66: = 52.
From which it will be seen, that the number of gies sixteen
in the upper and eighteen in the lower jaw, exceeds that of any
other known existing Marsupial, and approaches that which charac-
terizes some of the insectivorous armadilloes. ‘The resemblance to
Zoaloyical Society. 123
Dasypus is further carried out in the small size of the molares, their
separation from each other by slight interspaces, and their implanta-
tion in sockets which are not formed by a well-developed alveolar
ridge. The molares, however, present a distinct tuberculate struc-
ture; and both the true and false ones possess two separate fangs
as in their Marsupial congeners: they are, however, the least pro-
duced of any Marsupials; only the triturating tubercles appearing
above the gum.
The false molares present the usual compressed triangular form,
with the apex slightly recurved, and the base more or less obscurely
notched before and behind. The canines are very little longer than
the false molares; the incisors are minute, slightly compressed and
pointed; they are separated from each other and the canines by
wide intervals.
The Myrmecobians are insectivorous, and shelter themselves in
the hollows of trees, frequenting most, it is said, those situations
where the Port Jackson Willow abounds. In the structure and
proportions of the hinder feet, Myrmecobius resembles the Dasyurine
family ; and in the slightly developed canines, the smooth external
surface of the skull, the breadth between the zygomata, and the
absence of the interparietal ridges, as well as in the general exter-
nal form and bushy tail, it offers an especial approximation to the
genus Phascogale.
Intermediate however to Myrmecobius and Phascogale would
seem to be the station held by the interesting extinct genera
above alluded to. In Phascolotherium the affinity is manifested in
the simple form, small size, and straggling disposition of the inci-
sors and canines: in the other genus, Thylacotherium, it is dis-
played in the size and number of its molares.
This, one of the most ancient mammiferous genera hitherto dis-
covered, presents eleven molares on each side of the lower jaw, which
resemble in structure and close arrangement those of Phascogale
and Didelphis, while they are intermediate in their proportional
size to these and Myrmecobius. The exact condition of the incisors
and canines of the Thylacotherium has not yet been displayed in
the fossil jaws which have been discovered.
SALTATORIA.
Genus Perameles (Bandicoots).
1—1
ii’
This dental formula characterizes a number of Rat-like Insectivora
commonly known in Australia by the name of Bandicoots ; the hind
K 2
sf
® 5—5 e M 3—3 a ae . ——-
incisors 3233 canines preemolares $23; molares i: = 48.
124 Zoological Society.
legs are longer and stronger than the fore, and exhibit in a well-
marked manner the feeble and slender condition of the second and
third digits counting from the inside, and the sudden increase in
length and strength of the third and fourth digits, which are chiefly
subservient to locomotion: the mode of progression in the Bandi-
coots is by bounds; the hind and fore feet being moved alternately
#s in the Hare and Rabbit; and the crupper raised higher than the
fore quarter. The teeth which offer the greatest range of variation
in the present gefius are the external or posterior incisors and the
canines: the molares, also, which originally are quinque-cuspi-
date, have their points worn away, and present a smooth and oblique
grinding surface in some species sooner than in others.
The Bandicoots which approach nearest to the Myrmecobius im
the condition of the incisive and canine teeth are the Perameles
obesula and P. radiata. There is a slight interval between the
first and second imcisor, and the outer or fifth incisor of the upper
jaw is separated from the rest by an interspace equal to twice its
own breadth, and moreover presents the triangular, pointed, canine-
like crown which characterizes all the incisors of Myrmecobius ; but
the four anterior incisors are closely arranged together and have
compressed, quadrate, true incisive crowns. From these incisors the
canine is very remote, the interspace being equally divided by the
fifth pointed incisor, which the canine very slightly exceeds im
size. In Peram. nasuta the incisor presents the same general con-
dition, but the canines are relatively larger.
The marsupial pouch in the Bandicoots, at least in the full-grown
females of Per. nasuta, Per. obesula, and Per. lagotis, has its
orifice directed downwards or towards the cloaca, contrariwise to
its ordinary disposition in the Marsupials: this direction evidently
relates to the position of the trunk when supported on the short
fore and long hind legs. In the stomach and intestines of a Pera-
meles obesula, I found only the remains of insects; and in the ex-
amination of the alimentary canal of a Per. nasuta, Dr. Grant ob-
tained the same results.
Genus Cheropus.
The singular animal on which this genus is founded is briefly
noticed and figured in Major Mitchell’s Australia, (vol. ii. pl. 38.
p- 131.) and the individual described is preserved in the Colonial
Museum, at Sydney, N.S. Wales, (No. 35. of Mr. George Bennett’s
Catalogue). It would appear that the two outer toes of the fore-
foot, which are always very small in the true Bandicoots, are en-
Zoological Society. 125
tirely deficient in the Cheropus, unless some rudiments should exist
beneath the skin; at all events only two toes are apparent extern-
ally, but they are so armed and developed as to be serviceable for
burrowing or progression. The inner toe is wanting on the hind
foot. whee formula :
Incisors <= fh canines ;— : premolares 2= ae molares i: = 46.
All the teeth are of sini size; the canines resemble the spurious
molares in size and shape, and these are separated at intervals as
in Myrmecobius. The marsupium-.opens downwards in the Cheropus,
as in the true Bandicoots. The species described has no tail. The
genus would seem by its dentition to rank between Myrmecobius and
Perameles. Its digital characters are anomalous and unique among
the Marsupialia.
SCANSORIA.
Didelphide, Opossums.
These Marsupials are now exclusively confined to the American
Continents, although the fossil remains of a small species attest the
former existence of the genus Didelphis in Europe contemporaneously
with the Paleothere, Anoplothere, and other extinct Pachyderms
whose fossil remains characterize the Eocene strata of the Paris
Basin. The dental fogula of the genus Didelphis is,
Incisors 3 ; canines 4 3 premolares 53 5 ; molares = = 50.
The Opossums resemble in their dentition the Bandiceots more
than the Dasyures, except in the structure of the molares.
The two middle incisors of the upper jaw are more produced than
the others, from which they are separated by a short interspace.
The canines are well developed, the upper being always stronger
than the lower. The false molares are simply conical; the true
ones beset with sharp points, which wear down into tubercles as the
animal advances in age.
In the type of the subgenus Cheironectes, besides being web-
footed, the anterior extremities present an unusual development
of the pisiform bone, which supports a fold of the skin, like a
sixth digit; it has indeed been described, as such, by M. Tem- .
minck; this process has not of course any nail. The dentition
of the Yapock resembles that of the ordinary Didelphis. All the
Opossums have the inner digit of the hind foot converted by its
position and development into a thumb, but without a claw. The
hinder hand is associated in almost all the species with a scaly
prehensile tail.
In some of the smaller Opossums the subabdominal tegumentary
folds merely serve to conceal the nipples, and are not developed inte
126 Zoological Society.
a pouch; the young in these adhere to the mother by entwining
their little prehensile tails around hers, and cling to the fur of the
back ; hence the term dorsigera applied to one of these Opossums*.
Tribe III. CARPOPHAGA.
Stomach simple; czcum very long.
In this family, the teeth, especially those at the anterior part of
the mouth, present considerable deviations from the previously de-
scribed formule ; the chief of which is a predominating size of the
two anterior incisors, both in the upper and lower jaw. Hitherto
we have seen that the dentition in every genus has participated more
or less of a carnivorous character; henceforth it will manifest a
tendency to the Rodent type.
The Phalangers, so called from the phalanges’ of the second and
third digits of the hinder extremities being inclosed in a common
sheath of integument, have the innermost digit modified, to answer the
purposes of a thumb; and the hinder hand being associated in many
of the species with a prehensile tail, they evidently, of all Frugivora,
come nearest the arboreal species of the preceding section. Ina sy-
stem framed on locomotive characters they would rank in the same
section with the Opossums. We have seen, however, that they dif-
fer from those Entomophagous Marsupials greatly in the condition
of the intestinal tube. Let us examine to what extent the dental
characters deviate from those of the Opossums.
In the skull of a Phalangista Cookii, now before me, there are both
in the upper and lower jaw four true molares on each side, each beset
with four three-sided pyramidal sharp-pointed cusps; thus these
essential and most constant teeth correspond in number with those
of the Opossum: but in the upper jaw they differ in the absence of
the internal cusp, which gives a triangular figure to the grinding sur-
face of the molares in the Opossum ; and the anterior single cusp is
wanting in the true molares of the lower jaw.
Anterior to the grinders in the Phalanger, there are two spurious
molares, of similar shape and proportions to those in the Opossum ;
then a third spurious molar, too small to be of any functional im-
* Few facts would be more interesting in the present branch of zoology
than the condition of the new-born young, and their degree and mode of
uterine development in these Opossums. Since the marsupial bones serve
not, as is usually described, to support a pouch, but to aid in the function
of the mammary glands and testes, they of course are present in the skeleton
of these small pouchless Opossums, as in the more typical Marsupials.
Zoological Society. 127
portance, separated also, like the corresponding anterior false molar
in the Opossum, by a short interval from those behind.
The canine tooth but slightly exceeds in size the above false
molar, and consequently here occurs the first great difference be-
tween the Phalangers and Opossums; it is however, only a difference
in degree of development; and in the Ursine and other Phalangers,
as well as in the Petaurists, the corresponding tooth presents more
of the proportions and form of a true canine.
The incisors, which we have seen to be most variable in number
in the carnivorous section, are here three instead of five on each side,
in the upper jaw, but their size, especially that of the first, compen-
sates for their fewness.
In the lower jaw, there is the same number of true molares and of
functional false molares, whichformacontinuous and tolerably equable
series, as in the Opossums, on each side ; then two very minute and
rudimental teeth on each side represent the small spurious molar,
and small canine of the upper jaw; and anterior to these, there is one
very small and one very large and reser incisor on each side.
The constant teeth in “me ee are the = — true molares, and the
i incisors. The canines ; a - are sionatiaiit 3 in qn to their pre-
sence, but variable in size ; tha are arte ge minute in the lower jaw.
With respect to the spurious molares, — = =:
with the true grinders, and their crowns reach to the same grinding
level ; sometimes a second spurious molar is similarly developed as in
the Phal. Cookii, and as in all the flying Phalangers, or Petaurists, but
it is commonly absent or replaced by a very minute tooth, shaped
like a canine; so that between the posterior spurious grinder and
the incisors we may find three teeth, of which the posterior is the
largest, as in Phal. Cookii, or the smallest, as in Phal. cavifrons ;
or there may be only two teeth, as in Phal. ursina and Phal.
vulpma, and the species, whatever that may be, which Fr. Cuvier
has selected as the type of the dentition of this Genus.
In the lower jaw similar varieties occur in these small and unim-
portant teeth; e. g. there may be between the procumbent incisors
and the posterior false molar, either four teeth, as in Phal. Cookii; or
three, as in Phal. cavifrons ; or two, as in Phal. ursina, Phal. ma-
culata, Phal. chrysorrhoos ; or lastly, one, as in Phal. vulpina, and
Phal. fuliginosa.
The most important modification is presented by the little Phal.
gliriformis of Bell, which has only three true molares on each side of
each jaw.
they are always in contact
128 Zoological Society.
Genus Petaurus.
There are many species of Marsupials limited to Australia, and
closely resembling or identical with the true Phalangers in their
dental characters and the structure of the feet. I allude to the Pe-
taurists or Flying Opossums ; these, however, present an external
character so easily recognizable, and influencing so materially the lo-
comotive faculties, as to claim for it more consideration than the mo-
difications of the digits or spurious molares, which we have just been
considering in the Phalangista. A fold of the skin is extended on
each side of the body between the fore and hind legs, which, when
outstretched, forms a lateral wing or parachute, but which, when
the legs are in the position for ordinary support or progression, is
drawn close to the side of the animal by the elasticity of the subcu-
taneous cellular membrane, and then forms a mere tegumentary
ridge. These delicate and beautiful Marsupials have been separated
generically from the other Marsupials under the name of Petaurus* :
they further differ from the Phalangers in wanting the prehensile
character of the tail, which in some species of Petaurus has a general
clothing of long and soft hairs, whilst in others the hairs are arranged
in two lateral series.
Now in the Petaurists there is as little constancy in the exact
formula of the dentition as among the Phalangers. The largest
species of Petaurus, Pet. Taguanoides, e. g., is almost identical in
this respect with the Phalangista Cookit, which M. Fr. Cuvier has
therefore classed with the Petauri. Those teeth of Pet. Taguanoides,
which are sufficiently developed, and so equal in length, as to exercise
the function of grinders, or in other words, the functional series of
molares, include six teeth on each side of the upper jaw, and five
teeth on each side of the lower jaw. The four posterior molares in
each row are true, and bear four pyramidal cusps, excepting the last
tooth in the upper jaw, which, as in Phal. Cookii, has only three
cusps. In the upper jaw, the space between the functional false
molares and the incisors is occupied by two simple rudimentary teeth,
the anterior representing the canine, but being relatively smaller
than in Phal. Cookit. 'The crowns of the two anterior incisors are
relatively larger. In the lower jaw the sloping alveolar surface be-
tween the functional molares and large procumbent incisors is occu-
pied, according to M. Fr. Cuvier, by two rudimentary minute teeth :
I have not found any trace of these in the two skulls of Pet. Ta-
quanoides examined by me. In Phal. Cookii there are three minute
* First by Dr. Shaw in the Naturalist’s Miscellany.
Zoological Society. 129
teeth in the corresponding space, but these differences would not be
sufficient ground to separate generically the two species if they were
unaccompanied by modifications of other parts of the body. In
Petaurus sciureus and Petaurus flaviventer the dentition more nearly
resembles that of Phalangista vulpina. In the upper jaw the func-
tional molar series consists of five teeth on each side, the four hinder
ones being, as in Pet. Taguanoides, true tuberculate molares, but di-
minishing more rapidly in size, as they are placed further back in the
jaw : the hinder tooth has three tubercles, the rest four ; their apices
seem to be naturally blunter than in Pet. Taguanoides. Between
the functional false molar and the incisors there are three teeth, of
which the representative of the canine is relatively much larger than
in the Pet. Taguanoides ; the first false molar is also larger, and has
two roots; the second, which is functional in Pet. Taguanoides, is
here very small ; the first incisor is relatively larger and is more pro-
duced. In the lower jaw the functional series of grinders consists
of the four true tuberculate molares only, of which the last is rela-
tively smaller, and the first of a more triangular form than in Pet.
Taguanoides. ‘The space between the tuberculate molares and the
procumbent incisor is occupied by four small teeth, of which the one
immediately anterior to the molares has two roots, the remaining
three are rudimentary and have a single feng: Among the Species
eninge this dental Coon, viz., incisors > a= ; canines — ; pre-
molares 5 sa molares = zi: =40; are Pet. tee, Pet. ‘favinender,
and Pet. macrurus.
The Pigmy Petaurist differs from the preceding and larger species
in having the hairs of the tail distichous or arranged in two lateral
series like the barbs of a feather ; and in having the spurious molares
large and sharply pointed; and the true molares bristled each with four
acute cusps. ‘This tendency in the dentition to the insectivorous
character, with the modification of the tail, induced M. Desmarest to
separate the Pigmy Petaurist from the rest of the species, and con-
stitute a new subgenus under the name of Acrobata.
Tn four adult specimens, and two of which had young in the pouch,
I find he following dental formula to be Rometents —incisors 7 ; ca-
nines — = ; ; premolares 3 . molares = « Sao.
The three quadricuspidate grinders of f the upper jaw are preceded by
three large spurious molares, each of which has two fangs, and a com-
pressed, triangular, sharp-pointed crown, slightly but progressively
increasing in length, as they are placed forwards. An interspace
occurs between these and the canine, which is long, slender, sharp-
pointed, and recurved. The first incisor is longer than the two be-
130 Zoological Society.
hind, but is much shorter than the canine. In the lower jaw the
true molares are preceded by two functional false ones, similar in
size and shape to the three above ; the anterior false molar and the
canine are represented by minute, rudimental, simple teeth; the single
incisor is long and procumbent, asin the other Petaurists.
Genus Phascolarctus.
The absence of anomalous spurious molares and of inferior canines
appears to be constant in the only known species of this genus. The
dental formula in three of this species, (Phasc. fuscus Desm..,) is:
Incisors = ; canines j=; preemolares 3 molares =: ==$0;
The true molares are larger in proportion than in the Phalangers ;
each is beset with four three-sided pyramids, the cusps of which wear
down in age; the outer series in the upper teeth being the first to
give way; those of the lower jaw are narrower than those of the
upper. The spurious molares are compressed, and terminate in a
cutting edge; in those of the upper jaw there is a small parallel
ridge along the inner side of the base. The canines slightly exceed
in size the posterior incisors; they terminate in an oblique cutting
edge rather than a point, their fang is closed at the extremity; they
are situated as in the Phalangers close to the intermaxillary suture.
The lateral incisors of the upper jaw are small and obtuse, the two
middle incisors are of twice the size, conical, subcompressed, beveled ~
off obliquely to aa anterior cutting edge, but differing essentially
from the dentes scalprarit of the Rodentia, in being closed at the
extremity of the fang. The two incisors of the lower jaw resemble
those of the upper, but are longer and more compressed: they are
also formed by a temporary pulp, and its absorption is accompanied
by a closure of the aperture of the pulp cavity, as in the upper in-
cisors. The Koala therefore, in regard to the number, kind, and con-
formation of its teeth, closely resembles the Phalangers, with which
it agrees in its long cecum, but the stomach has a cardiac gland as
in the Wombat. The extremities of the Koala are organized for
prehension ; each is terminated by five digits; the hind feet are pro-
vided with a large thumb, and have the two contiguous digits enve-
loped in the same tegumentary fold; the anterior digits are divided
into two groups, the thumb and index being opposed to the other
three fingers. The fore-paws have a similar structure in some of
the small Phalangers ; it is very conspicuous in some of the Petau-
rists. The Koala, however, differs from the Phalangers and Petau-
rists in the extreme shortness of its tail and in its more compact and
heavy general form. Itis known to feed on the buds and leaves of
the trees in which it habitually resides.
Zoological Society. 131
Tribe IV. POEPHAGA.
The present tribe includes the most strictly vegetable feeders ; all
the species have a complex sacculated stomach and a long simple
cecum.
Guided by the modifications of the teeth we pass from the Koala
to the Kangaroo family (Macropodide),—animals of widely different
general form. ‘The Potoroos, however, in this group, present abso-
lutely the same dentition as the Koala, some slight modifications in
the form of certain teeth excepted. The spurious molares, in their
longitudinal extent, compressed form, and cutting edge, would chiefly
distinguish the dentition of the Potoroo, but the Koala evidently
offers the transitional structure between the Phalangers and Potoroos
in the condition of these teeth, of which one only is retained on each
side of each jaw, in both Phascolarctus and Hypsiprymnus.
The dental formula of the genus Hypsiprymaus is: incisors —,
canines 77; premolares i=*; mol. =: =30.
The two anterior incisors are longer and more curved, the lateral
incisors relatively smaller than in the Koala. The pulps of the an-
terior incisors are persistent.
The canines are larger than in the Koala; they always project
from the line of the intermaxillary suture; and while the fang is
lodged in the maxillary bone, the crown projects almost wholly from
the intermaxillary. In the large Hypsiprymaus ursinus the canines
are relatively smaller than in the other Potoroos, a structure which
indicates the transition from the Potoroo to the Kangaroo genus. In
the skeleton of this species in the Leyden Museum the canines pre-
sent a longitudinal groove on the outer side.
The characteristic form of the trenchant spurious molar has just
been alluded to; its maximum of development is attained in the ar-
boreal Potoroos of New Guinea (Hypsiprymnus ursinus, and Hyps.
dorsocephalus) ; in the latter of which its antero-posterior extent
nearly equals that of the three succeeding molar teeth.
In all the Potoroos the trenchant spurious molar is sculptured,
especially on the outer side, and in young teeth by many small verti-
cal grooves. The true molares each present four three-sided pyrami-
dal cusps, but the internal angles of the two opposite cusps are con-
* tinued into each other across the tooth, forming two concave trans-
verse ridges. In the old animal these cusps and ridges disappear,
and the grinding surface is worn quite flat.
In the genus Macropus the normal comsliion of the permanent
teeth may be igang as follows :—incisors > ats —- ; Canines 3 pre-
molares =; molares =y: =28.
1?
132 Zooloyical Society.
The main difference, as compared with Hypsiprymnus, lies in the
absence of the upper canines; yet I have seen them present, but of
very small size, and concealed by the gum, in a small species of
Kangaroo (Macropus rufiventer, Ogilby.). This, however, is a rare
exception; while the constant presence and conspicuous size of the
canines will always serve to distinguish the Potoroo from the Kan-
garoo. But besides this, there are other differences in the form and
proportions of certain teeth.
The upper incisors of the Macropi have their cutting margins on
the same line, the anterior ones not being produced beyond that line
as in the Hypsiprymni; the third or external incisor is also broader
in the Kangaroos, and is grooved and complicated by one or two
folds of the enamel continued from the outer side of the tooth
obliquely forwards and inwards, into the substance of the tooth. In
most species the anterior fold is represented by a simple groove; the
relative size of the outer incisor, the extent and position of the
posterior fold of enamel, and consequently the proportions of the
part of the tooth in front or behind it, vary more or less in every
species of Macropus : there are two folds of enamel near the anterior
part of the tooth in Macr, major; the posterior portion is of the
greatest extent, and the entire crown of the tooth is relatively —
broadest in this species. The middle incisor is here also complicated
with a posterior notch and an external groove. These modifications of
the external incisors have been pointed out in detail by M. Jourdan ;
and subgeneric distinctions have been subsequently based upon
them; but they possess neither sufficient constancy nor physio-
logical consequence, to justify such an application. M. Fr. Cuvier
has proposed a binary division of the Kangaroos founded on the
absence of permanent spurious molares and a supposed difference
in the mode of succession of the permanent molares in the Kan-
garoos, combined with modifications of the muzzle or upper lip, and
of the tail.
The dental formula which I have assigned to the genus Macropus
is restricted by that naturalist in its application to some small species
of Kangaroo, grouped together under the term Halmaturus, origin-
ally applied by Illiger to the Kangaroos generally. The rest of the
Kangaroos, under the generic term Macropus, are characterized by
the following dental formula :—incisors 8 ; mol, >: =24,
The truth, however, is, that both the Halmaturi and Macropi of Fr.
Cuvier have their teeth developed in precisely the same number and
manner; they only differ in the length of time during which certain
of them are retained. In the great Kangaroo, for example, the per-
Zoological Society. 133
manent spurious molar "which succeeds the corresponding deciduous
one in the vertical direction, is pushed out of place and shed by the
time the last true molar has cut the gum: the succeeding true molar
is soon afterwards extruded; and I have seen a skull of an old Ma-
cropus major inthe Museum at Leyden, in which the grinders were
reduced to two on each side of each jaw by this yielding of the an-.
terior ones to the vis a tergo of their successors.
Tribe V. RHIZOPHAGA.
The characters of this tribe are taken from the stomach, which is
simple in outward form, but complicated within by a large cardiac
gland; and from the cecum, which is short and wide, with a vermi-
form appendage.
Genus Phascolomys.
In its heavyshapeless proportions, large trunk, and short equably
developed legs, the Wombat offers as great a contrast to the Kan-
garoos as does the Koala, which it most nearly resembles in its ge-
neral outward form and want of tail. But in the more important
characters afforded by the teeth and intestinal canal the Wombat
differs more from the Koala than this does from either the Phalan-
gers or Kangaroos. The dental system presents the extreme de-
gree of that degradation of the teeth intermediate between the
front incisors and true molares which we have been tracing from
the Opossum to the Kangaroos: not only have the functionless .
spurious molares and canines now totally disappeared, but also the
posterior incisors of the upper jaw, which we have seen in the Po-
toroos to exhibit a feeble degree of development as compared with
the anterior pair; these in fact are alone retained in the denti-
tion of the present group, which possesses the fewest teeth of any
Marsupial animal. The dental formula of the Wombat is thus re-
duced both in number and kind to that of the true Rodentia :
Incisors 33 canines ° ; premolares a3 molares at = 24.
The incisors, moreover, are true denies scalprarii, with persistent
pulps, but are inferior, especially in the lower jaw, in their relative
length, and curvature, to those of the placental Glires: they present
a subtrihedral figure, and are traversed by a shallow groove on their
inner surfaces.
The spurious molares present no trace of that compressed struc-
ture which characterizes them in the Koala and Kangaroos ; but have
a wide, oval, transverse section ; those of the upper jaw being tra-
versed on the inner side with a slight longitudinal groove. The
true molares have double the size of the spurious ones : the superior
134 Zoological Society.
ones are also traversed by an internal longitudinal groove, but
this is so deep and wide, that it divides the whole tooth into two
prismatic portions, with one of the angles directed inwards. The
inferior molares are in like manner divided into two trihedral portions,
but the intervening groove is here external, and one of the faces of
each prism is turned inwards. All the grinders are curved, and de-
scribe about a quarter of a circle; in the upper jaw the concavity
of the curve is directed outwards, in the lower jaw inwards. The
false and true molares like the incisors have persistent pulps, and are
consequently devoid of true fangs: in which respect the Wombat
differs from all other Marsupials, and resembles the extinct Toxodon,
the dentigerous Bruta, and herbivorous Rodentia.
Although none of the Marsupialia possess teeth composed of an
intermixture of layers of ivory, cement and enamel through the body
of the crown; yet the layer of cement which covers the enameled
crown is thickest in the vegetable-feeding Marsupials, and is re-
markably distinct in the Wombat. |
I may add that the Wombat deviates from the other Marsupials
in the number of its ribs: as these are very constant in the rest of
the order, the difference in the Wombat, which has 15 pairs, in-
stead of 13 or 12, is the more deserving of notice. The Koala, like
the Phalangers and Kangaroos, has 13 pairs of ribs.
Professor Owen next proceeds to compare the classification of the —
Marsupialia here proposed with that of Cuvier, given in the second
edition of the Régue Animal, and states the reasons which have led
him to devise a new arrangement.
The following is a tabular view of Professor Owen’s classifica-
tion.
CLASSIFICATION OF THE MARSUPIALIA.
Tribes. Families. Genera. Subgenera,.
SARCOPHAGA.
Three kinds of teeth;
canines long in both Thylacinus.
jaws; a simple sto- Dasyuride. . 1 Bazin
mach; no intestinum Phascogale.
cecum. :
Extincttransitional forms . . . .-. «+. - [hoevaamanivesig |
ENTOMOPHAGA.
Three kinds of teeth in
both jaws; a simple Ambulatoria. . Myrmecobilis.
stomach ; amoderately
long intestinum cecum.
Cheeropus.
Perameles.
Scansoria. . Didelphis. .. . Cheironectes.
Saltatoria. .
British Association. 135
Tribes. Families. Genera. Subgenera.
CARPOPHAGA.
Anterior incisors large
andlongin both jaws; Phalangistide. .
Cuscus.
Phalangista. . . 4 Pseudocheirus,
canines inconstant; a
Petaurus. Tapoa.
simple stomach ; avery Acrehata
long intestinum cecum.
Phascolarctidg.. Phascolarctus.
earch eas ne Hypsiprymnus Halmaturu
Anterior incisors large Macropodide. +e ry : os
: Macropus. Macropus.
and long in both jaws ;
canines present in the
upper jaw only, or
wanting. A complex
stomach; along intes-
tinum cecum.
RHIZOPHAGA.
Two scalpriform incisors
in both jaws; no ca-
nines. Stomach with , Phascolomys, ,
aspecial gland ; cecum Phascolomyide . + bitcoane } Fossil
short, wide, with a ver-
miform appendage.
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE,—NINTH
MEETING, HELD AT BIRMINGHAM.*
Section of Zoology and Botany.
August 27.—J. E. Gray, Esq., V.P., in the Chair.
Secretaries :—-Mr. E. Forbes and Mr. Patterson.
Mr. Goodsir read a paper, ‘ On the Follicular Stage of Dentition
in the Ruminants, with some remarks on that process in the other
orders of Mammalia.’ The paper concluded with a recapitulation of
the principal facts contained init. 1. In all the mammalia examined
(pig, rab-bit, cow, and sheep, &c.), the follicular stage of dentition
was observed. 2. The pulps and sacs of all the permanent teeth of
the cow and sheep, with the exception of the fourth molar, are formed
from the minor surfaces of cavities of reserve. 38. The depending
folds of the sacs of composite teeth, are formed by the folding in of
the edges of the follicle towards the base of the contained pulp, the
granular body assisting in the formation of these folds. 4. The
cow and sheep (and probably all the other ruminants,) possess the
germs of canines and superior incisives, at an early period of their
embryonic existence.—‘ On the preparation of Fish,’ by Mr. Wilde.
—‘ On the Ciliograda of the British Seas,’ by Edward Forbes and
John Goodsir.—‘ On some new Species of Entozoa, discovered by
Dr. Bellingham,’ by Mr. Wilde.—‘ On the Acceleration of the Growth
of Wheat,’ by G. Webb Hall.
Aug. 28.—‘ On an Experiment in the Growth of Silk at Notting-
ham, made this year,’ by Mr. Felkin.—The Secretary read a paper
* Monday’s proceedings will be found at p. 46.
136 Botanical Society of London.
by Mr. Brand, ‘ On the Statistics of British Botany.’—‘ Some Obser-
vations on Whales, in connexion with the account of the Remains
of a Whale recently discovered at Durham,’ by Mr. George T. Fox.
Aug. 29.—Dr. Pritchard read a paper ‘ On the Extinction of the
Human Races.’ He expressed his regret that so little attention was
given to Ethnography, or the natural history of the human race,
while the opportunities for observation are every day passing away.
—‘A Report on the Distribution of the Pulmoniferous Mollusca in
Britain, and the causes influencing it.’ Drawn up at the request of
the Association, by Mr. E. Forbes.—Mr. J. E. Bowman exhibited
specimens of a species of Dodder (Cuscuta epilinum), first found in
Britain, two years ago, by himself, and again ina new locality with-
in the present month. He believes it is to be found exclusively upon
flax, und has been overlooked for C. Huropea.—‘ On the Cultivation
of the Cotton of Commerce.’ By Major-Gen. Briggs.
Aug. 31.—Some remarks were made on the introduction of a
species of Auchenia into Britain, for the purpose of obtaining wool,
by Mr. W. Danson.—Prof. Jones made some observations on an ap-
paratus for observing Fish (especially of the family Salmonide) in
confinement. Mr. Charles C. Babington made a verbal communi-
cation concerning some recent additions to the English Flora.—
A letter was read from Mr. Garner, on the Beroe pileus, stating that
he had not seen in this animal true luminosity, but only a peculiar
luminosity in the dark. The external rows of cilia he believed
might produce it.
[We have not thought it desirable to fill our pages with imperfect
abstracts of the papers read in the Section of Botany and Zoology,
hoping, with regard to the most important, to be enabled, as last
year to give them entire.—Epir. |
BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.
December 7, 1838.—John Edward Gray, Esq., F.R.S., President,
in the Chair.
Dr. H. A. Meeson read a paper ‘On the advantages to be de-
rived by the Medical Profession from the study of Botany.’
Mr. John Green communicated some ‘ Observations on the seve-
rity of last winter on Vegetation in connexion with Meteorology.’
December 21, 1838.—John Edward Gray, Esq., F.R.S., President,
in the Chair.
A donation of some British Algz was announced, presented by
Mr. Adam White.
Botanical Society of London. 137
Mr. Joseph Freeman read a paper ‘ On the Geographical Distri-
bution of Plants.’
A paper was also read from Mr. Adam White, being ‘ Note on
Peloria,’ and a Pelorian variety of Pinguicula vulgaris was exhi-
bited, found by Mr. White on Royden Fenn, near Diss, Norfolk, in
1835.
January 4, 1839.—John Edward Gray, Esq., F.R.S., President,
in the Chair.
