the one hand, it

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 37

confirms a more extended geographic range of animals or of plants ; on the other, it
rewards his researches, and affords to him new objects of inquiry. In many papers
brought before this Society, analogy has been shown, bearing upon the characteris-
tics of the western and southern coasts of this country with those of Spain, Portugal,
and the Mediterranean, especially with reference to the botany and to the .
marine zoology ; and also instances have been noticed of peculiarities of the south-
west coast with the southern and western parts of Cornwall, which, to some extent,
prove the physical agency of temperature, humidity, and soil, in the development of
geographic botany. Before submitting to your notice the subject of the present
paper, " An Addition to the Ichthyology of Ireland," I shall briefly make some
remarks upon the Percoides, or perch tribe, to a division of which family it belongs.
These fish (the perches) are extremely numerous both in genera and species, and
in the lakes and rivers of Europe, and in the seas of warm climates, afford excellent
and wholesome food. The far greater number of Percoides have the ventral fins
inserted under the pectorals, and form the first division, or thoracic perches. These
are further characterized by seven rays to the gills, two fins on the back, and all
the teeth dense and even. To this division belongs the common perch of our fresh
waters, the Perca fluvialis. Distinctions of the opercula and tongue characterize
others, as the sea perch, or Bass (Labrax lupus), which is found of much finer
quality on the English coasts than the coasts of Ireland, although I have seen them of
good flavour taken in "Wexford harbour. Very large specimens of the Bass are found
on the coasts of the United States. An extensive series of the division might be enu-
merated, remarkable for their beauty, and for their usefulness as food, especially
the Aspro vulgaris, the zingel of the Rhone, and the Perca zingle of the Danube,
and the common pike-perch, the Lucioperca sandra of the Danube, the Elbe, and
the Oder. These, as I have before remarked, might be transported with useful
results to the barren waters of our inland lakes.

The second division of the Percoides are distinguished by the single dorsal
fin, have seven rays in the gills, but the genera are placed according to the
characters of the teeth. To these belong the Serrani, a very numerous marine
species, frequent in the Mediterranean, but chiefly abounding in seas of warm
latitudes, brilliant and beautiful in their colours, and excellent as food. They
seldom range so far north as Britain. Two species, however, that inhabit
the Mediterranean have been recorded as British, the smooth Serranus (Ser-
ranus cabrilla) and the dusky Serranus (S. gigas), both taken on the coast
of Cornwall. The former is of common occurrence on the coast of Sicily.
The denticulated or serrated preoperculum, and the bony operculum, terminated
with one or two points, are characteristic of the genus. This leads me to the
description of what now is established as an addition to the Ichthyology of this
country, the "Polyprion cernium," Cuv. The genus is formed from a single species
common in the Mediterranean, and having an extensive range to the western isles,
Madeira, and known on the coast of America. It is fully described in the supple-
ment to Yarrell's History of British fishes, as '' Couch's polyprion," having been
first recorded as British on the coast of Cornwall. It is also known as the stone
Bass, and the wreck fish. The genus Polyprion is distinguished by being entirely
covered with small rigid scales ; all the opercular bones are denticulated, strong
bony ridges and asperities covering the head, and over and behind the eyes ; but
the most remarkable character is a strong bony ridge on the operculum, in a line
above the pectoral fin, and directed backwards, ending in a point. The discovery
of the fish now submitted to the meeting (and which has been so well and carefully
preserved by Mrs. Baker, of Grafton- street) is due to Mr. Eugene Moriarty, a most
intelligent fisherman, of Dingle, who superintends the stores and management of
the Dingle men in the employment of the Royal Irish Fisheries Company.

When forming my records of every incident'connected with the sea fisheries of the
coast of Kerry, Mr. Moriarty mentioned the circumstance of a singular fish which
he recollected to have been taken some years since in Dingle Bay, following and
feeding upon the barnacles attached to floating wreck timber ; but he never knew an
instance of the fish being taken by the hook. His accurate description satisfied me
that it was a species unrecorded on the Irish coast. In the month of September
last Mr. Moriarty was fortunate enough in obtaining this fine specimen under most

38 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

singul«\r circumstances. One of the fishing boats off Ventry, in the Bay of Dingle,
picked up what appeared to be an American meal barrel, that had been for some
time floating. It was partly filled with water, and when taken into the boat
the fish was floundering in the barrel, and supposed to have been washed in by the
sea, as it is likely at the time that numbers of the fish were swimming around the
barrel. It is a deep-water fish, frequenting and feeding on rocky and corally
ground. Mr. Moriarty forwarded the fish to me, and I at once saw that it was the
Polvprion cernium of Cuv. and Valenc. Its history and description is so well
given in Yarrell's supplement to British fishes, and in Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss.,
that I shall only here add an outline of the specimen before you. Its weight,
when taken, 10£ Ibs. ; length from tip of lower jaw to the base of the caudal fin,
22 inches ; entire length to termination of tail, 2 feet 1| inches ; caudal and ventral
rays lasciated ; nostrils double ; irides dull, silvery white, upper part of circle tinged
with a dusky shade ; fin rays —

D. spinous 10. 11, soft H, P. 16, V. 6, A. 10, C. 21 ;

back, dark ash colour, shaded with umber ; belly, dirty white ; lower jaw pro-
jected beyond the upper; teeth, numerous and blunt, and with numerous teeth
covering the palate ; a prominent ridge on the operculum, terminating in a short
spine ; preoperculum, toothed ; upper part of orbits ridged, and with pectinated or
denticulated elevations from each orbit, directed toward a short, prominent ridge on
the nape; head covered with rough, strong scales; the spines of the first dorsal fin
very strong. In the Mediterranean this fish attains a large size, and its flesh is es-
teemed, being white and tender and of excellent flavour. I trust that I have thus
drawn attention to the interest that the Ichthyology of our coasts may present, for I
am satisfied, that upon more careful investigation, other species that have been re-
corded, as occurring upon the coast of Cornwall, and also Mediterranean species, will
yet be traced on the southern and western coasts of this country. In continuation
of the arrangement in the British fishes of the Percida?, are the great and the lesser
Weevers, or sting-fish (Trachinus draco, and T. vipera), both of which I have before
noticed, as frequenting Dingle and Ventry harbours ; and I feel assured that that
beautiful Mediterranean species, the radiated Weever (Trachinus radiata), and found
on the southern shores of France, will on our south-west coast be recorded in the
fauna.

A discussion arose with regard to some instances that had been noticed of vessels
at sea having met these fish in numbers, following wreck timber, and of their having
been taken by jigging, with a hook attached to a pole. They were found excellent
food for the crew.

Mr. Sanders said that he had often considered that a knowledge of natural history
was but little attended to by officers of the navy, as well as our mercantile navy,
where they had such opportunities of forming valuable records, and of extending so
much the sphere of scientific information.

The Chairman thought that the thanks of the Society were due to Mr. Andrews
for his paper, and for the interesting addition he had described and recorded to the
Ichthyology of the country. It must be gratifying to the Society to find, that at
each meeting some new record to the fauna had been brought forward.

The ballot having taken place, Joseph Farran Darley, Esq., of Upper Leeson-
street, was elected a member, and Thomas Chandlee, Esq., of Waterford, a corres-
ponding member.

The meeting was then adjourned to the month of March.

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY ZOOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION.

JANUARY 6, 1855.
R. BALL, LL.D., President, in the Chair.

A. H. Haliday, Esq., A.M., J.P., &c., was elected an honorary member.
The President gave a demonstration of the family Alcedinidse, being in continu-
ation of the series illustrative of the collection in the University Museum,

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 39

Mr. Hogan announced, that he had that morning received a letter from his
friend, Mr. J. Walter Lea, which stated that the butterfly under consideration of
the Association at a former meeting, and then supposed to be a variety of Pieris
daplidice, had been identified by Mr. Stainton as Anthocaris belia, one of the three
allied species to one of which Mr. Hogan had already thought it might be referred.
An interesting addition had thus been made to the Fauna of the British Isles, if no
difficulty should subsequently arise respecting it. He would furnish a more explicit
statement by their next meeting.

The Kev. Joseph Greene then read the following paper : —

DIRECTIONS FOR CAPTURING LEPLDOPTERA.

Owing to the many obstacles (among which may be mentioned, in particular, the
high cost of, and the difficulty of procuring standard works, together with the
absence of precise information as to the best methods of capturing insects, and of
preserving and arranging them, when captured)— owing, I repeat, to the many
obstacles which present themselves to the student of Entomology at the very outset
of his career, he frequently becomes disheartened, and is often led to abandon the
pursuit altogether, in disgust at his want of success. In the hope of obviating, in
some degree, the last of these obstacles, I have drawn up a few remarks (intended
only for beginners) relative to the best methods of capturing and preserving
Lepidoptera. These observations are based, in part, upon my own personal obser-
vation and experience, and, in part, upon the observation and experience of those
whose long and assiduous pursuit of this branch of Entomology renders their
opinion and judgment unexceptionable.

v Modes of Capture. — Lepidopterous insects may be captured in each of the four
stages of their existence — the Egg, the Larva, the Pupa, and the Imago.

EGG. — Those eggs which are deposited by the parent insect at the close of
autumn, are, I believe, rarely found. They may, however, be occasionally dis-
covered by a careful examination of the trunks and twigs of various trees.
The three following rare species, amongst others, have been taken in this way —
viz., "Notodonta trepida"(oak), "Notodonta cucullina" (maple), and "Ptilo-
phora plumigera" (maple). Those eggs, however, which are deposited in the
spring, may frequently be found on the various plants and leaves of the trees, upon
which the larva feeds.

LARVA. — There is no better, or more productive means of obtaining Lepidoptera,
than by searching for Iarva3. Many species, which are rarely seen in the perfect
state, may thus be captured in abundance, as the common " Arctia caja," u Diloba
casruleocephala," &c. Others, which have never been captured at all, or very
rarely, upon the wing, have been occasionally taken in this stage. The specimen
of " Gluphisia crenata," exhibited at a former meeting of this Society, was bred
from a larva beaten from a poplar. The methods of searching for larva? are, by
beating, and by carefully examining the leaves of the various trees and plants on
which they feed, both by day and by night — many caterpillars lying hid during
the day, and only coming out to feed at night. This last can, of course, only be
done with the aid of a lamp ; it is an admirable method, and innumerable larvas,
which would elude the most entomological eye during the daytime, may then be
found. Amongst the Noctuas and Geometry there are entire genera which only feed
at this time. In searching for larvse, during the day, small shrubs and saplings
will be found better than trees, which are to be examined by beating, of which
hereafter. The plan I adopt is, to take a twig in my hand, turn it up, so as to get
at the under side of the leaves, and then carefully examine it. Noctua? and Bom-
byces are generally found on the under side of whatever leaf they may be feeding
on. The " Ceruras" — i.e., the puss moth and the kittens — are, however, always on
the upper side, usually about the centre of the leaf. Poplar, willow, and sallow
are the trees they feed on. Geometras will, almost invariably, be found during the
daytime, extended at full length along the stalks or twigs of the trees on which
they feed, and as they are often of the same colour as that on which they lie, fre-
quently escape observation — that is, careless observation. The best shrubs,
according to my experience, are, willow, poplar, sallow, oak, aspen, and alder. In
beating, the operation is simple, though laborious. Nothing is required but a stout

40 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

stick, about six feet long, with a hook at one end. With this, the tree is to be
thrashed. The hook is useful to shake a branch, when too thick to be beaten.
Some collectors take, I believe, a sheet, and spread it beneath the tree to catch the
larvae as they fall. This, I think, is unnecessary, as I have found, except when
beating over thick brushwood, no difficulty in detecting a caterpillar nor have I
ever seen such a number of larva on any tree, as to require a sheet to collect them.
Many Geometrae suspend themselves by a thread, when shaken from their resting-
place, and are easily observed. I carry with me thirteen or fourteen chip pill boxes
(with the top knocked out, and a little gauze substituted) for the purpose of bring-
ing the larvae home. A leaf of the tree or plant, on which it has been found,
should be placed in the box with the caterpillar, and several may be put to-
gether, except where they are carnivorous, as " Stauropus fagi," u Scopelosoma
satellitia, " Euperia trapetzina," and some others. When, however, I find so good
a larva as the first of these, I generally give him a box to himself.

PUPA. — Digging for pupae is an excellent method of obtaining insects, and pos-
sesses the peculiar advantage of being the only way in which the study can be
pursued during the winter months. As some remarks of mine upon this subject
were read before the Entomological Society (Vide Trans., vol. ii., N. S., part v.,
and " Zoologist," vol. xi., p. 3,888), I will here recapitulate a few of the more useful
hints — u The only instrument I use is a common garden trowel. The form is im-
material ; perhaps a rounded blade is the best, as passing with greater ease
between the roots. The trees, which I have found the most productive, are the fol-
lowing:— elm, oak, ash, poplar, beech, willow, and alder. With regard to
localities, meadows and parks with scattered timber trees are decidedly the best
localities ; being near a wood seems no advantage. It is, however, a very curious
fact, that the nearer these meadows or parks are to inhabited places, as towns,
villages, or even a single farmhouse, the more abundant are the pupae. Next to
parks and meadows I place woods. Searching in woods, however, is a tedious and
fatiguing affair, and to search successfully requires some experience. Perhaps the
following hints may prove useful. It is in vain to examine the dens'e portions ; it is
equally vain to dig at the roots of trees in woods, with few exceptions ; and you will
rarely find anything except upon trees of considerable growth. The thick moss
which collects about the trunks and roots is the part to be examined. Bombyces
are generally (almost invariably) found under the moss which covers spreading
roots, and not on the trunks. The best localities in woods are the borders and
open places. It is curious that such places, when elevated or facing the north,
are the most productive. There remains one other locality — hedgerows. These
may be dismissed in a few words ; it is perfectly useless to try them. I do not think
I have found a dozen pupae in such places ; why it should be so, I cannot tell.
There are, of course, other localities, but as I have never tried them, I am unable
to give any opinion on them.

u The next point, which may be considered worthy of notice, is the mode of
search. This, of course, varies according to locality. In digging, it must be
borne in mind, that all pupae lie close to the trunk of the tree ; seldom more than
two inches distant. Frequently the trunk of the tree forms one side of the cocoon,
especially the cocoon of such insects as spin. Again, pupae lie close to the surface
of the earth (I have seen those of ' Smerinthus populi' and ' S. tiliae' half out of
the earth ; the larva of ' Calocampa exoleta' is the only one I know of that goes
to a considerable depth). Insert, then, the trowel about three inches from the
trunk, to the depth of two inches or so ; then push it to the tree, and turn it
up. If the soil be dry and friable, without grass, knock it gently with the
trowel, which will be sufficient. If, however, there be grass, you must proceed
more cautiously ; take up the sod in the left hand, knock it very gently with the
trowel, and those pupae which merely enter the ground, will drop out. To find
those which spin, you must carefully examine the sod, tearing the roots of the
grass asunder ; these are, of course, much the most difficult to find, the cocoons
being generally the colour of the earth. I may here remark, that it is useless to try
sticky or clayey ground, the caterpillars being unable to penetrate it. In searching
under moss, the best plan is to loosen the edge, then to tear it gently off, observing
whether any pupse fall. Look at the trunk to see if anything adheres to it, and

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 41

then carefully examine the moss itself. Experience alone will enable you to
detect a spun cocoon.

" Searching under loose bark requires no comment. (I will here make an obser-
vation in reference to the Cerurae. The cocoons are found in the bark of the trees
on which the larvae feed. This is done in such a manner as exactly to resemble the
natural inequalities of the bark, and it requires the closest investigation to dis-
cover them. The plan I adopt is, having found a poplar of moderate size, to place
my finger upon the trunk, about six feet from the ground, and slowly drawing it
down, carefully examine the line thus made, including about half an inch on each
side of it. It is a laborious, but I have also found it a successful, plan. The
empty cocoons are very easily detected, and it is advisable to see whether there be
any on the trunk of a tree, before examining it in the manner recommended
above, as I have (almost invariably) found that individual trees appear to be
selected year after year. I pretend not to account for this, but it is the fact.) " If I
were asked, which are the most likely trees, I should say, those whose branches
spread out to\vards the ground, since moths seldom fly to the high branches ; those
whose roots form an angle filled with loose, dry earth, especially when covered with
grass ; and, lastly, those which have a thick, loose moss upon them. Nothing,
however, can be more uncertain than any rules upon this matter.

" No pupa-hunter can hope for success, unless he has a good stock of patience
and perseverance. He must not mind cold hands, wet feet, or an aching back ;
for although these are drawbacks, yet is the pursuit quite exciting, when successful,
and it will reward the seeker, not merely of Lepidoptera, but also of all other orders
of insects."

For the purpose of carrying pupse home, when found, any box will answer,
with a little moss in it, to prevent their rolling about. They should, then, be
placed in a good-sized box, with a little earth at the bottom. The pupa? are to be
laid upon the earth, and covered with moss. Some collectors damp the moss
occasionally ; I think it a bad plan ; I never do anything to them. The box
should have ROUGH sides to enable the insect to crawl up, and should also be
covered with gauze or wire. Care should be taken not to kill an insect until
the wings are fully dried ; but, if possible, it should be killed before its time
of flight, which, in the case of Noctuae and Geometras, is the evening.

IMAGO. — As to the most likely places for finding, and the best methods of cap-
turing insects on the wing, it may justly be said— "Tot entomologici, tot
sententise." The following, however, are the most deserving of notice: — During
the day time many Geometrae and some Noctuae may be found by beating the hedges
(on road-sides and at the borders of woods), furze, underwood, trees, shrubs, &c.,
when the former fly out, and may easily be captured with a net, while the latter
fall torpid to the ground. Trunks of trees should be carefully examined, as large
numbers, both of Noctuas and Geometrce, make them their resting-place during the
day. In the same manner, palings, fences, stumps, and old walls should be
searched, especially on the side sheltered from the sun and wind. So far, during the
daytime. As regards the evening and night, there are three plans particularly
deserving of notice — sugaring, examining the trees, shrubs, &c., attractive to
Lepidoptera, and lamplight. The first of these I have often tried, but have met
with little success. Not so, however, with other collectors. Mr. Douglas has, in
the pages of the u Zoologist," given many valuable instructions on this, and other
points connected with the study and pursuit of Entomology ; and I cannot do better
than quote some of his remarks — u The strongest brown sugar, known as
'Jamaica- foots,' is mixed with hot water to the consistence of treacle, or somewhat
thinner, and a small portion of rum added and stirred in ; the composition is then
laid on the trunks of trees, in favourable situations, with a painter's brush. I have
found that it is better to make long and narrow streaks than broad patches.
Many species do not like to wet their feet, and sit and sip the nectar modestly,
and at a distance ; others are not so careful, but rush readily on their destruction.
The sugar should be put on the trees at dusk, before the moths fly ; for I have
repeatedly observed that, if used afterwards, there will not be nearly so many
come. With a lantern suspended from the neck, and thereby preserving an
upright position during every movement, the collector may visit the trees several

42 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

times during an evening. The greater number of moths will be found during the
first hour ; but some species are only taken late at night. Most of them may be
taken very easily, by holding a pill- box under them, into which they will fall, and
remain quiet till the next day ; but some are not so quiet. Some persons boil the
sugar and water, and think it an advantage ; but I have not yet tried it. Of the
efficacy of the addition of the rum I am sure, having more than once seen one col-
lector use it, and another, at the same time, sugar without it, when the former
would obtain double the number of Noctuae." — Zool., vol. ii.,'p. 400. According to the
opinions of different entomologists the best places to sugar are — single trees in.
hedgerows, open places in and at the borders of woods, or scattered trees in parks,
meadows, gardens, &c. Whilst on a visit to that eminent naturalist, Mr. H.
Doubleday, of Epping, he showed me, in a corner of a field bordering his garden, a
young tree, the stem of which was not more than five or six inches in diameter.
For many seasons in succession, he informed me, that he had there captured many
of our rarest insects, not to mention multitudes of the common species. The tree
must have been two miles from the forest, and the trunk was quite abraded with
constant sugaring. As I have already remarked, I have myself had no success in
sugaring ; but from the numerous records contained in the pages of the " Zoologist,"
of Lepidoptera captured in this manner, there seems to be no doubt that it is one of
the most excellent methods that can be adopted. To enumerate all the species thus
taken would be an endless task, but I cannot refrain from mentioning some of the
more remarkable, as "Luperina abjecta," " Dipthera orion," "Nonagria arun-
dinicola," " Hadena atriplicis," and " H. satura," " Triphsena subsequa," " Glaea
erythrocephala" (still unique), the beautiful " Catocalae," "Fraxini," " Pro-
missa," u Sponsa," and many others.

We come next to trees, shrubs, &c., attractive to moths. The following may be
mentioned : — Jasmine, honeysuckle, valerian, bladder campion, reed, French and

and u Noctuae." But these fade into insignificance when compared with the far-
famed sallow blossoms and ivy bloom. The spring insects, of course, are found on
the former ; the autumnal, on the latter. The following scarce species have been
taken on ivy : — " Dasycampa rubiginea" (one of our rarest insects), u Agrotis
Saucia,''uXylinapetrificata" anduX. semibrunnea," "Calocampavetusta," "Euperia
fulvago," &c. ; and on sallows, amongst others, "Taeniocampa munda," u Popu-
leti," " Miniosa," " Opima," " Gracilis," &c. By shaking the sallows over a
white cloth, the moths may easily be captured, as they fall off, apparently quite
intoxicated. The ivy bloom should be examined with a lantern, and the insect,
when seen, will, if gently tapped, immediately fall into the box prepared to receive
him, and remain quite quiet. The time to commence searching in this manner
is, I think, about seven in the evening. 1 had nearly omitted to mention lime-
blossoms and syringa. These are certainly, as far as my experience goes, the
most attractive baits for moths. I have seen lime-trees, and large shrubs of sy-
ringa, when in blossom, actually alive with insects. I have taken upon them
specimens of the rare " Spaelotis pyrophila" and " S. ravida." The best way of attract-
ing insects is, I think, by lamplight. The " Zoologist" records many rare species thus
captured, and I may mention among those taken by myself in this way — " Xylo-
phasia sublustris," u Cerigo cytherea," " Neuria saponariae, u Miana arcuosa,"
44 Agrotis corticea and cinerea,'' " Dianthascia carpophaga," " Hadena adusta,"
"Eupithecia sobrinaria," " Centaurearia," 4'subfulvaria," "pusillaria," "pulchel-
laria," &c. Mr. Stainton describes (Zool., 2,030) a very elaborate apparatus he
employs for this purpose. My method is very simple, being merely to have two
candles close to the window, when, on favourable nights, if the window be open,
the moths will fly in and immediately ascend to the ceiling (when they may easily
be captured with a net) ; or, if the window be closed, will make known their
anxiety to be admitted ; some, by a mild and gentle, others, with a loud and in-
dignant tap. During the still silence which prevails in a retired country-place,

* Those marked in italics have been found particularly attractive.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 43

about one in the morning, the sudden rap of a large moth, such as " Arctia caja,"
is no joke to the nerves. Moths, attracted by light, are very fond of crawling up
and down the panes, and when thus situated may easily be taken in a tin box, such
as will hereafter be described. There seems to be little use in trying the light, till
about half-past ten — that is, during the summer months ; and I may here mention
a curious circumstance, which, as far as I am aware, has not hitherto been re-
corded ; it is, that there seems to be an interval — viz., from about nine to half-
past ten — during which moths appear to cease flying. From half-past eight to half-
past nine they may be seen flying over and about the flowers, shrubs, &c., attractive
to them ; but, at the end of that time, they almost entirely disappear. When this
has been the case, I have returned home (and this over and over again) and tried
the light, but in vain. I have repeatedly sat at the open window for an hour and
a half, without seeing a single moth. A little before eleven, when almost in
despair, a solitary specimen has appeared. This has then been followed by others
in rapid succession, till about half-past one, at which time they begin to fall off
again, and disappear entirely just before daybreak. On a sultry summer's evening
the ceiling of the Entomologist's room presents a singular spectacle, from the num-
bers of insects swarming about it. I say insects, for the collector must be pre-
pared for other things besides Lepidoptera, such as spiders, centipedes, earwigs,
midges, &c. He will also be much annoyed by bats, which speedily discover that
the moths are attracted by the light, and, accordingly, visit you regularly every
evening. I have seen a moth, when almost in my clutches, suddenly disappear,
while the snap of the jaws informed me that the bat was too quick for me. The bat
is a sworn foe to the Entomologist, and the wings scattered about beneath the win-
dow testify to his voracious powers.

I see no way of accounting for this lull in the appearance of insects, except by
supposing that the process of digestion is then going on, and that they are then
taking their siesta. There is one remark which I must not omit ; on nights when
the moon shines, moths go to bed, and the best thing for the Entomologist, on such
occasions, is to do the same, as he will not take a single insect. The irregularity
in the appearance of insects is remarkable, and difficult to account for. Warm,
sultry nights are, undoubtedly, the best, and when there is a little small rain falling
at the same time, you may generally expect success ; but this is not, by any means,
invariably the case. The only period at which I have always found moths abun-
dant, is just previous to a thunder-storm, when the air is much charged with
electric fluid.

For the purpose of catching insects on the wing, a net is requisite. A hoop,
fourteen inches in diameter, should be securely fastened to a rod about four feet
long, and a green or white gauze attached to the hoop. The bag may be three
feet in depth. In fact, the net is almost the same as that employed in landing a
fish. When the insect is in the net, the question is, how to get it out, without
injuring it. The plan I adopt is as follows : — I have one or more tin boxes, of
which the subjoined is the best description I can give — depth, seven inches, of an
oval shape, something like an egg divided lengthways ; breadth, one way, three
inches ; the other, two inches. The same proportions are observed throughout
the entire depth. At one end is a false bottom, one inch in depth (this is included
in the seven inches). This is to hold bruised laurel-leaves ; and to enable the
fumes to penetrate into the other portion of the box, is a small tray pierced with
ten or twelve holes. At the other extremity is a lid fastened at one end, with an
easy hinge. A similar lid is at the extremity of the false bottom, in order that the
laurel-leaves may be renewed when necessary. The moth then being in the net,
insert the box, with the top lid raised about an inch and a half, and your fore-
finger upon it. As soon as you have the insect inside the box (a little practice
will enable you to do this with ease), clap down the lid with your fore-finger, and
in a few seconds the moth will fall insensible to the bottom. If, upon examina-
tion, you find it to be one you do not want, throw it away, and it will soon
recover, if not kept too long in the box. Should the insect, however, prove a desi-
deratum, you can transfix it at once, and kill it by piercing it, just under the
wing, with a quill dipped in a saturated solution of oxalic acid. For this purpose,
I carry with me a little bottle with a close-fitting glass-stopper. This method, I

44 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

imagine, will not do for Microlepidoptera. Directions on that head I must
leave to others. A box, such as I have described (or rather attempted to
describe), is actually indispensable to the Entomologist, and should always
accompany him in his rambles, as insects are thus captured, with the greatest
ease, on trunks of trees, leaves, flowers, &c. This is the box to be used in
examining ivy-bloom.

The next point to be considered is, the setting up an insect, when caught ; and
and I may here speak of the proper pins. Edelsten and Williams, Iron Works,
Birmingham, make pins for this purpose ; and, upon application, will forward a
pattern paper, with the prices annexed. The following are, I think, the best sizes : —
for Rhopalocera, Nos. 5 and 17 ; Sphingidse, 16 and 15 ; Bombyces, 13 and 14 ;
Noctuae, 8 ; Pyrales, 15 and 18 ; and Geometrte, 8, 7, 10.

There are three methods of setting up insects— the flat, the rounded, and the
sloping. The flat is the method adopted on the Continent, but it does not meet
with much favour in England. Several distinguished Microlepidopterists, how-
ever, employ it. The rounded is the method generally adopted, I believe, by the
Metropolitan collectors. I cannot give any directions on this head, as I have never
tried it. The last, which I term sloping, is the one which, I think, generally
prevails. For this purpose are required strips of cork, or soft deal, about a foot
long, with a groove, proportioned to the size of the insect, running down the centre.
The cork must be smoothly shaved away on each side, according to the amount of
deflection, which each individual's fancy may suggest ; great care, however, being
taken that each side exactly corresponds. Insert the pin in the centre of the tho-
rax, with the head bent a little forward. Above all things, avoid letting the pin
bend to either side. It should be exactly perpendicular, when the insect is set.
Having placed the moth or butterfly in the groove, so as to permit the wings
nearly to touch the edge, push them gently up with some pointed instrument to
the desired length (a good distance is, the apex of the wing being some degree
higher than the head), and then fix them with a brace of card. Be sure that the
wings exactly correspond. The antennae and abdomen should be made to pre-
serve the required position by means of pins. This is a point much neglected by
many collectors. Insects will require, according to their size, the state of the
atmosphere, &c., more or less time to dry (the females generally take twice as
long as the males) ; but they should not be removed until quite dry, as other-
wise the wings are apt to start back. The setting-boards should be carefully kept
free from dirt, dust, &c.

To relax an insect, all that is required is, to pin it on a piece of cork ; place the
cork in a vessel of water, and cover it up, and in 6, 12, or 24 hours, as the case
may be, tbe insect will be as flexible as when caught.

To remove grease, the best method is, to cut open the under side of the ab-
domen, with a pair of fine-pointed and sharp scissors ; and, having picked out the
contents, to soak it for six or eight hours, either in camphine or spirit of turpen-
tine. Having dried the insect, as far as possible, with blotting-paper, cover it up
with magnesia for 24 hours. A camel's hair brush will remove the magnesia, and
the insect will be uninjured. Green insects, however, fade, when submitted to this
process. A large piece of camphor should be placed in each drawer, or box, which
may contain insects.

For the purpose of breeding, I use a number of boxes portioned off into divi-
sions. Both boxes and divisions, of course, vary in size. For example's sake,
however, suppose one 18 inches square, and 6^ inches in depth, portioned off into
12 equal divisions. In each division I place some fine mould to the depth of about
1£ inch, and upon that I put some moss. A lid covered with gauze (like the rim
of a slate, with the slate knocked out) is made to accurately fit the box, and the
apparatus is complete. In each division may be placed four or five caterpillars, if
using the same food. At first they do not seem to like their new abode, but they
soon become reconciled to it. The food may be renewed once a day, and the moss
occasionally damped. Wire must be substituted for gauze where the gnawing
powers are strongly developed, as in the case of " Cossus ligniperda," the " Ceruras, '
" Acronycta alni,"&c., and bits of decayed wood should be placed in the division.
I may here mention an instance of the gnawing powers of the larva of the "puss

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 45

moth" ("Cerura vinula"). The first caterpillar of this species which I found
was deemed a great prize, and, as such, had a division to itself. On going to look
at it the next day, to my indescribable dismay, I found it was gone, having easily
eaten through the gauze covering. In vain I searched for it, and had given
it up as lost, when, about three weeks afterwards, while removing the table-cover,
I found it firmly attached to one of the legs, and there, upon examination, I found
my long-lost larva. It had bored a snug berth for itself in the solid mahogany
leg, and finding the place cold, I suppose, had firmly glued the table-cover over its
cocoon.

These few remarks may, perhaps, be of some use to beginners, and should they,
in any degree whatever, promote the study and pursuit of this branch of
Entomology in Ireland, I should most sincerely rejoice. I have only to add,
that I shall be most willing, at all times, to aiford, either in person, or by letter,
or by means of my own collection, any information in my power to those who
may desire it.

A letter addressed, Rev. J. Greene, 49, Stephen's-green, Dublin, will always
find me.

Mr. Greene stated, that in the "Entomologist's Annual," just published, Hama
furva, W. V., was noted as occurring only in Scotland ; whereas a reference to his
list of Irish Lepidoptera, published in the " Natural History Review,'' would
show that it had been previously recorded as Irish by more than one collector.

FEBRUARY 3, 1855.
R. BALL, LL.D., President, in the Chair.

The President gave a demonstration of the families Meropidaa and Upupidae,
being in continuation of a series illustrative of the collection in the University
Museum.

Dr. Ball also laid before the Association the following facts relative to a specimen
of Lepidopus argyreus, the head of which he exhibited : —

ON THE PROBABLE OCCURRENCE OF THE LEPIDOPUS ARGYREUS IN DUBLIN BAY.

About eighteen years since, Mr. Glennon, the well-known bird preserver of
Suffolk- street, gave me the head of a fish, stating that it had been then recently
taken by Mr. Massey, at the Pigeon-house. I submitted this head to my ever-
lamented friend, William Thompson, who was then engaged on his list of the
Fauna of Ireland ; he appears to have been misled as to the species, and having
failed to get any precise information on the subject from Mr. Massey, refused, with
his characteristic caution, to give the fish a place in his list. A few days since, on
turning over the first volume of the Wernerian Transactions, I found, at page 83, a
very fair figure, as if drawn from my specimen, but representing the head of a fish
described by Colonel Montague, under the name of Xipotheca tetradens, as having
occurred on the coast of Devonshire ; the Colonel was not aware that the fish had
been already described as a Mediterranean species. In Yarrell's excellent history
of British fishes, its occurrence is recorded in other places in the south of England,
and in the MSS. of Mr. Thompson, there is a notice of its having probably been
taken, if I recollect rightly, at Newcastle, in the county of Down. We have thus
reason to believe, that it may be found on this coast. It would seem here unneces-
sary to recapitulate the history of the fish, as stated in Yarrell ; but I may confirm
what he remarks, that the proper number of large teeth in the front of the upper
jaw is six, not four, as supposed by Montague, and hence his specific name. When
I got possession of the head, it had six sharp, lancet-shaped teeth in advance of the
regular row of smaller teeth, and singularly arranged — two teeth standing parallel
to each other, at about one-sixteenth of an inch apart, close to the extremity of
the upper jaw ; two larger, at about the eighth of an inch behind these, also parallel,
and about one-eighth of an inch apart ; the two largest, one-eighth of an inch farther
behind, and about a quarter of an inch apart. These six teeth are singularly sharp and
lancet- like ; but the most curious part of their structure is, that they fold inwards,
like clasped knives, and are so adapted, that the fish apparently can use these
powerful implements for scarification or not at its pleasure. The diagram exhibited
will explain their position when folded back in the angular roof of the mouth.
VOL. ii. e

4:6 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

I think, under the circumstances, that we are justified in adding this fish to the
list of the Irish Fauna, and I regret that no further information can now be had, Mr.
Massey, who was a keen and accurate observer, and had made many interesting
additions to the Fauna, being, alas, no more.

CRICETUS PH.EUS.

Dr. Carte exhibited specimens of Cricetus phaeus (?) captured in the trenches
of the English camp, near Balaklava, by his cousin, William Carte, Esq., asso-
ciate member, and read the following paper thereon : —

The animals to which I have the pleasure of calling your attention are, I believe,
the first fruits of natural history transmitted to this country from the seat of war
in the East ; the skins were sent to me, through the post, by one of your associate
members, W. Carte, Esq., staff assistant-surgeon, attached to the medical department
of the army in the Crimea.

The Hamsters (Cricetus, Cuu.), to which these animals belong, form a nu-
merous family, and are generally placed between the Meriones and the Voles
(Arvicola, Lacep.} ; the former inhabit North America, and resemble the Gerbils,
save that the tails of the latter are very long, hairy, and generally tufted at the
extremity; whereas, in the former the tails are nearly naked, their hind legs
longer, and the dentition differs in having a very small tooth placed in front of the
superior molars. The dental formulas of the Voles and Meriones are similar to the
rat's — that is to say, they have three molars above and below in each jaw ; but those
of the Meriones are not furnished with roots, and each tooth in the latter animal is
formed of prismatic-shaped triangles, alternately disposed in two rows.

The animals before us differ very considerably from the foregoing. In these
animals the body is somewhat short and stout, clothed with a very fine and soft
hair, which, under different circumstances of light, presents different shades, vary-
ing from dark mouse-colour to light gray; the tail is very short, and appears
almost destitute of hair — I say appears, because, when closely examined, it really
is not without this covering, but it is coarser than that upon the body, and is
disposed lengthwise, and so closely applied to the surface that the tail seems to be
hairless. The eyes are full and black, and the ears large oval, and almost without hair.
The feet are short, with four toes on the fore foot, and five on the hind, and do
not seem well adapted for burrowing ; but the most remarkable part of the organiza-
tion of these animals, and that which separates them from their congeners, is the
possession of cheek-pouches, some what analogous to those found in some of the Simiae ;
these pouches are placed immediately under the ear, on the side of the head, and
are formed of a dilatation or extension of the lining membrane of the mouth, in
the form of two sacks, each capable of containing a large-sized kidney-bean ; these
sacks are used by the animal for transporting its food, and thus enabling it to lay
up a store to be used during the winter. This was evinced by the fact of Mr.
Carte having found these pouches filled with grain at the time of their capture.
The dental formulas of this animal is similar to the rat's — viz,, incisors, | ; molars, f j
these latter are furnished with a double row of conoidal tubercles, placed alternately,
the most anterior molar in the lower jaw being furnished with five such tubercles,
the middle and posterior with four. In the upper jaw the tubercles are placed
opposite to each other, and there are six tubercles in the most anterior molar,
four in the middle, and in the posterior or smallest but two or three irregular ; the
lower jaw is remarkable for the length of its posterior, inferior, angular process ;
and, comparatively speaking, it appears more developed in this animal than any
other rodent, with the exception, perhaps, of the rat, and approaches more closely
to the insectivorous formation, as in the mole and sorex, &c. Taking these consi-
derations into account, I am inclined to believe that this animal does not confine
itself strictly to granivorous diet, but, like our rat, is occasionally carnivorous.

The habits of this peculiar species are in accordance with their anatomical
organization. It has been before stated that their feet are not adapted for burrow-
ing, which agrees perfectly with the account of their habits, as given by Mr.
William Carte, in a letter which accompanied the animals ; in it he writes that he
found them under some stones, in a nest which was formed in the shape of an arch,

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 47

constructed of straw and feathers, and open at both ends ; in this nest a consider-
able quantity of oats was laid up for their winter store (16th December, 1854) ; but
the animal, though at this late period of the year, displayed no symptom of
torpidity ; it is, therefore, to be supposed their peculiar time for hybernation had
not then arrived. The Hamster family is numerous, and dispersed rather widely.
The following list of species has been taken from the fifth volume of the " Histoire
Naturelle" of Lesson, in which a short and very incomplete description of each is
given ; it is therein stated that Buffon has described only the common Hamster
(Cricetus vulgaris, Cwy.), or the Marmot of Germany.

Pallas has made us acquainted with many species from Siberia ; M.
Rafinesque, one from Kentucky ; and M. Gapper, one from Canada. These
are —

1st. Le hagri of Vicq-d'Azyr (Cricetus migratorius, Desm.}, ash gray colour
above ; the abdomen and feet, white ; from Siberia.

2nd. Le Sable Vicq-d'Azyr (Cricetus arenarius, Desm.), Mus arenarius,
Pallas, grayish white, with abdomen very white, the ears hairy, its tail a little
longer than the other species ; it lives upon the seeds of the astragulus, in the sands
of Siberia.

3rd. Le phe (Cricetus phseus, Desm.\ grayish brown on the back, white on the
abdomen, the eai'S large, and almost naked ; it lives on cereal grain, in the desert of
Astracan, in the north of Persia.

4th. Le songar (Cricetus songarus, Desm.'), gray on the back, with a black line
running along the back, the flanks vary from brown to white, the body tapering,
and the tail is very short ; it lives in the most desert parts of Siberia, upon the
seeds of leguminous plants, which makes it very fat.

5th. L'Orozo (Mus furunculns, Pallas), has an elongated body, pointed nose?
with ears large and naked ; the fur is grayish -yellow on each side, with a black
dorsal line ; the abdomen and the feet are white ; it is found in Daouri.

Rafinesque describes a banded Hamster (Cricetus fasciatus), of the plains of
Kentucky, red on the back, with ten black transverse rays ; its cheek-pouches
are pendant ; but a species which is less certain is the Cricetus myoides, discovered
in Upper Canada, by Dr. Gapper.

To these may be added the Cricetus accedula (Mus accedula, Pall.\ from
Erzeroom, described in the proceedings of the Zoological Society, for 13th August,
1839 ; and also the Cricetus auratus, from Aleppo, described by Mr. Waterhouse,
in the same journal, the 9th April, 1839.

There is another point of interest which more especially attaches itself to this
peculiar species before us ; it is, that, in all probability, it is the identical species
described by Aristotle, over two thousand years ago ; and from his time to the
present has caused much perplexity to naturalists. The Stagirite calls it Mug o
ITOVTIKOQ 6 \SVKOQ, which has been translated the " white pontic mouse;" and
Agricola, from so translating Xevicot;, supposed it to be the ermine. Gesner
thought it was a squirrel, and this was also the opinion of Buffon. It is true that
Aristotle gives but a very brief description of the animal ; but still it is such as to
be sufficient to refute these opinions ; he says, in his "Hist. Animal," liber viii.,
cap. 17, it is a gnawer, of a gray colour, hybernates, and lives near the Euxine.
These facts exclude the ermine, and also the squirrel, neither of which animals

hybernate ; for he states the eXeitfg (dormouse) hybernates, as also does the Mvg o
ITOVTIKOQ 6 \tvKoc ; he also states, in " Hist. Animal," liber ix., cap. 50, that it
ruminates ; the same is said of the hare, as we all know. I, therefore, think that the
gray pontic mouse, which hybernates, may probably be no other than this animal.

Mr. Ogilby said, that from his own observation of the allied species of rodents,
he could explain the mode which this little Hamster (?) may probably adopt in
emptying its cheek-pouches of grain, &c., these being merely formed by a thin,
mucous membrane : an external upward pressure of the fore feet was quite sufficient
to dislodge the contents, when needed for use ; and this employment of the fore feet
was characteristic of animals of a high order of intelligence, as it never obtains
among those which use them merely for prehension in locomotion. He had not,
however, at anytime seen them attempt to insert the claws and draw out their food.

48 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

In regard to the question, whether this species might be referred to that mentioned
by Aristotle, under the name of the grey pontic mouse, there was much difficulty,
owing to the looseness of his description. The word XEWK^, might be translated
cinereous ; yet the latter term also involved confusion. But as it could not, with
any probability, be identified with either the squirrel or the mouse (according to
the common interpretations), he thought it not unlikely that the animal said by
Aristotle to occur both on the southern and western shores of the Black Sea, might
be found on the Crimea and northern coasts also, and be in reality the species under
discussion. With the Mus phaeas of Pallas there was more probability of this
species being satisfactorily reconciled : the former was described in Pallas's last work,
the u Zoographia Russica," a book of great rarity, not more than twenty copies
having been circulated (one of which he had been himself fortunate enough to pro-
cure on the Continent), in consequence of a fire that destroyed the printing-office
at St. Petersburgh, where the work had been just prepared for publication. Imme-
diately before writing this zoography, Pallas had been residing in the Crimea, on an
estate given him by the Empress Catherine II. of Russia, not far from Balaklava,
or between the latter place and Simpheropol ; therefore, it was highly probable that
the species, now so abundant there, had been described by him, whether under the
name Mus phaeas or not. He did not think that this Hamster (?) could be the
Siberian species, because barren steppes, of great extent, intervened between that
country and the Crimea, besides the difference of temperature. As the northern
parts of the Crimea consisted of dry, sandy plains, abounding in small, burrowing
rodents, and as our armies might, ere long, visit those places, some interesting disco-
veries might be expected. In concluding, he would not, give a decided opinion as
to the identity of this species with the Mus phaeas of Pallas ; but, having now care-
fully examined the Crimean specimens, he would, on returning home, refer to the
description in the " Zoographia Russica," and be happy to communicate the result
to the Association.

The Entomological Secretary exhibited a specimen of Carpophilus hemipterus
(a beetle new to the Dublin lists), taken by himself, in rotten wood, at Charlton,
Roebuck. From being somewhat immature, and not possessing the red spots on
the elytra, it resembled in appearance C. pusillus, Ste. ; to the latter species, how-
ever, Mr. Haliday did not think it belonged.

FEBRUABY 17, 1855.
R. BALL, LL.D., President, in the Chair.

The President gave a demonstration of the families Promeropidse and Nectarinidae,
being in continuation of a series illustrative of the collection of birds in the Univer-
sity Museum.

The Entomological Secretary read the following abstract statement, from J.
Walter Lea, Esq., corresponding member, of the facts connected with his

CAPTURE OF ANTHOCARIS BELIA, IN WORCESTERSHIRE.

Some time ago I had the pleasure of submitting to the Dublin University
Zoological Association the first part of a series of notes on the Diurnal Lepidoptera
of a limited district in Worcestershire. I have hitherto been prevented from com-
pleting the communication ; but, in the meantime, I am glad of the opportunity of
laying before the Association the following statement relative to the capture of a
specimen of Anthocaris belia, in the same district, by myself, in 1849, and still in
my possession. A coloured figure of the upper side of the insect was exhibited at
a recent meeting of the Association, when it was supposed to be a singular variety
of Pieris daplidice ; but the insect itself having been submitted to Mr. Stainton,
he informed me that it was Anthocaris belia, hitherto untaken in Britain.

The evidence of its genuineness may be briefly stated, as the weight of the
argument lies in a small compass ; but Mr. A. R. Hogan will be able to answer
questions, should any further particulars be required.

It was in 1849, between the 23rd of June and the 6th of July, that I took the
insect near Bewdley. At the time of capture I noticed that there was a dissimi-

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 49

larity between its appearance and that of Pieris daplidice ; but not having any
suspicion that it could be any other insect, I considered it a variety, and thought
no more about the matter. But as in those days the capture of a Daplidice was a
great rarity in my entomological experience, as it still is, I was particular to
mark it, and another true Daplidice caught in the same locality, as my own, by
passing the pin transfixing the insects through labels marked — " V. B., p. m. c.,
J. W. L." — i e., u Vere Britannica, propria manu capta ;" and with this note
attached they were transferred from the drying case to the cabinet, where they
remained undisturbed till, in 1851, I packed my cabinet ior travelling, when I
cleaned the insects, which had suffered considerably from damp and mites, removed
the labels above mentioned, which were stained and dirty, and, at the same
time, secured the insects in their places by strong braces of card-board. From
circumstances, which it is needless to mention, the cabinet was never properly
unpacked, nor the securing braces removed from any of the insects until the autumn
of 1853, when these two supposed Daplidices were liberated, together with the rest ;
but I did not replace the labels. It was not of any real moment, however, for I
did not, at this time, possess any insect at all resembling the Daplidice, except
these two. They remained in their places till the summer of 1854, when I was
preparing to figure the Daplidice, and, in consequence, was led more closely to
examine the supposed two specimens which I possessed ; then, to my surprise, I
discovered that the one which I had always, rather hastily, taken for a variety,
must be considered a distinct species, as it presented great differences from the
typical Daplidice; both in form, marking, and neuration of the wings. These
have been already enumerated in a former notice, read before the Dublin
University Zoological Association, so I will not now recapitulate them. Being
unacquainted with the insect, I referred it to Mr. Stainton, who immediately
informed me that it was Anthocaris belia, well known on the Continent, parti-
cularly in the south of France, and appearing early in summer.

That there can be no mistake as to the identity of the specimen with the one
which I caught is, I think, pretty clear, as the only other specimens at all
resembling it (except the Daplidice spoken of above), which I have ever had in my
possession, were two true Daplidices, which I received a few months after the
capture of the former two, with the intimation that their nationality was not quite
unquestionable. Without losing a moment, therefore, as I had the reputation of
my own to defend, I marked the new ones u Query British " on labels rolled
round the heads of their pins, and affixed by gum ; I then placed them in a case
apart from the original specimens with which they were never compared, nor were
they even brought into each other's presence, having been laid aside in a different
room. Where I placed them they remained till 1851, when I found both them
and the whole of the insects in the case destroyed by mites and damp ; and I
burnt them all with my own hands — the remains of the dubious Daplidices, with
the labels still adhering to the pins, being burnt along with the rest. I have
never had any other specimens whatever, and as I think I have now given a
clear statement of the different circumstances which befel the four specimens
above alluded to, I trust it will be evident that the remarkable occurrence now
recorded is not due to any slip of memory, or accidental misplacement of the
insects under consideration.

These statements of Mr. Lea gave rise to an interesting discussion, doubts having
arisen as to whether the specimen might not be a Continental one which had
been overlooked, from the time that ensued before Mr. Lea called attention to the
specimen in question, and from the unlikelihood of the discovery of any new British
Diurnal Lepidoptera, particularly one frequenting the southern parts of Europe.
The chief question appeared to be, whether the Anthocaris belia had not been im-
ported into England in the larva, or egg state.

Mr. Haliday did not, by any means, object to the credibility of Mr. Lea's state-
ment ; but thought it would be difficult to account for the introduction of the insect
into Worcestershire, an inland county, from the south of France, in either the egg
or larva state.

Rev. .j . Greene stated his entire concurrence in the views of Mr. Haliday. A
new British butterfly had not been discovered for many years (Erebia melampus,

50 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

taken in Scotland, being only a variety of Erebia cassiope), and it was, there-
fore, absolutely necessary that the record of any such discovery should be sub-
stantiated by the most undoubted proofs. Mr. Lea appeared fully aware of this
necessity, and had obligingly communicated to the Society many interesting parti-
culars respecting its capture. Mr. Lea did not assume the insect to be indigenous —
he merely asserted its capture — and this statement, coming through such a source,
was surely entitled to all respect and consideration from his brother collectors ; and
he (Mr. Greene) would take that opportunity of expressing his regret at the con-
temptuous manner in which, as he understood, that communication had been
received by some eminent entomologists in England — the inevitable result of such
a course being to deter the inexperienced from forwarding to " head-quarters" the
results of their observations. Similar incredulity had been shown regarding Mr.
Weaver's statement (over and over again repeated) of his capture of Melitaea dia,
near Birmingham ; but he (Mr. G.) entertained no doubt whatever as to the
accuracy of his account. The refusal to admit any insect into our lists, without
clear and authentic proofs of its capture, was a precaution which none would object
to ; but, surely, inquiries on such a matter ought to be made, and received with all
courtesy and friendliness. That Anthocaris belia had been taken by Mr. Lea in
Worcestershire, he saw no good reason to doubt (however difficult to explain its
appearance there) ; but he thought it a matter of regret that so long a time had been
suffered to elapse without recording its capture.

Mr. Wright suggested that, perhaps, Dr. Ball would act the part of judge upon
the matter, and give the members the benefit of his opinion.

The President said, that after the opinions which had been expressed on this
subject by two eminent entomologists, he really could not add anything to them ;
but before acting the part of judge, he thought it would be prudent to in-
quire if there had been any importation of foreign plants into that part of
Worcestershire, where Mr. Lea resided. Members were, doubtless, aware that
the nurserymen imported largely from the south of France all the rare or
tender shrubs of that region ; and he conceived it very probable that the eggs,
or even the larva of the Anthocaris belia, might have been introduced along
with some French plants. This appeared to him to be possible ; therefore, if Mr.
Lea discovered that any such importation of plants had taken place within
the immediate vicinity of the capture of the insect, his opinion would be, that it
had taken flight from its chrysalis, attached to one of these plants.

Rev. J. Greene observed, that if an importation of plants had taken place in Mr.
Lea's neighbourhood, this would remove many otherwise insuperable difficulties.

Mr. Hogan then read the following —

NOTES ON VARIOUS INSECTS CAPTURED OR OBSERVED IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
OF DINGLE, CO. KERRY, IN JULY, 1854.

So few districts in Ireland are, as yet, known entomologically — the study of
insects appearing to have been the last in attracting attention from most Irish
naturalists hitherto — that the briefest records of species found in any new locality
become of value, as tending to furnish a better knowledge of their relative distri-
bution throughout the country.

With the view of promoting this object, and of supplying a guide to those who
may hereafter visit the same district, I submit to the Association the following
notes on various insects captured or observed by Mr. Haliday and myself, while
spending a week at Dingle, last July. The paucity of the numbers will, at once,
strike the reader ; but he must not forget the shortness of our stay, or the season of
the year, which is not so prolific, in most insects, as the earlier and later portions of
the summer ; at the same time, as the weather was very favourable (except on one
unfortunate occasion, that of our ascent of Mount Brandon), we must confess
that our opinion of the district, as a whole, is, that it is decidedly barren, and by no
means one for any entomologist to visit, who is not prepared to sacrifice the filling
of his boxes to the chance of finding some new or rare species. That the latter is
not an improbability, however, is evident from our discovery of one or two new
Diptera, and of the larva of one of the Microlepidoptera, besides the capture of

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 51

several specimens of Tetanops myopina (of which but a single British specimen
had before been known), and of several Lepidoptera, &c., new to Ireland.

Thus much by way of preface. The localities are enumerated in the order in
which we visited them, with lists of the various species found at each — common
and uncommon.

Ferriter's Cove — a small inlet of the sea, close to Ballyoughteragh, which is a
coast-guard station between Dunurlin and Sybil Head. Under stones and sea-
weed, Staphylinus maxillosus (with the var. ciliaris, Stephens, not uncommon),
Omalium rivulare, Diglossa mersa and its larva (the first instance on record of the
occurrence of this species on the west coast of Ireland), Serica brunnea. On the
sand-hills, Broscus cephalotes, Calathus mollis, Cytilus varius, Coccinella 11 — no-
tata, Otiorrhynchus atroapterus, Philopedon geminatus, Quedius fuliginosus, Philon-
thus varius, Oxytelus depressus, nitidulus, Stenus speculator, Bombi in the flowers
of Eryngium ; Asilus cingulatus, Thereva annulata, cincta, Aphrosylus ferox (var.
with legs and antennae black), Anthomyia albula. Fin., Actora sestuum, Ochthiphila
flavipalpis, Chlorops rufifrons ; Tetanops myopina frare), not so much among the
sea-reed, as on the sand more thinly sprinkled with low tufts of Triticum, &c.
Lucina fasciata was looked for, but not found. On the banks of a little stream
winding through a hollow below the coast-guard station, Anchomenus albipes,
Schoenomyza littorella, Beds clavipes in extraordinary abundance on Umbellifera?
in flower.

From this spot we ascended Sybil Head, a hill gradually sloping at the land
side, but presenting to the Atlantic a precipitous face of 900 feet. Half way up
the hill, a specimen of Myllaena gracilis was found ; Synuchus vivalis, Calathus
cisteloides, Harpalus ruficornis, fulvipes, Cryptohypnus obscurus, Cremastus
spectator, Porphyrops cirripes, Dolichopus atripes, nigripennis. On the summit,
Otiorrhynchus monticola, a minute Phora, having much the appearance of a
Chersodrorma, as well as many more common insects, such as Tachinus rufipes,
Philonthus varius, Anisotoma picea, Brachypterus urticse, Athous hsemorrhoidalis,
Haltica tabida, &c.

Many small moths were flying among the tufts of grass, and might have rewarded
attention, but we did not disturb them, our attention being almost confined to
Coleoptera and Diptera. The same remark is applicable to other localities visited by
us, particularly to Mount Brandon ; however, it was only the diurnal Micros that
were in any plenty ; for the entire neighbourhood appeared singularly destitute as
regarded butterflies.

Our next entomological day was spent at the lovely Bay of Ventry, at the end of
which are sands of some extent, and at the angle nearest the village itself a little
stream, the sedgy banks of which looked very tempting ; nor did they altogether
disappoint us, as the following testify : — Elaphrus riparius, cupreus, Trechus aqua-
ticus, Anchomenus marginatus, dorsalis, Calathus mollis, cisteloides, Harpalus
ruficornis, seneus, Amara familiaris, Loricera pilicornis, Broscus cephalotes,
Carabus granulatus, Serica brunnea, Onthophagus nuchicornis, Aphodius merdarius,
sordidus, &c., Simplocaria semistriata, Philopedon geminatus, Coccinella 11 —
notata ; Pompilus plumbeus, Tryphon elongator, Cremastus spectator, Meteorus
rubens, Microgaster russatus, Eurytoma verticillata (?) ; Stratiomys viridula,
Actora aestuum ; Gelechia marmorea in abundance, a species not before noted as
Irish.

But a more interesting spot was the Blasquet Islands, the most westerly ex-
tremity of Europe, which we were peculiarly fortunate in reaching, as it is only in
fair weather they can be visited in safety. The Great Blasquet rises to a consi-
derable elevation from the sea, and is inhabited but at one side, that looking
towards the land, and facing Dunquin ; where, on the sunny slope of the hill,
various crops of grain, &c., are cultivated with very fair success. Here, curiously
enough, though we were hardly able to spend two hours in collecting, there ap-
peared much greater vigour of insect life than at any spot on the main land (of the
same extent) ; and the cliffs and sandy coves rewarded our search with Cicindela
campestris, Carabus granulatus, Cychrus rostratus, Nebria brevicollis, Bem-
bidium flavipes, celere, littorale, rufescens, Trechus aquaticus, rubens, Brady-
cellus fulvus, pubescens, Harpalus ruficornis, aeneus, Amara fulva, familiaris,

52 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Pterostichus melanarius, nigrita, Anchomenus Isevis, albipes, Synuchus vivalis,
Calnthus mollis, Ocypus olens, Staphylinus maxillosus, Quedius molochinus,
Philonthus fucicola, umbratilis (?), Aleocharaobscurella, Horaalotasocialis, Tachy-
porns chrysomelinus, Stenus speculator, Aploderus caelatus, Silpha atrata, var.
subrotundata, opaca, Cercyon melanocephalum, Simplocaria scmistriata, Serica
brunnca, Adrastus limbatus, Otiorrhynchus monticola, rufifrons, Haltica tabida,
Sphajroderma testacea; Mellinus arvensis, Odynerus parietum ; Pieris brassicse;
Pachyrrhina histrio, Scatopse bifilata,W/A., Leptis lineola, Empis stercorea, Tachy-
dromia arrogans, Platypalpus flavipes, Coelopa frigida, Actora cestuum, Halithea
fucorum, maritima, Orygraa luctuosa, Sepsis cynipsea, Piophila atrata, Psilomyia
bicolor (on Tanacetum vulgare), &c.

Among these are included two or tbree species (Bradycellus pubescens, &c.)
found on Beginnish, a smaller island, tenanted by sheep only.

The following day was fixed for ascending Mount Brandon (3,130 feet in height),
which, according to the last survey, is the second highest mountain in Ireland,
yielding only to the two summits of the Reeks, Carrantuohil and Cahir. At first
we seemed to have obtained an auspicious morning, for it was the first on which we
had seen the summit clear of mist, and the sun shone pleasantly as we went up ;
but mountain mists are proverbially unworthy of trust, and when we had almost
reached the summit, at a little past noon, one of them came on, and, gradually
thickening into a dense rain, compelled us to descend far more speedily than was at
all agreeable, with but scanty trophies of our attempt. Leistus montanus, Cala-
thus nubigena, Arpedium brachypterum, were looked for without success on the
summit. Only the following were noted as occurring so high up : — Cychrus ros-
tratus, Carabus catenulatus, Nebria nivalis (abundantly, the red-legged variety
scarce), Patrobus excavatus, Trechus aquaticus, Othius 6 — punctatus, Xantholinus
punctulatus, Quedius variabilis (?), Falagria obscura, Lesteva bicolor (var. collina,
with short wings and elytra), Catops montivagus (?). On the ascent, Carabus
granulatus, Notiophilus aquaticus (the usual dark variety of the hills), Aphodius
rufipes (abundant), Ceutorhynchus ericae, Thrips ericae, Ulopa ericas, Tipula
excisa, Sch., Porphyrops cirripes, Dolichopus atripes, Campsicnemus curvipes, &c.
Our last day was devoted more entirely to collecting than any o£ the previous
had been ; other objects of interest connected with the people of the district hav-
ing divided our attention with its fauna. Starting by the Ventry road we crossed
the mountains to Smerwick Bay, and commencing near the rocky extremity where
stood an ancient Spanish castle, Fort de L'Or, we searched, for some time, along
the edge of the sea, where the Ogham stones lately stood, and then turning inland,
across the extensive sands of Gallerus, ended our investigations by the banks of a
rivulet which winds its way through them for a considerable distance. The list
beneath will show that, with the exception, perhaps, of the small spot explored on
the Great Blasquet, Smerwick formed decidedly the best place for collecting
that it was our lot to find. On the rocks left bare by the ebbing tide, among
multitudes of the ordinary Diptera occurring in such situations, a new species of
Aphrosylus* was found, along with A. ferox ; Geranomyia unicolor on the face
of the cliffs ; Canace nasica, Gelochia marmorea, abundant among the tufts of sea-
reed 5 the larva of G. atrclla on Anthyllis vulneraria | Sitones tibiellus on the same 5
the pupa of Agrotis fumosa in the sand ; also, Depressaria badiella (not hitherto
recorded as Irish), liturella, with Ephippiphora brunnicliiana. At Gallerus sands,
Carabus clathratus (dead, far out towards the sea), Cercyon melanocephalum,
haemorrhoidale, Aegialia globosa, Phylloperthahorticola(var. suturalis), Aphodius
fimetarius (var. autumnalis), Cytilus varius, Philopedon geminatus, Otiorrhynchus
atroapterus. In the streamlet, Gyrinus marinus, Orectochilus villosus, Hydroporus
depressus, reticulatus, &c., Ploa minutissima; on its banks, Elaphrus riparius,
cupreus, Anchomenus marginatus, albipes, Harpalus fulvipes, Pterostichus nigrita,
Hydrocampa nymphaealis, potamogalis, and Harpalyce chenopodiaria, Bembidium
littorale, Adrastus limbatus, Omalium rivulare, Staphylinus pubescens, Quedius
fuliginosus, Xantholinus punctulatus, Aleocharalanuginosa.