Mr. Daniel Cooper, A.L.S., Curator, read a paper, being ‘ Re-
marks on the Dispersion of Plants in the environs of London, and the
formation of plans exhibiting the distribution of species over locali-
ties,’ which led to some discussion.
January 18, 1839.—John Edward Gray, Esq., F.R.S., President,
in the Chair.
Mr. G. E. Dennes, F.L.S., exhibited specimens of Aspidium rigi-
dum, sent to him by the Rev. W. T. Bree, and cultivated from a root
brought by him from Ingleborough, Yorkshire, in 1815.
Mr. Daniel Cooper, A.L.S., exhibited a Shirt from Sweden, made
from the liber of Linden.
A paper was read from M. I. J. Sidney, Esq., ‘On the Botany of
Morpeth, Northumberland,’ and containing a list of the Plants to be
found in that district.
The Curator also continued his paper ‘On the dispersion of
Plants in the environs of London, and the formation of plans exhi-
biting the distribution of species over localities.’
February 1, 1839.—John Edward Gray, Esq., F.R.S., President,
: in the Chair.
A paper was read from Dr. H. A. Meeson, “ On the Formation of
Leaves.” He began by observing that leaves cannot be expansions
of the epidermis, because if so they must then of necessity be com-
posed entirely of cellular tissue, whereas they are known to abound
in vascular tissue. If leaves be expansions of the bark it must ne-
cessarily follow that all modifications of them must be the same, there-
fore petals, sepals, stamina and pistils must be expansions of this
substance. But these organs exist in endogens, a class of plants
manifestly without bark, and in exogens their texture is so com-
pletely different from that of the bark that it would be absurd to com-
pare them. Dr. M. considered leaves to be the essential part of a
plant ; they exist in the embryo, and by expanding and unfolding
themselves suck up sap through the radicle, and having exposed it
Ann, Nat, Hist. Vol. 4. No, 22. Oct. 1839. L
Fh
138 Wernerian Natural History Society.
to the action of the air and light, convert a portion of it into proper
juice. A plant is nothing more than a multitude of buds or fixed
embryos, which send their roots downwards to form their bark and
wood. ‘The leaf should be considered the most essential part of the
plant, from which all its other parts are either directly or indirectly
formed, as it is not an expansion of anything, but a very important
organ, having as it were a distinct existence of its own.
A discussion ensued, in which Dr. Macreight, Dr. Willshire, and
other Members joined.
WERNERIAN NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
The Wernerian Natural History Society, in a notice dated Edin-
burgh, 20th April 1839, offers Honorary Premiums, value 10/7. each,
open unconditionally to all scientific naturalists. It is understood
that the successful Essays on the subjects proposed, and such Draw-
ings and Specimens as accompany them, become the property of the
Society ; and that, in the event of the Society not publishing the
Essays, the authors may be allowed to publish them on their own
account. |
Hydrography.—1. On the temperature, magnitude, chemical com-
position, and geological relations of the Springs of Scotland. 2. On
the temperature, colour, chemical composition, mechanical admix-
ture, magnitude, velocity, and alluvial formations of any one of the
following Rivers in Scotland, viz. the Tweed, Tay, Dee in Aberdeen-
shire, or Spey.
Geology.—3. On the erratic blocks or boulders of Scotland and its
Islands ; their mineralogical and paleontological characters, and phy-
sical and geographical distribution ; with illustrative maps.—4. On
the mineralogical constitution and chemical composition of the Trap-
Rocks of Scotland; with specimens.—5. On the chemical composi-
tion of the altered or metamorphic rocks met with in granite, por-
phyry, serpentine and trap districts; with specimens.—6. On the
fossil organic remains found in the transition strata and carboniferous
systems of Scotland ; with drawings of new species and specimens re-
quired.—7, On the so-called Raised Sea-Beaches met with inScotland,
its Islands, and elsewhere. Specimens of the shells, &c. required.
Zoology.—8. On the entomology of the Three Lothians, and the
river district of the Forth ; with specimens.—9. Drawings and De-
scriptions of the microscopic animals inhabiting the waters of any of
the following arms of the sea and lakes, viz. Firth of Forth, Firth of
Clyde or Loch Fyne; or of Loch Lomond or Loch Tay.—10. On
the natural history and comparative anatomy of the land and water
oa
Miscellaneous. 139
molluscous animals of the Firth of Forth district; with drawings,
and, if possible, preparations.—11. On the anatomy and physiology
of the respiratory and digestive ergans of birds, from actual observa-
tion, with a special reference to the habits and manners, and the
natural arrangement of families and genera; with characteristic spe-
cimens.
Botany.—12. On the botany of the mountains of Scotland, in
connexion with their geological structure ; with specimens and a
map of the distribution. The range of elevation, and the northern
and southern limits of species should be attended to, and any facts
illustrating the geographical distribution of plants recorded. It
would also add greatly to the interest of the communication if it
were accompanied with a coloured geognostical map of the districts,
The Essays to be written in English, French, or German.
[The subjects are rather numerous; and perhaps a fewer, with
higher premiums, for some at least, might have been better. The
preparations and drawings to illustrate some of them could not be
made for double the amount of the premium: and many would be
willing to compete for an honorary distinction who would not like
to give up their collections.—Eb. ]
MISCELLANEOUS.
NOTICE OF AN UNCOMMONLY TAME AND SENSIBLE PINE MARTEN
(MUSTELA MARTES), BY ST, K, VON SIEMUSZOVA-PIETRUSKI.
In June 1836 I obtained a very young Pine Marten, which in a short
space of time became so domestic that he truly deserved the admi-
ration of all who had an opportunity of seeing him. ‘This pretty
little animal went about freely through all the rooms of the house
without doing harm to any one, played in the court-yard with my
Danish dogs, often sprang upon their backs, and rode frequently
upon the good patient beasts after the manner of monkeys in avery
comical style for a good distance. The dogs too were very fond of
the Marten, and never showed signs of their inherited hatred of such
animals. In time he became so much attached to my person that
he followed me everywhere, even into the neighbouring villages,
just as only a dog or badger would do (see my remarks upon the
badger in Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1837, Part II.). In these walks it was
very interesting to observe how he was able to overcome his natural
innate propensity for climbing up trees; for it very frequently
happened that the desire of climbing up a tree seized him; yet as
L 2
140 Miscellaneous.
soon as he perceived that I had gone on, the little animal hastened
after me directly, Even upon long excursions to the old forests of
the Carpathian mountains, at a distance of three and four (German)
miles, the Marten was my faithful companion; he swam through
rivers and brooks with perfect ease like an otter: but the most re-
markable thing besides was, that he never went very far from me ;
only once do I remember having lost him for some hours. This
happened in the following manner.
On the 30th of August the gentle Marten followed. me, as he al-
ways did on an excursion, into the part of the Carpathians which is
called the Potoninen. I was busied in collecting the beautiful Ca-
vabus Sacheri in an enchanting spot, and quite forgot my Marten,
who had found a nest with young blackbirds (Merula montana,
Brehm.) just by, and was quietly devouring them. After a fortu-
nate booty of Coleoptera I then wished to climb a lofty hill called
Paraska, but I missed the Marten and continued my way without
him. How great was my joy, upon my return, after eight long hours,
to find the sensible animal again in the very meadow where I had
lost him !
If I was absent from home this Marten would take no food the
whole day long; and when I returned showed his joy by merry
leaps and caresses.
He ate everything that came to table, bread, fruit, cheese, milk,
but he was fondest of raw flesh; he drank wine with great relish,
and plentifully. This even hastened his death, for once he drank so
much, that on the following day he was found dead on the house
floor.—Wiegmann’s Archiv fiir 1839, 3tes Heft.
CLANGULA BARROVII, A NATIVE OF ICELAND,
On my last visit to Iceland, in the summer of 1837, I arrived there
by way of Copenhagen on the 22nd of June, and landed at a place
called Ociford, situate on the north side of the island. I immediately
commenced making excursions into the interior for the purpose of
procuring specimens and observing the habits of those birds which
we are little acquainted with in Britain. I met with eleven species
of ducks breeding there, and was fortunate in procuring the eggs of
each, viz. Anas mollissima, A. glacialis, A. Marila, A. Strepera, A.
Boschas, A. acuta, A. Crecca, A. Penelope, A. nigra, A. histrionica.
The whole of the above visit Britain in the winter season, some re-
maining to breed, while others retire to higher latitudes ; others again
we are only acquainted with as rare and uncertain visitants to our
shores.
, Miscellaneous. 141
But what I principally wish to call the attention of the ornitholo-
gist to, is the fact of my having met with a species of Golden Eye,
not, as far as my observation goes, the same with that which visits
the British coast. It answers to the description of the Rocky moun-
tain Garrot, Clangula Barrovii, Richardson, although Faber and
other naturalists who have visited Iceland: have applied to it the
name of the Common Golden Eye (Anas Clangula.). I met with this
species in both ‘my visits, but never with A. Clangula: therefore I
am inclined to think that the latter does not inhabit that island, but
its place is supplied by its near allied species Clangula Barrovit.
This latter species may always be known from Clangula vulgaris by
its superior size and the large crescent-shaped patch before each eye,
which in C. Barrovit springs from below the gape, stretching along
the base of the bill to the forehead: the bill of the latter, which is
broader at the base, has also the nail on the upper mandible much
broader. The weight of the male bird of C. Barrovit.is about 2
pounds ; the length from tip of bill to end of tail 20 inches ; breadth.
when the wings are extended 28 inches.. Weight of female 13 Ib. ;
length 184 inches; breadth 264 inches. It breeds in June, forming
its nest by the margin of the freshwater ponds, generally among
the willows, but sometimes placing it on the bare ground amidst the
loose stones. ‘The nest is composed of a few stems of grass loosely
put together, lined with down from the breast of the female; the
eggs vary in number from 6 to 10, and are of a whitish-green, si-
milar in colour to those of the Common Wild Duck, and larger than
those of Clangula vulgaris—W. Proctor, Durham, 20th August, ,
1839.
ON THE MOULTING PROCESS IN THE CRAY FISH.
We have extracted the following interesting notice from the ele-
gant and valuable work of Prof. Rymer Jones*, which we had occasion
to notice in one of our preceding numbers. ‘‘’The phenomena which
attend the renovation of the external skeleton are so unimaginable
that it is really extraordinary how little is accurately known con-
cerning the nature of the operation. ‘The first question which pre-
sents itself is, how are the limbs liberated from their confinement ?
for, wonderful as it may appear, the joints even of the massive chele
of the lobster do not separate from each other, but notwithstanding
the great size of some of the segments of the claw, and the slender
dimensions of the joints that connect the different pieces, the cast-
- off skeleton of the limb presents exactly the same appearance as if
* General Outline of the Animal Kingdom, Part VII. September 1839.
142 Miscellaneous.
it still encased the living member. The only way of explaining the
circumstance, is to suppose that the individual pieces of the skeleton,
as well as the soft articulations connecting them, split in a longitu-
dinal direction, and that, after the abstraction of the limb, the fis-
sured parts close again with so much accuracy that even the traces
of the division are imperceptible. But this is not the only part of
the process which is calculated to excite our astonishment: the in-
ternal calcareous septa from which the muscles derive their origins,
and the tendons whereby they are inserted into the moveable por-
tions of the outer shell, are likewise stated to be found attached to
the exuvie ; even the singular dental apparatus situated in the sto-
mach, of which we shall speak hereafter, is cast off and re-formed !
And yet, how is all this accomplished ? how do such parts become
detached ? how are they renewed? We apprehend that more
puzzling questions than these can scarcely be propounded to the
physiologist, nor could more interesting subjects of inquiry be
pointed out to those whose opportunities enable them to prosecute
researches connected with their elucidation.”
In a note annexed to this paragraph he describes the appearances
of an Astacus fluviatilis, which he had obtained soon after casting its
shell, and of its newly cast-off covering. ‘‘ All the pieces of the ex-
uvium are connected together by the old articulations, and accu-
rately represent the external form of the complete animal; the cara-
pace, or dorsal shield of the cephalo-thorax alone being detached,
having been thrown off in one piece. The pedicles of the eyes and
external cornex, as well as the antenne, remain in situ, the corre-
sponding parts having been drawn out from them as the finger from
a glove, and no fissure of the shell or rupture of the ligaments con-
necting the joints is anywhere visible in these portions of the ske-
leton. The ordinary tubercles, and the membrane stretched over
the orifice of the ear, occupy the same position as in the living cray-
fish. The jaws, foot-jaws, and ambulatory feet retain their original
connections, with the exception of the right chela, which had been
thrown of before the moult began ; and the segments of the abdo-
men, false feet, and tail-fin exactly resembled those of the perfect
creature ;—even the internal processes derived from the thoracic
segments (apodemata) rather seemed to have had the flesh most care-
fully picked out from among them than to have been cast away from
a living animal: but perhaps the most curious circumstance obser-
vable was, that attached to the base of each leg was the skin which
had formerly covered the branchial tufts, and which, when floated in
water, spread out into accurate representations of those exquisitely
Meteorological Observations. 143
delicate organs. No fissure was perceptible in any of the articula-
tions of the small claws, but in the chela each segment was split in
the neighbourhood of the joints and the articulated ligaments rup-
tured. The lining membrane of the stomach was found in the tho-
rax, having the stomachal teeth connected with it ; from its position
it would seem that the animal had dropped it into the place where it
lay before the extrication of its limbs was quite accomplished. The
internal tendons were all attached to the moveable joint of each pair
of forceps, both in the chela and in the two anterior pairs of smaller
ambulatory legs. :
_ On examining the animal, which had extricated itself from the
exuvium described above, the shell was found soft and flexible, but
contained a sufficiency of calcareous matter to give it some firmness,
especially in the claws. The tendons of the forceps were still per-
fectly membranous, presenting a very decided contrast when com-
pared with the old ones affixed to the discarded shell. The stump
of the lost chela had not as yet begun to sprout, and the extremity
was covered by a soft black membrane. The jaws were quite hard
and calcified, as likewise were the teeth contained in the stomach.”
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR AUGUST, 1839.
Chiswick.— Aug. 1. Fine. 2,3. Hot. 4—6. Very fine. 7. Rain, with
thunder atnight. 8. Overcast and fine. 9—14, Very fine. 15. Hazy:
drizzly. 16. Very fine: cloudy: rain at night. 17, Rain. 18. Very fine:
heavy rain at night. 19. Rain. 20. Hazy: fine. 21. Clear and fine.
22—26. Very fine. 27. Overcast: slight rain. 28. Hazy. 29. Cloudy: rain
atnight. 30. Rain: fine. $1. Cloudy: rain.
Boston.—Aug. 1. Fine: rainearly a.m. 2,3. Fine. 4, Cloudy: rain p.m.
5,6. Fine. 7 Rain. 8,9. Fine. . 10. Fine: raine.m. 11. Rain, 12,
Cloudy. 13. Fine. 14 Rain, 15. Fine. 16, Cloudy: rain early a.m. :
rain, thunder and lightning p.m. 17. Fine: rain a.M.and pm. 18, Fine.
19. Rain: extraordinary rain early a.m. 20, Cloudy: rain a.m. andr.m. 21,
22. Fine. 23. Cloudy. 24. Cloudy: rain early a.m. 25. Fine. 26, Cloudy,
27. Fine: rain early a.m. 28. Cloudy: rainr.m. 29. Cloudy. 30. Cloudy:
rain early a.M.and p.m. 31. Rain: rain early a.m. and p.m.
Applegarth Manse, Dumfries-shire.— Aug. 1. Pleasant day : getting cloudy p.m.
2. Rain nearly all day. 3. Calm and temperate: cloudy pm. 4. Fine clear
day. 5. Fine: at noon sultry: air electrical. 6. Wet all day. 7. Occasional
showers. 8. Fine: pleasant breeze: sky clear. 9. Slight rain a.m.: cleared
up. 10, High wind: dry a.m.: showery p.m. 11. Fair and fine a.m.: showery
yr.M. 12. Dull, but fair. 13. Clear and calm all day. 14. Very wet from 11
a.m. 15, Damp and drooping all day. 16. Occasional drizzling all day.
17. Dry and partially clear. 18, Warm and close: showery p.m. 19. Drop-
ping day. 20, Chill morning: fair: showery r.m. 21. Fair throughout; hoar
frost a.m. 22, Fine day: heavy dew a.m. 23. Rain at noon and continued all
day. 24. Droppingday. 25. Fair till afternoon: cloudy and close. 26. Fair
throughout. 27. Beautiful harvest day. 28. Fair a.m. : came on heavy rain
pM. 29, Heavy rain: floodin the river. 30. Fine day: occasionally slight
drizzle. $1. Very wet till 5 p.a., when it cleared.
Sun 27 days. Rain 18 days.
Wind southerly 18 days. Northerly 8 days. Westerly 4 days. Easterly
1 day.
Calm 15 days. Moderate 8 days. Brisk 4 days. Strong breeze 2 days.
Boisterous 2 days,
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ANNALS OF NATURAL HISTORY.
MA
ny)
i
SSS
WO
X
WN
Psamathe.
J Basire Se.
British Neveides.
CI. ad. nat. del?
Dr. Johnston on the British Nereides. 225
water amid the roots of corallines and the shells of mollusca
and sedentary annelidans *. The body is much elongated and
proportionably slender, composed. of a numerous succession
of similar segments, narrowed gradually towards each extre-
mity, more especially towards the posterior, which is termi-
nated by two short fleshy styles. From the mouth is pro-
truded at will a large proboscis, divided into two rings by a
fold sometimes scarcely visible (Plate VI. fig. 3.); the under
half on the whole roughened with fleshy papille arranged in
rows, while a series of larger papille encircles the orifice.
There seem to be two eyes only+, occipital in position and
larger than in the allied genera. The front of the head is
armed with four small simple antennz ; and on each side of
the post-occipital ring there are two pairs of unequal tentacu-
lar cirri, jointed at the base, and usually kept retroverted when
the creature is at rest. The feet are rather small, uniramous,
furnished with a single spine and a brush of very elegant, slen-
der bristles, divided by a joint near the middle into two por-
tions, of which the terminal one is as sharp as the finest needle.
(Plate VI. fig. 6.)
In the Phyllodoces the blood is not red as in the great ma-
jority of the Annelides, but yellowish or colourless {.
1. Ph. lamelligera, of a dusky-olive or sometimes oil-green ;
the colour often confined to the margins of the segments.
(Plate VI. fig. 1—6.)
Nereis lamelligera, Turt. Gmel. iv. p.90. Turt. Brit. Faun. p. 135.
Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. p.96. Bosc, Vers, i. p.173. Jameson in Wern:
Mem. i. p.557.—Phyllodoce gigantea, Johnston in Zool, Journ. iv. p.
53.
Hab. Sometimes found at low-water mark, but mare common among the
refuse brought up on the lines of the fishermen. » Deep water in the Frith
of Forth, brought up by the oyster-dredges, Dr. Neidl. Common in Berwick
Bay.
Desc. Body 14 inches long, linear-elongate, somewhat com-
pressed, tapered at the tail, smooth, dusky with blueish and
greenish shades reflecting a metallic lustre, the branchial leaf-
* Audouin and M. Edwards, Litt. de la France, i. p. 237.
; According to Lamarck four, “ mais les postérieurs sont peu apparens.”
—Anim. s. Vert. 2de édit. v. p. 556.
+ Lam. Anim. s. Vert. 2de édit. v. p.556. Ann. des Sc. Nat. n. s, x.
p. 197. :
226 Dr. Johnston on the British Nereides.
lets generally clouded in the centre with a dark undefined
spot. Head quadrangular ; the proboscis covered, on its lower
half, with fleshy papillz arranged in about twelve rows ; eyes
black; antenne very short, conical. Segments very numerous,
the post-occipital not larger than thefollowing, bearing on each
side four rather short setaceous tentacular cirri, of which the
two anterior are shorter than the posterior pairs, and under
these there is a concealed rudimentary cirrus: fee? all alike,
the superior cirrus forming an obliquely heart-shaped shortly
stalked leaflet, veined, entire, smooth; the inferior cirrus is
similar in structure and nearly so in figure, but it is about two-
thirds less: between them is the proper foot, not very protu-
berant, armed with a brush of bristles disposed in a somewhat
semicircular manner, having a single straw-coloured spine in
their middle: the bristles are slender, pellucid, jointed, the
joint being cleft for the reception of the needle-like point: pos-
terior extremity terminated with two very short fleshy styles. |
This species is said to attain sometimes a size considerably
greater than that of the specimen just described, but on this
part of the coast one of 14 inches length is rare, while exam-
ples varying from 4 to 8 inches are not uncommon, It is li-
able to much difference in the tints of its colour, and the green
often predominates, while in young individuals the colour is
not diffused.over the segments, but confined to their margins,
which are dusky, while the centre may be a pale yellow. In
these also the spots in the centre of the branchial leaflets are
usually well-marked. These are liable to be slightly affected
in their form by the motion and contractions of the worm;
and near the tail they always incline more to the oval than the
heart-shape. The proboscis is either clavate or cylindrical,
according to its degree of protrusion. The worm tints the
spirits in which it is preserved with a greenish colour: the
body becomes blueish- or greenish-grey, and the lamelle a.
uniform olive.
Plate VI. fig. 1. Phyllodoce lamelligera, of the natural size. Fig. 2.
The head and proboscis, as this appears when half extruded, magnified.
Fig. 3. The proboscis fully protruded. Fig. 4. Two segments magnified.
Fig. 5. A lateral view of the foot reversed. Fig, 6, The setigerous papilla
with its bristles and spine.
Dr. Johnston on the British Nereides. 297
2. Ph. maculata, the body marked with dark-brown spots
in three rows;. branchial leaflets somewhat heart-shaped.
Plate VII.* fig. 1—3.
Nereis maculata, Linn. Syst. 1086. Mull. Zool. Dan. prod. p.217. Bose,
Vers, i. p. 171.—Phyllodoce pulchra, Johnston in Zool. Journ. iv. p. 54.
—The figure of Baster (Opusc. Subs. i. p. 14. tab. iv. fig. 1.) may pos-
sibly be intended for a representation of this species.
Hab. The shore at and within tide marks. Frequent on the coast of Ber-
wickshire.
Desc. Worm sometimes 4 inches long, slender, depressed,
tapered a little towards each extremity, yellowish, with a row
of dark-brown spots along the back, and the sides spotted
with the same colour; ventral surface paler, with a median
row of small rather distant spots, and a series of larger ones
on each side at the base of the feet. Head bluntly pointed,
armed in front with four white conical antenne ; eyes black.
Post-occipital segment with four pairs of setaceous tentacular
cirri, of which the two anterior are the shortest : on each side
of the other segments there is an oval or somewhat heart-
shaped branchial lamella, with a brown spot in its centre, and
supported on a very short spotted stalk: beneath them are
the feet, each foot consisting of two papillary processes, the
superior furnished with a brush of retractile bristles of the
usual character. Anal segment terminated with two short co-
nical styles.
3. Ph. bilineata, slender, pale greenish-yellow, with a con-
tinuous dark line drawn down each side at the insertions of
the feet. Plate VI. fig. 7—10.
Nereis maculata? Fabr. Faun. Grenl. p.298. Turt. Gmel. iv. p. 88.
Hab, On oysters from Preston-pans in the Firth of Forth. Berwick Bay,
rare.
Desc. From 2 to 3 inches long, very slender, serpentine,
somewhat narrowed in front, more so towards the tail, of a
pale greenish-yellow colour, with a dark continuous line along
each side, rendered sinuous by the emarginations at the junc-
tion of the segments, which are numerous and quadrangular.
Head ovoid; eyes two, placed backwards; antenne four, un-
equal, placed in a stellate fashion round the orifice of the
mouth: ¢entacular cirri rather short, unequal: branchial la-
* Pl. VII. will be given in the Supplement to the present volume.
228 Dr. Johnston on the British Nereides.
melle ovate or elliptical, smooth, veined; the inferior cirrus
short and papillary, not extending beyond the apex of the foot,
which is slightly emarginate and’armed as usual with a brush
of slender jointed bristles and a single spine. —
Prats VI. fig. 7. Ph. bilineata, natural size. Fig. 8. The head, Fig.9.
The middle segments; and Fig. 10. The caudal extremity :—magnified.
4. Ph. viridis, body roundish, of a uniform grass-green co-
lour ; branchial leaflets lanceolate; antenne five. Plate VI.
fig. 11—15.
Nereis viridis, Linn. Syst. 1086. Mull. Zool. Dan. prod. 217, no. 2636.
Fabric. Faun, Grenl. 297. Turt. Gmel. iv.88. Turt. Brit. Faun.
135. Adams in Linn. Trans. v. 8. Bosc, Vers, i.171. Pen. Brit.
Zool. edit. 1812, iv. 94.—Phyllodoce clavigera, dud. et Edw. Hist. Nat.
du Litt. de la France, ii. 226. pl. 5a. fig. 9—13.
Hab. Found on Fucus pinnatifidus, near Tenby (Pembrokeshire), 4dams.
Berwick Bay abundantly, and I believe it to be common on most parts of
the British coast.
Desc. Worm from 2 to 3 inches long, elongate and narrow,
slightly tapered towards the head, more so at the tail, of a
uniform duck-green colour, paler on the ventral aspect. Head
small, narrowest in front, but not pointed, the apex armed
with four short conical antenne, and a smaller antenna is less
perceptible on the vertex: eyes two*, occipital, dark brown :
mouth with a large clavate proboscis, greenish, rough under
the magnifier, with minute papillz, edentulous: post-occipital
segment with four tentacular cirri on each side, twice the
length of the branchiz, the anterior pair one half shorter than
the others, conical, simple: segments very numerous, often
defined by a line of deeper green, shorter than their breadth,
smooth, convex dorsally: branchial leaflets (or superior cirri)
lanceolate, slightly compressed, retroflexed, longer than the
foot, which is furnished with a bundle of very slender ‘retract-
ile acicular bristles and with a single spine: ¢ai/ terminated
with two fleshy styles, similar to the leaflets, but rather larger.
P. viridis lives under stones, or in the crevices of slaty
rocks, between tide marks; but it abounds most near low-water
mark, nor is it uncommon among the corallines and shells
that are never left uncovered by the tide. It is an active spe-
* Audouin and Edwards say four, disposed in a transverse line, and very
small, but their figure shows two only.
Dr. Johnston on the British Nereides. 229
cies in water, moving forwards principally by the oared leaf-
lets that extend from the sides; but on dry ground its move-
ment is slow, and the leaflets are kept applied to the sides
and brought somewhat under the body. When kept ina
vessel of sea-water, deprived of food, the green colour becomes
less intense, and allows us to trace a darker intestine down
the centre of the body. When specimens are put into spirits
they give out a copious green liquor and tinge the spirit
deeply. Immersed in fresh water the worm is evidently pained,
but is not killed so instantaneously as some other marine
worms are, and in dying does not separate and break in pieces.
I have not hesitated to refer this species to the Phy. clavi-
gera of Audouin and Edwards, although some slight differ-
ences may be traced in our figures; for some experience has
brought me to believe that, in comparing figures which have
been made under the magnifier, we are not to look for an ex-
act resemblance between them. I have seen figures drawn
by the same individual and from the same objects at some-
what distant periods, but with every desire to be accurate,
between which the discrepancy was greater than could have
been at first imagined. So also I have not expressed any
doubt of their species being identical with the Nereis vi-
vidis of Otho Fabricius, for the only distinction pointed out
by Audouin and Edwards between them is the absence of the
odd antenna in the latter, and this is only inferred to be the
case from the silence of the Greenland naturalist. But it is
no imputation on the acknowledged accuracy of Fabricius to
believe that this organ may have escaped his notice; for, even
after having been made aware of its existence, I have some-
times found that it was no easy matter to bring it into view
and make it perceptible to others. :
Pirate VI. fig. 11. P. viridis, of the natural size. Fig. 12. The head and
anterior segments, magnified. Fig. 13. ‘The head and proboscis extruded.
Fig. 14, The middle segments seen from below. Fig. 15. The caudal ex-
tremity.
3. PsAmMaTHE, Johnston.
Cuar. Body scolopendriform: head small: eyes four, in
pairs: antenne four, short, unequal, biarticulate: proboscis
thick and cylindrical, its aperture encircled with a series of
230 Dr. Johnston on the British Nereides.
papillary tentacula, edentulous: tentacular cirri four on each
side, unequal: feet uniramous, bifid at the apex; the dorsal
cirrus elongate, filiform, jointed; the ventral one short: tail
with two filiform styles.
Obs. This genus, which I have named in honour of the
daughter of Nereus and Doris, will take rank, as it appears to
me, between Scyllis and Hesione. It differs from the first in
the number and structure of the antenne, in the form of the
head, and in the arrangement of the eyes ; and from the latter
in the form of the body (which in this family is an important
character), and in the structure of the proboscis, which in He-
sione is very long and destitute of oral tentacula.
1. Ps. fusca. Plate VII. fig. 4.
Psamathe fusca, Johnston in Mag. Nat. Hist. ix. 15. fig. 1.
Hab. The sea-shore within and between tide-marks. Berwick Bay oc-
casionally.
Desc. Worm scolopendriform, about an inch in length,
slightly narrowed in front, tapered towards the tail, of a yel-
lowish-brown or fuscous colour, and in the paler specimens a
series of obscure spots may be observed down each side above
the feet. Head small, square, entire in front: eyes four*,
very distinct, occipital, placed in pairs: antenne four, short;
biarticulate, frontal, the superior pair thicker and shorter than
the inferior: mouth furnished with a thick cylindrical prodoscis,
whose aperture is encircled with a close fringe of papulous
tentacula: ¢entacular cirri four on each side, the inferior pairs
shortest, filiform, jointed, and issuing from a bulged base:
segments numerous, the anterior shorter and smaller than the
others, which are nearly of the same length and breadth:
Jeet much developed and prominent, all alike, conic, the apex
emarginate or divided into two obtuse lobes, between which
the bristles are protruded: superior cirrus elongate, filiform,
jointed like a Conferva, scarcely moniliform, and arising from
a swollen basilar joint: ventral cirrus short, not extending be-
yond the foot, neither is it jointed: bristles retractile, strong,
jointed near the top, the apical piece fixed on in a bayonet
fashion ; they are collected into two small but unequal fasci-
* I have seen specimens in which there were only two eyes: from their
size a pair seemed to have coalesced.
Dr. Johnston on the British Nereides. 931
cles, having a rather small spine in the middle of each: anal
segment truncate and terminated with two long styles similar
to the tentacular cirri.
This little worm is occasionally met with in Berwick Bay,
lurking amid the roots of Conferve, corallines, and sponges.
It advances through the water with considerable velocity and
in a wriggling manner, pushing out and alternately withdraw-
ing the bristles of its feet, and moving its long cirri in every
direction. When the creature is active and first taken, the
cirri have a somewhat moniliform appearance under the micro-
scope, but as its energy declines this appearance becomes
fainter ; they then appear jointed like a common Conferva, and
after death even these joints fade away and the whole organ
assumes a homogeneous structure.
Prate VII. fig. 4. Ps. fusca, magnified. The line expresses the length of
the specimen.
4. lorpa*, Johnston.
Cuar. Body linear-elongate: head small: eyes two, large:
antenne three, cranial, filiform, submoniliform: fentacular
cirrt none : proboscis ? segments numerous : feet
undivided, each with a dorsal moniliform cirrus and two bun-
dles of bristles, one of noha is very long: branchie none:
styles ?
Obs. This new genus is allied to Scyllis, from which it dif-
fers in the number of eyes, in the absence of tentacular cirri,
and in the appendages to the feet,—the Scyllis having two
cirri to each and a single bundle of bristles,—while the Joida
has one cirrus and two bundles of bristles.
1. I. macrophthalma. Plate VII. fig. 5.
Hab. Amongst corallines in deep water. Coast of Berwickshire.
Desc. Worm about an inch long and a line in breadth, of
a dark blue or purple colour, unspotted, linear-elongate, de-
pressed, smooth. Head small but very distinct, pale, rounded
in front, entire: eyes two, very large, lateral and nearly mar-
* From "Ioesdy¢, blue or violet-coloured. ‘The name is given by Drayton
to one of his Naiades :—
“Toida, which preserves the azure violets.”
Polyolbion, song 20.
232 Mr. Walker on the British Chalcidites.
ginal, prominent, dark brown : anfenne three, frontal, filiform,
rather short, equal in size and equally distanced, porrect,
faintly annular. Segments twenty-five in the specimen exa-
mined, distinct, broader than long, the post-occipital and anal
considerably less than the others and with proportionably
small appendages: feet papillary, uniramous, each armed with
a dorsal cirrus twice as long as the foot, obscurely moniliform,
colourless, and with two bundles of bristles, the superior bun-
dies consisting of short stout retractile bristles, jomted near
the top, and with a spine in their middle ; the inferior bundles
of very long setaceous unjointed hairs, which the worm has
no power of withdrawing. The first pair of feet is destitute
of this inferior bundle. The anal extremity was wanting in
the only specimen I have yet met with, but from the repara-
tion which had begun I believe it to be terminated by two
styles similar to the dorsal cirrus.
{To be continued. ]
XXV.—Descriptions of British Chalcidites. By Francis
Waker, F.LS.
{Concluded from p. 32.]
Genus Preroma.us, Swederus.
Fem. P, disco proximus: corpus breve, convexum, parum nitens, scitis-
sime squameum, parce hirtum : caput transversum, breve, thorace latius ;
vertex latus; frons abrupte declivis: oculi mediocres, non extantes: an-
tennz subclavate, thorace longiores ; articulus 1" gracilis, sublinearis; 2"
longus, basi ad apicem latescens ; 3" et 4"° minimi; 5" et sequentes breves,
approximati, usque ad 10 curtantes; clava longiovata, articulo 10° duplo
longior : thorax ovatus: prothorax transversus, brevissimus: mesothoracis
scutum longitudine paullo latius; parapsidum suture vix conspicue; scu-
tellum conicum: metathorax transversus, mediocris, declivis, postice an-
gustior: petiolus brevissimus: abdomen nitens, leve, latitudine paullo lon-
gius, supra planum, subtus carinatum, thorace multo brevius paullo latius :
pedes simplices, subzequales: ale anguste; nervus humeralis ulnari fere
duplo longior, radialis ulnari paullo brevior cubitali longior; stigma mi-
nutum.
Sp. 1. Pter. Promulus, Fem. Viridi-cyaneus, abdomen purpureo-cupreum,
antenne fusce, pedes flavo-fulvi, femora viridi-picea, ale fusce.
Viridi-cyaneus: oculi et ocelli rufi: antennz fuscz ; articulus 1"* et 2"
Mr. Walker on the British Chaicidites. 233
fulvi: abdomen viride; discus purpureo-cupreus: pedes fulvi; cox cya-
neo-virides; femora viridi-picea; genua flava; meso- et metatarsi flavi,
apice fusci: ale fusce ; squamule picez ; nervi proalis fusci, metalis flavi.
(Corp. long. lin. 1 ; alar. lin. 14.)
Found near Edinburgh, by Dr. Greville.
Mas. P. Favorino proximus: corpus longum, sublineare, convexum, pa-
tum nitens, scitissime squameum, parce hirtum: caput transversum, breve,
thorace paullo latius; vertex latus; frons abrupte declivis, vix impressa :
oculi mediocres, non extantes: antennz graciles, filiformes, thorace multo
longiores; articulus 1° gracilis, sublinearis; 2" subrotundus; 3"* et 4"s
minimi; 5"* et sequentes longi, lineares, usque ad 10¥™ curtantes; clava
longifusiformis, articulo 10° plus duplo longior : thorax longiovatus: protho-
rax transversus, brevissimus: mesothoracis scutum longitudine vix latius ;
parapsidum suture vix conspicue; scutellum prominens, fere conicum : me-
tathorax transversus, sat magnus, declivis, postice angustior: petiolus bre-
vissimus: abdomen depressum, lzeve, nitens, basi ad apicem latescens, tho-
race paullo longius et angustius : pedes graciles, simplices, subzequales: alze
‘mediocres ; nervus humeralis ulnari fere duplo longior, radialis ulnari multo
longior, cubitalis radiali multo brevior ; stigma minutum.
Sp. 2. Pter. Varro, Mas. Cyaneo-viridis, abdomen cupreo-purpureum
fulvo-maculatum, antenne nigre, pedes lutei fusco-cincti, ale limpide.
Cyaneo-viridis: oculi et ocelli rufi: antenne nigre; articuli 1"* et 2"
virides: abdomen cupreo-purpureum, ante medium fulvo obsolete macula-
tum: pedes lutei; coxee virides; femora fusca, apice flava; tarsi apice
fusci; mesotibiz fusco cincte; metatibize fusce ; protarsi fulvi: ale lim-
pide ; squamule picee; nervi proalis fusci, metalis flavi. (Corp. long. lin.
1}; alar. lin, 24.)
Found near Edinburgh, by Dr. Greville.
Genus Encyrtvus, Dalman.
Mas. E. clavicorni proximus: corpus breve, crassum, latum, convexum,
scitissime squameum, rude punctatum, parum nitens, parce pubescens: ca-
put transversum, breve, thorace non latius; vertex latus; frons abrupte de-
clivis, non impressa: oculi mediocres, non extantes: antenne clavate,
crassz, ad os insertze, thorace longiores; articulus 1"° basi ad apicem lates-
cens; 2"° longicyathiformis; 3"° et sequentes breves, usque ad 8¥™ lates-
centes; clava longiconica, articulo 8° multo latior et triplo longior: thorax
.sublinearis, latitudine duplo longior: prothorax transversus, brevissimus:
mesothoracis scutum longitudine multo latius; parapsides scuto in unum
confuse ; paraptera fere inter scutum et scutellum convenientia; scutellum
magnum, longiobconicum: metathorax transversus, parvus : abdomen obco-
nicum, planum, nitens, leve, fere glabrum, quasi sessile, thorace multo bre-
vius vix angustius; segmentum 1¥™ maximum, 2¥™ et sequentia brevissima :
pedes validi ; mesopedum tibiz long apice crasse et spinigerz, tarsi lati :
alze mediocres ; nervus humeralis costz dimidio brevior, cubitalis sat longus,
ulnaris et radialis nulli.
Ann. Nat. Hist. Vol. 4. No. 24. Dee. 1839. *
234 Mr. Walker on the British Chalcidites.
Sp.1. Enc. Nicippe, Mas. Viridi-eneus cyaneo-varius, abdomen cupre-
um, antenne nigre, pedes fulvi, ale limpide.
Viridi-zneus: oculi et ocelli rufi: antenne nigre; articulus 1% fulvus,
2"8 fuscus: mesothoracis scutum cyaneo-viride: abdomen cupreum: pedes
fulvi; coxee zene; ungues et pulvilli fusci : alee limpide ; squamule pices ;
nervi fulvi. (Corp. long. lin. 1; alar. lin. 13.)
September, Northumberland, found by Dr. Greville.
Genus Tuysanus, Walker.
“Corpus elongatum. Antenne quasi 3-articulate articulo 3 lineari-elon-
gato. Ale longe ciliate. Nervus subcostalis abrupte terminatus apice non
deflexus. Tarsi medii longissimi.
‘‘ Corpus lineare subdepressum. Caput oblatum. Antenne prope os in-
sertze (6 articulate ?) (9 articulate?) articulus 1" linearis radicula gracili ; 2"
brevior, obconicus, sequentes tres brevissime annuliformes vix conspicui; 3“*
(ex analogia trium locum implens) precedentibus conjunctim longior, mari
duplo longior, linearis compressus subnudus. Collare antrorsum attenua-
tum. Suture parapsidum inconspicue. Scutellum obtusum. Abdomen
subsessile oblongum dorso deplanatum (plica elevata acuminata per basin
protracta); segmentis subzequalibus ; fem. longius, apice acuminatum ; sub-
tus carinatum, rima infera ad } longitudinis protracta. Terebra recondita.
Ale plumato-ciliate, ulna crassiuscula coste medium superante et abrupta.
Pedes tarsis longis tenuibus, mediis longissimis.
“Sp. 1. Th. ater.
“ Niger nitidus verticis margine, fronteq. media rufis ; verticis macula albi-
cante prope utrumque oculum. Antennz ochracez articulus 1° 2° obscu-
rioribus. Pedes ochreo-fusci, geniculis tarsisque pallidioribus. Ale hya-
linze nervo fusco, fascia media effusa infumata. (Corp. long. lin. $; alar.
lin. 3.)”—Haliday.
Genus Evtoruus, Geoffroy.
« Eulophus alee, Mas. Obscure viridi-zenéus, scutello cupreo, abdomine
nigro-viridi basi znescente. Antenne fusce, scapo nigro-viridi, articulis
8° 4° 5° basi ramum validum pectinatum emittentibus : ramus interior illis
articulis conjunctim equalis: articuli sequentes coarctati clavam lanceolatam,
articulos 4"™ et 5¥™ conjunctim longitudine equiparantem, sed multo cras-
siorem, fingentes; 6"* hujus clave dimidium occupat, 8" apice spinula par-
va. Metathorax longitudine et latitudine subzequalibus, apice parum atte-
nuatus; reticulato-rugulosus, carinula media levi, lateralibus nullis. Peti-
olus brevis validus, obscure eneus, sublzevis, } coxarum posticarum equi-
parans. Pedes validi: antici flavi tarsis subfuscis: posteriores flavi, tibia-
rum et tarsorum apice late, femoribus mediis medio, posticis basi demta
fuscis. Coxz nigro-virides. Tarsi breves. Tibize posteriores subsinuate.
Ale obscure hyalinz, nervis dilute fuscis; radio pallidiore, breviusculo,
subarcuato, angulum acutissimum fingente. Long. vix 1 lin.
“ Clifden, July, 1839.” —Haliday.
Mr. Walker on the British Chalcidites. 935
Genus Entepon, Dalman,
Mas. E. Cydoni proximus: corpus convexum, nitens, scitissime squa-
meum, parce hirtum: caput transversum, brevissimum, vix thoracis lati-
tudine; vertex latus; frons impressa, abrupte declivis : oculi mediocres,
non extantes: ocellus medius perparum antepositus: antenne filiformes,
graciles, thorace longiores ; articulus 1"* longifusiformis ; 2"* cyathiformis ;
3"8, 4"5, et 58 lineares, discreti; clava gracilis, attenuata, acuminata, arti-
culo 5° longior et angustior: thorax ovatus: prothorax brevissimus, supra
vix conspicuus, antice angustus: mesothoracis scutum longitudine multo
latius ; parapsidum suture bene determinate ; scutellum subovatum : meta-
thorax mediocris, transversus: petiolus brevissimus: abdomen sublineare,
planum, leve, thorace multo brevius et angustius ; segmentum 1%™ maxi-
mum; 2%™ et sequentia brevissima: pedes graciles, simplices, subzequales :
alee latee; nervus ulnaris humerali multo longior, radialis brevis, cubitalis
adhuc brevior.
Sp. 1. Ent. Hersilia, Mas. _Viridis cyaneo-cupreo et purpureo varius,
antenne nigre, pedes fulvo-flavi, femora viridia, ale limpide.
Viridis : caput aureo-viride: oculi et ocelli rufi: antenne nigre ; arti-
culi 1"* et 2"8 virides: abdomen cupreum, basi aureo-viride: pedes flavi;
coxe virides; trochanteres fusci; femora viridia, apice flava; tarsi fulvi;
protarsi fusci; ale limpide ; squamule picez ; nervi proalis picei, metalis
fusci. (Corp. long. lin. 3—#; alar. lin. 14—1}.) |
Var. @.—Thorax cyaneo-viridis: mesothoracis scutellum cupreum : tibiz
fulvee ; tarsi obscuriores.
Var. y.—Mesothoracis scutellum purpureo-cupreum : abdomen basi cy-
aneum: tibize fulvee.
Found by Dr. Greville near Edinburgh, and during September in North-
umberland.
‘“* Entedon rutilans, Mas. Rubro-aureus. Abdomen convexius, dimidio
anteriore albida, basi summa fusco-zeneo. Antenne 8-art. moniliformes, ar-
ticulis 1°, 2° fuscis, reliquis fusco ferrugineis pilosis; 2"* major 3°. Stemma-
ticum valde elevatum. Genz pone oculos villose late. Metathorax apice,
pone carinam transversam bis-arcuatam producto-attenuatus, petioli insertio-
nem amplectens. Pedes flavidi, coxis cyaneo-viridibus, unguibus fuscis.
“ Entedon gemmeus, Mas. Purpurascenti-ruber. Abdominis segmentum
2um macula media albida. Antenne 7-articulate fusce, 2° et 3° subzequa-
libus, annello interjecto: 6° et 7° subeconnatis. Genze angustiores. Meta-
thorax apice, sub carina transversa gibbula, breviter deflexus in petioli in-
sertionem. Pedes albidi, coxis fusco-zneis, tarsis posterioribus apice fuscis.
“‘ Variat, femoribus posticis basi fusco-lineatis.’”’— Haliday.
Genus Cirrospitus, Westwood.
Fem. C. Verieni proximus: corpus sublineare, convexum, nitens, leve,
fere glabrum : caput transversum, brevissimum, thorace angustius ; vertex
Jatus ; frons impressa, abrupte declivis : oculi mediocres, extantes : antennez
subclavate, graciles, medio frontis insert; articulus 1"* gracilis, subline-
$2
236 Dr. Schleiden on the Anatomico-physiological
aris ; 2"* basi ad apicem latescens; 3"° et sequentes lineares ; 4"° 3° brevior,
5° longior ; clava fusiformis, articulo 5° paullo latior et duplo longior : tho-
rax ovatus: prothorax transversus, brevissimus: mesothoracis scutum uni-
‘ sulcatum, fere planum, longitudine paullo latius; parapsidum suture re-
mote, optime determinate; scutellum subrotundum, bisulcatum: meta-
thorax transversus, brevis: petiolus brevissimus: abdomen ovatum, supra
planum, subtus carinatum, apice acuminatum, thorace paullo longius et la-
tius : pedes graciles, simplices, subzequales: ale late ; nervus ulnaris hu-
merali duplo longior, radialis nullus, cubitalis sat longus ; stigma minutum.
Sp. 1. Cirr. Teride, Fem. Nigro-cupreus, antenne picee, pedes fusco-
Sulvi, femora nigro-cuprea, ale limpide.
Nigro-cupreus: oculi et ocelli rufi: antennze picez ; articuli 15 et 2"5 ni-
gri; pedes nigro-cuprei; trochanteres picei; genua flava; metatibiz apice
fulvze ; mesotibize fulvee, fusco cincte ; propedum tibize fulve, tarsi fusci ;
meso- et metatarsi fusci, basi fulvi: ale limpide; squamule picez ; nervi
proalis fulvi, metalis flavi. (Corp. long. lin. 1; alar. lin. 25.)
Found by Dr. Greville, near Edinburgh.
fem. C. Sotadi aftinis? corpus angustum, convexum, obscurum, scitissime
squameum parce hirtum: caput transversum, breve, thorace paullo latius ;
vertex latus; frons abrupte declivis: antenne graciles, extrorsum cras-
siores, thorace paullo longiores; articulus 1" sublinearis ; 2° Jongicyathi-
formis ; 3°, 4"°, et 5"° lineares, subequales; clava longifusiformis, acumi-
nata, articulo 5° plus duplo longior: thorax ovatus: prothorax transversus,
brevis : mesothoracis scutum longitudine paullo latius; parapsidum suture
optime determinate; scutellum subrotundum: metathorax transversus,
mediocris: petiolus brevissimus: abdomen fusiforme, leve, nitens, supra
depressum, subtus carinatum, apice attenuatum et acuminatum, thorace an-
gustius et multo longius ; latera subcompressa : pedes simplices, subzequales :
ale mediocres; nervus ulnaris humerali multo longior, radialis nullus, cu-
bitalis brevis.
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ANNALS OF NATURAL HISTORY,
XLI.—On the Structure of the Sete of Funaria hygrometrica.
By Epwin LankestTER, M.D.
Tue hygrometrical properties of the Funaria hygrometrica
have been long known to botanists, but as the movements
produced in it by its sensibility to moisture are very singular,
and as I am not aware of the subject having been dwelt upon
by any botanist, I have been induced to prepare the following
notice. This moss is one of the most common of the tribe,
being found abundantly on dry banks and on the soil that
barely covers the roots of full-grown trees; but it especially
delights where the ashes of burnt wood cover the soil, and
thus it may be frequently seen restoring the colour of the
ground on those little black spots which indicate where the
gipsy has pitched his tent, or in the woods or by the side of
the hedges where wood has been burnt. ‘The young thecz
make their appearance early in the spring, and in the months
of April or May may be found accompanied by a number of
dried setz as well as others in all stages of their growth.
If one of the dried setee be taken in the hand, and its lower
portion moistened with the finger, the capsule will be seen
to turn from right to left, making two, three, or even more
complete revolutions; if now the upper portion be moist-
ened in like manner, the capsule will turn round more ra-
pidly in a contrary direction. This phenomenon is exhi-
bited whichever portion of the seta is first wetted. If both
ends are moistened at the same time, a tremulous wavering is
observed without any motion, but in a few seconds the cap-
sule begins to move in one direction or the other. The di-
rection in this instance is in some measure determined by the
quantity of moisture applied, but the upper part seems most
easily affected, and the motion arising from moistening it is
much more rapid than from the lower portion. If the cap-
Ann. Nat. Hist. Vol. 4. No. 26, Feb. 1840. 2D
362 Dr. Lankester on the movements
sule is held in the fingers the lower end presents the same
motions. If both ends are held and the middle left free and
moisture is applied, there is an evident effort made to curl the
whole stem, but this is not effected.
On observing these curious phenomena, I was induced to
submit the setze to an examination by the microscope, and
their structure explains, in some measure, the nature of the
motions observed. The entire seta’is composed of an elon-
gated cellular tissue which is arranged in a spiral manner.
(Figs. 1, 2.) The tissue is not however continued in the same
direction through the whole length of the seta, but at about
two-thirds of its length it begins to straighten, and at length
in the upper part runs spirally in an opposite direction to that
of the lower portion, the fibres forming a much more acute
angle in the upper than the lower part of their course. This
structure is most apparent in the dried sete. In the young
state the fibres are quite straight ; as they increase in age they
become more spiral; and in the green setz, just before the
capsule is ripened, the spiral fibres with their double direc-
tion are quite evident. (Fig. 3.) The immediate cause of the
motions appears to be the absorption of moisture by the elon-
gated spiral tissue. Whether the moisture admitted into the
tissue straightens it by the force with which the fluid passes
along the bent tubes, or whether it arises from the mere dis-
tension of the external tissue, may be a question. The cap-
sule turns round in a direction contrary to that of the spiral
of each end, and after the seta has been moistened and has
turned round in both directions, its length is greater than it
was previously. The more rapid movements of the capsule
when the upper end is wetted is accounted for by the circum-
stance of the upper end of the seta being more twisted than
the lower end. It does not however appear that the mere spi-
ral form of the fibres is the cause of the motion, as this struc-
ture exists in the green seta, which are entirely insusceptible
of motion from the application of moisture. Nor is merely the
dryness of the fibres the cause, as the green sete, though
thoroughly dried, do not exhibit any movement. But at the
period of ripening the capsule is found bent towards the sur-
face of the earth, and although I have not observed it turn-
of the Sete of Funaria hygrometrica. 363.
ing round, I think it is probable that during this period a
further twisting of the whole seta takes place, this direction
being given by the already spiral form of the fibres, and con-
stituting the true cause of the motions observed. This is
rendered more probable by the fact that the spiral form of the
_ tissue exists even after it has been macerated in water.
Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 3.
_ The subject of the spiral direction so frequently observed in —
the tissue of plants is one of great interest, and I believe little
2p 2 .
364 Mr. J. Hogg on Tentacular Classification of Zoophytes.
has hitherto been done towards explaining the causes of the
phenomenon. When the above observations were made I was
not aware of any instance of a change in the direction of the
spiral ; but since then, Professor Morren of Liege has pointed
out to me the occurrence of a double direction in the spire
formed by the twisting of the tendrils of Bryonia dioica; and
I have subsequently observed in the tendrils of a species of
Passiflora a twisting not only in two opposite directions, but
in alternately different directions for five or six times to the
end of the spire.
XLII.—On the Tentacular Classification of Zoophytes. By
Joun Hoae, Esq., M.A., F.R.S., F.L.S., &c.
In his able and beautiful work on the ‘ British Zoophytes,’
Dr. George Johnston has reviewed most of the classifications
that have as yet been brought forward for those extremely in-
teresting animals, which have been generally called Polypes
(Polypi) by most French naturalists, as well as for their struc-
tures or habitations, that have received, of late, the common
appellation of Polyparies (Polyparia) from the same writers.
In the first place I may remark that three methods of clas-
sification present themselves to the investigator of this por-
tion of natural history; first, that which is derived from the
Polyparies or dwellings of the animals ;—the second is taken
from the natural organization and forms of the animals alone,
that is to say, from the Polypes themselves; and the third,
that method which may be founded on a combination of cer-
tain characters deduced both from the animals and likewise
from their dwellings.
Now, as an example of the first method, in my sketch of
the ‘ Natural History of the vicinity of Stockton-on-Tees,’
which was written in the spring of 1825, but not published
until the year 1827, I introduced an arrangement of many of
our native Polyparies, grounded chiefly on the views of our
own illustrious zoophytologist, the accurate Ellis ; and in order
that it may be clearly understood, I trust I may be pardoned
for here subjoining an outline or synopsis of it.
Mr. J. Hogg on Tentacular Classification of Zoophytes. 365
POLY PARIA.
Section I. Simpuicia.
Family I. Corallinoidea.
Order I. VeEsicriFERA.
Genus. Sertularia (of the old authors).
Order 2. TusBIFERA.
Genus. 'Tubularia.
Order 3. CELLIFERA.
Genera. Cellularia and Flustra.
Family II. Coralloidea.
Order 4. PorirEra.
Genera. Cellepora and Millepora.
Order 5. STELLIFERA.
Genus. Madrepora.
Section II. Composrra.
Order 6. CorTIcIFERA.
Genus. Corallina.
Family III. Creatoidea.
Order 7. OscuLireRa.
Genus. Alcyonium,
Order 8. GELATINIFERA.
Genera. Spongia and Spongilla.
It will be obvious to every one acquainted with Ellis’s work
on Corallines, that the first three orders correspond with, and
are nearly the same as, the primary divisions of that author ;
viz. 1. Vesiculated Corallines ; 2. Tubular Corallines ; and 3.
Celliferous Corallines. And indeed, the above, if considered
solely in relation to the British Polyparies or the inanimate
and unorganized habitations of the animals—or as they have
been aptly termed Polypidoms by Dr. G. J ohnston—may
perhaps prove to the student as useful an arrangement as any
other which has hitherto appeared.
Next, in pursuance of the second method of classification,
and which most zoologists will at this day coincide with me
as being the only true foundation for the systematic arrange-
ment of zoophytes, I here venture to classify them according
to their tentacles (Tentacula) ; which organs, considering their
structure, their great use, and functions, I have, for several
years past, accounted as presenting the best and most natural
366 Mr. J. Hogg on Tentacular Classification of Zoophytes.
forms and characters for that purpose. Although Dr. Arthur
Farre, by separating this class of animals into two divisions—
the Ciliobrachiate and the Nudibrachiate* Polypi—first pub-
licly called the attention of the scientific world in his valuable
paper in the ‘ Philosophical Transactions’ for the year 1837,
to the importance of the tentacula, which he has named éra-
chia, with respect to a more correct classification of them.
Class ZOOPHYTA.
Sub-Class I. Brnoscuua.
Tribe Il. Tentaculis armatis.
Order 1. CrnioTENTACULA.
Genera. Flustra, Cellularia, Cellepora, Plumatella, &c.
Sub-Class II. Unoscuna.
Order 2. NopiTenrTacuta.
Genera. Hydra, Sertularia, &c.
Order 3. PINNITENTACULA.
Genera. Gorgonia, Pennatula, Aleyonium, &c.
Order 4. GLANDITENTACULA.
Genus. Coryne.
Tribe II. Tentaculis nudatis.
Order 5. PLANITENTACULA.
Genus. 'Tubularia, &c.
Order 6. TuBITENTACULA.
Genera. Actinia, Madrepora, &c. |
A few observations for the sake of briefly explaining this
classification will be sufficient. The first subclass compre-
hends those zoophytes that are endowed with a higher and
more perfect organization, and possess both a separate mouth
and a distinct anus, which is signified in the appellation of
Binoscula. As far as we are at present acquainted with these
animals, they all have their tentacles armed, or fringed, with
vibratory cilia. 2
The second subclass includes the Unosculous Zoophytes, or
those which possess only a single hole or orifice, serving as
well for their mouth as their anus: they are by far the most
numerous. The order 2, Noditentacula, represents such ani-
* These terms are both somewhat objectionable, as being likely to be
confounded with Ciliobranchia and Nudibranchia, names previously iu use
among the French writers. .
Mr. J. Hogg on Tentacular Classification of Zoophytes. 367
mals as have their tentacula studded with minute projections,
knots, or nodules, which are also said to be sometimes fur-
nished with little bristles or sete; for example, the Hydre
and the Sertulariade. The order 3 embraces the genera
Gorgonia, Pennatula, and others, whose animals retain well-
defined pinnz along their tentacles. But in order 4, we have,
I believe, as yet discovered only one genus, Coryne: here the
tentacula are furnished at their tips with small glands.
The second tribe possess tentacles unarmed, and quite de-
void of any projections or appendages whatsoever ; in which,
the order 5, Planitentacula, comprising the Tubularia, exhibit
perfectly smooth and plain tentacula; and the order 6, Tudi-
tentacula*, as the Actiniade, have their tentacles hollow, per-
forated at both extremities, and much resembling tubes or
siphons.
I must however beg distinctly to state, that I propose this
classification merely as an attempted, but by no means as a
perfect one ; because there may, not improbably, occur other
variations and forms in the tentacula of even our British zo-
ophytes with which I am now unacquainted, and which may
necessarily lead to some modification in one or more of the
previous orders; but for those of the foreign genera, some
additional orders will doubtless have to be hereafter insti-
tuted.
_ From this systematic arrangement the Corallines and
Sponges are excluded; because in the absence of all marks of
any animal organization, and of every distinct animal property
as yet discoverable in them, I must agree with Doctors Link,
Miller, and Johnston, and several other distinguished authors,
in restoring them to the Vegetable kingdom.
* Some one may perhaps be inclined to find fault not only with the noe
menclature here used, Zoophyta Ciliotentacula, Tubitentacula, &c., but also
with founding a classification principally upon the variations and differences
which are discernible in one set of organs; him I would remind of the Lin-
nzan arrangement of Insects, where he will notice Insecta Lepidoptera,
Neuroptera, and several more variations in the ptera or wings alone. And
I need scarcely add, that this arrangement of the immortal Swede will, in all
probability, long survive many of the modern systems, which are grounded
on the more numerous characters afforded by several organs.
368 Dr. Johnston on the British Annelides.
XLIII.—WMiscellanea Zoologica. By GroreEe JOHNSTON,
M.D., Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edin-
burgh. With Plates X. and XI.
[Continued from p. 232.]
Britiso ANNELIDES.
In the month of June of the present year, Mr. Edward Forbes,
accompanied by Mr. Goodsir, visited the islands of Orkney
and Shetland, with a view to the investigation of the marine
zoology of the northernmost district of Britain*. The An-
nelides which were collected during this tour, Mr. Forbes, ,
with a liberality Iam most anxious to acknowledge, entrusted
to my examination; and I am now about to give the result
of it to the public, in the hope that this may interest such
naturalists as devote themselves to the study of our native
Fauna.
Of the Aphroditacee, there were, in this collection, speci-
mens of Aphrodita aculeata in a young state; of an Aphro-
dita nearly allied to the A. hystrix of Savigny; and of my
Sigalion Boa. The new Aphrodita belongs to the section of
the genus that is distinguished by having the scales or elytra
naked or uncovered, and is the first British example of the
kind. The specimen presented to me is 14 lines in length,
and 4 in its greatest breadth : the body is elliptical, rather nar-
rower posteriorly than in front, of a uniform greyish white
colour, somewhat hairy and hispid on the sides from the va-
rious bristles which garnish the feet. (Plate X. fig. 1, 2.) The
scales form a series on each side; they are roundish, smooth,
thin and flexible, vesicular in the specimen, probably from im-
mersion in the spirits; there are 15 pairs of them, but the 2
first pairs and the 3 caudal ones are so small as to be easily
overlooked. The head (fig. 3.) is entirely concealed under the
front scales. It is furnished with two proportionably large
setaceous smooth palpi, approximated at the base, but I was
not able to detect any antennae. The mouth (fig. 4.) is infe-
rior, large, circular, puckered, armed with a strong retractile
proboscis, the orifice of which is encircled with a row of ten-
* See the Atheneum, No. 618, p. 647.
Ann. Nat. Hist Nol IN. PUX.
t. Johnston. ad nat. det SEBaSire, $C.
Ann. Nat. Hist Nol W..PLXL
C Johnston, adnat: del® JS Bastre. S-
British Annelides
Dr. Johnston on the British Annelides. 369
tacular papille (fig. 5.), but there is no appearance of jaws.
There seemed to be 30 feet on each side, but, from the close-
ness and minuteness of the posterior pairs, the number was,
not very exactly to be counted: they are biramous, the
branches widely apart. The dorsal branch (fig. 6.) of every
alternate foot carries a scale or elytron, and is armed with
spines, various bristles, and a sort of tangled hair, which par-
tially covers the scale. It is shorter than the ventral branch,
obtuse, somewhat sinuated, and contains two spines: the dor-
sal fascicle of bristles is long, reflected backwards, the bristles
unequal in length, rather slender, sharp-pointed, smooth, and
curved: the next fascicle consists of similar bristles but shorter;
and there is a still lower fascicle of very slender ones. The
ventral branch (fig. 7.) of the foot is strong, rugose, obtusely
conoid, covered with minute transparent vesicles, and armed
with five stout bristles, and with a spine of a yellowish colour.
The bristles are not extruded from the extremity, but from a
sort of projection beneath it: the two upper ones are fili-
form, obtuse, and of a dark brown colour; the two next are
most protruded, smooth, paler, with a sharp slightly curved
point; and the under one is short and acutely pointed like a
dagger. This branch then is armed with no less than four
different sorts of bristles, calculated both to cut and lacerate
and to pierce any opposing body; but besides all these there
is a soft filament (énferior cirrus, fig. 7, a.) that originates from
a bulb near the base, and is long enough to reach considerably
beyond the extremity of the foot. This is evidently a feeler,
with which the worm acquaints itself with the nature of the
opposing body,—whether an enemy that it needs to repulse
by the extrusion of its formidable weapons, or a feebler ani-
mal that it can overcome and make its prey. To assist its
tactic powers there are besides many tentacular filaments on
each side, which originate from the dorsal branch of every al-
ternate foot: these are smooth and subulate, and, except in
their lesser size, resemble the palpi. The spines (fig. 8.) are
of a light yellow colour, tapering from a broad base to an ob-
tuse point, smooth and transparent: the bristles (fig. 9—12.)
are brown with a bronzed lustre, various in size and strength,
but all of them quite smooth. The surface of the belly has a
370 Dr. Johnston on the British Annelides.
pearly hue, and the skin is thickly covered with minute vesi-
cular granules (fig 13.), similar to those which are seen on
certain parts of the foot. The use of these is probably to give
the worm a firmer hold on the ground, and prevent any retro-
grade movement from the various evolutions of the feet. In
examining this complicated structure it is scarcely possible to
refrain from some expression of surprise. “ In figuris ani-
mantium (etiam minutarum) quam solers subtilisque de-
scriptio partium, quamque admirabilis fabrica membrorum !