To the above must be added the produce of a morning's walk to Conner Hill,

» A. celtiber, described and figured in this number.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 53

and some species taken at Dingle itself, or on our way to and from Ventry —
Tinea fuscipunctella, Otiorhynchus monticola, Ste., Cionus scrophularise ; Drapetis
lunata, not rare under stones, on a rushy bank, at the entrance to the Causeway
leading to Burnham, before the dew was off the grass, for in the afternoon it was
scarcely to be found. Near the summit of the pass at Conner Hill (about 1,000 feet
elevation) occurred Leistus spinilabris, Pterostiohus melanarius, nigrita, Harpalus
fulvipes, Olisthopus rotundatus, Patrobus excavatus, Trechus aquaticus, Quedius
variabilis, &c. ; Tipula excisa, Sch., Diamesa ammon, Wlk., waltlii, Bibio pomonae,
Leptis scolopacea, Tachypeza nervosa, Dolichopus atripes, Porphyrops cirripes,
&c.

As an appendix to what I have now detailed, I think it right to add some
species found after Mr. Haliday and I had parted company, and while we were
each yet within the limits of the county Kerry. An endeavour on my part to find
Pelophila borealis at Killarney, in the locality indicated by Mr. Furlong — namely,
under stones, on the margin of the Lower Lake, close to the Lake Hotel — pro-
duced a few specimens of Argutor erythropus, Anchomenus albipes, kevis,
Agabus bipustulatus, and Orectochilus villosus.

Mr. Haliday has furnished the following notes of proceedings along the southern
shore of Dingle Bay, &c. : —

A. H. H. crossed in a small boat from Ventry to Coolnanna Creek, near Cahir-
civeen ; the favour of the wind quickly failing, and the current setting fast down
the bay, caused a rather tedious pull across, under a heavy drizzle, which nearly
hid the coasts. This left time only for a walk to Valentia ferry about sunset; the
evening wet and blustery ; neither time nor tide favouring entomological researches.
The only beetle seen on the shore was Anchomenus lavis. The shingle swarmed
with the usual Diptera, Coelopa, Orygma, Halithea, Limosina. On some tufts of
sea-pink, yet spared by the fretting tide, a few Aphrosylus ferox ; and among the
wet gravel a single specimen of Clunio marinus* was observed, which, however,
eluded capture in its slippery habitat. The only locality where this species had
been found previously having been since cut off and altered by a railway embank-
ment, its occurrence in another and very remote part of the coast, was not without
interest. Proceeding next morning to Rossbegh, a few days were spent in renew-
ing acquaintance with the varied and lovely scenery around that sequestered spot.
Some entomological notes were made, though several species found on a former
visit, at a later season of the year, were missed on this occasion. On the shore
at Carragh Creek, Cillenus lateralis occurred — the first recorded instance of its
western range in this island ; Diglossa mersa and larva, Cercyon littorale and
depressum.f Diptera were numerous ; Campsicnemus loripes in profusion ;
C. alpinus occurred on the wet rocks, with Hydrophorus nebulosus ; Porphyrops
cirripes along with pulicarius, Aphrosylus ferox, Coelopa sciomyzina, Medeterus
jaculus, truncorum, muralis, Glenanthe ripicola.f In the bed of little runlets of
the ebbing tide, Scatella asstuans in myriads, rising with an audible buzz ; with
these, in smaller numbers, Canace nasica* and Anthophilina gracilis. Nanodes
lythri was in abundance on Lythrum, and Haltica lutescens on Labiate. At the
mouth of Glanbegh river, Bembidium tibiale; Sericostoma collare, rather common
among the bushes ; and Hilara flavipes in clouds over the stream. Rossbegh. sands
produced Tetanops myopina fl), Chersodromia incana; Anthrocera tilipendulae,
Leucania impura, Agrotis tritici (in several instances dead, adhering to the heads
of the sea-reed), A. fumosa, Gelechia marmorea, with its parasite Bracon marmo-
reus, n. sp. (of the same division as B. stabilis, Wsm.) ; Colletes fodiens,
Crabro dimidiatus; Onthophagus fracticornis, and nuchicornis, Saprinus asneus,
nitidulus, with other coprophagous beetles, especially Cercyones and Aphodii,
among which the small yellowish var. of A. fimetarius, which is proper
to the downs, merdarius and sordidus; Dromius foveolus, and Corticaria

cylindrica, Mnhm. (?), at the roots of the sea-reed ; Apion (?) on the

stems. At the extreme point of the sands, connected by an isthmus of gravel,
overflowed by the tide, the hollows are deeper, and the reeds more luxu-
riant, intermixed with Serratula arvensis, Pteris aquilina, and tangled, in parts,

* Figured. t Described and figured.

54 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

with the creeping Eosa spinosissima. Here Cryptophagus ulicis was common in
the flowers of Serratula, no furze being near ; Lycaena alexis and Camptogramma
bilineata flitted among the reeds ; Oxybelus uniglumis nestled in the hollows, and
a new Dolichopus was found.* Along the inner edge of the sands, where a flat
grassy margin bounds the tide, two specimens of Hydrophorus praecox appeared,
but not H. lacustris, of which several specimens had been found in September of
a former year. Khaphium maritima; was abundant, and singularly variable in
size.

The next halting-place was at Milltown, near the Castlemaine river, the "slob"
(silt; of which, banked off from the marshy meadows that skirt it, offered very
tempting spots ; here a waving forest of tall reeds, among which the rising tide was
noiselessly stealing ; again, a reach bordered with Carices and Aster tripolium, the
consolidated mud outlying strewed with river waifs, with here and there a gravelly
bank guarding a flat patch of sward ; the embankment rank with a variety of
herbage, and the drains fringed with tall Umbelliferae. But the produce was not
proportionate to the promise. The Coleoptera were few, chiefly Homalotas,
Steni, and Ochthebii, O. bicolor, rufomarginatus,f on the mud among the
stems of the reeds, O. punctatus at the confluence of the Laune and Castlemaine
rivers. Coccinella 7 — punctata and 13 — punctata in plenty on Aster ;
Strophosomus retusus, Apion craccae on the herbage of the embankment. Loricera
ccerulescens, .£., Bembidium concinnum, aeneum, obtusum, assimile, Pterostichus
erythropus, on the slob ; Anchomenus micans by the bed of the Laune.
Neither Amara convexiuscula nor Paederus riparius occurred, which were
taken previously by Mr. Furlong in this neighbourhood. Of Lepidoptera,
Harpalyce populata, Crambus culmellus, and aquilellus were the most abundant ;
Cerapteryx graininis, Apamea didyma, and Leucania pallens, also occurring
among the reeds. On the spikes of Carices, &c., a Phloeothrips was common, which
might have passed for P. statices, did not the paler colour of the larva, occurring
with it, mark specific difference. A large Arytcena (sonchi, Frst ?) was common on
an umbelliferous plant on the shore. Diptera were abundant, but not in great variety.
Chrysops relictus as frequent as the Haematopotae, Empis livida, Scatophaga
scybalaria, Notiphila uliginosa, Myopa ferruginea, Sericomyia borealis, Helophilus
pendulus, Dolichopus diadema, plumipes, nubilus, Khaphium maritimaa, flavicolla,
pallipes, pumilum, Porphyrops spinigerellus, pulicarius, cirripes, Chrysotus spp., a
Geornyza,! seemingly nondescript, among the reeds on the slob. Culex detritus was
abundant ; Corethra plumicornis less so. Towards the bay, Glochina stigmatica was
not rare on the short herbage, with Sy mplecta stictica, similis (?). Between Killorglin
and Glen Carragh there are a number of small lakes, with peaty and gravelly bottoms.
Here Gyrinus marinus and minutus were in profusion, with Hydropori of common
kinds ; but Gyrinus bicolor, found here by Mr. Furlong, was sought for in vain ;
G. natator was scarce, and G. celox not observed at all ; Corynoneura minutissima,
Mg., abundant along the borders. The only specimen of Carabus clathratus found
(living) during this excursion, was here ; Anchomenus marginatus also.

From Rossbegh, a visit to Blackstones, reached by a short and romantic ride
over the hills, afforded a few hours collecting among the native woods of the valley.
Coleoptera were singularly scarce here ; a few Cyphones, Haltica3, and Coccinellse ;
little beside. Phryganidas abundant, Chimarrha marginata the most striking
among them. Among the gnats, Aedes cinereus occurred here first. Wiedemannia
bistigma was hawking about the foaming edges of the " black stones" above the
bridge. In an open, marshy spot, among the bushes, occurred Eriocephala
allionella, Encyrtus scutellaris, Dolichopus notatus, &c., and Aleuodes quercus
and Phibalocera quercana on the oak. The best capture of this day was a specimen
of Melicerta ochroleuca, Steph., on an oak, another having been taken a few weeks
before at Blarney, which, with one found many years since at Holywood, in a like
situation, and the mutilated specimen in the late Mr. Stephens's collection, upon
which the genus was founded, are all the examples known of its occurrence
hitherto.§

* Described and figured, D. prsetextus. t Figured. t G. cinculata, described and figured.
§ Described and figured in the present No. (Heptamelus ochroleucus.)

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 55

A few days spent at Killarney returning, (in the first week in August),
afforded little to note. Aedes cinereus occurred again, chiefly in a disused swampy
gravel-pit, at the entrance of the causeway which leads to Dinis island. Leja
pulchella on umbelliferous flowers by the road below Tore mountain, where it was
first found by Mr. Curtis. Brachystoma longicornis, Diadocidia ferruginosa,
Mycetobia pallipes, Dolichopus discifer, atratus, atripes, serosus. Sphegina
clunipes, and Peplomyza litura, not unusual in the woods ; Leiopus nebulosus and
Strangalia armata. Othius pilicornis (first found here by Mr. Furlong), under
bark of felled pines, with Khizophagus cribratus (?). Ocypus olens was in unusual
abundance. Ascending Mangerton, by Glen-na-cappul, a white-flowered variety
of Pedicularis palustris was observed, not rare, on the hill side, east of the middle
lake of the glen ; and near the precipitous masses of rock which guard the upper
outlet, dripping with moisture, and tufted with Sedum rhodiola and other Alpine
plants, Leistus spinilabris occurred, at an elevation of more than 2,000 feet. On
the summit of the mountain, enveloped in a cold, driving mist, Leistus montanus
was sought in vain on this occasion, only Nebria nivalis and Lathrobium elongatum
occurring under stones resting on the black peat. A walk up the gap of Dunlo
afforded an apterous Aphis, at the roots of Ranunculus flammula, in such plenty
that the ground seemed sprinkled with little flocks of bluish-white wool ; and the
banks of a rivulet, near the Black Lakes, produced Cryptostemma alienum.*
About the rocks in the upper lake some specimens of a Halithea were observed, but
the ticklish footing did not admit of their capture. This genus is usually confined to
the sea coast, so that the attention of other visitors is invited to determine what
species it is which frequents the lake.

Mr. Wright read the following paper

ON FUNGI PARASITIC ON INSECTS J WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO SOME
LATELY DISCOVERED IRISH SPECIMENS.

WITH A PLATE.

While it often happens that insects are parasitical on plants, and while they are
frequently reared from the egg to the perfect state in the leaves and fruits of trees,
so, as it were in turn, plants often grow parasitically on insects, in either the larval
or perfect state. Even were I competent for the task, the rules of this Association —
not being a botanical one — would prevent me from drawing more than a passing
attention to the plants which are found attached to insects; and I shall, therefore, pro-
ceed only to give a brief outline of those insects which have been found thus invested. I
shall narrate them in order of their classes, giving the most conspicuous of the
insects in each class. Those that would wish for further details can consult O. F.
Miiller, on plants parasitic on insects, Dr. Mitchell's paper in Silliman's American
Journal, or vol. 2 of a History of Insects, published in the " Family Library."

To begin with the

HYMENOPTERA.

The earliest account, I think, on record, is one given by Father Torrubia, in
" Apparato Para la Histoira Naturale Espaniola," published in Madrid in the year
1754. The Spanish author tells us that, being at a gentleman's seat, two leagues
from the City of the Havanna, in New Spain, on the 10th of February, 1749, he
found some wasps in the fields (however, they were entire — the bodies, wings, and
all — and, indeed, were perfect skeletons) ; from the belly of each wasp a plant ger-
minated, which grew about five spans long. The natives call this plant " Gia ;"
and as it is full of sharp prickles, their vulgar notion is, that the said prickles owe
their growth to the bellies of the wasps. Father Torrubia further informs us, that
he made microscopical and other observations upon them ; but, for some inexpli-
cable reason, of this, the most important part, we get no details. The sketch ex-
hibited is taken from his fourteenth plate. Edwards, in his history of rare and
undescribed animals, published in London about 1763, gives a copy of these wasps
in a corner of one of his plates of birds, and makes the following remarks upon

* Figured (Dipsocoris alienus).

56 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

their history : — u The Franciscan friar has treated his subject extremely well, and
as a man of letters ; but yet he is not quite divested of some vulgar errors. I
remark this the rather, as the characters are necessary to be noted when extra-
ordinary phenomena are to be set forth." So it would appear, that if the good
father accuses the natives of holding vulgar errors, so also he is himself accused
of the same by the librarian of the Royal College of Physicians.

Edwards was an ardent, though unscientific naturalist ; he had, as Swainson
observes, the simplicity and piety of Izaac Walton, and may be looked upon as one
of our greatest worthies. He was one of Linneus's many correspondents, and was
accustomed to send him proof impressions of his plates of rare animals, according
as they were printed. On the occasion of his forwarding to Upsal the plate re-
cently mentioned, Linneus wrote the following letter, which it may not be amiss
to quote: — " I have received your new plates, all excellently delineated and co-
loured, according to your usual manner. But what chiefly induces me to write is,
your table 336, in which you represent some ' vegetating wasps,' and which appear
to be Vespae ; provided they have four wings — a circumstance I wish to be informed
of. My thoughts are so taken up with these productions that I cannot sleep
without dreaming of them. I conjure you to write to me the first day you can
spare, to explain this phenomenon. What is the shrub, or branch of a shrub,
which grows out of the back or breast of the insect ? Is it a small branch of a
rose? What connection is there between them? Is the branch of the plant
grafted upon the insect so as to grow out of it? You are very cruel if you do not
speedily relieve me from this puzzle. I never saw anything in nature like this
production. If, indeed, the wasp merely cuts off the tip of a branch to build its
nest with, the mystery is solved; otherwise it is altogether wonderful. Whence
did you procure this wasp ? Is there no deceit in the specimen ?" It is to be
hoped that the curiosity of the great Swede was fully satisfied on these points.
Unhappily, this letter is the last that is on record as having passed between them.

It may be remarked that Edwards figures the wasps flying, though their original
discoverer found them dead on the field ; and this it was, perhaps, that gave
Linneus the curious idea that they might have taken the tips of branches to build
their nests. Some other wasps were found in the Island of Dominica, which
buried themselves in May, and began to vegetate towards the end of July — or,
rather, they were found so about that time. When the tree had arrived at its full
growth, it resembled a coral branch, about three inches high, bearing several little
pods, which were supposed by the inhabitants to " drop off and become worms, and
thence flies.'' This plant is supposed to be a species of Clavaria, similar to the one
which is sometimes found on dead horses' hoofs. An interesting account has been
given by a gentleman who, while botanizing in America, found lying on the ground
a wasp's nest, which had, by some means unknown to him, been separated from a
branch of a laurel, near which it had fallen. The creatures were in a strange
condition after this disaster to their dwelling; some were flitting about over their
cells, and by the softness of their wings, and the faintness of their colours, were
easily known to have been hatched but a short time. Many of them were lying
dead on the ground ; and on examining these he instantly perceived vegetables pro-
ceeding from their bodies, which were uniformly attached to the thorax. He
collected about fifty of these vegetating wasps. On inspecting the nest he found a
considerable proportion of the cells empty. This, however, was not the case with
them all, for there were still some that contained young wasps in the state of larvae. He
drew them from their cells, and satisfied himself that there was an incipient vege-
tation ; and, moreover, that its progress had kept pace with the growth of the
insect. In some instances the vegetation is considered to commence only when
life has ceased ; and in confirmation of this view it is related that in Trinidad, a
wasp was found, apparently in a perfect condition, glued somehow by one of its
wings to the leaf of a tree ; from all parts of its body issued filaments, from one to
three inches long, shining black, and resembling the plant called " Spanish beard."

HEMIPTERA.

We also find fungi attacking the Cicadae ; and Mr. Edwards figures one, with a
fungus growing out of its head, which was brought from Dominica, a neutral

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 57

island in the West Indies ; many of them were found together buried in the earth,
having each the like fungus shooting from their heads. Edwards supposes that the
moisture of the earth caused these fungi to sprout. A parcel of these insects were
sent to Isaac Mathew, Esq. (A.D. 1760), who gave him a sample of them, and
thinks that the fungus dries and falls off before the Cicada arrives at its perfect
state. Messrs. Kirby and Spence mention having one of this genus in their
cabinet, " with a kind of Sphasria, with twisted thickish stipes, and oblong head,
springing up in the space between the eyes." Dr. Hill says, in speaking of the
Cicada — u This, you may be assured, is the fact, and all the fact ; though the
untaught inhabitants suppose a fly to vegetate, and though there exists a Spanish
drawing of the plants growing into a perfoliate tree, and it has been figured with
this creature flying with the tree upon its back —

" So wild are the imaginations of man ;
So chaste and uniform is nature."

At a meeting of the Entomological Society of London, Mr. Westwood exhibited
two specimens of Euglossa (family Aphidsej, and from the basal portion of the
abdomen of each of these an elongated process had been produced, which was
bent backwards, and rested on the dorsum of the abdomen. In one of the speci-
mens the appendage was divided at the extremity into two branches ; in the other
it was dilated into two uniform lobes. There can be little doubt but that these
are vegetable productions in various stages of development. Mr. Westwood also
exhibited a specimen of Acanthocephalus (family Coreidse), from the scutellum of
which a great number of filamentous fungi had been produced, each being as long
as the entire body. These insects were from the collection of the Rev. F. Hope.

DIPTERA.

In the diptera, fungoid growth appears to be rare, though we find it common in
the house-fly. I suppose there are few that have paid any attention to the matter
that have not observed flies stuck pretty firmly against the glass on our windows,
or on the ceiling, and surrounded by a quantity of matter that, at first sight, appears
like grease. This Kirby and Spence thought to be an animal exudation, and the re-
sult of a plethoric disease. However, the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, who is the best living
authority upon anything connected with mycology, says, that he has no doubt
but that this production is Sporendomena muscaB, first described by Fries, in his
" Systema Muxologicorum," about 1834. There is little doubt but that the fly is
attacked whilst yet living, but that the parasite is not fully developed until after
death. At the meeting of the British Association in Liverpool (1834), Dr.
Lyndley gave the following account of this excrescence : — "It is emitted from all
parts of the fly. When highly magnified it appears to consist of elongated filaments
in close contact. When a small portion is compressed, it yields moisture, but
without the appearance of distinct filaments. When moistened with water the
fibres separate from the mass, some being simple, others terminated by a minute
globule ; those upon the wing appeared merely globules. From the dispersion of
the particles to a considerable distance around the body, it would appear as if
sporules were discharged." This subject is a most interesting one, but as yet it
does not appear to have been investigated with the carefulness desirable.

COLEOPTERA.

Many instances are on record of fungi growing on coleoptera, both in the larvae
and winged state. Perhaps the most remarkable is the following one : — A
Curculio, from Brazil, exhibited by the Rev. Mr. Hope, at a meeting of the Ento-
mological Society of London ; from between the prothorax and elytra of which two
very long and clavate fungi had been produced — one of which was entire, the other
branched. Of this specimen I exhibit a sketch.

Dickson, in his " Fasciculus Plan tarum CryptogammarunBritannicarum," figures
Sphagria entomorrhiza, growing from a larva, which is apparently that of one of the
water beetles.

Mr. Westwood also possesses a large lamellicorn larva from South America,
from the pectoral surface of the thoracic segments of which a long, slender,
curved vegetable was produced.

58

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Mr. Water-house has another of the same species, but the Sphseria is branched.

Perhaps the latest example that has been discovered is found in Othius ful-
vipennis, for the accompanying woodcut and description of which I have
been indebted to the kindness of A. H.
Haliday, Esq. Fig. a (the natural
length shown by the line), Othius fulvi-
pennis, found (alive) under a stone, at
St. Anne's Hill, Blarney, County Cork,
at the end of October, infested by a minute
cryptogamic parasite, chiefly on the ab-
domen and legs, the head and attennge
being free. It grows attached in tufts,
like a minute Hipnum. The stems, scarcely
exceeding, at the utmost, half a line in
length (fig. b and c, more highly magni-
fied, as they appear in situ), are nearly
black, sparingly branched, appearing im-
bricated and furrowed, from accumbent,
smooth, compressed linear fronds, (in a more advanced stage ?) becoming divergent
towards the ends of the branches, which ultimately produce a thinner, foliaceous,
semi-transparent, liguliform lobe, of a light brown colour (the fructification?).
This parasite appears to differ from that on Brachinus crepitans, observed by Rouget,
and figured in " Annals de la Soc. Entom. de France," Ser. 2, tome 8, pi. 3, fig. 1.

LEPIDOPTERA.

In this class we have numerous examples. In China, we read, there is found a
geometrical larva, which has a long and rather thick stem, growing from the head,
about 2 5- inches long. Father Parenin, who sent it to France, observes that it
was a scarce plant, being found only at the palace of Pekin there ; where also it
was not a native, but brought from the mountains of Tibet, and some other places
on the confines of the Chinese Empire. This Father had never seen the leaves or
flowers of this plant, but only its roots, which were in high esteem there, not only
because of their miraculous change, but from their possessing the virtues of the
ginseng. The Father also sent home these roots which were supposed to be changed
into a worm, for which they are called, hiatsiotonetcheon — that is to say, a plant
that, at certain times, changes into a worm. The Chinese suppose that this is a
plant during the summer season ; but that in winter its stalk dies, and the root
becomes a worm. We have also a lepidopterous larva, commonly called the New
Zealand caterpillar (a number of which are exhibited). Mr. Children informs us
that this grub lives entirely on the sweet potato (Convolvulus batatas, Linn.) ;
during the season it continues healthy and active, but ultimately dies ; it retains
its natural appearance, but becomes dry and hard, when an appendage sprouts
from its tail, from four to six inches long, resembling a small twig. Mr. West-
wood has examined the internal appearance of some of these caterpillars, and
found that the interior was filled with a hard, dry, whitish matter, like the kernel
of a nut, and that a very slender, tortuous, black line ran down the centre of the
body, and on each side the trachea were observed at some distance from the out-
side of the body. Dr. Buckland examined this whitish substance, and found it to
be entirely vegetable. In this place, also, may be mentioned the Botrytis bassiana,
which causes such destruction among the silk-worms abroad, and which seems to
have an analogy to the fungus that attacks our house-fly.

Specimens of Sphseria attached to lepidopterous larva? or pupae occur but very
rarely in England. The sketch I exhibit is one from the herbarium of the Rev.
M. J. Berkeley. The following is its description — S. entomorrhiza : — head, one-third
of an inch long, broadly elliptic, quite distinct from the stem ; changes from chesnut
to bright red-brown, minutely dotted with the ostiola of a tough, fleshy consis-
tence, nearly white within ; stem, two inches high ; skin, thick ; pale above ;
darker below, as the same colour of the head ; slightly mottled.

No instance of this parasitism has been as yet discovered in Scotland ; and it is
now nearly three years since my friend, Mr. Hogan, had the pleasure of adding

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 59

these curious fungi to our Irish flora. I exhibit a drawing (plate 1) of the three speci-
mens which he was fortunate enough to discover ; and, in giving the history of the
middle and most conspicuous specimen, I give that of the others also. The following
is from Mr. Hogan's notes :— " The larva, bearing the Sphseria, was taken on the
10th of March, 1853, while digging for pupae at the roots of an oak tree, in Mount
Merrion, the demesne of the Bight Honourable Sydney Herbert, and the resi-
dence of E. Vernon, Esq. ; at this time they were quite young, the tallest not
being more than a quarter of an inch in height. On examining the larva, on the
12th of April, which, acting on the advice of Professor Harvey, had been kept
moist in a vessel filled with clay and moss, and covered with a piece of glass, I
found fully one dozen fresh sprouts on it, pure white, and one of them about one
line in height, shaped like a dagger ; from that time the Sphaeria continued to
grow, some more and some less, rapidly for several months, always retaining the
white point at the end of each stem, till, at length, the cold of winter seemed to
deaden, though it did not destroy their vitality ; meantime, none of the shoots
showed any sign of fructification. As early spring opened, the Sphaeria again
threw out fresh shoots ; some of the latter forming branches from the old ones,
whose extremities had withered away at this stage of their growth. However, the
space in which they were confined being manifestly too small, and seeming to
cramp their existence, I could not resist the temptation (though, from the extreme
delicacy of the plants, I knew it to be attended with great risk) of transferring the
whole into a larger vessel, where they might enjoy more space, more light, and more
air ; but this experiment proved fatal, from what special cause I know not, and
the entire nursery died away by slow degrees." Though it is a pity that none of these
Sphaeria fructified, so as to enable one to determine, with certainty, their species,
yet it would appear that these Irish Sphaerias are not either entomorrhiza or
militaris, which are the only two that have been found in England. I forwarded to
the Rev. Mr. Berkeley the Sphaeria, No. 3, and he most kindly forwarded me, by
return of post, the following : — " There is no doubt that the Sphaeria is quite dif-
ferent from S. entomorrhiza. I know of no insect Sphseria like it. Of others, it most
resembles S. filiformis."

It is to be hoped that Irish entomologists meeting with any fresh examples of
these Sphaeria will preserve them, and, if practicable, rear them until they fructify,
as by this means alone will it be possible to determine, with accuracy, the species.
I hope I may be excused for the imperfect manner in which I have accomplished
my task ; but, in introducing to your attention the recently mentioned Irish ex-
amples, I thought it better to give a sketch, however slight, of what 'is known to
naturalists concerning them.

The President remarked on the advantages resulting to science from the careful
collection of scattered portions of information on a subject, hitherto so little studied,
as that of Mr. Wright's paper ; and expressed a hope that more satisfactory results
might yet arise relative to the Irish Sphaeria.

Dr. Carte exhibited a fine specimen of the Egg of the Ivory Gull (Larus ebur-
neus), which had been taken, by Captain M'Clintock, in the arctic regions. He
observed the gull sitting on her nest, which was composed of dry sea-wrack, and, on
a near approach to her, she flew away, leaving the single egg exhibited in the nest.
Only one other specimen of this very rare egg seems to have been preserved
before.

DESCRIPTIONS OF INSECTS FIGURED, AND REFERENCES TO PLATES ILLUSTRATING
THE NOTES ON KERRY INSECTS. BY A. H. HALIDAY, ESQ., M.A.

N.B. — The following symbols are used in common with all the figures, where
such are requisite : —

X, body; C, head; Cc, epistoma ; O, eye; Oo, ocellus; B, antenna; E,
mouth ; I/, labrum ; Mr, mandible ; M, maxilla ; Mm, mala ; L, labium ; LI,
ligula ; P, Palpus ; P', maxillary ; P", labial ; Q, thorax ; K, sternum ; A, wing ;
S, leg ; S', fore ; S", middle ; S'", hind ; Sc, coxa ; St, trochanter ; F, femur ;
T, tibia ; Tc, spur ; D, tarsus ; Du, unguis ; Dy, onychium ; Dy', empodium ;

60 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

U, abdomen; V, belly; T, hypopygium, or vagina; Z, terebra; e, a joint;
a, front ; z, back ; 6, base ; o, tip ; /, upper ; g, under ; p, side face ; (T), larva ;
0, pupa.

Ord. COLEOPTERA.

Fam. HYDROPHILID^E.

Ochthebius rufomarginatus, pi. 3, fig. 1.

Erichson. K. M. Br. i. 199. 2 ;— Bohem. Act. Holm. X. 46. 3 (1854).
On the silt of the Castlemaine river along with O. bicolor, July.

Cercyon depressum, pi. 3, fig. 2.

Stephens's Mand. ii. 138. 5;— Manual 93. 721 ;— C. dorsostriatum. Bohem. Act.
Holm. X. 54. 2.
Under fuci on sandy coasts with C. littorale, but less abundant.

Ord. HYMENOPTERA.

Fam. — TENTHREDINID.E.

Gen. — HEPTAMELUS, Hal. — Melicerta* Steph. Mand. vii. 94, xxvi.

Antennae 7-articulatse, filiformes.

Alae anticae areolis radialibus 2 ; cubitalibus 3, Ima. et 2da. venulam quaque
excipiente ; brachialibus conterminis ; analis venula obliqua j-f posticae areolis
discalibus 2 conterminis.

Heptamelus ochroleucus, pi. 2, fig. 1.

Melicerta id. Steph. Mand. vii. 95.

Long 2^, Exp. 4^ lines. Nearly linear, with head as broad as thorax, and
depressed abdomen. Head shining black, finely stippled, and with pale
pubescence; vertex with a longitudinal impression behind each lateral ocellus;
epistoma with the edge nearly straight. Antennae a little longer than the thorax,
7-jointed, pubescent, the first two joints yellowish, shorter, but scarcely thicker
than the rest, 3d twice as long as 2d, the rest longer by a half only, the last not
elongated. Mandibles rufescent, dusky at the tip ; other parts of the mouth pale
yellow ; labrum entire ; palpi long and slender, probably 6 and 4-jointed,
respectively. Thorax shining, very faintly stippled and pubescent, rufotestaceous,
pleurae under the wings and metathorax black; sutures of mesonotum joined some
way before the scutellum. Wings hyaline, with the root and tegulae whitish, the
costal vein and stigma yellow, the other veins light brown. Stigma broad oval,
liadial areolets 2 ; cubital 3, 1st elongated, receiving the 1st discal veinlet about
the middle, 2d oblong-hexagonal, receiving the 2d discal veinlet in the middle, and
the radial veinlet opposite to it ; pobrachial areolet not extending beyond the
praebrachial, nor longer than the posterior discal ; the oblique veinlet of the anal
area arising as a continuation of pobrachial veinlet. Lower wings, with the two
brachial areolets, of equal length, the anal one -third shorter, the two discal
conterminous. Legs of moderate length, rather slender, finely pubescent, pale
yellowish ; spurs of tibiae, pale, slender, subulate. Tarsi simple ; ungues be-
neath acutely toothed in the middle. Abdomen with the first segment blackish ;
the following ones above with a transverse, dusky spot, attenuated at the sides, and
interrupted by a pale dot in the middle ; sometimes these spots are connected into a
broad, jagged, dorsal band ; the hindmost segments and the underside are imma-
culate.

This species seems to connect Blasticotoma filiceti, Klug. (pi. 2, fig. 2f ), and
the group with 9-jointed filiform antennae (Emphyti, &c.). The number of areolets,
the broad stigma, and origin of the radial veinlet, agree in both genera. Peculiar
to Heptamelus is the short pobrachial areolet, which, in the Tenthredinidce, usually
extends a good deal beyond the end of the praebrachial. In Plagiocera, also, they
are conterminous ;§ but the pobrachial is twice as long as the posterior discal ; and

» Pluries lect. t " Area lanceolata nervo obliquo," Hartig.

J Copied from Klug. § Klug. jb. ins. pi. 2, fig. 5.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 61

that genus, belonging to the group with clavate antennae, has little affinity in other
respects to Heptamelus.

Found on the oak, Holywood (County Down), Blarney (Cork), Blackstones
(Kerry) — July. Devonshire, Stephens, 1. 1.

Ord. — HEMIPTERA.
Fam. — LYGEID^E.
Gen. — DIPSOCORIS, Hal. — Cryptostemma,* H. Sch.

Proboscis 3-articulata, subarcuata, prosternum non superans.
Antennas articulis 2 extremis elongatis capillaceis.
Ocelli oculorum margini appositi.

Hemelytra clavo intus appendiculato incumbente, cuneo discrete, membrana
bivenia, venis medio connexis.
Tarsi articulo 2do longissimo.

Dipsocoris alienus, pi. 2, fig. 3.

Cryptostemma id. H. SchaefF. fn. g. 135. 11.— Meyer, schw. rhynch.

Long 1, Exp. 2 lines. Oblong-ovate, fusco-ferruginous, with whitish silky pile ;
paler beneath ; abdomen brown ; antennae and legs pale yellowish ; cuneus,
membrane, and sutural appendage of hemelytra, glossy iridescent; wings yel-
lowish-white, with faint ierruginous veins ; head equilateral triangular, front even ;
ocelli ruby-red, adjacent to the upper margin of the eyes ; eyes rather small,
with few facets, and some fine hairs interspersed ; antennae half as long as the
body ; 1st joint little longer than broad ; 2nd three times as long as the first, both
pubescent ; 3rd and 4th twice as long as the second, very slender and flexible,
thinly beset with long hairs. Proboscis somewhat hairy, with the three segments of
nearly equal length, the base more arched and free than usual, the last joint slender,
not extending back beyond the fore coxae, between which it reposes ; thorax tra-
pezoid, gradually widened behind in continuation of the outline of the head, one-
half shorter than its anterior breadth, the fore edge nearly straight, the sides
slightly sinuated, the hind edge nearly straight, the hinder angles slightly rounded ;
scutellum triangular, broader than long, but the apex acuminate. Wings ample, ex-
tending beyond the abdomen on all sides, and rather broader than the thorax ; the fore
pair with the exterior vein of the corium thick, dividing before one-third of its course
into two branches, the exterior curved, approaching and then following the costal
edge, the interior branch oblique, running to join the internal vein at the tip, and
connected with it by a tranverse veinlet before that ; veins of the clavus united
before the tip, the inner edge dilated into a narrow triangular, membranous ap-
pendage, superincumbent in repose. Cuneus separated from both corium and
membrane, triangular, and nearly membranous itself, marked with two oblique
impressed lines ; the anterior suture diaphanous, notched at the costa. Membrane
ample, obliquely traversed by two veins, arising from the end of the clavus and its
appendage respectively, connected about the middle by a transverse veinlet, and
diverging a little as they approach the margin behind the apex. Lower wings with
a deep narrow incision of the hinder edge, corresponding to the costal notch of the
opposite hemelytrum when incumbent ; a simple vein runs from the base to this
incision, another originates from a thickened root, near the base of the wing,
between this vein and the costal ; from the latter, at about one-third of its
course, a fainter vein springs, which soon parts into two branches, that reuniting
enclose a small lanceolate areolet, and then runs towards the tip of the wing. Legs
of moderate length ; the fore femora especially rather thick ; the posterior tibiae
armed with a few weak spines ; the fore pair merely pubescent, thickened at the
tip, under which lies a very minute, narrow, membranous hollow (far less deve-
loped than in Xylocoris). Tarsi with the first joint very short; the second twice
as long as the third ; the ungues as long as the latter, simple, acute, curved at the
base; empodium very minute; anterior tarsi short. Abdomen brown, shining
and naked above, pubescent beneath.

» Bis. lect.
VOL. II. /

62 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Inhabits the banks of rivers, throughout the summer, gliding among the wet
gravel, its silky down protecting it from the wet. It takes flight readily, even off
the surface of water. The yellowish larvae and pupae are found in the same situ-
ation, leaping like the perfect insect.

Herrich Schseffer, the first describer, has pronounced no opinion on the affinities
of this insect. Meyer doubtingly refers it to the Capsidce, influenced probably by
the supposed want of ocelli, which both these authors have overlooked. It seems
to me better to place it, for the present, with the Lygeida, in a peculiar section,
next the Anthocorini, and approaching, perhaps, to the Capsidce, with both of
which it has considerable likeness in the wings ; although the dilated and imbricated
sutural margin of the hemelytra is peculiar to it, and the rather short, detached
proboscis makes some approach to the structure of the Reduvidce. On the whole,
Xylocoris is probably the nearest allied native genus. In its habits it most resemble*
the Salda, but shuns the light more than they do.

Ord. — DIPTERA.
Fam. — CHIRONOMHXE.

Gen. — CLUNIO.
Proboscis obsolete.

Antennae 11-articulatse, articulis 3tio et ultimo elongatis.
Alae alutaceae, venis longitudinalibus furcatis binis, transversis nullis.
Tarsi postici articulo tertio subelongato.

Clunio marinus, pi. 2, fig. 4.

Long f , Exp. f lines. Head rounded, dusky ferruginous, concealed under the
projecting front of thorax, the mouth inflected to the prosternum. Eyes round,
composed of few facets, with some hairs interspersed, approximate on the face.
Antennae inserted near the mouth, shorter than the thorax, 11-jointed, whitish, the
3rd joint elongated, the others short and more dusky, the last again elongated
and thickened, elliptical. Proboscis obsolete, only the lower margin of the head
scalloped, the rounded lateral lobes a little hairy at the tip, perhaps representing
palpi, and the intermediate divided lobe the labium. Thorax dusky ferruginous,
with the scutellum and pleurae yellowish ; oblong, a little compressed ; the mesono-
tum tripartite by two impressed parallel longitudinal lines, an elevated line down
the middle, ending in the depression before the scutellum ; this convex, semicir-
cular; metathorax very short; mesosternum gibbous backwards. Legs rather
short, compressed, dingy white, pubescent ; the hind tibiae at the tip, and the hind
tarsi ciliated. Fore coxa twisted, the trochanter toothed, and the base of the femur
curved. Tibiae blackish at the very base, armed at the tip with a minute black
pointed spur. Anterior tarsi with the first joint linear, the following ones short
suborbiculate, the last ovate; hind tarsus with the first and third linear, the
second oblong, half as long as the third, the fourth short suborbiculate. Un-
gues dusky; empodium apparently dilated more than the onychia. Posterior
coxae extending backwards under the base of the abdomen. Wings oblong, with
the axillary sinus semicircular, and the anal angle strong ; the membrane adiapha-
nous, dingy whitish, microscopically stippled, glabrous, only the margin finely
pubescent. The veins faint, the first* ending a little before the middle of the costa, the
nextf is forked opposite the end of the first, the posterior branch running to the tip,
the anterior ending not far before it ; another! runs to the posterior margin, becom-
ing forked beyond the middle, with the posterior branch§ curved, and another very
faint simple vein|| accompanies the course of this. Halteres whitish. Abdomen
scarcely as long as the thorax, gradually widened behind, of 7 segments, dusky,
with a hoary bloom, and a pearly gloss on the posterior segments. Hypopygium
as long as the abdomen, and thicker, fusco-ferruginous, with yellowish silky down,
and composed of an oblong plate below, rounded at the tip, and a pair of massive
compressed lateral arms, with a double ridge beneath, and rounded at the tip,
where they are articulated to a smaller compressed piece, dilated at the tip, and
truncated (mallet- shaped). The female unknown.

• Radial. f Prabracbial. J Pobrachial. § Subanal. B AnaL

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 63

Found on gravelly sea-coasts below high-water mark, walking with the wings
half raised, and in rapid vibration, without taking flight. In such a situation I
found, also, the empty puparia lying about, somewhat like those of a Chironomus.
I have observed the insect only in blustery weather, as it happened, and could
not find any trace of the female among them. When shut up in a box they sur-
vived but a few minutes, and all the limbs curled up.

There are two other small Diptera known, which seem to bear an affinity to this
species — viz., Corynocera ambigua, Zett. Ins. Lap. 856, 1, from the shore of an
Alpine lake in Lapland; and Monodicrana terminalis, Loew Bernst. Fna. 32, an
amber insect.

Fam. — DOLICHOPID^I.
Dolichopus prsetextatus, pi. 2, fig. 5.

Pallide viridi-eeneus^ antennis nigris, arista glaberrima, pedibus flavis, tarsis
posticis fuscis basi flavis, alls apice nigro-marginatis, alulis pallido-ciliatis,
lamellis obtusis fuscis, Mas. (Metatarso postico mutico, ciliis genarum pallidis}.

Long 2£, Exp. 5 lines. Robust ; brassy-green, with hoary bloom ; the thorax
faintly streaked in front. Face narrow, shorter than the eyes, silvery white ;
lower occiput with yellowish beard. Antennae black, short, third joint obcordate.
Arista glabrous, arched, the penultimate joint as long as the third of antennae, the
last twice as long, slender. Palpi black. Wings hyaline, the tip with a narrow
black edge, the hind margin sinuated, the subcostal areolet long, the subapical vein
sinuated, the discal veinlet straight. Alulae with pale fringe. Legs rather short,
testaceous ; coxae cinereous ; femora below, the anterior pairs only at the base,
ciliated with fine pale hairs ; the posterior ones above ciliated with black bristles ;
before the tip, in front, two spines on the middle, one on the hind thigh. Fore
tarsus short, the metatarsus as long as the following three joints together ; middle
tarsus dusky at the joints, hind pair dusky, with only the base of the metatarsus
yellowish ; this is spineless and shorter than the following joint. Hypopygium,
two-thirds of the length of the abdomen, and closely applied to the ventral surface ;
aculeus shorter than it, internally bidentate, the tip produced into a straight spine ;
next a forceps, with nearly linear arms, angulated near the tip ; near the apex another
forceps, with broader, somewhat curved, triangular lobes, pale, with dusky tip,
extending beyond the lamellae, which are blackish brown, broad at the tip, obtuse,
and slightly ciliated. The length of the subcostal areolets indicates an approach to
Argyra.

A single specimen found among the sea-reeds, on the sandhills of Rossbegh
Point (Kerry), in July.

Khaphium flavicolle, pi. 2, fig. 6.

Mg. Zw. iv. 56. 24.— Wlk. Ins. Br. i. 195. l.—Pallidum, Ztt.
Aphrosylus celtiber, pi. 2, tig. 7.

Obscure schistaceus, femoribus apice posterioribus fere totis rufopiceis, antennis
nigris ; Mas, lamellis fuscis longe crinitist tarsi antici articulis 2 primis subin-
crassatis.

Long 2£, Exp. 5£ lines. Dark slate-gray, head above and mesonotum.
blackish, the latter with two faint lighter streaks in front. Antennae black ; third
joint conical, thickened at the base, twice as long as the two preceding together in
female, yet longer in male. Arista about as long as the antenna, naked, thick
at the base, very slender at the tip. Face ochre-brown ; epistoma blackish, in male
hoary. Proboscis black and glossy, except the wrinkled membranous space at the
base in front. Palpi dusky ferruginous ; outwardly silvered and naked in male,
duller white and with black pubescence in female. Beard yellowish, with some
blackish hairs next the orbit. Prosternum at each side, with three black
spines (as in A. raptor). Wings sooty-hyaline, with blackish veins. Legs
grayish black, the fore femora rufescent at the tip, the posterior femora almost
wholly piceous ; the armature of the legs as in A. raptor, the spur of fore tibia
springing directly from the straight tip of this, under the thin, fluted, whitish,
transparent edge. In the male, the fore metatarsus is gradually thickened to the

64 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

tip, the following joint more thickened at the base, and tapering to the end, scarcely
compressed. In A. raptor (Wlk. Ins. Br. i. 221, 1), these two joints are much
more slender and compressed, the second a little gibhous at the base only, the
metatarsus still less thickened at the very extremity (fig. 8). In other respects the
two species are singularly like, except in colour, and differ equally from the third
species, A.ferox (Wlk. Ins. Br. i. 221, 2), see fig. 9.
Not uncommon on the wet rocks and tangle at Smerwick Bay (Kerry), in July.

Fam. — MUSCIDJS.

Trib. — GEOMYZINI.

Geomyza cingulata, pi. 2, fig. 10.

Ferrugineanitida, thoracis vittis lateralibus abdominisque cingulis fuscis, articulo
tarsorum extreme apice nigro, alls immaculatis.

Long 1, Exp. 2£ lines. Pale ferruginous, shining ; a dusky band of the pleuraB
ending under the wing, and a fainter one above it, dusky ; the hind edge of the
abdominal segments in the male, the second segment entirely, dusky ; in the female
only the edge of the second and following segments dusky, and this interrupted in
the anterior ones. Face with two black bristles at each lower angle, a few very minute
ones along the cheeks. Antennae with the third joint rounded, arista hairy black.
The tip of the last tarsal joint and the claws black; fore femora with a black
spine beneath beyond the middle, besides a few slighter, scattered bristles. In the
male, the hind femora are ciliated beneath with very short black hairs. Wings
hyaline, rounded at the tip ; the costal vein yellowish, minutely and sparingly
pectinated, the rest light brown ; the prsebrachial veinlet before the middle of the
discal areolet. Halteres pale.

On the silt of the Castlemaine river (Kerry), among the reeds, in July, not
rare.

Trib. — EPHYDRINI.

Canace nasica, pi. 2, fig. 11.

Hal. Ann. Nat. Hist. iii. 411.— Wlk. Ins. Brit. ii. 269.

Cinereous, with pale pubescence, inclining to ferruginous on the mesonotum
and scutellum, elsewhere rather glaucous. Head broader than thorax, as long as
broad, above brassy-green, except the orbit and the stemmatic triangle, at each
side of which there is a small impression ; the ocelli very minute ; the orbit with
pale cilia. Eyes transversely oval, glabrous. Face, cheeks, and epistoma, glossy
whitish ; face short, convex in the middle, concave under the antennae, faintly
ciliated at the lower angles ; cheeks broad ; epistoma ample, vaulted. Antennae
short black, first joint very short, second transverse, third rounded, rather
broader than long ; arista finely pubescent, penultimate joint black, as long as
third of antenna, the last twice as long, slender, pale. Labium glaucous gray, palpi
and liplets rusty yellow. Wings whitish or obscure hyaline, veins brown, towards
the base yellowish, costal vein dusky ferruginous ; subapical and cubital both
straight, parallel ; discal veinlet straight, a little oblique, distant by little more than
its own length from the end of the pobrachial vein ; praebrachial veinlet a little
beyond the first third of the discal areolet; mediastinal vein distinct, rejoining the
subcostal at the end. Tibiae ferruginous at the base and tip ; trochanters some-
times tinged with the same colour ; tarsi rusty yellow, the last joint dusky ; ungues
curved, black ; onychia large, whitish ; empodium setaceous, pubescent, pale.
Abdomen somewhat conical, depressed, of seven segments, the second largest ;
hypopygium of male ending behind in two very short and stout black spines.

A maritime species, not rare at Rossbegh creek; found also at Smerwick Bay ;
July to September.

Glenanthe ripicola, pi. 2, fig. 12.
Hal. Ann. Nat. Hist. iii. 404.— Wlk. Ins. Br.<ii. 258.
On grassy sea-coasts ; Holywood, Portmarnock, Carragh creek, &c.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 65

MARCH 10, 1855.
B. BALL, LL.D., President, in the Chair.

Mr. T. W. Warren said that he had the pleasure of announcing the occurrence in
Ireland of Bonaparte's gull (Larus Bonapartii). The bird was shot by Captain
Watkins, near Dublin, and given to Mrs. Baker, of Grafton-street, to stuff. She
was under the impression that it was the little gull (Larus minutus); but Mr.
Montgomery happening to see it, at once announced it to be Bonaparte's gull, with
which view he coincided.

Dr. Carte produced Richardson's Fauna Boreali Americana, vol. ii., in which
the Larus Bonapartii was figured, and said, that on a careful examination of the
bird, he was of the same opinion as Mr. Warren and Mr. Montgomery. The bird
had been beautifully stuffed by Mrs. Baker.

Dr. Ball exhibited several specimens of the L. Bonapartii, from North America
(one of which specimens Dr. Carte said was the facsimile of Captain Watkin's
bird). He was of opinion that the gull was not so rare as was supposed, and
thought it very likely that other specimens would be obtained.

Mr. Grainger said that the only other recorded Irish specimen was that in the
Belfast Museum, the species of which was determined by the late W. Thompson,
Esq., with the assistance of some of the London ornithologists.

Mr. Wright, though he had no doubt but that the bird in question was the
Larus Bonapartii, having the testimony of such good Irish ornithologists as Mr.
Warren and Mr. Montgomery, would wish that an opportunity was afforded of
comparing the bird in question with Mr. Thompson's, which is in the Museum of
the Belfast Natural History Society.

Mr. John Grainger exhibited a crustacean of the genus Hyas, which he believed
to be distinct from either of the described species. The circumstances of its capture
were somewhat interesting. Some years ago a friend of his had taken a cod-fish,
by a line, when on the banks of Newfoundland. The fish came up with its lips
fastened together by the hook. It is usual, in such circumstances, for the contents
of the stomach to be discharged ; but, of course, on this occasion, these got no farther
than the fish's mouth. On opening this, there appeared about twenty crustaceans,
more or less decomposed. The most perfect was selected and sent home. It was
submitted to the late Wm. Thompson, Esq., of Belfast, who pronounced it a Hyas ;
but neither Hyas coarctatus nor araneus, and probably an intermediate species.
Mr. Grainger thought it the same species as was mentioned in DeKay's "Natural
History of New York" as constituting the principal food of the cod-fish off New-
foundland, and considered by that author as identical with coarctatus. The
principal ground on which a distinction appeared obvious was, that the carapace
was very little contracted behind the orbits— indeed the entire outline of the
carapace was more even than in any specimen of coarctatus he had seen. Again,
the fingers of the hand were much shorter in proportion, and had no well-marked
gap between them at their base. He, accordingly, thought the American naturalist
would have been justified in establishing a distinct species ; and he submitted the
question to the members.

The general opinion expressed was, that there appeared well-marked differences
between the specimen presented and numerous examples of coarctatus and araneus
from the University and Dublin Society's collections, and that it agreed very well
with the plate of Mr. DeKay, though not with his description, which included the
strong contraction behind the orbits, characteristic of coarctatus.

Mr. Wright read the following notes

ON COLLECTING AND ARRANGING THE BRITISH MOLLUSCA.

The accompanying hints for collecting and naming the British mollusca are
chiefly compiled from the preface to Messrs. Forbes and Hanley's history. They
contain nothing that is unknown to naturalists, but I have appended them to my
catalogue of Irish mollusca, under the impression that it may be of service to some
who may be tyros in malacology, and to whom the smallest hint is useful;

66 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

besides, it is not every young collector who possesses a copy of Messrs. Forbes
and Hanley's expensive work. The portion about dredging is a recapitula-
tion of instructions I have personally received from Dr. Ball, no mean autho-
rity on this subject ; and I need hardly add that the same instructions will apply
whether the naturalist be collecting mollusca or any other marine animals for
aquariums. I have endeavoured to be as brief as possible, and hope, in my
endeavour to do so, I have not become unnecessarily obscure.

COLLECTING.

The first animals that appear in a list of British mollusca are the Acephala
tunicata. If, when walking upon the sea-shore, about low-water mark, we turn
over large stones, or look under the projecting eaves of rocks, we are almost sure to
find some translucent, jelly-like masses, of various hues of orange, purple, yellow,
blue, gray, and green— sometimes nearly uniform in tint, sometimes beautifully
variegated, and very frequently pencilled as with stars of gorgeous device— now
encrusting the surface of the rock, now depending from it in icicle-like projections —
these are the Botryllidae, or true compound Ascideans, the first family of the
Tunicata. They are also found attached to the stalks of sea-weeds. The Claveli-
nidse, or social Ascideans, will be found attached to rocks, stones, and sea-weeds ;
and the Ascidiadae, or simple Ascideans, are taken in quantities, in dredging, attached
to shells, and pieces of rocks; the Peloniadse are also taken in the same situations;
while the last family — namely, the Salpidae — are free, and habitually swim in the
waters of the ocean. Having thus briefly pointed out the localities where the
Acephala tunicata may be expected to be found, we shall proceed at once to the
more important part of this chapter — the collecting of the testaceous mollusca.

The division of the testaceous mollusca into marine, land, fresh- water, and fluvia-
tile, will, I think, be the most convenient to adopt — as, if we take them in the
natural order of their affinities, we would have, on more than one occasion, to
leave our station on the sea-side, or, perhaps, many miles from land, to seek some
inland lake or stream. As the mollusca are arranged in the accompanying list in
their proper order, this departure from it here will be of less importance. To
begin, then, with the marine mollusca. Messrs. Forbes and Hanley speak of
zones or depths of growth, and mean by this phrase the several belts or spaces mar-
gining the land, or occupying the floor of the sea, distinguished from each other
by the presence of peculiar features dependent on arrangements of their animal and
vegetable inhabitants.

The highest of these belts is the space between tide-marks, an interval of very
great importance in the marine fauna of our islands. It is termed the LITTORAL
ZONE. Its features vary with the geological, or, rather, mineralogical characters
of the coast, and its population — both as to kind and number — varies correspon-
dently. Where it is rocky, it is inhabited by numerous gasteropodous mollusks ;
where muddy or sandy, by burrowing bivalves ; or in such localities it is not unfre-
quently devoid of Testacea. The common limpets (Patella vulgata), the various
species of periwinkles (Littorina}, the dog- whelk (Purpura lapillus}, certain forms
of Trochus and Rissoa, the little Skenea planorbis, the common mussel, and the
minute Kellia rubra, inhabit this zone on hard, rocky ground. On sandy and
muddy shores, numerous bivalves are often thrown up by the waves, not a few of
which are to be found alive in the lower division of this zone. In places where the
water is brackish, it swarms with Rissoa ulvce.

It is capable of being divided into several sub-regions, each marked by prevailing
forms of animals. The uppermost is distinguished by the presence of the smaller
varieties of Littorina rudis and L. neritoides ; a second belt, by the abundance of
Mytilus edulis, and the larger forms of Littorina rudis ; a third, by the preva-
lence of Littorina littorea and Purpura lapillus ; a fourth and lowermost, by the
dominance of Littorina littoralis, various Rissoce, especially R. parva and Trochus
cinerarius These divisions into sub-regions will not, I think, be found carried
fully out by the practical malacologist, for he will most generally find all the
characteristic mollusca of the four regions in a space intermediate between the
second and third. On some shores it is possible these distinctions may be traced.

A second region is the CIRCUM -LITTORAL or LAMINARIAN ZONE, so called from

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 67

the abundance of tangles or sea-weeds of the genus Laminaria which flourish
in it around the shores of Europe. On sandy ground these are replaced by the
grass-wrack or Zostera. Vegetable-feeding shell-fish and naked mollusca are
exceedingly numerous in this space. Its usual vertical extent may be stated to be
between low-water mark and fifteen fathoms (90 feet). Owing to the depth of the
Laminarian Zone, no mollusca can be obtained from it except by dredging ; and
here, for the sake of those who are not quite masters of this subject, I may add a
few words about the dredge itself, and of how and where to use it.

There are several kinds of dredges, but the one that is now universally used
is called the naturalist's dredge, first recommended, many years since, by Dr. Ball.
It consists of an iron, rectangular frame (if the iron be galvanized it will resist
the action of the sea-water better) — 13 inches by 3 will make a convenient- sized
dredge ; but, of course, it can be made of any size ; a scraper is attached to each
side, having a bag attached in the usual manner. This bag can be made of spun
yarn, or of fishing-line, netted with a small mesh, or, what is best of all, when it
can be obtained, raw hide, cut into fine thongs, and netted in like manner. The
meshes might be three-fourths of an inch at the iron rim, and diminish to one-
fourth at the end of the bag; but there should always be a free current of water through
it while the dredge is on the bottom, or else it only acts as a scraper, driving every
thing before it and coming up empty. The handles of the dredge are moveable,
and are nearly the length of the frame, so as that they may both lie evenly in the

rce between the scrapers of the dredge ; to each of the handles is attached half a
en links of a chain, which are connected by a plain ring, to which the rope is
attached ; the flexibility of the chain increases the biting power of the scraper.

The dredge may be thrown out of either the stern or side of the boat; and it will
economize time, if to the same rope two dredges be attached ; so that while one is
examining the contents of one dredge, the other may be actively employed — of course,
as you pull up the one you let down the other ; you should allow nearly thrice as
much rope to be overboard, as the perpendicular depth would require ; thus, if you
were dredging in seven fathoms of water, you should, at least, have, over-
board, twenty-one fathoms of rope, otherwise your dredge will only hop along the
bottom. In case the dredge gets fast in a rock, or in a large Laminarian forest, it
is advisable to reverse the rowing, so as to pull contrariwise to that in which the
dredge has been entangled, and this will generally succeed in getting it free. In
dredging in sounds, or where currents prevail, in a row-boat, of course, you
always row with the current ; and in sailing, the boat is put before the wind — the
inward edge of the rope, in all cases, being made fast to one of the boat's thwarts ;
but this should be done with great caution ; for if the dredge gets suddenly
entangled, and the rope that connects it be good, it will be very likely to carry away the
mast, if not upset the boat. This accident has happened in dredging in the west
of Ireland. For deep-sea dredging, where there is danger of the dredge floating,
this difficulty can be removed by affixing a weight at a short distance from its mouth.

It is not on every coast that dredging can be practised. On some, the surf is
habitually too great to admit of boating. On some shores no boats are to be had,
there being no harbours where they can be kept in safety. On the west coasts of
Ireland, for example, the broad waves of the Atlantic continually rolling in, keep
up a troubled water, in which the pursuits of the deep-sea naturalists can rarely be
carried on. In other places, a rocky, or, as it is technically called, a foul bottom,
and, in other terms, fields of sea-weeds, marine forests, present insuperable
obstacles to the use of a dredge. Land-locked bays and harbours, where a quiet
water flows over a smooth or a shingly bottom, or lies on oyster or scallop beds,
are the favourite grounds for the amateur dredger — not that but sometimes he will
even face the roar of the Atlantic in the cause of science. Where large banks
occur at a long distance from land, they greatly reward the naturalist ; but require
an absence from the shore of several days. The naturalist will frequently find,
thrown up on the Littoral Zone, large heaps of dead shells, the proper inhabitants,
when living, of the Laminarian or, perhaps, more frequently those of the Coralline
Zones ; by paying accurate attention to the currents which set in and about the
heap, he will be able, in general, to trace the locality of the living shells, which
will be mostly found in beds.

68 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Before leaving the subject of dredging, I would wish to record the following
note from Captain M'Clintock, in reference to the naturalist's dredge: —

41 MY DEAR DR. BALL — Although we have left our ships and almost all our
private property, as well as that belonging to the crown, behind us, yet the very
small collection my other duties permitted me to collect with the dredge, I have
brought home for you. There may be something of interest ; and, according to Sir
Edward Belcher, we have obtained some rare and new creatures.

" Although Sir Edward has devoted so many years of his life mainly to shell
collecting, he was much struck with your little dredge ; he immediately borrowed
it, and had a larger one made of the same pattern. He confesses (and it is a great
confession for him) that it is the best he has ever seen.
" Yours, very sincerely.

" F. L. M'CLINTOCK."

The Genera Lacuna (except one species), Calyptrcea aplysia, Scrobicularia, and
Donax do not range in our seas below this, the Laminarian belt, and JRzssoa,
Chiton, Sulla, Trochus, Mactra, Venus, and Cardium have the majority of their spe-
cies within its precincts.

A third region is the MEDIAN or CORALLINE ZONE, occupying the space been fifteen
and fifty fathoms. In its upper portion, Trochus ziziphinus and tumidus, Chiton
asellus, Acinsea virginea, Turritella communis, Venus ovata, and V. fasciata,
Pecten opercularis, Modiola modiolus, the common form of Crenella, Pectunculus
glycimeris, and Nucula nucleus, are characteristic testacea ; and on its lower half,
Solen pellucidus, Pecten varius, Dentalium, and Mactra elliptica. It is
marked more by the peculiarities of its species than by the exclusive presence of
genera.

The fourth region is the INFRA MEDIAN ; its most characteristic portions are in the
extreme north. There are very few species of mollusca peculiar to it in our seas ;
those that are found are, for the most part, of rather small dimensions, and
remarkable for being of dull or pale colouring. Beneath this zone is the Abryssal
region, which cannot be said to be developed within the British seas.