Omnia, enim, que quidem intus inclusa sunt, ita nata atque
ita locata sunt, ut nihil eorum supervacaneum sit, nihil ad
vitam detinendam non necessarium *,”’
From the remarks of Audouin and Milne-Edwards, it ap-
pears that Aphrodita hystrix is subject to considerable va-
riety in size, shape, and in the length of its feet}; and of
course it would be frivolous to found any distinction of spe-
cies on these particulars. But an inspection of their figure
shows Aph. hystrix to be a more hispid worm than the one
now described ; and there are other characters which seem to
me sufficient to prove them distinct. I propose therefore to
call the British species Aph. borealis; and the specific cha-
racters of the two species may be thus given :—
Apu. HystTRix, scales naked; proboscis with minute jaws ;
some bristles of the dorsal foot serrulate at their points ;
those of the ventral foot somewhat forked ; inferior cirrus
very short.—Aud. and Milne-Edwards, Litt. de la France,
i. p. 70. pl. 1. fig. 1—9.
APH. BOREALIS, scales naked ; proboscis edentulous ; all the
bristles of the feet smooth ; those of the ventral foot sim-
ple; inferior cirrus rather long. ,
Puate X. Fig. 1. Aph. borealis of the natural size. 2. The same on the
ventral aspect. 3. The anterior part magnified. 4. The same seen from
below. 5. The proboscis laid open. 6. An outline of a foot. 7. The
ventral branch of a foot more highly magnified. 8. Two spines. 9. Bristles
of the superior fascicle. 10. A filiform bristle. 11. A bristle from the
ventral branch. 12. Bristles from the inferior fascicle of the dorsal branch.
13. A portion of the skin of the belly magnified.
The Nereides in this collection were, 1. Nereis margarita-
* Cicero de Nat. Deor. lib. 2. :
+ Hist. Nat. du Litt. de la France, ii. p. 74.
Dr. Johnston on the British Annelides. 371
cea, one of them measuring 7 inches in length, which exceeds
considerably any specimen I had previously seen ; 2. Nephtys
margaritacea; 3. Glycera alba or Nereis alba of Muller;
4, Fragments of a Psamathe, probably the same as P. fusca,
but greatly larger than my Berwickshire specimens; 5. Phyl-
lodoce lamelligera; and Mr. Forbes mentioned to me that he
had also met with 6. Phyllodoce viridis.
In other families there were specimens of Cirrhatulus me-
dusa and of Amphitrite alveolata, and several of a marine Lum-
bricus, but so much injured and broken that I did not attempt
to ascertain the species. Of the family Lumbricide there was
another member, which first of all attracted my attention by
the remarkable development of the anterior bristles that form,
by their convergence, a large brush apparently terminating
the head. This worm probably belongs to the genus Tro-
phonia of Audouin and Milne-Edwards, but I know this ge-
nus only by the incidental and slight notice taken of it in their
work on the Annelides errantes ; and have seen no characters
either of it or of its species.
TrRopHONIA? GoopsIRII.
Plate XI. fig. 1—10.
Desc. Worm from 3 to 4 inches long, as thick as a swan’s
quill, distinctly annulated, tapering insensibly backwards to
an obtuse point, subcylindrical, but so flaccid after maceration
in spirits that the sides almost fall together, of a uniform
earthy brown colour or blueish underneath, rough with nu-
merous granulations which are somewhat larger on the dorsal
than on the plane ventral surface. The cuticle or outer skin
is easily separable from the body, which then appears of a dull
leaden blue colour, more or less iridescent. Front armed
with a brush of long hair-like bristles. Segments between 50
and 60, homologous, narrower than broad, granulous, some-
what puckered and thickened on the sides, on which there are
two distant bundles of non-retractile bristles, but no papillous
feet. First segment very small, and as it were drawn within
the second: mouth subterminal, circular, edentulous, and un-
furnished with organs of any kind. The second segment is
rather less than the third, and from its anterior edge there
372 Dr. Johnston on the British Annelides.
originate, on each side, two brushes of long bristles that pro-
ject forwards; similar but shorter brushes are borne by the
third segment, and still shorter by the fourth, but still they
are long enough to mix with those of the second to form that
hairy brush which arms the front, and so remarkably charac-
terizes the worm. The bristles of the other segments are not
longer than the breadth of the body, and are either laid over
the back or projected from the sides. These long bristles
(fig. 6, 7.) all belong to the dorsal brush, which consists of
seven or eight, unequal in length, setaceous, smooth, slender
and flexible, and closely annulated like the antenna of a lobster
or Gammarus ; with them are intermixed a few much shorter
acicular bristles that are not annulated (fig. 8.): the bristles of
the ventral brush are short and also of two kinds, —one kind
setaceous and slender (fig. 10.),—the other stout, straight
until near the extremity, where it is bent into a sharp cutting
point: there are four or five of them in each brush (fig. 9.).
With a good magnifier we also discover that every one of the
granules of the skin is tipt with a very short rather blunt spine.
Anus terminal and simple. .
From its softness and flaccidity, as well as from its struc-
ture, we may safely conclude that this worm burrows in the
soil after the manner of the Arenicola, which it in fact re-
sembles considerably. The brush of hairs on the anterior ex-
tremity will be in general protruded from the furrow, and is
probably subservient to the capture of the prey. The hairs
are, in all our specimens, soiled and infested with sordes and
conferva-like filaments (fig. 6.), which, though they could not
be removed with a brush, are undoubtedly extraneous ; for the
hairs are not equally and alike so disfigured; for while some were
almost clean, others were greatly loaded with this foulness,
and none of it was found on the bristles of the lower seg-
ments.
Prate XI. Fig. 1. Trophonia Goodsirii, natural size. 2. The anterior
segments from above; and 3. The same from below, magnified. 4. Three
segments laid open by an incision through the ventral surface and spread
out. 5. A portion of the skin highly magnified. .6, One of the front bristles.
7. A bristle from the dorsal brush of a segment from near the middle of the
body. 8. Another bristle from the same. 9. A bristle of the ventral brush ;
aud 10. One of the small ones that are associated with them.
Dr. Johnston on the British Annelides. 373
I have dedicated the species to Mr. Forbes’s companion,
who is already well known to comparative anatomists by his
ingenious researches into the development and structure of
the teeth ; and who promises to recommend himself to the
gratitude of naturalists by an investigation of our native ra-
diated animals.
The worm I am next to notice possesses a considerable de-
gree of interest, for some of the peculiar characters of three
families meet apparently in it, and it connects them more
closely than any genus hitherto discovered. The head reminds
us of the Echiurus,—a genus in the family Lumbricide ; the
position of the mouth is much the same as in Cirrhatulus, and
there is some analogy between them in the structure of the
feet, while the anus resembles that of Nerinne, which, as well
as Cirrhatulus, belongs to the Ariciade ; but then the form of
the body and its annular structure is that of Arenicola; and
notwithstanding some obvious discrepancies, this worm ought
perhaps to be referred to the family of which Arenicola is the
type, though there is no genus in it with which the species
before us can be associated. I therefore propose to create a
new genus in the family for its reception, to which the name
Travisia may be given, in commemoration of Mr. Travis, an
eminent surgeon in Scarborough, and one of those “ learned
and ingenious friends” to whose correspondence Mr. Pennant
was much indebted in preparing his British Zoology.
Family ARENICOLID&.
1. Arenicola. Mouth terminal; branchiz arbuscular.
2. Travisia. Mouth ventral ; branchiz a simple filament.
TRAvVIsIA ForBESII.
Plate XI. Fig. 11—18.
In figure this annelide is something between that of the
earth-worm and the leech : it is elliptical anteriorly, narrower
and subcylindrical in the posterior half, of a uniform dull
olive-green colour, smooth to the naked eye, distinctly an-
nular. Both sides are so alike that it is not easy to say at first
which is the dorsal and which the ventral; but the anterior
segments are so far unlike the posterior ones, that, to render
374: Dr. Johnston on the British Annelides.
the description more distinct, it may be advisable to consider
it as divided into an anterior and a caudal half. |
The anterior half consists of about 14 segments, increasing
gradually in diameter till near the middle, when they begin
again to decrease a little. The first or cephalic segment is
very small, pellucid, triangular, sharp-pointed like a snout,
and somewhat concave underneath: it is destitute of every
kind of appendage. The second segment is rather broad, and
like the succeeding, excepting that it is single and without any
armature. ‘The other segments consist each of two, or some-
times three narrow rings; and each of them is furnished, on
each side, with a dorsal brush of bristles, a long filament, a
circular pore, and a ventral brush of bristles, similar to the
dorsal, but smaller. On the secondary or intermediate rings
there are no bristles, but one, two, or even three pores. The
mouth is perforated between the third and fourth segments on
the ventral surface; it is circular, with thickened puckered
lips, edentulous, and without a proboscis.
The anterior segments pass by a sort of gradation into the
caudal ones, though it is not difficult to mark the distinction.
They are less in diameter, but broader in the opposite direc-
tion, and thickened on the sides, where there are two short
obtuse fleshy papillz. From the base, and below the dorsal
papilla, the soft filament or cirrus originates, which does not
exceed half the length of the anterior filaments. Close to the
cirrus there is a brush of bristles, but I could not discover a
second brush. There are thirteen of these caudal segments
with a very narrow one between each: the last but one is
small and unarmed, and the anal one is terminated with six
soft obtuse papille forming a sort of cupped circle round the
vent.
The skin of the worm, under a magnifier, appears to be
granulated on the dorsal, and punctured on the ventral sur-
face. The bristles are slender, unequal, slightly curved, aci-
cular, smooth, and unjointed : they vary in number in the seg-
ments, but scarcely exceed twenty in any single fascicle, and
are never fewer than four or five. Those of the dorsal brush
are longer than those of the ventral, but do not otherwise differ ;
and both brushes come from the skin, and not from a papil-
Mr. W. Thompson on the Bottle-nosed Whale. 375
lous foot. There are no spines. The cirrus or branchial fila-
ment is soft and filiform.
It is necessary to observe that this description is drawn up
from the examination of a single specimen, which had grown
soft by maceration in the spirits, and was somewhat injured
by the carriage. Thus the filaments or cirri of several seg-
ments were broken away; and I ought to mention that there
were no traces of any on the third, fourth, and fifth segments.
The specimen was rather more than an inch in length, but,
from its structure, the worm is obviously capable of being
elongated to a considerable extent.
Puate XI. Fig. 11. Travisia Forbesii, of the natural size. 12. The same,
magnified. 13. The cephalic segments. 14. A side view of a segment
from near the middle. 15. A view of a caudal segment on the dorsal aspect.
16, The same on the ventral aspect. 17. The anal segments. 18. A few
bristles.
XLIV.—Note on the Occurrence at various times of the Bottle-
nosed Whale (Hyperoodon Butzkopf, Lacep.) on the coast of
Ireland ; and on its nearly simultaneous appearance on dif-
JSerent parts of the British coast in the autumn of 1839. By
Wixixi1am THompson, Esq., Vice-President of the Natural
History Society of Belfast.
In Bell’s ‘ British Quadrupeds, &c. published in 1837, the
latest work treating of our Cetacea, it is observed, with refer-
ence to the two individuals of this species recorded by Dale
and Hunter, that “these are the documents upon which alone
we have to depend as to the occurrence of the Hyperoodon on
the British shores.” The works of Jenyns* and Jardinet do
not contain any reference to other British specimens. More
recently Mr. Thompson of Hull has, in the Magazine of Na-
tural History for 1838 (p. 221), described a whale of this spe-
cies which was stranded near that town in 1837, and whose
skeleton is preserved in the Hull Literary and Philosophical
Society. )
The first particular record known to me of the occurrence.
* Manual of British Vertebrate Animals, 1835.
+ Naturalist’s Library, vol. on Whales, 1837.
376 Mr. W. Thompson on the Bottle-nosed Whale.
of the Hyperoodon in Ireland, is contained in the Dublin Phi-
losophical Journal for March 1825, where Dr. Jacob (now Pro-
fessor of Anatomy and Physiology in the Royal College of Sur-
geons in Ireland) very fully and ably describes a specimen
dissected by him; and at the same time, after a due examina-
tion of its anatomy, treats of the place the genus should oc-
cupy among the Cetacea*. The individual which formed the
subject of the essay “was stranded at Killiney, a few miles
from Dublin, in the month of September [1824 ?].” Its per-
fect skeleton is preserved in the museum of the College of
Surgeons in Dublin. In Mr. Templeton’s Catalogue of Irish
Vertebrate Animals+, the Hyperoodon is mentioned as “ occa-
sionally” met with.
From Dr. Jacob I learned in November last, that within
twenty-five years he has known four bottle-nosed whales to
be stranded within a short distance of Dublin—of these, all,
except the one particularly described by him, were taken at
Howth, near the entrance of the bay: on one occasion, two of
them occurred at the same time.
Karly in the month of August 1836, two Hyperoodons were
stranded at Dunany Point, near Dundalk. A friend who saw
the specimens when quite recent, described them to me as
bottle-nosed whales, and on my sending to him for the pur-
pose of identification outlines of the individuals figured by
Dale and Hunter, he stated that the form of Dale’s figure repre-
sented them well. The larger of these animals was 17 feet in
length and 143 in girth; the other was somewhat smaller.
Having been stranded on the property of his relative; Lady
Bellingham, their heads were fortunately reserved for my
friend Dr. Bellingham of Dublin. I had lately an opportunity
of examining both of these specimens, one of which is in the
Museum of the School of Anatomy, Peter-street ; the other
in that of the Royal Dublin Society. In the latter collection is
the head of a second Hyperoodon, which in all probability was
* The name of Hyperoodon is objected to by Dr. Jacob as expressing what
the animal does not possess—teeth in the palate, this part having been as
smooth as the rest of the mouth in the specimen he dissected. Ceto-diodon
was proposed by Dr. Jacob as a generic name, and Hunteri was applied by
him to the species. This elaborate memoir though published in, 1825 is un-
noticed in any of the above-cited works.
+ Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. i. New Series.
Mr. W. Thompson on the Bottle-nosed Whale. 377
obtained on the Irish coast, but I could not ascertain the
locality whence it had been received: it is similar in size to
the smaller of the Dundalk specimens, and a very few inches
less than the larger, the measurements of which are as follow:
ft. in
Length from occiput to end of snout ......ese0ee 4 6
Breadth of cranium,......ssecseccescereeoesescessesers 2 4
Height Of ditto, ...vscaccessoesccncecersecvenscessonsess 2 0
The crania of the four Hyperoodons preserved in Dublin are,
I conceive, referrible to one species, and are similar to those
represented in Cuvier’s ‘Ossemens Fossiles,’ pl. 225. ed. 1834.
F. Cuvier’s ‘Histoire Nat. des Cétacés,’ pl. 9; and Bell’s ‘ Brit.
Quad.’ &c. p. 496. From what has been already published on
the subject any further remarks on these specimens seem to be
unnecessary. As supplementary to what appears in Mr. Bell’s
work, it may be added with reference to a specific character
about which there has been some obscurity, that in the indi-
viduals particularly described by Dr. Jacob and Mr. Thomp-
son of Hull, two teeth were present in the lower jaw; but in
neither instance were they apparent in the recent animal, but
were detected only when the gum was cut into.in the prepa-
ration of the skeleton.
Having heard on the 20th September last, that a whale had
been captured at Ballyholme Bay, near Bangor (county Down),
_ on the 16th, I immediately set out for the place accompanied
by a scientific friend, Mr. Hyndman. A small portion only
of the animal then remained on the beach, the head, tail, and
entire skin with the blubber having been removed. This whale
was seen on the evening of the 16th Sept. in shallow water
not far from the shore, and a boat with the small complement
of three “ hands” gave chase. Fire-arms were discharged at
it, but these apparently not having any effect, its assailants
bound a rope to a pick-axe and drove this rude but successful
substitute for a harpoon into the animal, and about the same
time managed to throw a loop of rope round its body above
the tail, and thus with some little difficulty brought it captive
to the shore. Its length was stated to have been 24 feet,
the breadth of tail 6, the girth at the thickest part perhaps
from 18 to 20 feet; the weight was estimated at about 5 tons.
Ann. Nat. Hist. Vol.4. No. 26. Feb. 1840. 25
378 Mr. W. Thompson on the Botile-nosed Whale.
The entire upper surface was of a blackish-grey colour, the
under parts somewhat paler. The stomach is said to have
contained the remains of shells, and what was described to be
like the “ feet of fowls’—these I have little doubt were por-
tions of the arms or feet of cuttle-fish* (Sepiade). Although
it was late in the evening when this whale was brought ashore,
its captors at once commenced taking off the blubber, so that
unfortunately no person who would have felt a scientific in-
terest in the spectacle, had the opportunity of seeing the ani-
mal in a perfect state. During the progress of cutting up on
the day after its death, the body was still warm and smoking.
To the intelligent farmer whose property this whale became,
I showed all the figures of Cetacee in Mr. Bell’s work, when
he at once, from the narrow elongated snout, and head arising
abruptly from it, identified the specimen with the Hyperoodon,
objecting only to the snout not being represented so long
comparatively as in the real animal. ‘To another respectable
farmer who had got its head, I exhibited these figures, and he
also immediately singled out the Hyperoodon, considering the
figure of Dale’s specimen as more characteristic of the general
form of the animal than that of Hunter’s; the tail of this
latter however being the better liked. The gape or opening
of the mouth was remarked to be thus‘“-~\or “ like the letter /”
—teeth none—the snout shaped like a bottle: it was similarly
described by our first informant. In a newspaper paragraph
* Dr. Jacob says of the Hyperoodon he dissected, that the oval cavity
into which the cesophagus opened “ contained a large quantity of the beaks
of cuttle-fishes, perhaps two quarts.” Again, in the Catalogue of the Museum
of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, p.161, there appears—“ Cuttle-
fish bills found in the stomach of a Balena rostrata.” Apprehending that
this rather referred to the Hyperoodon than the Balena, I wrote to Dr. Jacob
respecting it, and learned in reply that the “ cuttle-bills’” so mentioned were
those taken from the former species by him—this is noticed merely to prevent
error. In the specimen of Balena rostrata dissected by Dr. Jacob, the re-
mains of herrings only were detected (Dublin Phil. Journ. November 1825,
p. 343). The Rev. Dr. Barclay remarks of the Round-headed Porpoise
(Delphinus melas) that ‘its favourite food seems to be cuttle-fish, of which
great quantities are generally found in the stomach.”—Bell’s Brit. Quad.
485. In this species my friend R. Ball, Esq. has likewise observed the
remains of these cephalopods. In Mr. Hyndman’s possession are the beaks
of cuttle-fish taken from the stomach of a whale (but of what species I have
not learned) captured on the coast of Waterford some years ago. The cons
sumption of these animals by at least two species of our Cetacez would thus
seem to be considerable.
Mr. W. Thompson on the Bottle-nosed Whale. 379
respecting this whale, it was stated that “the blubber pro-
duced 140 gallons of oil, which were computed to be worth
above 20/. sterling.”
In connexion with the occurrence of this Hyperoodon on
the coast of Down, a novel and highly interesting fact is to
be recorded—that there evidently was a migration or simulta-
neous movement of these Cetacee towards the British shores
during the last autumn, several individuals having within a
very weeks been obtained in England and Scotland, as well as
Ireland; but all upon a limited range of coast bounding the
Irish sea and its vicinity. The first capture known to me is
that of the imdividual already recorded. In the ‘ Northern
Whig’ published at Belfast on the 26th Sept. it was stated,
that—“ A bottle-nosed whale, 20 feet long, was last week left
on the beach at Flimby near Cockermouth.” In the ‘ Bel-
fast News-letter’ of Oct. 1, appeared the following notice—
“* A whale captured near Liverpool.—On Tuesday last, a whale
was left by the receding tide on East Hoyle bank and speedily
captured by the fishermen. Its length is 24 feet; its girth
round the centre of the body 13 feet*.” Although this is not
called the bottle-nosed species, it seems to mea fair presump-
tion so to consider the specimen, as its dimensions accord with
those of the other individuals taken about the same time, and
of which one was obtained on the coast of the adjacent county
of Cumberland. In the ‘ Belfast Commercial Chronicle’ of
Oct. 21, was this paragraph, copied from the Stranraer Ad-
vertiser :— |
“ Capture of Whales in Lochryan.—On Tuesday morning
last, 15th of October+, a very unusual appearance presented
itself in Kirkcolm. Two monsters of the deep, of the bottle-
* In connexion with this paragraph it was observed—‘“ On Friday two
young whales were got in the Clyde, the one on the beach at Roseneath,
the other above Dumbarton or West Ferry.” Unfortunately no particulars
are given that would lead to a knowledge of the species. About the same
time it was mentioned in the newspapers, that a whale proceeding south-
act had passed close to one of the packets plying between Holyhead and
ublin.
+ About four weeks previous to this time, a friend informed me that upon
two successive days a whale (which he saw) appeared off Ballantrae (Ayr-
shire), some miles north of Lochryan; on the second day it was about two
miles to the south of where it was seen on the preceding, and was still ad-
vancing southwards.
2 eo
380 Mr. W. Thompson on the’ Bottle-nosed Whale.
nosed description of whale, had come round the Scaur and
embayed themselves; the receding tide swept its treacherous
waters from under them, and finding themselves grounded,
their mighty exertions were truly terrific, yet unavailing for
their extrication. Mr. Robertson of Clendry was the first
who took notice of the errant strangers, and arming him-
self and retainers with pitchforks and knives, repaired to
the scene of action, and commenced the terrible onslaught.
The dying agonies of the mighty monsters were truly tre-
mendous. Desperate from the repeated thrusts of the oppo-
nents, and from their inextricable position, their powerful tails
were wrought with astonishing effect. The water (of which
there was yet a quantity around them) was lashed into foam
and agitation, the crested waves stretching to an incredible
distance, while high in air the water ascended in one unbroken
sheet. From their blow-holes the crimsoned water was sent
in a jet, imposingly grand, to a great height. After similar
and protracted writhings, with a kind of snort or roar, their
fury subsided, and in a short time all was still. They were
towed to the shore amidst the gaze of numerous and wonder-
stricken spectators, a large number of whom arrived hourly
to inspect them. A number of men was then employed to cut
off.the blubber, of which there were thirteen barrels, loading
five carts. The dimensions of the largest fish was 24 feet 4
inches in length, and 16 feet at the thickest part in circum-
ference ; the smaller one about 16 feet long, and thick in pro-
portion. The tail of the largest was 6} feet in breadth.”
It is very probable that other paragraphs to the same effect
may have appeared in the newspapers, especially as those here
introduced I observed merely on a casual perusal of some of
those published in a provincial town. It is rarely that such
notices are of any service to the naturalist, but the very pe-
culiar form of the head of the animal under consideration
(whence it has received the name of Bottle-nosed Whale)
taken in connexion with the dimensions stated, leaves no
doubt in any instance here quoted that the Hyperoodon is al-
luded to. Were the size of the individual described about one
half of what is reported, then would there be a doubt whether
the captives might not have been the Bottle-nosed Dolphin
Professor Lindley on New Orchidacee. 881
(Delphinus Tursio, Fabr.), a much smaller species, having the
snout prolonged somewhat like that of the Hyperoodon, and
which is occasionally taken on the British coast.
The three Hyperoodons recorded to have occurred on the
English shores appeared singly. The two particularly de-
scribed by M. Baussard* were taken in company at Honfleur,
and considered a mother and her young—the one was 23, the
other 12 feet in length. Of the seven individuals captured on
the Irish coast, they on two-occasions appeared in pairs ; and
in one of the three instances here copied from newspapers,
two of these whales were secured at the same time. It would
be interesting to know whether those which have so appeared
were male and female—at all events it would seem that the
Species is not gregarious.
So very little of the history of the Hyperoodon is known,
that it is hoped even the few particulars here recorded may
prove an acceptable contribution.
XLV.—New Orchidacez. By Professor LINDLEY.
Hasenaria (A. § 1. xx. 0.) setifera; foliis ensiformibus ca-
rinatis erectis apice incurvis setiferis, caule foliato 1—2-
floro, bracteis inflatis ovario longipedunculato brevioribus,
petalis bipartitis : lacinia anteriore lineari posterioris lon-
gitudine, labelli tripartiti laciniis linearibus carnosis in-
termedia longiore, calcare pendulo clavato pedunculo sub-
zqualiimMexico, Ad Choapam, inter gramina, Junio,
Hartweg. :
A plant allied to H. macroceras, of which it has much the
habit.
PLATANTHERA (§ 1. a.) limosa; caule folioso, foliis ensiformi-
bus erectis, racemo laxo multifloro, bracteis striatis acutis
floribus brevioribus, . petalis ovatis sepalisque obtusis,
labello lineari convexo: obtuso- labello filiformi pendulo
pluries breviore.—Mezico, In paludibus, Anganguco,
juxta Asoleadero, Sept. Hartweg.
PLATANTHERA (§ 1. a.) volcanica; caule folioso, foliis ensi-
* F. Cuv. Hist. de Cet. pp. 242, 249.
382 Professor Lindley on New Orchidacee.
formibus erectis trinerviis, spicd elongata cylindracea,
bracteis herbaceis acuminatissimis floribus longioribus,
petalis ovatis sepalisque obtusis, labello lanceolato obtuso
medio subcalloso calcare filiformi triplé breviore, anthera
subhorizontali, rostello plano 3-lobo.—Mewico: Real del
Monte, in agro volcanico prope Guajolote, Oct. Hart-
weg.
The stem of this plant is from 1 to 3 feet high, or even more,
Its nearest affinity is with P. leucostachya. The sepals are
herbaceous ; the petals and lip purple.
Epipenprum falcatum; caule ramoso carnoso membranis
laxis imbricatis vaginato, foliis solitariis falcatis canali-
culatis acutis, fasciculis florum sessilibus: pedunculis
elongatis, sepalis petalisque lineari-lanceolatis patentis-
simis, labelli tripartiti basi bituberculati lacinis latera-
libus oblongis dimidiatis integris intermedia lineari-lan-
ceolaté paulo longiore.—Mewico; Hacienda de S* Ana
prope Oaxacam, in rupibus et inter lapides, Maio. Hart-
weg. 3
A very fine species with large white flowers. Allied to E.
nocturnum, but with a totally different habit.
EpipEnpRvUM (Amphiglottis) cochlidium; foliis distichis ovato-
oblongis obtusis emarginatisque coriaceis, labelli laciniis
laceris subzequalibus callo carnoso excavato trilobo zquali
partim majoribus.—In Peruvia Mathews (in hb. Hooker,
1868.). Flores verisimiliter flavi.
EpipenprRuM (Amphiglottis) ellipticum (Graham) 8. flavum.
Adest varietas “ floribus pulchré flavis” insignis, caule
tripedali, in herb. Mart. in Brasilie campis editis Itaco-
lumi, prov. Min. Ger. lecta; nota nulla a varietate rosea
quantim video distinguenda.
Eprpenprum (Amphiglottis) Martianum ; foliis distichis an-
gustis lanceolatis, caule apice ramoso squamis concavis
obtusiusculis vaginato, racemis corymbosis, petalis linea-
ribus obovatis obtusis sepalis multo angustioribus, la-
bello cordato subrepando basi bituberculato axi elevata.—
In Brasilie campestribus ad Villam Ricam, prov. Min.
Ger. Martius. Caulis 11—2-pedalis. Flores pallide vi-
Professor Lindley on New Orchidacez. 383
rides, extis margine et dorso punctis rubris. Labellum
convexum. J. fuscato affine.
Epiprenprum (Amphiglottis) setiferum ; foliis distichis lan-
ceolatis acutis, caule simplici squamis lineari-lanceolatis
acuminatis sub floribus foliaceis vaginato, racemo cernuo,
bracteis longissimis setaceis, petalis linearibus obovatis
obtusis sepalis angustioribus, labello cordato integerrimo
reticulato acuto basi trituberculato.—In Brasilia, Gomes;
prov. Min. Ger. Martius.
OrnitHocEepHALus Myrticola ; racemo pendulo hispido, se-
palis lateralibus petalisque rotundatis integerrimis reflexis
ciliatis, labello cordato-lanceolato acuminato canaliculato
callis baseos marginantibus distinctis integerrimis.—Citri
odorem spirat. In myrtaceis Brasilie, prope Bom Jesus
de Bananal, Maio, Descourtilz.
A very curious plant with short pendulous racemes of small
white flowers. It has quite the habit of Oncidium iridifolium.
ORNITHOCEPHALUS grandiflorus; racemo erectostrictoglabro,
bracteis oblongis obtusis herbaceis, petalis labelloque cym-
biformi saccato denticulatis: basi crista biloba transversa
carnosa erosa aucto, dinandrio marginato denticulato.—
In Brasiie montibus Organ dictis, Gardner, 633.
A very fine species with large yellow flowers. The leaves
are oblong, obtuse, obscurely veined, and apparently much
thinner than is usual in this genus.
ORNITHOCEPHALUS apiculatus; foliis racemo erecto denso
multifloro multd brevioribus, petalis oblongis dentatis,
labello ovato concavo basi sagittato integerrimo apiculo
membranaceo acuto.—In Peruvia, Pavon.
A very small species, only 2 or 3 inches high, with flowers
apparently deep yellow.
ORNITHOCEPHALUS ciliatus; sepalis petalisque latioribus
membranaceis rotundatis reflexis ciliato-fimbriatis, la-
bello carnoso cordato canaliculato acuminato apice dila-
tato obtuso membranaceo, rachi hispida.—In Demerara,
Loddiges. 3
This species is nearly related to O. Myrticola, from which it
384 Professor Lindley on New Orchidacee.
differs in its fringed petals, and in the dilated rounded mem-
branous apex of its fleshy lip.
ORNITHOCEPHALUS inflewus; sepalis acutissimis erectis ca-
rinatis, petalis rotundatis serrulatis, labello oblongo acuto
concavo apice inflexo: margine baseos utrinque calloso.—
Mewxico, Hartweg. —
CaTasetuM laminatum ; labello saccato apiculato basi fim-
briato: axi lamella unica alta basi biloba instructo, co-
lumna cirrhata.—Mezico, Hartweg.
A very fine species, remarkable for a deep plate running
along the labellum, from base to apex.
Dicu#a squarrosa; foliis linearibus squarroso-recurvis, flo-
ribus subterminalibus, labello cymbiformi sessili apiculato
columna glabra anticé unidentata.— Mexico, Hartweg.
Flowers large for the genus, apparently white.
ARPOPHYLLUM spicatum (Llave) ; folio carinato arcuato, pe-
dunculo spatha breviore.—Mezico, Hartweg.
Flowers deep purple, arranged in a spike about 3 inches
long. |
ARPOPHYLLUM giganteum (Hartweg in litt.) ; folio ensiformi
plano, pedunculo spathaé multo longiore.—Mewico, Hart-
weg.
This fine plant must be at least 3 feet high ; its flowers are
pale lilac, and disposed in a spike from 6 to 7 inches long.
CyRTOCHILUM graminifolium; foliis lineari-ensiformibus acu-
tissimis erectis racemo subpaniculato brevioribus, labello
obovato integerrimo basi 5-lamellato, columnz alis parvis
rotundatis.— Mexico, Hartweg.
This species is much like C. maculatum, but differs in the
form of its lip, its very narrow leaves, and smaller flowers.
SPIRANTHES ramentacea; aphylla? vaginis caulis laxis mem-
branaceis acuminatis, labelli limbo concavo ovato inte-
gerrimo obtuso, ungue et columna in medio pubescenti-
bus.—Mezico; Prope Santa Barbara, regione calida,
Aprili, Hartweg.
This very curious species has altogether the appearance of
Altensteinia or of Apaturia.
Mr. W. S. MacLeay’s Note on the Annelida. 385°
Epipactis americana ; foliis inferioribus ovalibus superiori-
_ bus lanceolatis, bracteis floribus longioribus, racemo laxo
sursim pubescente, hypochilio medio muricato, epichilio
ovato acumine lato membranaceo.—Mezico; Juxta Rio
del Salto cataractas, locis umbrosis, Aprili, Hartweg ;
Nova Albion, Douglas ; Texas, Drummond.
An American Epipactis is a great novelty ; this appears to
be the only species found as yet on that continent. It ranges
from the Columbia river as far as Mexico.
XLVI.—Note on the Annelida. By W. S. MacLeay, M.A.,
F.L.S., &c. *
THESE animals differ from true Annulosa in being herma-
phrodite, and in general red-blooded+. They are soft vermi-
form animals of an articulated structure, and which form the
immediate connexion between such Vertebrata as Amphioxus
and Myxine, and such Annulosa as Porocephalus and other
white-blooded Vermes, which have the sexes distinct.
I divide the Annelida as follows:
ANNELIDA.
Norma Grovp.
POLYPODA Pp RaEEDING. Animals free, having a distinct
Marine paitennls, head provided with either
having their body J eyes or antenne or both.
seavide d art P rtd } SERPULIN A. Animals sedentary, and having
stinct feet: L no head, provided with eyes
or antenne,
ABERRANT GROUP.
(LUMBRICINA. Animals without eyes or an-
tennz. Body externally seti-
gerous for locomotion. Arti-
culation distinct.
NEMERTINA. Animals aquatic, without eyes
‘APODA. or antennz. Body not ex-
Body without feet < ternally setigerous. Articu-
or a distinct head. lation indistinct.
HIRUDINA. Animals provided generally
with eyes but not with an-
tennz. Body not externally
setigerous. Articulation di-
ae stinct.
* From ‘The Silurian System,’ by R. I. Murchison, Esq., p. 699.
+ Milne Edwards is said in the public journals to have discovered that
386 ‘Mr. W. S. MacLeay on the Annelida.
Nereipina, MacLeay.
These are the most perfect in their structure of all Annelida,
as they possess numerous organs and have a distinct head,
which is generally provided with eyes and antenne. Some of
them, after the manner of Serpulina, inhabit tubes, which
tubes are membranaceous, and formed by a transudation from
their body ; but in general the Nereidina are naked, and they
are always agile animals freely moving about in search of their
prey. Aristotle calls them, “ Zxoromevdpar Oadrdoova ra-
patrAnotar TO elder Tals yepoatas,” (Lib. il. c. 121.) ; and it
is true that they are wonderfully like Centipedes. The fossil
impressions in the. Llampeter Rocks, are too indistinct to
enable us to determine very accurately the genera and species
of Nereidina which there occur, more particularly as the ge-
neric characters in this group depend on such minute distinc-
tions as are afforded by a study of the mouth, antennz and
eyes. I shall therefore consider the impressions fig. 1. and
fig. 2. Murchison, Sil. Sys. to belong to the
Genus NEREITES. A genus which comes very near to
Savigny’s genus Lycoris in its external appearance,
only the segments of the body are here perhaps more —
slender and in proportion longer than usual.
Spec. 1. Nereites Cambrensis. Murch. n. s.
The body of this species seems to have consisted of about
120 segments. The feet were half the length of aseg-
ment of the body, and the cirri of the feet were longer
than such segment.—7d. Pl. 27. f. 1.
Spec. 2. Nereites Sedgwickit. Murch. n. s.
Body much more slender than that of N. Cambrensis, and.
apparently consisting of a greater number of segments.
These segments have the feet attached to them appa-
rently inconspicuous, although the cirri are very di-
stinct. Pl. 27. f. 2.
N.B. The impression now under consideration was clearly
some Annelida are not provided with red blood; but the distinguished Sa-
vigny stated the same fact so long ago as the year 1823, for in his Systeme
des Annelides he places Clepsine among his Hirudinées. Nay, even Cuvier,
who first distinctly pointed out the group under the name of vers @ sang
rouge, has said that their blood is only generally red. Although herma-
phrodites, many of them require a reciprocal coitus.
Mr. W. S. MacLeay on the Annelida. 387
that of an animal, as will appear by the figure, where the worm
has evidently, before coiling, with difficulty trailed itself along
in the mud, in a way, which any one accustomed to collect
these Annelida will at once recognise.
Genus MYRIANITES.
Body linear, very narrow, and formed of very numerous
segments with indistinct feet and short cirri.
Spec. 1. Myrianites MacLeati. Murch. n. s.—PIl. 27. f. 3.
N.B. The softness of the texture of the foregoing three
species of Annelida and the perfection of the impression in
fig. 1. make it very remarkable, that if articulated feet existed
in the Trilobites, some vestiges of them, even although mem-
branaceous, should not have come down to us more perfect
than those figured by Goldfuss. (See Ann. Scienc. Nat. vol. xv.
Pl. 2. f. 8. and pp. 665, 667 ante.)
SERPULINA, MacLeay.
These are sedentary animals without eyes or antennz. They
live in tubes which are either a natural transudation of their
body, and are either membranaceous or calcareous, or their
tubes are semifactitious, being then composed of an aggluti-
nation of particles of sand or other small substances. The cal-
careous nature of the tube in some Serpulina is very advan-
tageous for their preservation, and has thus enabled us to see
that such animals occurred frequently in the Upper Silurian
Rocks.
Genus SERPULITES.
Spec. 1. Serpulites longissimus. Murch. n. s. Pl. 5. f. 1.
Very long, hardly diminishing im diameter, compressed,
smooth, slightly tortuous, composed of numerous thin
layers of shell containing much animal matter.
No part of this extraordinary fossil has been observed at-
tached to other bodies; it forms large curves, sometimes al-
most circles, occasionally even a foot in diameter. The tube
is somuch compressed that its sides nearly touch, and that this
is the effect of pressure is shown by the form it has assumed.
Those parts which were nearly perpendicular to the direction
of the compressing force have resisted pressure most power-
fully, and fractures have taken place in longitudinal lines near
388 Prof. De Brignoli and Prof. Morren on the
such parts. The quantity of animal matter in the lamin
gives them an opalescent appearance. In structure, this fossil
resembles the Serpula compressa of Min. Con., tab. 598. f. 3;
but it does not diminish so rapidly. Width } an inch.
NemeErRTINA, MacLeay.
The Nemertina are white-blooded worms like some of the
Hirudina or Leeches. In this group, however, the character
of articulation becomes most indistinct. Rudolfi has placed
Gordius along with Nemertes (Ent. Syst. 572.); and if Gor-
dius goes into the group of Nemertina, it is possible that Fi-
laria may also. Nemertes Borlasii, is a long black sea-worm,
which is said to suck Testaceous Mollusca. The articulations
of its body become visible when it is contracted. If the long
vermiform impression in the Cambrian Rocks of Llampeter,
Murch. Sil. Syst. Pl. 27. f. 4. belong to organic substances,
it can only be referred to some animal between Gordius and
Nemertes, although probably nearer the former genus. As
yet, however, Gordii are only known to occur in fresh water,
whereas this fossil production, if it belong to the animal king-
dom, was evidently, like Nemertes, a native of the sea.
Genus NEMERTITES?
Animal marine, with the linear body, of a Gordius or Fi-
laria.
Spec. 1. Nemertites Ollivantit. Murch. n.s. Pl. 27. f. 4.
re
ae,
XLVII.—WNotes on the Excitability and Movement of the Leaves
in the Species of Oxalis. By Professor J. De Brignoui
DE BrunuorrF of Modena, and Prof. Morren of Liége.
In the Bulletin of the Royal Academy of Brussels for last
July, an extract is given by M. Morren, of a letter received by
him from Prof. de Brignoli of Modena, of the 23rd of May
1839, containing some interesting details relative to the exci-
tability and spontaneous movement of the leaves of Ovalis
stricta, which had been accidentally observed by two of his
pupils, one of whom had casually, whilst engaged in conver-
sation, been striking them with a small cane among the plants
that grew wild under the trees in the public garden.
excitability and movement of the Leaves of Oxalis. 389
“ Aftera little while,” he observes, “they perceived that one of
these plants had changed the position of its leaves, and they at
once suspected that it was an irritable plant which I had never
mentioned in my lectures. I was in the botanic garden, which
is contiguous to the public garden, at the time ; they came and
told me of this fact, which was not less new to me than to them.
I went with them to the spot, and found that the plant was
the Ovxalis stricta. This is not mentioned in the list of spe-
cies designated by authors as sensitive. I immediately repeated
the experiment upon other individuals and obtained the same
effect ; but i¢ must be teased a long while, as its movements are
much slower than those of the Mimosa pigra. I suspect that
if plants were observed with the requisite care, the pheenome-
non of irritability would not be so rare as is supposed. The
irritability of the Oxalis sensitiva is already known. I have
made experiments upon all those cultivated in our botanic
garden, but I did not succeed in causing the position of the
leaves to change. I believe that heat is the principal agent
in this phenomenon, because even the Hedysarum gyrans
slackens in its movements in autumn and during winter in
hothouses. I should think that all the species of Oxalis are
susceptible of contraction when irritated ; but as most of them
dre natives of the Cape of Good Hope, it is possible that they
show no effects from concussion in our climate, whose greatest
heat never equals that of Africa. In the environs of Modena
we have neither the Ovalis acetosella nor Owxalis corniculata,
I have not therefore been able to make experiments upon
them.” :
M. Morren in addition gives an account of some new ob-
servations which this communication had led him to make,
and which proved to be in every respect confirmatory of the
views of M. De Brignoli.
“The Ovalis sensitiva mentioned here by M. De Brignoli,
and originally from China, was indeed named by M. DeCan-
dolle from this fact Blopuytum (Biophytum sensitivum) ; that
is to say, plant alive; its leaves are pinnate like those of Sen-
sitive plants. The East Indian Averrhoa bilimbi is another
of the Ovalidee in which the leaves are likewise excitable and
mobile. The Averrhoa carambola has its petiolés mobile, as
390 Prof. De Brignoli and Prof. Morren on the
Bruce has shown*. These approximations prove that the
movement of the leaves of the true Oxalides may in fact ex-
tend to a multitude of species, since this genus is one of the
most numerous tf. |
During the great heats of the month of June, when the
thermometer was at + 35° (R.) in the sun, the excitability and
movement of the leaves were very evident in our three indi-
genous species of Oxalis: Owalis acetosella, Oxalis stricta, and
Ozxalis corniculata. When the sun darts his rays in the mid-
dle of the day directly on the leaves of these plants, their three
obcordate leaflets are level, horizontal, and so placed that the
margins which are directed towards the point of the heart, or
towards the very short partial petiole, nearly touch one an-
other ; so that then there is, so to say, no space between the
leaflets. This is the position of repose. Now if we strike the
_common petiole with light but repeated blows, or if we agi-
tate by the same means the entire plant, we see, after the space
of a minute,—less if it be very hot, more if it be cool,—three
phzenomena take place.
1. The leaflets fold themselves up along their midrib just
like the moveable limb of the Dionea muscipula, in such a
manner that their two halves approach each other by their
upper surface ; the movement therefore in this case is from
below upwards, and it is a folding together.
2. Each lobe of the leaflet bends inwards, so that outwardly
and on its lower surface it presents a convexity more or less
decided. ‘This is a movement of incurvation.
3. Each partial petiole, although very short, bends itself
from above downwards, so as to cause the leaflets to hang
downwards, which then nearly touch each other by their
* Phil. Trans. vol. Ixxv. p. 356. An Account of the sensitive qualities of
the tree Averrhoa carambola.
+ M. Virey, in a paper entitled, ‘“‘ Quelques considérations nouvelles sur
l’acidité dans les plantes irritables,” (Journal de Pharmacie, Paris, 1839,
No. V. 25e année, Mai, p. 289,) has fallen into three mistakes in what he says
of the irritability of the Biophytum and of the Averrhoe. In the first place
he confounds the two genera in making Biophyta of the Averrhoa bilimbi
and Averrhoa carambola, which is not the case. Inthe next place, the Ox-
alis sensitiva being the same plant as the Biophytum sensitivum of DeCan-
dolle, it is by no means the stamina which are excitable, but the leaves, as
all authors say. Lastly, M. Virey has taken the Ovxalis sensitiva for a plant
distinct from the Biophytum.
excitability and movement of the Leaves of Oxalis. 391
lower surface around the common petiole which forms the
axis. This last movement is similar to that which takes place
in the evening at the time of the sleep of the plant, and which
has caused these leaves to be called dependent ( folia depen-
dentia).
Of our three indigenous species, stricta and corniculata
showed me these movements with the highest degree of energy,
Oxalis acetosella has them less strong, but perhaps may have
them as evidently when in flower, a time at which I have not
observed it.
Every kind of exciting action provokes the same changes,
as the wind, and especially a slight compression of the mid-
dle of the leaf, or of the place where the three partial petioles
meet, between the thumb and fore finger.
In the botanic garden of the University of Liége I also
observed two species with three folioles: Owalis purpu-
rea (W.), and Ovalis carnosa (Mol.). The first, when placed
in a hothouse, showed the phenomena of excitability in the
highest degree. The three folioles, without considerably bend-
ing back their lobes by the movement of incurvation already
mentioned, curved downwards so as to touch one another two
and two by the half of their limb, by placing their inferior sur-
face one against the other.
Oxalis carnosa is more sluggish. The old leaves were mo-
tionless ; the young ones, especially those which clothe the
upper part of the stalk, exhibit nevertheless the same excita-
bility, but the movement of incurvation is also less evident
in it.
In a sixth trifoliate species, Owalis tortuosa, the leaflets
were no longer entire enough to enable me to ascertain if it
were equally excitable.
Oxalis Deppei*, farnished with four leaflets, evinces an ex-
citability much more decided than the other species mentioned
* The Oxalis Deppeit brought from Mexico to England in 1827, and
_ figured by Mr. Loddiges in his ‘ Botanical Cabinet,’ No. 1500, is the same
species as that which has been described and figured by our learned col-
league M. Lejeune in the Bulletin of the Academy, vol. ii. p. 334, 1835, by
the name of Oxalis zonata. Known throughout England by its older name,
I have thought it right to continue it. It is not from the Cape of Good Hope,
but from Mexico.
392 Prof. De Brignoli and Prof. Morren’on the
above. In its ordinary state, the leaflets, all quite open, quite
flat, spreading out upon the same plane, nearly touch at
their margins, beginning from the reddish zone, which then
seems to form a continuous circle on a deeply divided leaf. But
if you have just given the petiole some gentle fillips, in a
quarter or half a minute, when the sun shines upon the plant,
you see the leaflets fold up along their midrib, from the base
to the apex, then the two lobes curve inwards, and lastly the
partial petiole bend from above downwards, so as to cause the
leaflets to hang down. ‘Two or three minutes after the fillips
the plant seems to be asleep.
A leaf teratologically developed with five leaflets exhibited
the same fact. It is unquestionably the species in which these
movements can be best observed.
These were the only species which were at my command.
In all of them the movement takes place without a shock,
without agitation, but little by little, insensibly; it can,
however, be ascertained all the better, as between a leaf the
leaflets of which are horizontal, and another where they are
vertical, the difference at once strikes the eye.
Our indigenous species are too small for observing the or-
gans of this mobility well, but Oxalis Deppei is well calculated
for observation and anatomy.
As in all plants moveable from excitation, the organs of mo-
tion reside in the apparatus itself which moves. Now here
the apparatus consists of: 1. The blade itself of the leaf, an
organ of incurvation; 2. The large midrib; 3. The partial
petiole ; the former being an organ for folding back, the latter
an organ of incurvation.
Now the blade of the leaf is composed, above, of a cuticle
with pinenchymatous cells, that is to say tabular-shaped (Mey-
en); beneath, of a cuticle with merenchymatous cells, swollen
up, like bladders, with numerous small linear stomata be-
tween all the raised cells, so that one amongst them is often
surrounded by six stomata; in the middle by a double dia-
chyma, whose upper plane is formed of prismatic or ovoidal
cells placed perpendicularly, and of such a size that upon the
length of a single tabuliform cell of the upper cuticle (derme)
there are six utriculi of the diachyma. The plane of the dia-
excitability and movement of the Leaves of Oxalis. 393
chyma is formed of ovoidal cells, placed transversely, and of
such a development that two of them are equal in diameter
to a merenchymatous cell of the inferior cuticle which is
equal to three or four fifths of a tabular cell of the superior
cuticle.
It follows from this structure that the cells of the infe-
rior mesophyllum are double the size of those of the upper
mesophyllum. The diachyma is moreover very rich in chlo-
rophyllum and in round clusters of crystals, occupying the
axis of the cells.
It seems to me evident that analogy with the other plants
which are moveable by excitation, should lead us to place
the cause of the incurvation of the blade in the inferior meso-
phyllum, the cells of which by turgescence elongate the in-
ferior pagina of the leaf, and thus cause the upper pagina or
the mesopbyllum to fold upwards. The cellular tissue is here
also the essential organ of movement, and each cell a body
turgescent by excitability.
The midrib is very large in this plant; it is three or four
times larger than the secondary nerves, and it extends
straight and rigid from the basis of the leaflet to its apex. It
is transparent and juicy. This nerve reminded me of the
structure which I discovered in former dissections in the
Dionea muscipula.
Its cuticle is formed of little cells as high as they are wide,
nearly cubical, with very strong parietes. Four or five cor-
respond in width to the diameter of a single infrajacent cell.
Such a structure itself enables this cuticle to follow all the di-
latations that its interior mass can undergo. Direetly within.
this cuticle there occurs a cellular plane greatly developed,
formed of large cells, irregularly merenchymatous, with
strong parietes, and leaving between them passages, the
section of which is a triangle. There is little chromule, but
intracellular fluid in abundance. Each cell is the double
of those of a more interior cellular plane, and the quadruple or
the quintuple of those of the external cuticle. This plane of
great cells has them four or five in a row. Then come towards
the upper part of the midrib some chromuliferous cells, which
immediately surround a channeled plane of vessels, a channel,
Ann. Nat, Hist. Vol. 4. No. 26. Feb, 1840. 2K
394 Prof. De Brignoli and Prof. Morren on the
the hollow of which is directed upwards, and which is filled
with little cells and sap vessels.
This structure reminds us of that of the petiole of the Mi-
mosa pudica. The distention of the great cells of the lower
plane of the midrib must force the two half blades of the leaf
to approach each other; and this enlargement, produced by
excitability and allowed by the intercellular passages, thus
becomes the proximate cause of the folding up of the two lobes
of the leaflet of Oxalis Deppei all along the nervure. There is
the same mechanism and a very analogous structure in the
Dionea muscipula.
There is no pulvinus at the base of the leaflets of the Oxalis
as in the Mimose, but there is a peculiar organization in this
part which answers the purpose of this organ. If we observe
attentively how the leaflet is articulated to the petiole on the
under side, we find that the midrib terminates in a crescent,
the concave of which faces the petiole. The petiole in its turn
ends in another crescent, the concave of which faces the leaflet ;
so that the partial petiole, which is so short as not to exceed
a millimetre and a half, is terminated by two opposite cre-
scent-shaped articulations, the convexities of which face each
other. Thus much for the under part of the leaf.
As for the upper part, the two margins of the leaflet which
converge at the base of the leaflet to form the point of the
heart, become imperceptibly thicker and unite to form a kind
of crescent-shaped bridle, whose concave is turned towards
the leaflet. 'The common petiole receives in its turn the par-
tial petiole by a crescent-shaped articulation, but which, in
this instance, has its concave turned towards the leaflet, that
is to say, it is a crescent parallel to the first. Between them
spreads a red cuticle, which is strongly plaited crosswise.
The transverse section of this organ gives that of a depressed
cylinder formed of a strongly resisting cuticle, consisting of
ovoidal cells lying flatwise, the parietes of which are of the
thickest. Then comes a fully developed layer of cellular tis-
sue with cells plainly merenchymatous, forming at least a
dozen rows. Each cell has a central mass of chromule. There
are fewer rows of cells (from 8 to 9) towards the upper part
of the partial petiole. In the centre of this, but a little higher
excitability and movement of the Leaves of Oxalis. 395
than the geometric centre, are the air vessels (trachez) below,
and the sap vessels above, surrounded by smaller and more
~ fully coloured cells.
This organization is fundamentally that of the pulvinus of
Mimosa pudica. When the merenchymatous cells of the cor-
tical part of the lower zone are distended or turgescent, the
leaflets are horizontal; when their turgescence stops and that
of the cells of the upper zone predominates, the leaflets droop,
as in the natural sleep of this Oxalis, and as takes place after
it has been subjected to disturbance.
At any rate, the excitability of the cellular planes and of each
cell in particular, and the distention which is the manifestation
of it, must be admitted to account for the different positions
which the leaves of the Owalis take when they are struck.
The movement of the leaves of the Ovalis, although slower
than that of the sensitive plants, is also not on that account less
remarkable ; it is even so much the more interesting to us, as,
taking place in our indigenous plants, we can the better ob-
serve it; the physiological study of our national species hence
obtains a new attraction, and the discovery of M. De Brignoli
and his pupils has led in its turn to the discovery of an ana-
logy of structure between the leaves of the Oxalideze and those
of the Mimosz; an analogy which could hardly have been
expected, but which is fully proved by direct observation.
The moveableness of Ovalis is the more singular, as M. De
Candolle has not been able to modify the sleep of these plants,
either by means of darkness or light, whence he concluded that
the movements of sleep and awakening were connected with
a periodical disposition of motion inherent in the plant*. We
_ see, however, that a simple blow makes the leaflets when awake
take the posture of sleeping leaflets.
__ _M. Virey, in his ‘ Considérations nouvelles sur l’acidité dans
les plantes irritables +,’ has made evident by the recapitulation
of the species in which the movement of any organ has been
observed, that most of them were acid; this is indeed a cu-
rious analogy to demonstrate, but which proves nothing, for
we cannot see what connexion there should be between a thing
* Physiologie, vol. ii. p. 861.
+ Journal de Pharmacie, 1839, May, p. 289.
2F2
396 Mr. 'T.C. Eyton on the Fauna of Shropshire.
which is acid and a thing which moves. In relation to this
M. Virey says that he knows no blue (alkaline) flowers in
which there is any movement. We will name to him a blue
flower, Goldfussia anisophylla, in which the style is one of the
most mobile*. On the subject of these excitable plants, M.
Virey has quoted our observations on Stylidium graminifo-
lium+, but he makes us say things quite contrary to what we
have written. Thus, we have nowhere said that the gynandric
column of the Stylidieze was articulated at its base by two op-
posite or antagonist fibres or muscles. Never should we have
allowed ourselves to look upon vegetable fibres as muscles ;
we said (at pp. 15, 16, 17, and 18 of the memoir quoted) that
these fibres exist all along the column, right and left. We
never said that the column was irritable at its base, for it
is not so; it is irritable at its elbow, and we have figured it five
times: never did we say that we had found fecule in these
muscles, as M. Virey asserts ; quite otherwise; we wrote (p. 18)
that the fibres had no influence on the movement, since when
they were cut, the movement still took place. What is in our
memoir is this: our idea is very clear; it is the feculiferous
portion of the column which moves, and the same thing takes
place in all the species of the genus Stylidium. This is an ir-
refragable fact ; whether it agree or not with received theories,
signifies little; in the natural sciences facts go before all
things, and it is by them alone that we can attain to truth.
XLVIII.—An attempt to ascertain the Fauna of Shropshire
and North Wales. By T. C. Eyton, Esgq., F.L.S.
[Continued from vol. iii. p. 29. ]
Additions to VERTEBRATA.
Vespertilio Nattereri, Kahl. (Reddish Grey Bat.) One specimen ~
is in my possession, taken at Eyton.
Sorex araneus, Linn. Since the publication of the former portion
of this series of papers, the discovery of the Rev. L. Jenyns, that this
* Morren, Recherches sur le Mouvement et l’Anatomie du Style du Gold-
fussia anisophylla, 4to. Brux. 1839, avec 2 pl.—Mem. de l’Acad. t. xii.
+ Recherches sur le Mouvement et l’Anatomie du Stylidium gra-
minifolium, Brux. in 4to, 1838, Mem. de l’Acad. t. xi.
Mr. T. C. Eyton on the Fauna of Shropshire. 397
species does not coincide with that so called on the continent, has
been made known to the world; the name therefore which has been
applied to it must be here adopted in the place of that before given ;
viz. for S. araneus read S. rusticus, Jen.
Sorex tetragonurus, Durer., Jen. (Square-tailed Shrew.) I have
lately captured one specimen of this shrew in the marshy meadows
bordering the river Tearne between Longdon and Allscot ; its length
from the tip of the snout to the root of the tail is 8 inches.
Arvicola pratensis, Bail. (Bank Vole.) Several times taken near
Eyton. .
Sula Bassana, Linn. (Gannet.) A specimen has lately been brought
to me alive, caught during a high wind quite exhausted: it became
so tame after a few-days that it would take fish from the hand.
INVERTEBRATA.
Land and Freshwater Mollusca.
Arion ater, Fer. Common.
Limaz cinereus, Linn. Common.
Limaz agrestis, Linn. Common under stones and logs of wood
in autumn.
Vitrina pellucida, Mull. Common.
Succinea, Drap. Succinea amphibia, Turton, Manual, and S. am-
phibia, Drap., are two distinct shells ; but S. oblonga, Turt., is S. am-
phibia, Drap. Helix peregra, Mont., is not either of these, but ap-
pears to be a true Succinea, although quoted by Turton as a synonym
to Limneus pereger, but is the shell figured by Pennant under the
name of Helix putris. With S. amphibia, Turt., I am unacquainted.
The synonyms of the British species of the genus which I have had
an opportunity of examining will therefore stand thus :-—
Suecinea amphibia, Drap. S. oblonga, Turt. Helix putris, Mont.
Not uncommon about Eyton.
Succinea peregra. Helix peregra, Mont. Helix putris, Penn. Com-
mon; adhering to water plants.
Heliz arbustorum, Linn. Common.
Heliz aspersa, Gmel. Common in many localities, particularly on
the walls of Beaumaris Castle, also near Rhoscolyn on Holyhead
Island.
Feliz nemoralis, Linn. Innumerable varieties of this common shell
occur.
Helix hortensis, Linn. Occasionally occurs at Eyton.
Helix rufescens, Mont. Found on most sand hills near the sea.
398 Mr. T. C. Eyton on the Fauna of Shropshire.
Heliz hispida, Mont. 4H. sericea, Drap. Common.
Helix lucida, Drap. Common.
Helix radiata, Mont. H. rotundata, Mull., Drap. Common.
Heliz ericetorum, Linn. At Rhoscolyn and Towyn Merioneth :
common on stones and walls on the sea shore.
Bulimus fasciatus, Mont. B. acutus, Mull.- Common on most
sandy shores above high water mark, and where there is some slight
vegetation.
Pupa Secale, Drap. Very common at Eyton in the autumn, ad-
hering to the under side of logs of wood and stones.
Cyclostoma obtusum, Drap. Common on the Weald moors, adhe-
ring to water plants.
Planorbis carinatus, Drap. Common in ditches on the Weald
moors.
Planorbis vortex, Mull. Common in the same locality as the last.
Planorbis contortus, Turt. Also common on the Weald Moors.
Planorbis nitidus, Mull. Notso common as the foregoing species,
but found in the same locality. The Planorbis nitidus of Muller ap-
pears to be the P. complanata of Drap.; P. nitidus of Drap. is pro-
bably the P. contortus of Turton and Linnzeus.
Planorbis marginatus, Drap. Common at Eyton.
Limneus magnalis, Linn. Once taken at Eyton.
Limneus palustris, Linn. and Drap. Common. I also find a va-
riety of this species not quite so robust, and never growing to so large
a size as the true palustris.
Limneus elongatus, Drap. Once only taken near Watford in a
peaty ditch.
Limneus auricularius, Linn., Drap. Common.
Anchylus fluviatilis, Mull. Common: attached to stones in most
streams in Shropshire.
Anchylus lacustris, Mull. ‘Twice taken in a mountain stream near
Capel Curig.
Paludina impura, Lamk. Common.
Paludina similis, Jeff. P. viridis, Turt. Ositinitie on the Weald
Moors.
Anodon cygneus, Lamk. Common in pools and in the Shrewsbury
canal.
Anodon anatinus, Lamk. Also common in the same localities
with the last; the remaining species of this genus are exceedingly
doubtful. .
Mysca Pictorum, Turt. Common.
Unio Ratana, Lamk. Occasionally taken at Watford.
Dr. Cantor on Indian Fish producing Isinglass. 399
Cyclas cornea, Linn. Common.
Cyclas calyculata, Drap. The only locality I know for this shell
in the district is in a marl pit near Hutton Grange.
Pisidium obtusale, Pf. Common on the Weald Moors.
Pisidium pusillum, Jen. I have at different times taken two or three
specimens of this shell on the Weald Moors.
Pisidium nitidum, Jen. Not very uncommon on the Weald Moors.
Pisidium ammeum, Mull. Taken in the same locality with the last.
XLIX.—On the production of Isinglass from Indian Fishes.
By Dr. Cantor, Corresponding Member of the Zoological
Society*.
In the December Number, 1838, of Parbury’s Oriental Herald
appears a letter ‘On the Suleah Fish of Bengal, and the Isinglass it
affords’: the description of this fish I shall quote in the words of
the anonymous writer. ‘The Suleah Fish,” he observes, ‘“‘ when at
its full size, runs about four feet in length, and is squaliform, resem-
bling the Shark species in appearance, but exhibiting a more delicate
structure than the latter. The meat of this fish is exceedingly
coarse, and is converted by the natives, when salted and spiced, into
‘burtah,’ a piquant relish, well known at the breakfast-tables of
Bengal. The bladder of the Suleah may be considered the most
valuable part of it, which, when exposed to the sun and suffered to
dry, becomes purely pellucid, and so hard that it will repel the edge
of a sharp knife when applied to it. These bladders vary from half
a pound to three quarters of a pound avoirdupois in weight, when
perfectly dry. ... The Suleah Fish abounds in Channel Creek, off
Saugor, and in the ostia or mouths of all the rivers which intersect
the Sunderbuns, and are exceedingly plentiful at certain seasons.”
Conceiving the great importance of the discovery of isinglass
being a product of India, I was naturally anxious to examine the
source, arising from a branch of natural history to which in particular
I have devoted my attention ; but from the general nature of the de-
scription, I was obliged to defer my desire of identifying the fish till
some future opportunity should enable me to do so. Quite unex-
pectedly, however, a few days ago, the last overland despatch brought
me a letter from my valued friend Mr. McClelland, a Corresponding
Member of this Society, an extract of which, bearing upon the point
in question, I lose no time in laying before the Society :—‘....I
have now to mention what is of far greater importance in another
* Read before the Zoological Society, July 28, 1839.
400 Dr.Cantor on Indian Fish producing Isinglass.
point of view, namely, that the Suleah Fish described in a recent
number of Parbury’s Oriental Herald is the Polynemus Sele of Ha-
milton. I have examined that species, and found an individual of
two pounds weight to yield sixty-five grains of pure isinglass, an ar-
ticle which here sells at sixteen rupees (1/. 12s.) per ib. Refer to
your dissections of Polynemi; mark those with large air-vessels to be
isinglass, requiring no other preparation than merely removing the
vascular membrane that covers them, washing with lime-water, and
drying in the sun. You know the size these fishes attain, and the
number in which they abound in the Sunderbuns; you also know
the method of taking them, and can therefore state to what extent
isinglass may be obtained in India. I have sent a paper on the sub-
ject to the Journal of the Asiatic Society*, which I will send you
by the next.overland despatch.’
Perceiving by this that the subject iui been taken up by a na-
turalist of Mr. McClelland’s rank, and that we ere long may expect
his observations embodied in a paper from his hand, I think it suf-
ficient to confine myself to a few general remarks upon those species
of Polynemus which have come under my actual examination while
I was attached as surgeon to the Hon. Company’s survey of the
sea-face of the Gangetic Delta.