Besides these several subdivisions of the floor of the ocean, there are the high
levels of the sea- water itself, inhabited by a small assemblage of mollusks. The
Genera lanthina and Spirialis among our testacea, and our solitary species of
Salpa, as well as the curious and anomalous Appendicularia among Tunicata, are
inhabitants of this marine atmosphere ; all these forms are, however, very local
around our coasts. Bivalve mollusca would appear to be more extensively distri-
buted in depth and to constitute more constant links between zone and zone than
univalves.

Having thus given some idea where the student will be likely to find the several
genera and species of marine testacea, we must turn our attention to the
Nudibranchs, or naked mollusca. These can be dismissed in a very few words ;
they are chiefly to be found in rocky places, which, indeed, is the favourite locality
for the majority of the Gasteropoda, and will be discovered creeping in the rock-
pools, or upon the fronds of algae. Next in order we come to land shells, and
there is not a place throughout the length and breadth of our country that some
one species may not be found. The common Helix aspersa is a follower of cultiva-
tion ; and where is the garden that cannot boast of the garden snail ? Some of them
prefer the sea-side, as Helix pisana, H. virgata, H. ericetorum, H. nemoralis,
Bulimus acutus, and others ; some keep themselves strictly secluded to the chalk
regions, as H. pomatia, H. carthusiana, Pupa secale, &c. ; some hide themselves
beneath moss, and it requires diligent search to find them, as H. pulchella, many of the
Pupa and Zonites ; others, again, climb to the tops of mountains, or love the retired
recesses of deep woods, as Helix arbustorum ; endless are the situations in which we
find the land shells, and few, if any, districts are without their fair proportion of them.

The fresh-water shells are also found very widely distributed. In the swift-
running streams Cyclas cornea will be found, with others of the same genus, and
Ancylus fluviatilus holds hard to some large stone, braving most boldly the vigour
of the stream. In ponds of stagnant water, Limneus palustris, truncatulus, Bithinia
tentaculata, Planorbis corneus, and others will be found ; while, again, up in a

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 69

a small Alpine lake, on Cromaglaun mountains, near Killarney, Limneus involutus
enjoyed itself in perfect safety, until our learned professor, Dr. Harvey, took away
the chiefest of them. Quick-flowing rivers are the favourite places for the Unio
margatiferus, Pisidium pulchellum, and others ; while on the green leaves of the
water-lily, or on the white petals of its flower, cling the local Ancylus oblongus ;
others live in thick mud, at the bottom of lakes and ponds, and hence, from this cir-
cumstance, have received their generic names, as Paludina and others. This enume-
ration of places where the mollusca are likely to be found would be incomplete did
we not mention those damp places near the vicinity of the sea, within reach of its
salt spray, where Conovolus bidentatus and Carychimum minimum are to be found.
These might come under the denomination of fluviatile shells. In conclusion, we have
the Cephalopoda ; and, as far as regards them, the collector must act the reverse of
Mahommed and the mountain, and, as he cannot go to them, he must wait until
they come to him. Free and unshackled, they live in the dark-blue waters of the
ocean, tied to no zone, peculiar to no country.

The testaceous mollusca are easily preserved, as few things in nature are more
indestructible than shells, and we find them, after the lapse of many years, even
retaining some of their vivid colours, though imbedded in the coralline or red
crags. The naked mollusca and Tunicata are preserved in either spirits of wine
or Goadby's solution, and either will do for dissections of the testacese. To kill the
animals of the latter, they can be immersed in hot water ; but it should never be
boiling at the time, as it often spoils the colour of the shells. A crooked pin will
enable the collector to extract the body of the univalve, and by cutting the strong
muscle which keeps the bivalve shut, they will be easily cleaned out. The siphons
in the bivalves should be cleaned out, and neatly stuffed with a little fine cotton.
The Chitons when taken had better be allowed to settle themselves flat at the bottom
of the vessel in which they are carried home ; and I have always found them, when
once attached to the sides or bottom of my collecting- box, die in a few days per-
fectly flat ; however, if they once curl themselves up, they will have to be unrolled,
and a piece of string tied across them, and left for some time until they harden.

In some of the minute Kissoa, Pupa, and others, it is better not to attempt to
take out the animal, as, even with the greatest caution, the mouth of the shell will
be injured ; and this is an important part in the discrimination of the species.

Of the many ways of arranging collections, I think the following will be found
the most convenient — i.e., for private collections — to gum the shells on pieces of
paper, and these to be placed in card boxes. If gum tragacanth be used, the shell
can be at any time taken from the paper, by putting paper and shell into a basin of
warm water, and leaving them there for some time. Bivalves should always have
one specimen open to show the arrangement of the hinge and the impression of the
muscle and univalves, one turned so as to exhibit the mouth of the shell.

In public collections the French method is now very generally adopted — viz.,
that of fixing the shells on thin pieces of wood, covered with a neutral- coloured
paper. These slips are made multiples of each other, so that they all fit in a cabinet,
without any interstices. A convenient size is— for small shells, 2£ by 3 inches ;
for larger size, 5 by 3 inches ; and for the largest, 5 by 6 inches. By this plan
any single species can be removed without disturbing the rest. The Tunicata,
naked mollusca, and Cephalopoda can be arranged in glass bottles over the cabinet.

CATALOGUE OF BRITISH MOLLUSCA.

[Those marked thus t are Irish.]

The following catalogue of mollusca is compiled from Messrs. Forbes and Hanley's
splendid history, in four volumes, of the British mollusca. I thought it better
to give the whole of the British mollusca, and mark those that are Irish, than only
to give the latter, as it will show the difference between the faunas.

Those marked with a dagger, are species which have been taken in Ireland ; and
I have great pleasure in returning thanks to Drs. Allman, Ball, Melville, and
Farran, and to Messrs. T. W. Warren, J. Grainger, W. W. Walpole, and A. R.
Hogan, for the assistance they have given me in determining these. I have also
had recourse to Mr. W. Thompson's list of Irish mollusca, and Messrs. Forbes
and Hanley's History.

70 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Of course, the nomenclature which appears in the above work is strictly followed,
with one exception, which one is sufficiently accounted for in the proper place.
But as Dr. Gray's edition of Turton's Manual of Land and Fresh-water Mollusca
is in extensive use among naturalists in this country, it has been thought better to
give his names as synonyms, hoping, by this means, that collectors will adopt the
prior, though apparently new?, names for those mollusca, fully confident as we are
that this History, by Messrs. Forbes and Hanley, must unque'stionably rank as the
first work upon this subject, and will be the standard of reference to all who study
the objects upon which it treats.

The figures after the authority for the specific names, refer to the volume and
page where the history of the mollusc is given in Messrs. Forbes and Hanley's
work. The synonyms, in italics, are the names given by Dr. Gray in his edi-
tion of Turton's Manual of Land and Fresh-water Shells.

ACEPHALA TUNICATA.

I. BOTRYLLID^E.

1 Aplidium ficus, Linneus. v. 1. p. 11.

2 Aplidium fallax, Johnston, v. 1. p. 11.

3 Aplidium nutans, Johnston, v. 1. p. 12.

|4 Sydnyum turbinatum, Savigny. v. 1. p. 14.

5 Polyclinum aurantium, Milne-Edwards, v. 1. p. 14.
|6 Amouroucium proliferum, Milne- Edwards, v. 1. p. 15.

7 Amouroucium Nordmanni, Milne-Edwards, v. 1. p. 15.

8 Amouroucium Argus, Milne-Edwards, v. 1. p. 16.

f9 Leptoclinum maculosum, Milne- Edwards, v. 1. p. 16.
flO Leptoclinum asperum, Milne -Edwards, v. 1. p. 17.
fll Leptoclinum aureum, Milne- Edwards, v. 1. p. 17.
jl2 Leptoclinum gelatinosum, Milne -Edwards, v. 1. p. 17.

13 Leptoclinum Listerianum, Milne-Edwards, v. 1. p. 17.

14 Leptoclinum punctatum, Forbes, v. 1. p. 18.
f!5 Distoma rubrum, Savigny. v. 1. p. 18.

f!6 Distoma variolosum, Gartner, v. 1. p. 19.
f!7 Botryllus Scholsseri, Pallas, v. 1. p. 19.
f!8 Botryllus polycyclus, Savigny. v. 1. p. 21.
fl9 Botryllus gemmeus, Savigny. v. 1. p. 22.

20 Botryllus violacens, Milne-Edwards, v. 1. p. 22.
|21 Botryllus smaragdus, Milne-Edwards, v. 1. p. 22.
|22 Botryllus bivittatus, Milne- Edwards, v. 1. p. 23.
f23 Botrylloides Leachii, Savigny. v. 1. p. 23.
f24 Botrylloides albicans, Milne- Edwards, v. 1. p. 24.
f25 Botrylloides rotifera, Milne- Ed wards, v. 1. p. 24.
f26 Botrylloides rubrum, Milne-Edwards, v. 1. p. 24.

II. CLAVELINID^E.

f27 Clavelina lepadiformis, O. F. Midler, v. 1. p. 26.
f28 Perophora Listen, Wiegmann. v. 1. p. 28.

III. ASCIDIAD^E.

29 Ascidia intestinalis, Linneus. v. 1. p. 31.

|30 Ascidia canina, O. F. Midler, v. 1. p. 31.

f31 Ascidia venosa, O. F. Muller. v. 1. p. 31.

f32 Ascidia mentula, O. F. Muller. v. 1. p. 32.

33 Ascidia arachnoidea, Forbes, v. 1. p. 32.

|34 Ascidia scabra, O. F. Muller. v. 1. p. 33.

35 Ascidia virginea, O. F. Muller. v. 1. p. 33.

f36 Ascidia parallelogramma, O. F. Muller. v. 1. p. 34

f37 Ascidia prunosa, Muller? v. l.p. 34.

j-38 Ascidia orbicularis, Muller. v. 1. p. 34.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 71

f39 Ascidia aspersa, Muller. v. 1. p. 35.
f40 Ascidia vitrea, Van Beneden. v. 1. p. 35.
f41 Ascidia conchilega, O. F. Muller. v. 1. p. 35.
f42 Ascidia echinata, Linneus. v. 1. p. 35.

43 Molgula oculata, E. Forbes, v. 1. p. 36.

44 Molgula tubulosa, Rathke. v. 1. p. 36.
f45 Cynthia microcosmus, Savigny. v. 1. p. 37.
|46 Cynthia claudicans, Savigny. v. 1. p. 37.

47 Cynthia tuberosa, Macgilivray. v. 1. p. 37.

48 Cynthia quadrangularis, E. Forbes, v. 1. p. 38.

49 Cynthia informis, E. Forbes, v. 1. p. 38.

50 Cynthia tessellata, E. Forbes, v. 1. p. 38.

51 Cynthia Limacina, E. Forbes, v. 1. p. 39.

52 Cynthia morus, E. Forbes, v. 1. p. 39.

53 Cynthia rustica, Linneus. v. 1. p. 39.

54 Cynthia grossularia, Van Beneden. v. 1. p. 40.

55 Cynthia ampulla, Brugicre. v. 1. p. 40.

56 Cynthia mammillaris, Pallas, v. 1. p. 40.

57 Cynthia aggregata, Rathke. v. 1. p. 41.

IV. PELONAIAD^:.

58 Pelonaia corrugata, Forbes and Goodsir. v. 1. p. 43.

59 Pelonaia glabra, Forbes and Goodsir. v. 1. p. 43.

V. SALPIDJE.
f60 Salpa runcinata, Chamisso. v. 1. p. 53.

ACEPHALA LAMELLIBRANCHIATA.

I. PHOLADIDJE.

|61 Teredo Norvagica, Spengler. v. 1. p. 66.

62 Teredo navalis, Linneus. v. 1. p. 74.
|63 Teredo megotara, Hanley. v. 1. p. 77.*
f64 Teredo bipennata, Turton. v. 1. p. 80.*

65 Teredo malleolus, Turton. v. 1. p 84.*
f66 Teredo palmulata, Lamarck, v. 1. p. 86.*
f67 Xylophaga dorsalis, Turton. v. 1. p. 90.
f68 Pholas dactylus, Linneus. v. 1. p. 108.
•j-69 Pholas parva, Pennant, v. 1 p. 111.
f70 Pholas crispata, Linneus. v. 1. p. 114.
f71 Pholas Candida, Linneus. v. 1. p. 117.
f72 Pholadidea papyracea, Solander. v. 1. p. 123.

II. GASTROCBJENIDJE.

f73 Gastrochaena modiolina, Lamarck, v. 1. p. 132.
f74 Saxicava Arctica, Linneus. v. 1. p. 141.
f75 Saxicava rugosa, Linneus. v. 1. p. 146.
f76 Petricola lithophaga, Retzius. v. 1. p. 151.
|77 Venerupis irus, Linneus. v. 1. p. 174.

III. MYADJ2.

f78 Mya truncata, Linneus. v. 1. p. 163.
f79 Mya arenaria, Linneus. v. 1. p. 168.
80 Panopaea Norvegica, Spengler. v. 1. p. 175.

» Species not proved to be of British origin.

72 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

IV. CORBULID^J.

f81 Corbula nucleus, Lamarck, v. 1. p. 180.
f82 Corbula rosea, Brown, v. 1. p. 185.
83 Corbula ovata, Forbes, v. 1. p. 187.
t84 Sphaenia Binghami, Turton. v. 1. p. 190.
f85 Neaera cuspidata, Olivi. v. 1. p. 195.

86 Neaera costellata, Deshayes. y. 1. p. 199.

87 Neaera abbreviata, Forbes, v. 1. p. 201.

88 Poromya granulata, JVyst and Westendorp. v. 1. p. 204,

V. PANDORID^E.

89 Pandora rostrata, Lamarck, v. 1. p. 207.
|90 Pandora obtusa, Leach, v. 1. p. 210.

f91 Lyonsia Norvegica, Chemnitz, v. 1. p. 214.

VI. ANATINID^E.

f 92 Trachia phasseolina, Lamarck, v. 1. p. 221.
f93 Trachia villosiuscula, Macgilivray. v. 1. p. 224.
f94 Trachia pubescens, Pulteney. v. 1. p. 226.
|95 Trachia convexa, Wood. v. 1. p. 229.
f96 Trachia distorta, Montagu, v. 1. p. 231.
f97 Cochlodesma praetenue, Pulteney. v. 1. p. 235.

VII. SOLENIDJE.

f98 Solen marginatus, Pulteney. v. 1. p. 242.

f99 Solen siliqua, Linneus. v. 1. p. 246.
flOO Solen ensis, Linneus. v. 1. p. 250.
flOl Solen pellucidus, Pennant, v. 1. p. 252.

VIII. SOLECUETIDuE.

f!02 Ceratisolen legumen, Linneus. v. 1. p. 256.
fl03 Solecurtus coarctatus, Gmelin. v. 1. p. 259.
fl04 Solecurtus candidus, Renieri. v. 1. p. 263.

IX. TELLINIDJB.

f!05 Psammobia vespertina, Chemnitz, v. 1. p. 271.
fl06 Psammobia Ferroensis, Chemnitz, v. 1. p. 274.
f!07 Psammobia tellinella, Lamarck, v. 1. p. 277.
fl08 Psammobia costulata, Turton. v. 1. p. 279.
f!09 Diodonta fragilis, Linneus. v. 1. p. 284.
fHO Tellina crassa, Pennant, v. 1. p. 288.
fill Tellina balaustina, Linneus. v. 1. p. 290.
fl!2 Tellina donacina, Linneus. v. 1. p. 292.
f!13 Tellina pygmaea, Philippi. v. 1. p. 295.
fl!4 Tellina incarnata, Linneus. v. 1. p. 298.
fll5 Tellina tenuis, Da Costa, v. 1. p. 300.
fl!6 Tellina fabula, Gronovius. v. 1. p. 302.
117 Tellina solidula, Pulteney. v. 1. p. 304.
fl!8 Tellina proxima, Brown, v. 1. p. 307.
fl!9 Syndosmya alba, Wood. v. 1. p. 316.
fl20 Syndosmya intermedia, Thompson, v. 1. p. 319.
fl21 Syndosmya prismatica, Montagu, v. 1. p. 321.
|I22 Syndosmya tenuis, Montagu, v. 1. p. 323.
fl23 Scrobicularia piperata, Gmelin. v. 1. p. 326.

X. DONACID^B.

|124 Donax anatinus, Lamarck, v. 1. p. 332.

fl25 Donax politus, Poli. v. 1. p. 336.

f!26 Ervilia castanea, Montagu. T. 1. p. 341.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 73

XI. MACTEID^E.

f!27 Mactra solida, Linneus. v. 1. p. 351.
fl28 Mactra truncata, Montagu, v. 1. p 354.
f!29 Mactra elliptica, Brown, v. 1. p. 356.
f!30 Mactra subtruncata, Da Costa, v. 1. p. 358.
f!31 Mactra stultorum, Linneus. v. 1. p. 362.
132 Mactra Helvacea, Chemnitz, v. 1. p. 366.
f!33 Lutraria elliptica, Lamarck, v. 1. p. 370.
fl34 Lutraria oblonga, Chemnitz, v. 1. p. 734.

XII. VENERID^.

f!35 Tapes decussata, Linneus. v. 1. p. 379.
f!36 Tapes pullastra, Wood. v. 1. p. 382.
J187 Tapes virginea, Linneus. v. 1. p. 388.
f!38 Tapes aurea, Gmelin. v. 1. p. 392.
f!39 Cytherea Chione, Linneus. v 1. p. 396.
f!40 Venus verrucosa, Linneus. v. 1. p. 401.
fl41 Venus casina, Linneus. v. 1. p. 405.
fl42 Venus striatula, Donovan, v. 1. p. 408.
fl43 Venus fasciata, Donovan, v. 1. p. 415.
fl44 Venus ovata, Pennant, v. 1. p. 419.
f!45 Artemis exoleta, Linneus. v. 1. p 428.
f!46 Artemis lincta, Pulteney. v. 1. p. 431.
f!47 Lucinopsis undata, Pennant, v. 1. p. 435.

XIII. CYPKINID^E.

f!48 Cyprina Islandica, Linneus. v. 1. p. 441.
f!49 Circe minima, Montagu, v. 1. p. 446.
f!50 Astarte sulcata, Da Costa, v. 1. p. 452.

151 Astarte crebricostata, Forbes, v. 1. p. 456.
f!52 Astarte elliptica, Brown, v. 1. p. 459.

153 Astarte Arctica, Gray. v. 1. p. 461.
f!54 Astarte compressa, Montagu, v. 1. p. 464.
f!55 Astarte triangularis, Montagu, v. 1. p. 467.
J156 Isocardia cor, Linneus. y. 1. p. 472.

XIV. CARDIAD^E.

f!57 Cardium aculeatum, Linneus. v. 2. p. 4.
f!58 Cardium echinatum, Linneus. v. 2. p. 7.

t!59 Cardium rusticum, Linneus. v. 2. p. 11.

2. p. 15.
fl61 Cardium node-sum, Turton. v. 2. p. 22.

f 160 Cardium edule, Linneus. v. 2.

f!62 Cardium fasciatum, Montagu, v. 2. p. 25.
f!63 Cardium pygmaeum, Donovan, v. 2. p. 29.
f!64 Cardium Suecicum, Reeve, v. 2. p. 33.
fl65 Cardium. Norvegicum, Spengler. v. 2. p. 35.

XV. LUCINID^E.

f!66 Lucina Borealis, Linneus. v. 2. p. 46.
fl67 Lucina spinifera, Montagu, v. 2. p. 49.

168 Lucina divaricata, Linneus. v. 2. p. 52.
f!69 Lucina flexuosa, Montagu, v. 2. p. 54.
f!70 Lucina leucoma, Turton. v. 2. p 57.

171 Lucina ferruginosa, Forbes, v. 2. p. 60.
f!72 Diplodonta rotundata, Montagu, v. 2. p. 66.

XVI. KELLIAD^E.

f!73 Montacuta ferruginosa, Montagu, v. 2. p. 72.
fl74 Montacuta bidentata, Montagu, v. 2. p.*75.
fl 75 Montacuta substriata, Montagu, v. 2. p. 77.

74 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

f!76 Turtonia minuta, O. Fabricius. v. 2. p, 81.
fl77 Kellia suborbicularis, Montagu, v. 2. p. 87.
fl78 Kellia nitida, Turton. v. 2. p. 92.
f!79 Kellia (Poromia) rubra, Montagu, v. 2. p. 94.
f!80 Lepton squamosum, Montagu, v. 2. p. 98.
|181 Lepton convexum, Alder, v. 2. p. 102.
f!82 Galeomma Turtoni, Sowerby. v. 2. p. 105.*

XVII. CYCLADID^E.

183 Cyclas rivicola, Leach, v. 2. p. 111.
fl84 Cyclas cornea, Linneus. v. 2. p. 113.
f!85 Cyclas caliculata, Draparnaud. v. 2. p. 115.
J186 Pisidium obtusale, Pfeiffer. (?) v. 2. p. 118.
f!87 Pisidium pusillum, Turton. v. 2. p. 120.
J188 Pisidium cinereum, Alder, v. 2. p. 123.
fl89 Pisidium nitidum Jenyns. v. 2. p. 125.
fl90 Pisidium pulchellum, Jneyns. v. 2. p. 126.
f!91 Pisidium Henslowianum, Sheppard. v. 2. p. 12&.
fl92 Pisidium amnicum, Muller. v. 2. p. 131.

XVIII.

193 Unio tumidus, Retzius. v. 2. p. 133.

194 Unio pictorum, Linneus. v. 2. p. 140.
f!95 Unio margatiferus, Linneus. v. 2. p. 142.
f!96 Anodonta cygnea, Linneus. v. 2. p. 146.

XIX. MYTILID^E.

197 Dreissena polymorpha, Pallas, v. 2. p. 155.

f!98 Mytilus edulis, Linneus. v. 2. p. 170.

fl99 Modiola modiolus, Linneus. v. 2. p. 182.

200 Modiola pbaseolina, Philippi. v. 2. p. 186.

f201 Modiola tulipa, Lamarck, v. 2. p. 187.

•j-202 Modiola barbata, Linneus. v. 2. p. 190.

J203 Crenella discors, Linneus. v. 2. p. 195.

•j-204 Crenella mannorata, Forbes, v. 2. p. 198.

J205 Crenella nigra, Gray. v. 2. p. 202.

206 Crenella costulata, Risso. v. 2. p. 205.

207 Crenella rhombea, Berkeley, v. 2. p. 208.
|208 Crenella decussata, Montagu, v. 2. p. 210.

XX. ARCADJE.

|209 Nucula nucleus, Linneus. v. 2. p. 215.
J210 Nucula nitida, Sowerby. v. 2. p. 218.
J211 Nucula radiata, Hanley. v. 2. p. 220.
•j-212 Nucula decussata, Sowerby. v. 2. p. 221.
|213 Nucula tenuis, Montagu, v. 2. p 223.
f214 Leda caudata, Donovan, v. 2. p. 226.
215 Leda pygmaea, Munster. v. 2. p. 230.
f216 Area tetragona, Poli. v. 2. p. 234.
•j-217 Area lactea, Linneus. v. 2. p. 238.
|218 Area raridentata, Searles Wood. v. 2. p. 241.
f219 Pectunculus glycimeris, Linneus. v. 2. p. 245.

XXI. AVICULACE^).

f220 Avicula Tarentina, Lamarck, v. 2. p. 257.
•j-221 Pinna pectinata, Linneus. v. 2. p. 255.

* This mollusc is marked aa Irish on the authority of a single valve marked " Ireland," in the col-
lection of Mr. Humphreys.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 75

XXII. OSTREAD^E.

|222 Lima subauriculata, Montagu, v. 2. p. 263.
|223 Lima Loscombii, Sowerby. v. 2. p. 263.
J224 Lima hians, Gmelin. v. 2. p. 268.
J225 Pecten varius, Linneus. v. 2. p. 273.
•j-226 Pecten niveus, Macgilivray. v. 2. p. 276.
•j-227 Pecten pusio, Pennant, v. 2. p. 278.
|228 Pecten striatus, Muller. v. 2. p. 281.
f229 Pecten tigrinus, Muller. v. 2. p. 285.
230 Pecten Danicus, Chemnitz, v. 2. p. 288.
f231 Pecten similis, Laskey. v. 2. p. 293.
f232 Pecten maximus, Linneus. v. 2. p. 296.
|233 Pecten opercularis, Linneus. v. 2. p. 299.
J234 Ostrea edulis, Linneus. v. 2. p. 307.
f235 Anomia ephippium, Linneus. v. 2. p. 325.
J236 Anomia aculeata, Muller. v. 2. p. 332.
f237 Anomia patelliformis, Linneus. v. 2. p. 334.
t238 Anomia striata, Loven. v. 2. p. 336.

ACEPHALA PALLIOBKANCHIATA.

I. TEREBRATULIDJE.

f239 Hypothyris psittacea, Chemnitz, v. 2. p. 346.
f240 Terebratula caput-serpentis, Linneus. v. 2. p. 353.

241 Terebratula cranium, Muller. v. 2. p. 357.

242 Megathyris cistellula, Searles Wood. v. 2. p. 361.

II. CRANIAD^E.

f243 Crania anomala, Muller. v. 2. p. 366.

PTEROPODA.

I. HYALEAD^.

f244 Hyalea trispinosa, Lesueur. v. 2. p. 380.

II. LIMACINID^E.

245 Spiralis Flemingii, Forbes, v. 2. p. 384.
f246 Spiralis Mac-Andrei, Forbes and Hanley. v. 2. p. 385.
|247 Spiralis Jeffreysii, Forbes and Hanley. v. 2. p. 386.

GASTEROPODA PROSOBRANCHIATA.

I. CHITIONIDJE.
f248 Chiton fascicularis, Linneus. v. 2. p. 393.

249 Chiton discrepans, Brown, v. 2. p. 396.
|250 Chiton Hanleyi, Bean. v. 2. p. 398.
|251 Chiton rurber, Linneus. v. 2. p. 399.
J252 Chiton cinereus, Linneus. v. 2. p. 402.
|253 Chiton albus, Linneus. (?) v. 2. p. 405.
f 254 Chiton asellus, Chemnitz, v. 2. p. 407.

255 Chiton cancellatus, Sowerby. v. 2. p. 410.
J256 Chiton laevis, Pennant. (?) v. 2. p. 411.
|257 Chiton marmoreus, O. Fabricius. v. 2. p. 414.

II. PATELLID^E.
f258 Patella vulgata, Linneus. v. 2. p. 421.

•f 259 Patella athletica, Bean. v. 2. p. 425.
J260 Patella pellucida, Linneus. v. 2. p. 429.

76 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

|261 Acmrea testndinalis, Mutter, v. 2. p. 434.
J262 Acmiea virginea, Mutter, v. 2. p. 437.
f263 Palidium fulvum, Mutter, v. 2. p. 441.
f264 Propilidium Ancyloide, Forbes, v. 2. p. 443.

III. DENTALIADJE.

J265 Dentalium entalis, Linneus. v. 2. p. 449.
j266 Dentaliinn Tarentinum, Lamarck, v. 2. p. 451.

IV. CALYPTILEAD^E.

•j-267 Pileopsis Hungaricus, Linneus. v. 2. p. 459.
•j-268 Calyptraea sinensis, Linneus. v. 2. p. 463.

V. FISSURELLID^E.
f269 Fissurella reticulata, Donovan, v. 2. 469.

270 Puncturella Noachina, Linneus. v. 2. 474.
|271 Emarginula reticulata, Sowerby. v. 2. p. 477.

272 Emarginula rosea, Sell. v. 2. p. 479.
•j-273 Emarginula crassa, J. Sowerby. v. 2. p. 481.

VI. HALIOTID^.
274 Haliotis tuberculata, Linneus. v. 2. p. 485.

VII. TROCHIAD^E.

f275 Trochus ziziphinus, Linneus. v. 2. p. 491.

276 Trochus conulus, Linneus. v. 2. p. 495.

277 Trochus alabastrura, Beck. v. 2. p. 497.
|278 Trochus granulatus, Born. v. 2. p. 499.

279 Trochus millegranus, Philippi. v. 2. p. 502.

280 Trochus exiguus, Pulteney. v. 2. p. 505.

281 Trochus striatus, Linneus. v. 2. p. 508.
•282 Trochus Montagui, Gray. v. 2. p. 511.

• -283 Trochus tumidus, Montagu, v 2. p. 513.

284 Trochus cinerarius, Linneus. v. 2. p. 516.
f285 Trochus umbilicatus, Montagu, v. 2. p. 519.
t286 Trochus Magus, Linneus. v. 2. p. 522.
J287 Trochus lineatus, Da Costa, v. 2. p. 525.

288 Trochus undulatus, Sowerby. v. 2. p. 528.
f289 Trochus helicinus, O. Fabricius. v. 2. p. 531.

290 Trochus pusillus, Jeffreys, v. 2. p. 534.
f29l Phasianella pullus, Linneus. v. 2. p. 538.
f292 Adeorbis subcarinata, Montagu, v. 2. p. 541.
|293 Scissurella crispata, Fleming, v. 2. p. 544.

VIII. IANTHINID.2E.

f294 lanthina communis, Lamarck, v. 2. p. 549.
f295 lanthina pallida, Harvey, v. 2. p. 553.
f296 lanthina exigua, Lamarck, v. 2. p. 555.

IX. NERITID^E.
f297 Neritina fluviatilis, Linneus. v. 3. p. 3.

X. PALUDINIDJE.

298 Paludina Listeri, Forbes and Hanley. v. 3. p. 8. (P. vivipara of Turton.)

299 Paludina vivipara, Linneus. v. 11. p. 8. (P. achatina of Turton.}
f300 Bithinia tentaculata. v. 3. p. 14.

301 Bithinia Leachii, Sheppard. v. 3. p. 16. (B. ventricosa of Tutton.}
f302 Valvata piscinalis, Mutter, v. 3. p. 19.
t303 Valvata cristata, Mutter, v. 3. p. 21.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 77

XI. LITTORINID^E.

|304 Littorina neritoides, Linneus. v. 3. p. 26.
J305 Littorina littorea, Linneus. v. 3. p. 29.
t306 Littorina rudis, Donovan, v. 3. p. 32.
307 Littorina patula, Jeffreys, v. 3. p. 36.
f308 Littorina tenebrosa, Montagu, v. 3. p. 39.
f309 Littorina saxatilis, Johnston, v. 3. p. 43.
f310 Littorina littoralis, Linneus. v. 3. p. 45.

311 Littorina fabalis, Turton. v. 3. p. 49.

312 Littorina palliata, Say. v. 3. p. 51.
f313 Lacuna pallidula, Da Costa, v. 3. p. 56.
f314 Lacuna puteolus, Turton. v. 3. p. 58.
f315 Lacuna vincta, Montagu, v. 3. p. 62.

316 Lacuna crassior, Montagu, v. 3. p. 67.

317 Assiminia Grayana, Jeffreys, v. 3. p. 70.
f318 Eissoa striatula, Montagu, v. 3. p. 73.

319 Rissoa lactea, Michaud. v. 3. p. 76.

320 Rissoa Zetlandica, Montagu, v. 3. p. 78.
f321 Rissoa crenulata, Michaud. v. 3. p. 80.

f322 Rissoa calathus, Forbes and Hanley. v. 3. p. 82.
f323 Rissoa Beanii, Hanley. v. 3. p. 84.

324 Rissoa abyssicola, Forbes, v. 3. p. 86.

325 Rissoa sculpta, Philippi. v. 3. p. 88.
f326 Rissoa punctura, Montagu, v. 3. p. 89.
f327 Rissoa costata, Adams, v. 3. p. 92.
f328 Rissoa striata, Montagu, v. 3. p. 94.
f329 Rissoa parva, Da Costa, v. 3. p. 98.

f330 Rissoa costulata (Risso ?), Alder, v. 3. p. 103.
|331 Rissoa rufilabrum (ZeacA), Alder, v. 3. p. 106.
f332 Rissoa labiosa, Montagu, v. 3. p. 109.
|333 Rissoa inconspicua, Alder, v. 3. p. 113.
f334 Rissoa semistriata, Montagu, v. 3. p. 117.
f335 Rissoa rubra, Adams, v. 3. p. 120.
f336 Rissoa cingillus, Montagu, v. 3. p. 122.
f337 Rissoa vitrea, Montagu, v. 3. p. 125.
f338 Rissoa proxima, Alder, v. 3. p. 127.
f339 Rissoa (?) fulgida, Adams, v. 3. p. 128.
340 Rissoa pulcherrima, Jeffreys, v. 3. p. 129.
f341 Rissoa soluta, Philippi. \. 3. p. 131.

342 Rissoa littorea, Delle Chiaje. v. 3. p. 132.

343 Rissoa anatina, Draparnaud. v. 3. p. 134.

344 Rissoa ventrosa, Montagu, v. 3. p. 138.
f345 Rissoa ulvas, Pennant (?) v. 3. p. 141.
f346 Jeffreysia diaphana, Alder, v. 3. p. 152.

347 Jefireysia opalina, Jeffreys, v. 3. p. 154.
f348 Skenea planorbis, O. Fabricius. v. 3. p. 156.
f349 Skenea nitidissima, Adams, v. 3. p. 158.
f350 Skenea (?) rota, Forbes and Hanley. v. 3. p. 160.
f351 Skenea (?) divisa, Fleming, v. 3. p. 161.

352 Skenea (?) Cutleriana, Clark, v. 3. p. 164.

353 Skenea (?) Isevis, Philippi. v. 3. p. 165.

354 Skenea (?) costulata, v. 3. p. 167.

XII. TURRITELLIDJE.

f355 Turritella communis, Risso. v. 3. p. 172.
f356 Co3cum trachea, Montagu, v. 3. p. 178.
f357 Ccecum glabrum, Montagu, v. 3. p. 181.
VOL. II.

78 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

XIII. CERITHIAD^E.

358 Aporrhais pes-carbonis, Brongniart. v. 3. p. 186.
f359 Aporrhais pes-pelicani, Linneus. v. 3. p. 188.
•j-360 Cerithium reticulatum, Da Costa, v. 3. p. 192.

361 Cerithium adversum, Montagu, v. 3. p. 195.

362 Cerithium metula, Loven. v. 3. p. 198.

XIV. SCALARIADuE.

|363 Scalaria Turtonis, Turton. v. 3. p. 204.
f364 Scalaria communis, Lamarck, v. 3. p. 206.
J365 Scalaria clathratula, Montagu, v. 3. p. 209.
366 Scalaria Groenlandica. v. 3. p. 211.
t367 Scalaria Trevelyana, Leach, v. 3. p. 213.

XV. PYRAMLDELLIDJE.

f368 Aclis ascaris, Turton. v. 3. p. 219.

f369 Aclis supranitida, S. Wood. v. 3. p. 220.

J370 Aclis unica, Montagu, v. 3. p. 222.

f371 Aclis nitidissima, Montagu, v. 3. p. 223.

{372 Stytifer Turtoni, Broderip. v. 3. p. 226.

f373 Eulima polita, Linneus. v. 3. p. 229.

•f-374 Eulima distorta, Deshayes. v. 3. p. 232.

f375 Eulima subulata, Donovan, v. 3. p. 235.

J376 Eulima bilineata, Alder, v. 3. p. 237.

f377 Chemnitzia elegantissima, Montagu, v. 3. p. 242.

|378 Chemnitzia rufa, Philippi. v. 3. p. 245.

t379 Chemnitzia fulvocincta, Thompson.

f380 Chemnitzia formosa, Jeffreys, v. 3. p. 248.

381 Chemnitzia fenestrata, Forbes and Jeffreys, v. 3. p. 249.

382 Chemnitzia scalaris, Philippi. v. 3. p. 251.

383 Chemnitzia rufescens, Forbes, v. 3. p. 253.

384 Chemnitzia indistincta, Montagu, v. 3. p. 255.

385 Chemnitzia eximise, Jeffreys.

|386 Chemnitzia clathrata, Jeffreys, v. 3. p. 258.
f387 Odostomia conoidea, Brocchi. v. 3. p. 260.

388 Odostomia conspicua, Alder, v. 3. p. 263.

389 Odostomia unidentata, Montagu, v. 3. p. 264.

390 Odostomia striolata, Alder, v. 3. p. 267.

391 Odostomia acuta, Jeffreys, v. 3. p. 269.
f392 Odostomia plicata, Montagu, v. 3. p. 271.
f393 Odostomia eulimoides, Hanley. v. 3. p. 273.

394 Odostomia dubia, Jeffreys, v. 3. p. 276.
f395 Odostomia alba, Jeffreys, v. 3. p. 278.

396 Odostomia nitida, Alder, v. 3. p. 280.

397 Odostomia glabrata, Muhlfeldt (?) v. 3. p. 283.
f398 Odostomia rissoides, Hanley. v. 3. p. 284.
•f-399 Odostomia cylindrica, Alder, v. 3. p. 287.

400 Odostomia insculpta, Montagu, v. 3. p. 289.

401 Odostomia obliqua, Alder, v. 3. p. 291.
f402 Odostomia Warrenii, Thompson, v. 3. p. 292.

403 Odostomia truncatula, Jeffreys, v. 3. p. 294.
f404 Odostomia interstincta, Montagu, v. 3. p. 296.
f405 Odostomia spiralis, Montagu, v. 3. p. 299.

406 Odostomia dolioliformis, Jeffreys, v. 3. p. 301.
f407 Odostomia decussata, Montagu, v. 3. p. 303.
f408 Odoatoraia excavata, Philippi. v. 3. p. 305.

PKOCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 79

f409 Odostomia gulsome, Clark.
410 Eulimella Scillse, Scacchi. v. 3. p. 309.
|411 Eulimella acicula, Philippi. v. 3. p. 311.

412 Eulimella affinis, Philippi. v. 3. p. 313.

413 Eulimella clavula, Loven (?). v. 3. p. 314.
f414 Truncatella Montagui, Lowe. v. 3. p. 317.
f415 Otina otis, Turton. v. 3. p. 321.

XVI. NATICIDjE.

f416 Natica monilifera, Lamarck, v. 3. p. 326.
f417 Natica nitida, Donovan, v. 3. p. 330.
f418 Natica sordida, Philippi. v. 3. p. 334.
f419 Natica Montagui, Forbes, v. 3. p. 336.

420 Natica helicoides, Johnston, v. 3. p. 339.

421 Natica pusilla, (Say ?) Gould, v. 3. p. 341.
|422 Natica Kingii, Forbes and Hanley. v. 3. p. 343.

XVII. VELUTINID^E.

f423 Velutina Isevigata, Linneus (?). v. 3. p. 347.
•j-424 Velutina flexilis, Montagu, v. 3. p. 350.
J425 Lamellaria perspicua, Linneus. v. 3. p. 355.
t426 Lamellaria tentaculata, Montagu, v. 3. p. 358.

XVIII. CANCELLARIAD^E.

f427 Trichotropis Borealis, Broderip and Sowerby. v. 3. p. 361.
f428 Cerithiopsis tuberculare, Montagu, v. 3. p. 365.

XIX. MUBICID^.

f 429 Murex erinaceus, Linneus. v. 3. p. 370.

430 Murex corallinus, Scacchi. v. 3. p. 374.

431 Lachesis minima, Montagu, v. 3. p. 377.
f432 Purpura lapillus, Linneus. v. 3. p. 380.
•j-433 Nassa reticulata, Linneus. v. 3. p. 388.
•j-434 Nassa incrassata, Mutter, v. 3. p. 391.

435 Nassa pygmsea, Lamarck, v. 3. p. 394.
|436 Buccinum undatum, Linneus. v. 3. p. 401.
f437 Buccinum Dalei, J. Sowerby. v. 3. p. 408.
f438 Buccinum Humphrey sianum, Bennett, v. 3. p. 410.
f439 Buccinum fusiforme, Broderip. v. 3. p. 412.
f440 Fusus Islandicus, Chemnitz, v. 3. p. 416. «

f441 Fusus propinquus, Alder, v. 3. p. 419.

442 Fusus Berniciensis, King. v. 3. p. 421.
f443 Fusus antiquus, Linneus. v. 3. p. 423.

444 Fusus Norvegicus, Chemnitz, v. 3. p. 428.

445 Fusus Turtoni, Bean. v. 3. p. 431.

f446 Trophon clathratus, Linneus. v. 3. p. 436.
f447 Trophon muricatus, Montagu, v. 3. p. 439.
f448 Trophon Barvieensis, Johnston, v. 3. p. 442.

XX. CONID^B.

f449 Mangelia (Bela) turricula, Montagu, v. 3. p. 450.
450 Mangelia (Bela) Trevelliana, Turton. v. 3. p. 45S
f451 Mangelia (Bela) rufa, Montagu, v. 3, p. 454.

80 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

f452 Mangelia (Bela) septangularis, Montagu, v. 3. p. 458.

453 Mangelia nana, Loven. v. 3. p. 461.
f454 Mangelia teres, Forbes, v. 3. p. 462.

455 Mangelia purpurea, Montagu, v. 3. p. 465.
f456 Mangelia Leufroyi, Michaud. v. 3. p. 468.
J457 Mangelia linearis, Montagu, v. 3. p. 470.
|458 Mangelia gracilis, Montagu, v. 3. p. 473.
f459 Mangelia nebula, Montagu, v. 3. p. 476.
f460 Mangelia brachystoma, Philippi. v. 3. p. 480.
J461 Mangelia striolata, Scacchi. v. 3. p. 483.
J462 Mangelia costata, Pennant. (?) v. 3. p. 485.
J463 Mangelia attenuata, Montagu, v. 3. p. 488.

XXI. CYPR^EAD^E.

f464 Cypraca Europsea, Montagu, v. 3. p. 495.
f465 Ovula patula, Pennant, v. 3. p. 498.
f466 Ovula (?) acuminata, Bruguiere. v. 3. p. 500.
467 Marginella kevis, Donovan, v. 3. p. 502.

GASTEROPODA OPISTHOBRANCHIATA.
I. BULLID^E.

f468 Cylichna cylindracea, Pennant, v. 3. p. 508.
469 Cylichna truncata (Adams ?) Montagu, v. 3. p. 510.
f470 Cylichna obtusa, Montagu, v. 3. p. 512.
f47l Cylichna mammillata, Philippi. v. 3. p. 514.

472 Cylichna nitidula, Loven. v. 3. p. 515.

473 Cylichna conulus, Deshayes. v. 3. p. 517.

474 Cylichna strigella, Loven. v. 3. p. 518.
f475 Cylichna umbilicata, Montagu, v. 3. p. 519.
f476 Amphisphyra hyalina, Turton. v. 3. p. 521.
J477 Tornatella fasciata, Linneus. v. 3. p. 523.
•j-478 Akera bullata, Mailer, v. 3. p. 527.

|479 Bulla hydatis, Linneus. v. 3. p. 530.
f480 Bulla Cranchii, Leach, v. 3. p. 533.
f481 Scaphander lignarius, Linneus. v. 3. p. 536.
f482 Philine aperta, Linneus. v. 3. p. 539.

483 Philine quadrata, Searles Wood. v. 3. p. 541.
|484 Philine scabra, O. Muller. v. 3. p. 543.
f485 Philine catena, Montagu, v. 3. p. 545.
f486^>hiline punctata, Clark, v. 3. p. 547.
|487 Philine pruinosa, Clark, v. 3. p. 549.

II. APLYSIADJE.

f488 Aplysia hybrida. v. 3. p. 554.

III. PLEUROBRANCHID^E.

f489 Pleurobranchus membranaceus, Montagu, v. 3. p. 558.
|490 Pleurobranchus plumula, Montagu, v. 3. p. 559.

IV. PHYLLIDIDJS.
491 Diphyllida lineata, Otto.

PKOCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 81

GASTEROPODA NUDIBRANCHIATA.
I. DORIDID^E.

492 Doris tuberculata, Cuvier. v. 3. p. 563.

493 Doris flammea, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 564.
f494 Doris Johnstoni, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 564.

495 Doris coccinea, Forbes, v. 3. p. 565.
f496 Doris planata, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 565.
f497 Doris repanda, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 566.
f498 Doris ulidiana, Thompson, v. 3. p. 566.

499 Doris aspera, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 567.

500 Doris Diaphana, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 567.

501 Doris bilamellata, Linneus. v. 3. p. 567.

502 Doris oblonga, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 568.

503 Doris depressa, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 568.

504 Doris inconspicua, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 569.

505 Doris pusilla, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 569.

506 Doris sparsa, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 570.

507 Doris pilosa, Mutter, v. 3. p. 570.

508 Doris subquadrata, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 571.
f509 Goniodoris nodosa, Montagu, v. 3. p. 572.

510 Goniodoris castanea, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 572.
f511 Triopa claviger, Mutter, v. 3. p. 573.
f512 JEgirus punctilucens, D'Orbigny. v. 3. p. 574.

513 Thecacera pennigera, Montagu, v. 3. p. 575.

514 Thecacera virescens, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 576.
f515 Polycera quadrilineata, Mutter, v. 3. p. 576.

f516 Polycera Lessonii, D'Orbigny. v. 3. p. 577.

•j-517 Polycera ocellata, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 578.

518 Idalia aspersa, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 578.

519 Idalia inaequalis, Forbes, v. 3. p. 579.

520 Idalia quadricornis, Montagu, v. 3. p. 580.
f521 Ancula cristata, Alder, v. 3. p. 580.

II. TRITONIAD^E.

522 Tritonia hombergi, Cuvier. v. 3. p. 582.

523 Tritonia plebeia, Johnston, v. 3. p. 583.

524 Tritonia lineata, Alder and Hancock, v. 3, p. 583.

525 Scyllsea pelagica, Linneus. v. 3. p. 584.

III. EOLIDID^.

526 Lomonotus marmoratus, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 585

527 Lomonotus flavidus, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 586.
f528 Dendronotus arborescens, Mutter, v. 3. p. 586.

529 Doto coronata, Gmelin. v. 3. p. 587.

530 Doto fragilis, Forbes, v. 3. p. 588.

531 Oithona nobilis, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 589.
f532 Eolis papillosa, Linneus. v. 3. p. 590.

533 Eolis peachii, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 591.

534 Eolis glauca, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 591.

535 Eolis coronata, Forbes, v. 3. p. 592.

536 Eolis longicornis, Montagu, v. 3. p. 592.

537 Eolis Drummondi, Thompson, v. 3. p. 593.

538 Eolis rufibranchialis, Johnston, v. 3. p. 593.

539 Eolis punctata, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 594.

540 Eolis liueata, Loven. v. 3. p. 594.

541 Eolis elegans, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 595.

82 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

642 Eolis smaragdina, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 595.

643 Eolis gracilis, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 595.

644 Eolis pellucida, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 596.
545 Eolis Landsburgii, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 596.

646 Eolis purparascens, Fleming, v. 3. p. 697.

647 Eolis alba, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 597.

648 Eolis stipata, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 597.

649 Eolis inornata, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 598.

550 Eolis angulata, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 598.

551 Eolis concinna, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 598.

552 Eolis nana, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 599.

553 Eolis olivacea, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 599.

554 Eolis aurantiacea, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 600.

555 Eolis cingulata, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 600.

556 Eolis vittata, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 601.

557 Eolis glottensis, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 601.

558 Eolis amoena, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 602.

559 Eolis Northumbrica, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 602.

560 Eolis arenicola, Forbes, v. 3. p. 602.

561 Eolis viridis, Forbes, v. 3. p. 603.

562 Eolis cosrulea, Montagu, v. 3. p. 603.

563 Eolis picta, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 603.

564 Eolis tricolor, Forbes, v. 3. p. 604.

565 Eolis amethystina, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 604.

566 Eolis Farrani, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 605.

567 Eolis despicta, Johnston, v. 3. p. 605.

568 Eolis exigua, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 606.

569 Embletonia pulchrea, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 607.

570 Embletonia minita, Forbes and Goodsir. v. 3. p. 607.

571 Proctonotus mucroniferus. Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 608.

572 Antiopa splendida, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 609.

573 Hermsea dendritica, Alder and Hancock.

574 HermaBa rifida, Montagu, v. 3. p. 610.

575 Alderia modesta, Loven. v. 3. p. 611.

576 Rtmcina Hancocki, Forbes, v. 3. p. 611.

IV. ELYSIAD.E.

577 Elysia viridis, Montagu, v. 3. p. 614.

578 Limapontia nigra, Johnston, v. 3. p. 614.

679 Acteonia corrugata, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 615.
580 Cenia Cocksii, Alder and Hancock, v. 3. p. 616.

GASTEROPODA PULMONIFERA.

I. ONCHIDIADJE.

581 Onchidium Celticum (Cuvier ?), Couch, v. 4. p. 3.
II. LIMACID^E.

•f-582 Arion empiricorum, Ferussac. v. 4. p. 7.
583 Arion flavus, Mutter, v. 4. p. 9.
f584 Arion hortensis, Ferussac. v. 4. p. 10.
|585 Geomalacus maculosus, Allman. v. 4. p. 12.
f586 Limax agrestis, Mutter, v. 4. p. 13.
•j-587 Limax cinereus, Mutter, v. 4. p. 15.
|588 Limax arborum, Bouchard Chanter eaux, v. 4, p. 17
J589 Limax flavus, Linneus. v. 4. p. 19.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 83

590 Limax bmnneus, Draparnaud ? v. 4. p. 20.

591 Limax tenellus, Muller. v. 4. p. 21.
f592 Limax Sowerbii, Ferussac. v. 4. p. 22.

f 593 Limax gagates, Draparnaud. v. 4. p. 24.

III. TESTACELLIDJE.

j-594 Testacella haliotoidea, Draparnaud. v. 4. p, 26.
IV. HELICID^E.

•595 Vitrina pellucida, Muller. v. 4. p. 30.

596 Zonites cellarius, Muller. v. 4. p. 33.

597 Zonites alliarius, Muller. v. 4. p. 34.

598 Zonites nitidulus, Draparnaud. v. 4. p. 36.

599 Zonites purus, Alder, v. 4. p. 37.

600 Zonites radiatulus, Alder, v. 4. p. 38.

601 Zonites nitidus, Muller. v. 4. p. 39. (Z. lucidus of Gray's Turton.)

602 Zonites excavatus, Bean. v. 4. p. 40.

603 Zonites crystallinus, Muller. v. 4. p. 41.

604 Helix aperta, Born. v. 4. p. 43.
f605 Helix aspersa, Muller. v. 4. p. 44.

606 Helix pomatia, Linneus. v. 4. p. 46.
f607 Helix arbustorum, Linneus. v. 4. p. 48.

608 Helix cantiana, Montagu, v. 4. p. 50.

609 Helix carthusiana, Muller. v. 4. p. 51.
f610 Helix nemoralis, Linneus. v. 4. p. 53.

f611 Helix hortensis, Draparnaud. From comparison of some hundreds
of this Mollusc, and the one immediately preceding— in a living
state, and of all ages — we are led to consider them as totally different
species. It is stated in Messrs. Forbes and Hanley's " British Mollusca,"
" that complete series may be obtained, beginning with the typical
* nemoralis' to 'hybrida,' and ending in 'hortensis.'" Although some
five or six hundred specimens have been examined by us, we have never
yet found such a series ; but have been, in all cases, able to distinguish
between both shells. We regard the Helix hybrida as a variety of
H. hortensis, and have specimens of every shade of gradation between
the two. Without entering fully into particulars in this place, we may
add, that in all cases where we were shown a series of shells between
H. nemoralis and hortensis, some of the specimens, and those the most
important in the chain, were invariably either drift shells or had been
scorched during the process of burning the furze (Ulex Europeeus), a
practice common throughout Ireland.

f612 Helix Pisana, Muller. v. 4. p. 56.

•j-613 Helix virgata, Da Costa, v. 4. p. 57.
614 Helix caperata, Montagu, v. 4. p. 59.

f 615 Helix ericetorum, Muller. v. 4. p. 61.

616 Helix obvoluta, Muller. v. 4. p. 63.

617 Helix lapicida, Linneus, v. 4. p. 65.
|618 Helix rufescens, Pennant, v. 4. p. 66.

|619 Helix hispida, Linneus. v. 4. p. 68. (Includes as varieties H. sericea,
H. concinna, and H. depilata of Gray's Turton.}

620 Helix revelata, Ferussac. v. 4. p. 70.

621 Helix Sericea, Draparnaud. v. 4. p. 71. (H. granulataof Gray's Turton.}
|622 Helix lamellata, Jeffreys, v. 4. p. 73.

• 623 Helix aculeata, Muller. v. 4. p. 74.

• 624 Helix fulva, Muller. v. 4. p. 75.

• 625 Helix fusca, Montagu, v. 4. p. 77.

• -626 Helix pulchella, Muller. v. 4. p. 78.

• 627 Helix rotundata, Mullert v. 4. p. 80. (Zonites rotundatus of Gray's

Turton.}

84 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

1 62 8 Helix umbilicata, Montagu, v. 4. p. 81. (Zonites umbilicatus of

Gray's Turton.}
f 629 Helix pygmsea, Draparnaud. v. 4. p. 83. (Zonites pygmseus of

Gray's Turton.}

f630 Bulimus acutus, Muller. v. 4. p. 86.
631 Bulimus Lackhamensis, Montagu, v. 4. p. 89.
|632 Bulimus obscurus, Muller. v. 4. p. 90.
f633 Pupa umbilicata, Draparnaud. v. 4. p. 95.
f634 Pupa muscorum, Linneus. v. 4. p. 97. (Pupa marginata of Gray's

edition of Turton.}

f 635 Pupa Anglica, Ferussac. v. 4. p. 99.
636 Pupa secale, Draparnaud. v. 4. p. 101.
f637 Pupa edentula, Draparnaud. v. 4. p. 103. (Vertigo edentula of

Gray's edition of Turton.}
638 Pupa minutissima, Hartmann. v. 4. p. 104. (V. cylindrica of Gray's

edition of Turton.}
|639 Pupa pygmaea, Draparnaud. v. 4. p. 106. (V. pygmzea and Alpestris

of Gray's edition of Turton.')
f640 Pupa substriata, Jeffreys, v. 4. p. 108. (V. substriata of Gray's

edition of Turton.")
f 641 Pupa antivertigo, Draparnaud. v. 4. p. 109. (V. palustris of Gray's

edition of Turton.}
f642 Pupa pusilla, Muller. v. 4. p. 111. (V. pusilla of Gray's edition of

Turton.}
•j-643 Pupa Venetzii, Charpentier. v. 4. p. 112. (V. Venetzii of Gray's

edition of Turton.}
f644 Balea fragilis, Draparnaud. v. 4. p. 114. (B. perversa of Gray's

edition of Turton.)
f645 Clausilia laminata, Montagu, v. 4. p. 116. (C. bidens of Gray's

edition of Turton.}

646 Clausilial biplicata. Montagu, v. 4. p. 118.

647 Clausilia plicatula, Draparnaud. v. 4. p. 120. (C. Rolphii of Gray's

edition of Turton.}

f648 Clausilia nigricans, Maton and Rachett. v. 4. p. 121.
•j-649 Zua lubrica, Mutter, v. 4. p. 125.
650 Azeca tridens, Pulteney. v. 4. p. 128.
|651 Achatina acicula, Muller. v. 4. p. 130.
f 652 Succinea putris, Linneus. v. 4. p. 132. (S. Pfe'ifferi of Gray's Turton

a var. of this.)
f653 Succinea oblonga, Draparnaud. v. 4. p. 137.

p. 143. (Aplexus hypnorum of

V.

f654 Physa fontinalis, Linneus. v. 4. p. 140.
f655 Physa hypnorum, Linneus. v. 4.

Gray's edition of Turton.}
f656 Planorbis corneus, Linneus. v. 4. p. 147.
J657 Planorbis albus, Muller. v. 4. p. 149.
f658 Planorbis glaber, Jeffreys, v. 4. p. 150. (P. laevis of Gray's edition

of Turton.}
f659 Planorbis Nautileus, Linneus. v. 4. p. 152. (P. imbricatus of Gray's

edition of Turton.}

f660 Planorbis carinatus, Muller. v. 4. p. 153.
f 661 Planorbis marginatus, Draparnaud. v. 4. p. 155.
f662 Planorbis vortex, Linneus. v. 4. p. 157.
f663 Planorbis spirorbis, Linneus. v. 4. p. 159.
J664 Planorbis contortus, Linneus. v. 4. p. 160.
J665 Planorbis nitidus, Muller. v. 4. p. 161.
|666 Planorbis lacustris, Light foot. v. 4. p. 162, (Segmentina lineata of

Gray's edition of Turton.}

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 85

f667 Limneus pereger, Mutter. \. 4. p. 165.

t668 Limneus auricularius, Linneus. v. 4. p. 169. (L. pereger, var. acu-

tus of Gray's edition of Turton.)
669 Limueus Burnetti, Alder, v. 4. p. 172.
f670 Limneus stagnalis, Linneus. v. 4. p. 174.
f671 Limneus truncatulus, Midler, v. 4. p. 177.
t672 Limneus glaber, Mutter, v. 4. p. 178.
t673 Limneus palustris, Linneus. v. 4. p. 180.
f674 Limneus glutinosus, Midler, v. 4. p. 182. (Ampbipeplea glutinosa of

Gray's edition of Turton. )

f675 Limneus involutus, Harvey, v. 4. p. 184.
f676 Ancylus fluviatilis, Mutter, v. 4. p. 186.
f677 Ancylus oblongus, Lightfoot. v. 4. p. 188. (Velletia lacustris of

Gray's edition of Turton.)

VI. AURICULID^E.

f678 Conovulus bidentatus, Montagu, v. 4. p. 191. (C. albus of Gray's

edition of Turton.)

f679 Conovulus denticulatus, Montagu, v. 4. p. 194.
f680 Carychium minimum, Mutter, v. 4. p. 198.

VII. CYCLOSTOMIDJE.

f681 Cyclostoma elegans, Mutter, v. 4. p. 201.

t682 Acme lineata, Draparnaud. v. 4. p. 204. (Acme fusca of Gray's
edition of Turton.)

CEPHALOPODA DIBRANCHIATA.

I. OCTOPODIDJE.

683 Octopus vulgaris, Lamarck, v. 4. p. 209.
f684 Eledone cirrhosus, Lamarck, v. 4. p. 211.

II. TEUTHIDJE.

f685 Sepiola Atlantica, D'Orbigny. v. 4. p. 217.

f686 Sepiola Rondeletii, Leach, v. 4. p. 220.

f687 Rossia macrosoma, Delle Chiaje. v. 4. p. 222.

f688 Rossia Owenii, Ball. v. 4. p 223.

f689 Loligo vulgaris, Lamarck, v. 4. p. 226.

f690 Loligo media, Linneus. v. 4. p. 228.

f691 Loligo marmorae, Verany. v. 4. p. 230.

f692 Ommastrephes sagittatus, Lamarck, v. 4. p. 231.

f693 Ommastrephes todarus, Delle Chiaje \. 4. p. 233.

f694 Ommastrephes Eblana, Ball. v. 4. p. 235.

III. SEPIAD^E.

f695 Sepia officinalis, Linneus, v. 4. p. 238.
|696 Sepia bisserialis, DeMontfort. v. 4. p. 241.
f697 Clio borealis, Pallas, v. 4. p. 292.
VOL. II.

86 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHICAL
SOCIETY.

JANUARY 17, 1855.
Dr. ANDREWS, President, in the Chair.
Mr. Joseph John Murphy read a paper on

THE FIORDS OF NORWAY, AND OTHER SIMILAR COASTS.

A fiord was defined as a mountain valley, partly filled by the sea ; and it was
remarked, that were the sea to rise on almost any mountain chain, so as to submerge
its base, the coast thus formed would present a succession of headlands and fiords,
like that of Norway. Comparatively few mountainous coasts, however, do present
such features, in consequence, probably, of their indentations being filled up with
alluvium. But the original mountain valleys are left, so as to present the fiord
formation, where the rocks are too hard to permit alluvium to be washed down, as
in Dalmatia and Greece ; and where the coast is exposed to frequent storms that
wash the alluvium away, as in Norway. The most storm-beaten coasts in the
world are those which front the west in high latitudes, and there alone is the fiord
formation to be seen in perfection, especially in Norway, Scotland, the northern
part of the west coast of North America, and the southern part of the west coast
of South America. A variety of geographical facts were brought to bear on the
writer's theory, that the fiord formation is, in general, the result of exposure of the
coast to violent storms.

JANUARY 31, 1855.
Dr. DICKIE, V.P., in the Chair.
Professor Wyville Thomson, LL.D., gave a lecture on some of the

NATIVE ZOOPHYTES.

He alluded to the old idea, that most of the beings now included in the class
" Zoophy ta" were marine plants, and to the more recent speculation, that they
formed a distinct tribe intermediate between the animal and the vegetable kingdom.
He pointed out the distinctly animal nature of the whole series, but admitted that
they must be placed near the base of the animal scale, at a point where some of
the more prominent peculiarities of vegetables appear to encroach on the limits of
the sister kingdom. He suggested, as an interesting subject for inquiry, the
question, what are those properties, peculiarly animal, which attained their maxi-
mum amongst the highest members of the animal series, becoming less distinct as
we descend to simpler forms, till, at length, they become completely merged at a
point where the two kingdoms appear to blend ? And, in the second place, what
are those peculiarities, essentially vegetable, which, most fully developed among
higher plants, became obscure in simpler orders, till they likewise disappear at the
point of junction ; some of them appearing still, however, to encroach on the lower
members of the animal tribes ? The distinct appropriation of several defined por-
tions of a general whole for the performance of different functions of life, and the
occurrence of similar organs singly, or, at most, in pairs (e.g., a single liver to
assist in the process of digestion — a pair of lungs to subserve the function of respi-
ration), were adduced as highly animal peculiarities. The absolute necessity of
the complete integrity of these single organs, the fact, that if lost, they cannot be
reproduced, and the disastrous consequences to life, consequent on the injury or
destruction of one of them — the perfection of the nervous system, binding them all
together in a consciousness of unity, and the high perfection of the sensory portion
of this system, a consequence of the absolute necessity of removing those precious

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 87

organs out of all danger, on the slightest appearance of pain or discomfort ; an
active locomotive system, in the higher tribes, and usually complicated organs of
defence were alluded to, as means of avoiding risk of irreparable bodily injury.
Instances were taken from lower orders, showing that even among undoubted
animals these characteristics gradually decline, the cone-like glands attached in
numbers by slender pedicles to the back of Doto among the mollusca, combining in
themselves the functions of both liver and lung, easily broken off, and, if lost, easily
and rapidly renewed ; the reproducible limbs of Crustacea, and the sensation of
this tribe, blunted by their hard tegumentary covering, and, in every case, imperfect
through the diffusion of the nervous centres — acute sensation being rendered less
necessary, on account of the smaller value to life of the reproducible limbs, whose
integrity it is intended to preserve. Dr. Thomson then described, as bearing on
the same point, the Hydroid Zoophyte, a central tubular common column, beset
with multitudes of distinct flask-shaped bodies, formed of a homogeneous gelatinous
granular substance, each hollowed out into a simple digestive cavity, the aperture
surrounded by a whorl of arms for the capture of food — these polyps or stomachs,
all exactly similar, all connected with the tree-like central column and canal ; and
each contributing digested nutriment for its support and extension, without any
appearance of localized organs, every part of the general gelatinous mass performing
the functions of nutrition, of respiration, and of reproduction. The structure of
this being was adduced as one of the most perfect instances of the vegetative repeti-
tion of similar parts, met with in the animal kingdom. With the complete
localization of organs, and their combination in an unity of purpose in the higher
animals, was contrasted the luxuriant vegetative repetition in the higher plants —
each leaf an epitome of all the parts of the entire tree, complete in itself, and
perfect in the performance of all vegetative functions ; what in animals was an
indication of imperfect development, becomes in plants a sign of high perfection.
Could we imagine an oak rooted in the ground, and exposed to all the winds and
fires of heaven, with an essential heart localized in a single branch? could we
imagine an elm deprived of the power of reproducing the foliage stripped from it
by the gales of autumn?

At the public meeting on 7th March, a second lecture was given on the same
subject. Dr. Thomson described more fully the various tribes of Zoophytes and
their allies. First, the hydroids and sertularians, with a gelatinous body, usually
enclosed in a free homogeneous horny tube, unconnected in any way with the
animal, whose heads are freely protruded from the perfectly free margins of the
polype cells. The ova contained in many cases in capsules, formed, as in plants,
of compressed branches — but each polype capable of transformation into an ovum —
the ovum assuming, in some forms, the character of a free medusoid. He objected
to the usual definition of the term " ovum" (" Cyclopaedia of Anatomy," &c.), and
contended that it might rather be defined as a mass of cells separated from the
parent, and containing a cell capable of being influenced, as to its multiplication,
by a heterologous cell. In this sense he considered the medusoids true ova, and
advanced, in proof, instances in which arrest in development of the ovum, and
formation of the embryo within the capsule, render the ovoid characters more
distinct. He compared the formation of these ova in the egg capsule of the genus
campanularia to the formation of ovules round the free central placenta in the
primulaceas, and described capsules analogous to anthers, with their contained
pollen, in the same genus. The hydroids are usually rooted to the ground, gently
waving in the water currents. Connected with the hydroids, he referred to the
acalephae, an order closely related to them, though apparently differing so widely.
The internal development of this series does not correspond with the prestige of
their external appearance, the large variegated disk is simply a gelatinous loco-
motive apparatus, increased in size, in order to overcome, by the large quantity of
fresh water contained in it, the extra weight of the important parts of the animal,
and to reduce it to a density equal to that of sea water. The only anomalous
elevation in its structure being the presence of a very simple nervous system, and a
simply developed ear, the disk is provided with a regular muscular arrangement.
The important parts of the medusae surround the mouth. In some of the simpler
forms they resemble closely a single hydroid polype, attached to a locomotive

88 PllOCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

umbrella, instead of being fixed to the ground ; in others (sarsia), this polype
becomes. compound, rendering the resemblance still more complete; and in some
(diphyes and its allies), we have an organism closely resembling, in many parti-
culars, a very compound hydroid attached to a bell-like locomotive. He was
inclined, then, to consider the Hydroid Zoophyte homologous with the depending
stomach and mouth of the Acaleph.

Next to the sertularians, Dr. Thomson thought himself justified, with all
deference to Agassiz's contrary opinion, in placing the graptolites, a set of extinct
zoophytes, highly characteristic of the earliest palaeozoic formations. In this tribe
the root-fastening is usually wanting, the polypidom having apparently stood
upright, with its base immersed in soft mud. The horny covering is free, as in the
sertularians, and so are, in many cases, the opening of the cells, although in some
the edge is prolonged into a lax tubular orifice, as if at that point there had been an
union between the body of the animal and the case. The whole polypidom was
strengthened by a delicate horny rod passing up along the side of the common tube.
In some mature specimens of several species, the lecturer had observed a minute
roughened aperture towards the base of each cell, at which point something had
apparently been broken off, possibly a vesicle. This last series naturally fills up a
blank between the sertularians and the next set, the asteroids. In this latter
series the external tube is wanting; the whole strengthening material being
concentrated in an internal calcareous or horny support, and the polyps continuous,
•with an external fleshy cortical substance, which incrusts the support on all sides,
being only retractile into cavities in this crust. This order is represented in this
country by the beautiful Virgularia, Pennatula, and Gorgonia. After a short ex-
position of the Helianthoid tribe, and the formation of coral, the lecturer concluded
with a few general remarks on the phenomena of the so-called alternations of
generation.

KILKENNY LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION.

MAY 13, 1855.
DR. CANE in the Chair.
Mr. Robertson read the following paper, entitled

NOTES ON THE EFFECTS OF THE LATE FROST.

Since the weather of a district forms a part of its history, but more especially of
its natural history, I have thrown together a few notes on the late frost, which
was the most severe that we have known for many years, and remarkably injurious
to evergreens. Some account of its effects may, therefore, be useful, and not
unacceptable, to persons who delight in planting, as it is of importance to every
planter who wishes to escape the mortification of losing, in a few days, the labour
and hopes of many years, to make himself acquainted with such shrubs as are most
likely to withstand the ravages of an unusually severe winter.

In many countries, historians and naturalists have recorded the occurrence of
remarkable phenomena connected with the climate of their several localities, so
that we have an ample field for reference and comparison. On referring to that
most pleasing little work, White's " Natural History of Selborne," I find that its
observant author records the severity of three hard frosts which occurred in the
years 1768, 1776, and 1784 ; I also learn, that the evergreens which suffered most
in England in those years are the same which have been destroyed here in the late
frost, to which, however, a long list of more recently-introduced plants must be
added. According to White's account, the severest frost occurred early in the
month of January in the years 1768 and 1776, and in the month of December in
1784 ; I need hardly remind my hearers that February was far advanced when the
late frost was most severe with us, and I find, on consulting a table kept by Mr.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 89

Butler at Woodstock, that the thermometer at midnight on the llth of February
indicated 25 degs. ; on the 12th, 19 degs. ; on the 13th, 15 degs. ; and on the 14th,
10 degs. ; thus confirming White's theory, " that frosts advance to their utmost
severity by somewhat of a regular gradation." Another theory of White's is, " that
intense frosts seldom take place till the earth is completely glutted and chilled with
water," giving as examples the winters of 1739-40 and 17G8, which set in after wet
autumns. Most of you will recollect that last autumn was with us unusually dry,
so much so, that the springs supplying many of the public wells were dried up —
amongst them, that of St. Canice's Well, an event which had not been known to
occur before. White, in describing the situation of his plantations, and the manner
in which the shrubs were affected, thus writes — u It was in such an aspect (sheltered)
that the snow on the author's evergreens was melted every day, and frozen intensely
every night ; so that the laurustines, bays, laurels, and arbutuses looked, in three
or four days, as if they had been burnt in the fire ; while a neighbour's plantation
of the same kind, in a high, cold situation, where the snow was never melted at all,
remained uninjured." " From hence (continues White) I would infer, that it is
the repeated melting and freezing of the snow that is so fatal to vegetation, rather
than the severity of the cold."

I quote this passage as it so well describes the appearance of the same shrubs
which have been blasted by the frost in this vicinity ; although the Rev. James
Graves tells me, that at his father's residence, the Rectory of Coolcullen, about
nine miles from Kilkenny,* and eight hundred feet above the level of the sea,
shrubs of the same kind were not injured, owing to the coldness of the situation ;
and Mr. Jesse, in a note in his edition of White's " Selborne," states, that " a few
years ago, laurels, laurustines, &c., were killed to the ground in the more sheltered
situations, while those in bleak, exposed situations escaped. Tender plants have
more chance of surviving frost when in cold spots than when in those more
sheltered. The sap is kept back, and, of course, the plants are not so likely to be
affected by the frosts."

To this I may add, that if there were sufficient snow upon the ground to wrap up
the more humble vegetation, plants on a high, cold situation, or those planted at
the north side of a wall or hedge, would suffer less than plants of the same kind in
more sheltered spots, or those planted at the south side of a wall, as in the former
localities the snow would continue longer. I have here a plant, in a pot, of the
Deodar pine, which is one of a large number plunged in a border of Mr. Fennessy's
nursery ; you will observe so much of the plant as was enveloped in snow is quite
green — the upper part, not having been so protected, is quite brown, and 1 fear
destroyed ; this illustrates very well the manner in which plants are saved in very
cold countries from the ravages of frost ; since it is so ordained, that in those
countries where cold is the most intense, that there the covering of snow is the
deepest. In this beautiful arrangement of nature, we must recognise design — that
is, u an adaptation of means to an end" — in this case the snow being the means and
the end, the saving of vegetable life, which without such a covering would cease to
exist in the northern regions.

One of the consequences of the late frost was, that the River Nore, between St.
John's-bridge and Green's-bridge, was frozen over, a circumstance which had not
taken place since the winter of 1813-14. As those who do not recollect this winter,
have heard of it, I have made inquiries of several persons about its severity and
effects. One of my informants (Mr. Fennessy's foreman) has been employed in
the Kilkenny nurseries for the last forty -three years ; he assures me that ever-
greens were not affected by the frost of 1814 as they have been this year; and I
am convinced that he is correct in saying so ; for some splendid specimens of
arbutus, aristotelia, Chinese privet, and bay have been killed in the Castle
gardens — these very large shrubs must have been, at least, fifty years old ; the frost
has also destroyed the fine hedge of laurustinus which crowned the Castle wall,
and formed so striking and pleasing a feature in that beautiful view to be had from.
St. John's-bridge — a view to which Kilkenny-men may direct the eyes of strangers
with feelings of pride and pleasure. I have been unable to learn the lowest degree

* Kilkenny stands about 186 feet above the level of the sea.

90 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

of cold, as indicated by the thermometer in 1814 ; but from the effect produced on
the water of the Nore, we may fairly infer that it was as low as in this year. Why,
then, it may be asked, had it not the same effect on vegetable life? I would
answer this question by saying, that, from all I can learn, the frost in 1814 did not
continue long ; it was, also, preceded by a very heavy fall of snow, which lay so
deep on the ground as to impede the travelling of coaches between Kilkenny and
Dublin for the space of three weeks. Again, the severe weather in 1814 commenced
on the first day of January, at which season the sap in plants would be more
dormant ; and, consequently, less liable to injury from frost than in the middle of
February. Another cause why the frost of 1814 was less injurious to plants than
that of 1855 may be found, if we assume that the frost in the former year followed
a cold autumn, as I need hardly tell you, that the frost in this year succeeded a
very mild season, so much so, that the beautiful scarlet blossoms of the Pyrna
Japonica might be seen contrasted with their snowy covering, from which they
peeped out, until blighted by repeated attacks of frost.

This allusion to a Japan plant reminds me that I may safely say, from observa-
tion, that plants from Japan have withstood the effects of the frost better than
most others, a peculiarity which, in addition to their great beauty, ought to recom-
mend them to those planting. A striking proof of the hardy nature of Japan
plants may be seen in front of Dr. Kearnsrs house on the parade, where an arbutus
and gold plant have been growing for many years — the former (said to be indigenous
to Ireland, being found growing wild at Killarney) is completely killed, the latter
(a native of Japan) remains quite green and untouched by the frost. The aspect
of Dr. Kearns's house is north-east.

As I have already, in quoting from Mr. White, given you the names of some of
the more common evergreens which have been destroyed, I will now mention those
which he says withstood the severity of the frost ; he says — "To the great credit of
Portugal laurels and American junipers, be it remembered, that they remained
untouched amidst the general havoc." During the late frost, Portugal laurels have
suffered very little; and, if for American juniper we may read American arbor- vitas,
I know of no evergreen that has escaped so well. As I purpose attaching to these
notes lists of plants, under the heads of " killed" and "injured," I have not em-
bodied them in my paper.

A careful examination of a large number of shrubs leads me to state, that old
and well-grown plants withstand the effects of frost better than smaller and younger
specimens of the same kind ; it appears as if the frost completely penetrated the
pores and dried up the sap of small branches.

The late severe weather has been indirectly very fatal to birds, as whilst the
earth was covered with snow, or bound up by hard frost, their supply of food was
equally shut up from them ; the consequence was, that great numbers of birds
perished from starvation more than from cold, particularly those sweet songsters —
blackbirds and thrushes. I have, also, heard that Avant of food made the common
rooks carnivorous, as they have been seen devouring small birds. J only observed
one strange bird during the frost ; it was a specimen of the gray wagtail, not un-
common in other parts of Ireland, but certainly rare in this locality. I fear, how-
ever, that the cold or want of food has deprived us of one of our most graceful
birds, the yellow wagtail, as I miss them from a spot which I have known
a pair to frequent for several years. The cold had, also, the effect of retarding
the singing of birds, as the chaffinch did not begin to sing until the 22nd
of February ; for many years I have remarked that it invariably sang about
the 12th.

To the late severe weather we may also attribute the great mortality which has,
unfortunately, prevailed in many flocks, as in too many cases farmers, encouraged
by the general mildness of our winters, had neglected to provide food, suitable to
the emergencies of an exceptional winter.

SHRUBS KILLED. — Cypress, Aristotelia, Arbutus, Bay, Eschalonia rubra, Tree
Lupine, Furze (common and upright), Cytisus (budded on laburnum), Crimson
China Rose, White Noisette Rose, Rosemary, Leycesteria formosa, Phylerea,
Mediterranean Heath, Laurustinus, Chinese Privet, Photinia serrulata, Edwardsia
(on a wall), and Clianthus (on a wall).

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 91

SHRUBS INJURED.— Minorca Box, Portugal Laurel, Common Laurel, Butcher's
Broom, Cotoneaster, Evergreen Oak, Auracaria, China Rose (blush), Gum cistus,
Ivy, and Privet.

SHRUBS NOT INJURED. — Rhododendrons, Mahonia, Gold Plant, Arbor-vita,
Hollies, and Kibes.

DUBLIN NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY,

MA.RCH 23, 1855.
Dr. CROKER, M.R.I.A., in the Chair.

The minutes and preliminary business being confirmed and disposed of,
Mr. Williams read the following communication from Dr. George Gray
Creighton to Dr. J. R. Harvey, of Cork, relative to the capture of the Iceland gull
(Larus Islandicus), which had been presented to the Society at the last
meeting : —

" Kenmare, February 23, 1855.

41 SIR — In reply to yours of the 19th, received yesterday, the circumstances con-
nected with the capture of the Iceland gull are as follows : — Walking one day
last December near the suspension-bridge, I observed, at a distance of about
twenty yards from the edge of the surf, a large gull settled on the water — none of
his own kind or others being near. I am not in the habit of shooting gulls or
other birds without an object, but the uniform whiteness this bird presented in the
distance induced me to go towards it, and shoot it as it languidly rose at my
approach. My dog fetched him out apparently little injured — in fact, he lived a
couple of days after in the garden. I have been living at and on the sea the most
part of thirty years, and been in the constant habit of shooting sea birds for collec-
tions, particularly at such places as Lambay, Rathlin Island, Fair Head, &c., and,
accordingly, have rumpled the feathers of many an unfortunate burgomaster,
saddleback, shearwater, rosy Tern, &c., and a species of entirely sooty-black gull
on the shores of South America and the Gulf of Darien, ' but never ought like this.'
I am, therefore, very glad it has fallen into such good quarters, where his visit
(though, no doubt, unfortunate) can be so well appreciated and honourably com-
municated.

44 GEO. GRAY CREIGHTON, M.D.
"J. R. Harvey, Esq., M.D."

The donations announced were— from Mr. Williams, two fine specimens of the
female Hawfinch (Coccothraustes vulgaris), shot in the Phoenix Park ; and from
Mr. Dombrain, one male and two females of the mountainfinch (Fringilla monti-
fringilla), obtained at the Meeting of the Waters.

Mr. Andrews, Honorary Secretary, was then called on for his paper,

NOTES ON THE SOUTH-WEST COAST, AND ON THE OCCURRENCE OF THE
GREATER SHEARWATER (PUFFINUS MAJOR).

He said — At a meeting in the month of February last year I had the pleasure,
through the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Blackburne, of Valentia, of submitting to
the Society a specimen of the dusky petrel (Puffinus obscurus), which was
captured off the Island of Valentia, being the only known occurrence of this rare
petrel on the shores of the British Isles ; at the same time were exhibited the
female of the Manx Shearwater, with the egg, which were taken from the nest in
the cliffs of the same island. I propose making some further remarks on the
Petrels this evening, and upon the occurrence of the Greater Shearwater (Puffinus
major) on the south-west coast of this country ; but, before doing so, I will submit
a brief outline of the features of the south-west coast, descriptive of the localities
where the marine birds that visit annually that coast resort to in the breeding

92 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

season. Taking that portion, with the Arran Islands and the coast of Clare, as the
northern bound, and the Skellig Islands, off the coast of Kerry, as the southern, I
shall touch on those points along the ranges of those coasts, which present an
almost uninterrupted series of lofty and formidable cliffs opposed to the furious
surges of the Atlantic Ocean. On risking the Arran Islands in the year 1844, I
endeavoured to trace every information relative to the marine birds that periodically
visited those islands, and I was surprised to find, even at that time, that there was
a great diminution in the numbers that annually bred there — the repeated rob-
beries of the nests during the subsequent years of famine had caused very consider-
able desertions of the birds in different parts of the islands. The three Islands of
Arran — Inishmor, Inishmaan, and Inisheer — are of much more interest to the
botanist than to the ornithologist ; for the varieties of marine birds are but few.
At one time they were largely obtained for their feathers, a pound weight of
feathers being generally the produce of sixteen gulls, and an expert catcher had
frequently taken in one night 500 gulls. The several kinds resorting there, and
on the high cliffs on the S.W. of the Great Island, were herring gulls (more abundant
than all the others), razor-bills, guillemots, cormorants, with kittiwakes and the
lesser black-backed gull. On the flats and sands of the middle island oyster-
catchers were frequent in flocks. To the E.S.E. of the southern island are the
bold cliffs of Blackhead (Cean dubh), only tenanted by the common gull (Larus
canus), and by hawks and ravens. Foxes and other animals are there very de-
structive to the breeding birds. Southerly, along the coast of Clare, we come to
the magnificent cliffs of Moher, where the most towering of these are Cnoc arda
Quin and Ail na Sharroch, with the bird-cliff, Ail na Nean. The great resort of
birds on this part of the coast is the lofty-pinnacled rock, styled Breanan Mor, the
Great Dunghill, from the innumerable birds that visit it for nidification. From
the 1st of April to the end of May the eggs are so plentifully obtained that horse-
loads might be brought away, if the weather permitted a landing. It is approach-
able only by canoes, a perpetual surf playing around this island rock. The canoe-
men around the rock take great quantities of pollock (Pollog) and connor fish
(Bullachs). About the 24th of June the birds are most numerous there, being the
breeding place of the greater and lesser black-backed gulls, herring gulls, kittiwakes,
razor-bills, guillemots, puffins, and cormorants. It is the chief breeding place on
the coast of Clare, although the cliffs of Baltard and Cahoo na Faoilean (Sea-
gulls' Quarter) are also much frequented. The cliffs and caves at the entrance of
the Shannon are famous for the multitudes of the rock pigeon (Columba livia), and
also those on the Kerry side. In the neighbourhood of Ballybunnion, Sterna
hirundo and S. minuta, and on the cliffs, guillemots, Uria grylle, U. Brunnichii,
and U. troile, Larus fuscus, L. argentatus, and L. tridactylus have been noticed;
and I have seen on the flat lands about the Cashin River L. ridibundus in abun-
dance. Cormorants and oyster- catchers are very numerous, as also, on the grassy
cliffs, the chough (Fregilus graculus). The Muchloch Rock — a lofty and steep
rock off Tralee and Ballyheigue Bays, with deep water all round — is a famous
place for the greater and lesser black-backed gulls, and most of the other birds
already named. The nests of the Arctic and Roseate Terns are met in the
Magheree Islands. Sybil Head and the Three Sisters are tenanted by immense
numbers of rock pigeon, hawks, ravens, and the sea eagle; but the most noted
places on the coast of Kerry are, the Bla&ket Islands and the Lesser Skellig. Of
the Blasket group, which are numerous, the principal are, the Great Island, the
northern, Inishtuskert, Inishnabro, the Western Island, Imshmakeilaun, and the
Tearaght Rock — the four last are the most frequented breeding places, the chief
being the Tearaght Rock. I shall, therefore, confine myself to a brief view of the
birds during the breeding season, that I noticed in a visit to that island rock in
1850. The Tearaght is but rarely visited, except in the finest weather, and then
only by herdsmen from the Western Island, who go to and fro, with sheep, and to
Inishnabro, where they leave the sheep to fatten on the herbage which the cliffs
of those islands afford. Men are sometimes employed in obtaining the birds for
their feathers. According to the Ordnance Survey, the Tearaght contains 47
acres, and the highest points of the island attain 602 feet. Situated as it is in the
Atlantic Ocean, being seven miles W.N.W. of the Great Island, surrounded by the

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 93

heavy rolling seas of the Atlantic, and without any accessible approach or landing,
it is but rarely visited. From this account it may be conceived to be the resort of
an enormous number of Pelagian birds, and it is scarcely credible the numbers
that could be recounted at the time of my landing there, early in the month of
July, 1850. The part of the island where we landed bore N.N.E., which was
sheltered, being the lee side, from the wind, which was N.E. The view of the
island facing seaward forms a very remarkable appearance, and is a striking object
or mark to vessels from the westward in making the Irish coast ; the singular per-
foration which forms a wide opening through the island, and the Froze Rock, cause
the bearings to be easily known to the American traders. On landing I found the
ascent to be exceedingly difficult from the extreme slipperiness of the rock, which rose
abruptly and steeply from the sea, while many portions throughout the ascent were
so easily detached as to render every step slow and cautious. Here, on all points
around, were congregated such myriads of fowl, and their habits so amusing, that I
almost fancied myself in the region of the Gallipagos Archipelago, or the Falkland
Islands, where the extreme tameness and stupidity of the birds are so amusingly
and interestingly described by Darwin. Preparation for the object and time would
have enabled us to have captured any number. My object, however, being a
fishing expedition, and the cutter I had with me superintending canoes, engaged
off the island in an experimental trip, I could only remain a short time. From my
notes the following brief observations are taken : — Along the line of rocks which
margined the base of the island, the cormorants, both Phalacrocorax carbo and
P. graculus, were in gangs, perched motionless on the rocks, and most with
expanded wings, in the act of drying them after their morning's fishing. The
ledges of the rocks presented tiers of birds, in singular array, old and young, beside
their nests. The kittiwakes (Larus tridactylus) seemed to occupy the lowest
ledges, higher up were observed the greater and lesser black-backed gulls (L.
marinus and L. fuscus), and above them and to the highest summits, L. canus and
L. argentatus. About midway up the cliffs a very beautiful white gull with dark
legs was pointed out to me by one of the men, and which bore a strong resemblance
to the ivory gull (Larus eburneus). Being an expert climber he succeeded in
reaching near to the nest, and, stretching with his foot, kicked down several, but
they, unfortunately, fell beyond our reach. Immature birds of this species and of
the glaucous gull (L. glaucus) have been obtained along the west coast. The innu-
merable numbers of guillemots, razor-bills, and puffins congregated on all the
ledges led me strongly to suspect that the species Uria Brunnichii and U. lacrymans
were both frequent there. The difficulty, however, of picking up those that were
shot, and of grasping those around us, as we were obliged to hold on with one hand
to prevent falling with the detached portions of rock, or being capsized by a sudden
squall, marred any successful captures. The young of the razor-bill (Alca torda),
called Crossacaun, from the white mark on the bill, are delicious when skinned and
broiled, and their eggs are good.

It is singular that the fox has been seen on the island. Eavens and the sea
eagle (Fiolar na Mara) build on the highest cliffs, and a splendid race of hawks, of
noble size, the Falco peregrinus, breed there. These are termed Foraidheach —
fierce or cruel. I obtained a very fine female bird from that island. The eggs are
similar in colour and shape to the kestrel, but of larger size ; like the eagle, it lays
but two eggs ; the kestrel has four. These rocks and those of the Western Island
abound in fine lichens. Roccella fusiformis, with Borrera flavicans and B. atlantica,
were fine. Ramalina scopulorurn grew in very long pendant tufts, and Parmelia
aquila I found in beautiful fructification. Lichena pygmaea was abundant near
the water's edge, and I found it equally so with L. confinis on the highest point of
Sybil Head. I have never seen anywhere Plantago coronopus growing of such
extraordinary size — the radical leaves long, spreading, and almost succulent. The
herdsmen of the West Island inform me that the sheep were extremely fond of the
plant. Seals were seen in different directions, and I tired at an enormously large
one as he raised himself above the water. The seal was of a very dark colour, and
not at all like Halichcerus gryphus.

It is not the object of this paper to enter into any details of geological features ;
but, as I have alluded to the peculiar outline of form of the Tearaght Rock, I may

94 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

mention, that the loose and slaty rock, so easily detached, and which renders the
ascent difficult and dangerous, belongs to the Silurian strata, and possesses great
interest in a palceontological character — this, with the fossiliferous slates in the
neighbourhood of Ventry, Dunquin, and Ferriter's Cove, will afford investigation of
interest to the geologist ; and, while we have such men here as Professor Jukes,
we may expect records of views similar to that which brought about such important
changes in the classification of formations, as the establishment of the " Devonian
system," by Professors Sedgwick and Murcbison, who, in April, 1839, clearly
maintained their opinions with reference to this geological epoch, and which the
previous suggestions of Messrs. Lonsdale and Sowerby, whose intimate knowledge
of the organic remains of the carboniferous and silurian systems materially in-
fluenced them to adopt. The North Blasket and Western Island, as well as Inish-
nabro, are famous for the multitude of rabbits, and are the breeding haunts of the
storm petrel (Thalassidroma pelagica), termed in Irish Gourdal. I have passed
close under both Skellig Islands, but have been unable to land. The Lesser Skellig
is the breeding place of the gannet, and, I am certain, of several of the shearwaters
and petrels.

Having drawn this outline, I shall turn to another portion of my paper, the
occurrence of the Greater Shearwater (Puffinus major), and to which I have been
led by the rather dubious accounts of the distinctive characters, and of the mode of
capture of the birds taken on the Irish coast. In the " Annals of Natural History7*
for 1842, page 433, Mr. Thompson records two specimens of Puffinus major, on the
authority of Mr. Robert Davis, jun., of Clonmel, as obtained off the coast of
Waterford, and, having subsequently the opportunity of examining one of the birds,
he remarked that the Irish specimens were identical with those described by Tem-
minck as frequenting the more northern seas of Europe, and with the Puffinus
cinereus figured by Selby. Doctor Ball, who observed the Greater Shearwater off
Bundoran, states that they appeared to be much more dusky than the Manx petrel,
and these views are continued by Mr. Thompson in his work on the birds of Ireland,
also giving in addition the remarks of Mr. Robert Warren, jun., who says — " In
August, 1849, when hake-fishing off Cork Harbour, he saw two of the Greater
Shearwaters, which were easily distinguished from the P. anglorum (of which
numbers were seen the same day) by their larger size and darker colour." About
two years ago a very fine specimen of the Greater Shearwater was obtained by
Richard Chute, Esq., from Dingle Bay, and, as I saw it in the recent state, I
noticed that it had all the characteristics of the bird obtained in 1832 by Mr.
Strickland from the Tees mouth, and described by him as P. fuliginosus. Mr.
Strickland, however, subsequently obtained another bird of lighter markings and
colour, apparently in the adult plumage, and in relation to which the inquiries
would lead us to be satisfied that P. fuliginosus of Strickland, and the P. cinereus
of Selby, were but the young of P. major, and not identical with the true P.
cinereus.

You will observe that the birds now before you, and which were captured in
Dingle Bay, have very different characters from those hitherto described as oc-
curring on the Irish coasts. They have been beautifully and accurately preserved
by Mrs. Baker, of Graf ton -street, whose merits I shall have occasion hereafter
to mention. Superior in size, they are also very different from those of the Manx
Shearwater, and with the plumage of the dusky petrel, lighter in all the upper
surface, the head, cheeks, and back of an ash gray, with the edges of the feathers,
on their external margins, beautifully marked, of a lighter colour, waves of light
gray on the sides, while the throat, and all the under surface, is pure white, thus
being lighter in all its shades, and not having the dusky and dark colour of the
backs and wings of the P. anglorum and P. obscurus. These birds are evidently the
true P. major in the adult plumage ; and although it has been recently noticed as
having been taken off Youghal, on gentlemen's lines, these are the first descriptive
characters of the adult bird captured on the Irish coast, as Mr. Thompson's de-
scriptions only refer to the figure and characters of the bird given by Selby, and
which is identical with the specimen in Mr. Chute's collection, being an immature
bird, or the young of the year. The true P. cinereus would strike me as being
altogether distinct, of a larger size, and of an universally dark colour. Darwin

PROCEEDINGS OP SOCIETIES. 95

mentions the P. cinereus to be similar in colour to P. gigantea, being of a dirty
black. He saw hundreds of thousands of them behind the Island of Chiloe, flying
for several hours in one direction ; and when part of the flock settled on the water
the surface was blackened. They are frequent in the Antartic regions, and
numerous on the great banks of Newfoundland, attendant on the fishing vessels.
The are equally numerous with the Fulmar Petrel (Procellaria glacialis), and
recorded in the birds of Greenland by Captain Sabine, now Colonel Sabine, R.A.
The whale-fishers of the Arctic Seas term them, with the Fulmar Petrel, Malle-
mucks, and, when a series of visiting is carried on by the captains of the whale
ships when together, it is termed Mallemauking.

The manner in which the Irish specimens were described as captured on hooks
when hake-fishing, puzzles me, as hake-fishing is carried on with hand-lines, at a
depth of 20 to 30 fathoms, and these birds, with long acuminate wings, are by no
means adapted as divers ; so I wrote to my friend, Mr. Chute, to obtain the informa-
tion of their capture from our fishermen. These shearwaters arrived in Dingle
Bay about the end of September last (1854), and left early in November. They
appeared in thousands in mild, foggy weather, and during that time were exceed-
ingly bold, approaching near to the canoes engaged in hake-fishing, and seizing on
all refuse thrown to them. They were then easily captured with a baited hook,
the line and the bait always floating, and any number could have been taken by the
canoe-men in that manner. Their appearance always indicates a successful fishing
season, particularly of hake. They seemed in pursuit of sprats ; and, except some
odd birds, they had not appeared in such numbers for seven years before. It was
then in the month of February, and at that time the glasson, or black pollock,
fishing was most successful ; and the fishermen recollected a man to have caught, in
one day, nine score of pollock, and to have killed with a rod three score of the
shearwaters. Had I been aware of these facts last year I could have obtained any
number of the birds. The men who had been in American vessels had noticed
these birds all across the Atlantic. Like all the petrels, they are weak on the legs,
but untiring on the wing, treading the surface of the billows ; hence the French
name, Petit Pierre. Like the gannet, however, when settled on the water, they
are unable to rise in flight, or do so with great difficulty, in calm weather. They
have not as yet been traced to breed on the Irish coast.

To note the peculiar flight of marine birds is a study of interest to the orni-
thologist. The Greater Shearwater, from its long and pointed wings, speeds rapidly
and steadily, skimming the surface of the billows, while the storm petrel, swallow-
like, darts into the hollow, and over the crest of the wave.

" From the base of the wave to the billow's crown,
Amidst the flashing and feathery foam,
The storm petrel finds a home;
And only seeking her rocky lair
To warn her young, and teach them to spring
At once o'er the waves on their stormy wing."

Captain Lyon, when in H.M.S. Griper, off Hatton's Headland, in Hudson's
Straits, and running in rather a heavy sea, saw large flocks of rotages, or rotche,
the little auk (Alca alle), fly directly against the steep sides of a wave and bury them-
selves headlong in a moment, a most singular mode of diving, which their short
wings assisted.

I now turn to another point of interest, the description of a beautiful little gull,
which has been entrusted to me by Mrs. Baker, of Grafton-street, and I only wish
that she had placed it in abler hands, as I cannot at present, without the opportu-
nity of comparison with an authenticated specimen, satisfy myself on several points
relative to its distinctive characters. I may here be permitted to remark, and I do
so with much pleasure, on the intelligence, industry, and acuteness of observation
which Mrs. Baker possesses in the avocation she is engaged in. Her prompt atten-
tion to the wishes of those who place any objects of natural history in her hands for
preservation, and the amount of intelligence displayed in carrying out such objects,
I cannot speak too highly of. The beautifully-preserved specimens of shearwater,
this evening exhibited, prove to some extent the success of her manipulation. The
specimen of the beautiful little gull before the meeting has been submitted to me as

96 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

the Bonapartian gull (Larus Bonapartii), and most kindly, by Mrs. Baker, has
been sent to be recorded in the proceedings of this Society. This small gull was shot
at Skerries, on the 18th of February last, by Captain Watkins, of the Northampton
Regiment of Militia. Not having examined the bird in its recent state, I had no
opportunity of learning accurately its measurement or weight. Mr. Robert J.
Montgomery, who first drew attention to the characters, was so satisfied of their
identity with those recorded by Thompson, that he, on very good grounds, assumed
the present specimen to be the Bonapartian gull described by that author. The
bird is immature ; and as I do not place much reliance on measurements in the
young state, I have drawn out the following : — Bill, dusky orange at the base,
dark at the tip, form slender, similar to L. ridibundus ; a black spot at the anterior
corner of each eye ; a dark mark behind each ear ; crown of the head, slightly
marked ; forehead and all under parts, white ; black scapulars, greater coverts of
the secondaries, and the upper series of the smaller coverts, light pearl gray ; several
rows of brown spots on the small wing coverts, edged with dull white ; two first
primaries, white, margined with black on both webs ; third, white increases on the
outer margin, more black bordering the inner margin, and the extremity of the
feather considerably more tipped with black ; fourth, very nearly all white in the
margin, dark margin of the inner fainter ; feather, pale gray ; tail, with a band of
chocolate brown, edged with dull white ; underneath tail, white, with slight mark-
ings of pale chocolate brown at the extremity ; ridges of the wings, white, with a
slight dark mark. In the recent state, Mrs. Baker informs me, that the legs were
of a pale flesh colour.

Now, on comparing these characters with the descriptions of L. Bonapartii of
Richardson, L. capistratus of the Prince of Musignano, L. capistratus of Yarrell,
and the L. ridibundus of Montagu, Selby, and others, I am inclined to refer the
bird before us to one of those varied forms and gradations of the L. ridibundus,
as they so nearly correspond with the state of the second change described by
Montagu and Latham, that I cannot separate the one from the other. Mr. Thomp-
son has, very judiciously, decided L. capistratus of Yarrell to be but a variety of
L. ridibundus, and that the examination of numerous specimens of both have
shown such difference in their relative proportions and size, that it would seem that
much dependence could not be placed on measurements. Mr. Thompson (at
p. 339, vol. iii., "Birds of Ireland") alludes to an adult bird of L. ridibundus hav-
ing been shot at Lough Clay, smaller in proportions than any forms described of
either L. ridibundus or L. capistratus. We are aware how the eggs of gulls vary
in size, even in the same nest, and that when the first, or early eggs of the season,
are taken, the eggs of the succeeding layings are, in general, of a smaller size —
hence we may naturally inter that those incubations may affect the growth of the
birds. Now, the different gradations of L. ridibundus, so carefully and accurately
noticed by Montagu, I will concisely submit. In the first plumage of the young of
L. ridibundus, it is nearest to the description of Ray's brown Tern ; the second
material change brings it to the Lathamian brown gull, of the second supplement
of the general synopsis of Latham, and which exactly accords with the description
by Montagu of a recent specimen shot on the 14th of February, and agrees in
most characters with the specimen before you. The next change brings it to the
brown -headed gull of Latham, L. erythropus, and approaching to L. capistratus,
and the fourth change perfects it to L. ridibundus. In several of the characters,
detailed by Mr. Thompson, of L. Bonapartii, particularly of the Tern-like form
and length of the wings, so many are identical with forms described both of L. ca-
pistratus and L. ridibundus, that it is difficult to separate them.

I will here give the characters of Larus capistratus of Temm., by the Prince of
Musignano, in his synopsis of the birds of the United States (No. 293) — Mantle,
pearl-gray ; quills, black at the point, outer white, internally pale-ash ; shafts, white;
bill, very slender ; tarsus, less than one inch and a half; tail, subemarginate; summer
plumage, head only with a brown hood ; winter, no hood. Brown-masked gull
(Larus capistratus) — Nob. am. Orn. IV. pi. — inhabits the north of both countries ;
not very rare during the autumn on the Delaware, and especially the Chesapeake ;
found as far inland as Trenton ; very rare on the coasts of Europe ; closely allied
and similar to L. ridibundus of Europe, hardly distinguished but by its smaller

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 97

size, and its still more slender, Tern-like bill. These references are shown to
prove the confusion that might possibly arise in the distinguishing of the alliances
of birds in the immature plumage, more especially those of the Laridse, or the gulls ;
and, as Wilson most truly remarks on the much-varied species L. ridibundus,
" that less confusion would arise among authors if they would occasionally abandon
their accustomed walks, their studies, and their museums, and seek correct know-
ledge in the only place where it is to be obtained— in the great temple of Nature."
No discussion having arisen on this subject,

Mr. Hopkins read the following paper on the

OCCURRENCE OF IANTHINA COMMUNIS AND SPIRULA PERONII AT KILKEE.

At your last meeting, when I had the pleasure of adding a few specimens of
lanthina communis to your collection of Irish mollusca, I was requested, by Mr.
Andrews, your secretary, to give a short paper on this interesting shell, and now
beg to bring the occurrence of this and other species on the west coast of this
country under your notice.

In the month of August, 1851, being at Kilkee, which I knew to be a locality
where the lanthinae are of tolerably frequent occurrence at certain seasons, I de-
termined to watch closely for them. The wind was N.W., and, after three days
had elapsed, I was rewarded with finding the lanthina communis in large numbers,
in company with five specimens of lanthina pallida and three of Spirula Peronii,
together with quantities of the Velella and several species of Anatifa and Vitrea.
From the circumstance of the lanthina being drifted in after N.W. winds, it is
evident that, though a native of the warmer latitudes of the ocean, these indivi-
duals must have been floating fully as far, if not farther north than Kilkee.

The best locality for them I found to be at the south side of the entrance to the
bay, on the Duggana reef, where I took them alive, immediately after high water,
floating on the surface, in pools, situated in clefts of the rock. I would here
remark, that from the coast being so rocky, more than two-thirds of the specimens
I obtained were, unfortunately, irretrievably damaged.

The float or vesicular appendage by which the lanthina is buoyed up on the
surface of the ocean has occasioned many very conflicting opinions ; among others,
I will refer to Whitelaw and Walsh's " History of Dublin" (London, 1818), in the
appendix to which is a catalogue of Irish shells, and, from a note to Helix janthina,
by which name it was then known, I take the following extract. Brown, in his
""Account of Jamaica," gives the following account of this shell : — " Purple ocean
shell. — The creature which forms and inhabits this shell is a native of the ocean,
and lives frequently many hundred leagues from any land ; but having met with
many of the kind between Bermuda and the Western Islands, in my voyage from
Jamaica, it enables me to communicate the following account of them : — The crea-
ture probably passes the greater part of life at the bottom of the sea, but rises
sometimes to the surface, and, to do so, is obliged, pischim more, to distend an
air-bladder, which, however, is formed only for the present occasion, and made of
tough, viscid slime, swelled into a vesicular, transparent mass, that sticks to the
head of the animal, at the opening of the shell. This raises and sustains it while it
pleases to continue on the surface ; but, when it wants to return, it throws off its
bladder, and sinks."

Though, as I believe, this account of Brown's coincided with the generally re-
ceived opinion at that time, it will be found incorrect, on referring to Forbes and
Hanley, who, in their work on the British mollusca, remark that Cuvier observed
there was no anatomical connection between the two bodies— i.e., between the
animal and the float — and this was confirmed by Dr. Coates, who, in the fourth
volume of the " Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,"
gives an interesting account of his experiments on the float in the living animal.
He found that it was entirely secreted by the foot, and that when a portion was
removed, the injury was rapidly repaired.

After having quoted such high authority, it may appear superfluous for me to
remark, it is my opinion that were the lanthina capable of inflating and exhausting
this float, it would never be found on our coasts in any profusion, as it would

98 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

naturally, on the appearance of stormy weather, retreat from the surface, by ex-
hausting the float, and remain at the bottom until the gale had subsided.

A very interesting paper on the lanthina, from the pen of that talented natu-
ralist, Mr. William Clark, of Bath, is published in the " Annals of Natural
History" (January, 1853), and, as it contains much valuable information, I claim
permission to make the following extract : — " This genus has long caused embar-
rassment to naturalists, and is still a source of difficulty in regard to the structure
of the animal and its natural position ; but I think the obstacles to a true determi-
nation will disappear on attentive consideration. The great stumbling-block is the
float, as it is called, or vesicular mass, attached to the foot, which has been con-
sidered an hydrostatic apparatus. This idea is erroneous. The organ is the mem-
braneous vehicle of the contents of the ovarium and matrix that has descended from
under the mantle, and fixed itself to the foot, for a very obvious purpose of the
animal economy, in reference to the pulli in the genial season. It is probable,
that as the animal, from its peculiar habitat, cannot, like the tribes of the coasts,
deposit the germs of reproduction on marine substances, it makes use of the foot as
a substitute, until its young emerge from the agglomerated mass of capsules to
shift for themselves, and then the temporary vesicular deposit is cast off. I have
seen a similar appendage to the foot of the Pileopsis hungaricus and several other
gasteropoda. That this organ is not necessary for the floatation of the animal is
strongly supported by the fact, as the sexes are distinct, that many may be presumed
the males, and such often occur without the so-called float. Many of the Littorinse,
with a shell ten times more ponderous in proportion than the globular, delicate
lanthina, float, with the shell beneath and foot uppermost, in every direction, for
days, without descending from the surface of the waters."

I would now beg to observe, that I cannot make all my specimens agree with
the description given by Forbes and Hanley, who say of this shell — " the suture is
distinct, but simple, and never canaliculated ;" and I have the pleasure of laying
before you a series exactly answering to this description. 1 have also selected
another, in all of which, from the young up to the adult, the suture is strongly
marked, and, I think, I should be justified in stating that it is slightly canalicu-
lated. In addition to this, as far as I have observed, the shell grows "to a larger
size, is heavier, more spiral, the whorls more globose, and it is often more closely
striated. I beg to lay this series also before you, in order that you may judge of
the correctness of my observations. I would suggest, though with much diffidence,
that there are sufficient distinguishing characteristics in this second series of lan-
thinse to entitle them to be made, at least, a variety of the species communis.

I had written thus far, when I was much gratified by accidentally finding that
my views — though not, as I imagined, original — agreed with those adopted by
Forbes and Hanley, in the appendix to their work on the British mollusca, as in
this they figure an lanthina closely approximating to those in my second series,
respecting which they write, that "until the genus lanthina shall have experienced
a thorough revision, and the effect of local circumstances in producing variation of
colouring, chasing, and contour upon its migratory members shall have been duly
estimated, it will be hazardous to define the limits of the several varieties or species
which, by the past generation of conch ologists, were included in the Helix janthina —
by the present, in the I. fragilis or communis. Krauss, in his useful work on
the Testacea of Southern Africa, remarks, " that the indigenous shell, figured by
Chemnitz, is very different from the Neapolitan one, termed bicolor by Philippi,
though both are usually cited as identical. Our British examples, again, seem
different from either, and were considered so by Dr. Leach, who, we are informed
by Mr. Jeffreys, termed them Britannica." Referring to this plate, which, I might
mention, is taken from an Irish example, they say " that it differs from those
previously described in so many particulars, that it becomes of importance to spe-
cify them." But I will not introduce that description here, as I have not given a
detailed one of that which I consider to be truly entitled to the specific name of
fragilis. It is only just for me to mention, that they, in conclusion, express some
doubts as to its being admitted as a distinct species, inasmuch as they remark, that
" a more than ordinary latitude seems permitted to shape in this species, because
the larger turns do not always strictly coil in a regular spiral, but, sometimes de-

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 99

fleeting, attach themselves below the periphery ; in which event, the spire is wont
to become more elevated, and its more rounded turns to swell out, in some degree,
above the suture."

I hope I have succeeded in establishing sufficiently good claims for this shell, to
induce naturalists to give it a more attentive investigation ; and it is a subject of so
much interest, that it will, I think, amply reward them.

At the same time, as I before observed, I obtained lanthina pallida. This very
rare species has only twice before been found on our coasts — once at Miltown
Malby and once at Kilkee. The specimens of Spirula Peronii which I found were
all dead. This beautiful shell has only, I believe, occurred five times on the Irish
coast, and but once in England, on the Cornish coast. It has been provisionally
excluded from the list of British Mollusca, " because," as Dr. Fleming observes,
u we have to determine their capability of living in our seas before their right to a
place in our Fauna can be established."

Large numbers of the Velella were also thrown ashore in company with the
lanthinae. When floating on the surface, with the sail or membrane raised, drift-
ing before the wind, they present an interesting spectacle, which I observed to
advantage when rowing in the bay in one of the small canoes or coracles peculiar
to the west coast of Ireland. The Velella when captured throws off a very deep-
purple, viscous liquid, which stains the hand much more intensely than that'exuded
by the lanthina ; indeed, I believe, some naturalists have expressed it as their
opinion that the purple colour of the lanthina was probably derived from devouring
these Velella?.

I omitted mentioning that I found the Lepas pectinata and Vitrea vitrina attached
to numerous specimens both of lanthina communis and I. pallida. A few of these
Cirripedes were fixed almost on the apex of the shell, but by far the greater number
were attached immediately below the umbilicus.

Mr. Wakeman gave the following continuation of his remark^ on the remains of
animals, &c., at Dunshaughlin : —

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of presenting to this Society a couple of
heads of the ancient Irish cow, found, with a vast accumulation of animal remains,
round what had been an artificial island, in a lake (now dried up) in the vicinity of
Dunshaughlin. Of late years several large heads of similar remains have been dis-
covered in various parts of the country, and it is to be regretted that our Society
does not possess a selection from these interesting relics of ruins of animals which
anciently existed in our island, and some of which, at least, have become extinct.
The first, and, perhaps, the most important, of these discoveries was made, about
twelve years ago, at Dunshaughlin, in the county of Meath. The locality is well
known in Irish history as Lough Gabor, a name now softened to Lagore, and may
be described as a boggy flat, about one mile and a half in length by about a mile in
breadth. The lake, properly speaking, has not existed in the memory of any living
person ; but in winter time, after heavy rains, the greater portion of the bog is
covered with water. A slight eminence, crowned by a solitary tree, is still called
u The Island ;" and it was about this spot that the animal remains, amounting to
so many hundreds of cart-loads, were found. The bones were those of cows, deer,
swine, sheep, horses, and, I believe, of hogs. Several human skulls and other
bones were also observed, bearing testimony to the struggles which the annals
inform us took place round the island of Lough Gabor. Intermixed with the bones
were found an immense quantity of antiquities, consisting of spear-heads, swords,
knives, brooches, combs, &c. ; and these articles, so highly interesting to the anti-
quary, are scarcely less so to the naturalist, as, by an examination of their form
and style of ornamentature, some conclusion may be arrived at as to the date of
the deposit. From the fact of the frontal bone in most of the skulls, which had
belonged to the lower animals, having been fractured, apparently by the blow of a
hatchet, many of which instruments were found among the debris, there can be
but little doubt that the creatures to which they had belonged had been killed as
food by the occupants of "The Island." How much, then, is it to be regretted
that no tolerable collection of these very interesting remains is known to exist. By
a careful collection and examination of such subjects, much light might be thrown

100 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

on the history, and even pedigrees, of existing species. Surgeon Wilde, indeed, to*
whom is due ihe credit of having first mentioned the Dunshaughlin discovery,
about twelve years ago, has, fortunately, preserved many interesting specimens ; but
his collection is far from complete. And when we recollect that, since that period,
at least two similar bone peaks have been found — one in the lake of Ballinderry,
near Moate, the other at Strokestown, county of Roscommon— we cannot help
fearing that many subjects of great interest to the Irish naturalist have been lost.
I may add, that judging from the character of the antiquities found, under the same
circumstances, in each of the three localities, the animals of which the horns had
formed a portion, could not have existed later than the ninth or tenth century. In
each of the localities referred to, antlers of the red deer, similar to those before the
Society, were found in considerable numbers. In conclusion, I trust, on a future
occasion, to be able to present to our museum some additional specimens.

Mr. Ffennell, Inspecting Commissioner of Fisheries, said that he would be
prepared to give a paper on the habits of the salmon, and on some peculiarities with
regard to the young state, at the next meeting of the Society.

A ballot having taken place, Henry Charles Horner, Esq., of Mountjoy-square,
was elected a member.

The meeting then adjourned to the month of April.

APEIL 27, 1855.
CHARLES FARRAN, Esq., M.D., in the Chair.

The previous minutes being confirmed and preliminary business disposed of,

Mr. Andrews, Honorary Secretary, said that he had to express his regret that,
owing to some disarrangement in the rooms, the usual night of the meeting had been
postponed to this evening. He trusted, however, that such an alteration would not
again occur.

The first paper on the list for the evening being Mr. Ffennell's— " On the Salmon,
and on Peculiarities with regard to the Young State,"

Mr. Andrews said he had been handed a note from Mr. Ffennell, Commissioner
of Fisheries, expressing his regret that he was unable to fulfil the object of the
notice which he had given, to make some communications "on the salmon," as he
was unexpectedly obliged to be absent on public duty.

Mr. Watters was then called on for his paper

ON THE HABITS AND ON THE VARIETIES OF SOME OF THE LARIDJE.

At the last meeting of your Society, a paper was read by your Honorary Secre-
tary, Mr. Andrews, which contained a notice of one of the Xema3, or Black-headed
Gulls, which coincided very closely with the measurements and descriptions of
Bonaparte's Gull (Larus Bonapartii). At the suggestion of Dr. Farran I have put
together some notes on the habits of the Larida, and on varieties incident to the
family, which, with some specimens to illustrate my observations, I beg to submit
for your approval. In the entire range of our Irish Fauna there is no family com-
prised in it which demands more notice from the ornithologist than the well-known
and widely-distributed family of the Laridae. Tenanting every variety of shore —
sandy-beach as well as precipitous rocks— the study of their habits not alone affords
interest to the observer, but offers a criterion and infallible index to the fisherman,
that where they most congregate, fish is plentiful. Simple as their habits may ap-
pear, I feel my own incompetency in endeavouring to create in your minds the in-
terest with which the birds of this family are invested. Indeed it must appear to the
ordinary observer as something very strange, that these mere sea-gulls flying past
him along our quays could possess habits of the slightest interest. But to any one
who has observed them in the neighbourhood of some rocky shore-line, where story
after story of birds take their position along the precipices, and on whose tabular
projections stand, not in tens or hundreds, but in thousands and tens of thousands,
the various members of this interesting tribe, there is almost an injunction conveyed
in the sight that the ornithologist is bound to make known that such things exist.
On several occasions I have been fortunate enough in observing a great proportion

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 101

of the species comprised in the Laridae at their breeding haunts ; amongst these I
may mention the great and lesser black-backed gulls, the herring gulls, common
gull, and kittiwake. Widely differing in their habits with the great and lesser
black-backed gulls, we find the bustle and ceaseless activity of the smaller species
replaced with a sedateness and dignity consistent with their appearance. Flying
sedately from a crag in the neighbourhood of the nest, they employ themselves in
sailing leisurely through the air, often at an immense height ; at times their loud
hoarse cackle comes distinctly from above, and is at once answered by a continuous
kleeking or yelping note from their partner on the nest. Frequently we observe
single birds rise from the rocks, and fly in a direct line seaward for an immense dis-
tance and then quietly settle down upon the water. Occasionally we see pairs rest-
ing on the water in the vicinity of the rocks, the tail being held so high, from the
peculiar buoyancy of the bird, that often at a distance it is difficult to determine
which is the head and which the tail. When flying from the sea, the great black-
backed gull never hesitates passing through a flock of terns or herring-gulls, a
proceeding which the lesser black-back appears to be timid of, as it rises and soars
over them, or swerves sideways to escape them. Retired in habits as the great
black-backed gull appears to be, the lesser species is yet more so, as on one occasion
I saw a rook (Corvus frugilegus) in a ploughed field walk towards a gull of this
species in a manner that seemed to at once remind the intruder that he had better
seek his proper pelagian territory ; the decisive action of the rook was sufficient for
the gull, as he at once took wing, and sought his homestead amid the cliffs. With
the herring, common, and kittiwake gulls there is considerable similarity in their
habits. More sociable than the other two species, these birds unite in flocks and fly
to and from their nests together, fish in company, and are unanimous in the one outcry
when disturbed. Of the three species, the herring-gull appears to possess the most
acute sense of hearing, as I have seen a few birds rise from their nests and fly
steadily seaward ; by degrees the numbers increase, until the nests are completely
deserted, and then, as it were, supposing, from the absence of their larger brethren,
that they were more profitably engaged elsewhere, the other species fly off to join
the flock. During the breeding season the herring-gull possesses a habit very
similar to the rook — diving or falling through the air, and turning over several times
in its descent. This is frequently performed by several birds at the one time, and is
accompanied by their peculiar laughing cry. The presence of raptorial birds does
not seem to occasion these birds the terror that we see manifested by others, as the
peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) will frequently glide past a flock without dis-
turbing them from their avocation, or the least outcry being raised against him. To
one not versed in their habits, the appearance of the peregrine at times would sug-
gest different conclusions, as this falcon chooses some commanding position along
the precipice as a perching place, where, for hours, he will maintain the same posi-
tion, with the head inclined towards the rocks, as if appearing to take an exceeding
interest in the movements of the gulls drifting upon the wind below him like so many
snow-white feathers. This habit of the peregrine is, however, the mere listlessness
of repose, and is generally indulged in after repletion. A single common gull or
kittiwake, flying along the face of the precipice, invariably stoops downwards, or
otherwise avoids the vicinity of its suspicious foe. Familiar as ornithologists may
be with the appearance of the breeding haunts of the Laridas, as observed in the full
glare of sunshine, there is yet another view possessing the most engrossing interest —
the same haunts observed at night-time, when we see the gulls appear like so many
snow-white ribbons wound round the rocks. The gigantic masses of shade flung by
the rock during moonlight, and the spectral forms of the gulls wheeling upward
from their nests and again settling with their usual clamour. At times the cormo-
rants join their hoarse guttural croaking, whilst the booming of the sea appears more
audible and more solemn in the silence of the night. Fearing that I am occupying
too much of your valuable evening, I will hastily conclude with a few observations
respecting the probability of the masked gull (Larus capistratus) and Bonaparte's
gull (Larus Bonapartii) being confounded with varieties of the black-headed gull
(L. ridibundus). Without presuming upon a subject which is difficult to decide
without a large number of specimens, it is to be remembered what confusion the
Laridae were the subject of until the last few years, when critical examination and
VOL. II. *

1U2 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

practical observation proved the wagel (Larus naevius) to be the Larus marinus in
its first plumage, the gray gull (La Mouette grise) of Brisson to be the lesser black-
backed gull in young plumage, the winter gull to be Larus canus in its seasonal
change, and the tarrock (Larus tridactylus) to be the immature kittiwake (Larus
rissa;. It is also to be recollected that there is no infallibility in classifying species,
as we find authorities as grave as Brisson and Storr agree upon the claims of Larus
naevius to be a distinct species from the adult bird. One claim advanced for Larus
Bonapartii being a distinct species appears to be its diminutive size, length of wings
in exceeding the tail some two inches, and the peculiar colour of the tarsi. If such
be the case, the specimen now before you is a just candidate for the honour, as this
veritable black-headed gull possesses, in an eminent degree, the necessary qualifica-
tions, so much so, that the wings give it the peculiar tern shape, and actually exceed
the tail by three inches and a half. A bird, in the first year's plumage, also before
you, you will find to be much larger in size and to possess more of the acknowledged
character of ridibundus. It might be supposed that the increase of age might have
a corresponding increase of size ; but, as your honorary secretary justly observed, in
his paper, that " the examinations of numerous specimens of ridibundus have shown
such differences in their relative proportions and size that it would seem much de-
pendence could not be placed on measurements." If a standard is to be erected, and
all birds adjudged specific distinction on account of a difference in size, it is impos-
sible to say how many more species may be discovered in our fauna. The colour-
ing of the wing-feathers is also laid down as a characteristic of Larus Bonapartii ;
but in the specimens of ridibundus now before you, you will find all of them without
difficulty. I have not seen the specimen of Bonaparte's gull in the Belfast
Museum, but this much, I hope to make the present specimen of ridibundus
coincide in every particular with the description taken by the late lamented Mr.
Thompson.

Mr. Watters then read the description given by Mr. Thompson, in "The Birds
of Ireland," of Larus Bonapartii, and which agreed in all its markings, proportions,
and distinctions (which have been so fully given by that author), "with the spe-
cimens of Larus ridibundus, submitted by Mr. Watters, and which he had verified
to be a bird obtained from among that species of gull on this coast, and with which
species, with the exception of its smaller proportions, it was identical in every
respect. Mr. Watters also compared his bird with the accurate drawing made by
Mr. DuNoyer of the bird shot by Captain Watkins, and read from the report of
the last proceedings the distinctive characters drawn by Mr. Andrews, the details
of which were of precisely similar features to Mr. Watters 's specimen. Respecting
Larus capistratus, I believe that there is no adult black-headed gull but, before attain-
ing the complete hood, was a perfect specimen of capistratus. Were it not that on
many occasions I have examined these birds in their seasonal changes, I would feel
much more diffident in advancing my views ; but, as it is, I believe you will be in-
clined to admit the great probability of the Larus Bonapartii, described by Mr.
Thompson, agreeing, in every particular, with a variety of ridibundus, and the late
specimen exhibited at your last meeting, and shot by Captain Watkins, to have
been nothing more than a variety of the same species. If a further proof were re-
quired, I place before you the eggs of the Larus ridibundus and argentatus, and
you will, in both instances, perceive the disparity of size of the same species ; and,
as we might reasonably suppose, the bird produced from the small eggs would not
have equalled in size those produced from the larger.