The species best known is the Polynemus risua, Hamilton; Pol.
longifilis, Cuvier ; the Tupsee or Mango Fish of the Anglo-Indians ;
this inhabits the Bay of Bengal and the estuaries of the Ganges,
but enters the mouths of the rivers, even higher up than Calcutta,
during the breeding- season (April and May), when the fish is con-
sidered in its highest perfection, and is greedily sought as a great
delicacy. This species is the smallest, for its length seldom exceeds
eight or nine inches, and one and a half to two inches in depth.
Polynemus aureus and Topsui, Hamilton, are species closely allied to
this.
Polynemus sele, Hamilton, P. plebetus, Broussonnais, P. lineatus,
Lacépéde, is the Suleah Fish mentioned in Parbury’s Oriental Herald,
the same which Mr. McClelland submitted to examination. This
species, as well as another closely allied to P. quadrifilis, Cuvier,
which I have dissected, figured, and described, under the name of
P. Salliah (Saccolih), appears equally plentiful, in shoals, all the
year round in the estuaries of the Ganges, and is appreciated by
Europeans and natives for its excellent flavour. Both species at-
tain a size from three to four feet in length, and eight to ten inches
in depth.
* See the following article.
Mr. McClelland on Jsinglass in Polynemus sele. 401
In a paper which I had the honour of communicating to the Royal
Asiatic Society*, the genus Polynemus,among others, was pointed out
by meas forming an article of food fit for curing, and easily procurable
in almost any quantity: by the discovery that it produces isinglass,
it has attained an additional interest; and I have no doubt the ma-
nufacture of this article will, when entrusted to judicious hands,
form another valuable article of exportation from India.
L.—On Isinglass in Polynemus sele, Buch., a species which
is very common in the Estuaries of the Ganges. By
J. McCLevuanp, Esq., Assistant Surgeont. |
Tene are nine species of Polynemi, or Paradise fishes, enumerated
by authors, and although they are all pretty well described, I am not
aware of any more valuable property being known regarding them
than their excellence as an article of food, of which we have a fa-
miliar instance at this season in the Pol. paradiseus, or Mango-fish,
Tupsi Muchi of the Bengalese.
Buchanan has five species in his work on Gangetic Fishes, but
three of these are small, and probably varieties only of the Tupst ;
two of them, however, are of great size, and so common in the es-
tuary of the Hoogly, that I have seen numerous hackeries, or bullock
carts, conveying them to the Calcutta bazar, during the cold season.
They are not confined to the estuary of the Hoogly, but probably
extend to all the estuaries of the Ganges, as Buchanan says they do;
and we know that Dr. Russell also describes two large species in his
work, long since published, on the fishes of the Madras Coast.
The very valuable production, Jsinglass, having been recently
found to be yielded by one of the fishes of the Hoogly by a writer
in Parbury’s Oriental Herald, it became an interesting object to
determine the systematic name of the fish affording an article so
valuable, and to learn as much as possible regarding its habits.
Having procured a specimen of this fish from the bazar, I was sur-
prised to find it to be a Polynemus, or Paradise fish, although the
writer alluded to described it as resembling a Shark. My surprise
was not that a person unacquainted with fishes should compare it to
a Shark, or to anything else, but that a nearly allied species to the
Mango-fish should contain a natatory vessel of such size and value,
* Published in the Journal of the Royal Asiastic Society of Great Britain
and Ireland, No. ix., August 1838, p. 165.
+ From the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, No. 87, p. 203.
402 Mr. McClelland on Isinglass in Polynemus sele.
while that organ is quite absent in the Mango-fish itself, though a
general character of nearly all others.
I had come to the determination never to describe single or de-
tached species of fish ; but as the object of this paper is to elucidate
the commercial side of a question already before the public, I shall
not pretend to offer any remarks on the scientific part of the subject,
which is indeed beyond my province, as my observations have hi-
therto been confined to the fresh water species of India.
The species affording the Isinglass is the Polynemus sele, Buch. ;
Sele, or Sulea, of the Bengalese, described, but not figured, in the
Gangetic Fishes; but if Buchanan’s drawings had not been placed
under a bushel since 1815, probably this useful discovery would
have been sooner made, and better understood by the writer in Par-
bury’s Oriental Herald, to whom we are indebted for it.
The figure [given in the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, ]
from Buchanan’s unpublished collection at the Botanic Garden,
conveys an excellent representation, about half-size, of a specimen
from which I obtained 66 grains of Isinglass: but as the writer in
Parbury’s Oriental Herald states that from half a pound to three
quarters of a pound is obtained from each fish, we may suppose
either that P. sele attains a much greater size than 24 pounds, the
limit given to it by Buchanan, or, that the Isinglass is also afforded
by a far larger species, namely Polynemus teria, Buch. or Teria
bhangan of the Bengalese, Maga jellee of Russell, which Buchanan
was informed sometimes equals three hundred and twenty pounds
avoirdupois, and which I frequently have seen of an uniform size,
that must have been from fifty to a hundred pounds at least, load-
ing whole cavaleades of hackeries at once on their way to the Cal-
cutta bazar, as I have already stated, during the cold season, when
they would consequently seem to be very common.
Although the sound, or natatory vessel is the part of the fish that
would afford the principal inducement to form fisheries, one of the
obligations that speculators should be obliged to enter into with the
Government is, to cure all parts of such fishes as might be taken for
their sound. Considering the scarcity of fish in many parts of India,
and the great, 1 may say unlimited demand for it in some parts of
the country even when badly preserved, as well as the excellence of
the flesh of all the Polynemi, the curing of these fishes might prove
no less profitable to the parties themselves, than it would unques-
tionably be to the country. I was happy to find the attention of the
Royal Asiatic Society directed to the subject of curing fishes in
Mr. McClelland on Isinglass in Polynemus sele. 403
India by Dr. Cantor, (vide Proceedings, 21st April, 1838) but a
something was then wanting to be known in order to give a direct
inducement to the undertaking*. I therefore regard the discovery
of the Ichthyocolla of commerce in one of the larger Polynemi of
India as a circumstance eminently calculated to direct attention to
a promising and almost unlooked for source of enterprise. We first
of all require to know whether more Polynemi than one afford it,
and to be fully acquainted with the habits and the methods already
employed for taking such asdo. Polynemus sele, Buch. is the species
I examined and found to contain it; but this species is supposed to
be a variety only of Polynemus lineatus, which is very common on
all the shores to the eastward ; it therefore becomes a question of
some importance to determine whether P. lineatus yields the same
valuable article, and if it be really common to the eastward; if so,
it seems strange that the Chinese should send for it to the Hoogly.
Next, do the Pol. Emoi and Pol. plebeius, supposed by Buchanan to
correspond with his Sele, contain the same valuable substance? and
do either of Russell’s species, namely, the Maga booshee and Maga
Jjellee, (Indian Fishes, 183, 184,) yield it? These are questions
easily determined along our coasts by merely opening such fish as
correspond with the one figured, and ascertaining whether they con-
tain an air vessel or not, and whether that vessel if present be large
or small. Mergui, Batavia, Singapore, Tranquebar, Madras, and
* Should Dr. Cantor still be in London, I would recommend those who
may be interested in the important question of Isinglass to consult him, as
no one is so competent to afford information regarding the fish by which that
article is yielded in India. He will, I am confident, on a re-examination
of his notes regarding the Polynemi, readily distinguish those with large
sounds, and be able to afford more valuable information regarding their
habits, and the quantities in which they are procurable, than could be ex-
pected from any one who had not devoted his thoughts to the subject, du-
ring a survey of the place in which these fishes occur. I am not sure that
the species of Polynemus Dr. Cantor particularly refers to in his paper as
the Salliah, or Saccolih, is not the very fish that affords Isinglass; if so, it
appears to be considered by Dr. Cantor as a new species, and his notes will
probably afford all that it is essential to know regarding its habits. Thus,
as Sir J. E. Smith somewhere observed, “ the naturalist who describes a new
species, however trifling it may seem, knows not what benefit that species
may yet confer on mankind.”
In an interesting account of Kurachee by Lieut. Carloss, read at the last
anniversary Meeting of the Bombay Geographical Society, cod sounds and
sharks’ fins are mentioned among the exports from that place, and fishing is
said to be carried on to a considerable extent along the coast of Sinde. As
however the Cod, Morrhua vulgaris, Cuv., is quite unknown in the Indian
Seas, the species from which the sounds alluded to by Lieut. Carloss are
taken are no doubt Polynemi, the larger species of which are sometimes
called by the English, Rock-Cod. It will be curious to learn if the Chinese
have monopolised this trade on the coast of Sinde as well as in the Hoogly.
404 Mr. McClelland on Isinglass in Polynemus scle.
Bombay are points at which observations might be made. This ques-
may be so easily ascertained, that it is hardly worth forming a con-
jecture about it; but if any of the species common to the coasts of the
Eastern seas possessed so valuable a property, the chances are that
it would have been long since discovered. It is therefore probable
that the large gelatine sound will be found to be peculiar to Pol. sele,
and perhaps Pol. teria,* Buch. both of which seem.to resort chiefly
to the Gangetic estuaries at certain seasons, particularly during the
North-east monsoon, when it is easy to imagine that the shelter af-
forded in those estuaries at that season, might account for many
peculiarities which their ichthyology appears to present, compared
with that of open coasts. It is during the cold season that the two
gigantic fishes above mentioned appear to be caught in most abun-
dance, a circumstance the more favourable to any improved opera-
tions that might be resorted to with a view to convert them to useful
purposes. Whether both contain the same valuable substance, I am
unable to say, having as yet only examined P. sele.
Gren.—POLYNEMUS.
Two fins on the back, with long filaments attached to the sides in
front of the pectoral fins. Opercula covered with scales; preoper-
culum serrated behind. Example. The common Mango-fish of
Bengal.
YrEeLD1NG Istneuass.
P. Sele, Buch. Plate—
Sele, or Sulea of the Bengalese.
Five filaments, the first reaching from the front of the pectorals
to midway between those fins and the anal, the other filaments pro-
gressively shorter; no streaks on the sides, lateral line deflected on
the lower lobe of the caudal fin. The fin rays are as follows :—first
dorsal seven, second dorsal fourteen, pectorals thirteen in each,
ventrals each six, anal twelve or thirteen, caudal twenty (?) The
teeth are very fine, continuous below round the edges of the jaws,
but interrupted at the anterior part of the upper jaw, behind which
a small detached group of palatine teeth are placed on the vomer.
The liver consists of an elongated left lobe and a short right one,
under which the gall bladder is situated. The stomach is a short
muscular cul-de-sac, both orifices of which being placed at the an-
terior extremity, from which numerous small cece are given off, the
intestine extends straight to the vent; in all these respects it corre-
sponds nearly with P. paradiseus. The air vessel, which is quite absent
* P. quadrifilis, Cuv. P, tetradactylus, &c. and probably refer to the same.
The Rey. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira. 405
in the latter, and on which the peculiar value of this species seems
to depend, is a large spindle-shaped organ about half the length of
the fish, thick in the middle and tapering toward the extremities,
where it ends in front by two, and behind by a single tendinous
cord; similar small tendinous attachments, about twenty-two in
number, connect it on either side to the upper and lateral parts of
the abdominal cavity. This organ, which is called the sound, is to
be removed, opened, and stript of a thin vascular membrane which
covers it both within and without, washed perhaps with lime water
and exposed to the sun, when it will soon become dry and hard; it
may require some further preparation to deprive it of its fishy smell,
after which it may be drawn into shreds for the purpose of render-
ing it the more easily soluble. The fish which I examined weighed
about two pounds and yielded about sixty-five grains of Isinglass,
not quite pure, but containing about 10 per cent. of albuminous
matter, owing perhaps to the individual from which it was taken
being young and out of season, and not above a tenth part of the
ordinary size of the species. But the solution after having been
strained appeared to be equal to that of the best Isinglass, which
costs in Calcutta from twelve to sixteen rupees a pound. As the
subject thus seemed to be of consequence, I gave a portion of the
substance in question to Dr. O’Shaughnessy for its chemical ex-
amination.
Calcutta, 3rd May, 1839.
e
LI.—A Supplement to the Synopsis of the Fishes of Madeira*
in the Second Volume of the Transactions of the Zoological
Society. By the Rev. R. T. Lowe.
Fam. Percipz.
Genus CaLLANTHIAS.
Gen. char.—Head scaly, except the short muzzle before the eyes ;
teeth as in Anthias, Bl.; preopercle perfectly entire; opercle with
two flat adpressed spines; lateral line high up, near the back, and
ending at the end of the dorsal fin, which is even or continuous ;
branchiostegous membrane with six rays.
CALLANTHIAS PARADISHuUSs. A most elegant little fish ; in general
habit and colouring resembling Anthias sacer, Bl., but without the
produced third spine of the dorsal fin. Its analogies are singularly
complicated, but its affinities are truly Percidous. By Bloch it might
* Read before the Zoological Society, May 28, 1839.
406 ‘The Rey. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira.
have been arranged either in Bodianus or Cephalopholis, Bl., but it is
really inadmissible into any well-defined or constituted modern ge-
nus. It is almost as rare as beautiful.
Fam. Berycip2.
Genus Breryrx, Cuv.
Breryx pEcapActytus, Cuv. B. corpore ovali, lato, profundo,
altitudine longitudinem capitis superante ; dorso elevato, arcuato,
gibbo ; ventre prominente: basi pinne dorsalis elongato, pinnis
pectoralibus haud breviore: oculis maximis : operculi angusti ca-
rina obscura: osse humerali angusto, margine posteriore recto,
verticali.
D. 4 + 18 — 20; Vs. 1 +10; &c.
B. decadactylus, Cuv. and Val., Hist. III. 222.
B. splendens, nob. quoad icon. ‘Tab. III. in Cam. Phil. Trans.,
Vol. VI. Part 1; haud textus.
When I published B. splendens as a new species in the Cambridge
Transactions, I was unacquainted with the present fish, though it is
scarcely perhaps less common than the former. I consequently did
not discover till long after, that the figure intended for my B. splen-
dens had been inadvertently taken by Miss Young from an individual
of B. decadactylus, Cuv., of which it offers the more obvious pecu-
liarities. The true B. splendens, therefore, yet remains unfigured,
‘and till an opportunity presents of supplying this deficiency in the
«‘ Fishes of Madeira,” I subjoin its true specific characters, contrasted
with those of B. decadactylus.
B. spLenpENS. B. corpore oblongo, altitudine longitudinem capitis
haud equante : dorso recto: basi pinne dorsalis brevi, pinnis pec-
toralibus breviore : oculis magnis ; operculi lati carina prominente :
osse humerali dilatato, margine posteriore arcuato, obliquo.
D.44+138—15; V.1+10—138 (1 + 11 fere); &c.
‘B. splendens, nob. Proceed. Zool. Soc. 1833.1. 142. Cam. Phil.
Trans. VI. 1.197; excl. icon.—Syn. Mad. Fishes in Trans. Zool.
Soc. Vol. ii. p. 174.
Trachichthys pretiosus, nob.
Hoplostethus mediterraneus, Cuy. and Val. IV. 496. t. 97. bis.
Rariss.
This fish is unquestionably congeneric, if it is not even still more
closely allied with Trachichthys australis of Shaw. Hence the above
adoption of the older generic appellation, affording opportunity for
the substitution of a less restrictive specific title; better suited to a
fish : proved by the occurrence of two individuals in these Atlantic
seas not to be peculiarly Mediterranean.
To the Sub-Percidous family Berycide belongs also Polymizia ;
The Rev. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira. 407
nob. Cam. Phil. Trans. IV. 1. 198. t. 1V.—Syn. Mad. Fish. pp. 178,
179.
Fam. TrieLipa.
Trigla lineata,L. Cuv. and Val. Hist. 1V. 34.; Yarrell, Brit.
Fish. 1. 46. Rariss.
A single individual only has occurred.
Fam, Sparipz.
Pagellus rostratus, nob.—Syn. Mad. Fish. 177.
Reference to the excellently characteristic figures of Rondelet and
Salviani has satisfied me that this is merely Pagellus erythrinus, Cuv.
and Val.
Fam. Cua@ropontTiIp&.
Pimelepterus Boscii, Lac.—‘‘ Cheiroco”’ or ‘‘ Xarroco.”’—Cuv. and
Val. VII. 258. t. 187. Rariss.
Fam, ScoMBRID&.
Thynnus Albacora.—‘‘Atum Albacora.”’—T. corpore elongato, postice
attenuato : pinna anali ‘secundaque dorsali antice longe falcato-
productis: pectoralibus ad medium secunde dorsalis attingen-
tibus : ore oculisque parvis.
Tunny, Penn. Brit. Zool. Ed. 1. iii. 266. No. 133. t. 52. excl. syn.
An L’Auxide de Sloane, Scomber Sloanei, Cuv. and Val. Hist. VIII.
148; i. e. Albacore, Sloane, Hist. of Jam. 1.t.1.f. p. 28? Sat.
vulg.
The length of the narrow produced fore-part of the second dorsal
fin varies from one-sixth to one-fourth part of the whole length of
the fish ; that of the pectoral fins is from one-fifth to one-fourth part
of the same, and their tips reach to the middle of the second dorsal
fin. Thus, in this latter point it is intermediate between the common
Tunny (7. vulgaris, L.) and the following new species (TJ. obesus,
nob.) ; approaching most the latter.
Pennant’s figure is at least a tolerable representation of this very
distinct species, agreeing with it in its main points of difference from
the true 7. vulgaris, L. It may be hoped that the attention of Bri-
tish Naturalists will be directed to this point. The proper season
for the Albacora in Madeira is September and October.
Tuynnus opesus.—‘‘ Atum Paiudo.”—T. corpore abbreviato : obeso:
pinnis acutis ; pectoralibus ad finem secunde dorsalis attingen-
tibus: oculis magnis.
Vulgaris.
This fish is constantly distinguished by the fishermen from the
common Tunny or “ Atum Rabilha”’ (T. vulgaris, L.) by the larger
408 The Rey. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira.
eye, and shorter thickset figure. The pectoral fins vary from one-
fourth to nearly one-sixth part of the whole length, their points
reaching to the end of the second dorsal fin. In T. vulgaris, L. the
tips of the pectoral fins reach only to the end of the first, or to the
beginning of the second dorsal fin.
T’. obesus is in greatest abundance earlier in the summer than T.
Albacora. In size it ranges next below T. vulgaris, L., not however
attaining above half the extreme size of that species; nor much ex-
ceeding the full size of T. Albacora.
Thynnus Alalonga, Cuv. and Val.—‘* Atum Avoador.”—Cuv. and
Val. Hist. VIII. 120. t. 215.
Orcynus Alalonga, Risso, iii. 419. Vulgaris.
No difficulty can occur in the recognition of this species, from the
great length of the pectoral fins, which are one-third part of the
whole length, and reach to the end of the anal fin, or to the first
spurious finlet behind it. Its proper season is said to be January.
Thyrsites acanthoderma.—‘‘ Escolar.”
Aplurus simplex, Syn. Mad. Fish. 180.
This is the fish called in my Synopsis Aplurus simplex. Itisa
true Thyrsites, Cuy. in every respect, except the structure of the skin,
a peculiarity which seems insufficient, in the absence of all other
characters, to warrant its generic separation.*
Prometheus atlanticus, nob.—‘‘ Coelho.’’
This also is again here mentioned only for the sake of remarking,
that further observations have gone far to prove the Maderan fish to
be specifically distinct from both Gempylus Prometheus and G. Solandri
of MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes, whose synonyms should therefore
be expunged.
Gen. ApHANnopus, nob.
Gen. Char.—Form as in Lepidopus, elongate, much compressed,
like a sword-blade, naked, but with a short keel on each side, towards
the tail.
Muzzle and teeth as in Lepidopus (Gouan), but the palatines un-
armed.
Dorsal fins two, nearly equal. Anal fin as in Lepidopus, but with
a strong sharp spine instead of a scale before it, a little behind the
vent. No trace or rudiment of ventral fins.
ApHANOPUS CARBO.—‘‘ Espada preta.”’ Rariss.
Of this most curious new genus a single individual only has yet
* By an error in the punctuation, some descriptive observations at the
bottom of page 180 of my synopsis (Trans. Zool. Soc., vol. ii.), relating to
this fish, have been converted into a specific character.
The Rev. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira. 409
occurred. The whole fish is of a dark coffee colour, approaching to
black, and has in form so close a general resemblance to Lepidopus
argyreus, Cuv., that it might well be taken hastily for a mere variety
of that fish.
Tetragonurus atlanticus, nob.
Differs from T. Cuvieri, Cuv. and Val., XI. 172. ¢. 318. chiefly in
the longer head, much larger eye (nearly twice as large in proportion
to the whole length), greater width between the eyes, teeth twice
as numerous, in the upper jaw; thicker body, longer pectoral fins,
higher (twice as high) first dorsal fin, and inequality of its spines.
Having, however, seen only a single individual, I forbear to charac-
terize it more distinctly ; especially since of T. Cuviert so few ex-
amples have as yet occurred; and that even MM. Cuvier and Va-
lenciennes appear to have taken their figure from one which was im-
perfect in the caudal fin at least. The’ first dorsal fin is described
by MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes as having fifteen spines; but
twenty-one are figured in the plate.
The following is the fin-formula of T. Cuvieri, according to Risso ;
and MM. Cuv. and Val. :
Siete eto; and, DD. 12; All lity Po t63°V.1,5;°C. 36."
—Risso Hist.
& 15 in text, : i R
Ist. D. 13) in ag’ ¢ 20d. D,1+18; A.12; P2; V?; C?; B.
M. 5.”’—Cuv. and Val. Hist.
That of T. atlanticus, nob. is
Ist, D.15; Qnd.D.11; A.11.; P.16; V.1+5; C. aa .
B. M. 5.
The true affinities of this fish are certainly rather to be sought
among the Mackerels (e. g. Thyrsites) than the Mullets. Its relation
to the Mugilide is, indeed, one merely of a faint analogy.
Xiphias gladius, L.—‘‘ Peixe Agulha.”
The ordinary Sword-fish of Madeira is truly the common Xiphias
gladius, L.
I have heard, however, of ‘‘ another sort, with a bayonet or spit-
like beak,” called ‘‘ Peto,’ which may perhaps have been a Histio-
phorus or Tetrapturus.
SERIOLA DUBIA. Rariss.
A single individual only has occurred, which I am Soahin. to
identify with any of the species enumerated by MM. Cuv. and Val.
The second dorsal fin is produced in front into a point ; five-eighths
the depth of the body beneath. The sides of the tail are sufficiently
- distinctly keeled; and there is no temporal band. In the first of
Ann. Nat. Hist. Vol.4. No. 26. Feb. 1840. 2G
410 ‘The Rey. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira.
these characters it comes nearest S. Rivoliana or S. falcata Cuv. and
Val.; differing; however, from both, principally in the points in
which they are said to agree with S. Dumerilii, Cuv. and Val.
With S. Lalandi, Cuv. and Val., it agrees in the two latter points
above-mentioned ; but differs in the produced second dorsal and anal
fins; S. Lalandi appearing from MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes’ de-
scription not to disagree in this respect with S. Dumerilii, Cuv. and
Val. The individual described measured two feet and a half long.
Lampris lauta. For “ Vertebris 69” and “ Vert. 49,” in the
specific character and following formula of the Lampris lauta, p,
183. Of the Synopsis of Fish Mad. (vol. ii. Trans. Zool. Soc.),
read, Vertebris 45; and in the seventh line of the next page, for
‘“‘ six vertebre more,” read ‘‘ two vertebre more.”
Fam. CoryPHzNID2.
Coryphena hippurus, Cuv. and Val.? ‘‘ Dourado macho.”—Syn.
Fish Mad. 183.
This fish agrees with C. hippuroides, Raf., according to the brief
account transcribed by MM. Cuv. and Val., in having a row of larger
dusky spots along the ridge of the back on each side at the base of
the dorsal fin, which is itself immaculate, whilst the anal fin is also
somewhat high and pointed in front. In these three points it is at
variance with MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes’ elaborate description
of their C. hippurus, L. The individual described, however, by these
consummate Ichthyologists was a male; whilst the only three which
I have been able to examine closely, proved on dissection to be fe-
males, though commonly supposed by the Maderan fisherman to be the
male of C. equisetis, L. Hence the Maderan fish, whether identical
or not with the obscure and doubtful C. hippuroides, Raf., is for the
present better referred to C. hippurus,L. Sufficient ground appears
for the suspicion that the above differences may be only sexual. But
were it otherwise, they would alone scarcely warrant its specific dis-
crimination.
Corypuana Norroniana.— Delfim.”
This is a deeper fish than the preceding, in proportion to its
length; with the front much steeper and bluffer; indeed, nearly
vertical; the Dorsal fin beginning also somewhat forwarder. In the
fin-formule, and number of the vertebrze (31), the two agree; and I
have seen too few individuals at present to decide whether they really
are distinct, or only so in sex. But for its spotted body, I should
be greatly tempted to refer it to the imperfectly known C. imperialis,
Raf. (See Cuv. and Val., Hist. 9, 286.) In this uncertainty as to
The Rev. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira, 411
both rank and synonyms, less ultimate confusion will result from a
distinct specific name, applied provisionally, than from a doubtful
reference. It is therefore called after the Honourable C. E. C. Nor-
ton, to whose able pencil I was first indebted for a knowledge of the
fish. Two other supposed individuals have since occurred, of which,
however, one was unfortunately neglected, and the other had been
two much injured by a blow, beating in the interparietal crest, to be
fully satisfactory. This last individual, taken November 22nd 1838,
was apparently a male ; but I could not satisfy myself completely even
on this point, and infer it only from my inability to discover any trace
of the ovaria.
Coryphena’ equisetis, L. 1, 447.—‘ Dourada,” “ D. femea,” or
«* D. amarella.””—C. equisetis, Cuv. and Val., 9, 297, ¢. 267.
This may at once be distinguished from the foregoing species by
its unspotted body, marked only by a few scattered, clear, but ex-
tremely minute black specks, very different from the diffused, pale,
dusky, larger, spots of the preceding. The pectoral fins are also very
short, the dorsal fin with fewer rays (53— 55), the number of ver-
tebree greater (33), the form deeper and less elongated than even in
the first species here recorded. It also is a smaller fish. Being
our commonest species, I have seen numerous examples, but none
exceeding two feet in length. The average length is very uniformly
from twenty to twenty-two or twenty-three inches.
This fish, which is the commonest of the ‘‘ Dourados”’ of Madeira,
differs from C. equisetis, L., as described by MM. Cuv. and Val.,
under the name of C. equisetis, only in the head being rather longer
than high, instead of higher than long, in the dorsal fin being lower
in its highest part, and also lower before than at its hinder end; and
lastly in the profile being oblique from the beginning, whilst in C.
equisetis, Cuv. and Val., ‘‘ il monte d’abord verticalement sur le tiers
& peu prés de son contour.” The first three discrepancies might
well be merely due to slightly different modes of measurement.
The latter is less easily accountable; for in this Maderan fish at
least, of which I am well acquainted with both sexes, I find nothing
to confirm M. Dussumier’s observation, that a greater height of the
interparietal crest is characteristic of the male in Coryphena. See
Cuv. and Val. 12, Pref. p. vii.
Pompilus Rondeletit, Will. 215, ¢. O. 1, f. 6.
Centrolophus pompilus, Yarr. 1, 158.
pompilus, Cuv. and Val. 9, 334, ¢. 269.
morio (Lacep.) Ib. 342. Rariss.
Two examples have occurred during the writing of this paper ;
262
412 The Rey. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira.
the first was uniformly blackish, without spots or marks, thus an- |
swering to Centrolophus Morio of Lacepéde: the second individual
was smaller, and was marked, precisely as in MM. Cuvier and
Valenciennes’ figure (t. 269) of C. pompilus.
I have no hesitation in uniting both these fishes, with their re-
spective synonyms, under the name long since applied by Willoughby
to designate the species; although by him employed especially in
reference to the second state or variety abovementioned, which also
was the variety originally described by Rondeletius.
Pompilus Bennettii.
Leirus Bennettii, nob. in Cam. Trans. VI. 1, 199, t. V.—Syn.
Mad. Fish, p. 179.
Centrolophus ovalis, Cuv. and Val. IX. 346.
crassus. Ib. 348.
The genus Leirus proves identical with Centrolophus, Lac., which
in its turn, if not intolerable in itself (see Cuv. and Val. IX. 33].),
must yield precedence to the prior claims of Pompilus, Rond. The
species described by the Ichthyologist of Montpellier, (Centrolophus
pompilus, Auct.) ought, on the other hand, as long ago by Willoughby,
to be called Pompilus Rondeletii.
Brama Raii, Bl.‘ Freira.’”>—Syn. Mad. Fish, p. 179.
The true affinities of this fish are most assuredly Scombridal, or
to speak more strictly, Coryphenidal.
It was in reconsidering those of Brama, and in reaching this con-
clusion, that I was first led to detect the true affinities and synonyms
of Leirus. It was not till convinced of the necessity of placing
Brama next to Pompilus (Centrolophus, Lac.), that I discovered Leirus
Bennettii to be a genuine species of this last-named genus.
So valuable are these studies of affinities; and thus do even errors
often lead to valuable truth. I was not wrong, however, in asso-
ciating Leirus Bennettii with Brama; but in not referring sooner it,
or rather both, to the neighbourhood of Pompilus.
Fam. ZENID&.
Zeus Faber.
Fam. MuGiLip2.
Muein mavEReEnsis. ‘‘ Tainha de moda.”
This is the fish published, in the former part of this list, under the
name and with the synonyms of M. Chelo, Cuv. Comparing it, how-
ever, more closely with the description of M. Chelo in the eleventh
volume of MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes’ Histoire, I find the follow-
ing principal discrepancies in the Maderan fish :
The Rev. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira. . 413
1. The produced scaly appendages at the base of the first dorsal
fin extend considerably beyond the base of the fourth spine.
2. The maxillary is but very slightly S-like.
3. The upper lip is by no means peculiarly thick and fleshy, but
rather the contrary.
4. It is a shallower, less deep fish in proportion to its Prete:
5. The tongue is altogether smooth, without any “ asperités”’
whatever, at the edges or anterior end of the “‘ aréte,” which cannot
be called ‘‘ trés-aigue.”
6. The palate also is entirely smooth, not papillose near the vomer.
7. A conspicuous bright metallic brassy spot on the opercula, as
in M. auratus, Cuv. and Val.
It differs, however, essentially from this last-named species, and
from M. breviceps, Cuv. and Val., in the exposure of the ends of the
maxillary.
Fam. Gosip2.
Having considerably extended my list of species, as well as rec-
tified some errors in the nomenclature of others, I subjoin a com-
plete enumeration of the Maderan species of this family hitherto
discovered.
Blennius gattorugine, Will. Cuv. and Val. 1X. 200. Will. Ichth.
132. t. H. 2. f. 2.—Yarr. 1, 226. Rariss.
A single individual only has occurred.
Blennius palmicornis, Cuv. and Val. XI. 214. t. 320. Syn. Mad.
Fish 185. Vulgaris.
Blennius Artedii, Cuv. and Val. XI. 231.
Synops. Mad. Fish 185. haud Cuv. et Val. Rarior.
This is the little fish which, being formerly known to me only by
a sketch, I had erroneously supposed to be referrible to B. inequalis,
Cuy. and Val. On better acquaintance it however proves their B.
Artedii; and is indeed a most distinct and well-marked little species,
scarcely exceeding two inches in length, and at once characterized
by its active lively habits, its light tawny brown or yellowish olive
colour, sprinkled all over with numerous minute white specks or
dots, and the hollow, triangle-shaped, ciliate, occipital crest.
Blennius parvicornis, Cuv. and Val. XI. 257. Syn. Mad. Fish
185. Rariss.
Of this, as formerly of B. Artedii, I have no means of judging,
except from some notes and a drawing taken by Miss Young, July
10th, 1835, during my absence from the island. My friend Mr.
Yarrell has, however, examined the individual from which these were
taken; and on his accuracy I rely entirely for the correctness of the
inequalis nob.