The Chairman said that the examination of the species appeared to have been
very carefully investigated, and he was glad that Mr. Watters brought forward the
information he possessed of the subject, and which his practical observations and
excellent collection enabled him to do with some degree of confidence. He would
be glad to hear the opinions of any of the members.

Mr. Andrews observed that when he expressed his views at the last meeting, he
was not at the time aware that any discussion on the subject had taken place else-
where. He saw no reason, however, to change the opinions he had given. The
markings and size of Mr. Watters's specimen were identical with the one shot by
Captain Watkins, and one character, in particular, was identical— the size of the
tarsi. Other characters were still more striking in Mr. Watters's bird — the more

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 103

slender or tern-like form of the bill, and the wings being of greater length, extend-
ing beyond the tail an inch more than the wings in Captain Watkins's specimen.
Mr. Andrews said he could advance numerous instances of opposite views assumed
by ornithologists. Some years since he had obtained, on the high cliffs of Sybil
Head, county of Kerry, a very beautiful variety of the rock pigeon, two specimens
of which are in the collection of the Society. He had shot five specimens out of
the flock, and it was singular, although much sought after, similar birds had not
since been obtained in the country. Mr. Blyth, curator of the Asiatic Museum at
Calcutta, who obtained similar specimens in England, maintains it to be a distinct
species from Columba livia, and names it as Columba affinis, stating that the wild
rock pigeons of the south of England are mostly of this kind, whilst those of North
Britain, and of Europe generally, are the true Columba livia. Mr. H. E. Strickland,
however, asserts them only to be immature birds of C. livia.

Mr. Saunders's absence prevented his paper " On Algas" being given until the
next meeting.

After the ballot, the Chairman announced that George Halpin, Esq., superinten-
dent of Irish light-houses, and Edward Mathews, Esq., of Lower Gardiner- street,
were elected members.

The meeting was then adjourned to the month of May.

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY ZOOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION.

APRIL 21, 1855.
R. BALL, Esq., LL.D., President, in the Chair.

The following donations to the library were acknowledged by the librarian, and
thanks ordered to be given to the donors : —

The London Entomological Society's Transactions, Vol. II., Part VII., and
Sowerby's British Ferns, Parts. I. and II., and J. J. Watters's History of Irish
Birds, by E. Percival Wright, Esq.

Ray's Synopsis, by Dr. Ball.

The Transactions of the Literary and Scientific Society of Queen's College,
Belfast, by the Secretary.

The Natural History Review, Nos. V. and VI., by the Editors.

E. Newman, Esq.'s Address to the Entomological Society of London, by the
Author.

Dr. Harvey's Account of the Marine Flora of Western Australia, by the Author.

A beautifully-coloured Plate, illustrative of a Paper read before the Association,
by A. H. Haliday, Esq., by the Author of the paper.

Journal of the Geological Society of Dublin, Part I., Vol. VI., from the Society.

The Hon. G. S. Gough was unanimously elected as Corresponding Member ;
and the following gentlemen, being balloted for, were elected ordinary members of
the Association :— W. D. Butler, Esq., T.C.D., and H. B. Armstrong, Esq.,
T.C.D.

Mr. A. R. Hogan read the following paper, by J. W. Lea, Esq.,

NOTES ON THE DIURNAL LEPIDOPTERA AND ON THE SPHINGID-E OF SOME
PORTION OF WORCESTERSHIRE (CONCLUDED).

In sending the concluding portion of these notes, I must express my regret that
various circumstances have so long prevented me from completing them. I hope,
however, that though very late, they may not be unacceptable. My original inten-
tion was to confine myself to the Diurnal Lepidoptera ; but I have added notices of
the Hawk-moths, as being, as to their number, very manageable, and as having
pretty well rewarded my search within the district under consideration. My former
paper left off with the Limenitis Camilla ; I resume, therefore, with the next genus
and species, according to the same classification that I adopted before.

104 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Arge galathea. Occasionally to be found pretty plentifully ; but I found it very

uncertain, and nowhere very common.
Lasiommata asgeria. In great profusion.

,, megaera. Also very common.

Hipparchia semele. Very scarce,
briseis. Not found,
tithonus. Very common,
janira. Do.
hyperanthus. Do.
Cseno ympha davus. Not found,
typhon. Do.
ascanius. Do.
hero. Do.

pamphilus. Very common.
Oreina ligea. 1

„ blandina. >- None of them found.
, , cassiope. )

Hamearis lucina. To be found occasionally.

Thecla betulae. In the neighbourhood of Astley ; but very rarely, and not, so far
as I know, in other parts of this district. I believe, however, it has been
found near Bewdley Forest.

,, quercus. Pretty common in certain portions of the district, on the right
bank of the Severn ; I have not found it on the left bank. But, consi-
dering that it is a common insect, I have found it less frequently than I
should have expected in such a locality,
pruni. Not found.

W. album. One specimen only, near Maldon.
spini. Not found,
ilicis. Do.

rubi. Very sparingly, and not in all seasons.
Chrysophanus phlaeas. Very abundant. I have found very large specimens,
exceeding by a third the ordinary expanse of the finest specimens,
and others presenting interesting variations in the markings — e.g. ,
one specimen in which the black spots on the anterior wings were
confluent ; another, in which the copper band on the posterior
wings was very pale, approaching towards the appearance of the
variety in which it is replaced by milk-white, though in this case
it was decidedly coppery, and glossy rather than fiery, while the
deficiency in brilliancy on the under wings seemed to have been
balanced by increased splendour in the colouring of the upper,
which, I think, exceeded in brilliancy those of any other specimen
of this species that I have ever captured. Other minor varia-
tions I have found, but none so notable as these two ; though,
on the whole, I should say I have found it a rather variable
insect.

,, chryseis. Not found.

,, dispar. Do.

,, hippothoe. Do.

„ virgaurese. Do.

Polyommatus alsus. One specimen, near Kidderminster.

,, argiolus. Rarely; in the neighbourhood of Hartlebury.

,, acis. Not found. It has, however, been found in Worcestershire,

though I do not know whether in this district. It is also found in
the adjoining counties.
,, alcon. Not found.

,, arion. Do.

,, corydon. A single specimen, near Woodbury.

,, adonis. Not found.

alexis. In great profusion, and very variable.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 105

Polyommatus argus. Not found ; but I quite expect it might be, as the district
is eminently favourable ; and I am rather disappointed at not
having met with it there,
eros. Not found,
dorylas. Do.
icarius. Do.

agestis. Not found in any abundance, but occasionally met with,
salmacis. Not found,
artaxerxes. Do.
Pyrgus malvas. Not very uncommon in some seasons ; but apparently fitful.

„ oileus. Not found.
Nisoniades tages. Do.
Cyclopides paniscus. Do.

,, sylvius. Do.
Pamphila bucephalus. Do.

,, sylvanus. Very common.
,, comma. Not found.
,, action. Do.
,, linea. Very abundant.

Such is a general abstract of the success that I have had in this limited district ;
and it must be called pretty fair, I think. I am nearly sure, however, that more
systematic and vigorous search would be rewarded with still greater success, and
the capture of several species which I have not myself met with in the locality in
question. The Apatura iris, Vanessa antiopa, one or two of the Argynnides, and
of the other fritillaries, besides some species in the genus Thecla, which I have
either not found at all, or only very sparingly, might, I suspect, be either disco-
vered, or more abundantly captured, if any one would take the pains to investigate
the district thoroughly. I have taken no notice of the Anthocaris belia in this abstract,
because I have had the honour of submitting a separate communication respecting
it to the Dublin University Zoological Association ; and I wish to take this oppor-
tunity to thank the Association for the courteous and favourable reception which
my statement met with, and to express my perfect acquiescence in the important
distinction conveyed in a remark of the Rev. J. Greene, that I did not assume
the insect to be indigenous, " but merely asserted its capture1"1 — the two positions
being as wide asunder as the sunrise and sunset. At the same time, being myself
of a temperament cautious almost to suspiciousness, I can make more than ordi-
nary allowances for the extreme caution of others.

I will now proceed to a similar summary to the above respecting my success, in
the same district, with the Hawk-moths.

Smerinthus ocellatus. Sufficiently plentiful about Kidderminster, Wolverley, and

near Astley.

„ populi. Also pretty common.

, , tilias. Much scarcer than the preceding ; but I have taken it occa-
sionally about Hartlebury.

Acheron tia atropos. I have several times had larvae of this moth, taken near Kid-
derminster ; but have experienced the usual difficulties in rearing them. I have
never captured the imago in this district.
Sphinx convolvuli. Very rare.
,, ligustri. Very abundant.
,, pinastri. Not found.
Deilephila euphorbias. Do.

,, galii. Do. It has been taken near Worcester, however.
,, livornica. Not found.
Chcerocampa nerii. Do.

,, celerio. Do. ; it may, however, probably occur, as I have taken it

very near the borders of this district.
„ elpenor. Not very common. I have taken both larva and perfect

insects between Wolverley and Kidderminster.
„ porcellus. Not found.

1 06 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Macroglossa stellatarum. Sufficiently plentiful about Hartlebury and Astley, and
occasionally at Kidderminster. I have found them sometimes taken for hornets !
Sesia fuciformis. Not found.

„ bombyliformis. Do.
Sphecia apiformis. Do.

„ bembeciformis. Do. It has, however, been taken near Dudley, which is in

Worcestershire, but not quite within the district in question.
Trochilium vespiforme. Not found.
,, chrysidiforme. Do.

„ ichneumoniforme. Do.
„ cynipiforme. Very rare.
„ tipuliforme. Sufficiently common.
„ philanthiforme. Not found.
„ sphegifbrme. Do.
„ andrenseforme. Do.
„ formicasforme. Do.
„ culiciforme. One specimen.
,, myopasforme. Not found.

„ stomoxyforme. Do.
Ino statices. Do.

Anthrocera filipendulae. Very abundant. In profusion on " the round hills" near
Astley, and on the Abberley and Woodbury hills ; also not uncommon
at Malvern.

„ trifolii. Extremely abundanton " the round hills" and at Abberley, where
for some years I found it outnumbering the Filipendulae ; but, towards
the end of my period of hunting in those parts, it became rather less
common, though still sufficiently abundant. I found, also, almost
endless variation in colour and minor characteristics, many speci-
mens answering pretty accurately to the description given of Anthro-
cera loti and A. meliloti, and others shading off by almost impercep-
tible gradations from these to A. trifolii; so that, allowing A. loti
and A. meliloti to be distinct species, as they unquestionably are ad-
mitted to be, both these species must have been by no means rare in
this locality. I never took the larvas of any but the Filipendulae and
the Trifolii. Between 1842 and 1848, these hills absolutely swarmed
with these two species, and there were very many also answering to
the other two ; but, since 1848, I have not found so many of any of
the species, and A. filipendulas has attained a decided preponderance;
but I do not recollect any locality which produced a quarter as many
specimens, both typical and varieties, as these u round" and Abberley
hills. I have not hunted there, however, since 1852, and do not
know how far their character may have deteriorated since that time.
„ hippocrepidis. Not found.

„ minos. Do.

I have inserted this last species although it was not discovered in the kingdom
till some years after I had brought my Worcestershire investigation to a close ; still,
as it is now established as a British, though I cannot quite say an English, species,
I could not bring myself to ignore it altogether. It may be found yet in England,
and even, for aught I know, in Worcestershire ; so I hope its name may be allowed
to stand, without rendering me obnoxious to a charge of presumption for insert-
ing it.

The Entomological Secretary, on the part of Mr. Richard Shield, associate
member, read the following paper

ON REARING LEPIDOPTERA FROM THE PUPA STATE, TOGETHER WITH NOTES ON
THE MANAGEMENT OF THE LARVJE AND PUP-2E OF MICROLEPIDOPTERA.

The Rev. Joseph Greene, in his admirable paper on " Digging for Pupae," has
given ample instructions for the collection of the pupae of the Macrolepidoptera, so
that little is left for explanation upon that subject ; but there is one — and that one

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 107

of the most important, according to my idea — viz., the most sure method of rear-
ing, when collected, these pupae to perfection, which has been (comparatively
speaking) left untouched. Upon this head I purpose, in the following brief notes,
to give the results of my own experience, together with what I have been able to
collect from others well conversant with the subject, in the hope that many young
entomologists may not have to endure the chagrin and disappointment conse-
quent upon repeated failures — failures not consequent upon carelessness or inat-
tention, but, except in the cases of ichneumon and muscardine, arising from want
of judgment, and a departure from the laws of nature.

To rear pupa? successfully three things are necessary — a moderate supply of
moisture — an earth not liable to mould or mildew (but, at the same time, light
and friable, and not liable, if accidentally allowed to become dry, to impact the
pupae) — and thorough ventilation. In order to obtain these results as far as pos-
sible, in a compact form, I have planned the following

BOX FOR REARING PUPJE.

Obtain one or more boxes, of any convenient length or breadth, but not less
than six inches in depth (either divided into compartments or not), and fitted
with a lid, having a large space cut out of it, to within an inch of the margin ;
this open space to be covered with either close-wove wire or old calico, affixed
with thin glue ; in the bottom of the box, or of each compartment, bore, with a
centre-bit, one or more holes, about two-thirds of an inch in diameter; cover
these with pieces of perforated zinc, tacked down ; place on the bottom of each
box, or compartment, moderately-large pebbles or sea gravel, to the depth of
about half an inch, and on this again, to the depth of two inches, the earth on
which to lay the pupae, composed of equal parts of garden mould, silver-sand,
and thoroughly-rotten wood from the heart of an old tree ; on this, after being
made smooth, distribute your pupae in such a manner, according to their size, that,
when covered, none are more than half an inch below the surface ; and cover the
surface of the mould with a layer of moss, about half an inch thick. The inside
of the box should be rough, and be raised on pieces of wood, or have pieces of
wood fixed to the bottom in such a manner that it may stand clearly above the
floor.

By this arrangement you may damp your pupae with impunity, as it is impos-
sible for them to become saturated with stagnant water, owing to the bottom
drainage ; and the moss at the top prevents undue evaporation, by absorbing a
certain quantity of moisture, and thus striking a medium between the two extremes
of wet and drought. Thus far respecting pupae that bury themselves.

Our attention next directs itself to pupae that lie concealed under moss ; and
here it may be as well to mention a locality not mentioned by Mr. Greene in his
paper, but one which, I feel convinced, will be productive, especially in the pupae
of those larvae that feed on low-growing plants, upon heaths, mountains, and
upon the coasts — viz., under the thick moss growing upon and around large stones
and boulders, and upon the old stumps of felled trees. The pupae of the eupitheciae
and all the small geometrae are best kept in wide-mouthed bottles, tightly corked.
The anti-absorbent properties of the glass and cork prevent their drying up in the
small quantity of air enclosed in the bottle, while the glass, being a slow con-
ductor, maintains it at au equal temperature. There will be no difficulty expe-
rienced in getting the insect out of the bottle, as it will almost always be found
hanging, back downwards, from the cork ; so that, on carefully reversing the cork,
without jarring it, the insect may be boxed without injury. The larger pupae
may be placed on the moss in the pupae box.

ON REARING THE LARV^l OF MICROLEPIBOPTERA.

Larvae inhabiting the stems of plants — such as pastinaca, cirsium, arctium,
&c. — require no attention beyond keeping them away from heat, in order that the
pith on which they feed may not become dry. I keep mine in tin boxes, about
eight inches high, by three inches in diameter ; and, thus packed together, they
suffer no injury, except in the case of thistles, which are apt to ferment. In this
case, they require to be taken out of the tins, and exposed to the air, until

108 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

moderately dry, when they may he returned to the tins, until about a month of the
time of the appearance of the insects ; they ought then to be placed in a box,
with a hole cut in the lid, and covered with wire or gauze.

Larva} that feed in leaves — such as nepticulae — require the leaves to rolled in
soft paper ; when the larvae are full-fed, they will quit the leaves, and make their
cocoons either among them or upon the paper ; the latter require to be cut out
(attached to portions of either leaf or paper), and kept in small, tightly -corked
bottles.

Of Lithocolletis, the portion of leaf containing the pupse requires to be cut out,
and the pupos (still in the mined portion of the leaf) enclosed in a tightly-corked
bottle. In this manner they may be kept the whole winter, without drying up,
provided the bottle is kept constantly moist.

The extremely- interesting genus Coleophora require, to insure success, open-
air feeding. The plan I adopt is the following : — I obtain several round tin cases,
about nine inches deep, by five in diameter, with lids whose rims slip on outside
the cases ; I then cut out the whole circumference of the lid, to within about half
an inch of its edge, and, procuring a piece of calico or linen, I place it flat over
the mouth of the tin case ; I put on the lid, pressing it down, which, necessarily,
draws the calico tight, and your Coleophora breeding-cage is then complete. When
wanted for use, put about two inches of earth in the bottom of the tin ; in the
centre of this put a small tumbler, or wide-mouthed bottle, containing the food,
placed in water ; put the larva? on the top of their food ; cover them (as before
explained) ; put the whole out into the open air, in a cool place, out of the reach
of the sun, and you will have no reason to complain of want of success, if they
are supplied with sufficient food.

LARVJE THAT FEED IN BUDS OR SHOOTS OF PLANTS.

Place the buds or shoots containing the larvae upon the bottoms of one or more
tumblers ; tie them tightly over with a piece of old calico or linen, and place them
out in the air, away from the sun. As the larvae devour the shoots or buds they
originally inhabited, they will begin to crawl about in search of food ; place some
fresh food upon the top of the old ; and, as they leave the old, they will enter
the fresh shoots, which they must be supplied with, until full fed, in the same
manner.

Larvae in the roots of plants require the food-plant to be replanted, either in the
open ground or in large garden- pots, until the end of spring, when they must be
taken out of the ground, and placed, with moist earth, in a deep breeding-cage 5
or, if planted in pots, both pot and plant can be conveniently set standing in a
large breeding- cage, until the perfect insects have been bred. The best time for
collecting larvae in roots is in January and February. Larvae that feed in the
folded leaves of plants (such as the larvse of Peronea hastiana upon sallow) re-
quire somewhat different treatment.

The method adopted by the London entomologists in rearing the larvae of Peronea
hastiana is as follows : —

Procure a large box, say of the following dimensions : — two feet long, eighteen
inchen wide, and one foot deep, fitted with a frame about one inch and a half wide,
droppnig into a rabbet in the edge of the box, in the same manner as the glass
frame fits into the rabbet of a cabinet drawer ; the open space of this frame must
be covered with a large piece of old calico, fixed to the bottom with glue ; both
ends of the box must also be bored with two or three large holes, two or three
inches in diameter, covered with calico or gauze. Into this box throw all your leaves
containing Peronea larva?, as collected (I have had as much as a bushel of sallow
leaves in one box, at one time) ; and place upon the top of the picked leaves small
branches of sallow, in order that the larvae, when they leave the picked leaves, may
find fresh food as they rise to the surface ; moisten the leaves in the box if they
appear to get too dry, "and stir them up, with both hands, two or three times a
week, in order that those leaves which lie at the bottom of the box may be brought
to the top ; and, to prevent fermentation taking place in such a mass of leaves,
when you think they have attained the pupa state (which may be known by exa-
mining a few of the leaves), turn a portion of the leaves out of the large box into

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 109

a tray, and carefully examine the rolled leaves for the enclosed pupae ; place the
pupse thus found in small boxes, covered with a frame and calico ; and continue
this process until you have examined all the leaves contained in the box ; then,
keeping the pupae you have found in your small breeding-cages, return the whole
mass of leaves into your large box, as there will be scores of pupse among them
which have escaped your search ; keep this mass of leaves frequently stirred, but
do not wet them any more, nor moisten again the pupse in your small cases, as the
perfect insects will begin to make their appearance in about a month after attain-
ing the pupa state, and will continue coming out throughout the autumn.

The leaves in the large box ought to be kept until the following May, as the
larvae of many other insects will have fed up along with the Peroneas — such as
Dasystoma, Salicella, small geometrse, &c., which lie in the pupa state all the
winter.

I have endeavoured in the foregoing notes to give, *as briefly as possible, some
practical information respecting the management of the larvae and pupas of the
microlepidoptera ; but much— very much— is left to the judgment of the collector
in this matter ; and, at the same time, he must always bear in mind, that the
nearer he assimilates his treatment to the laws of nature, the greater will be the
chances of success ; while the further he recedes from them, and adopts an artificial
system of treatment, the greater will be his failures.

If these notes should have the effect of adding one more student to our ranks, or
shall in any degree advance or promote the study of entomology in Ireland, I shall
sincerely rejoice, and shall be happy to aid with my advice any young entomologist
who may be in need of information upon the subject. A note addressed to me, at
No. 6, Fleet-street, Dublin, will meet with prompt and cheerful attention ; and,
I much doubt, whether he who asks for information will be more pleased at receiv-
ing it than I shall be at giving it ; as I may thus help him to elucidate, in some
measure, the economy of these little gem-like atoms of God's creation, which,
however insignificant and trifling they may appear to some superficial minds, are
fulfilling the purpose for which they were created — each, in its appointed sphere — to
draw forth our wonder, our admiration, and our praise ; for " he who wondereth
at nothing, hath no capabilities of bliss ; but he that scrutinizeth trifles, hath a
store of pleasure to his hand ; and happy and wise is the man to whose mind a trifle
existeth not."

After some conversation, in which the Kev. J. Greene said that he had had much
pleasure in listening to Mr. Shield's paper, which was not only ably written, but
extremely interesting, the meeting adjourned.

MAY 12, 1855.
K. BALL, Esq., LL.D., President, in the Chair.

The receipt of the following donations to the Library of the Association were
acknowledged, and thanks ordered to be given to the donors : —

The Proceedings of the London Entomological Society, 1854, from the Society.

The Journal of the Geological Society of Dublin, Part II., Vol. VI., from
the Society.

J. C. Dale, Esq., E.L.S., was elected a corresponding member.

The President gave his demonstration of the family Psittacidae.

Mr. Hogan read the following

CATALOGUE OF IRISH MICROLEPIDOPTERA.

In submitting to your attention the following catalogue of the species of micro-
lepidoptera known as yet to have been found in Ireland, my desire is simply to
form a supplement to the more complete summary of the larger species, the
macros, given you by the Kev. Mr. Greene ; at the same time, by forming a basis
upon which others may build an easy superstructure of additional records, to
facilitate the progress of inquiry into this hitherto little-studied branch of entomo-
logy, and to encourage Irish collectors to pursue their researches with more assi-
duity in proportion to the large number of desiderata they see as yet unfilled.

110 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

The nomenclature adopted has been, as far as it could be made available
— namely, to the end of the Tortrices — that of H. Doubleday, the same employed
by Mr. Greene ; in the larger group of Tineina, I follow Mr. Stainton, the latest
authority on that portion, and I also adopt his names for the Crambidse, those
luckless " snouts" that have been tossed to and fro from one group to another, as
alike anomalous, perplexing, and uninteresting to all nomenclators and compilers
of systematic divisions.

Common and unattractive as some of the Crambidae undoubtedly are, others
of them rejoice in varied and beautiful markings, while the broad silvery streaks
that adorn some of the rarer species ought quite to inspire admiration enough to
redeem them from the strange dislike into which their anomalous position with
respect to the other moths has brought them into.

In a very few instances, when very recent discoveries have broken into the last
arrangements, I have been compelled to deviate from prescribed authority ; how-
ever, no mistake can arise as to these, since I have appended to any dubious
names those of the authors from whom they are taken.

All objections to the study which may be raised from the minuteness of the
objects, should, I think, be at once silenced by a consideration of the mighty in-
fluences that have at all times affected the world from the agency of small and
overlooked creatures ; it is the weak and fragile things that have been chosen to
confound the powerful, and this has been done to teach us that we should not
glory in His presence who created them. Nor can the effects produced by the
micros be easily passed by without the eye meeting, though it may not willingly
observe them ; the tortuous mines in the leaves of so many plants, strangely varied
in form, and yet, at times, seemingly symmetrical — the drooping shoot, whose
internal parts are slowly devoured by the fattening larva— the tenderly-united
leaves of the sallow and the rose — the cankered bud that blights the cherished
hopes of the anxious florist — the decaying forms which startle the eye of the ento-
mologist whose attention to his perishable collections has been turned away for a
period of unwonted length — all bear a testimony that will not, cannot, be set
aside.

One of the greatest points of attraction to the study of the Tineina, says Mr.
Stainton, is afforded by the endless variety in the habits of the species ; this his
own books abundantly demonstrate ; and not less do they point out the rich field of
discovery that lies open to future investigators.

But other difficulties will occur to the minds of those who are willing and de-
sirous to take up the study ; they will naturally anticipate great trouble both in the
identification and in the manipulation (capturing, setting, &c.) of micros. Now,
in regard to the former, I gladly quote our best authority on the subject, Mr.
Stainton, who says — " It has been the remark of every writer, that the smaller the
species, the more splendid the colouring, and the more sharply -defined the
markings ; it is precisely amongst the smallest species that we find the characters
of the families most strongly defined ; and, whereas among the larger species it is
extremely difficult to arrange them in families with good distinctive characters, in
the smaller species no such difficulty exists." In regard to the second obstacle,
though the micros undoubtedly need delicacy of touch and steadiness of hand, yet
the little experience I have myself had convinces me that the danger of injury is
not nearly so great as one might suppose, and that, in most instances, it is much
easier to set their wings than those of the macros. The list is as follows : —

TORTRICES.

Halias prasinana. Wicklow, &c.

„ quercana (7). Ditto. Tardy 's list ; but introduced, I suspect, by some

confusion, for Phibalocera quercana.

Tortrix pyrastrana. Dublin, &c. Pupae in leaves of apricots, &c., at end of May.
„ xylosteana. Do.

„ rosana. Do. Pupae in rose leaves, at end of May.
„ heparana. Mr. Clear.
„ ribeana. Belfast.
„ unifasciana. Mr. Haliday's list.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. Ill

Tortrix viburnana. Killarney.

„ icterana. Howth ; not uncommon in the larva state ; the male larvas ap-
pearing in June and the female larvae in July, on Plantago lanceolate,
Centaurea nigra, &c. This is a curious circumstance, as the female is
much rarer than the male in the imago state. The latter emerges in
July ; the former, in August.
„ viridana. Dublin, &c. ; common.
„ adjunctana. Common ; larvae to be found on honeysuckle and ivy, in

April.

,, corylana. Mr. Clear.
„ ministrana. Newtownlimavady, Co. Derry.
Dichelia grotiana. Mr. Tardy.
Amphysa gerningana. Do.
Peronea favillaceana. Howth ; larvae, in July, on the under side of beech leaves,

enclosed in a fine web.

„ rufana. Howth, &c. ; on hedges, in September and October.
„ schallerana. Mr. Tardy ; also var. latifasciana, Hw.
„ abilgaardana. Howth, &c. ; larvae on brambles, in June and July ;

common.

„ cristana. Belfast; also the varieties spadiceana, Hw., desfontainiana, F.
„ umbrana. Mr. Tardy.

„ tristana. Belfast ; also the vars. boscana, F.t and plumbosana, Hw.
Teras effractana. Do. ; also at Blarney, Co. Cork.

,, caudana. (?) Belfast.
Dictyopteryx contaminana. (?) Same locality.
„ holmiana. Do.

„ bergmanniana. Common ; pupae to be found in rose leaves, at the

end of May.

Argyrotoza conwayana. Mr. Tardy.
Penthina betuletana. Holywood, Co. Down.

,, pruniana. Common everywhere ; larvae on leaves of sloes, cherry trees,

&c., in May.

,, cynosbana. Mr. Clear.
Spilonota roborana. Howth ; larvae common on sweetbriar, in May.

,, suffusana. Mr. Haliday's list.
Pardia tripuuctana. Dublin, &c.
Notocelia udmanniana. Dublin ; not uncommon ; larvae in shoots of bramble,

in June.

Sericoris cespitana. In month of July ; scarce near Dublin.
„ littorana. Howth ; a single specimen.
„ lacunana. Dublin ; very common.
„ urticana. (?) Mr. Haliday's list.
Mixodia schulziana. Mourne Mountains, Co. Down.
Roxana arcuana. Mr. Clear. *

Cnephasia musculana. Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow ; larvae between united bramble
leaves, in September, about which time they cease feeding, and form a slight
cocoon between two leaves. In the middle of November, the larva, having
wasted to about half its former size, and contracted a withered appearance,
changes to the pupa state.
Sciaphila virgaureana. Near Dublin ; larvas to be met on Veronica beccabunga,

in June.

„ alternana. Mr. Tardy.
„ passivana. Not uncommon near Dublin.
„ hybridana. Do.
Bactra lanceolana. Do.
Phoxopteryx uncana. Belfast.
,, myrtillana. Do.

,, lundana. Near Dublin, on slopes of Drogheda Railway ; flies freely

from five to half-past six o'clock, a.m. ; plentiful in May.
„ mitterbacheriana. Roebuck, near Dublin; and at Belfast.

112 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Graph olita nigromaculana. Mr. Tardy.
„ trimaculana. Do.

penkleriana. Belfast.
„ naevana. Do.

Phlasodes frutetana. Howth ; larvae on alders, in August.
Paedisca corticana. Do. ; among heather, in July.
Ephippiphora dissimilana. (?) Mr. Haliday's list.
„ cirsiana. Dublin ; not uncommon.

„ scutulana. Do. ; do.

,, brunnichiana. Near Dingle, Co. Kerry.

Semasia spiniana. Howth, in August.

„ janthinana. Mr. Clear and Mr. Tardy.
„ waeberiana. Belfast.
Coccyx vacciniana. Dublin ; larvae on vaccinium, in June, July, and August ;

imago, in April and May.
Retinia pinivorana. Holy wood, Co. Down.
Carpocapsa pomonana. Mr. Clear.
Endopisa nebritana. Mr. Tardy.
Stigmonota perlepidana. Raheny, Co. Dublin ; one specimen, on the wing,

June 9.

„ trauniana. Roebuck, near Dublin.

Dicrorampha petiverana. Mr. Clear.

„ ulicana. Near Dublin, Drogheda Railway slopes, in June.

„ plumbagana. Along with D. ulicana.

Pyrodes rheediana. Holywood, Co. Down.
Catoptria ul ice tana. Dublin ; very common.
,, hypericana. Enniskerry, in July.
Trycheris mediana. Generally distributed.
Choreutes scintillulana. Holywood, Co. Down.
Simaethis fabriciana. Common.
Eupoecilia atricapitana, Steph. Clontarf, near Dublin ; one specimen, June 16.

„ angustana, Hub. Near Belfast.
Xanthosetia zoegana. Killiney, Co. Dublin, end of July ; also at Belfast.

,, hamana. Mr. Tardy.
Argyrolepia baumanniana. (?) Belfast.
„ badiana. Howth, in July.

Cochylis dilucidana, Steph. Do., do.
,, stramineana. Belfast.

CRAMBID-E.

Crambus pratellus. Belfast.

„ pascuellus. Dublin ; common.

„ hortuellus. Do. ; do.

„ pinetellus. Blarney, Co. Cork.

„ culmellus. Abundant.

„ tristellus. Generally distributed.

„ selasellus. Belfast.
Eudorea pyralella. Dublin ; abundant.

,, frequentella. In gardens ; generally distributed.

„ murana. (?) Belfast.

„ lineola. Scarce ; larvae feeding under lichen on old blackthorns.
Aphonia colonella. Co. Dublin, Roebuck, &c. ; on stone walls, in July. It is
remarkable that the soil of this neighbourhood is rich, and by no means dry or
sandy, like that in which this species has usually been found to occur.
Homceosoma nimbella. Common near Dublin ; larvae in unripe seeds of Matricaria
chamomilla, in September.

TINEINA.

Chimabacche Fagella. Mr. Haliday's list.

Ochsenheinaeria Birdella. Holywood, Co. Down ; Portmarnock, Co. Dublin ;
Dingle Bay, Co. Kerry, &c.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 113

Euplocamus Boleti. Mr. Haliday ; among the mould of a hollow oak tree, at

Holywood.

Tinea rusticella. Howth, &c.
„ tapetzella. Belfast.
„ arcella. Do.

,, corticella. Dublin ; in houses.
„ Granella. Belfast.
,, cloacella. Do., and Dublin.
„ fuscipunctella. Common near Dublin.
„ pellionella. Belfast, and near Dublin.
,, biselliella. Dublin ; in abundance.
Lampronia Rubiella. Holywood, Co. Down ; in raspberries.
Incurvaria muscalella. Mr. Haliday.

„ capitella. Do.
Micropteryx Calthella. Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow.

„ Seppella. Howth, &c. ; common everywhere.

,, Allionella. Lough Bray, Co. Dublin ; Blackstones, Co. Kerry.
Nemophora Metaxella. Belfast.

,, Schwarziella. Lough Bray ; on heath.

Swammerdamia apicella. Mr. Clear.

„ caesiella. Clontarf, Co. Dublin ; in August.

„ Pyrella. Near Dublin ; bred from larvae in leaves of apple.

Scythropia Crataegella. Mr. Clear.
Hyponomeuta Padellus. Belfast.

„ Evonymellus. Holywood ; a large nest on evonymus, reared ; and

at Blarney, on flowers of Sambucus ebulus ; and at Dublin.
„ Padi. Belfast.

Prays Curtisellus. Do.

Plutella Cruciferarum. Near Dublin ; not uncommon.
Cerostoma Xylostella. Mr. Haliday's list.

Phibalocera Quercana. Near Dublin, also at Blackstones, Co. Kerry, and at
Blarney, Co. Cork ; larvse on the under side of the leaves of the arbutus, in June.
Depressaria costosa. Howth, &c., Co. Dublin.
„ liturella. Do., and Co. Kerry.
,, assimilella. Howth.
„ atomella. Do.
,, arenella. Do., &c.
„ subpropinquella. Raheny, Co. Dublin ; larvae enclosed in a light web,

under leaves of thistles, in June.

,, Alstrsemeriana. Dolly mount, Co. Dublin, in August.
„ purpurea. Clonmel, &c., in September.
„ ocellana. Belfast.
„ applana. Dublin, &c.
„ nervosa. Mr. Clear.
,, badiella. Near Dingle, Co. Kerry.
„ Heracliana. Dublin, &c. ; not uncommon.
Gelechia rufescens. Clontarf, Co. Dublin ; larvse in rolled-up leaves of grass, in

spring and autumn.
,, ericetella. Howth, Co. Dublin.
„ terrella. Belfast.
,, proximella. Mr. Haliday's list.
,, tricolorella. Howth ; larvae in shoots of Stellaria holostea, in April,

1855.
„ fraternella. Larvas on Stellaria uliginosa, at Howth, and on Cerastium

vulgatum, at Malahide ; abundant in April and May.
,, vicinella. On the coast near Belfast.

„ marmorea. Sandy coasts, near Dingle, Co. Kerry ; abundant.
„ taeniolella. Blarney, Co. Cork ; one specimen, in August, 1854.
„ Anthyllidella. Near Dublin ; larvae mining the leaves of Anthyllis vul-
neraria in April.

114 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Gelechia atrella. A single specimen, bred from larvae taken on the coast, near

Dingle, Co. Kerry.

„ naeviferella. Old road, Howth ; larvae mining leaves of Atriplex in Sep-
tember.

„ Hermannella. Mr. Haliday's list.
Cleodora Cytisella. Killarney.
Dasycera sulphurella. Dublin, &c. ; in abundance.
-/Ecophora oppositella, Sta. Holywood, Co. Down. (?)

„ minutella. Dublin; in June.
Endrosis fenestrella. Dublin, &c. ; common.
Acrolepia granitella. Do. ; do.
Glyphipteryx Fischeriella. Howth.
Argyresthia ephippella. Belfast.

„ nitidella. Mr. Haliday's list.
„ spiniella. Howth ; mixed underwood, in August.
„ mendica. Mr. Haliday's list.
„ Goedartella. Dublin, &c. ; not uncommon.
,, Brockeella. Do. ; do.

Ocnerostoma piniariella. Howth ; among fir trees, in June and July.
Gracilaria Swederella. Common.

„ elongclla. Dublin, Cork, and Holywood, on oaks ; larvae on alders at

Howth, in June and October.
„ tringipennella. Dublin, &c. ; larvae mining the leaves of Plantago lan-

ceolata, in April and July.

„ Syringella. Dublin, Holywood, &c., on syringa ; very common.
,, auroguttella. Howth and Enniskerry ; in April and July.
Ornix Anglicella. Common near Dublin ; larvte on hawthorn and sloe, in Sep-
tember and October.

Coleophora alcyonipennella. Howth ; larvae plentiful on Centaurea nigra, in May.
„ discordella. Howth, &c.; larvae abundant on Lotus corniculatus, in April

and May.

„ annulatella. Howth, old road ; larvae on seeds of Atriplex, in Sep-
tember and October.

„ nigricella. Near Dublin ; not uncommon.
„ fuscedinella. Dublin, &c.
« gryphipennella. Do.

Laverna lacteella. (?) Mr. Haliday.
„ Epilobiella. Near Dublin.
Chrysoclista Linneella. Holywood, Co. Down.

„ flavicaput. Near Dublin.
Asychna modestella. Do.
Chrysocorys festaliella. Killarney.
Elachista Megerlella. Howth ; in May.

„ triseriatella.* A single specimen, at Howth, 1st July, 1854. Five
years had elapsed since the capture of the first specimen, on Durdham
Downs, near Bristol, at the same period of the year (26th June).
„ rufocinerea. Near Dublin ; very common.
„ cygnipennella. Dublin, &c. ; abundant.
Tischeria complanella. (?) Mr. Haliday's list.

,, marginea. Howth ; larvae in brambles, in November.
Lithocolletis irradiella. One specimen, near Kaheny, Co. Dublin, May 7, 1854.

This species was previously unique.
„ pomifoliella. Near Dublin ; not uncommon.
„ spinicolella. Do. ; do.
,, Faginella. Do. ; do.

„ quercifoliella. Dublin, Holywood, &c.; abundant, especially on ever-
green oaks.
,, Messaniella. Holywood, Cork, &c. ; in oak leaves.

.» Figured, PI. iv., Fig. 1.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 115

Lithocolletis corylifoliella. Near Dublin ; larvae in the upper side of hawthorn

leaves, in October ; scarce.

„ alnifoliella. Howth ; larvae abundant in October, in leaves of birch.
„ Cramerella. Mr. Curtis.
„ trifasciella. Howth, old road; larvae in leaves of honeysuckle, in

September and October.
Lyonetia Clerckella. Dunnycarney, Co. Dublin ; larvae in leaves of apple trees,

in September ; common at Holy wood, Blarney, &c.
Cemiostoma spartifoliella. Common.
Nepticula Oxyacanthella. Coolock, Co. Dublin ; larvae in hawthorn leaves, in

October.

„ ignobilella. Do. ; do.
„ Acetosae. Howth ; larvas in leaves of sorrel, in July, October, and

November.

,, plagicolella. Artane, Co. Dublin ; larvas in leaves of sloe, in October.
„ gratiosella. Killester, Co. Dublin ; one specimen, in April.
,, marginicolella. Clontarf, Co. Dublin ; larvse in elm leaves, in October.
„ aurella. Dublin ; larvse in bramble leaves, throughout the year, every-
where.

Pterophorus trigonodactylus. Clontarf, Co. Dublin ; on common coltsfoot.
„ Pilosellfe. (?) Belfast.
,, bipunctidactylus. Do.
„ pterodactylus. (?) Do.
,, galactodactylus. Mr. Tardy.
„ pentadactylus. Mr. Tardy and Mr. Clear.
Alucitina polydactyla. Eoebuck, Co. Dublin ; Blarney, Co. Cork ; on windows.

In concluding the catalogue, I have with pleasure to acknowledge that all the
records hitherto made by collectors of former days, have been rendered available
to me through the kindness of Mr. Haliday ; and that, for information on the
food of the larvse, &c., as well as notes of additional species, I am indebted to Mr.
R. Shield, whose untiring industry promises to do much for the advancement of this
department of science ; also to Rev. J. Greene, J. Grainger, and E. P. Wright,
Esqrs. My especial thanks are due to H. T. Stainton, Esq., for his assistance in
disentangling the synonymic names of species. My own contributions have been
but few, the only one of any importance being Elachista triseriatella, of which a
figure, drawn by Mr. Haliday (see plate iv., fig. 1), accompanies this paper, it
not having been before figured in any scientific work. It has been my endeavour,
as far as possible, to give names of localities rather than of captors, as being more
interesting to the public ; of some of the less recently recorded species, however, I
have been unable to obtain any other information than the ipse dixit of the captor.
At the same time, I can assure any English reader into whose hands this may fall,
that nothing is recorded, without an appended query, which I have the least reason to
doubt.

Mr. Grainger exhibited some specimens of Irish Lepidoptera, which he had
collected himself.

After some conversation, the meeting proceeded to ballot for new members, when
Achilles Daunt, Esq., S.T.C.D., and Henry Crozier, Esq., T.C.D., were elected
ordinary members.

The meeting then adjourned.

JUNE 2, 1855.
R. BALL, Esq., LL.D., President, in the Chair.

The President gave a demonstration of the family Cuculidse.

The Entomological Secretary read the following extract of a letter from J. C.
Dale, F.L.S. :—

"Glanville's Wootton, Sherborne, Dorset, May 8, 1855.

"Having been now 'in the field' very nearly 50 years, more practically
than scientifically, I have been particular in making notes as to dates and

116 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

localities, &c., with a view to ascertain what are really and truly British captures,
as far as possible. A great deal depends on the veracity of the narrator ; and I
have endeavoured to find out, pro and con, the respectability and dependence to be
placed on them. Some are careless, and apt to make mistakes as to names, &c. ;
some are fond of notoriety, and of seeing their names in print, &c. The late Mr.
Sparshall, of Norwich, had a dragon-fly, which he assured me he took himself near
Norwich. The Baron De Selys tells me that must be a mistake, as it is not even
European. And, again, of the Arcturus Sparshalli, figured by Mr. Curtis, he gave
the date and locality, &c. M. Boisduval suspected it was American ; but the
British Museum now have a pair from Australia ! Some are too credulous and
others too sceptical, especially in London ; and I know even there a little variance
in opinion, especially when they happen to possess a specimen which before they
rather doubted. The capture of A. Belia certainly surprised me ; but Weaver
assured me he is quite certain he made no mistake about M. Dia, and that at the
time he took them he never had a foreign species. Sir Patrick Walker told me
that he took the H. ligea (of which he had one specimen, and now belongs to
Samuel Stevens, F.L.S., and two he gave to the late J. F. Stephens, and now in
British Museum) near Brodick Castle, in the Isle of Arran, and also H. blandina,
when there grouse- shooting. This is now doubted by some, and one person has
written to me saying, that lif Sir P. Walker was now alive, and told him so, he
would contradict him to his face!' I had hopes entomologists, in general, were a more
respectable body. P. Hampstediensis of Petiver is evidently a mistake ! Petiver
himself must have misunderstood the statement respecting it ; which is easy to
suppose arose from Dr. Solander living at Hampstead after his return with Sir
Joseph Banks, &c. I ventured a suggestion, that he might have shown his speci-
men to Albin and Petiver, and said he took it in the Isle of Amsterdam ; and that
from the similar names arose the mistake. It and many others that are well
ascertained, like this, to be erroneous, should be expunged. I have V. Huntera which
Captain Blomer took in Wales ; Mrs. Blomer also told me she remembered his
having taken it, and was nearly throwing it away as V. cardui. He has been
doubted also by some ! I have stated that I believed I once saw P. podalirius
alive in Cambridgeshire, settled on some rushes, facing the rising sun, with ' its
wings half expanded.' Some person has stated that I must be mistaken ; for I
could not have known P. podalirius from P. machaon, with ' its wings closed.'' I
fancy, however, on the contrary, that I should know it even with ' its wings closed'
from Machaon, which is a very old acquaintance of mine, both in this part and also
in other parts of England. There are other authorities, two of which I have,
written by their captors. But some deny the whole, and say that one is P.
Feisthamilii, a native of Spain, &c. Now, that is given in the Stettin Catalogue as a
variety of P. alexanor, and not of Podalirius, although I am aware Boisduval, &c.,
give it as the last. It would certainly be more satisfactory to have other evidence,
though Sphinx nerii has been taken in several instances, and I heard of two at
Sherborne, but have not seen either !

«,J. C. DALE,"

Mr. Haliday showed several Hemipterous insects, with parasites attached, of a
compressed spheroidal or somewhat reniform figure, embossed with bands of zig-zag
sculpture, and affixed by one of the lobes of the sinus, which he had observed to
terminate in connivent valves, somewhat like the operculum of a Bulanus. These
bodies are usually attached to the under side, between the head and prothorax of
the insect, if of moderate size, as the species of Evacanthus, one of which, the
craticula of Curtis, common among rushes, is particularly infested by them. To
smaller insects, as Typhlocyba, Delphax, &c., they are commonly affixed between
the segments of the abdomen, under the elytra and wings in winged individuals.
They appear to grow in size, and the larger ones have been observed to split open
along the convex face, disclosing a naked apod grub, with horny head, furnished
with jaws and jointed appendages. He had not succeeded in tracing their further
development ; but some observations made on their structure, led him to conjecture
that they might be larvae of Diptera, especially the circumstance that the four
malpighian vessels were united, two and two, into a pair of common ducts before

PROCEEDINGS'*)*1 SOCIETIES. 117

the insertion. Boheraann, however, who had observed these parasites on Typh-
locyba, and found that the grub enclosed itself in a cocoon, is of opinion that they
are the lame of some of the Chalcidce or ProctotrupidtR.* The matter was now
brought before the Association, in the hope, that some of the members might be
more successful in determining the question by direct observation.

He showed also some Coleoptera and Diptera taken in Ireland. Two of these,
Heterothops dissimilis and Agathidium marginatum, had been found before in other
parts of the country, but were additions to the Coleopterous fauna of the Dublin
district, lately taken at Portmarnock. Also Pelina asnescens, new to the British
Fauna, taken at Lough Bray on the 14th of the last month, when a number of the mem-
bers of the Association visited the spot for the sake of collecting. This fly, belonging
to the group Ephydrini of the family Muscidce, was first observed in Lapland, but
has since been found in other parts of Sweden. Of this group, 65 British species were
enumerated in a brief sketch inserted in the "Annals of Natural History" in 1839.
An excellent Monograph of the Swedish species has been given by Stenhammar in
the volume of the " Transactions of the Royal Swedish Academy," published in
1844 ; and by the help of this and of Zetterstedt's "Diptera Scandinavise" some British
species had been since discriminated, and the number increased by six ; but of these
only two were new discoveries — the fly in question and another which was also
before the meeting, Discomyza cimiciformis.-f At a former meeting of the Associa-
tion Dr. Kinahan had recorded an interesting observation as to the economy of
Discomyza incurva, the only species of the genus hitherto characterized. The
second species is not, however, a new discovery, as Mr. Haliday had received, in
1847, specimens, named as above, from Mr. Curtis, who first found it in June,
1842, near Quar Abbey (Isle of Wight) and in a marsh at Hyde. Last September
it was met with, not very scarce, on the banks of the creek of Owenbeg river, Cork
Harbour, chiefly on Seta maritima. Like the other species, it takes long skips,
probably with the help of the wings, but does not use them for a sustained flight.
On the shore of the same creek, within a space of a few yards square, the following
maritime Coleoptera occurred, besides others of less note: — Bradycellus pubescens,
Pogonus chalceus, Bembidium laterale, Aepys robinii, Micralymma marinum
(Stroem), Heterocerus marshami. It was remarkable that of this list only the first
was known to Mr. Clear as a native of the County Cork. Mr. Haliday had never
before found all of them associated. The Aepys, which occurred also near Passage,
appears to be confined to those parts of the coast, below high-water mark, where
clay comes to the surface. Specimens from Scotland of Aepys robinii, the gift of
Mr. Javet, were shown, also Aepys marinus from Strangford. Mr. Haliday was
disposed to doubt the importance of the distinctions assigned to the two alleged
species. The difference in the armour of the feet led him to suspect that a sexual
distinction may have been treated as specific. He quoted the remarks under
Ptilium pallidum in the Faune Fran9aise of Fairmaire and Laboulbene — "Les
angles posterieurs du corselet varient un peu, et il est facile, avec de la bonne
volonte, de trouver des angles tres obtus et des angles presque droits ; mais,
selon nous, ces deux termes sont fort exageres." He had found at Blarney Lake,
last summer, some specimens of Phytobius velatus (shown), of which he possessed
before but one taken at Holywood (Down). These were partly taken out of the
water, partly swept off the stems of Equisetum, when the sun was shining strong.
Beck, the first discoverer of this species, has remarked that it swims fast and dives.
The peculiar structure of the legs was shown, "natatorial," as Scbonherr calls them,
being thinly furnished with long hairs, the tarsi without the broad felt-like sole
usual in this family, and with scarcely any enlargement or notch of the penultimate
joint, but with long claws like those of Elmis, &c., by which it clings to the sub-
merged plants (Myriophyllum, Zannichellia, &c.) among which it haunts. A
second species, Ph. leucogaster, of which also specimens were shown, taken at
Holywood, has the like structure in some degree, and the two have been separated
from Phytobius by Redtenbacher as the genus Litodactylus, but as Suffrian has
pointed out, in the Stettin Entomological Journal, there are considerable differences

» Proceedings of Swedish Academy for 1850, p. 213.
t See the description of both these species at the end of this paper.
VOL. II. k

118 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

between them, and Ph. velatus has the aquatic character much more decided.
This species has been already given as Irish by Mr. Wollaston (" Zoologist," 1847,
p. 1573); but it would appear from the " Entomologists' Annual," p. 105, that
Ph. velaris was the insect intended, which belongs to another section of the genus,
having the ordinary structure of tarsi, felted beneath, and with bilobed penultimate
joint. Three other Irish species were shown, canaliculatus (taken at Blarney), quad-
rituberculatus, and comari (both at Holywood). The larvte of two of this section
have been described — viz., of P. notula by Ferris in the " Memoirs of the Academy of
Lyons," and of P. velaris by Dufour in the " Annals of the French Entom. Society ;"
but that of Litodactylus is as yet unknown. Another insect of the same family,
not found by Mr. Clear, Gymnetron beccabungoe, was taken (a single specimen) in
the glen of the Shournagh river. This and the neighbouring streams which swell
the current of the Lea, afforded Orectochilus villosus more abundantly than it had
been found elsewhere. But, in consequence of its nocturnal habits, it is only to be
procured by day under stones, or by fishing along the shaded edges of the stream.
At Blarney Lake Gyrinus celox (Schicedte) occurred very sparingly. It is to be
observed that this is reduced by Schaum (Catal. Hydradephaga Brit. Museum) to
a synonym of G. bicolor, which last has been found by Mr. Furlong in Kerry. Of
the genus Cassida the Irish list is very scanty, especially as regards the Dublin
district, within which only C. rubiginosa is vouched for. The European list in
the Stettin Catalogue amounts to 31, increased to 40 in Gaubil's, of which, how-
ever, two are properly Algirian, and two Caucasian. Even the British list in
Curtis's Guide amounts to 18. Besides the species named, C. equestris is not
uncommon in other parts, chiefly on Menthce in watery places. C. nobilis has
occurred on Cochlearia by the shore of Strangford Lough. Mr. Clear, by letter,
had supplied the names of two more, obsoleta and hemisphcerica, the correctness of
which has been ascertained by a late reference to the relics of his collection ; and
of the former, Mr. Haliday procured two specimens in the neighbourhood of Cork.
The genus Colon numbers five species in Ireland, none of which have been
observed in the Dublin district, though C. brunneus, which has occurred in Cork,
Gal way, and Wicklow, as well as in the North of Ireland, may be looked for here
also. The other species recorded are serripes, appendiculatus, calcaratus, and
dentipes (Sahlberg). This last had been given as a new species (C. spinipes) by
Mr. Haliday in the " Entomologist ;" but Kraatz has since shown that the insect
there described is the true dentipes of Sahlberg, and that Erichson has a different
species under that name. It is not yet determined which of these two is the
dentipes of Murray's Catalogue of Scotch Coleoptera. The enumeration of new
species in the " Entomologists' Annual" suggests some notes on species already
recorded as Irish. Gymnusa brevicollis, given as such by Mr. Haliday in the
" Entomologist" (1841), should be G. variegata, Kiesenwetter, as Dr. Schaum sub-
sequently showed him. Boreaphilus brevicollis, described in the same place,
judging from the figure given by Spry, is probably identical with Coryphium
angusticolle, Stephens ; but the characters were entirely misapprehended by him,
and Sahlberg's older generic name cannot justly be made to yield. The genus
is now rich in synonyms, Heer having more lately characterized it as Chevrieria,
and last of all the name Macropalpus has been given it in the "Annals of the French
Entom. Society." Stephens's trivial name is unfortunately chosen ; the thorax in
this species being much broader in proportion than in the type B. henningianus^
also shown. The only English specimen of the former is believed to be that in
Mr. Kirby's collection. Three have been found at Holywood. One was taken on
a rotten stump, the others off grass in sweeping. Arpedium brachypterum was first
recorded as British in 1851 (Hardy and Bold's Catalogue of Coleoptera, &c.) ;
but Irish specimens, with name and locality (Sliebh Donard), have been in the
British Museum collection since 1847. These appear to agree very well with the
form described by Kiesenwetter as A. troglodytes. It has not yet been found on
any of the other mountains of Ireland. The other native species of the genus,
A. myops, Hal., "Entomologist" (1841), has been definitely pronounced by
Kraatz to be identical (as there queried) with A. humile, Erichson. The habitat
given by him, Ural Mountains, and his having overlooked a character so singular
in this tribe, as the want of ocelli, forbade its positive identification, before, with a

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 119

species so common in this island. However, an inspection of Stephens's collection
has shown it to be identical also with his Omalium subpubescens, which is the
oldest name of the three. Specimens were shown of a Lesteva with wings scarcely
extending to the end of the abdomen, and with elytra apparently shorter than in
L. bicolor* These were taken on the top of Lugnaquilla and Brandon. L. bicolor,
as commonly found in the low grounds, has ample wings ; but the two agree so
nearly in most other respects that this was proposed only as a variety collina.
Corticaria cylindrical, Mnhm, (?) reported at a previous meeting (Nat. Hist. Rev.,
vol. ii., proc. 53), having been sent to Mr. Curtis, he has pronounced it a species
unknown to him. But in the " Zoologist" for May last, Mr. Wollaston has de-
scribed as new (C. borealis} an insect apparently closely allied to this, and likewise
found on the sea-coast. Saprinus dimidiatus (Nat. Hist. Kev., vol. i., p. 89) is,
as Mr. Jansen has suggested (Ent. Annual, 1855, p. 94), intended for the species
so named by Illiger and Payhull. It is doubtful, however, whether it should have
a place in the Annual, as it was supposed, with us here, to be identical with Hister
maritimus, Stephens. It is to be observed, however, that Fairmaire and Laboul-
bene make the latter a probable synonym of a different species, S. sabulosus, Fne.
Fr. 280, 24. The Heterocerus, given asfemoralis in the list of Dublin Coleoptera
(Nat. Hist. Rev., vol. i., p. 34), was shown. Kiesenwetter has described it as a
new species, H. arenosus ; but with doubt expressed, having only two specimens
before him. Aphodius lapponum, first recorded as British in 1847, by Mr. Hardy,
as A. subalpinus, had been long before known to us, by its proper name, as a native
of Ireland, which occurred on the hills both of Antrim and Wicklow. Cercyon
depression, lately characterized as a new species, C. dorsostriatum, by Thomson in
the " Transactions of the Swedish Academy," 1854, occurs on most of our sea-coasts
along with C. littorale, but more sparingly, under sea-weed drying on the
sands. It was but lately that Mr. Haliday had observed its more peculiar
habitat to be on open shingly shores, where it might be found abundantly on the
Laminarice, cast up by the sea, weltering in the briny moisture, unmixed with C.
littorale.

In conclusion, some species of the family Trichopterygidce were shown, with
Sturm's plates illustrative of Gillmeister's Monograph. Some of the Irish species
appeared to be undescribed, and none of the recorded British species were wanting
here, except Ptenidium levigatum, found by the Rev. W. Little in Dumfriesshire,
Ptilium excavatum, in Mr. Stephens's collection, and Trichopteryx pumila, if this
species lurks under the pusilla of Stephens, which the posture of the specimens in
his collection makes it difficult to determine.

Mr. Haliday remarked that Mr. Wollaston, in his accurate and splendid volume,
" Insecta Maderensia," a copy of which the Association possesses through the
liberality of the author, had substituted for Trichopteryx the name Acrotrichis
proposed by Motschoulsky, on the ground that the former had been employed by
Hiibner ten years before Kirby applied it to this group of Coleoptera. With great
deference for Mr. Wollaston's judgment on such a question, he would venture to
put in a plea for the name imposed by the venerated Kirby, and embalmed in a
work so well known and prized at home and abroad as the u Introduction to
Entomology." The application of it in Lepidoptera was long since abandoned, and
not the least likely to be revived. Indeed many of Hiibner's "-genera" had little
more scientific value than the " Darts" and "Waves" and " Carpets" of English
Aurelians. If the names proposed by such multiplying genus-makers as Hiibner
and Desvoidy, though rejected, were to be considered as prohibited for other uses,
he feared that the mass of verbal materials thus used up would be found a heavy
loss. Some of the misuse which Agassiz had apprehended and warned against,
has already arisen out of his invaluable " Nomenclator," and some besides which
he had probably thought it unnecessary to denounce. But if the principle on which
Trichopteryx was set aside were admitted, all that would be needful, for an author
fond of seeing mihis in print, would be to examine the bis lecta names marked
in the index of the " Nomenclator," and rename all which bore later dates (dates
not always accurate), without examination as to the application or permanent ac-
ceptance of the earlier one. - Unfortunately Agassiz had lent the sanction of his
name also to a sort of hypercritical purism liable to be abused. No doubt it was

120 PROCEEDINGS Of SOCIETIES.

desirable that writers, who composed or adapted generic names from the Greek,
should have a knowledge of the letters of the Greek alphabet, beyond their simi-
larity in shape to the Roman letters of the printer. It must be conceded that, for
instance, Spavius, as the representative of STraj/ioc, was open to criticism. Indeed
a considerably greater degree of etymological attainments than this inferred might
be expended on the construction of generic names, without inconvenience ; but,
perhaps, stiffness and monotony would be the chief result from an unbending ap-
plication of the rules devised by grammarians, but from which the Greek as a living
language admitted so many variations. Dr. Leach— of whom Kirby has said,
Nihil non tetigit, et omnia qua tetigit ornavit — had been a considerable maker of
genera and generic names, which had found general acceptance. His ear had led
him to introduce various compounds in which the more ordinary short a, for the
close of the precedent member (a noun) in composition, was replaced by long e.
These Agassiz has remodelled, for Limnebius, Lirnnephilus, &c., substituting Lint-
nobius, Limnophitus, and the like. Yet Elaphebolus, Stephanephorus, Zoephorus,
Poephagus, Moeregenes, and more of this class stand unchallenged in the Lexicon.
EvenP%saptfs(PAysapz, Physapoda), sanctioned by the names of Degeer, Linnasus,
Illiger, Latreille, &c., might be vindicated against Burmeister's newer candidate,
Physopoda, while Tola and Tana imprinted the characteristic a on so many com-
pounds. But Burmeister, in his critical sagacity (nasi emunctioris), has not with-
held his castigating hands, in yet other instances, from the style of Linnaeus, whose
Myrmeleon has expanded, under the ferule, into Mt/rmecoleon, MIHI. Erichson
upon this has remarked, that if the lengthened form be more accordant with the
canons of grammarians, that chasen by Linnaeus savours more of the idiom of the
Greek. That he might not appear before this court as a merely gratuitous advocate,
Mr. Haliday would instance a compound of his own fabrication, Melanthrips,
which under Burmeister's reforming hands had shot up into the tetrasyllable
dignity of Melanothrips, MIHI. Then the critic would strip the spear of its gar-
niture melandeton ; the river must roll no more melandines in song ; while in com-
pensation Melancholia should hold no more sad victims in horrid chains ! But
to take defence on the very lowest grounds, there was an old legal maxim not
inapplicable to any debatable cases — "Fieri non oportebat, facta valent." To
go a step beyond generic names ; Jussieu's plan of an uniform termination, as
distinctive of the natural families, had been applied to the animal kingdom by
Leach, deriving the family names from the typical genus, in the form of the
patronymic in idae. The modern families are in great part equivalent to the
genera of Linnaeus, or of Fabricius, in entomology, and thus may rank among the
most marked groups in the systematic scale. Hence there was an obvious advan-
tage in discriminating them by some such device ; and the method of Leach had
been very generally adopted in England, as well as in France of late, and in Ger-
many by Germar and probably by others. Burmeister has objected to this plan,
that idae can properly be appended to Greek roots alone, and that if a few examples
can be produced of Latin names so modified Ce.gr., JRomuIidae of the Satirist,
Scipiadae of Lucilius) they are only from the poets, while the language of zoo-
logy is simple prose. There is some reason in this ; but we may add, that the
vocabulary of the classics is necessarily insufficient for the extended wants of
technical language, and that a form which, in virtue of these instances, is at least
not foreign to the genius of the language, nor more obnoxious to criticism than
other classes of modern derivatives and compounds, introduced of necessity, may
claim some favour, as meeting an acknowledged want. The only other uniform,
termination which has been proposed instead, not liable to yet stronger exceptions, is
ina ; but this is also in use for subordinate divisions of the families, and for the
higher group the substantive has some obvious advantages over the adjective form.
Having ascended from the genera so far, a few remarks may be allowed upon the
names of orders. Linnaeus in the compounds of ptera found denominations for them,
uniform and euphonious, while expressive of the characters to which he gave most
weight in their discrimination. Fabricius, founding his system primarily on another
set of organs, substituted names comparatively dissonant, uncouth, and etymo-
logically corrupted. Even the signal benefits which he had conferred on
science, by generic characters established on a surer base, as well as by a long

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 121

series of added genera and species, could not perpetuate names encumbered
with such disadvantages ; and if at the present day an able Danish entomo-
logist has adopted them, reformed in orthography, we may be disposed to respect
Schioedte's patriotic predilections more than to commend his aesthetic judgment.
The Linnean orders, and their names, with some necessary modification in the
number and limits, seem destined to hold their place, as far as we can foresee from
our present position. The very names of the orders seemed to presage a step, since
accomplished, in the dissolution of the order Aptera, which rested on the want of
the organs designated as the primary character in the arrangement of the class.
Accordingly, all the Polypods, with Cancer, have been long severed as the class
Crustacea, and the Octopods as Arachnida. Of the hexapod genera remaining,
Termes found its place among the winged orders, even according to the judgment
of the most obsequious followers of the Linnean method, as soon as the history of the
race was known. Only Pulex and Pediculus, Lepisma and Podura, then were left ;
and these also have been since assigned respectively to their places (not yet undis-
puted) among the winged orders, which now embrace the whole class of insects
under six great sections, with at most some small groups, whose position is inter-
mediate, or yet undetermined, as some consider. These are, according to the
nomenclature most generally received, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera,
Neuroptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera. For the fourth of these, as enlarged much
beyond the Linnean sense, Burmeister has framed a new name, Gymnognatha.
But this change seems needless, while it infringes on the consistent harmony of the
whole. The order comprises the whole of the Linnean Neuroptera, increased only
by some apterous forms, and by a group whose affinity Linneus himself confessed
doubtful, by implication, when he referred them first to one and then to another
order. On these grounds we retain the names Coleoptera, Trichopterygidas} Tri-
chopteryx, in our enumeration of the Irish species of the family.

The species marked with an asterisk before the number have been found in
Britain, but not yet observed in Ireland.

Gen. 1. PTENIDIUM, Erichson ; Redtenbacher ; Wollaston ; Faune Fran9aise ;
p., Motschoulsky — Trichoptcryx p., Kirby ; Heer ; Gillmeister ; Mannerheim ;
Mots. ; Alibert. — Anisarthria p., Stephens.

1. punctatum, Gyllenhall ; Woll. ; Fn.Fr. — alutaceum, Gilm. — littorale, Mots.
—Common about dunghills ; also on fuci and zosterse drying on the shore, the
larva occurring with the perfect insect.

2. apicale, Sturm. ; Er. ; Gilm. ; Redt. ; Fn.Fr. ; Woll. — perpusillum, melas,
Marsham ; Steph. — nitidum, Steph. — evanescens, Heer ; Mots. — punctatum, elon-
gatulum, myrmecophilum, Mots. — Var. fuscicorne, Er. — obscuricorne, Mots. —
Common about dunghills, and among fallen leaves, &c.

*3. IcBvigatum, Er. — punctula, Steph. (?)

4. pusillum, Gyll. ; Er. ; Gilm. ; Redt. ; Fn.Fr. — minutissimum, Steph. —
nitidum, Heer. — ±-foveolatum, Alib.— Not rare, with the second.

Gen. 2. NOSSIDIUM, Er. ; Fn.Fr. — Anisarthria, Mots. ; p., Steph. — Ptilium p.,
Redt.

1. pilosellum, Marsh. ; Steph. ; Er. ; Fn.Fr. — nitidulum, brunneum, Marsh. ;
Steph.—; -ferrarii, Redt. — Very rare, on rotten stumps.

Gen. 3. PTILIUM, Er. ; Redt.; Fn.Fr. — p. Heer; Comolli. — Trichopteryx
p., Steph. ; Mots. ; Alib. ; Gilm. ; Mann. — Ptinella, Micrus, Ptenidium p.,
Mots.

122 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

*1. excavatum, Er. ; Gilm. ; Redt. — trisulcatum, Steph.— foveolatum, Alib. —
yallicuin. limbatum, Mots.

2. anyustatum, Er. ; Fn.Fr. — oblonyum, Gilm. ; Redt. — ruyulosum, Alib. —
Rare.

3. coarctatum, n. sp. — Lineare, subdepresaum, capite thoraceque nigris scabri-
culis, elytris fuscis, antennis pedibusque flavis, prothorace transverso postice
attenuate intra basim transversim obsolete impresso. Long. ^ lin.

Elongate linear, rather depressed. Head and thorax black, pubescent, the hairs
seeming to spring from distinct granular dots. Head triangular with small eyes,
as broad as the prothorax ; mouth prominent ; palpi and antennae light yellow, the
last joint of these globose-ovate, the first two joints ferruginous. Prothorax
broader than long; truncated in front, the sides rounded, strongly attenuated
behind, with the basal angles rounded off, faintly impressed within the hind margin.
Elytra nearly linear, covering the abdomen, obtusely rounded in common at the
tip ; scarcely broader than the greatest breadth of prothorax, and singly more than
three times so long as broad ; intricately stippled and pubescent (as well as the
scutellum), and hence rather opaque ; blackish- brown, with the tip paler. Legs
ferruginous, femora rather darker.

Narrower and not longer than Trich. curta. The very brief character given of
Tr. pulchella, Alibert, contains nothing to distinguish it from our insect, but its
size is considerably greater; and the pulchellum of Gillmeister and Faune Fran-
9aise is described as having two separate impressions at the base of prothorax, not
observable in ours. Whether it be apterous, as stated of Alibert's insect, is
uncertain.

Rare ; in a farm -yard at Holy wood.

4. clandestinum, n. sp. — Sublineare depressum subtiliter pubescensfusco-testaceum,
antennis pedibusque pallide flavis, prolhorace obcordato basi media foveolato.
Long, i lin.

Probably the smallest known Coleopterous insect, being smaller, but especially
narrower, than Pt. excavatum. Nearly linear, depressed, finely pubescent, dusky
testaceous. Head triangular, as broad as prothorax. Eyes black, coarsely granu-
lated. Antennae pale yellow, stout, the intermediate joints paler ; those immediately
preceding the club oblate ; the 2nd, 9th, and 10th globose, the 10th twice as large
as 9th ; the llth ovate, rather acute. Prothorax with the sides somewhat rounded
before the middle, narrowed behind, with the basal angles a little obtuse, an oblong
impression, or abbreviated channel, in the middle of the base. Elytra two and a-
half times as long as prothorax, one-third broader than the base of it, and nearly
of uniform breadth for two-thirds of their length, thenceforth rounded-attenuate,
covering the abdomen. Wings perfect, fringed with blackish hairs. Legs pale
yellow.

Taken at Holywood. Also in England, J. Curtis. Seems to be very rare, but
from its extreme minuteness and pale colour may easily escape observation.

Compare the description of Ptilium vittatum, Mots., found in ants' nests at
Charkow.

5. kunzei, Heer; Er. ; Gilm.; Redt.; Fn.Fr.; Mots.— lonyicorne, Waltl. —
spinipenne, Comolli. — titan, Newman (?) — Not rare about farui-yards.

Gen. 4. TRICHOPTERYX, Er. ; Redt ; Fn.Fr. — p., Kirby ; Heer ; Gilm. ;
Alib.— Ptilium, Mots.— p., Waltl.—Acrotrichis, Mots. ; Woll.

1. curta, Alib.; Gilm.— abbreviatella, (Heer?); Er. ; Fn.Fr.— nana, Steph. —
minuta p., Steph. — Not rare about farm- yards.

2. sericans, Heer ; Er. ; Fn.Fr. ; Mots. — depressa, Gilm. ; Redt — volans,
bovina, brevis, Mots. — Not rare, with the last.

*3. pumila, Er. ; Fn.Fr. ; sericans, Gilm. ; Redt — pusilla, Steph. (?)
4. pyymaa, Er. ; Fn.Fr. — paralleloyramma, Gilm. : Redt. — chevrolatii, Alib.
— minuta p., Steph. — Rare.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 123

5. suffocata, n. sp. — Oblonga subdepressa nigra subtiliter pubescens, antennarum
basi pedibusque rufescentibus, prothorace coleopterorum latitudine angulis posticis
aeutiusculis, abdominis segmentis tribus retectis. Long. § lin.

Much narrower than Tr. fascicularis, but as long; more than half the abdomen,
or three segments, being uncovered by the elytra ; the last segment large, nearly
semicircular, with three points. Antennae blackish, the first two joints piceous.
Legs and coxae obscure reddish. Elytra blackish to the end.

Found in October, the larva and perfect insect together, under damp fallen leaves
on stones, in the bed of a dried-up brook (Glen-na-Chatta) of the Shournagh river
(Cork). When alive, the elongated form, somewhat like a Hypocyptus, was very
striking.

Obs. Tr. abdominalis, Fn.Fr. 333, 8, seems to differ from this species by
the more produced angles of the base of prothorax, the lighter colour, and
rather inferior size. The habitat also is different — viz., in the nests of Formica
rufa.

6. fascicularis, (Herbst.) ; Heer ; Er. ; Fn.Fr. ; Woll. — minutissima, Marsh. —
atomaria, Steph. — grandicollis, Mann. — intermedia, Gilm. ; Redt. — lata p., Mots.
— Very abundant about dunghills and in pastures.

7. atomaria, (Degeer^) ; Gyll. ; Heer ; Er. ; Gilm. ; Redt. ; Fn.Fr. ; Mots. —
minima, Marsh. ; Steph.— -Jlavicornis, Waltl. — marina, Mots. — Hare, among
lichens, Wicklow, Cork, &c.

8. grandicollis, Er. ; Fn.Fr.— ; fascicularis, Gilm. ; Kedt. — lata p., Mots. — Still
rarer than the preceding, Wicklow.

9. Trichopteryx (?) mollis, n. sp. — Oblongo-ovata depressa nigra cano-sericea,
antennis tibiis tarsisque ferrugineis, prothorace amplissimo angulis posticis productis
gcutis testaceis, elytris truncatis apice testaceo-limbatis. Long ^ lin.

In outline not unlike Tr. atomaria, but much depressed, and thickly clothed
with a fine silky whitish pubescence, without distinct punctures. Prothorax
still wider than in that species, the sides much rounded, widest behind the middle,
the base deeply sinuate-emarginate ; the hinder angles being much produced back
and pointed, coloured testaceous to a pretty large extent. Elytra at the base
narrower than prothorax, and tapering a little to the tip, where they are abruptly
truncated, with the inner angle sloped away, so that their joint extremity is a little
notched at the suture; the narrow hind edge pale testaceous. Abdomen with
three dorsal segments uncovered and deflected, edged with pale pubescence ; seven
ventral segments, the 1st large, the following four very short, the 7th triangular
(sometimes ending in three points —a sexual distinction ?). Mouth very prominent,
the bilobed ligula and the mala exserted. Palpi pale. Antennae dusky testaceous,
long and slender, with the club indeterminate ; the first two joints darker ; the third
scarcely shorter than the fourth. Eyes pubescent. Mesosternum, shorter than
usual in Trichopteryx, with a short channeled keel, applied to the prosternum.
Hind legs very remote, more so than in Ptenidium even. Hind coxce large trian-
gular, but not transversely dilated, covering only the base of the thigh with the
trochanter. Legs testaceous, hind coxae blackish, femora blackish-brown, except
the tips of the anterior pairs.

Differs both from Trichopteryx and Ptilium, in having one ventral segment
more (in this agreeing with Ptenidium), and is intermediate between them as to
the size of the hind COXSB.

Inhabits sandy sea-coasts, rather rare.

Note. — Trichopteryx fucicola, Alibert, seems to agree with this in the form of
the prothorax, in pubescence and colour (though according to the authors of the
Faune Francaise the legs are entirely testaceous) ; but in the comparison made
between it and Tr. intermedia, the depressed form, the figure of the antennae and
the coxae, of our insect, could scarcely have passed unnoticed by their accurate
and practised eyes. Alibert describes impressions of the prothorax, which may be
inconstant, as they do not mention such. Tr. umbricola, Woll., seems also to
differ from ours, and to come nearer to the species, described in Faune Fran-
9aise ; but is superior in. size to either, and the locality in which it occurred is
different.

124 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

*.

Ord. DIPTERA.— Fam. MUSCIDJE. — Trib. EPHYDRINI.

Discomyza cimiciformis (Ct. Mss.)— Obscure ceriea, antennarum basi tarsisque
ferrugineis, halter ibus fuse is , alarum venula discali oblique flexa. Long. 1 ; alar.
21in.

Not one-fourth the size of D. incurva. Dark brassy. Head rugose, with smooth
blackish frontal fillets. Second joint of antennae ferruginous, dusky at the tip ;
third oblong, dusky. Thorax finely scratched transversely, and pubescent. Ab-
domen smooth and glossy, the 4th segment much enlarged in the male. Legs
black; tarsi, except the last joint, ferruginous. Wings sooty, lighter behind.
Veins strong, blackish ; radial vein, from end of subcostal, almost contiguous to
the costal, but distinct at the end, which is but little farther from the cubital than
this from the subapical ; last segment of pobrachial about as long as the discal
veinlet, which is bent obliquely, making a very acute angle with the praebrachial
vein.

Pelina anescens, Stenh. Eph. 210, 13 (1844) ; Ztt. D. Sc.— cenea, Ztt. Ins. Lap.
— Nigro-cenea hypostomate albicante, venula discali et abscissa pobrachiali
extrema cequilongis, tarsis nigricantibus. Var. tarsis flavicantibus. Long. 1 ;
al. 2£ lin.

Smaller and more slender than P. cenea, darker and more glossy, without the
coppery lines of the mesonotum, the face whiter, and the cheeks narrower. But
the most obvious difference is the greater distance of the transverse discal veinlet
from the margin, leaving the last segment of the pobrachial vein about as long as
itself.

Mr. Hogan showed specimens of the (presumed) larvae of Digtossa mersa, pre-
served in spirits.* These were found on the sea-coast, at Baldoyle and Dingle
Bay, under stones, in company with the perfect insects, but are later than these in
their yearly time of appearance, not having been observed earlier than the end of
July. They resemble each other in their movements, quick and jerking ; and there
is an obvious analogy in the form of the mandibulae, &c., as shown in the figures
given in the present number.

The meeting then adjourned.

REFERENCES TO PLATE III.

Fig. 1. OCHTHEBIUS RUFOMARGINATUS, Erichson ; Thomson. — O. bicolor
var., Mulsant; Fn.Fr.

Fig. 2. CERCYON DEPRESSUM, Stephens. — C. dorso-striatum, Thomson. — C.
Head.— ©/ Lateral outline of Prothorax.— T.' Fore Tibia with Tarsus.— K. Me-
sosternum and Metasternum.

Fig. 3. OCHTHEBIUS PUNCTATUS, Larva. — B. Antenna. M' Mandibula.— M.
Maxilla.— L.' Labrum — L. Labium.— P" Labial Palpus.

Fig. 4. DIGLOSSA MERSA, Larva ; like references.

Fig. 5. PTILIUM COARCTATUM.

Fig. 6. PTILIDM CLANDESTINUM.

Fig. 7. TRICHOPTERYX MOLLIS. — B. Antenna, g. Underside of Pterothorax
with Abdomen.

» Figured, PI. Hi., fig. 4.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 125

DUBLIN NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.

MAY 18, 1855.
Dr. CHOKER, M.R.I.A., in the Chair.

After the preliminary business, the Journal of the Geological Society of Dublin,
vol. vi., part 2, presented by the Society, was recorded, with other donations.

The thanks of the Society having been given, Mr. Andrews stated that the paper
on the list for this evening, " On the plants in the neighbourhood of Sligo, and on
the effects of the severe frost," would be deferred until the next evening, as he had
received a communication from the Rigbt Hon. John Wynne, saying that he would
be able to give a more accurate account of the effects of the frost by waiting a little,
as some plants which, at present appear dead, may grow after the rain.

Mr. Gilbert Sanders then gave his paper

ON THE ADVANTAGE TO BOTANY OF LOCAL LISTS, AND NOTES WITH REFERENCE
TO THE ALG.E OF THE EAST COAST OF IRELAND.

As I have not seen a list of marine algee which have been collected from time to
time by various algologists in our bay and the neighbouring shores, I am induced
to offer a contribution to the formation of a local list ; and I propose that we con-
sider Balbriggan as the northern limit, and Wicklow Head the southern boundary,
o'' \\hat I would beg leave to term the Dublin district of coast. I have selected
these two extreme points, on account of their being favourable places for collecting
and being so easily accessible by rail, as are also all the intermediate spots along
the line of coast. The eastern shores of Ireland, bordering on the Irish Sea and
St. George's Channel, have not been sufficiently explored. There is an impression
that these shores are not prolific of species. One of our most eminent algologists
said to me, about four years since, that the Dublin shores were not favourable for
the study of algology, but I think thai; opinion was incorrect. My friend, Dr. Cocks,
of Devonport, spent about two hours at Bray, and a similar time at Howth, in the
summer of 1853, and in these two hasty visits he saw upwards of fifty species.
Low water, at spring tides, is the most favourable for procuring the rarer speciea
and most perfect specimens. The rock-pools, which are only uncovered at spring-
tides, are the best spots for searching, these being the favourite habitats of many-
scarce algse. To search these pools satisfactorily, we require considerable light,
for without it we cannot see to any depth, or even the sides of the submerged rocks
under the shelter of which the more delicate filamentous algasgrow. On the south-
western shores of England, and the southern, western, and northern shores of
Ireland, and all the shores of Scotland, the time of low water spring-tides is from
three hours before noon to three hours after, during which there is sufficient
light for collecting; but, unfortunately for algology, in our own immediate district,
the same state of tide occurs at six or seven o'clock morning and evening;
therefore, the examination of pools, at low water springs, can be conducted on our
coast only for about three or four months — viz., the summer — and we are excluded
from them altogether during the autumn, winter, and spring, seasons fully as
interesting to the algologist as the summer months. The beautiful pencilled tufta
of the sporochnacese are only visible in spring, and many algae are not in perfection
except in winter. Possibly it may be owing to the unsuitableness of the tides that
the Dublin coast has the reputation of being unprolific. We can see, however, in
the example before us, what may be done by assiduity, by carefully examining
what the waves will bring us, especially after storms. When I was able to devote
some time to the sea shore, I found the second or third tide (high water), after
the storm ceased, to be the best time for examining the rejectamenta. Marine
botany will be much benefitted, if collectors will carefully note every circum-
stance connected with the abundance of certain plants in particular spots, or
seasons, and likewise the changes they may perceive in the forms. The
VOL. II. I

126

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

sportive character of the algae has led to much dispute— some botanists insisting
that certain species of other authors are merely varieties. Doubts of this
description will be more surely cleared up by the observations of many observers ;
and it must also be borne in mind by botanists who are not very familiar with
algae, that many of them put on such variable appearances, according to the season,
as to lead to the belief that a summer specimen and a winter specimen of the same
plant must be perfectly distinct species. Whilst speaking of the abundance or
scarcity of some plants at the usual season of their appearance, I will read an
extract from a letter I recently received from Dr. Cocks, which I regard as most
interesting, and I look upon it as a very remarkable fact in algology. He says —
" I have now had eleven years' experience in collecting, and have gained a certain
amount of practical information, which, I confess, I had heretofore not sufficiently
attended to. Observation and experience have taught me that there is not the
same regularity in the time of appearance of the marine alga3 as there is in plants
growing on terra firma, and that the terms annual, biennial, and perennial, are not
applicable to the former ; and that their growth and time of appearance are
governed by laws, or influenced by causes which the algologist, even of the present
day, is unable to explain. It is quite true that, in certain localities where I had been
in the habit of gathering certain species for two, three, and more years successively,
when I have afterwards wanted to obtain more they had disappeared, and, in some
instances, have never since been found. In other instances, some plants, which
were previously considered to be extremely rare and scarce, only picked up at
intervals, far and few between, have suddenly appeared in the greatest profusion.
Dr. Budd told me that two years ago, having found out where it grew, he could
have dredged thousands of specimens of Stenogramme interrupta. Last year I
could myself have dredged a like quantity of Sporochnus pedunculatus and
Haliseris polypodioides, neither of which species I ever took before to say plentifully.
A few years ago the mud bank at Cremil Passage was strewed over at low water
with quantities of Spha3rococcus coronopifolius, since when I have only taken two
specimens. You will, of course, remember when we gathered such a quantity of
Dasya arbuscula atFirestone Bay. I have carefully hunted over the same ground every
year since, and have never seen a single plant ; even the very commonest plants
sometimes disappear for two, three, or more years— such as Delesseria hypoglossum,
D. ruscifolia, Nitophyllum punctatum, &c." Such is the experience of Dr. Cocks.
It would be very desirable for other algologists to note the appearance and disap-
pearance of plants from a locality, and then to endeavour to trace out the cause.
With the view of promoting the object of this paper — viz., the preparation of a list
of all recorded algae found on the shores between Balbriggan and Wicklow Head —
I suggest that other collectors will look over their collections and give our secretary
lists of their gatherings on those shores, that we may have as large a catalogue as
possible of the marine botany of the district. I hope soon to increase the list,
which, for the present, is confined entirely to Mrs. Dave's collection ; and before
concluding I would beg to draw the attention of the members to the very beautiful
and natural appearance of the specimens which were prepared after the method
laid down in the " Seaweed Collector's Guide," by Dr. Cocks, of Devonport.

LIST OF MARINE ALG& COLLECTED AT SKERRIES, NEAR THE NORTHERN LIMIT OF
THE PROPOSED DUBLIN DISTRICT, IN THE SUMMER OF 1854.

MEIANASPERME.E.

Order.
Fucaceae.
Sporochnaceae.

Laminariaceae.

Dictyotaceas.

Cystoseira ericoides.
Desmarestia ligulata.

„ aculeata.

„ viridis.

Laminaria digitata.

„ saccharina.
Chorda filum.
Taonia atomaria.
Dictyota dichotoma.
Stilophora Lyngbyaei.

Order.
Dictyotaceas

Chordariaceae.

Ectocarpaceae.

Dictyosiphon foenicu-

laceus.
Chordaria flagellifor-

mis.

Mesogloia virescens.
Leathesia tuberifor-

mis.
Elachista fucicola.

,, scutulata.
Cladostephus verticil-

latus.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

127

Order. Order.

Ectocarpaceae Cladostephus spongio- Ectocarpaceae

sus.

„ Sphacelaria scoparia.

„ ,, cirrhosa.

,, ,, plumosa.

KHODOSPEKME.E.

Rhodomelaceae. Rhodomela subfusca.

Ectocarpus tomento-

sus.

„ littoralis.
„ granulo-

8US.

Ry tiphlaea thuyoides.
fruticulo-

Rhodymeniaceae. Rhodymenia jubata.
„ Sphasrococcuscorono-

pifolius.
,, Gracilaria confervoi-

des.

Hypnea purpurascens
. Gelidium corneum.
Gigartina mamillosa.
Chondrus crispus.
Phyllophora rubens.

„ Brodiasi.
Gy mnogongrus plicatua
Halymenia ligulata.
Ginannia furcellata.
IridEea edulis.
Gloiosiphonia capilla-

ris.

Dudresnaia divaricata.
Ptilota sericea.
Ceramium rubrum.
„ botryocar-

pum.
„ Deslong-

champsii.
„ diaphanum.
,, echionotum
Griffithsia setacea.
Wrangelia multifida.
Callithamnion plum-

ula.

,, cruciatum.
„ Turneri.
,, tetragonum.
„ tetricum.
roseum.
polyspermum
corymbosum.
spongiosum.
floridulum.
virgatulum.

Conferva melagonium.

Enteromorpha intesti-

nalis.

,, compressa.

,, clatbrata.
Ulva latissima.

Mr. Andrews said, that the views that had been given by Mr. Sanders were
most valuable and interesting, and the reasons were clearly shown why an apparent

H

Polysiphonia urceo-
lata.

Cryptonemiac

„ formosa.

11

„ fibrata.

11

11

,, elongata

11

11

„ violacea.

11

„ fibrillosa

11

11

„ Brodiasi

11

11

,, nigres-

11

cens.

11

,, affinis.

11

11

„ atrorub-

escens.

11

11
11

„ fastigiata
„ parasiti-

11
Ceramiaceae.

ca.

11

11

,, byssoides

11

Dasya coccinea.

„

Laurenciaceae.

Bonnemaisonia aspa-

ragoides.

11

11

Laarencia pinnatifida

11

,, obtusa.

11

11

„ dasyphylla

11

Chrysymenia clavello-

11

sa.

11

Chylocladia kalifor-

11

mis.

11

Delesseriaceae.

Delesseria sanguinea.

11

„ sinuosa.

11

,, alata.

11

11

„ hypoglos-

11

sum.

11

11

Nitophyllum lacera-

11

tum.

11

11

Plocamium coccineum

11

CHLOBOSPERME^:.

Siphonaceas.
Confer vaceas.

Bryopsis plumosa.
Cladophora rupestris.

Confervaceae.
Ulvaceae.

11

„ lastevirens

11

,, albida.

11

11

,, uncialis.

11

,, glaucescens.

11

1 28 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

dearth of alg» was on the cast coast, in comparison with the west or south-west.
Zealous local investigators, like what had been shown this evening, would still add
much to the list. Mr. Andrews then enumerated many rare specimens that he had
obtained on the west coast, which were, at present, completely local there. He
had collected very large specimens of Taonia atomaria, which he had given, with
many others, to his friend, Dr. Harvey — the Taonia unfortunately, too late for
insertion in his valuable work. Taonia is by no means uncommon as a southern
plant. Polysiphonia violacea is abundantly met at Ferriter's Cove, county Kerry,
and specimens of Dasya ocellata are found there. Conferva rectangularis was found
in quantities in Killarney Bay, in the Great Arran Island, and which plant was
previously discovered in great abundance on the coast of Connemara, by the inde-
fatigable investigator, the late William M'Calla. Mr. Andrews also mentioned
that some years since he had obtained Microcladia glandulosa, thrown ashore in
the neighbourhood of Dalkey. It was singular, yet true, that seasons much
affected the appearance and disappearance of aquatic plants among the algae and
confervse. In noticing such, in his correspondence with Mr. John Ralfs, of
Penzance, author of the u British Desmidiae," and whose communications were
always most pleasing, he observes — u I have watched for the last three years many
stations of Mongeotia cserulescens, Zygnema curvatum, various species of
Desmidise and Vesiculiferse, and have never found the same species two years in
the same pool, nor, indeed, have I seen any of the above plants I found a few years
since in the same water. This should teach us to gather a good supply of specimens
when we have an opportunity, lest we should not meet with them again."

JUNE 15, 1855.
GILBERT SANDERS, Esq., M.R.I.A., in the Chair.

After the preliminary business, the Secretary said that the donations that had
been received would not be submitted until the next meeting of the members, as
the rooms were undergoing some improvements, and other arrangements com-
pleting.

The Chairman then called for the paper, by the Right Hon. John Wynne,

ON THE EFFECTS OF THE SEVERE FROST ON PLANTS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

OF SLIGO.

Mr. Andrews said that he had received a communication from Mr. Wynne, who
was unable to attend. Mr. Wynne had forwarded a brief outline of his observa-
tions, and mentioned that his avocations left him but little time for natural history.
Mr. Andrews then read the following: —

" Having seen an interesting paper, read by Mr. Moore at a meeting of the
Dublin Society, on the effects of the late severe 'frost on the outdoor plants in the
Botanic Gardens, at Glasnevin, it struck me that it might interest the members of
the Natural History Society to have some information on the effect produced by
that frost in the west of Ireland, where the severity of frost is generally so much
tempered bv the vicinity of the Atlantic Ocean. I, unfortunately, did not possess
a self-registering thermometer, so as to give the exact amount of frost here, but I
may give some facts which indicated its severity. First — The adjoining lake was
frozen across, so as to bear skating for about one-third of its length for about a
fortnight — a circumstance which never occurred in my recollection, and I believe
only once during the lifetime of my father, who lived to be 85, and spoke of his
having once skated across the lake, which we did several times this last season.
Secondly — The number of birds killed by it was very great, especially sea birds —
curlews and seagulls. After the thaw, the sea-shore was covered with dead sea
fowl. However, we can arrive at a tolerable degree of accuracy, as the thermometer,
at Markree Observatory, only six miles from this, and equally near the sea, on
the 12th of February, stood at 18.2 Fahrenheit, and on the 13th, 17.6; on the
17th, 17.2 ; on the 18th, 15. There was no snow here during the continuance of
of the frost — only about two inches fell on the first day of the thaw — so that the
plants were exposed to its full severity. Some days after its commencement I had the

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 129

roots of most of the plants, upon which I feared its effects, covered with sawdust,
but by no means soon enough. In the following list the selection I have made to
remark upon as uninjured will probably appear arbitrary, but I made it for the
purpose of comparison with those which were mentioned by Mr. Moore as having
suffered : —

" Plants killed— Erica arborea, Erica cilliaris, growing in bog ; same, very
slightly injured in garden ; Menziesia casrulea, Rhododendron altaclarense,
(Rhod. altaclarense, which I thought was killed, is now pushing out vigorously.)
Adiantum C. veneris, from Arran ; this has been for years in the rockery,
covered during frost with a piece of calico. Davalliaca nariensis — all the plants
have recovered, even one which had no covering except a fir branch.

"Plants much injured — Edwardsia tetraptera, old plants on west wall; E.
microphylla, old plants on north wall; Laurus nobilis, §Myrtus communis, on wall,
both narrow and broad leaved ; Ulex Europseus, in some places, not the least in
others ; Calluna vulgaris, in bog ; §Abutilon striatum, on east wall, out four or
five years ; § Menziesia polifolia, Verbena tryphilla, §Aspidum longifolium, covered
with calico.

"Slightly injured as to the leaves— Arbutus unedo, much injured a few miles
off; Photinia serrulata, both on wall and stand, and very slightly ; Viburnum tinus,
some plants, fslose to bays which were much injured, received no injury; §Ceno-
thus azureus, on south wall.

"Uninjured — Fuschia globosa major, on east wall; Magnolia grandiflora, on
south wall ; M. Tripetala, standard ; Rhododendron Arboreum, R. chamceustus,
Arbutus Andrachne, Olea excelsa, Standard, sheltered ; Daphne pontica, Paeonia
montana, Paulonia imperial is, Erica Mediterranea, E. ditto, Irish variety ; Cedrus
deodara, Auraucaria imbricata, Cupressus tomentosa, Taxodium sempervirens,
Pinus Canariensis, Abies Webbiana, A. Cephalonica, Crytomeria Japonica,
Quercus coccifera, Juniperus Bermudiana, Buddlcea globosa, Cistus ladaniferus,
Garrya eliptica, Woodwardia radicans (S), covered with calico, as it has been for
some years ; Trichomanes brivesetum, Pinguicula grandiflora, Anemotheca cruenta,
Mimulus moschatus. I forgot Aponogeton distachgium, which I only got last
summer, and which is quite uninjured, though the water in the reservoir in the
garden in which it was placed was entirely frozen."

Mr. Andrews said that he was sure the members would feel much indebted to
Mr. Wynne for this communication, which was valuable for the notices of those
trees, shrubs, and plants that withstood the severity of such a winter, and especially
as the plants had been completely unprotected by the sheltering covering of snow.
The comparison was also of interest with the records of those effects on the east
coast, as shown in the paper given by Mr. Moore. The grounds of Hazlewood are
among the most beautiful in the country, and many parts of Mr. Wynne's extensive
demesne bear striking evidence of the complete success of the planting and of the
beautifying of apparently most unproductive wastes, and prove what judgment and
perseverance can effect. Bordering the demesne was once a wild tract of bog,
covered only with the common heaths, coarse grasses, and with juncacese and
cyperaceas peculiar to the wet and spongy soil of such uncultivated wastes.
Subsequently the growth of belts of pines skirted numerous enclosures, drains,
broad paths, and vistas were formed, and this paradise bloomed with the most
beautiful heaths, azalea, and rhododendra. Binding the embankments thrown up
from the deeply- cut drains, the varieties of berberry, holly, Mahonia aquifolium,
repens, and fascicularis grew with rapidity and luxuriance, throwing out
innumerable suckers, and which, gaining strength of growth, again sent out their
branchlets in all directions. Among the Rosaceas, Rosa arvensis and many of the
ornamental briars grew on the sunny slopes of the peat embankment with great
beauty. The sides of the once desolate valley of Glen Car, and which were
exposed to the furious and sweeping gusts of the north-west gales, are now clothed
and tinged with the fine growth and the varied hues of the larch, the pinaster, black
Austrian pine, and the stone pine. The judicious planting of the Austrian pine has
proved a sheltering screen to the fair growth of the rest. The Pinus Austriacus,.

Those marked } were covered with sawdust.

130 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

peculiar to the Briema Forest, in the Austrian States, is a valuable tree, serving as
a shelter, and enduring exposure to the storms of the coast better than the pinaster
or sycamore, and of all the pines it bears transplanting with the least injury
to its growth. These improvements have been carried on extensively on each side
of Lough Gill — a lake five miles in length, and, in parts, nearly two in breadth,
and, with its islands, beautiful in its scenery. This lake, Mr. Wynne observes, was
frozen over during the severity of the past winter ; its waters are only twenty feet
above the sea. The silver firs are among the finest in the kingdom, exceeding 90
feet in height, and, at a few feet from the ground, eleven and twelve in girth. Sixty
to seventy of these fine trees were blown down in the storm of the 6th of January,
1839; one of the trees, thirteen feet in girth, boarded a loft 40 feet by 20. The
Chichester elm grows well, and becomes a fine tree, and the Turkey oak has a most
rapid growth, and bears the wind well, but the white American spruce appears the
best suited for high grounds, and to stand exposure to storms. The rockery in the
gardens exhibits, in all their vigour of growth, some of the choicest plants and
ferns of the mountains of Switzerland, and there also Pteris longifolia, a West
Indian plant ; Trichomanes radicans, and Adiantum capillus veneris bear the open
ground throughout the seasons. Mr. Wynne informs me that the Trichomanes
flourishes luxuriantly in his Wardian case, but does not bear involucra ; on the
rockery it fruits most freely. The Pinguicula grandiflora blooms there with sur-
prising beauty and profusion. The influence of temperature has always affected
the phenomena of vegetation, and we find plants, natives of opposite spheres,
enduring, in many instances, degrees of temperature, either of heat or of cold, if
that temperature be even, and not subject to sudden changes or transitions. Those
plants, trees, or shrubs that suspend their powers during the winter, bear, without
injury, the utmost rigour of that season, whilst those, like the sweet-bay (Laurus
nobilis), Laurustiuuses, and shrubs of similar habits, that have greater or less
vitality during the winter months, suffer most extensively. At Glazenwood
nursery, when remarking on the extensive ravages caused by the frost of 1837-38,
Mr. Curtis says, u I have never known a more mischievous winter. Amongst
standard roses I observe that a great many that were moved in the months of
October and November survived, whilst those unmoved, of the same kinds, perished
from the fulness of their sap-vessels." In looking over Mr. Wynne's list, I find that
amongst the plants that were altogether killed, or much injured, were heaths,
myrtles, old plants of the species of Edwardsia and the Laurus nobilis ; while,
among those that were uninjured, where Paeonia montana, Cedrus deodara,
Araucaria imbricata, Trichomanes radicans, and the Khododendra, and pines
generally. In my own fernery, which is enclosed in a small greenhouse, the
Trichomanes did not in the least suffer, although the fronds were coated with ice
the greater part of the period the frost lasted — neither did Adiantum capillus
veneris, nor the species of Hymenophylla. I have particularly noticed, in Mr.
Wynne's list, the Cedrus deodara and Araucaria; for, in reviewing the records of
the severe frost of the winter of 1837-38, those plants were invariably found to
stand the severity of the season, while, in all instances, the destruction to the
Laurus nobilis, or sweet bay tree, appeared to be general. These notices are from
the principal gardens in England and Scotland. The manager of the gardens and
Pinetum at Dropmore states — " Araucaria imbricata — plants of this species, though
not protected, and growing in exposed situations, have scarcely suffered, and the
whole of the trees are growing vigorously. Cedrus deodara proves to be quite
hardy. The Laurustinuses, bay trees, and the heaths, Erica Mediterranea, aus-
tralis, arborea, and vagans were killed to the ground, but are now growing freely.
I fully expected all were dead, as they were very late before they broke — Dropmore,
12th September, 1838. Time should be given to valuable plants, apparently dead.
The most severe frost of the winter was the middle of January, 1838." In the
island of Jersey the coldest day was on the 19th, when Fahrenheit's thermometer,
at five o'clock, p.m., was 18 ; on the 17th of the same month, it was noted, at the
Nursery in Kilkenny, that Fahrenheit's thermometer fell to 20. The magnolia,
both in England and on the Continent, suffered but little injury ; while the pines,
heaths, and rhododendra, extensively perished. A friend informs me that, at the
gardens at Cronstadt, St. Petersburg, and Moscow, at the approach of winter, all

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 131

plants and vegetables are packed away, stored, and sheltered, and throughout the
winter the gardens present dreary scenes of desolation. At the end of April the
thaw hurries all into arrangement ; and, with the vigour of the sun, vegetation
bursts forth like a thought ; and, during the few months of summer, the gardens
are as gay as those in the neighbourhood of London. The severity of a winter in-
fluences a corresponding heat in the ensuing summer, and from the observations
made by Mr. Errnan (Humboldt, Asie centrale), such severe winters are followed
by warm and dry summers. M. L. C. Seitz, Royal Court and Botanic Gardener
at Munich, remarks in the " Garten Zeitung," for August, 1838, with reference to
the severity of the winter of 1837-38 — " We experienced an almost insupportable
heat during the months of June and July, when the thermometer continually varied
between 23 degs. and 25 degs. of Reamur (80 degs. to 85 degs. Fahrenheit). On
the 15th of July, at two o'clock in the afternoon, it was 26—25 degs. Reamur (90
degs. Fahrenheit)."

Mr. Callwell observed that in his large fernery he had noted, within the house, the
thermometer to fall to 18 degs. Neither Trichomanes nor Adiantum capillus
veneris suffered in the least. He attributed this to the temperature being in some
degree uniform, and to the stillness of the atmosphere.

Observations followed from the Chairman, Mr. Bain, and other members.

Mr. Andrews exhibited specimens of the Natterjack toad (Bufo calamita), in a
lively and healthy state. They had buried themselves throughout the winter under
some saxifrages in his garden, and appeared early in May. They were brought
from the County of Kerry last summer.

The Chairman remarked that as Mr. Ffennell was not present to give his paper
u On the Salmon, and on peculiarities with regard to the Young State," he wished
to know if the members had any other subject to discuss ?

Mr. Andrews -said that Mr. Ffennell had recently mentioned to him that his
paper was prepared, and that he had some important facts to communicate relative
to the descent of the salmon fry to the sea, at a very early period of this year.

As Mr. Ffennell was absent, probably upon public business, Mr. Williams had
requested Mr. Andrews to make some remarks on specimens of the Parr, which he
had that morning received from the Bandon River.

Mr. Andrews then said, that a statement, made more than five years since in
this Society, by Mr. Williams, may be in the recollection of several ofthememberst
on the distinctive habits of the little fish known as the Parr (Salmo salmulus) from
that of the true salmon fry, and with regard to the rivers and localities where that
little fish existed. Discussions upon this subject were at several subsequent sessions
of the Society continued. These led to the paper that I gave upon the subject, at
the meeting of the 16th of June last year, 1854. I should premise, Mr. Chairman,
by stating, that the majority of opinions were in opposition to the views given in
that paper, those opinions being in support of the presumed successful experiments
made by Mr. John Shaw, of Drumlanrig, and published in 1840, the results of
his several communications read before the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Mr.
Shaw and his numerous adherents maintained, until very recently, that the fry, ihe
produce of the ova of the salmon, remained two years in the fresh \vater, in the
state called the parr, before it assumed the smolt transition, and descended to the
sea. There were other points advanced by him, such as the early breeding de-
velopment of the male parr. Having formerly been resident for several years in
the western parts of Ireland, and in all seasons practically fishing some of the best
salmon and trout rivers in that country, and in companionship with some of the-
most experienced salmon fishers, and latterly having turned my observations to
the science of the subject, I felt that I might, with some confidence, detail the
views that I had formed in the paper given by me twelve months since. The prin-
cipal points were, that the salmon fry assumed the smolt or migratory state, and
descended to the sea, from eleven to fourteen months after extrication from the ova —
that is, the young fish hatched and liberated from the ova in the month of April,
1854, would assume the smolt state at the same period, or a month later, and de-
scend to the sea, in 1855. That fish, described as the parr, would be found in.
rivers, throughout the seasons, of good size, arid after the salmon-fry, as smolts
had descended to the sea. There were parr similar in markings to the salmon-fry,,

132 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

but distinct in habits. At tbe time I advanced these views, I was not aware of the
extent to which Mr. Andrew Young, of Invershin, manager of the Duke of Su-
therland's salmon fisheries, had carried his experiments, nor of the writings of
41 Ephemera," of Sell's Life. I have read their works, and in which sound prac-
tical observations and masterly judgment of the subject appear throughout. For-
tunately for practical knowledge and for science, a well-organized series of experi-
ments were arranged, and the grounds adopted for the operations were the Stor-
montfield ponds, on the banks of the Tay, and these were skilfully managed by
Mr. Buistand others, of Perth. A rather early investigation into the subject this
year, led Mr. Wilson, a naturalist, of Edinburgh, and backed by several savans,
to at once adopt and laud Mr. Shaw's theories, and to promulgate such decision, to
the vast importance of the national fisheries. These were published by the Perth-
shire papers and the excellent editor of the Scotsman, in support of Messrs. Shaw,
Wilson, &c. But, lo ! in a little time, the ponds glittered with silver, the little
fish congregated, and an intelligent writer thus communicates to me the transi-
tion— "The fry in the Perth ponds are all liberated — they would not stop another
year, but threw themselves by scores on the banks, to escape imprisonment. Thus
has passed the glory of Shaw and his followers." And this I may say, has con-
firmed the sagacity of Andrew Young and " Ephemera."

Mr. Andrews then exhibited and made remarks on some fresh specimens of parr,
taken two days since from the Bandon river, smolts taken from the Laune river,
county Kerry, early in May, and the true salmon-fry, taken October last. The
parr were of good size, and, from inquiries, not a single salmon-fry could be obtained
this month from the Laune, the Caragh, or the Bandon rivers. They had all gone
to the sea.

Mr. Andrews said that he had examined many of the smolts, or true salmon- fry,
and could never detect the milt or the ova but in a rudimentary state. He would
take another opportunity of making more full remarks upon the subject, and have a
series of specimens present.

Mr. Williams said he wished to have recorded in the Society the occurrence of
the turtle-dove (Columba turtur), seen in a potato field, between Howth and Bal-
doyle, on the 9th of July last.

Dr. Farran mentioned its occurrence in Carrick-on-Suir, in September last;
Mr. Montgomery noticed its having been obtained in Donegal; and the Chairman
observed that he had seen a recent specimen, which was yesterday shot in the
neighbourhood of Castleknock.

Mr. Andrews recorded the breeding of the scaup-duck, the nest, eggs, and the
old bird having been obtained in an inland lake, in the western parts of Kerry.
Fine specimens of the red-breasted merganser were also obtained, which inclined
him to believe that that bird also bred there.

Dr. Farran exhibited a beautiful specimen of the Larus ridibundus in its adult
and most perfect plumage.

Mr. Andrews observed that this beautiful bird, which was shot at Edenderry,
•was in its fourth change, and most perfect state of plumage. The head had as-
sumed the dark hood, the back and wing coverts had lost the markings, and were
of an uniform pearl-gray colour, and the dark bar or band on the tail had disap-
peared, the tail having become pure white. At the approach of the breeding season
the feathers of the head became of a dark colour, forming a kind of hood or mask ;
and this change was caused, not by a process of moulting, but by an alteration of
colour. The autumnal moulting changed the colour of the plumage, the black
hood disappeared, and the head was perfectly white through the winter months.

Dr. Carte made some excellent observations on the extravascular nature of fea-
thers, and of the influences of vitality which affect the changes of colour. It is
hoped that a paper upon that subject will be given by Dr. Carte.

The Secretary stated that as this meeting closed the session, it was the intention
to hold the annual dinner of the Society as early as possible after it. Circulars,
therefore, would be sent to the members, informing them of the time and place the
annual dinner would be held.

The Chairman then adjourned the meeting to the second Friday in November

DESCRIPTIONS OF PLATES.

1 34 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

PLATE 1— VOL. II.

FIGURES OF SPH^RIA ? ILLUSTRATING MR. E. PERCIVAL

WRIGHT'S PAPER ON FUNGI PARASITIC ON INSECTS.

1. Sphaeria ? attached to Lepidopterous Larva, taken near Dublin,

1853 ; immature.

2. Sphaeria ? attached to Lepidopterous Larva ; reared, but without

fructification.

3. Sphaeria ? attached to Lepidopterous Pupa ; also reared, but

without fructification.

All the figures are of the natural size.
Vide Proceedings of Societies, page 55.

. VoHLPU.

^ ^D

^

1. Found, deai, immature.

2 &3.E.eared;"but also witkout fru-Ctificaliouj

a nat.- size.

-A.fuff.Deif

136 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

PLATE 2— VOL. II.

PARTIAL FIGURES OF INSECTS, ILLUSTRATIVE OF A PAPER
BY MR. HALIDAY ON THE FAUNA OF KERRY.

1. Heptaraelus ochroleucus. Steph.

2. Blasticotoma filiceti. Klug.

3. Dipsocoris alienus. H. Schaeff.

4. Clunio marinus. n. sp.

5. Rhaphium flavicolle. Mg.

6. Dolichopus prastextatus. n. sp.

7. Aphrosylus celtiber. n. sp.

8. „ raptor. Ins. Br.

9. „ ferox. Ins. Br.

10. Geomyza cingulata. n. sp.

11. Canace nasica. Hal.

12. Glenanthe ripicola. Hal.
Vide Proceedings of Societies, page 59.

PLATE 2*— VOL. II.

POLYPRION CERNIUM, ILLUSTRATIVE OF MR. ANDREWS'S
PAPER ON THE PERCID^E AND SERRANI.

Vido Proceedings of Societies, page 36.

138 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

PLATE 3— VOL. II.

FIGURES OF INSECTS, ILLUSTRATIVE OF MR. HALIDAY'S PAPER
ON NEW OR LITTLE KNOWN INSECTS.

1. Ochthebius rufomarginatus.

2. Cercyon depressum. — C. Head. — Q.v Lateral outline of Prothorax. —

T.x Fore Tibia with tarsus. — K. Mesosternum and Metastemum.

3. Ochthebius punctatus, Larva. — B. Antenna. — Mv Mandibula. — M.

Maxilla. — L.v Labrura. — L. Labium. — P.VN Labian Palpus.

4. Diglossa mersa, Larva ; like references.

5. Ptilium coarctatum.

6. Ptilium clandestinum.

7. Trichopteryx mollis. — B. Antenna, g. Underside of Prothorax with

Abdomen.

Vide Proceedings of Societies, page 116.

2 K.

AHH.

Julv 1 1855

140 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

PLATE 4— VOL. II,

ELACHISTA TRTSERIATELLA.

1. The natural size.

2. Magnified.

Vide Proceedings of Societies, pages 116-124, and pages 109-115.

The remaining figures to illustrate Mr. Halitlay's paper on Ptilex, not in

time for the Proceedings of this No. ; see the No. for January, 1856.

3. Larva — slightly magnified.

4. Do. — more magnified.

5. Rachidian chain.

6. Two-niter mediate ganglia.

7. Intestinal canal, with head.
8-9. Rudiments of generative system.

10. Head — side view.

13. Do. — from above.

14. Antenna.

11. Epistoma — from above.

12. Fore part of head — from below.

15. Mandibles closed, &c.

1 6. Palpus under mandible.

17. Palpus detached.

18. Mandibles extracted.

19. Intermediate segment of above.

20. Do.-r-side view.

21. Hinder part of body.

22. Upper edge of anal declivity.

23. Terminal hooks from below.

24. Intestinal canal.

25. Grapplers of male.

26. Internal organs do.

27. Vesicles apart.

28. Ovident and ovarv of female.

NJlRAvJl.Pl.IV.

l.Oct.1855.

THE

I1TURAL HISTORY REVIEW.

IsTOTICIES

PAGE.

Annales des Sciences Naturalles . . . . 1, 9

Annals and Magazine of Natural History 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 26, 27, 28

Hooker's Journal of Botany . . 7, 8, 16, 23, 24, 31

The Zoologist . . . 5, 6, 7, 13, 15, 21, 22, 30

The Naturalist . . . 8, 9, 17, 25, 32

Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science . . 4, 13, 20, 29

*OK THE MONTHS OF

October, November, December, 1854 ; January, February, March, April, May,
June, July, August, and September, 1855.

VOL, II,

LONDON :

SAMUEL HIGHLEY, 32, FLEET-STKEET.
1855.

0f erial

ANNALES DES SCIENCES NATURELLES. Comprenant la Zoologie, la Botanique,
1'Anatomie et la Physiologic comparee des deux regnes, et 1'Histoire des Corps
Organises Eossilles, redigees pour la Zoologie, par M. Milne Edwards — pour la
Botanique, par M.M. Ad. Brongniart et J. Decaisne. Tome II. No. 1.
Paris : Victor Masson.

Zoologie — Memoire sur 1'Organisation de I'Anomie, par le Docteur Lacaze-
Duthiers. This is a most valuable and interesting paper on the anatomy of the
Anomia. The species which Dr. Duthiers has selected is ephippium, which is
common to our shores. The memoir is accompanied with two beautiful plates,
one of them coloured. Note sur la multiplication des Nematoides, par le Docteur
Gros (de Moscow) ; Resume d'un travail d'embryologie comparee sur le developpe-
ment du Brochet, de la Perche et de 1'Ecrevisse, par M. Lereboullet (suite).
Botanique — Memoire sur les glandes nectariferes de 1'ovaire dans diverses families de
plantes monocotyledones, par M. Ad. Brongniart, with four plates illustrative of
the ovarian glands in the Liliaceae, Amaryllidacece, Bromeliaceae, Cannacese, and
the Musaceas ; De la necessite de faire disparaitre de la nomenclature botanique
les mots de torus et de nectaire, par le Dr. D. Clos, Professeur et Directeur du Jardin
des Plantes, a Toulouse ; Tentamen methodicas divisionis generis Aristolochia,
additis descriptionibus complurium novarum specierum novique generis Holostylis,
auctore P. Ducharte, with two plates.

THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. No. 82, October ; No. 83,
November ; and No. 84-, December, 1854. 8vo. With plates. London : Taylor
and Francis. Price 2s. 6d. each.

No. 82, October :— (Thomas Williams, M.D.) On the Mechanism of Aquatic
Respiration, and on the Structure of the Organs of Breathing in Invertebrate Ani-
mals, with three plates — continued from page 57 ; (J. S. Bowerbank, F.R.S.) On
the Remains of a Gigantic Bird (Lithornis Emuinus), from the London clay of
Sheppey ; (E. L. Layard) Notes on the Ornithology of Ceylon ; collected during
an eight years' residence in the Island— concluded from page 115. This is the con-
clusion of a valuable and interesting series of notes on the ornithology of Ceylon ;
315 species are recorded. We trust we may soon see these notes presented to the
natural history world in a more permanent form ; we think they would equal in
beauty Mr. Gosse's "Birds of Jamaica." (W. Hofmeister) On the Fertilization of
Ferns ; (W. V. Guise) On a new species of Alpheus ; (P. H. Gosse) Descriptions
of three new species of British Actinia;. We have here the descriptions of three new
VOL. II. A

2 NOTICES OF SERIALS.

Actiniae — viz., A. aurora, A. venusta, and A. thallia. Since the Aqua-vivarias have
become the fashion of the day, numerous have heen the searchings after sea anemones ;
and we were surprised, during the first fortnight of an " Actinia hunt," to supply the
tanks of the Zoological Gardens, Dublin, to find that among some hundreds of ane-
mones collected, at least^ye were not described in Johnston's " British Zoophytes;"
some of them may be varieties, but we recognise among them the A. thallia, Gosse,
and, if we mistake not, the A. venusta, which we recollect seeing in the large cavern
in St. Catherine's, Tenby, We have little doubt but that further investigation will
bring to light several more new species both among the Actinias and Antheas.
Bibliographical Notices— The Ferns of Great Britain, by Sowerby. Proceedings of
Learned Societies — Royal Society, June 15 ; Earl of Rosse, President, in the Chair.
Zoological Society, November 25, 1851 ; W. J. Broderick, F.R.S., in the Chair.
A paper was read by Professor E. Forbes, on a species of JEquorea, inhabiting
the British seas. December 9 ; W. Yarrell in the Chair. March 23, 1852 ; Pro-
fessor Owen in the Chair. Linnean Society, January 17, 1854 ; Robert Brown,
V. P., in the Chair. Botanical Society of Edinburgh, July 13, 1854 ; Professor
Balfour in the Chair. Miscellaneous — On the Co3nurus cerebralis of the Sheep,
by Dr. KUchenmeister ; On the Occurrence of Zinc in the Vegetable Organism, by
A. Braun ; Notes on the Bovine Animals of the Malay Peninsula, by G. W. Earl •
Meteorological Observations for August, 1854.

No. 83, November:— (A. Schneider) Contributions to the Natural History of
the Infusoria; (H. J. Carter) Zoosperms in Spongilla ; (J. Miers, F.R.S.) On the
Genus Lycium — concluded from page 194 ; (W. Thompson) On the Occurrence of
the Bottle-headed Whale (Hyperooden bidens, Flem.) in Portland Roads, and
remarks thereon ; (L. Agassiz) On the Primitive Diversity and Number of Ani-
mals in Geological Times. This paper is a reprint from Silliman's American
Journal for May, 1854 ; it is deeply interesting, and in every way worthy of its author.
(Robert Warrington) Memoranda of Observations made in small Aquaria, in
which the balance between the animal and vegetable organisms was permanently
maintained ; (Professor J. W. Bailey, U. S.) On a Mode of giving permanent
Flexibility to brittle specimens in Botany and Zoology. We learn here, that by
dipping specimens of Chara Corallina, Crustacea, and other brittle specimens,
either of zoology or botany, in a neutral saturated solution of chloride of calcium,
and then letting them drain in the open air, they will lose their excessive brittleness,
and become flexible ; the salt being neutral, no fear need be apprehended of its
injuring colour or texture, while its antiseptic properties will aid in the preservation
of matters liable to decay. Manual of Natural History, for the use of Travellers.
Proceedings of Societies — Zoological Society. Miscellaneous— On the Natural
and Artificial Fecundation of JEgilops by Triticum, by M. Gordon; The Ounces
and African Seal, by Dr. Gray ; On the Development of the Actinias, by M.
Haime ; Rare Irish Mollusca, by S. Wright ; On a new species of Suthora, from
China, by G. R. Gray ; On some Fishes allied to Gymnotus, by A. R. Wallace I
Meteorological Observations and Table.

No. 84, December :— (George Dickie, M.D., Professor of Natural History,
Queen's College, Belfast) Remarks on Associations of Colour, and the Relations of
Colour and Form in Plants. This is a most interesting paper. We extract some
of the principal conclusions at which Professor Dickie has arrived — First, " that
the primaries, red, yellow, and blue, arc generally present in some part or other of

NOTICES OF SERIALS. 3

a plant;" secondly, " when a primary occurs in any part of a plant, its comple-
ment will usually be found in some other part, or at some period or other of the
development of the plant, as was suggested to me by Professor M'Cosh." Then
Dr. Dickie examines the relation which subsists between form and colour, and lays
down the following laws: — First, "In regular Polypetalous and Gamopetalous
corolla?, the colour is uniformly distributed, whatever be the number of colours
present ; second, Irregularity of corolla is associated with irregular distribution of
colour, whether one or more colours are present ; and, thirdly, different forms of
corolla in the same inflorescence often present differences of colour ; but all of the
same form agree also in colour." (C. C. Babington, M.A., F.R.S.) On Linaria
sepium of Allman. In the second edition of the " Manual of British Botany,"
Mr. Babington stated, as his opinion, that the L. sepium, AIL, was only a variety of
L. italica ; and, in the third edition, that it and L. italica were but hybrids between
L. vulgaris and L. reptans. However, the examination of fresh specimens,
forwarded by Dr. Allman, led Mr. Babington to believe it not to be a variety of
L. italica ; and the fact that L. vulgaris was totally absent from the spot where L.
sepium grew, renders the fact of its being a hybrid improbable. Again, in a place
about one mile distant from the locality of L. sepium, L. vulgaris and reptans
grow, and yet not a trace of L. sepium is to be found within a mile of them.
(W. H. Benson) Characters of four Indian species of Cyclophorus, Montfort,
followed by Notes on the Geographical Distribution of the Genera of the Cyclos-
tomacea in Hindostan ; (H. and A. Adams) Description of a new Genus of
Bivalve Mollusca ; (Robert Warrington) On Artificial Sea-water. It appears
that in the copy of the analysis of sea- water, given in the July number of the
" Annals," Mr. Gosse was slightly in error as to quantity of the materials ; it, how-
ever, makes very good salt-water ; and the Sea Anemones and Ulvas seem to grow
well in it. We append the more accurate statement of Mr. Warrington, in order
that our readers may adopt it as having the nearest resemblance to the original
ocean — viz., chloride of sodium, 43£ozs. ; chloride of magnesium, Gozs. ; chloride
of potassium, 1£ ozs. ; bromide of magnesium, 21 grains ; sulphate of magnesia, in
crystals, 7^ ozs. ; sulphate of lime, crystallized, 2| ozs. ; carbonate of lime, 21 grains.
The above will amount, in round numbers, to 60 ozs., which is equal to three pints ;
deducting this from 10 gallons of fresh water, leaves 9 gallons and 5 pints, to which
the above is to be added. Perhaps the best way of obtaining the above would be,
evaporate a certain quantity of the salt-water at the sea side, preserving the re-
sulting salts in closely stopped vessels to prevent the absorption of moisture ; the
proportion of this dry saline matter being 56| ozs. to the 10 gallons of water,
minus the three pints. (Dr. W. I. Burnett) On the Genus Mermis, by Dr. G.
Meissner — an analysis of, from Silliman's American Journal for July, 1854 ; (Dr.
W. Hofmeister) On the Fecundation of the Coniferas. Proceedings of Learned
Societies — Koyal Society, June 15, 1854; the Earl of Rosse, President, in the
Chair. Zoological Society, November 23, 1852 ; Dr. Gray, F.R.S., in the Chair ;
December 14, 1852. Botanical Society of Edinburgh, November 9, 1854; Profes-
sor Balfour, President, in the Chair. Linnean Society, January 7, 1854; R.
Brown, V.P., in the Chair. February 7 ; T. Bell, President, in the Chair. April
18 ; W. Yarrell, V.P., in the Chair. Miscellaneous— On a New Species of Rock
Kangaroo, by Dr. J. E. Gray; Meterological Observations for October, and
Table ; Index and Title-page to vol. 14, second series.

4 NOTICES OF SERIALS.

QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPICAL SCIENCE. No. 9. October, 1854.
Price 4s. With Woodcuts and Lithographic Illustrations. London : S. Highlev
22, Fleet-street.