414 The Rey. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira.
above name or reference. I had before supposed it to be undescribed,
calling it B. strigatus.
Pholis levis, Flem. Cuv. and Val. XI. 269. Yarr. 1, 230. Syn.
Mad. Fish 185.. Rarior. |
I cannot help suspecting that MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes’ Ma-
deran specimen at least, discovered by my friend Henry Richardson,
Esq., of Aber Hirnant, North Wales, of Blennius trigloides, Cuv. and
Val. XI. 228, is really nothing but this state or variety of Pholis
levis, which differs from the ordinary European fish only in having
five or six distinct dark blotches or ‘‘ demi-bands’’ along the back.
I have hitherto met with no other fish beside the present answering
at all to their description of B. trigloides; whilst this state of Pholis
levis, although somewhat rare, is by no means so uncommon as to
have been likely to escape Mr. Richardson’s unwearied assiduity.
Salarias atlanticus, Cuv. and Val. XI. 321. Syn. Mad. Fish 185.
Vulgaris.
Tripterygion nasus, Riss. Cuv. and Val. XI. 409. Syn. Mad. Fish
185. Rariss. |
Gosius NIGER, (. nob. 3
, L. Syn. Mad. Fish 185.
Gobius Maderensis, Cuv. and Val. XII. 55. Rarior.
I believe this to be a mere variety or state of the common Euro-
pean G. niger, Cuv. and Val., analogous to the above-mentioned
Maderan state of Pholis levis, Flem.
Gosius EpuipPiatus, G. fuscus, maculatus et punctatus: capite
nuchaque nudis, hac sulcata: pinnarum pectoralium dorsaliumque radiis
haud productis : squamis magnis.
D. 1™*. 6; D. 24.12; A. 11; P. 19; V. 5; C.
B.M. 5. Rariss.
Of a nearly uniform brown colour, a little paler on the belly, with
a row of darker rich brown patches along the sides, and above these
numerous scattered smaller spots. Head spotted. The spots on the
head and fore part of the body are ocellate, or surrounded by a fer-
ruginous or yellowring. The eyes are scarcely a semidiameter apart.
The ventral fins are united, but by a very low membrane in front,
Length of the only individual which has hitherto occurred, five inches.
It appears sufficiently distinct from all the described European spe-
cies by its naked head and nape.
5 v. 6
ave tT XV:
Fam. Lopuip2.
CHEIRONEOTES BicoRNIS. C. hispidus, setis furcatis, nudus sed-
appendiculatus, pallide ruber, punctulis fuscis conspurcatus :
The Rev. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira. 415
Fronte super oculos bicorni; cornu anteriore distincto, recurvo ;
posteriore gibboso-cristiformi ; filamento intermedio inconspicuo :
brachiis pectoralibus ventralibusque exsertis.
141
D. 12; A.7; P.10; V.5; O. 7454+ V:
A single individual only has occurred of this pretty little species,
which in the foregoing characters appears distinct enough from all
enumerated by MM. Cuv. and Val. ; approaching, perhaps, nearest
to Ch. furcipilis, pardalis, or coccineus. It was only one and three-
fourths of an inch long, and seven-eighths of an inch deep. The
whole fish is strongly scabrous to the touch.
Fam. Lasripz.
Crenilabrus caninus, nob. Synops. 186.
A most remarkable variety of this fish has the preopercle perfectly
entire ; invalidating thus completely the generic character. This
state of the species appears permanent, and independent of age or
size; whilst it is wholly unaccompanied by other marks of difference
or indications of disease. It is rare comparatively with the normal
form.
Crenilabrus luscus, nob. in Syn. Mad. Fish 187; nec Yarrellii
nec Linnei.
This also proves distinct: from Mr. Couch’s Scale-rayed Wrasse
(Acantholabrus Couchii, Cuv. and Val. 13. 248), to which, as figured
by Yarrell for the Labrus luscus, L. (a true Labrus, according to
Valenciennes, ) I had formerly referred it. A still nearer ally ap-
pears, however, to be Acantholabrus Palloni, Cuv. and Val. 13. 243
(Crenilabrus exoletus, Risso, haud Labrus exoletus, L.). From this
it differs in the extension up between each of the spines of the dorsal
and anal fins of generally four of the large scales into a curious di-
stinct and moveable imbricated appendage ; in the large dark spot or
patch on the hinder end of the spiny portion of the dorsal fin; in
having two dark spots on each side at the base of the caudal fin, one
on the dorsal, and another fainter on the ventral line; and lastly in
the general colour. In the first and last of these four points, it
agrees better with Acantholabrus Couchii, Val. (Crenilabrus luscus,
Yarr., Brit. Fish. 1. 300); but it differs in the other two, is only half
the size, and whilst the dorsal and the anal fins have severally one
spine less, the dorsal has one soft ray more.
LLABRUS RETICULATUS.
_ This fish cannot be at present safely referred to the Ballan Wrasse
of British Authors (Labrus maculatus, Bl.), Yarr. 1. 275; although
416 The Rev. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira.
in size and form of body, no less than in the peculiar lowness of the
spiny portion of the dorsal fin, and abrupt production of the soft
part of the same, and of the anal fin, as well as in the number of the
rays of all the fins, there is a strong agreement. . It will, I think,
however, ultimately prove merely a dark variety of that species. The
colour is peculiarly sombre ; being a dark brown, approaching on the
back almost to black; the whole beautifully reticulated with dark
chesnut-brown lines, forming a border to each scale, and leaving the
Centre pale. The preoperculum was scaly. A single individual
occurred in March 1838, and measured sixteen inches in length. Its
fin-formula was,
4+14 V1.
D.19+11; A.38 +9; P.14; Vel +5; C.34 Ta.
This individual has been deposited in the Society’s collection.
B.M.5.
Juris MELANURA. J. oblongus, postice nigrescens : capite superne
dorsoque olivaceo-fuscis : lateribus perpendiculate strigatis ; strigis
posterioribus nigricantibus : pinne dorsalis antice altiores rudiis
tribus primordialibus longioribus, operculique angulo lato truncato,
basique primarum pectoralium ceruleo-nigrescente notatis : pinna
dorsali analique fasciatis, basi nudis; caudali rotundato nigri-
cante: squamis parvis: dente solitario majore ad canthum oris
utrinque, antrorsum porrecto.
D.9 +12; A.3 + 12; P.14v.15; V.14+5;C.
Vert®. 25.
Julis speciosa, nob. in Syn. Mad. Fish 186; haud Rissoi.
, Cuv. and Val., Hist. 13. 375; quoad tantum ex-
empla Canariensia, et forsan quidem Maderensia.
On re-examination and a close comparison of this fish with MM.
Cuvier and Valenciennes’ description of the true Mediterranean J.
speciosa, of Risso, I find that it is properly distinct ; although a Ca-
narian individual at least of it has been referred by Valenciennes, as
the Maderan fish was formerly by me, to Risso’s species. It differs
chiefly in the elevation of the three first rays of the dorsal fin, the
spot on which is small, not large; in the deep blackness of the
caudal fin and hinder part of the tail or body ; and, lastly, in being of
considerably larger size (8-10 inches in length) than the true Medi-
terranean J. speciosa, Riss. Not having met at present with any
other fishes in Madeira which agree so nearly as J. melanura with
that species, I cannot help suspecting that in M. Valenciennes’ Ma-
deran specimens of his J. speciosa may exist the principal peculiari-
ties which he has expressly noted in Mr. Webb’s Canarian example,
and which are precisely those of Julis melunura.
4+ VI.
T4V1 ; M.B.6;
The Rey. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira. 417
ACANTHOLABRUS ImBRICATUS. A, pinna dorsali analique basi squa-
mosis; squamis subquaternis, bractearum modo imbricatis, inter
spinas assurgentibus : dorsalis parte spinosa postice unimaculato :
cauda utringue bimaculata: squamis magnis.
D.204+9; A.5 +8; P13; Vil +5; C.o5
+111; M.B. 5.
Fam. FisrunaRiIp&.
Cznrriscus Graciiis. C. corpore gracili, angusto, elliptico-oblongo,
supra fusco, lateribus argenteis: rostro producto, elongato :
pinne prime dorsalis, inter oculos pinnamque caudalem media,
spina secunda mediocri, breviore, pinnam caudalem nequaquam at-
tingente.
yan 4 y. 6 288 YD. 11;°A.17; Vil +4: Peis eC.
Rarior.
In its shape and colour this is very obviously different from the
common red Snipefish (C. Scolopar, L.). But I have not been able
to assure myself that the above differences are not sexual. They are
not certainly dependent upon size. The depth averages from one-
fifth to one-sixth and a half of the whole length, instead of one-
fourth of the same. In two individuals of the same length within
one quarter of an inch, the depth of the larger (C. Scolopaz, L.) was
very nearly double that of the smaller (C. gracilis, nob.) and the 2nd
spine of the lst dorsal fin was respectively in each one-fourth and
one-seventh of the whole length of the fish. °
t+1V
7+V°
Fam. Esocip2.
BELoneE GRACILIs, nob.—‘‘ Catuta.”’
Early in March last year (1838) a fisherman brought alive in sea-
water two fishes, which, in their slenderness, and the upper jaw being
only half the length of the lower, differed obviously from the com-
mon B. vulgaris. Measuring, however, seven or eight inches only
in length, it seemed questionable, in the absence of equal-sized in-
dividuals of B. vulgaris for comparison, whether they might not be
the young of that species. My friends, however, the Rev. L. Jenyns
and Mr. Yarrell, have examined these two individuals, and the latter
warrants me in stating, on their joint authority, that these two fishes
are “‘not, in their opinion, B. vulgaris,” being ‘‘ much more slender
for the same or equal length.”
Scomberesor Saurus, Cuv.
The Portuguese name ‘‘ Delphine’ (rectius ‘‘ Delfim’’,) is errone-
ously appended to this fish. Another individual has been lately
brought to me with the name of ‘‘ Almeirao,”’ but the species is far
418 The Rev. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira.
too rare to have obtained any permanent and genuine appellation in
Madeira.
Fam. SALMONID.
ScoPpELUS MADERENSIS.
A. small dark mulberry-coloured fish, which might easily be taken
for the fry or young of Pomatomus telescopus, Risso. The dark vi-
nous-coloured ground is concealed by very large deciduous platina-
like scales. The only individual which has yet occurred was three
inches long. It approaches very near to Sc. Humboldti, Risso, Hist.
iii. 467. (supposed to be identical with Pennant’s Argentine, Yar. 11.
94.), and has the row of longer silver dots, or pits, extending forwards
from the root of the caudal fin along the ventral line : but it disagrees
remarkably with the generic characters assigned to Scopelus by Cu-
vier, R. An. 2nd Ed. ii. 314, in having both the palatines and tongue
aculeate with teeth.
_ The fin-formula in the Madeiran fish was
Ist, D. 3 + 10; 2nd, D. 1 club- or feather-shaped ;
eee re y
6+1+ Vi
A. 2+ 12; P.138; V.1+7;C.
Gen. Auysia.
Corpus subelongatum, compressum ; dorso postice ventreque spinoso-
serratis. Rostrum brevissimum, ore rictuque magnis, hoc pone
oculos diducto. Dentes minuti, tenues; in maxilla inferiore, Vo-
mere, et Palatinis scobinati. Lingua postice lateribus subacu-
leolata. |
Squame magn, haud decidue, scabre ; squamis linez lateralis la-
tissimis, maximis, scutellatis, s. per totam longitudinem loricato-
imbricatis.
Pinne ventrales sub apice pinnarum pectoralium site. Dorsales
duz; prima inter Ventrales et Analem posita; 2% ad finem
analis, rudimentali. Pinna caudalis minima, furcata.
ALYSIA LORICATA.
The spinoso-serrate ventral and hinder part of the dorsal lines,
together with the peculiar scales of the lateral line, appear to forbid
the blending of this interesting little fish with the Cuvierian genus
Aulopus, as defined in the R. Anim., Ed. 2. ii. 315, though they have
many characters incommon. ‘The Maderan fish is no less rare than
elegant. It scarcely exceeds two inches in length. The back is a
deep blue; the sides bright silvery or platina; and a row of dead-
silver dots or pits extends along the ventral line, as in the Scopelus
above described. The fin-formula is
The Rev. R. 7. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira. 419
lst, D. 2+ 10; 2nd, D. rudimentary; A. 24+ 21 (+ 8 de-
tached depressed points or spines); P. 15 or 16; V.1+5;
C 4h 72.
°3+1+4 VILL
Fam. Gapip&.
Macrourvus atTianticus.—‘ Praga’ or ‘ Lagartira do mar.”’—
M. fusco-cinereus, dorso vinoso, gutturis umbilico pinnisque ven-
tralibus atris : squamis areolato-scaberrimis, echinalatis, ecarina-
tis, inermibus : oculis maximis.
M. rupestris, nob. in Synops. Mad. Fish, p. 190, nec Bl. nec Cuv.
et omiss. syn. Lepidoleprus celorhynchus, Risso.
On further examination, this most singular fish appears to be quite
distinct from M. rupestris, Bl. t. 177; and therefore, according to
Cuvier (R. Anim. 2nd Ed. 11. 337, note,) from Lepidoleprus celo-
rhynchus, Risso, through which indeed alone I had referred it to the
northern fish described by Bloch. But besides the points included
in the specific character, the first ray of the first dorsal fin is neither
serrate nor stronger than the rest. The diameter of the eye is one
twelfth or one thirteenth part of the whole length, which scarcely
exceeds one foot.
Fam. PLEvRONECTIDA.
Ruomsus cristatus. Rk. corpore oblongo-elliptico: oculis ap-
proximatis: dentibus tenuibus pectinatis ; in maxilla superiore
uniseriatis ; in inferiore anguste scobinatis : pinne dorsalis dimidii
anterioris radiis apice liberis ; primordialibus (2° 6™.) productis,
elongatis : latere (sinistro) fusco, immaculato : squamis (haud de-
ciduis) magnis, margine scabris.
34 VI
D. 92; A. 75; V.6;P.1+9;C. Sav" Rariss.
The Whiff of British authors (R. megastoma, Yarr. 2. 251) appears
the nearest ally of this apparently new species. Indeed, except for
Mr. Yarrell’s more detailed account, I should have scarcely perhaps
scrupled referring it to ‘‘ La Cardine ou Calimande” of Cuvier’s R.
Anim. 2. 341, of which he says, ‘‘ ses premiers rayons sont libres” ;
of course meaning of the dorsal fin. Nothing is, however, discern-
ible of this in either Mr. Yarrell’s figure or description of “The
Whiff”’ ; nor even, if correct, does it express sufficiently the peculi-
arity of this part in the Maderan fish. The only individual which
has yet occurred was five and a quarter inches long.
Fam. CycLorrerip2&.
43. LEPapoGasTER ZzEBRINUS.—‘‘ Chupa sangue.” L. fusco-nigres-
cens, lateribus postice strigis obliquis, nuchaque fasciis diver-
420 The Rey. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira.
gentibus saturatioribus maculisque binis ceruleis pyriformibus
pictis: naribus biciliatis: pinnis dorsalibus analibusque caudali
adnatis.
D.17 v.16; A. 10v.9; P. 15 v.16; V5.4; CZ +X. Haud
rara.
In the double nasal cilia, and connexion of the caudal with the
dorsal and anal fins, this little fish agrees with L. cornubicus (Flem.),
Yarr. 2. 264. The structure of the sucking disk is also similar to
the representation of the same part in that species, and not to that
of the ‘‘ bimaculated Sucker,” at p. 268. In this particular it per-
fectly agrees also with the former species indicated in my Synopsis,
p- 190; which is, however, perfectly distinct specifically, having
neither a nasal cilium nor the caudal fin united with the dorsal and
anal fins. Of this last-mentioned species no second example has
yet occurred. The present (L. zebrinus) is not by any means un-
common. -It varies considerably in intensity of colour, and in the
distinctness of the darker stripes upon the nape and flanks. The
nasal cilia are of the general dark brown or blackish tint.
Fam. EcHEenfip2.
SS. Cauda lunata.
Echeneis Remora, L. Syst. Ed. 12.—‘* Pegador.’”’ . tota cinereo-
Suliginosa, nigrescens: laminis disci xvii. v. Xvill.; pinnis
pectoralibus brevibus, ovatis, integris, apice rotundatis: lingua
levi.
.4+4+ VIII
D.23; A.23; P.26; Vl +5; C.g-7 +077; M. B.9. Rarior,
EcuHENEIS PALLIDA. LF. tota pallide cinerea, fuligineo hinc et hinc
subnebulata: laminis xix.; pinnis pectoralibus brevibus, latis,
apice rotundatis, subtruncatis, tenuiter crenulatis : lingua medio
scobinata.
D. 24; A.29; P.27; V.14+5;C.5—41-yaq7 s M.B. 9. Rariss.
SS. Cauda integra, S. truncata.
EcuENEIs sacopza.—JF. tota cinereo-fuliginosa, nigrescens : laminis
xix.: pinnis pectoralibus brevibus, latis, pectinato-rotundatis cre-
natis: ventre sulcato: lingua scabra.
ye aks
D. 24; A. 24; i 21 : Be 1 + 5; C. 3+ Vill? M.B.8. Rariss.
EcuENEIS vittata.—J. purpureo-nigrescens, pallido variegata, fas-
ciaque nigra longitudinali laterali, antice utringue albo margi-
nata: pinnis pectoralibus ovatis, acutiusculis, integris; pinne
dorsalis analisque antice caudalisque marginibus albis : laminis
xxiv.: lingua scabra: oculis magnis: corpore elongato, postice
valde attenuato, gracilt.
The Rev. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira. 421
a i+ VL
D. 39; A.39; P. 22; V.1 +°5; C. i+ vit"
The nearest ally of this very distinct species appears to be EH. lu-
nata. Bancr. in Zool. Journ. V. 413.t. 18. But this, besides other
differences, has a lunate tail.
Rariss.
EcHENEIS BRACHYPTERA. (Echeneis ? Syn. p. 191.) E. cv-
nereo-fuliginosa, nigrescens ; pinnis dorsalibus analibusque antice
albo submarginatis : laminis xvi.: pinnis pectoralibus brevibus,
latis, truncatis, integris : lingua medio scobinata.
: a 3ve4+Vil,
D. 28; A. 24; P. 26; V.1 + 5; C. 30.44 Vi—I' M. B. 8
This is the first of the two species indicated by me in the former
part of this List or Synopsis. Of the second sort, there mentioned
as having been seen by Miss Young, and which I have there doubt-
fully referred to H. naucrates, L., no fresh example has occurred.
I should now be much inclined to consider it identical with E. vit-
tata ; but Miss Young affirms that it was ‘‘ certainly plain-coloured.”
Fam. Mur2nip2&.
Sphagebranchus serpens.
S. serpa, Risso, Hist. Nat. iii. 195. No. 81.
A single individual only has occurred, precisely answering to the
description above referred to. It measured eleven inches in length.
I could not detect the slightest rudiment of pectoral fins.
Fam. GyMNODONTID.
Terropon capistratus. T. pusillus, oblongiusculus levissimus ;
dorso iliisque inermibus, nudis ; ventre adpresso-spinelloso : dorso
fusco; lateribus ochraceo-fulvis, fusco longitudinaliter bifas-
ciatis, capiteque utrinque ceruleo punctatis, iliis oblique litura-
tis, rostroque subproducto gulave semi-capistrato: pinna caudali
utringue nigro-limbata.
DS. Aa: b t6- Cas + VIII. Rariss.
A most elegantly-coloured little species, which I cannot refer with
certainty to any already described. Only two individuals have hi-
therto occurred. The first was little more than two inches long ;
the second nearly twice as large.
The Orthagoriscus of Madeira, called by the fishermen, ‘ Peize
Porco,’” or ‘‘ Bouto,” I forbear at present to designate further, not
having seen a sufficient number of individuals to determine its cha-
racters. The caudal fin is produced into a short point in the mid-
dle, not truncate, as in all the figures to which I have access of the
European Sun-fishes.
422 ‘The Rev. R. 'T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira.
Fam. S@uaLip&.
Carcuanius Fraucipinnis. “ Faqueita.” C. corpore supra griseo-
cinereo, subabbreviato, medio crassiore s. altiore, utringue atte-
nuato: rostro brevi, lato, depresso, apice obtuso: oculis rotun-
datis : pinna dorsal prima alta, triangulari, subantica s. supra
medium pinnarum pectoralium posita: pinnis pectoralibus fal-
catis, angustis, elongatis, apice obtusis: pinna dorsali secunda
analique oppositis : ventralibusque parvis. Rariss.
An Squalus ustus, Dum.?
It is perhaps only for want of better materials for comparison that
I have been unable to refer this Shark precisely to the above-indi-
cated or to some other described species. It is about three feet long,
and the female differs in nothing from the male. The teeth are
precisely similar to those of the “‘ Tintureira’”’ (C. glaucus, Cuv.).
The ‘‘ Marrazo” proves to be, as I suspected, Lamna coraubica,
Cuv., adult, or of large size.
Gen. ACANTHIDIUM.
Corpus gracile, elongatum. Spiracula magna. Pinne dorsales
duz, antice spiniferee; secunda majore postica, caude approximata.
Pinna analis nulla. Pinne ventrales, subpostice s. secunda dorsalis
subanteriores.
Dentes utriusque maxille dispares, parvi: superioris laniarii, plano-
triangulares, tenues, acuminati; acumine recto; basi utrinque den-
ticulo aucto; antice triseriati, lateribus biseriati: inferioris incisorii,
acumine utrinque a medio oblique deflexo, uni- vel bi-seriati. Cauda
oblique oblonga, apice truncata.
This new genus appears exactly intermediate between the esta-
blished genera of Cuvier, Spinar and Centrina: agreeing with the
former in its elongated form, and with the latter in the teeth.
The ventral fins are placed more backward than in Spinaz, but rather
forwarder than in Centrina, i.e. neither halfway between the two
dorsal fins, nor opposite the second dorsal fin, but just before the
second dorsal fin, which begins exactly opposite the termination of
their base. The tail or caudal fin resembles that of Spinaz, rather
than of Centrina, and the spines of both the dorsal fins are reflexed
as in Spinaz, forming the fore-edge of each fin. The pectoral fins
are abruptly truncate. The second dorsal fin is greatly larger than
the first; in which it differs equally from Spinar and Centrina.
The teeth are not arranged quincuncially, but behind each other in
rows. .
Two species have occurred, both of which have hitherto been con-
founded with Centrina.
The Rey. R. T. Lowe on the Fishes of Madeira. 423
ACANTHIDIUM PuUsILLUM. ‘“ Gata negra.” A. totum atrum,
pusillum: rostro crassiusculo: dentibus infertoribus uniseriatis :
spiraculis oculo remotiusculis. f
Centrina? nigra, nob. olim in Proceed. Zool. Soc. 1833, p. 144*.
Syn. Mad. Fish in Trans. Zool. Soc. p. 194. Rariss.
- Four individuals of this curious little shark have now occurred,
agreeing equally in the foregoing characters and in their dimensions,
varying in length only from eleven to twelve inches. The second
dorsal fin is somewhat forwarder or more distant from the origin of
the tail than in the next species.
The condition of the teeth, and constancy of size, both indicate
an adult fish; and a comparison of the present species with the
foetal and adult state of the following, in these two points alone
demonstrates Acanthidium pusillum to be no stage of A. calceus.
ACANTHIDIUM caALcEUs. “ Sapata.” A. purpureo-fuscum, sub-
tus pallidus: rostro plano-depresso: dentibus inferioribus
biseriatis: spiraculis oculo, pinnaque dorsali secunda caude
approximatis.
Centrina Salviani, Syn. Mad. Fish in Trans. Zool. Soc. p. 194:
nec aliorum. Rarior.
This shark very much resembles in its general aspect Scymnus
niceensis, Risso, the ‘ Gata’ of Madeira: but is at once distinguished
by the spines in front of the two dorsal fins, which, as in A. pusil-
lum, are both recurved, and ought, had I attended to the excellent
figures copied by Willoughby from Salviana of Centrina nigra, Cuv.,
instead of allowing myself to be deceived by a miserable figure of
Lacepéde’s, alone to have preserved me from the blunder of referring
to that species for the present shark, the usual size of which exceeds
by a few inches only three feet.
Fam. Rar.
Raia oxyrhynchus, Will., Ichth. p. 71.—‘‘ Raia.”
Sharp-nosed Ray, Penn., Ed. 1. iti. 83. No. 31. Yarr., Brit.
Fish, ii. 424.
Two male individuals only have occurred: the largest, measuring
three feet in width from wing to wing, was furnished on the. back
with patches of strong hooked spines or prickles, much as in the
figure in the British Fishes ; but the second example, scarcely two
* A serious erratum has been caused here by the transposition of a sen-
tence. The paragraph referred to should stand thus: ‘“ It (Centrina?
nigra) is intermediate in characters between Centrina, Cuv., and Acanthias,
Risso, having the teeth of the former genus as well as the backward posi-
tion of the second dorsal (rectius ventral) fin, and the form of body of the
latter.’”
424 - Information respecting Botanical Travellers.
feet wide, although decidedly a male, was devoid of these append-
ages. The colour of the upper surface was a pale, dull, yellowish,
or ashy-grey, obscurely mottled or dappled with a few scattered di-
stant paler whitish spots.
TrycGon aLTaveLa.—‘‘ Andorinha do mar.” T. corpore rhom-
boideo, duplo latiore quam longo, alis expansis, cauda perbrevi.
Pastinaca marina altera rreputAareta, Altavela Neapoli dicta Colum-
ne. Will., Hist. 65. Tab. C. 1. f.3. (Copied from F. Columna.)—
Rariss.
A single female individual only has occurred, measuring five feet
and a half from tip to tip of wings.
LII.—Jnformation respecting Botanical Travellers.
Extracts from a Journal of the Mission which visited Bootan, in
1837-38, under Captain R. Bortzeau Pemperton. By W. Grir-
riTtH, Esq. Madras Medical Establishment*.
Tur Mission left Gowahatti on the 21st December, and proceeded
a few miles down the Burrumpootur to Ameengoung, where it halted.
On the following day it proceeded to Hayoo, a distance of thirteen
miles. The road, for the most part, passed through extensive grassy
plains, diversified here and there with low rather barren hills, and
varied in many places by cultivation, especially of sursoo. One river
was forded, and several villages passed.
Hayoo is a picturesque place, and one of considerable local note ;
it boasts of a large establishment of priests, with their usual com-
panions, dancing girls, whose qualifications are celebrated through-
out all Lower Assam. The village is a large one, and situated close
to some low hills; it has the usual Bengal appearance, the houses
being surrounded by trees, such as betel palms, peepul, banyan, and
caoutchouc. ‘To Nolbharee we found the distance to be nearly
seventeen miles. The country throughout the first part of the march
was uncultivated, and entirely occupied by the usual coarse grasses;
the remainder was one sheet of paddy cultivation, interrupted only
by topes of bamboos, in which the villagers are entirely concealed ;
we found these very abundant, but small: betel palms continued
very frequent, and each garden or enclosure was surrounded by a
small species of screw pine, well adapted for making fences.
Four or five streams were crossed, of which two were not ford-
able: jheels were very abundant, and well stocked with water fowl
* From the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, No. 87, p. 208.
Information respecting Botanical Travellers. 425
and waders. At this place there is a small bungalow for the accom-
modation of the civil officer during his annual visit ; it is situated
close to a rather broad but shallow river. There is likewise a bund
road.
We proceeded from this place to Dum-Dumma, which is on the
Bootan boundary, and is distant ten miles from Nolbharee. We
continued through a very open country, but generally less cultivated
than that about Nolbharee; villages continued numerous as far as
Dum-Dumma.
December 31st. We left for Hazareegoung, an Assamese village
within the Bootan boundary.
We passed through a much less cultivated country, the face of
which was overrun with coarse grassy vegetation. No attempts
appeared ‘to be made to keep the paths clean, and the farther we
penetrated within the boundary, the more marked were the effects
of bad government. We crossed a small and rapid stream, with a
pebbly bed, the first indication of approaching the Hills we had as
yet met with.
We left on January 2d for Ghoorgoung, a small village eight
miles from Hazareegoung; similar high plains and grassy tracts,
almost unvaried by any cultivation, were crossed ; a short distance
from the village we crossed the Mutanga, a river of some size and
great violence during the rains, but in January reduced to a dry
bouldery bed. There is no cultivation about Ghoorgoung, which is
close to the Hills, between which and the village there is a gentle
slope covered with fine sward.
‘We entered the Hills on the 3d, and marched to Dewangari, a
distance of eight miles. On starting we proceeded to the Durunga
Nuddee, which makes its exit from the Hills about one mile to the
west of Ghoorgoung, and then entered the Hills by ascending its
bed, and we continued doing so for some time, until in fact we came
to the foot of the steep ascent that led us to Dewangari. ‘The road
was a good deal obstructed by boulders, but the torrent contains at
this season very little water.
The mountains forming the sides of the ravine are very steep, in
many cases precipitous, but not of any great height. They are
generally well-wooded, but never to such a degree as occurs on
most other portions of the mountainous barriers of Assam. At the
- height of about 1000 feet we passed a choky, occupied by a few
Booteas, and this was the only sign of habitation that occurred.
Dewangari, the temples of which are visible from the plains of
Assam, is situated on a ridge, elevated about 2100 feet above the
Ann. Nat. Hist. Vol. 4. No. 26. Fed. 1840. 2H
426 Inforination respecting Botanical Travellers.
level of the sea, and 1950 above that of the plains. The village
extends some distance along the ridge, as well as a little way down
its northern face. The centre of the ridge is kept as a sort of arena
for manly exercises ; about this space there occur some picturesque
simool trees, and a few fig trees, among which is the banyan.
During our long stay at this place we had many opportunities of
forming acquaintance with the Soobah, as well as with the imme-
diately adjoining part of his district. We found this almost uncul-
tivated, and overrun with jungle. No large paths were seen to point
out that there are many villages near Dewangari; in fact the only
two which bear marks of frequent communication, are that by which
we ascended, and one which runs eastward to a picturesque village
about half a mile distant, and which also leads to the plains.
The Soobah we found to be a gentlemanly unassuming man; he
received us in avery friendly manner and with some state; the room.
was decently ornamented, and set off in particular by some well-
executed Chinese religious figures, the chief of which we were told
represented the Dhurma Rajah, whose presence even as a carved
block was supposed to give infallibility. We were besides regaled
with blasts of music. His house was the most picturesque one that
I saw, and had some resemblance, particularly at a distance, to the
representations of some Swiss cottages. It was comparatively small,
but as he was of inferior rank, his house was of inferior size.
The population of the place must be considerable; it was during
our stay much increased by the Kampa people, who were assembling
here prior to proceeding to Hazoo. Most of the inhabitants are
pure Booteas; many of them were fine specimens of human build,
certainly the finest I saw in Bootan: they were, strange to say, in
all cases civil and obliging. Cattle were tolerably abundant, and
principally of that species known in Assam by the name of Mithans;
they were taken tolerable care of, and picketed in the village at
night: some, and particularly the bulls, were very fine, and very
gentle. Ponies and mules were not uncommon, but not of extraor-
dinary merits. Pigs and fowls were abundant. The chief commu-
nication with the plains is carried on by their Assamese subjects,
who are almost entirely Kucharees: they bring up rice and putrid
dried fish, and return with bundles of manjistha.
On the 23rd, after taking a farewell of the Soobah, who gave us
the Dhurma’s blessing, and as usual decorated us with scarfs, we left
for Rydang, the halting-house between Dewangari and Khegumpa,
and distant eight miles from the former place. We reached it late
in the evening, as we did not start until after noon. We first de-
Information respecting Botanical Travellers. 427
scended to the Deo-Nuddee, which is 800 or 900 feet below the
village, and which runs at the bottom of the ravine, of which the
Dewangari ridge forms the southern side, and we continued as-
cending its bed, almost entirely throughout the march. The river
is of moderate size, scarcely fordable however in the rains; it
abounds with the fish known to the Assamese by the name of Book-
har, and which are found throughout the mountain streams of the
boundaries of the province.