No. 9, October : — Original communications — (J. Gorham) On the Enlargement
and Multiplication of the Images of the Objects, when viewed by the light admitted
through small apertures, and on the Diascope, a new Optical Instrument — continued
from vol. ii., page 234 ; (F. Currey) On the Spiral Threads of the Genus Trichia ;
(G. J. Allman, M.D.,F.R.S.) Observations on Aphanizornenon flos-aquaj, and a
species of Peridinea. The former of these is a very minute alga, which appeared
in great abundance in the large pond of the Zoological Gardens, in Phoenix Park,
Dublin. The best account we have hitherto had of this little plant is by Mr. Ralfs,
in his paper in the "Annals and Magazine of Natural History," on the Nostochinea ;
but, as he describes it from the dried specimens, many important facts have escaped
his notice, which are amply recorded in this paper by Professor Allman. We have
also an account of a new species of Peridinea, which we annex — " During the last
three weeks, a spectator on the banks of the large ponds in the Park must have
been struck by a brown colour assumed by the water. This colour was sometimes
uniformly diffused through the water ; at other times it appeared as dense clouds,
varying from a few square yards to upwards of 100 in extent. A microscopic ex-
amination of the water proved the brown colour to be entirely due to the presence
of a minute organism, which, though it does not exactly agree with any published
generic description, I have thought it better; by slightly modifying the genus
Peridinea^ as characterized by Ehrenber.g, to place it in that genus rather than
construct for it a new one. It varies from the l-1000th to the l-500th of an
inch in diameter, and approaches in form to a sphere, divided by a deep an-
nular furrow into two hemispheres, on one of which is situated another furrow,
springing vertically from the annular furrow, and terminating at the pole. The
organism under consideration may be regarded as essentially a solitary cell ; it
encloses reddish-brown granular contents, and a large, well-defined, central nucleus.
In the midst of the contents are numerous clear spaces, of various sizes, which,
however, appear to be oil- drops rather than true vacuolas. In most instances, a
deeper- coloured ocelliform spot was evident near the polar extremity of the vertical
furrow. It is eminently locomotive, swimming with great activity by the aid of a
flagelliform appendage, which springs from the vertical furrow near the point of
junction with the other, and of very minute vibratile cilia, which seem distributed
over the surface, and not confined to the furrows, as maintained by Ehrenberg, in
the species of Peridinea described by him. Before death, and also when only
passing from a motile to a quiescent state, most likely preparatory to undergoing
some important developmental change, the contents contract towards the centre,
and then an external transparent and perfectly colourless vesicle becomes visible,
while the flagellum and cilia disappear. The contracted contents present a
very definite and generally spherical boundary, and are evidently included in a
distinct cell ; the resemblance of this internal cell to the primordial utricle, and
that of the external investing vesicle to the cellulose wall of the vegetable cell, are
too obvious to be overlooked, though the iodine and sulphuric acid test failed in
indicating the presence of cellulose. The external investing vesicle is non-contrac-
tile ; under pressure it is easily ruptured ; and the minutely-granular contents,
mixed with large oil-drops (?), escape upon the stage of the microscope. The

NOTICES OF SERIALS. 5

nucleus is then easily isolated ; it is of an irregular, oval form, quite colour-
less, and marked on its surface with curved striae. Individuals were fre-
quently seen undergoing spontaneous division, which takes place parallel to the
annular furrow, and in the unfurrowed hemisphere. This process appears
to be invariably preceded by a division of the nucleus ; and the author had
succeeded in isolating nuclei, presenting almost every stage of transverse fission,
Believing the species now described to be new, I have named it P. uberrima."
(F. Okeden) On the; deep Diatomaceous deposits of the mud of Milford
Haven and other localities. By means of a new boring apparatus, Mr.
Okeden was enabled to examine the mud, at the great distance of fifty feet below
the surface. (W. Gregory, M.D.) On a post tertiary Lacustrine Sand, containing
Diatomaceous Exuvia, from Glenshira, near Inverary. In this very interesting
paper Professor Gregory enumerates 234 species as occuring in the Glenshira sand ;
twenty-three species are figured in a plate, annexed to this paper, by Mr. Tuffen
West. (Dr. F. d'Alquen) A few remarks on a paper read before the Royal So-
ciety, by Dr. J. W. Griffith, on the Angular Aperture of Object Glasses ; (T. H.
Huxley, F.R.S.) On the structure of Noctiluca Miliaris. We have full details of a
very singular and anomalous creature which plays a most important part in causing
that silvery, sparkling, phosphorescent light, which is so often seen on dark nights
gleaming from the boat- oars as they rise to the surface of the water, or defining
the contour of the waves as they break upon the shore. (Hon. and Rev. S. G.
Osborne) Economy of Closterium lunula. Translations — On the Male Reproduc-
tive Organs of Campanularia geniculata, by Dr. Max S. Schultze ; Memoir on the
Coloration of the China Sea, by M. Camille Dareste ; On the Life and Growth of
Nematoids, by MM. Ercolani et Louis Vella. Reviews — Lectures on Histology,
by J. Quekett, vol. ii. Notes and Correspondence. Proceedings 'of Societies —
Geological Society. On the Microscopical Structure of Freshwater Marls and
Limestones, by H. Clifton Sorbey, F.G.S. Index and Title-pages to vol. ii.

THE ZOOLOGIST. No. 144, October ; No. 145, November ; and No. 146, December,
1854. 8vo. London : J. Van Voorst. Is. each number.

No. 144, October :— (Rev. George Gordon) A list of the Mollusca, hitherto
found in the Province of Moray and in the Moray Firth — concluded from page
4435. Mr. Gordon is well known to the readers of the " Zoologist" by his lists of
the fauna of Moray, which have, from time to time, appeared in its pages ; and the
present catalogue we regard as the most valuable of them all, but are sorry that the
Rev. George Gordon should, in his table comparing the Molluscean Fauna, of
Moray, with those of Northumberland and Durham, Aberdeenshire and Dublin,
have given the number of species frequenting the latter place so very incorrectly, as
actually to make it appear that the well-investigated County of Dublin, second, we
hold it, to none for natural history, should have no less than fifty-nine species less
than his favourite province of Moray. Our readers are, doubtless, aware, that Mr.
W. W. Walpole's list of the Dublin Mollusca, which is the one Mr. Gordon
refers to as his authority for the Dublin species, only gave that gentleman's own ex-
perience ; and numerous as any one's investigations may be, we yet hold it impossible
that, without aid, they could give anything like a complete catalogue :— for example,
Mr. Walpole gives the names of 49, not 50, of the Pulmonifera as inhabiting

0 NOTICES OF SERIALS.

Dublin; omitting, for the present, Helix hortensis (as Mr. Gordon follows
Forbes and Hanly), he leaves 48 as the number given by Mr. Walpole in Dublin—
thus, with our superior natural advantages, giving us a majority of only 2 over
Moray ; when, as we know, that instead of 48, we possess at least 57, thus
raising the majority to 11 : farther, whole families are omitted in Mr. Walpole's
list, as the " Tunicata," " Brachipoda," " Nudibranchiata," and the " Cephalopoda,"
all of which have their representatives with us. As it is intended shortly to give a
complete catalogue of the Molluscean Fauna of Dublin and Dublin Bay, and to in-
stitute a more equitable comparison between it and our northern friends of Moray ;
we shall dwell no longer on the subject here. If we have any other fault with
this catalogue, it is that of giving the English names ; and we think this trivial in
the extreme. We do not feel inclined to ridicule ; but, which of the readers of the
" Zoologist" would know the Physa hypnorum under the title of " Ferruginous Bubble-
sheir—and so in countless instances. Mr. Gordon professes himself to be a fol-
lower of our deeply-lamented friend, Professor E. Forbes, and of Silvanus Hanley ;
but, surely, he never learnt this of them. (W. F. Templer) Some remarks on the
Marine Fauna of the South of Devon. We trust Mr. Templer will not forget to
favour the editor of the " Zoologist" with his list of Zoophytes, as their distribution is
a subject of much interest. (H. T. Stainton) Entomological Botany, with more
special reference to the plants frequented by the Tineina. This is a most interest-
ing paper, and we hope to see the subject fully treated in future numbers. (E. T.
Ingpen) Extract from a Letter of a Gold-digger; (O. Mosley) Kemarkable
Anecdote of a Hedgehog ; (E. H. Rodd) Occurence of the Short-toed Lark at
Scilly; (E. C. Taylor) Cuckoo's eggs, in nest of tree pipit; (T. Catchpool)
Bee-eater, in Essex; (E. H. Rodd) Glossy Ibis, at Scilly; (W. K. Bridge-
man) Amphipeplia involuta ; (H. Stainton) On the want of some Systematic
Record of the New Additions continuously made to our Entomological
Fauna. The idea contained in this notice, which deserved the most conspicuous
part of the "Zoologist," our readers will find fully carried out in the "Entomologists'
Annual."* (J. N. Winter) Capture of Catocala Fraxini at Brighton. Proceedings
of Societies — Entomological Society, September 4, 1854 ; Tyneside Naturalists'
Field Club, The fifth field meeting for the year was held at Alnwick, on the
31st August. Society of British Entomologists, September 6, 1854.

No. 145, November :— (J. C. Dale) Remarks on Mr. F. Smith's " Catalogue of
British Hymenoptera Aculeata." What the remarks are, we are perfectly unable
to make out. (W. T. Burnett, M.D.) Researches on the Development of Vivi-
parous Aphides. This is a reprint from Silliman's Journal for January, 1854.
Our readers will find the most important part of this paper given in page 216 of the
first volume of the Review (G. B. Buckton) On the Application of Cyanide of
Potassium to Killing Insects for the Cabinet ; (H. T. Stainton) Entomological
Botany — continued from page 4472 ; (II. Stevenson) Honey Buzzard, in Norfolk ;
(O. Pickard- Cambridge) Occurrence of rare Hawks near Blandford ; (W. Borrer,
jun.) Sylvia galactotes, Temm., on the South Downs, near Brighton, Sussex ; (J. J.
Briggs) Pastor roseus, in Derbyshire ; (W. H. Slaney) Poisonous effects from eating
Cherry Stones ; (E. H. Rodd) Schinz's Tringa (Hawfinch and White-fronted Geese),
at Scilly ; (W. Borrer, jun.) Grus cinerea, in Sussex ; (E. L. King) Lestris Ricli-

* See page 1., vol. ii.

NOTICES OF SERIALS. 7

ardsonii, at Lynn ; (J. J. Briggs) Occurrence of the Pomarine Skua in Derby-
shire, and of the appearance of a Fish, supposed to be the Fox Shark, off Scar-
borough, Proceedings of Societies — Entomological Society, October 2, 1854.

No. 146, December: — This part contains the Index and Title- page for the
Twelfth Volume. Proceedings of Societies— Society of British Naturalists, October
3, 1854. Notices of New Works— The Annals and Magazine of Natural History,
Nos. 80, 81, and 82; Shells and their Inhabitants, parts 15 and 16; The Trans-
actions of the Entomological Society of London, vol. iii., part 2 ; (T. Catchpool)
Anecdote of a Terrier ; (J. Dutton) Occurrence of Hoopoes in the Isle of Wight;
(E. H. Rodd) Ked-necked Phalarope, near Penzance ; (J. Thorne) Capture of
Deilephila Galii ; (A. R. Hogan) Elachista triseriatella, near Dublin ; (G. Norman)
Note on Sirex Juvencus ; (J. J. Reading) Capture of Carabus intricatus in Devon-
shire; (T. J. Bold) Description of Lathrobium carinatum — an apparently un-
described British Coleopterous insect. (0. Pickard- Cambridge) On the Trans-
formation of Heliothis dipsacea ; (Rev. H. Clark) Notes on the Capture of some
of the rarer British Hydrocantharidas. This is a most interesting paper, and we
would wish to call our readers' attention (especially those who study the Coleoptera)
to it. Several new species are enumerated.

HOOKER'S JOURNAL OF BOTANY, AND KEW GARDEN MISCELLANY. No. G9,

October ; No. 70, November ; No. 71, December, 1854. 8vo. London : Lovell
Reeve. Price 2s. each. With a plate.

No. 69, October : — (Dr. J. D. Hooker) On some African species of Amomum ;
(G. H. K. Thwaites) Descriptions of some new genera of Ceylon plants. Jumping
or moving seeds— three of these seeds were forwarded to Sir W. Hooker, from
Mexico, by the English Minister at that place, and appear to belong to the Colli-
guaya odorifera, Hook. When placed on the convex back, they shortly began to
stir ; the motion was continued for some minutes, and always in jerks. On one
of the seeds being opened, the cause of all this strange jumping was found to be the
presence of a fine fat and white larva ; in all the three seeds the seed or kernel had
been completly devoured— leading to the idea that the larva had first taken up its
habitation in the shape of an egg, and, compelled by the double necessity of satisfy-
ing the cravings of hunger and enlarging its domicile, had, by degrees, eaten the
entire inside of the hard shell, and, in all probability, had ideas of entering the pupa
state when introduced to the broad daylight by the scalpel of Sir W. Hooker. The
query now is, of what insect is this the larva ? It would appear that a perfect insect
has escaped from one of the seeds ; and by the description (which is not long enough
for an accurate opinion) it would strike us to be an Ichneumon ; but whether it repre-
sents the larva, or is only its parasite, still remains to be told. Mr. Westwood, to
whom we must look to clear up this matter, inclines to this view, and has lately
asserted that he is satisfied that the larva is Lepidopterous. Might it not be
an Ichneumon larva ? A perusal of Reaumur's case, and that mentioned by Messrs.
Kirby and Spence, militate more for, than against this opinion, we think. Botanical
Obituary ; Botanical Information ; Extract of a Letter from Professor Harvey,
dated from Freemantle, West Australia, May 19, 1854. Dr. Harvey writes in good
spirits. On the Discovery of Epipogium Gmelini, Rich., as a British Plant, by
Mrs. A. Smith, on the 9th September. Notices of Books.

8 NOTICES OF SERIALS.

No. 70, November : — (George'Bentham) On the North Brazilian Euphorbiacece,
in the collection of Mr. Spruce ; (Richard Spruce) Extract of a letter relating to
Vegetable Oils ; (George Bentham) On Henriquezia verticillata, a new genus of
Bignoniacese, from the Rio Negro in North Brazil ; (J. S. Roe) Report of a Jour-
nal of Discovery into the Interior of Western Australia, between 8th September,
1848, and 3rd February, 1849 — continued from page 247. Botanical Information —
(James Edward Winterbottom, Esq.) Note on Cyperus polystachyus. A specimen
of this curious plant was lately received at the Kew Botanic Gardens, from its only
European locality— viz., the mouth of the crater of the extinct volcano of the Island
of Ischia, where it flourishes with steam continually issuing around it, at 150 degs.
Fahrenheit. It is essentially a tropical plant, being a native of the Cape of Good
Hope and East Indies ; and to account for its finding its way to this isolated spot,
Professor Tenore offers the following bold theory : — " That the successive repro-
ductions of this plant have "resisted the force of ages, and enabled it to perpetuate
itself through all those atmospherical catastrophes which have attended the climate
of Europe ; because its seeds have been developed in that high temperature, which
the half- extinguished volcanoes still preserve in the bowels of the Island of Ischia."
Notices of New Books.

No. 71, December: — (John Macgilivray, Naturalist of H. M.S. Herald') Letter
from, dated Sydney, March 3, 1854. Our readers may be aware that H.M.S.
Herald is on a voyage for the purpose of making a scientific survey of certain
islands in the South Pacific. This letter gives us a short sketch of the visits paid
to Lord Howe Island, Isle of Paris, and others. (George Bentham) On the North
Brazilian Euphorbiaceaj, in the collection of Mr. Spruce ; (J. S. Roe, Surveyor-
General) Report of a Journey into the interior of Western Australia, between the
8th of September, 1848, and 3rd of February, 1849 ; (J. D. Hooker, M.D., F.R.S.,
and T. Thompson, *M.D.) On Maddenia and Diplarche, New Genera of Hi-
malayan Plants, with plates 11 and 12 ; (Berthold Seeman, Ph. D.) Note on the
Genera Streptostigma, Regel, and Streptostigma, Thwaites. Title-page and Index
for vol. vi., 1854.

THE NATURALIST : a popular Monthly Magazine, with numerous Engravings ;

conducted by B. R. Morris, Esq., M.D. No. 44, October; No. 45, November ;

No. 46, December, 1854. 8vo. Price Gd. each. London : Grooinbridge and

Sons.

No. 44, October :— (James Scrymgeour) On the Domestic Cat; (S. Stowe) A
Glance at the Feathered Residents in, and Visitants to, the Grounds of Terrick
House ; with a few remarks, from personal observation, upon their habits and
peculiarities; (H. Moss, M.D.) On the Gray Heron ; (J. B. Clarke) Ornitholo-
gical Notes ; (T. Edwards) Occurrence and Capture of a few rare Birds and
Fishes, at Fraserbrough, Aberdeenshire; (George Stockby) Notice of some Insects
occurring in Hainault Forest ; (J. W. Watson) Airy Holme Wood as a Locality
for Land Shells ; (W.) Contributions to the Ichthyology of Banffshire ; and Notes
on the Star-fishes found in the Moray Frith, at Macduff, near Banff. Miscel-
laneous Notices — Notes on Eggs ; Attack of a Magpie's Nest by Crows ; Note on
a Sandpiper; Occurrence of the Nightingale near Barnsley; The Dotterel at
Brighton ; Occurrence of Pied Rooks ; The Mountain Finch ; The Skylark ;
Note on a Willow Wren ; Is it a Ghost ? The Greater Spotted Woodpecker ; The

A
NOTICES OF SERIALS. 9

Reed Warbler ; Luminosity of a Snake ; The Phalacrocorax Graculus ; The
Liparis Vulgaris ; Zylophala Dorsalis ; Limosa Melanura ; Phalaropus Hyper-
boreus ; Physalia Pelagica ; Entomological Captures near Cartmel ; The Small
White Butterfly ; The Wolf-fish ; Note on the Nemopbila ; Second Budding of
Deciduous Trees ; The Hawthorn ; Possible Source of Fallacy in the Formation
of a Local Fauna ; Note on Honey Dew.

No. 45, November :— (T. Edwards) The Birds of Strathbeg and its Neighbour-
bourhood, with a few remarks upon their habits, &c. ; (O. S. Round) The Ring
Ouzel, Inland Migration ; (J. Longmuir, jun.) The Findhorn Heronry ; (J.
Garland) Local Jottings— Dorchester, Dorsetshire; (T. Southwell) Rollesby
Gullery ; (William Sawers) List of Algas gathered in the North of Ireland. This
list embraces those which were discovered, in the course of several years, in Loughs
Foyle and S willy, and is an evidence of the assiduity with which that well-known
Irish algolologist, Mr. Sawers, devoted himself to the study of our sea-weeds.
Among the names we find that of Desmarestia pinnatinervifolia, which was added to
our fauna by Mr. Sawers, from specimens taken in Lough Foyle. We hope other
botanists will publish local lists of algae, as their distribution around the Irish coast
is a subject of much interest. Miscellaneous Notices — Hybrid between Anser Leu-
copsis and Anser Canadensis ; Red-necked Phalarope ; Tufted Duck breeding in
England ; On the Note of the Cuckoo ; Notice of the Night-jar, near Barnsley ;
Thrushes feeding on the backs of Sheep ; Little Stint ; Great Ash-coloured Shrike ;
Red-breasted Merganser; Hobby; Appearance of the Hirundinidse, &c., at Baw-
burgh Hill ; Note on Sirex Gigas ; Occurrence of the Opah, or King Fish, near
Buckie, Banffshire ; Prunella Vulgaris with White Flowers. The Querist. Pro-
ceedings of Societies — Scarborough Philosophical and Archaeological Society.

No. 46, December :— (T. Edwards) The Birds of Strathbeg and its Neighbour-
hood, with a few remarks upon their habits, &c. ; (O. S. Round) A Trip to Sel-
borne, in 1854 ; (G. R. Twin) Farewell Facts and Fancies from Norfolk ; (E.
Parfitt) A List and Notes on the Fungi found in the Neighbourhood of Exeter.
Miscellaneous Notices — Nesting of the Chaffinch ; A Memory from Moseley Pool;
Late Stay of the Cuckcoo ; Departure of Swallows ;. Spring Arrivals in Guernsey ;
Occurrence of the Yellow Wren, or Warbler, near Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

ANNALES DES SCIENCES NATURELLES. Comprenant la Zoologie, la Botanique,
1'Anatpmie et la Physiologic comparee des deux regnes, et 1'Histoire des Corps
Organises Fossilles, redigees pour la Zoologie, par Milne Edwards — pour la
Botanique, par MM. Ad. Brongniart et J. Decaisne. Tome II. No. 2. Paris :
Victor Masson.

No. 2— Zoologie — Resume d'un travail d'embryologie comparee sur le developpe-
inent duBrochet, de la Perche et de 1'Ecrevisse, par M. Lereboullet (suite). Pub-
lications nouvelles — Memoire sur 1'alimentation de quelques Insectes gallicoles et
sur la production de la graisse, par MM. Lacaze-Duthiers, et A. Riche ; Memoire
sur 1'organisation des Physalies (Physalia), par M. A. de Quatrefages.

Botanique — Tentamen methodic® division is generis Aristolochia, additis descrip-
tionibus complurium novarum specierum novique generum Holostylis, auctore P.
Ducharte (suite) ; second Memoire sur les Uredinees et les Ustilaginees, par M.
L.-R. Tulasne, de 1'Institut, with five plates.

VOL. II. B

10 NOTICES OF SERIALS.

THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. No. 85, January, No.
86, February ; No. 87, March, 1855. 8vo. With plates. London : Taylor
and Francis. Price 2s. 6d. each.

No. 85, January : — (Rev. W. Smith) Notes of an Excursion to the South of
France and the Auvergne, in search of Diatomaceae, with a plate ; (W. H.
Benson) Amended Characters of the singular Lymneadous genus, Camptoceras,
and a Description of a new Ancylus, inhabitants of north-western India; also^
Characters of the genus Opisthoporus, an eastern form, of Cylostomacea, with
remarks on its Affinities, and notes on several Opercula ; (P. H. Gosse) On Arti-
ficial Sea- water. When noticing Mr. Warrington's analysis of sea- water in the
previous number of the "Annals," we observed, that sea-water made according to
Mr. Gosse's plan seemed to agree with the sea-weeds and anemones as well as their
native element ; and in the remarks now made by Mr. Gosse, we are glad to find
this view corroborated, and that in the most decisive manner, by the statements
here made. (J. Gwyn Jeffreys) Notes on Swiss Mollusca. Mr. Jeffreys em-
ployed a summer and autumn at Lausanne, on the Lake of Geneva, in collecting
and investigating the Swiss mollusca ; and a goodly list he presents for the assist-
ance of those who are interested in the subject of the geographical distribution of
species. He also records the discovery of a new Pupa — viz., P. Halleriana — and
gives us a list of those species that are Swiss, but not yet recorded as British ; and
British, but not hitherto indicated as Swiss. From this latter we miss Helix
nemoralis and Limneus stagnalis, both common British mollusca, but not recorded,
at least in Mr. Jeffreys's list, as frequenting Switzerland. (J. H. Balfour, M.D.,
Professor of Botany, Edinburgh) Sketch of the Life of the late Professor Edward
Forbes. From this sketch, which was read before the Botanical Society of Edin-
burgh, on the 14th December, 1854, we select the following : — Edward Forbes was
born in the Isle of Man, in the 12th of February, 1815. When not more than
twelve years old he had imbibed a taste for natural history. He visited London
at the age of sixteen, and was engaged there in studying the art of drawing, under
Sass. He came to Edinburgh, in 1831, and entered the medical class. Though
he attended nearly all the classes required for gradation, yet he did not take out
the M.D. degree. In 1833 he visited Norway, and made considerable collections,
both geological and botanical. He became a member of the British Association in
1834, and was one of the most regular attendants on its meetings. He was the
first who called the attention of the association to the subject of dredging, and
secured their co-operation and aid in this most important matter. He appears to
have visited the Alps in 1835 ; and about this time he, with other eminent natu-
ralists, founded the Botanical Society, which held its first meeting on the 9th of
February, 1836. In 1839, at the Birmingham meeting of the British Association,
he, and other naturalists, finding that they had not their proper place at the con-
vivial meetings, instituted a separate ordinary. The first Natural History Section
Dinner happened to take place in an inn of that town having the sign of the lied
Lion ; and, ever after, the Natural History Club thus commenced was designated
" the Red Lion Club." The Red Lions have had their annual social reunions at
every meeting of the association since that time. In 1841 he published his beau-
tiful monograph on the " British Star Fishes." In the following year we find him
engaged in the JEgean, and coasts of Asia Minor, where his life was placed in

NOTICES OF SEKIALS. 11

imminent danger by a severe attack of fever, brought on by malaria. In 1845 he
became a fellow of the Koyal Society ; in 1846 he was again attacked by a severe
illness, from which he also rallied ; in 1848 he married a daughter of the late
General Sir. C. Ashworth ; in 1850 he completed, with Mr. Hanley, the splendid
work on the " Natural History of the British Mollusca and their Shells." In May,
1854, on the demise of Professor Jameson, he was called to the Chair of Natural
History in the University of Edinburgh. This had long been the darling object of
his ambition, and he was actively engaged in forming collections to add to the
museum. He commenced his lectures on 1st November, 1854, and lectured for
five or six days. During all this time he complained more or less of febrile
symptoms ; these, at last, increased so much, that he consulted Dr. Bennett, who at
once ordered him to give up lecturing ; which he did on the 9th of November. He
appeared to be amending up to the 15th, when the symptoms became of a more
alarming nature. On the evening of Friday he gave his last directions, leaving his
specimens to the college museum, and his papers to E. G. Austen, Esq. He con-
tinued to sink, and died at 5^, P.M., on Saturday, 18th November, being sensible
to the last. Bibliographical. Notices. Proceedings of Learned Societies — Zoolo-
gical Society. Miscellaneous— Notes on the Reproduction of Ligula, by M. Druille;
Description of the animal of Cyclina sinensis, by Dr. J. E. Gray; Observations
on the Development of Actinias, by M. Lacaze-Dutheirs. Meteorological Obser-
vations .and Table, for November, 1854.

No. 86, February :— (R. C. R. Jordan, M.B.) Some account of the Actiniada?,
found on the coast, near Teignmouth, Devon. During the month of April, 1854,
Dr. Jordan proceeded to investigate the various species of Actinia?, and other
allied genera, found upon the coast, near Teignmouth. The part examined extended
from the small rocks between the beach at Dawlish and the Warren on the one side,
to the rocks bounding the Torre Abbey Sands on the other — being rather more
than ten miles of coast. The Actinia? found— A. mesembryanthemum, common ;
A. alba, rare ; A. troglodytes, very abundant ; A. aurantiacea, Jordan, local —
a new species, being, when contracted into a cone, of a deep orange, with a central
spot of deeper tinge ; A. n. sp. (?) pulcherrima, Jor. Only one example of this
Actinia was found, and it appears to differ from A. rosea, Gosse ; however, it will
require some comparison with that species before it is satisfactorily made a new
species. A. parasitica, very common ; A. clavata, Thomp., var. rosacea, Gosse, only
one specimen found ; A. coriacea, common ; A. dianthus, cast rather frequently on
the beach during the winter storms ; Anthea cereus, common. (G. Busk) On a
Monstrous Oyster-shell, with a plate; (0. C. Babington) On Hypericum
anglicum ; (A. R. Wallace) On the Ornithology of Malacca. From these short
notes of Mr. Wallace's it would appear, that Malacca is nearly as productive ,a
country for the ornithologist as for an entomologist, as he was enabled to make a
large collection of the native birds during about seven weeks. (S. P. Woodward)
Descriptions of the Animals of certain genera of Bivalve Shells ; (T. Wright,
M.D.) On Fossil Echinoderms from the Island of Malta, with notes on the Strati-
graphical Distribution of the Fossil Organisms in the Maltese Beds; (Rev. T.
Hincks) Notes on British Zoophytes, with descriptions of new species, with two
plates. The new species are, one new Sertularia (S. alata), a new Polyzoon (Halia
prastenuis) ; and, also, notes of the occurrence of Cellularia cuspidata, at Brixham ;
of Caberea boryi, at Devon ; and of Laomedea lacerata, at Exmouth ; also, a

12 NOTICES OF SEKIALS.

description of the Polype of Beania mirabilis, and of the vesicle of Campanularia
integra. (C. S. Harris) On the Marine Vivarium. Proceedings of Learned Societies
— Zoological Society, January 11, 1853, Dr. Gray, V.P., in the Chair; January 25,
1853, Dr. Gray, V.P., in the Chair; February 8, J. Gould, F.K.S., in the Chair ;
March 8, Dr. Gray, V.P., in the Chair ; March 22, Dr. Gray in the Chair ; April
12, J. Gould, F.R.S., in the Chair. Linnean Society, February 7, 1854, T.
Bell, Esq., President, in the Chair ; February 21, T. Bell, Esq., President, in the
Chair; March 21, Thomas Bell, Esq., President, in the Chair. Royal Society,
November 16, 1854, Col. Sabine in the Chair. Botanical Society of Edinburgh,
December 14, 1854. Miscellaneous Observations — On the Nests of Humming-
birds, by John Gould, F.R.S. ; On a Marsupial Frog from Venezuela, by Dr. D.
F. Weinland ; Descriptions of two new species of Ptilonopus, by Dr. J. E. Gray.
Meterological Observations and Table fur December, 1854.

No. 87, March :— (E. Blyth) A Monograph of the Indian species of Phylloscopus
and its immediate affines ; (T. Wright, M.D,) On Fossil Echinoderms from the
Island of Malta, with notes on the Stratigraphical Distribution of the Fossil
Organisms in the Maltese Beds ; (J. Miers, F.E.S.) On the Genera Pionandra,
Cliocarpus, and Pascilochroma ; (B. Dowler, M.D.) On the Discovery of Vivi-
parous Fish in Louisiana. This is an extract from Silliman's American Journal
for January, 1855. The fish is determined by Professor Agassiz to be the
Ptecilia multilineata, and is found abundantly in the lagoons in the immediate
vicinity of Mobile and New Orleans ; it is of very minute size — its whole length
being only two inches. The specimen examined by Dr. Dowler contained twenty-
two foetuses, each about half an inch long. This family of fishes contains the
smallest representatives of the great type of Vertebrata. The Heterandria formosa
of Agassiz is, when full grown, not quite an inch long, and does not weigh more
than five grains. (Dr. J. E. Gray) On the Anomalous Oyster-shell described in
the " Annals" for February. This shell, which was described in the last number of
the " Annals" by Mr. Busk, appears to be that of an oyster growing on the inside of
a valve of Pholas Candida ; also, it appears that the shell of the Pholas must have
been that of a dead specimen, since it had growing upon it a Membranipora or
Flustra, which was impressed on the outer surface of the oyster ; and, hence, a
further proof is afforded, that the Pholas was external, and served as a mould to
the oyster-shell. We have found oysters which have grown upon the large oper-
culum of Fusus antiquus, which was completely enveloped in the shelly matter, and
projected like a wing from the side of the shell. (E. Claparede) On Actinophrys
sol, with a plate. Proceedings of Learned Societies — Zoological Society, May 24,
1853, Dr. Gray, V. P., in the Chair ; June 14, Dr. Gray, V. P., in the Chair;
July 2G, Dr. Gray, V.P., in the Chair ; November, Dr. Gray, V.P., in the Chair.
On the Anatomy of the Walrus, by Professor Owen. Royal Society, November
23, 1854, J. Bell, Esq., V.P., in the Chair ; December 21, 1854, Lord Wrottesley,
President, in the Chair; January 11, 1855, J. Bell, Esq., V.P., in the Chair.
Botanical Society of Edinburgh, January 11, 1855, Professor Balfour, President,
in the Chair. Miscellaneous — On the Movements and Reproduction of the
Naviculse, by M. Focke ; On Lottia zebrina and L. scurra, by Dr. J. E. Gray ;
Description of a new species of Sorex from India, by R. Templeton ; Meterological
Observations and Table for January, 1855.

NOTICES OF SEKIAL9. 13

QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPICAL SCIENCE. No. 10, January, 1855.
Price 4s. With Woodcuts and Lithographic Illustrations. London: S. Highley,
32, Fleet-street.

No. 10, January : — Transactions of the Microscopical Society of London ;
(F. H. Wenham) Some Remarks on Obtaining Photographs of Microscopic
Objects, and on the coincidence of the chemical and visual foci of the object-glasses ;
(C. B. Rose) On the Discovery of Parasitic Borings on Fossil Fish Scales; (W.
Gregory, M.D.) On a Remarkable Group of Diatomaceous Forms, with remarks
on shape or outline as a specific character in the Diatomacese. Original Commu-
nications— (C. Johnson, M.D.) Auditory Apparatus of the Culex Mosquito.
Many and long have been the papers written to prove the presence of an auditory
apparatus in that portion of the articulata to which the common term "insect" is
applied. In some of the articulata — for example, in the crustaceans — we find this
apparatus present, though in a very rudimentary state, consisting of a simple ves-
tibule. We might, therefore, by analogy, infer its presence in others of the same
class; besides, the majority of the insect tribe are noted for giving utterance to
sounds of various sorts, and these, vibrating through the air, produce an evident
effect upon other insects, and are even, in some cases, responded to, as in the bee.
Now, one is naturally led to conclude, that an insect which can appreciate a certain
sound or vibration must possess organs for their reception, which organs would be
analogous to the ear in man. The aim of this paper is to prove the presence of
these organs in the Culex Mosquito ; and this, we think, has been done very satisfac-
torily ; and we have little doubt, if this subject were followed up, that the majority
of the articulata would be found possessing an auditory apparatus — rudimentary, it
might be, but still present. (W. Webb, M.D.) On the Noctiluca Miliaris ; (P.
Redfern, M.D.) On the Nature of the Torbane-hill and other Varieties of Coal ;
(T. H. Huxley) On the Enamel and Dentine of the Teeth ; (Rev. W. Smith) On
the Determination of Species in the Diatomacea?. We would recommend these
remarks to every student who studies the Diatomacea?. Translations — On the
Structure and Systematic Position of the Rotifera ; Reviews ; Notes and Corre-
spondence ; Proceedings of Societies.

THE ZOOLOGIST. No. 147, January ; No. 148, February ; and No. 149, March,
1855. 8vo. London : J. Van Voorst. Is. each number.

No. 147, January : — (Robert Warrington) Memoranda of Observations made In
small Aquaria, in which the balance between the animal and vegetable organisms
was permanently maintained. These memoranda were read at the Liverpool meeting
of the British Association. In memorandum No. 3, we are recommended to be
careful to exclude the common polype, or Hydra fusca, from our fresh-water
aquaria, particularly when the minnow is kept, as the Hydra, insignificant though
they appear, after a short time, cause their death. In No. 3 of the marine
memoranda, we have the following form of aquaria (after five years' experience
on this subject) recommended by Mr. Warrington :— It consists of a four-sided ves-
sel, having the back gradually sloping upwards from the bottom, at an angle of 45
to 50 degrees, and the consequently extended top sloping slightly downwards, and
resting on the upper part of the back ; the bottom, therefore, becomes necessarily

14 NOTICES OF SERIALS.

narrow. The front, for the purposes of observation, and the top, for the admission
of light, are to be of glass ; the back, ends, and bottom, being constructed of slate ;
the whole fixed in a stout frame-work. (R. Stretch) A List of Land and Fresh-
watcr Mollusca, found in the neighbourhood oi'Banbury, Oxfordshire. None of the
mollusca mentioned can be called rare ; but Mr. Stretch says, when mentioning the
occurrence of Limax flavus, that it is difficult to find, as it docs not come out of its
hiding-places (cellars) until midnight. We think it would require a good deal of
attention to find when the village clock would strike the hour of twelve, in a dark
cellar, unless, perhaps, by hearing ; but, for our own part, we have found this slug at
all hours, and at times when it was light enough to see it devour bread. (A. M.
Norman) On the Introduction of forms of Animal and Vegetable Life into new lo-
calities. If the idea here stated be faithfully carried out, it will save much confusion
hereafter in making local lists. (Rev. A. Hussey) Ravages of Caterpillars. Pro-
ceedings of Natural History Collectors in Foreign Countries— (Mr. H. W. Bates)
Santarcm, March 27, and April 27, 1854 ; (H. T. Stainton) Entomological Botany,
with more especial reference to the plants frequented by the Tineina (continued
from page 4,472) ; Professor Bailey's mode of giving permanent flexibility to
natural history specimens (see "Nat. Hist. Rev. "for January, 1855, page 2, Notices
of Serials) ; (A. Roberts) On Rare Birds killed near Scarborough, and on the oc-
currence of theLarus Islandicus near the same place ; (Rev. A. Hussey) Occurrence
of the Short-toed Lark, Lapland Bunting, and Richardson's Skua in Sussex, on a
White Swallow in East Kent, and an inquiry respecting the name of an Australian
Spider ; (J. J. Briggs) Note on the Congregation of Swallows ; (N. Cooke) Pigmy
Curlew and little Stint, near Warrington ; (T. J. Bold) Occurrence of the Ruff and
little Auk in Northumberland, and the Egyptian Goose near Newcastle ; (Edward
H. Sargint) Capture of the Tetrodon Pennantii, at Ardmore, Co. Waterford ; (F.
Walker) List of Spiders found in Piercefield, near Chepstow, in 1853 ; (A. R.
Hogan) Entomologist's Annual; (W. Machin) Variety of Anthocaris cardamines,
Capture of Notodonta carmelita, and early appearance of Cucullia umbratica ;
(B. Smith) Note on Ptilophora plumigeria ; (G. Guyon) Remarkable vitality in a
specimen of Sitonea fusca ; (Octavius Pickard- Cambridge) Curious Capture of Poeci-
locampa populi. Proceedings of Societies — Entomological Society, November 6,
1854 ; December 4, 1854. Society of British Entomologists, November 7, Decem-
ber 5, 1854.

No. 148, February :— (R. Warrington) On Artificial Sea-water; (W. F.
Templer) Some remarks on the Marine Fauna of the South of Devon (continued
from page 4,4G8). If space allowed us, we would compare this fauna with that of
the Bay of Dublin,* as given by Rev. A. Irvine ; his list contains 105 species, and
Mr. Templer's not more than 46 ; yet some common species, such as Antennularia
ramosa, Lucernaria auricula, &c., are absent from our Bay, and that not on
account of their being southern species, as we have found L. auricula in great
abundance in the extreme north of Ireland. The geographical distribution of the
Zoophytes is a most interesting subject ; but much cannot be known about them
until some more local lists are published. (O. Pickard-Cambridge) On the
Corporeal Sensations of Insects. This paper commands the attention of the readers
of the " Zoologist ;" for ourselves, we took our ideas on the subject from the first

* Vide Nat. Hist. Rev., vol. i., p. 244. London: S. Highley.

NOTICES OF SERIALS. 15

book that fell into our hands relating to insects ; and these ideas our readers can
find in chap, i., sections 836-840, of a Grammar of Entomology, by E. Newman,
published some twenty years ago. Notices of New Books — Zoology of the Voyage
of H.M.S. Herald, part 3 ; Transactions of Linnean Society of London, vol. xxi.,
part 3 ; Annals of Natural History, Nos. 83 and 84 ; Transactions of Entomological
Society of London, vol. Hi., part 3. (C. Collingwood) Birds in the neighbourhood
of Blackheath in 1854 ; (W. M. E. Milner) Occurrence of the Snowy Owl in
Sutherlandshire ; (G. Norman) Singular Conduct in a Robin ; (J. Hogg) Notice
of a Tunny, stranded in the Estuary of the Tees; (E. T. Higgins) Supposed new
species of Flounder ; (E. Newman) White specimen of the Flounder ; (E. Charles -
worth) Shell-fish Burrowing into Rocks. Proceedings of Societies — Entomological
Society, January 1, 1855; Anniversary Meeting, January 22, 1855.

No. 149, March: — E. Newman, Esq., President of the Entomological Society
of London, delivered his annual address at the anniversary meeting. Mr. Newman
gives us a very able resume of the progress entomology has made for the last twelve
months and a sketch of the late secretary of the Society, Mr. Wing, who was cut off
at the very threshold, as it were, of a brilliant and successful career. Our readers
will find a brief notice of his decease in our obituary portion. He also gives a notice of
Abel Ingpen, George Newport, Major Champion, and Count Mannerheim, all of them
distinguished as entomologists, though not connected with the London Society.
We have then a list of those serials, published throughout the year, that contained
aught of interest to entomologists— such as the " Annals and Magazine of Natural
History," &c. The "Zoologist" itself, as one would naturally expect, is also mentioned.
At this part of the address, we must say, we expected that the talented and
amiable president would have condescended to have noticed our humble labours.
Surely, the Rev. J. Greene's carefully compiled Catalogue of Irish Lepidoptera, or
Mr. Hogan's list of Dublin Coleoptera, would have been as interesting novelties to
mention to the society as the fact that Anthrocera minos was taken in the Co.
Galway, an account of which capture, Mr. Newman tells the members, they will find
in a January number of the " Zoologist." We have then a very accurate list of
Entomological works published, with short criticisms upon nearly all of them,
which will be extremely useful. We think the praise given to Mr. Wollaston
highly deserved, and we are glad to see it so cordially given. (C. R. Bree) Black
Hare, shot at Brome ; (A. G. More) On the three species of Divers or Loons ;
(C. R. Bree) Rare Birds captured near Stovvmarket ; (J. H. Gurney) Note on the
Eagle which is said to attack the trained Falcons of Asiatic Falconers ; (H. Ste-
venson) The Lapland Bunting in Norfolk; (E. Newman) Remarkable variety of
the Woodcock ; (A. Roberts) Occurrence of the Shag, the American Scaup, and
the Continental Wagtail, near Scarborough ; (A. S. Taylor) Note on the great
Vulture of California; (R. H. Stretch) Correction of an error; (A.R.Wallace)
The Entomology of Malacca. It will give an idea of the richness of this part of the
world in entomology to say, that the result of Mr. Wallace's collecting in Singa-
pore and Malacca, for about four months, was a collection of 2,000 species of in-
sects. Proceedings of Societies — Entomological Society, February 5, 1855, J.
Curtis, President, in the Chair. Society of British Naturalists, annual meeting,
January 2, 1855, Mr. H. Harding, President, in the Chair.

1C NOTICES OF SERIALS.

HOOKER'S JOURNAL OF BOTANY, AND KEW GARDEN MISCELLANY. No. 72,
January; No. 73, February; No. 74, March, 1855. 8vo. London: Lovell
Reeve. Price 2s. each, with a Plate.

No. 72, January : — Original Information — (Richard Spence) Journal of a Voyage
up the Amazon and Rio Negro ; (George Bentham) On the South American
Triurideae and Burmanniaceae, from the collection of Mr. Spruce; (M. Louis
Kralik) Botanical Tour in the Regency of Tunis ; The late Professor Reinwardt.
Botanical Information — Plaintain Fibre ; " The Big Tree" (Wellingtonia gigantca,
ZeW/.). We have here extracts from the Californian Farmer, a weekly journal,
published at San Francisco, relative to the "Big Tree," and written by a Dr. C.
F. Winslow, and which certainly appears to be composed in that " go-a-head"
style, so characteristic of the Yankees. Some of these gigantic sons of the forest,
measured by the Doctor, were ninety-four feet in circumference at the root, and
one of them was four hundred and fifty feet from head to foot (!). Another was
ten feet in diameter, at three hundred and fifty feet from its uptorn root (! !). Dr.
Winslow is very severe upon Professor Lindley for applying to it the name of
Wellingtonia, and, without much regard to the rights of priority, subtitutes, what we
suppose can only be regarded as a synonyme, that of the famous Washington.
Bourgeau's Plants of the Canary Islands ; M. Huet du Pavilion's Plants of Sicily ;
Mr. Botteri's Mexican Plants ; Mr." Spruce's Plants of the Amazon. Notices of
Books — Stark's Popular History of British Mosses ; Archer's First Steps to
Economic Botany.

No. 73, February : — Original Papers — (George Bentham) Flonila Hongkong-
ensis; (James Mosley) Extract of a Letter from; (Dr. Harvey) Extracts of
Letters from, dated Melbourne, September 5, and September 15, 1854 ; (Dr.
Harvey) Characters of some Genera of Plants recently discovered by Mr. James
Drummond in Western Australia. Botanical Information — Note on the Vegeta-
tion of Roumelia and Bulgaria ; Nomenclator Filicum ; Botany of Ceylon, and
Botanic Gardens of Peradenia ; Expedition to Sicily and the Abruzzos ; New
Collections of Dried Plants ; New Proteaceae of Australia.

No. 74, March:— Original Papers— (C. F. Meisner) New Proteaceae of Aus-
tralia ; (James Mosley) Extract of a Letter from ; (T. C. Archer) On Two
Fibres from Brazil, with a Note by Sir W. J. Hooker. Botanical Information —
Information respecting the Mora Tree (Mora excelsa, Benth.} in Trinidad ; Note
from Sir John Bowring, relating to the Flowering of the Rice-paper Plant. " This,''
writes Sir J. Bowring from Hong Kong, December 2, 1854, to Sir W. J. Hooker,
"is one of your desiderata — the flower of the rice-paper plant. The flowers which
I enclose, grow in wand-like branches, some of them four feet long, which, to your
ail-learnedly botanical eye, will be a sufficient description. The plant from which
I plucked the flowers is about seven feet high, and covers, I should think, a cir-
cumference of twenty feet." Notices of New Books — Index Filicum, a Synopsis of
Ferns, by T. Moore, F.L.S. ; Victoria Regia, or the Great Water-lily of America,
by J. F. Allen; Flora van Nederland en zijne overzeesche Bezittingen, by Tuiu-
bouw.

NOTICES OF SERIALS. 17

THE NATURALIST : a popular Monthly Magazine, with numerous Engravings ;
conducted by B. R. Morris, Esq., M.D. No. 47, January ; No. 48, February ;
No. 49, March, 1855. 8vo. Price 6d. each. London : Groombridge and
Sons.

No. 47, January : — (Thomas Edwards) On the Fishes of Banffshire ; (John
Dixon) Notes on the Frog (Rana temporaria) ; (W. Kidd) Notes on the Red-
breast. We have here a short though pleasant account of the "sayings and doings"
of Mr. Robin in no less a place than the Crystal Palace in Sydenham. In this
world of glass the redbreast lives and brings up his young ones, quite regardless of
the living mass that continuously pass beneath him, who— with but few excep-
tions, such as the writer of these notes — care as little for him. (G. R. Twin)
Nesting of the Water-ouzel (Cinclus aquaticus) ; (John E. Daniel) Notes on the
Ferns found near Woolbridge, Dorset ; ( J. P.) Notes on the Botany of North
Lancashire. We see nothing in these Notes of which the writer could be ashamed,
and, this being the case, wonder he did not give his name in full — naturalists, not
being very numerous, like to know the names of their friends. Review — The
Heart's Proper Element, by W. Kidd. Proceedings of Societies — Natural History
Society of Glasgow, July 4, August 1, September 5, October 3, 1854 ; Royal
Physical Society of Edinburgh, November 22, 1854. The Retrospect and the
Querist.

No. 48, February:— (S. Stowe) A Glance at the Feathered Residents and Visi-
tants to the Grounds of Terrick House — continued from page 223 of vol. iv. ; (Geo.
Donaldson) The Swamps of the Mississippi. This paper was read before the Na-
tural History Society of Glasgow. Mr. Donaldson appears to be an enthusiastic
ornithologist, and no wonder that the glories of the American woods — in the
day-time alive with the brilliant woodpeckers, and resonant with the tones
of the mocking-bird, and, in the night-time, all lit up by the fire-flies, while
the hooting of the owls and the solitude-impressing sounds of the whip-poor-
will, make the music of the woods still interesting, albeit of a mournful cha-
racter— had a strong fascination for him. (J. M'Intosh) Injurious Insects,
No. III., the Common Wasp ; (W. Kidd) Progress of the Seasons— January. It
would be well for those suffering from ennui to take a hint from this paper ; they
little know the pleasure of a converse with nature. Review — A Supplement to
Baines's Flora of Yorkshire. Proceedings of Societies — Proceedings of Natural
History Society of Glasgow, November 7, 1854. Miscellaneous Notices ; The
Querist.

No. 49, March :— (Rev. F. Tearle) On the Occurrence of Bartram's Sandpiper.
This is the second record of the occurrence of this rare Sandpiper in England. The
specimen in question was shot in a field about ten miles from Cambridge. Its
sex is unknown ; and, seeing the rarity of the bird was known to the taxidermist
who preserved it, we feel surprised he did not use more diligence in settling this
question. The other specimen that was obtained in England was shot in War-
wickshire, a year or two ago. It appears that the bird is a great wanderer, being
found in America and in Australia. We have little doubt, but that if a careful watch
was kept after this species, that other specimens would be obtained. (G. Donald-
son) The Swamps of the Mississippi — continued from page 52 ; (S. Stowe) A Glance
at the Feathered Residents and Visitants to the Grounds of Terrick House — con-
tinued from page 28 ; (Thomas Edwards) The Fishes of Banffshire — continued from

VOL. II. C

18 NOTICES OF SERIALS.

page 4 ; (J. Dixon) Notes on the Frog — concluded from page 8 ; (G. Stockley)
Notice of the Red Spider (Dysdera erythrina), with Remarks on a few others ;
(W. Kidd) Rambling Reflections amidst Snow and Frost. Miscellaneous Notices.

THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. No. 88, April; No.
89, May; No. 90, June, 1855. 8vo. With plates. London: Taylor
and Francis. Price 2s. 6d. each.

No. 88, April : — (C. Jenner) A Comparative View of the more important stages
of development of some of the higher Cryptogamia and Phanerogamia ; (R. War-
ington) Observations on the Natural History and Habits of the Common Prawn
(Palaemon serratus) ; (R. K. Greville, LL.D.) Report of a collection of DiatomaceaB
made in the district of Brsemar, by Professor Balfbur and Mr. George Lawson.
In this Report no less than thirteen species are added to the British lists. (T.
"Wright, M.D.) On Fossil Echinoderms from the Island of Malta, with notes on
the Stratigraphical Distribution of the Fossil Organisms in the Maltese Beds ; (P. H.
Gosse, 3/.L.S.) On Monopus medusicola, a new species of Leech. This leech was
discovered parasitically attached to the medusa (Willsia stellata) ; it is less than
one line in length ; pellucid ; eyes, hyaline ; the generic name was suggested by the
foot-like appearance of the posterior sucker. (W. Clark) On Ancylus oblongus
and A. fluviatilis. We are glad to see that this veteran malacologist has entered
upon the subject of our native fresh-water shells. The result of his investigation in
this Paper is, that the Ancylus fluviatilis and A. oblongus hold the places assigned
to them in Professor Forbes and S. Hanley's "British Mollusca," although we must
say that, on our beginning to read the article, we were of the opinion that they
would have been made out one and the same species. (E. Claparede") On Acti-
nophrys sol. Proceedings of Learned Societies — Royal Society, January 18,
1855, Sir B. Brodie, Bart., in the Chair. Zoological Society, December 13, 1853,
R. C. Griffith in the Chair. Linnean Society, April 4, 1854, Thomas Bell, Pre-
sident, in the Chair ; June 6, Thomas Bell, President, in the Chair ; June 20,
Thomas Bell, President, in the Chair. Botanical Society of Edinburgh, Fe-
bruary 8, 1855, Professor Balfour, President, in ths Chair. Miscellaneous— On
the Anomalous Oyster-shell, by Professor J. S. Henslow ; Description of a new
species of Corynactis ; On the Species confounded under the name of Laminaria
digitata, with some observations on the Genus Laminaria, "by M. A. Le Jolis ;
Descriptions of two new species of Hummingbirds, from Peru, by J. Gould,
F.R.S. ; Meteorological Observations and Table for February, 1855.

No. 89, May :— (Hugo von Mohl) On the Structure of Chlorophyll ; (W. H.
Benson) Notice on the question of the presence of an Operculum in the Genus
Diplommatina, Benson, and description of a new species ; (W. H. Harvey, M.D.,
M.R.I. A.) Short Characters of some New Genera and Species of Algae, discovered
on the coast of the Colony of Victoria, Australia We have here short descriptions
of five new genera of alga3, and seven new species, which are but a foretaste of
the many new discoveries Professor Harvey is making in the "far west," and which
we hope soon to have recorded in a more substantial form than in the pages of a
periodical. We may observe, that all the new generic names are given in honour
of persons who have attained celebrity for their scientific investigations ; this we
think but right. (J. Cleland) Some Remarks on Vegetable Placentation. The

NOTICES OF SERIALS. 19

object of these remarks is to bring forward some evidence against the u axile" theory
of placentation, and to show that the " free central" placenta found in many plants
is really composed of a second whorl of carpels, with inverted edges. (Dr. J. E.
Gray) On the Attitudes and Figures of the Morse or Walrus. This paper is
illustrated with woodcuts representing this animal as figured by Gesner, in 1560,
down to the same animal figured, in more recent days, by Shaw, in his " Zoology."
(J. Gould, F.R.S.) Descriptions of Eight New Species of Birds from South
America ; (Dr. Pringsheim) On the Impregnation and Germination of the Algae.
Bibliographical Notices — A History of the British Marine Testaceous Mollusca, by
W. Clark; The Ferns of Great Britain, by J. E. Sowerby ; First Steps in Eco-
nomic Botany, by T. C. Archer; The Entomologists' Annual for 1855. Proceedings
of Learned Societies — Royal Society, March 1, 1855 ; March 22. Linnean
Society, June 20, 1854; November 11; November 21. Zoological Society,
January 10, 1854 ; January 24. Botanical Society of Edinburgh, March 8,
1855. Miscellaneous — Origin of Wheat ; Mr. Busk's Anomalous Shell, by
Professor Henslow ; On the Fructification of Arachis, by H. M. Neisler, Esq. ; On
the Structure of the Starch Granule, by Mr. Grundy ; Description of a New
Species of Aulacorhamphus, by J. Gould, F.R.S. ; Meteorological Observations and
Table for March, 1855.

No. 90, June :— (R. H. Meade, F.R.C.S.) Monograph on the British Species of
Phalangiidse, or Harvest-men — with two plates. Of this interesting family of
Arachnids, we have here enumerated and described no less than fifteen species.
We trust that Mr. Meade will turn his attention to other families of the spiders,
and rescue this portion of the creation from the oblivion into which it seems to have
fallen. (Hugo von Mohl) On the Structure of Chlorophyll — concluded from page
329 ; (John Lycett) On Perna quadrata, Sow. ; (Edward Vernon Harcourt) Notes
on the Ornithology of Madeira. The only bird which is truly indigenous to Madeira
appears to be a new species of wren, now, for the first time, described by Mr.
Harcourt, under the title of Regulus Maderensis. It is a brightly- coloured little
bird, and lives secluded among the laurel forests, or arborescent heaths, in the least
frequented portions of the island. (M. Alphouse De Candolle) On the Characters
which Distinguish the Vegetation of a Country. Proceedings of Learned Societies
— Zoological Society, January 7, 24, 1854, Dr. Gray, Vice-president, in the Chair.
Royal Society, February 15, 1855, Thomas Bell, V.P., in the Chair ; April 24,
Sir B. Brodie, Bart., V.P., in the Chair. Miscellaneous— On Phcenicura Tithys,
by Dr. Jordan. We give the following account by Dr. Jordan of this bird : — " This
bird may be regarded as a regular winter visitor to the south coast of Devon, and,
though local in its distribution, as, indeed, is also its more frequent congener, in its
own peculiar haunts it may be met with every year. Our first acquaintance with
it began in 1844 ; we then shot two specimens — a male on January 4, and a
female on the 10th of the same month. They are apt to keep in pairs during the
time of their sojourn with us, a male and a female usually frequenting the same
spot. For some winters after this, circumstances prevented our searching for the
birds ; nor did we think the visit was other than an accidental occurrence, especially
as the season had been » unusually mild ; and one of my brothers was fortunate
enough to shoot an Accentor Alpinus on the cliffs near the same spot upon the 9th
of January in the same year. But in 1851 we met with our old friends again, and
a splendid male was killed by us on the 30th of January, and a female on the 21st

20 NOTICES OF SERIALS.

of February. We again shot a male bird on the 3rd of January, 1852, a female
on the 27th of December in the ensuing winter, and another, also a female, on the
26th of December, 1853. Its time for remaining with us seems very short, indeed
usually to be limited to three months— December, January, and February ; yet
during the late winter one was killed early in November, and my brother shot a
female as late as the 23rd of March ; this may, perhaps, be owing to the long
duration of the cold weather, or, which is less probable, we may have overlooked
its stay in other years. With the single exception of the last-mentioned bird, all
our specimens were shot within fifty yards of the same place— a sheltered cove by
the Parson and Clerk rocks ; but others have met with it along the whole line of
coast from Dawlish to Torquay and Paignton ; and as it has occurred at Plymouth,
and, if my memory does not fail me, at Penzance, and also at the Isle of Wight,
the probability is that it might be met with every winter along the whole south-
western coast of England. Many are killed every year in the neighbourhood of
Teign mouth and Torquay ; one was shot on the telegraph wires by the side of the
River Teign ; but it is usually a coast bird, and haunts the cliffs. The female pro-
cured on the 23rd of March was killed on some trunks of trees laid upon the beach
near the town — a situation much resembling one in which I often remember seeing
them in the summer months at Coblentz, where they were frequently to be found
settled on some timber by the banks of the Khine ; they were there abundant, and
very tame and domestic in their habits, often perching on the low slate roof of a
washhouse in the garden of the Hotel de Belle- Vue." On the Transmission and
Metamorphoses of the Intestinal Worms, by MM. Milne-Edwards and Valen-
ciennes ; Note on the Trichomonas vaginilis of Donne ; On a Lunar Vapour Bow,
by C. Clouston ; Meteorological Observations and Table for April, 1855.

QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPICAL SCIENCE. No. 11, April, 1855.
Price 4s. With Woodcuts and Lithographic Illustrations. London : S. Highley,
32, Fleet-street.

No. 11, April :— (William B. Carpenter, M.D., F.R.S.) On the Development
of the Embryo of the Purpura lapillus ; (George J. Allman, M.D., F.R.S.) On
the Occurrence, among the Infusoria, of Peculiar Organs, resembling Thread -cells
— with a plate. This paper was read at the meeting of the British Association, at
Liverpool, September, 1854. It would appear that some of the continental natu-
ralists are of opinion that certain long bristle-like processes, which project from some
animalcules when dead, are the cilia abnormally lengthened. That these natu-
ralists have erred somewhat in their explanation of these processes, Professor All-
man, in this notice, clearly proves ; and, as they have been hitherto undescribed,
we have the following account given : — " When the animalcule'' (the particular
specimen examined was Bursaria heucas, EhrJ " is examined under a sufficiently
high power, minute fusiform bodies may be detected thickly imbedded in its walls.
These bodies are perfectly colourless and transparent ; they are about the l-2500ths
of an inch long, and may easily, even without any manipulation, be witnessed at
the margin, where they are seen to be arranged perpendicularly to the outline of
the animalcule, while, on the surface turned towards the observer, their extreme
transparency and want of colour render them invisible against the opaque back-
ground, and it becomes necessary to crush the animalcule beneath the covering-

NOTICES OF SERIALS. 21

glass, so as to press out the green globules which it contains, in order to bring the
fusiform bodies into view. To these bodies I propose to give the name of tricho-
cysts. As long as the animalcule continues free from annoyance, the trichocysts
undergo no change ; but when subjected to external irritation, as occurs during the
drying away of the surrounding water, they become suddenly transformed into long
filaments, which are projected from all parts of the surface of the animalcule, and
it is these filaments which, being mistaken for cilia by Cohn and Stein, gave rise to
the erroneous views just mentioned." (J. Glaisher) Snow Crystals, in 1855 ; (J.
H. Bennett, M.D.) An Investigation into the Structure of the Torbane-hill Mine-
ral, and of various kinds of Coal. Translations — Observations on Noctiluca (Mi-
liaris ?), by Dr. W. Basch ; Researches on the Development of the Microscopic
Algae and Fungi, by Dr. F. Cohn. Reviews — Principles of Comparative Physi-
ology, by Dr. Carpenter ; On the Microscope, by Dr. H. Schacht ; Lettsomian
Lectures on Pulmonary Consumption, by Dr. Thompson. • Notes and Corres-
pondence. Proceedings of Societies — Microscopical Society ; Royal Society. Zoo-
phytology.

THE ZOOLOGIST. No. 150, April; No. 151, May; and No. 152, June, 1855.
8vo. London : J. Van Voorst. Is. each number.

No. 150, April :— (Rev. W. H. Hawker, A.M.) On Local Lists. This paper
has appended to it a list of the Lepidoptera — e.g., the Rhopalocera and theHetero-
cera, as far as the end of the Sphinges — which were taken in the neighbourhood of
Horndean, Hants. (W. A. Bromfield) Note on the Economy of Saturnia Pyri ;
(J. Scott) Are the Psychidae to be considered Bombyces or Tineina ? This small
group of moths is, doubtless, in a miserable state at not being legitimately disposed
of by entomologists, and should be everlastingly obliged to Mr. Scott for taking so
much trouble to find it a quiet resting-place among the Tineina. (H. Evans)
Occurrence of Spselotis valesiaca, S. cataleuca, and Botys terrealis, near Beddgelert;
(H. T. Stainton) Habit of the Larva of Glyphipteryx Haworthana ; (T. V. Wol-
laston) Occurrence of a Water-beetle new to the British Fauna. This insect was
taken on Midgeley Moor, near Halifax, during July, 1852, and is the Hydroporus
elongatulus, Sturm. Note on the Orchesia minor^of British Cabinets ; Note on the
Tachyporus nitidicollis of Stephens ; (J. M. Jones) White Ant in India ; (Rev.
J. C. Atkinson) Memorandum of the Habits of the Jack-snipe ; (A Roberts)
Occurrence of Wild Fowl at Scarborough ; (H. Stevenson) Winter Visitors to the
Norfolk Coast during the late severe weather ; (G. S. Frederick) Occurrence of the
Polish Swan at Hornsey Mere ; (S. Gurney, jun.,) Black Swans Breeding in Con-
finement ; (T. A. Preston) Curious act of Auto-surgery in a Teal. This is a very
M curious" piece of nonsense. A little shot, from the fowling-piece of some bad
marksman, drilled a few small holes in the leg of a teal, through which it drew
some feathers, in the place of the very best silk, and covered all with some patent
adhesive plaster, made of its own clotted blood ! Electric Property in the
Feathers of a Wood Pigeon ; (R. Knox, M.D.) Some Observations on the Esttlary
Trout (Salmo estuarius) ; (E. Newman) Memorandum of the Tadpole Fish. Mr.
Newman says that the first dorsal of this fish is a slender, flexible spine, unaccom-
panied by any membrane, which is a very different account from what Dr. Parnell
gives in his account of the fish, and which account has been universally followed.
We could have wished Mr. Newman had mentioned if there had been any trace of

22 NOTICES OF SERIALS.

the other two rays. Of the fin-ray formulae given, not one of them tally with Dr.
Parnell's number ; but this, with the one exception, is easily accounted for. Proceed-
ings of Societies— Entomological Society, March 5, 1855, J. Curtis, President,
in the Chair.

No. 151, May : — (H. T. Stainton) Entomological Botany, with more especial
reference to the Plants frequented by the Tineina — continued from page 4,457.
Notices of New Books — The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Nos. 85 to
88 ; A List of the British Geodephaga; The Entomologists' Annual, 1855 ; The
Aquarium, by P. H. Gosse. It would appear that in this pleasant little sea-side book
by Mr. Gosse, the author has now and then given discourses worthy of the Arch-
bishop of Canterbury, and that these are of such a nature as to excite the idea of
" drastic curatives," the unpleasant flavour of which is ill concealed by the saccharine
vehicle of natural history. A Memoir of W. Baker ; (R. Warington) Observa-
tions on the Natural History and Habits of the Common Prawn — another of the
Eesults attending the u Aquaria." This paper is nicely written, and gives some in-
teresting details about the exuviation of these little creatures. (J. Couch) A Re-
cord of some of the Effects of the late severe Weather on Animals ; (J. Y. Akerman)
The Birds of London ; (H. Stevenson) Note on the Hawfinch and Wild Fowl on
the Norfolk Coast ; (O. Pickard-Cambridge) Extraordinary HBU'S Egg ; (C. H.
Rodd) Supposed new Snipe; (E. Newman) Supposed act of Auto-surgery in a Teal ;
(George Beresford) Occurrences of the Smew, near London ; (J. Gatcombe) Oc-
currence of the Iceland Gull in the neighbourhood of Ply mouth; (G. Guyon) In-
sensibility of Reptiles to Poison. It is, we believe, generally known that several
animals are quite insensible to the effects of Prussic acid (H. Cy.). We have found
it a very difficult matter to kill rats with this acid. (W. Thompson) An Unnoticed
Character in the structure of the Fishing Frog, and notice of a Curious Habit of
the Fringed-lipped Lamprey ; (E. Newman) Gonepteryx Rhamni, double-brooded.
Proceedings of Societies — Entomological Society, April 2, J. Curtis, President,
in the Chair. Appendix to the ''Zoologist" for 1855, Art. xxx., Description of two
Coleopterous Insects new to the British Fauna, by T. V. Wollaston, Esq. ; Art.
xxxi., Revision of the Characters of Deretaphrus and Descriptions of two New Species,
by T. V. Wollaston, and E. Newman ; Art. xxxii., Characters and some account
of the Economy of a supposed new Species of Australian Bombyx, by E. Newman.

No. 152, June :— (R. Knox, M.D., F.R.S.E.) On the Food of certain Gregarious
Fishes ; (Cuthbert Collingwood, M.B.) Calendar of Natural Phenomena observed
at Purley Park, Berkshire. These remarks were made during the months of
January, February, and March, in the present year (1855;, and are very interest-
ing ; but we think, for a periodical like the " Zoologist," they ought to have been
a little shorter, as in the present number this paper and the preceding one take up
twenty-nine and a half pages out of the thirty-two of which the number consists.
(F. Smith) Toads long known to be Enemies of the Hive-Bee ; (E. Newman)
A Word on the use of Initial Capitals to Specific Names. This " Word" we quote
to gtve our readers the benefit of Mr. Edward Newman's opinion — "We are
agreed on using initial capitals for genera, but we have no law as to initial capitals
for species ; for we cannot certainly reckon as a law that draft of a bill which was
sent down to us from the Upper House— videlicet, the British Association — and which
we, the representatives of the people, threw out, nemine contradicente. Now, having
no law, every one does exactly as he pleases ; and not only are no two entomologists

NOTICES OF SERIALS. 23

consistent with each other, but no owe, as far as my knowledge extends, is con-
sistent with himself. It is difficult to believe or understand the trouble which this
diversity of practice gives to an editor, more especially should it so fall out that
his contributor, having steadfast faith in his own critical sagacity, demands to see a
proof ; for then the said contributor, being in absolute command of a ship that has no
rudder, and purring complacently over the unwonted authority he is enjoying, is sure
to assume the printer to be in error, and incontinently to alter every small letter to a
capital, and every capital letter to a small one. It is with a view to relieve ento-
mologists of this critical labour that I suggest this simple rule — As all specific
names must be substantives or adjectives, let every substantive (nominative or
genitive), and no adjective, have an initial capital. One exception only occurs to
me, but exceptio constat regulam ; it is when a man's name is converted into an
adjective, as Mitterbacheriana or Abildgaardana — I don't much envy these insects
or their godfathers — then the capitals must, of course, be preserved as signboards to
testify to future generations that it is mortal men have been thus immortalized ;
otherwise, the cui bono of these ponderous monuments of genius, like that of their
fellows on Salisbury Plain, must greviously puzzle philosophers yet unborn."
(W. T. Bree) Gonepteryx Rhamni, double-brooded ; (H. G. Atkinson) Capture of
Gastropacha ilicifolia on Cannoch Chase ; (W. Machin) Occurrence of Notodonta
carmelita in Kent.

HOOKER'S JOURNAL OF BOTANY, AND KEW GARDEN MISCELLANY. No. 75,

April; No. 76, May; No. 77, June, 1855. 8vo. London: Lovell Reeve.
Price 2s. each, with a Plate.

No. 75, April : — (Sir W. J. Hooker, &c., &c.) Kew Garden Museum, or an
Account of the Origin, and some of the Contents, of the Museum of Economic
Botany attached to the Royal Gardens at Kew — continued from vol. vi., p. 26.
This account of the contents of the Economic Museum, Kew, is most interesting.
We hope to see it, when complete, reprinted in a separate form. Besides the
mere names of the specimens in the Museum, we have short accounts of their
properties, habitats, and the manner that is adopted in procuring the various pro-
ducts which render the plant valuable in an eco^mic point of view. This adds
very much to the interest, as well as the value, of the catalogue. Under the head
of Ord. Cistacea?, Cistus Family, we find the following account of how the resin
called Labdanum is procured: — "Seven or eight conn try-fellows, ^in the heat of
the day, when not a breath of wind is stirring, in their shirts and drawers, brush
the plants with whips, the straps whereof, by rubbing against the leaves, lick off a
sort of odoriferous glue, sticking to the foliage ; this is part of the nutritious juice of
the plant, which exudes in shining drops, clear as turpentine. When the whips
are sufficiently laden with this grease, they take a knife and scrape the straps clean,
making it up into a mass, or cakes of different size. A man who is diligent will
gather 3 Ibs. per day, or more, which sells for a crown on the spot. The work is
rather unpleasant than laborious ; because it must be done in the sultry heat of the
day, and during the most dead calm. About 50 cwt. of it are annually collected
in Crete, and sent exclusively to Constantinople.'' We would suggest that a MS.
catalogue, on this principle, should be kept at the Museum of Economic Botany
attached to the Botanical Gardens of the Royal Dublin Society. (C. F. Meisner)
New Proteaceee of Australia— continued from page 78 ; (Drs. Hooker and

24 NOTICES OF SERIALS.

Thomson) On Enkyanthus Hiraalaicus and Cassiope selaginoides, two new species of
Himalayan Ericeae— with two plates. Botanical Information — Note on the Vege-
tation of Rangoon, in a letter from Dr. M'Clelland, dated May 31, 1854. Notices
of Books — Bryologia Javanica ; List of British Mosses.

No. 76, May : — Kew Garden Museum, or an Account of the Origin, and some
of the Contents, of the Museum of Economic Botany attached to the Royal
Gardens of Kew, by Sir W. J. Hooker — continued from page 114 ; Biographical
Account of M. Andrien de Jussieu, by M. J. Decaisne, extracted from the
"Memoirs of the Imperial Agricultural Society of France" for the year 1854. This
celebrated botanist was born, at the Museum, on the 23rd December, 1797. He
completed his medical studies in 1824 ; and his thesis on this occasion was on the
" Euphorbiacese." In 1826 his father retired from the Professorship of Botany,
and the assembled professors of the Museum nominated his son to the Professorship
of Rural Botany, in this year. In 1 843 he gave to the world his crowning perfor-
mance as an author — viz., u The Monograph of the Malpighiaceae" — on which he
laboured for fourteen successive years, and this work alone would have been suffi-
cient to have established its author's reputation. Report of a Journey of Discovery
into the Interior of Western Australia, between 8th September, 1848, and 3rd
February, 1849, by J. S. Roe — continued from vol. vi., p. 380. Botanical Infor-
mation— The Voyage of H.M.S. Herald, being an extract of a letter from Mr.
Milne, dated Island of Janna, New Hebrides, December 4, 1854. Notices of
Books — (William Wilson) Bryologia Britannica; (Dr. Asa Gray) Plantae novae
Thuberianse.

No. 77, June : — (James Motley) Notes on Sumatra ; (M. J. Decaisne) Bio-
graphical Account of M. Andrien de Jussieu, extracted from the "Memoirs of the
Imperial Agricultural Society of France" for the year 1854. Of this lamented
botanist, M. Decaisne says — " Nature had endowed him with those qualities which
give grace to superior talents, and deprive them of the tendency to excite envy ; his
disposition was benevolent and gentle, yet firm ; his heart was warm, and his af-
fections susceptible. In general appearance he was far from striking, and his
rather peculiar countenance was less engaging than might have been expected, ow-
ing to the smallness of his eyes ; while his own timidity prevented others from feeling,
at fiVst, quite at ease in his society ; but he no sooner began to speak than this im-
pression vanished ; his animated, witty, full, and kindly conversation, graced with
striking and amusing anecdotes, quickly did the speaker justice, and conveyed such
an impression as was never erased from the hearer's mind ; he was singularly devoid
of ambition ; he cultivated botany with great success, and to his own unfading
honour— true ; but he did so for its own sake, because he loved the science, and be-
cause his fathers had loved it before him. Fame and high office came to him un-
sought. The desire for notoriety, which rarely repays the anxiety it occasions, never
agitated him ; he belonged to that body of learned men who confine their activity
and their desires to the promotion of useful labours. " M. Jussieu died on the
29th of June, 1853. (George Bentham) Additional Note on Arachis hypogsea ;
The Government Botanist's Report of his journey from Melbourne to Omeo in the
Australian Alps, dated Omeo, 16th December, 1854. The highest portion of the
mountain range descended by Fred Mueller appears to be about 7,000 feet above sea
level. Botanical Information — Charles Andreas Geyer ; On Beech Oil, by W. E.
G. Seeman ; The Ferns of Wales, by Edward Young. Notices of New Books.

NOTICES OF SERIALS. 25

THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. No. 91, July; No. 92,
August ; No. 93, September, 1855. 8vo. With Plates. London : Taylor and
Francis. Price 2s. 6d. each.

No. 91, July:— (H. J. Carter, Assistant- Surgeon H.C.S. Bombay) Observa-
tions on the Development of Gonidia (?) from the cell- contents of the Characese,
and on the circulation of the mucus-substance of the cell ; (S. P. Woodward,
F.G.S.) Descriptions of the Animals of certain Genera of Conchifera ; (P. H.
Gosse, F.L.S.) Notes on some New or Little-known Marine Animals, with two
Plates. We have, in this paper, descriptions of nine new animals, two of which
belong to the class Arachnida, order Acarina, and are a great addition to our British
marine mites. One belongs to the class Crustacea, two to the Annelida,
two more to the genus Othonia of Johnston, and one to thePolyzoa, family Vesicu-
lariada?, for which a new genus is made — Nolella, from nola, a little bell. (C.
Spence Bate, F.L.S.) On the Homologies of the Carapace, and on the structure
and function of the Antennae in Crustacea. After describing the anterior or
internal antenna? and the inferior or external antennae, the author continues : —
" The next question which we have to consider is, to which sense either of these
two sets of organs belongs ; whether the upper belongs to the auditory and the
lower to the olfactory, as I shall endeavour to prove, or vice versa, as maintained
by Prof. Milne-Edwards. We shall divide the evidences on either side under two
heads — the first, that which is derived from an external observation ; and the
second, that which is derived from its internal organization. First, then, from
external circumstances : — An auditory apparatus is an organ furnished to an ani-
mal for one or both of two objects — first, for protection from danger ; second, for
the pleasure derivable from sounds. To animals so low in the scale of beings as
the Crustacea, placed, as they are, in a medium which must considerably modify
its character, sound can convey little to the consciousness of the animal beyond a
sense of security or danger. To enable this to be of the most extensive value, the
auditory organ must be, and always is, so placed as to be most exposed to external
impressions at all periods ; particularly when the animal is at rest or pre-occupied.
Now, if we look at the organ the present state of science attributes to the sense of
hearing, we find that in the most perfectly -formed animals, the Brachyura, it is
enclosed within a bony case, and secured by a calcareous operculum ; that it is
always so in a state of rest, and only exposed when especially required. Not only
is this the case throughout the order, but in some genera — as Corystes, Cancer,
&c. ; it is again covered by the supplying organs of the mouth. If we take into
consideration that the inferior antenna is frequently developed into organs assimi-
lating to feet, and frequently used for the purpose of assisting to climb, &c., it
seems difficult to admit that it is an organ capable of protecting the animal by its
quick detection of the sound of approaching danger. If we turn our attention to
the superior antenna, we find that in the living animal it is always elevated in the
water, and never at rest — always playing with a constant vibration, and a jerking
motion peculiar to itself in the higher orders. Among the Amphipoda, though
constantly erect, the motion is more regular and graceful ; this, probably, is con-
sequent upon the greater relative length of the organ. This organ is one that
appears as if always on the watch — let the animal be at rest, let ft be feeding, no

VOL. II. D

26 NOTICES OF SERIALS.

matter, the superior antenna is ever elevated, and on constant guard. Again, if
we turn our attention to the land Crustacea, we find the organ, as an antenna, dis-
appear ; and in Ligia and the amphibious Orchestidce they are rudimentary, as if
the organ, passing from water into a less dense medium, required modification in
order to adapt it to the change of circumstances. If we take into consideration the
nature of sound, and its difference of character when conveyed under water from
that of passing through air, the obtuse character of the former, which can scarcely
be more than a vibratory action of particles of water, which conveys to us a very
modified and imperfect idea of sound, we find it difficult to understand that the
organ situated at the base of the under antenna is capable of receiving impressions
of sound, enclosed as it is within and covered by a stout calcareous operculum.
But if we view it as an organ of smell, every objection previously becomes evidence
in favour of the idea. The small door, when it is raised, exposes the orifice in a
direction pointing to the mouth ; this, also, is the direction of the same organ in all
the higher orders. In Amphipoda it is directed inwards and forwards. In every
animal it is so situated that it is impossible for any food to be conveyed into the
mouth without passing under this organ, and of this the animal has the power to
judge its suitability for food by raising the operculum at will, and exposing to it
the hidden organ — the olfactory. If we turn to the upper antenna, we find that its
position, form, and power, are as capable of fulfilling the office of conducting the
sensation of sound, as the lower is that of smell. As I before observed, it is always
placed erect, and continually feeling in the water for the first approximation of
sensation. The filamentary appendages are always two or more, one of which is
supplied with singularly- delicate membraneous cilia, being apparently prolongations
of a similar membrane to that which covers the larger orifice of the olfactory
organ. These lengthened and delicate cilia are peculiarly adapted to receive and
convey the most minute vibratory sensation of the medium in which they are sus-
pended. These organs, when spoken of, may conveniently be designated as auditory
cilia, and have been found in every species of Crustacea that has been searched for
them. If we turn our attention to the internal structure of this antenna, we shall
find that it supports the idea of its being an auditory organ more forcibly than its
external analysis. In the Brachyura, as before observed, the first, or basal
articulation is largely developed ; if it be removed from its connection
with the animal and broken open, the basal articulation will be found
occupied by a still smaller chamber, having calcareous walls of a much
more delicate character than the integumentary structure. This internal
chamber or cell is that which, in this paper, is supposed to be a cochlea, from
its analogy, both in its structure and supposed use, to that organ in higher animals.
It is situated in the cavity of the basal articulation of the antenna, and attached to
the walls furthest from the median line of the crab. It presents a tendency to a
spiral form, but passes not beyond the limits of a single convolution. The calca-
reous walls extend across the axis of the ideal spire, and the internal cavity is one
continuous irregular chamber, the walls of which, at the centre of the axis, closely
approximate, so as almost to meet. This internal cell represents, we think, the
cochlea of higher animals, to which it bears some resemblance both in form and
structure. If so, then, beyond dispute, it identifies the superior antenna as an organ
of hearing. The internal structure of the inferior antenna differs very materially

NOTICES OF SERIALS. 27

from the appearances we have just described. In the Brachyura, where the organs
are most fully developed, there is attached to the operculum a long, osseous tendon
or lever, by which the attached muscles raise or close the entire organ, but there
is no internal structure of any kind which could identify it as "being an organ of
sound. The aqueous sac mentioned by Edwards, I have entirely failed to discover.
Viewing the two antennae each as a whole, in their relative positions and con*
nection with the rest of the animal, we are forcibly led to the conviction that the
tipper antenna is an organ of hearing, and the lower antenna is an organ of smell."
The author's views are illustrated by plates. (M. de Quatrefages) On Double Mon-
strosity in Fishes. Proceedings of Learned Societies— Linnean Society, De-
cember 5, 1854, W. Yarrell, Esq., V.P., in the Chair ; December 19, T. Bell,
President, in the Chair. Zoological Society, February 14, 1854, Dr. Gray, Vice-
President, in the Chair ; read, notes on the habits of Indian Birds, by Lieutenant
Burgess; February 28, 1854, Dr. Gray, Vice-President, in the Chair. Koyal
Institution of Great Britain, April 20, 1855., W. R. Grove, M.A., Q.C., F.R.S.,
Vice-President, in the Chair. Botanical Society of Edinburgh, April 12, 1855,
Professor Balfour, President, in the Chair. Miscellaneous — Nereis bilineata, by W.
Thompson ; On a New Species of Thallasidroma, by G. R. Gray, F.L.S., and F.Z.S. ;
On the Eggs of Otogyps and Prosthemadera, by H. F. Walter. Meteorological
Observations and Table for May, 1855.

No. 92, August:— (T. R. Jones, F.G.S.) Notes on Palaeozoic Bivalved Ento-
mostraea — No. 1, Some Species of Beyrichia from the Upper Silurian Limestones
of Scandinavia— with a Plate; (J. W. Griffith, M.D., F.L.S.) On the Conju-
gation of the Diatomaceae— with a Plate; (Thomas Wright, M.D., F.R.S.E.) On
a New Genus of Fossil Cidaridae, with a synopsis of the species included therein ;
(T. Horsfield, M.D.) Brief Notices of several New or Little-known Species of
Mammalia lately discovered and collected in Nepaul, by Brian Houghton Hodgson ;
(William Clarke) On the Assiminia Grayana and Rissoa anatina ; (T. Blackwall,
F.L.S.) Descriptions of two newly-discovered species of Araneidea ; (J. Gwyn
Jeffreys, F.R.S.) Note on the Descent of Glaciers. No less than five various
theories have been proposed to account for the descent of glaciers — 1st, by De
Saussure, who supposed that glaciers descended solely by their own weight ; 2nd,
by De Charpentier, and adopted by Agassiz, who supposed that the phenomenon
was caused by the surface of the glacier being thawed during the day, that the
water thus produced percolated the porous material, and that upon congelation
taking place at night, the whole structure expanded in every direction, naturally
occasioning or accelerating a downward movement in the direction of the slope ;
3rd, that of Professor James Forbes, which attributed it to the viscous or plastic
nature of the glaciers, causing the descent suis viribus ; 4th, that of Mr. Hopkins,
who referred the motion of a glacier to the dissolution of the ice in contact with the
rock ; and, 5th, that of Rev. H. Mosley, who supposed that it was caused by the
heat of the sun, and, consequently, to an alternate expansion and contraction of the
material. Without either patronizing one or any of these various and seemingly
conflicting theories, or attempting to make up " the half dozen," Mr. Jeffreys is of
opinion that each and all of the forces above mentioned may have their own part
in producing this curious phenomenon ; by this means he reconciles the various
theorists, and good-naturedly sets at rest this difficult and vexed question.

28 NOTICES OF SERIALS.

Bibliographical Notices— Catalogue of British Bees, by F. Smith ; Proceedings of
the Yorkshire Philosophical Society, vol. i., York, 1855. Proceedings of Learned
Societies — Zoological Society, February 28, 1854, Dr. Gray, V.P., in the Chair ;
March 14, Dr. Gray, V.P., in the Chair; March 28, Dr. Gray, V.P., in the
Chair. Botanical Society of Edinburgh, June 14, 1855, Professor Balfour, Pre-
sident, in the Chair. Miscellaneous — On the Organization of the Pedicellate
Glands of the Leaf of Drosera rotundifolia, by M. A. Trecul ; On a New Organ
observed in Callitriche, by M. A. Chatin ; Description of a new Tanager, of the
genus Calliste, by P. Lutley Sclater, M.A. ; On the Spermatophora of the
Crickets, by C. Lespes. Meteorological Observations and Table for June, 1855.

No. 93, September : — (Professor Steenstrup) Observations on the Genera Pa-
chybdella (Deising} and Peltogaster (Rathhe), two animal forms parasitic upon
the abdomen of Crabs; (T. Eupert Jones, F.G.S.) Notes on Paleozoic Bivalved
Entomostraea, No. 11 ; Some British and Foreign Species of Berychia — with a
plate ; (Dr. A. Krohn) On the Heart and Circulation in the Pycnogonidas — with
a plate ; (M. Valenciennes) Abstract of a Monograph of the Family Gorgonidae ;
(Dr. J. E. Gray, F.R.S., V.P.Z.S.) On the Genus Assiminia ; (Alfred R. Wal-
lace, F.R.G.S.) On the Law which has regulated the introduction of New Species ;
(Thomas Wright, M.D., F.R.S.E.) On some new species of Hemipedina from the
Oolites ; A short Biographical Notice of the late Dr. Johnston, of Berwick-upon-
Tweed. Bibliographical Notices — The British Flora, comprising the Flowering
Plants and the Ferns — Seventh Edition. Proceedings of Learned Societies —
Royal Society, April 26, 1855, Sir B. Brodie, Bart., V.P., in the Chair ; June
14, the Lord Wrottesley, President, in the Chair; June 21, the Lord Wrottesley,
President, in the Chair. Linnean Society, January 16, 1855, Thomas Bell, Presi-
dent, in the Chair. Botanical Society of Edinburgh, July 12, 1855, Professor
Balfour, President, in the Chair. Zoological Society, April 1.1, 1854, Dr. Gray,
Vice-President, in the Chair ; April 25, Dr. Gray, Vice-President, in the Chair.
Miscellaneous — Monstrosity of Antirrhinum majus; Notice of the Horns and
Skull of the Arnee ; Meteorological Observations and Table for July, 1855.

QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPICAL SCIENCE. No. 12, April, 1855.
Price 4s. With Woodcuts and Lithographic Illustrations. London : S. Highley,
32, Fleet-street.

No. 12, July :— (Wm. Herbert Thomas) Observations on Cosmarium Margariti-
ferum and other Desmidiae ; Address of the President at the annual meeting of
the Microscopical Society, February 28, 1855; (R. J. Farrants, F.R.C.S.) An
Account of Mr. Peter's Machine for microscopic writing ; (John Frazer) On the
Illumination of Objects by polarized light on a dark field ; Report of the fifteenth
annual meeting of the Microscopical Society. Original Communications — (George
Rainey,|M.R.C.S., &c., &c.) On the Structure of the Cutaneous Follicles of the
Toad, with some experiments and observations upon the nature and alleged
venomous properties of their secretion ; (F. Currey, M.A.) On the Reproductive
Organs of certain Fungi ; (Ferguson Branson, M.D.) On Ciliary Action as the
cause of the circulation in the Cells of Plants; (F. H. Wenham) Observations on
the circulation of the Sap in Leaf Cells of Anacharis alsinastrum. Translations —
On the Cellulose (in animals) question, by R. Verchow; On the Action of Concen-

NOTICES OF SERIALS. 29

trated Solution of Urea upon the wood cells, by A. Kolliker ; Notice respecting the
occurrence of Lymph-corpuscles in the commencement of the Lymphatic vessels,
by A. Kolliker ; On the influence of Caustic Alkalies upon the Motions of the
Spermatic Filaments, by A Kolliker ; On the Kestoration of the Motions of the
Sphermatozoids of the Mammalia, by MM. Moleschott and J. C. Kecchetti ; On
the Vitality and Development of the Spermatic Filaments, by A Kolliker. Notes
and Correspondence — Reply to some Remarks, by E. H. Wenham ; Aperture of
Object-glasses in relation to objects in Canada Balsum ; Microscopical Conver-
saziones ; Cheap Microscopes ; On Species of Diatomaceae ; On a New Locality
for Microscopic Test Objects ; Memoranda on Flies' feet ; On Finders ; Memo-
randa on the Employment of Artificial Sea- water in Marine Aquaria. Proceed-
ings of Societies — Royal Society ; Stowe Newington Natural History and Scientific
Society, April 24, 1855 ; Zoophytology. Title-page and Index to the Volume for
1855.

THE ZOOLOGIST. No. 153, July ; No. 154, August ; No. 155, September, 1855.
8vo. London : J. Van Voorst. Is. each number.

No. 153, July :— (George Guyon) Singular State of a Living Helops ; (Job
Johnson) Egg and Larva of Crymodes Templi. Proceedings of Societies —
Society of British Entomologists, April 18, 1855, Mr. Harding, President, in the
Chair ; May 1 , Mr. Harding, President, in the Chair. Entomological Society,
May 7, 1855, J. Curtis, President, in the Chair; June 4, J. Curtis, President, in
the Chair. Notices of New Books — The Annals and Magazine of Natural
History, Nos. 89 and 90 ; The Natural History Review, No. 6 ; A History of the
British Marine Testaceous Mollusca, by W. Clark. Remarkable Act in an Aged
Cat ; (A. Roberts) Occurrence of the Honey Buzzard near Scarborough ; (Edward
Newman) Occurrence of the Snowy Owl in Aberdeenshire ; (H. Spurr) An Owl
laying an Egg after twenty years' confinement ; (F. Woodroffe) Ornithology of
the Diggings; (E. V. Harcourt) Hen's Egg with Double Shell; (H. Stevenson)
Extraordinary Hen's Egg ; (G. Grantham) Occurrence of the Little-winged
Plover and Smew near Brighton ; (T. L. Powys) Occurrence of the Bittern and
Goosander in Northamptonshire, of the Red-throated Diver in Plymouth Sound,
and of Buonaparte's Gull in Dublin Bay ; (E. W. H. Holdsworth) Supposed in-
sensibility of Reptiles to Poison, and on a supposed unnoticed Character in the
Fishing Frog ; (James Wilson) Salmon and Salmon-fry ; (R. H. Meade) Note
regarding the Name of the Australian Trap-door Spiders ; (W. H. Hawker)
Gonepteryx Rhamni, double-brooded. This note is an answer to Mr. Newman's
doubt as to whether the Brimstone butterfly is double-brooded or not, and answers
all his objections in an off-hand way. (T. J. Bold) Capture of Nomada borealis
at Gosforth, Northumberland ; (George Guyon) Tenacity of Life in a Bembidium ;
(W. Thompson) Marine Vivaria; (Rev. H. Clark,) Notes on Certain British
Hydrocantharidae. We may here mention that it is the intention of the Rev. H.
Clark to publish a Monograph of the British species of " Hydradephaga and Phil-
hydrida," and that he will be most happy to receive for examination specimens of
any doubtful species, more particularly specimens of Octhebius, Hydraena, Lim-
nebius, and Elmis; his address being Rev. H. Clark, Northampton. (^H. T.
Stainton) Entomological Botany, with more especial reference to the plants fre-
quented by the Tineina.

30 NOTICES OF SERIALS.

No. 154, August:— (R. Knox, M.D.) Inquiries into the Philosophy of the Salmon,
and on the Growth of the Salmon from the Egg to the Adult. Proceedings of
Societies— Entomological Society, July 2, 1855, John Curtis, President, in the
Chair. Proceedings of Natural History Collectors in Foreign Countries — Letter
from W. A. R. Wallace, dated Borneo, 8th April, 1855. Mr. Wallace, in writing
about the capabilities of St. Munjon coal works as an entomological collecting
ground, says — " I here met with the beautiful longicornis of the genera Astathes,
Glenea, and Clytus, the elegant Anthribidae ; the Buprestidae are very fine ; one of
the most beautiful is, I think, the Belionota sumptuosa, about one inch long, and
of the richest golden copper colour ; it flies with the greatest rapidity, making a
loud, bee-like hum, and settles on timber only in the hottest sunshine." How ex-
citing must be the pursuit of entomology in these tropical climes after the, in this
respect, less favoured lands of Britain !

No. 155, September:— (E. H. Rodd) Occurrence of the Honey Buzzard ; (H.
Stevenson) Occurrence of the Roller ; (T. J. Bold) Occurrence of the Pectoral
Sandpiper ; (G. Norman) Occurrence of large flocks of Crossbills, near Hull ; (J. J.
Briggs) Note on the Destruction of Swallows by the severity of the Weather ; (T. L.
Powys) Occurrence of Buonaparte's Gull, on the Irish Coast ; Child and Snakes ;
Gonepteryx Rhamni double-brooded ? remarks on this subject by H. Doubleday,
J. W. Douglas, and H. T. Stainton. This query is here made the subject of
several interesting communications from some of the best entomologists in Britain.
Mr. Doubleday says the insect is not double-brooded. Messrs. Hawker and Bree
say that it is. Mr. Stainton wonders that no one has yet made out such an
apparently easy problem ; and Mr. Douglas, in our opinion, is the only one who
sets about settling the question in a fair and legitimate manner. (S. Price) Occur-
rence of Vanessa antiopa in Wales; (J. S. Ashworth) List of a few rare
Lepidoptera in Wales ; (G. Guyon) Occurrence, at Richmond, Surrey, of a Coleop-
terous Insect, new to Britain ; (T. J. Bold) Great abundance of " Clegs" in Cum-
berland and Northumberland ; (E. Newman) Duplicates of the Genus Colymbetes ;
(H. Newman) Enormous Flight of Ephemera ; ( W. Thompson) Short Directions
for the Management of Marine Vivaria. Proceedings of Societies — Entomological
Society, August 6, 1855, John Curtis, President, in the Chair. Society of British
Entomologists, June 5, and July 3, 1855, Mr. Harding, President, in the Chair.
Tyneside Naturalists' Field Club Meeting at Bothal. Notices of New Books —
Annals and Magazine of Natural History ; Artificial Rearing of Salmon, and some
of its results ; (E. Newman) Memorandum on Dr. Knox's Papers in the last
" Zoologist,'' and on the occurrence of the Spined Loach, near Dorking ; The Snake
and Child Exhibition ; Transactions of Entomological Society of London.

HOOKER'S JOURNAL OF BOTANY, AND KEW GARDEN MISCELLANY. No. 78,
July; No. 79, August; No. 80, September, 1855. 8vo. London: Lovell
Reeve. Price 2s. each. With a Plate.

No. 78, July : — (R. Spruce) Note on the India-rubber of the Amazon. The
mode of obtaining the caouchouc from the various species of Siphonia, is almost
universally by tapping. Some used to cut down the trees, but found that, in this
way, they obtained much less milk than by successive tappings of the same tree,
the work, besides, being harder, and causing, them to shift their sphere of operations
continually. It is dried by smoke, the milk being applied in successive coatings
to a mould. In the year 1849, the caouchouc fetched, in the Para market, only
£1 3s. 4d. per 32 Ibs. (an arroba), but when the demand began to exceed the
supply it reached the very high price of £4 8s. 8d. the arroba ; it now sells from
£1 15s. to £2. (G. H. K. Thwaites) Description of some new genera and species
of Ceylon Pangiaceae; (J. D. Hooker, M.D., F.R.S.) On Chortodes, a sub-genus
of Flagellaria ; Extract of a letter from Mr. Wallace, dated Singapore, Oct. 10,
1854. A most interesting letter, giving an account of his ascent of Mount Ophir.
(R. Spruce) Botanical Objects sent to the Kew Museum from the Amazon ;
(G. H. K. Thwaites) On Urandra, a new genus of Olacaceae. Botanical In-
formation— Note on Piassaba, by T. C. Archer ; On Sarsaparilla, by
W. Spruce. Notices of Books — Carl Miiller's Recensio Generis Grami-

NOTICES OF SERIALS. 31

nearum Zoysia, in Mohl, and Schlechtendal's " Botanische Zeitung;" The
Phytologist ; London's Encyclopedia of Plants ; Dr. Cock's Algarum Fasciculi ;
H. Schott, Arordise Fasc., I and II.

No. 79, August : — Botany of Van Dieman's Land — Extract of a letter from
Dr. Harvey, dated Launceston, Van Dieman's Land, March 31, 1855. Among
other interesting particulars given by Dr. Harvey in this letter, he mentions the
naturalization of common English weeds in Van Dieman's Land to such an extent
as to become perfect pests — horehound is found everywhere, and chamomile covers
the fields, in many places to the exclusion of grass. Thistles are fast going
a-head, hundreds of acres being given over to them ; and they grow so rank in
some places that one may walk over the beds of thistle-down, blown from the
withered stems, ankle deep. Sweet-briar forms, in some places, impenetrable
thickets, and annually produces millions of hips. The furze is, also, spreading,
but not so rapidly. Hawthorn and oak trees appear heavily laden with berries
and acorns. Botany of Victoria — Extracts of letters from Dr. Mueller. (G. H.
K. Thwaites) Note on Bursinopetalum ; (Dr. Asa Gray) Note on the Develop-
ment and Structure of the Integuments of the Seed of Magnolia ; (R. Spruce)
Botanical Objects sent to the Kew Museum from the Amazon ; (H. H. Calvert)
Notes on Vegetable Products sent by him from Erzeroom. Notices of Books —
Dr. Hooker and T. Thomson's Flora Indica.

No. 80, September : — Notes written on a Voyage from Singapore to Banjer-
massing, in the southern extremity of Borneo, in a Letter from James Motley to
Sir W. J. Hooker ; (G. H. K. Thwaites, F.L.S.) On Sphragidia and Eccremanthus,
two new genera of Ceylon Plants, together with Observations on the Genus Herni-
cyclia — with two plates ; On Botanical Objects communicated to the Kew Museum,
from the Amazon and its tributaries in 1853, by Richard Spruce; (G. H. K.
Thwaites) Notes on the Botany of Ceylon. Botanical Information — Rice Paper
Plant ; Plants of Greece ; Mr. Spruce's Voyage up the Amazon, and its Tributa-
ries ; Cordia Fungi. Notices of Books— (J. D. Hooker, M.U., F.R.S.) Illustra-
tions of Himalayan Plants ; (Thomas Moore, F.L.S.) The Ferns of Great Britain
and Ireland, edited by Dr. J. Lindley, nature printed by H. Bradbury ; Chloris
Andina, par Dr. H. A. Wendell.

THE NATURALIST : a Popular Monthly Magazine, with numerous Engravings ;
conducted by B R. Morris, Esq., M.D. No. 50, April; No. 51, May; No. 52,
June; No. 53, July ; No. 54, August; No. 55, September, 1855. 8vo. Price
6d. each. London : Groombridge and Sons.

No. 50, April : — (W.) Notes on the Star-fishes found in the Moray Frith, near
Banff; (Edward Parfitt) A List of and Notes on the Fungi found in the Neigh-
bourhood of Exeter ; (George Donaldson) The Swamps of the Missisippi; (0. S.
Round) The Myrtle Bee. Under this curious title Mr. Round tells us that a
Captain Brown, while snipe-shooting, about the year 1830, in some bogs near
Egham, met with some birds (?), that by him and his brother sportsmen were
called bees. In size these birds (?) were about half as large as a wren ; tail, long
in proportion to the body, square ; plumage(?), sooty gray black ; tongue, which
protruded, was long and horny. This statement of Captain Brown has led to a
long discussion in " Notes and Queries ;" but for our part we fancy the Captain
showed himself a very fair naturalist in calling them bees ; for his description
comes much nearer a thing belonging to the insect tribe than to the bird tribe —
believing the account to be true. Could the " bee" in question have been the
humming-bird sphinx? Flying into the earth, hiding themselves in the moss, buzz-
ing from bush to bush, and concealing in the grass at their roots — such things
never were birds. (A. S. Moffat) The Water Ouzel ; (C. W. Rothery) Winter
Notes at the Lakes. Review — The Entomologists' Annual, 1855 ; The late Pro-
fessor Edward Forbes. Proceedings of Societies — Entomological Society of
London, January 1, 1855. The Querist ; The Wood Pigeon ; Increase in
Insects.

No. 51, May :— (T. Southwell) A Spring Ramble ; (Stephen Stowe) A Glance
at the Feathered Residents in, and Visitors to, the Grounds of Terrick House, with

32 NOTICES OF SEKIALS.

a few remarks from personal observation upon their habits and peculiarities — co-
tiuued from page 58 ; (E. M. A.) Notes on the Habits of the Ring Ouzel — Merula
torquata ; (George Donaldson) The Swamps of the Missisippi — concluded from
page 85; (H. R. Bolton) On the Expansion and Contraction of British Land
Shells. It would appear from Mr. Boi ton's observations that a specimen of Helix
aspersa being taken by him in good condition, and the circumference round the
largest whorl measured, the snail then being placed, for twenty days, in a dry
situation, that this circumference decreased 3-10ths of an inch. This is an inte-
resting subject, and worth the trouble of following up further. Miscellaneous
Notices — Occurrence of the Little Auk at Barnsley — Achillea tormentosa.

No. 52, June :— (J. G. Baker) Two Days in Wensleydale ; (Thomas Edward)
The Fishes of Banffshire ; (J. M'Intosh) The Redbreast— Erythaca rubecula;
(J. H. Davies) A List of Land and Fresh-water Mollusca found in the vicinity of
Thirsk; (Edward Parfitt) A List of and Notes on the Fungi found in the Neigh-
bourhood of Exeter ; (J. M'Intosh) Injurious Insects, No. IV., the Common
Wasp — Vespa vulgaris ; (G. R. Twinn) A Memento from the Tare. Miscel-
laneous Notices — On the Instinct and Communicative Powers of the Horse ; Late
Appearance of the Martin ; Notes on the Swift Arrival of the Hirundines; Egyptian
Goose ; Occurrence of the Iceland Gull ; Rare Birds near Winchester, and at
Redcar ; The Wolf-fish.

No. 53, July: — (0. A. Moore) Some Account of William Dawson, late of
Leeds, Surgeon ; Mollusca in the Neighbourhood of Nice, names from Draparnaud
— Mollusques terrestres ; (J. S. Walker) The Myrtle Bee. These few lines do
not help to get rid of the " mystery," as we can hardly expect to find New South
Wales wrens in Britain. (C. H. Dashwood) Short Notes from my Note-book ;
(John Rose, M.D.) Nucleus of a Flora of Gosport and adjacent parts of Hamp-
shire ; (W. Kidd) The Good Time Coming Come at Last, being notes on recent
rambles amidst clouds and sunshine; (Rev. R. Pye Alington) Ornithological
Notes. Reviews — Natural History Review ; Synopsis of Edible Fishes at the
Cape of Good Hope ; The Entomologists' Annual ; A Classified List of British
Mosses ; List of British Geodephaga. Miscellaneous — Note on the Rufous Warbler ;
Ornithological Occurrences in Norfolk ; Papilio machaon ; The Querist; Increase
in Insects.

No. 54, August: — (Richard Hobson, M.D.) On the Occurrence of the American
Mottled Owl (Strix asio) near Leeds. This owl was shot in the spring of 1852,
near Kirkstall Abbey, about four miles from Leeds ; the species is decided by Mr.
Gresham, of York, and Mr. Denny, the Curator of the Leeds Museum, and a
figure drawn by the latter individual is attached to this paper. (W.) Stalked-eyed
Crustacea of Banffshire; (J. E. Daniel) On the Fauna of Wool, near Wareham,
Dorset. We have, in this paper, no less than thirty species of mammalia enume-
rated as inhabiting part of the forests of Wool. (J. Morley) A Letter to the Editor
of the «* Naturalist,'' showing how, in Nottingham, a few operatives have clubbed
together into an Entomological Society, and are able to boast of a very fair library,
which is yearly increasing. Would we had more of such societies in these
countries. (Thomas Edward) An Ornithological Karity in ihe North ; (J. O.
Harper) An Afternoon's Ramble, or a leisure hour. A list of mollusca is ap-
pended to these notes, and after every specific name is appended the word '' male ;"
thus(Cyclas cornea), male. What can it mean? (George Dixon) New Station for
Leucanora rubra, Ach. (Lichen ulmi, Swarts.}. Review — Kidd on the Canary.
Miscellaneous Notices. The Querist.

No. 55, September : —(Richard Hobson, M.D.) Description of a Hawk shot in
1851, on the Chevet Part Estate, by William Bevers, Keeper to the late Sir
Thomas Pilkington ; (G. B. Clarke) Effects of the severe weather on the Hirun-
dinidffi at Woburn, Bedfordshire, and the neighbourhood ; Notes on the Leech, by
J. M^Intosh ; (J. D.) Land and Fresh-water Shells found in the vicinity of
Oxford; (S. Stowe) Ornithological and other Notes ; (W.) Contributions to the
Icthyology of Banffshire ; (J. J. Briggs) Letter to the Editor of the " Naturalist ;"
Miscellaneous Notices.

No.V.

JANUARY.

Price 2s, 6d.

THE

NATURAL HISTORY REVIEW:

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iteral

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LONDON :

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EDINBURGH: JOHNSTONE AND HUNTER.
i^: DUBLIN: HODGES AND SMITH.
1855.

Purdon, Brothers, Printers,

23, Bachelor's-walk, Dublin.

CONTENTS OF JANUARY NUMBER,

I. Catalogue of the Coleoptera of Scotland.- By Andrew Murray. The

Entomologists' Annual for 1855. By H. T. Stainton
II. A Monograph of the TrochilicUe or Hummingbirds. By J. Gould

III. On the Colouring Matter of the Flower of Strelitzia Regina? ; and on the

Occurrence of " Cinchonaceous Glands" in Galiacea3. By G. Lawson

IV. The Sea-weed Collector's Guide. By J. Cocks, MJ).

V. Wanderings among the Wild Flowers. By S. Thomson, M.D.
VI. A Popular History of British Mosses. By R. M. Stark
VII. Catalogue of British Marine Polyzoa in the British Museum. By G. Busk.
VIII. A Monograph of the Sub-class Cirripedia. By C. Darwin ...

I. Rev. D. Landsborough
II. Professor E. Forbes
III. James Edward Winterbottam, Esq.

(Original Cwmwwitatas mate to t|e terns

I. On the Form and Colour in the Flower of Plants. Dr. Dickie
II. On an Addition to the Irish Fauna. W. Andrews, Esq.

III. On the Lepidoptera of part of Worcestershire. J. W. Lea, Esq.

IV. On the Birds of Dublin. Parts 1 and 2. Dr. Kinahan.

V. On a Cholera-like disease of Lepidoptera. J. W. Lea, Esq.

VI. On Coleoptera infesting Granaries. J. Haughton, Esq.
VII. On Anacharis Alsinastrum. Professor Murphy
VIII. On a variety of Pieris daplidice. J. W. Lea, Esq.

IX. On a Digitate variety of Botrychium. Dr. Kinahan.
X. On the Axolotl. Dr. Dickie ...

XI. On Crating the Aqua- Vivaria. Dr. Ball
XII. Letter from Dr. Lamprey, Ceylon

XIII. On the Breeding of the Eared Grebe in Ireland. R. Davis, Esq.

XIV. On the Gull Breeding Inland. R. Warren, jun., Esq.

I. Annales des Sciences Naturelles. Tom. II. No. 1 ....

II. Annals and Magazine of Natural History for Oct., Nov., Dec., 1854

III. Microscopical Journal for October, 1854

IV. The Zoologist for Oct., Nov., and Dec., 1854

V. Hooker's Journal of Botany for Oct., Nov., and Dec., 1854 ...

VI. The Naturalist for Oct., Nov., and Dec., 1854

0f

I. Armagh Natural History and Philosophical Society

II. Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society ...

III. Cork Cuvierian Society

IV. Dublin Natural History Society

V. Dublin University Zoological Association

The Kilkenny Literary and Scientific Institution — The reports of the
proceedings of this Society were not in time for this number.

HATURAl BISTORT REVIEW."

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March Winds and April Showers. By Acheta. Lovell Reeve.
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On Meteorology. By Dr. Drew. J. V. Voorst.
Micrographic Dictionary. Parts 14 and 15. J. V. Voorst.

RECEIVED UP TO THE 15TH OF DECEMBER, 1854.

Gosse, P. H., Handbook to the Marine Aquarium. Fscp. 8vo. J. V. Voorst.

White, Adam, Popular History of Birds. Roy. 16mo. Lovell Reeve.

Jones, T. Rymer, General Outline of the Organisation of the Animal Kingdom. 8vo.
Second Edition. J. V. Voorst.

Law son, George, On the Structure of the Victoria Regia. 8vo. 4p.

Motley, James, and Dillwyn, L. L., Contributions to the Natural History of Labuan,
and the adjacent Coasts of Borneo. Post 8vo. J. V. Voorst.

Strickland, Ornithological Synonyms. Vol. I. Accipitres. London : J. Van Voorst.

Shells and their Inhabitants. By H. and A. Adams. From Nov. 1854, to Nov. 1855.
8vo. J. V. Voorst.

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Now that Natural History has become so fashionable, an endless troop of Natural
History publications issue from the press, some of sterling merit, some mere trashy com-
pilations, some full of erroneous information. The uninformed would-be purclia e: is afraid to
buy any, lest on perusal they should come under the last category: hence the great want
of an able and well-written Review, which will not only inform him of the works that
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Editors are aware of many shortcomings in the Parts hitherto before the Public, yet they
have this definite aim before them, and as they gradually approximate to it more and more,
the utility of their undertaking will naturally be increased.

THIS Periodical has been set on foot by a few well-known Naturalists, for the purpose of
advancing the cause of Natural History in Great Britain and Ireland, by making the
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THE ENTOMOLOGISTS' ANNUAL FOR 1856.

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CONTENTS.

Advantages of the Study of Natural History.

Pleasures of Entomology.

List of British Entomologists.

New British Insects in 1855 ; with Notices of the Capture of Species, previously rare.

Results of a Residence HI Fochabers,

Objects of a Collection of Insects.

Ghent to Glogau, and Mcttin to Schaffhausen, in search of Entomologists.

Important New Works on Entomology.

List of Entomological Books now on Sale in London.

London: JOHN VAN VOORST, 1, Paternoster-row.

No. VI. APRIL. Price 2s. 6d.

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MURAL HISTOEY REVIEW:

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY:

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0f all % $ri$ later! f istorg

WITH WOODCUTS AND LITHOGRAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS,

LONDON :
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EDINBURGH: JOHNSTONS AND HUNTER.
DUBLIN: HODGES AND SMITH.
1855.

Purdon, Brothers, Printers, 23, Bachelor's-walk, Dublin.

CONTENTS OF APRIL NUMBER,

prietoi

I. A Synopsis of the British Diatomaccoe. By Rev. William Smith ... 25

II. Practical Treatise on the Use of the Microscope. By John Quekett ... 28

III. Microirrnphia. By C. R. Goring and Andrew Pritchard ... ... 28

IV. Tlu» .Microscope, its History, Construction, and Application. By J.Hogg 28
V. Micrographic Dictionary. By J. W. Griffith and A. Henfrey ... 28

VI. Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science. Edited by Edwin Lankester

and George Busk ... ... ... ... ... 28

VII. The Microscope, and its Application to Clinical Medicine. By Dr. L. Beale 28
A" I II. The Microscope, and its Application to Vegetable Anatomy and Phy-
siology. By Dr. Hermann Schacht ... ... ... 28X

IX. The Ferns of Great Britain. By C. Johnston ... ... ... 45

I. Philip B. Webb, Esq. ... ... ... ... ... 47

II. William Wing, Esq., F.L.S. ... ... ... 48

in&I €0mwmuntii« mittre to torim

I. Notes on some familiar facts connected with Sounds and Hearing. R.

Dowden, Esq. ... ... ... ... ... 29

II. On Pectunculus Glycymeris and on the Local Range of Molluscous

Animals, traced with the Dredge. By Dr. Farran ... ... 31

III. On a Species of Annelidas new to Ireland. By W. Andrews, Esq. ... 34

IV. Remarks on the Pcrcidae and Serrani, and on an addition to the Ichthy-

ology of Ireland (with a Plate). W. Andrews, Esq. ... ... 36

V. Directions for Capturing Lepidoptera. Rev. Joseph Greene ... 39
VI. On the probable occurrence of the Lepidopus Argyreus in Dublin Bay.

By Dr. Ball ... ... ... ... ... 45

VII. On Cricetus Phasus. Dr. Carte ... ... ... ... 46

VIII. Capture of Anthocaris Belia, in Worcestershire. J. Walter Lea, Esq. ... 48

IX. Notes on the various Insects Captured or Observed in the Neighbourhood

of Dingle, Co. Kerry, in July, 1854. A. R. Hogan, Esq. ... 50

X. On Fungi Parasitic on Insects ; with particular reference to some lately

discovered Irish Specimens (with a Plate). By E. P. Wright, Esq. 55
XL Descriptions of Insects figured, and references to Plates Illustrating the

Notes on Kerry Insects (with two Plates). A. H. Haliday, Esq., M.A. 59

On a Crustacean of the Genus Hyas. By J. Grainger, Esq. ... 65

XI! I. On Collecting and Arranging the British Mollusca. E. P. Wright, Esq. 65

XIV. Catalogue of British Mollusca. E. P. Wright, Esq. ... ... 69

tfrrttas jtf Hcrfek

I. Annales des Sciences Naturelles. Tom. II. No. 2 ... ... 9

II. Annals and Magazine of Natural History for Jan., Feb., and March, 1855 10
J1L Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science for January, 1855 ... 13
IV. The Zoologist for January, February, and March, 1855 ... ... 13

V. Hooker's Journal of Botany for January, February, and March, 1855... 16

|)t0m&ings 0f S0Me3*

I. Cork Scientific and Literary Society ... ... .. ... 29

II. Dublin Natural History Society ... ... ... ... 31

III. Dublin University Zoological Association ... ... ... 38

"NATURAL HISTORY REVIEW.

?5

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with particular reference to Irish specimens," which will appear in our next number. The
Sphseria represented are the first recorded as Irish, and were exhibited by Mr. Hogan at a
meeting of the Dublin University Zoological Association.

INDEX and TITLE-PAGE.

The Title-page and Index to Vol. I., for 1854, are given in this number; and green cloth
covers, gilt, for binding the numbers for last year, can be had on application to F. Cavenagh,
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IN pre-sonting to our Subscribers a First Number of the Second Volume of the
" NATURAL HISTORY REVIEW," we would wish to inform them, in a few words, of
our object in publishing it, and of our past success and our future prospects.
Our first object in undertaking the publication of the " REVIEW" was a wish to
advance the- cause of Natural History in Ireland. We were aware of the existence of
Societies for the advancement of Natural Sciences throughout the country ; and we
knew of many discoveries being made to, and interesting papers being read before,
these Societies, which, owing to there being no journal where these could be recorded,
were lost to the world at large. Ireland is looked upon by Naturalists as an unknown
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of her explorers perished with themselves, to be remade at some future time by others.
The truth of this statement is, we think, borne out by the first volume of the
" REVIEW," which, although it was some time before it was recognised as a medium
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It is intended, when arrangements are more fully matured, to publish short notices
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Now ready, neatly bound in green cloth, gilt, 8vo, the First Volume of

"THE NATURAL HISTORY REVIEW"

For 1854.

London : S. Highley, 32, Fleet-street. Dublin : Hodges and Smith, 105, Graf ton -street.
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No. VII.

JULY.

Price 2s. 6d.

THE

SATDKA1 HISTORY EEYIEW:

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY:

INCLUDING

0f all

WITH WOODCUTS AND LITHOGEAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS.

LONDON :

SAMUEL HIGHLEY, 32, FLEET-STREET.

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DUBLIN: HODGES AND SMITH.
1855.

Purdon, Brothers, Printers,

23, Bachelor's- walk, Dublin.

CONTENTS OF JULY NUMBER.

Page.

I. Recent Works on the Diptera of Northern Europe
II. A History of British Butterflies. By Rev. F. 0. Morris ...

III. Contributions to British Paleontology. By Frederick M'Coy

IV. The Entomologists' Annual for 1855. By H. T. Stainton...
V. The Fossiliferous Deposits of Scotland. By Hugh Miller ...

VI. A List of British Species of Geodephaga. By G. Guyon ...
VII. Some Account of the Marine Botany of the Colony of Western Aus-
tralia. By W. H. Harvey
VIII. A Classified List of British Mosses. By George Dixon ...

I. James R. Garrett

©ripal C0mnwwafi(ms m&te to tty Mm Storiette.

I. The Fiords of Norway and other Similar Coasts. By J. J. Murphy,

Esq.

II. Native Zoophytes. By W. Thompson, Esq., LL.D.

III. Notes on the Effects of the late Frost. By Mr. Robertson

IV. On the Occurrence of the Iceland Gull. By Dr. Creighton

V. Notes on the South-west Coast, and on the Occurrence of the Greater

Shearwater (Puffinus major). By W. Andrews, Esq. ...
VI. Notes of the Occurrence of lanthina communis and Spirula Peronii.

By Mr. Hopkins

VII. On the Remains of Animals, at Dunshaughlin. By Mr. Wakeman . . .
VIII. On the Habits and on the Varieties of some of the Laridas. By Mr.

Watters
IX. Notes on the Diurnal Lepidoptera, and on the Sphingidaa of some portion

of Worcestershire. By J. W. Lea, Esq.

X. On Rearing Lepidoptera from the Pupa state, together with Notes on
the Management of the Larvae and Pupse of Microlepidoptera. By
Mr. Richard Shield,

XI. List of Irish Microlepidoptera. By A. R. Hogan, Esq.
XII. Remarks on some Rare British Insects. By J. C. Dale, Esq., F.L.S.
XIII. Entomological Remarks. By A. H. Haliday, Esq., A.M....

lottos of Smak

I. The Naturalist for January, February, and March, 1855 ...

II. Annals and Magazine of Natural History, for April, May, and June,

1855

III. Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, for April, 1855

IV. The Zoologist, for April, May, and June, 1855...

V. Hooker's Journal of Botany, for April, May, and June, 1855

0f

I. Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society
II. Kilkenny Literary and Scientific Institution
III. Dublin Natural History Society
TV. Dublin University Zoological Society ...

"NATDRAL HISTORY REVIEW."

BOOKS RECEIVED FOR REVIEW.

On the British Marine Testaceous Mollusca. By W. Clark.

On the dying properties of Lichens. By L. Lindsay, M D.

Shells and their Inhabitants. By H. and A. Adams. Parts 18, 19, and 20.

Reviews of Lovell Reeve's Monograph of the Helices, and of Zetterstedt's work on Diptera,
are also deferred till next number.

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Subscription, 8s. per annum. Payable, in London, to Samuel Highley, 32, Fleet-street ;
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TO OUR READERS.

We have found it necessary to enlarge this number of the " REVIEW " by an additional
sheet of Proceedings, in anticipation of the Double Number, promised in July. The second
Plate, illustrating Mr. Haliday's description of new Diptera, together with Mr. Andrews's
Plate of Couch's Polyprion, will appear in the next number.

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ADVERTISEMENTS.

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As the "NATURAL HISTORY REVIEW" has a larger circulation in Ireland than any other
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valuable medium for advertising. The following is the scale of prices : —

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SOCIETIES.

It is particularly requested that the Secretaries will forward to the Editors of the " REVIEW"
the reports of the proceedings of their respective Societies as soon as possible after the meet-
Ings have taken place, so as to allow of time for sending proof-sheets for corrcctionsv&c.
No accounts of meetings can be inserted that are not forwarded before the 1st of the month
previous to that of publication.

gsT* We shall feel obliged if the Editors of those Journals with which we exchange
would inform us of any irregularities in the receipt of the " REVIEW," in order that they
may be at once corrected.

No. VIII.

OCTOBER.

Price 2s. 6d,

THE

MURAL HISTOEY REVIEW:

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY:

INCLUDING

f ratisactums 0f all

istorg

WITH WOODCUTS AND LITHOGRAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS.

LONDON :

SAMUEL HIGHLEY, 32, FLEET-STEEET.

EDINBURGH: JOHNSTONE AND HUNTER,
DUBLIN: HODGES AND SMITH.
1855.

Purdon, Brothers, Printers,

23, Bachelor 8-walK, Dublin.

CONTENTS OF OCTOBER NUMBER.

I. The Butterflies of Great Britain. By J. 0. Westwood ...
II. Popular British Conchology. By George Brettingham Sowerby, F.L.S.

III. Young Naturalist's Library — Beautiful Butterflies ; British Species. By

H. G. A -lams ...

IV. Reading Lesions. By Edward Hughes

V. A Manual of Marine Zoology for the British Isles. By Philip Henry

Gosse, A.L.S.

VI. Catalogue of the Bees of Great Britain. By Frederick Smith, M.E.S.
VII. Mollusca Testacea Marium Britannicorum. By William Clark

©bitorj.

I. George Johnston, M.D. ...

10 % frrams

I. On the Advantage to Botany of Local Lists, and Notes with reference

to the Algae of the East Coast of Ireland. By Gilbert Saunders ...

II. List of Marine Algas collected at Skerries, near the Northern Limit of

the proposed Dublin District, in the Summer of 1854. By Gilbert

Saunders

III. On the Effects of the Severe Frost on Plants in the Neighbourhood of
Sligo. By the Right Hon. John Wynne

ftotim jof

I. The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, for July, August, and

September, 1855
II. Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, for April, 1855

III. The Zoologist, for July, August, and September, 1855

IV. Hooker's Journal of Botany, and Kew Garden Miscellany, for July,

August, and September, 1855
V. The Naturalist, for April, May, June, July, August, and Sept., 1855

I. Dublin Natural History Society

With Indices, Title Page for Volume XL, 1855, and Two Plates.

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"NATURAL HISTORY REVIEW."

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'arch Winds and April Showers. By Acheta. Lovell Reeve.

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Micrographic Dictionary. Parts 10 and 11. J. V. Voorst.

Shells and their Inhabitants. By H. and A. Adams. J. V. Voorst.

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British Malacology. By J. Sowerby. Lovell Keeve.

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