24th. Left for Khegumpa. ‘The march was almost entirely an un-
interrupted ascent, at least until we had reached 7000 feet, so that
the actual height ascended amounted nearly to 5000 feet. It com-
menced at first over sparingly wooded grassy hills, until an elevation
of about 4000 feet was attained, when the vegetation began to
change ; rhododendrons, and some other plants of the same natural
family making their appearance. Having reached the elevation of
7000 feet by steep and rugged paths, we continued along ridges well
clothed with trees, literally covered with pendulous mosses and
lichens, the whole vegetation being extra-tropical. At one time we
wound round a huge eminence, the bluff and bare head of which
towered several hundred feet above us, by a narrow rocky path or
ledge overhanging deep precipices ; and thence we proceeded nearly
at the same level along beautiful paths, through fine oak woods, until
we reached Khegumpa; the distance to which, although only eleven
miles, took us the whole day to perform.
This march was a beautiful, as well as an interesting one, owing
to the changes that occurred in the vegetation. It was likewise so
varied, that although at a most unfavourable season of the year, I
gathered no fewer than 130 species in flower or fruit. Rhododen-
drons of other species than that previously mentioned, oaks, chesnuts,
maples, violets, primroses, &c. &c. occurred. We did not pass any
villages, nor did we meet with any signs of habitation, excepting a
few pilgrims proceeding to Hazoo.
Khegumpa itself is a small village on an exposed site; it does not
contain more than twelve houses, and the only large one, which as
usual belonged to a Sam Gooroo, appeared to be in a ruinous state.
The elevation is nearly 7000 feet. The whole place bore a wintery
aspect, the vegetation being entirely northern, and almost all the
trees having lost their leaves. ‘The cold was considerable, although
the thermometer did not fall below 46°. The scarlet tree rhododen-
dron was common, and the first fir tree occurred in the form of a
solitary specimen of Pinus excelsa. In the small gardens attached to
some of the houses I remarked vestiges of the cultivation of tobacco
2H 2
428 Information respecting Botanical Travellers.
and Probosa*. In the valleys however surrounding this place there
seemed to be a good deal of cultivation, of what nature distance pre-
vented me from ascertaining.
25th. Left for Sasee. We commenced by descending gradually
until we had passed through a forest of oaks, resembling much our
well-known English oak; then the descent became steep, and con-
tinued so for some time; we then commenced winding round spurs
clothed with humid and sub-tropical vegetation ; continuing at the
same elevation we subsequently came on dry open ridges, covered
with rhododendrons. The descent recommenced on our reaching a
small temple, about which the long-leaved fir was plentiful, and con-
tinued without interruption until we reached a small torrent. Cross-
ing this, we again ascended slightly to descend to the Dimree river,
one of considerable size, but fordable. The ascent recommenced im-
mediately, and continued uninterruptedly at first through tropical
vegetation, then through open rhododendron and fir woods, until we
came close upon Sasee, to which place we descended very slightly.
This march occupied us the whole day. After leaving the neigh-
bourhood of Khegumpa we saw no signs of cultivation; the country,
except in some places, was arid; coarse grasses, long-leaved firs,
and rhododendrons forming the predominating vegetation. We
halted at Sasee, which is a ruined village, until the 28th. The little
cultivation that exists about it is of barley, buckwheat, and hemp.
28th. We commenced our march by descending steeply and un-
interruptedly to the bed of the Geeri, a small torrent, along which
we found the vegetation to be tropical ; ascending thence about 5000
feet, we descended again to the torrent, up the bed of which we pro-
ceeded for perhaps a mile; the ascent then again commenced, and
continued until we reached Bulphai. ‘The path was generally nar-
row, running over the flank of a mountain whose surface was much
decomposed ; it was of such a nature that a slip of any sort would in
many places have precipitated one several hundred feet. The face
of the country was very barren, the trees consisting chiefly of firs
and rhododendrons, both generally in a stunted state. The vege-
tation was not interesting until we came on a level with Bulphai,
when we came on oaks and some other very northern plants. We
were well accommodated in this village, which is a very small one,
situated in a somewhat sheltered place, and elevated to 6800 feet
above the sea. The surrounding mountains are very barren on their
southern faces, while on the northern, or sheltered side, very fine
* Eleusine coracana.
Information respecting Botanical Travellers. 429
oak woods occur. ‘The houses were of a better order than those at
Sasee, and altogether superior to those of Khegumpa. They are co-
vered in with split bamboos, which are secured by rattans, a pre-
caution rendered necessary by the great violence of the winds, which
at this season blow from the south or south-east. Bulphai is a bit-
terly cold place in the winter, and there is scarcely any mode of esca-
ping from its searching winds. The vegetation is altogether north-
ern, the woods consisting principally of a picturesque oak, scarcely
ever found under an elevation of 6000 feet. There is one small patch
of cultivation, thinly occupied by abortive turnips or radishes, and
miserable barley. It was at this place that we first heard the very
peculiar crow of true Bootan cocks, most of which are afflicted with
enormous corns.
On the 31st we resumed our journey, ascending at first a ridge
to the N.E. of Bulphai, until we reached a pagoda, the elevation of
which proved to be nearly 8000 feet; and still above this rose to
the height of about 10,000 feet a bold rounded summit, covered with
brown and low grass. Skirting this at about the same level as the
pagoda, we came on open downs, on which small dells, tenanted by
well-defined oak woods, were scattered. After crossing these
downs, which were of inconsiderable extent, we began to descend,
and continued doing so until we came to Roongdoong. About a
third of the way down we passed a village containing about twenty
houses, with the usual appendage of Sam Gooroo’s residence ; and
still lower we came upon a picturesque temple, over which a beau-
tiful weeping cypress hung its branches. We likewise passed below
this a large temple raised on a square terrace basement. From this
the descent is very steep, until a small stream is reached, from which
we ascended very slightly to the castle of Roongdoong, in the loftiest
part of which we took up our quarters. From the time that we de-
scended after crossing the downs, the country had rather an improved
aspect, some cultivation being visible here and there. We meta
good many Kampas, pilgrims, and one chowry-tailed cow, laden with
rock salt, which appears to be the most frequent burden.
[To be continued. ]
Mr. Schomburgk’s recent Expedition in Guiana.
[ Continued from p. 328. ]
Wuen marching early in a morning over the savannahs, and on ap-
proaching an Indian settlement, we frequently observed on the small
sandy footpath a number of marks, which a hasty observer would
430 Information respecting Botanical Travellers.
have pronounced to be the prints of dogs’ feet. The Indian_.is better
acquainted with them ; they are a sure proof that a pack of Carasissi
paid the preceding night a visit to the hen-roost at the next Molocca
or Indian village; and on entering it, the long faces of the squaws,
‘and their vociferous gesticulations, spoke volumes of the depreda-
tions which these night robbers had committed among the feathered
stock.
The Carasissi or Savannah dog, as it is called. by the colonists, is
the only animal allied to. the dogs found in Guiana. It does not at-
tain the size of the fox, but is of a stronger make than that animal,
and has a shorter tail and more obtuse muzzle. In the form of the
head and position of the eyes, it approaches more nearly to the dogs,
and, in fact, appears to be intermediate between them and the foxes;
and while these refuse to mix together, the Carasissi is much sought
after by the Indians to make a cross breed with their dogs. There
are few of these animals in the neighbourhood of the sea-coast, or in
the cultivated part of Guiana; but on the savannahs they are found
hunting in large packs. They pursue their prey principally by the
eye, but in thick woods they follow it by the scent. During our
expedition up the river Berbice, some of our hunters met with a pack
of Carasissis ; and they succeeded in securing one alive, but not ha-
ving tied it sufficiently it gnawed its ropes and escaped. While we
sojourned in Pirara, one was shot in the act of committing depreda-
tions among the poultry. It measured 2 feet 2 inches from the
snout to the insertion of the tail, the latter being 103 inches in
length. The breast and belly were of a dusky white, the other parts
of a deep buff colour, with the exception of the muzzle and the ears,
which were dark, approaching almost to black. The tail was not so
bushy as that of the fox, nor was it so long. They carry their ears
erect.
They vie in cunning and art with the European fox, and the de-
predations which they commit on the hen-roosts are considerable.
Their favourite haunts are thickets near open savannahs, and if a
pack succeed in entering the village and in surprising the Indians’
poultry, few escape, as they completely surround the roosting-place,
and generally carry off their spoil before the inhabitants have any
idea of their presence. I have been assured by the Indians that they
soon run down deer, and pursue their game under full cry. They de-
stroy in other ways large quantities of game.
I bought in the commencement of November a young one, which
I considered about three weeks old. Its fur was darker than that of
the adult ; we fed it on boiled yams, ripe plantains, meat, and fish.
Information respecting Botanical Travellers. 431
It appeared chiefly fond of plantains, and would follow those who fed
and nursed it like a dog. When incensed it growled like a puppy,
but when in pain or tired of walking it would raise its voice to a
harsh grating tone. They seldom lose, even when domesticated,
their depredatory habits, and those Indians who raise them for the
sake of procuring a cross breed with the dog, are obliged to keep
them tied, as otherwise they would kill all the fowls and parrots*.
It is called by the Macusis Marxane, in Warrau Wanityov.
The variety which has sprung from the breed between the Indian
domestic dog and the Carasissi more resembles the dog, its body is
however longer in proportion to its size, and its ears are pricked up.
Their progeny become prolific. They are hardy, and many of them
prove excellent hunters ; they are therefore very much prized by the
Indians, who pay great attention to their training.} —
These extensive savannahs are likewise the favourite haunt of the
Brown Coati (Nasua fusca) of the colonists, or Quasy and Kibihi of
the natives of Guiana. They measure about 18 inches, and the tail,
which is nearly the same length, is always carried erect. It is brown,
brightening to a rust colour on the belly and breast ; the tail brown,
with rings of black ; the snout long and moveable; the canine teeth
strong and hooked ; legs short, the hind a little longer than the fore
ones; the feet long; it walks always upon its heels like the bears,
frequently standing upon its hind legs.
They live in large societies, and know how to defend themselves
bravely if attacked by dogs; indeed they fall often en masse upon
them and kill the assailants. They are excellent climbers; and in
'® The Carasissi is Desmarest’s Canis cancrivorus, of which he gives the
following description, communicated to me since writing the above by Mr.
Waterhouse :
Canis cancrivorus, Desmarest.
“« Pélage cendré et varié de noir en dessus, parties inférieures d’un blanc-
jaunatre; oreilles brunes; cétés du cou derriére les oreilles, fauves; tarses
et bout de la queue noiratres.
Pieds. Pouces.
Longueur du corps ....... sd eases parks aicbat's 2
Longueur de la quevie . ......sccccsessescees 8
Il fait sa proie des Agoutis et des Paca, &c. et il mange aussi des fruits, tels
que ceux du bois rouge. II va par petites troupes de dix ou sept individues,
Patrie. La Guyane Frangaise.”
+ A good dog of that description which is trained to hunt deer, tapir, wild
hogs, paca or laba, &c. generally fetches a price of from ten to twelve pounds
sterling: the dogs imported from Europe suffer much from the effects of the
climate, and some kinds, as greyhounds, foxhounds, spaniels, pointers,
cockerels, &c. seldom thrive. ‘Terriers and bull-dogs appear to accustom
themselves earlier to the climate.
432 Information respecting Botanical Travellers.
descending a tree they always come down head foremost. Their food
consists of insects, fruits, roots and such small prey as they are able
to secure. They are destructive to young birds, and expert in dig-
ging after large beetles, for which their claws, which are very strong,
are admirably adapted. They do not burrow in the ground for a re-
sidence.
A friend of mine in Berbice possessed a brown Coati which was
domesticated. In its disposition it was extremely mild, and very fond
of being caressed; it was sometimes induced to play, although it evi-
dently preferred passing the greater part of the day asleep, rolling it-
self up inalump. When receiving its food it sat apparently with
great ease on its hinder legs, and thrusting its nails into the food,
it carried it in this position with both its paws to the mouth. It
possessed the peculiarity of gnawing on its own tail, which organ
bore the marks of this strange propensity. Its smell was strong and
disagreeable, and would have deterred many from keeping such an
animal in their house.
Although it seemed generally to derive great pleasure from being
stroked down the back, when it received these caresses from its
master it would turn over, and return with its paws these caresses
or thrust its long muzzle under the sleeve, uttering at the same time
a soft and gentle cry. Ifa cat or a dog approached it, the soft cry
would change to a shrill sound.
While travelling over the savannahs we have frequently met them
at broad daylight, and I recollect once a chase ensued that was highly
characteristic. ‘The instant poor Quasy perceived itself pursued it
made for the high grass, where no doubt it would have been able to
hide itself, if its tail, which it carried erect, did not point out its
situation. We found the single dog in our company unable to con-
tend with it, the Indians assisted therefore to dislodge it from the
retreat which the high grass partially afforded. The Coati now made for
the open savannah, the Indians following the harassed animal shout-
ing, the dog barking: it chose a path embarrassed with thorns and
briars, and took to the swampy ground below the stately Mauritius
palms ; but this was of no avail, its pursuers not being deterred ; like
a hare it doubled back to the spot grown over with high grass,
where it vainly sought for protection. Its strength being exhausted,
it was soon seized by its long tail by one of the Indians; but even
here it defended itself with desperate obstinacy; the Indian was
obliged to loose his hold, and a new scuffle arose : wherever it turned
it met an enemy ; beaten with bows and long poles, fired at with ar-
rows,
Information respecting Botanical Travellers. 433
rows, worried by the dog, it at last expired ; but I have seldom seen
such tenacity of life evinced as in this small animal.
Naturalists differ whether Nasua fusca and rufa are distinct in
species or mere variations in colour. I must confess that I have seen
every variety of shade in the brown species, and a change in the co-
lour of the fur takes place at the setting in of the rainy season in
May, when they are generally darker. Nevertheless the Indians
have told me of a black species, which they say is to be found in the
land of the Waccawai Indians, who inhabit the banks of the Maza-
rung. I have never had the fortune to meet with it ; however I pos-
sess the following note from Mr. Vieth, who, as already observed,
accompanied me during my late expeditions :—
“ T have seen only one specimen, which was brought by Macusis,
who came from the Essequibo by land over to the Demerara river.
It was a size larger than the largest brown coati I have seen, and of
a shining black, with the exception of the tail, which was ringed
with white. In its habits and proportions it resembled exactly the
brown coati.”’
The geographical range of the Nasua fusca extends over Guiana,
and is to be met with as well at the coast regions as at the plains of
the interior; and since we know that it inhabits Brazil likewise, its
distribution appears of great extent.
Although the Racoon is not an animal which inhabits the savan-
nahs*, its relation to the preceding genus induces me to give now
the few particulars which I know about its habits. It frequents the
sea coast, and is generally found in the neighbourhood of inhabited
spots, where it is destructive to poultry. Itis about 2 feet long and
9 inches high; the head is large, snout full and thick, the ears
of a moderate length; the nose is rather short, and more pointed
than that of a fox ; indeed its head reminds me of that of the hyzena.
The fore feet are shorter than the hinder, the five claws sharp, strong,
and with them and its teeth, which resemble those of a dog, it makes
a vigorous resistance or attacks its prey with success. Its hair is
long and shaggy, but very short upon the legs from the knee down-
wards ; the colour of its fur is a light brown, the legs black, the tail
thick, tapering towards a point and marked with black rings.
Among the favourite haunts of these animals are the thickets of
Curida bushes (Avicennia tomentosa), which extend along the sea
coast, where they feed upon crabs which they are expert in killing,
* It appears entirely local to the sea coast; the Macusi Indians do not
know the animal. The Warrans from the Corentyn call it Oghia.
Ann. Nat. Hist. Vol.4. No. 27. Suppl. Feb.1840. 21
434. Bibliographical Notices.
first tearing off their claws or nippers ; and being thus disabled from
doing harm, the crab dog or racoon uses its sharp teeth to break the
shell. In their native state they sleep by day, and issue at dusk in
search of food; birds, insects, roots, and vegetables, nothing comes
amiss ; and as they possess a particular fondness for sweets, I have
been told by practical planters that the injury which they do to sugar
plantations is very considerable.
They take their food with both paws like the squirrel, a are
fond of dipping it in water. I have noted with astonishment that
they drink as well by lapping like the dog as by sucking. I have
had several in a domesticated state, all of which possessed this pe-
culiarity.
They are very active ; their sharp claws enable them to climb trees
with great agility, and to leap with security from branch to branch.
When on the ground they move forward by bounding, and in an ob-
lique direction ; nevertheless they are swift enough, and rarely fall a
prey to their pursuers.
They are easily domesticated when taken young, and are then
harmless and amusing, but our endeavours to accustom two adults
which we had secured to a domesticated state proved entirely vain.
We were obliged to keep them chained ; they refused apparently to
eat or drink, and died the first two weeks after we had entrapped
them.
I have been told of a second species, but neither Mr. Vieth nor
myself have ever met with it, nor have I been able to ascertain in
what its distinguishing characters consist.
[To be continued. ]
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
Etudes de Micromammalogie. Revue des Musaraignes, des Rats et des
Campagnols, suivie d'un Index méthodique des Mammiferes d’ Europe.
Par Edm. De Selys-Longchamps, Membre de plusieurs Sociétés
savantes. Paris, 1839. 8vo. pp. 165. pls. 3.
We deem it very desirable that this little work should be brought
under the notice of our readers, as well on account of its intrinsic
merits, as on that of its relating to certain groups which have re-
cently attracted much attention in this country. It is also one of
that class of books written exclusively for the benefit of the working
naturalists, which of all others, in our opinion, tend most to the ad-
Bibliographical Notices. 435
vancement of zoology. Its author is already known to the public by
a small brochure published a few years back on the Arvicole of the
neighbourhood of Liége*. In the work now under review, he has
revised and described all the known species belonging to the three
genera of Sorex, Mus, and Arvicola inhabiting Europe; and he has
taken great pains in the investigation of their synonyms, and in the
endeavour to fix their respective characters with certainty and pre-
cision, besides giving ample notices of all that had been observed re-
specting their habits and places of abode. As these genera belong
to, or almost form in themselves, three distinct families of Mammalia,
and two out of the three belong even to different orders, it is clear
that they could not be collected into one group, established upon
‘their mutual affinities, and offering any characters by which they
might be distinguished in common from the rest of the class. It is
this circumstance which has led M. De Selys-Longchamps to adopt
as a title to his work the term ‘ Etudes de Micromammalogie ;’ in-
dicating simply the study of the Cheiroptera, Insectivora, and Roden-
tia, or the three orders of Mammalia embracing the smallest species
in the class, and none of which exceed a moderate size: and he dis-
claims all idea of attaching any further importance to this term, or
of wishing it to be accepted rigorously, as implying a distinct branch
of Mammalogy. With regard to the particular genera selected for
illustration in this work, it is observed that they are those least un-
derstood and most numerous in species; and that the greater part
of the other Rodentia may be found in the works of Pallas, Desmarest,
Fred. Cuvier, and De Blainville. We much regret, however, that the
Cheiroptera are not included, owing, it is alleged, to the author’s
not having been able to see himself all the described species, which
he considers indispensable to enable him to proceed with his task
surely. The reason is a good one; and it may serve to impress us
with a sense of the caution which he has used in endeavouring to
elucidate those groups, monographs of which are now submitted to
the public.
That he might profit from what has been accomplished by others
on the same subject, M. De Selys-Longchamps has visited a large
number of museums in France, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. He
has also been in correspondence with all the principal naturalists
whose names have been associated with any of the groups here
treated of. With many of them he has effected an interchange of
specimens ; and by these means he has been enabled to identify such
* Essai Monographique sur les Campagnols des Environs de Liége. Liége,
1836. 8yo, pp. 15. 4 planches coloriées.
212
436 Bibliographical Notices.
species as had been described from time to time, to compare them
with each other, and to determine which were to be considered as
true species, and which as varieties:
In the arrangement of the Soricide, which form the first division
of his work, M. De Selys-Longchamps has for the most part followed
Wagler, having only altered the value of the groups established by
that author. Thus he considers the entire family as divisible into
the two genera of Sorex and Crocidura. In the former he includes
Sorex and Crossopus of Wagler, here considered only as subgenera,
from their having many characters in common, in the ears, in the
colouring of the teeth, and in the fur and tail, and from the number
of the small lateral incisors not being esteemed a sufficient ground to
warrant a generic separation. The genus Crocidura comprises the
two subgenera of Pachyura and Crocidura, the former of which is
established here for the first time, for the reception of the Sorex
Etrusca of Savi, together with those foreign species having one more
lateral incisor above than the true Crocidure as restricted by our
author. It may be useful to those naturalists who are more familiar
with Duvernoy’s arrangement of this family than Wagler’s, to state
that the subgenus Sorex of this work answers to Amphisorexr of Du-
vernoy’s last memoir, Crossopus to Hydrosorer of the same author,
and Crocidura to Sorex ; the characters of which it is not necessary
to repeat here, as they have been already brought under the notice
of the English reader in a former number of this Magazine*. The
relative value, however, of these groups will be made more clear
when exhibited in the following manner; and it may be desirable to
annex to each the included species.
Gen. 1. SOREX, Liv.
ve
“
Subgen. 1. Sorex, Wagl. Subgen. 2. Crossopus, Wagl.
Sp. 1. tetragonurus, Herm. Sp. 4. fodiens, Pall.
2. pygmeus, Laxm. 5. ciliatus, Sow.
3. alpinus, Schinz.
Gen. 2. CROCIDURA, Wact.
I
Subgen. 1. Pacnyura, De Selys. Subgen. 2. Crocipura, Wag.
Sp. 1. Etrusca, Bonap. Sp. 2. Aranea, De Selys.
(Sorex Etr. Savi.) (Sor: Aran. Auct.)
3. Leucodon, Wagl.
* Ann. of Nat. Hist. vol. i. pp. 422 and 424.
Bibliographical Notices. 437
"The species here indicated are nearly identical with those adopted
by Nathusius*; and it is satisfactory to find two authors, who ap-
pear to have bestowed equal pains upon the subject, agree in their
estimation of what are to be considered good species in a group,
which, almost as much as any that can be mentioned, abounds in
spurious ones. M. De Selys-Longchamps has announced the fact
that there are more than eighteen names to choose out of for the
common water-shrew ; and Nathusius has annexed nearly two-thirds
that number of synonyms to the S. tetragonurus! The only respects
in which the list of species in this work differs from that of Nathu-
sius, are the adoption of the S. alpinus of Schinz, which Nathusius
does not appear to have personally examined, and the S. ciliatus of
Sowerby. With regard to this last, however, it is justly observed,
that there are many specimens apparently so intermediate between
it and S. fodiens, that the two may yet prove to be varieties of one
species, as Nathusius seems to have considered them.
As for the species described for the first time by Mr. Jenyns in
former numbers of this Magazine, M. De Selys-Longchamps, not
having seen them before the publication of his work, has placed them
in an Appendix, in which he has presented in a tabular form the
distinguishing characters of S. tetragonurus, S. rusticus, and S.
castaneus, as Mr. Jenyns has stated them. At the same time he
observes that those of the S. rusticus appear very marked, and apply
well to a small shrew found by himself in one instance in the pro-
vince of Liége, and which he had previously considered as a young
S. tetragonurus. He has made a similar observation with respect
to the S. Jabiosus of Jenyns, the characters of which he briefly no-
tices, adding that it agrees well with an individual seen by him at
Francfort-on-Main, obtained by Dr. Cretschmar ; though, without an
opportunity of inspecting recent individuals, he does not venture to
introduce it as an authentic species. Since the publication of his
book, M. De Selys-Longchamps has visited this country, when Mr.
Jenyns’s species were submitted to his examination. He still de-
clined offering any decided opinion about the S. /abiosus and the S.
castaneus ; but he expressed himself quite satisfied, that the small
shrew found in Ireland, considered by Mr. Jenyns as a variety of his
S. rusticus, was perfectly distinct from the S. tetragonurust.
* Wiegmann’s Archiv fiir Naturgeschichte, 1838, p. 45.
+ The name of Hibernicus will hardly be appropriate for this species, as
it has been found in several parts of England also; but if it be proved, as
Mr. Jenyns suspects will eventually be the case, to be not specifically distinct
from the shrew which he originally called rusticus, it may be retained under
this last name, without having recourse to any newone. Mr. Jenyns will,
before long, probably offer some remarks on this point.
438 Bibliographical Notices.
The second portion of M. De Selys-Longchamps’ work treats of
the European species of Mus, L., which are all retained under one
genus, admitting, however, of two sectional divisions as follows :
I. Omnivorous ; ears oblong, naked: containing six species, viz.
M. decumanus, Pall.; M. Alexandrinus, Geoff.; M. Rattus, Lin. ;
M. Musculus, Lin.; M. Islandicus, Thienem.; M. sylvaticus, Lin.
II. Granivorous ; ears rounded, hairy : containing two species,
viz. M. agrarius, Pall., and M. minutus, Pall. The former of these
is stated to be at the limits of the two groups, having the general
form of M. sylvaticus, with the ears of the second group.
To the above, another section is prefixed, containing what he
terms Rats échimoides, or those species the fur of which is mixed up
with sharp prickly hairs, as in the genus Echimys. This group, how-
ever, is entirely exotic, inhabiting the intertropical countries of Asia
and Africa.
It is not pretended that these divisions are capable of such strict
definition as to be applied rigorously, but it is thought that they are
sufficiently natural, taking them in the whole, without going into
details.
With regard to the species of this genus, the author observes, that
they have been much less confused than those of Arvicolu and Sorez,
if exception be made of the M. minutus (the Harvest Mouse of En-
glish authors), the synonymy of which we think he has sufficiently
cleared up. As for the others, it is principally in relation to their
habitats and their diagnostic characters that he has found any oc-
casion for making new remarks. The M. Alexandrinus, first described
by Geoffroy St. Hilaire in the great work on Egypt, is here consi-
dered to be the same as the M. Tectorum of Savi and the Prince of
Musignano, although regarded as distinct by the two authors just
mentioned. M. De Selys-Longchamps has pointed out the insuffi-
ciency of those characters which have been resorted to as grounds for
separating them. The M. Hibernicus of Thompson, he has noticed in
an appendix along with two Sicilian species discovered and described
by Rafinesque, the M. frugivorus and the M. Dichrurus, concerning
none of which he offers any opinion, as they have not fallen under
his own observation. At the same time, in reference to the first, he
states, that if the colour of the fur is constant, and especially if the
difference in the length of the ears between it and the M. Rattus is
not caused by the way in which the animal is prepared, he should
be tempted to admit it as a species. In another place he suggests,
whether it may not be a hybrid between the M. Rattus and the M.
decumanus. He adds, however, that this is not likely.
The genus Arvicola, which forms the subject of the third mono-
Bibliographical Notices. 439
graph in this work, is a more extensive group than either of the two
already treated of. It consists of eleven European species, of which
no less than four appear to have been first discovered or described by
M. De Selys-Longchamps himself. They are all arranged under two
sections, each of which is further divided into two others.
I. The first section consists of those species which have the ex-
~ ternal ears shorter than the fur, often almost none at all: eyes very
small.
This section comprises the two subordinate groups of (1.) Cam-
pagnols aquatiques (Hemiotomys, De Selys,) including A. ampl-
bius, Lacep.; A. monticola, De Selys; A. destructor, Savi, and
A. terrestris, Savi: and (2.) Campagnols Lemmings (Micrortus,
De Selys,) including the A. fulvus of Desmarest, and the A. Savii
of De Selys.
II. The second section consists of those species which have the
external ears as long as the fur and well developed ; eyes varying, often
prominent.
This section is subdivided into the two groups of (1.) Campagnols
proprement dits (Arvicota,) including the A. subterraneus, De Selys ;
A. arvalis, Lacep.; A. socialis, Desm.; A. duodecim-costatus, De
Selys: and (2.) Campagnols murins (Myonxs, De Selys), which last
group is instituted for the reception of the A. rubidus, De Selys (the
A. riparia of Yarrell), which is stated, on the authority of Nathusius,
to have the molar teeth with fangs in the adult state, a character
wherein it differs from all the other species of the genus.
M. De Selys-Longchamps states that the genus Mynomes of Rafi-
nesque forms a third section characterized by its scaly tail. It is not
his intention, however, to raise any of these sections to the rank of
a genus ora subgenus. He observes that they all pass into each other
by insensible differences in the length of the tail and ears; and in
regard to the character derived from the fangs of the teeth, that it
probably exists more or less in other species. And in imposing Latin
names on these groups, taken from among the synonyms of the ge-
nus, his only object has been to give foreigners an idea of the differ-
ent names which he has used in French.
It has been already stated that four of the above species were first
discovered or described by M. De Selys-Longchamps himself. These
are the A. monticola, the A. Savii, the A. subterraneus, and the A.
duodecim-costatus ; and it may be useful to repeat here their respect-
ive characters, as they are probably not much known to the natu-
ralists of this country, although three of these species have already
appeared in the ‘ Revue Zoologique,’ and the fourth has been de-
440 _ Bibliographical Notices.
scribed as well as figured in the author’s brochure on the Arvicole of
Liége. They are as follows :
1. A. monticola. Size of the A. amphibius. Tail pale ash, a little
shorter than half the length of the body : fur yellowish grey, mixt with
pale yellowish at the sides, whitish ash beneath and on the feet. (13
pairs of ribs?)
Inhabits the Pyrenees.
2. A. Savii. Size of the A.arvalis. External ears a little hairy,
much shorter than the fur: tail a little shorter than one-third of the
body ; of two colours, brownish above, whitish beneath: fur brown-
grey above, ash colour beneath: feet pale ash. (14 pairs of ribs.)
_ Inhabits Tuscany, Lombardy, and probably all Italy.
3. A.subterraneus. Size a little larger than that of the A. arvalis.
Ears a little shorter, of the length of the fur, nearly naked ; eyes very
small ; tail one third the length of the body, of two colours, blackish
above, white beneath : fur blackish grey above, ash-colour or whitish
on the abdomen only : feet deepash. (18 pairs of ribs.)
Inhabits Belgium, French Flanders, and the environs of Paris, but
no other parts of Europe, unless it be the Mus agrestis of Linné, in
which case it is found also in Sweden*.
4. A. duodecim-costatus. Size of the A. arvalis. Tail a little longer
than one third of the body. Twelve pairs of ribs : six lumbar vertebre.
PPE sax
Inhabits the South of France and the frontiers of Switzerland, but
supposed to be very rare. No skin of it exists, and only the osteo-
logy of itis known. ‘The 12 pairs of ribs distinguish it from every
other species excepting the A. socialis, and from this it may be known
by its longer tail, and by having 6 instead of 5 lumbar vertebre.
The A. destructor is a species found in Italy, which appears to
have been recognised by M. De Selys-Longchamps and M. Savi
nearly about the same time. It was originally described by the
former in the ‘ Revue Zoologique,’ under the name of A. Musignani,
but this name is exchanged here for destructor out of courtesy to
M. Savi, who had previously thus designated it. It is closely allied
to the A. amphibius, from which it may be known by a difference in
the fur, which much resembles that of the Mus decumanus, and by the
nearly uniform whitish-ash colour of the under parts. But its great
peculiarity resides in the form of the cranium, which is said to be
quite different from that of its congeners. This part is represented,
* This species was first characterized by M. Baillon in 1834, under the
name of Lemmus pratensis, but it had been discovered by M. De Selys-
Longchamps as long previously as 1831.
Bibliographical Notices. 44]
along with the crania of several other species of Arvicole, in three
plates which accompany the present work.
The A. terrestris is the A. argentoratensis of Desmarest and Les-
son. It is not the A. terrestris of the ‘ Fauna Italica,’ this last being
the same as the A. destructor mentioned above.
To each of the three monographs in this work is annexed a tabular
arrangement of the dimensions of all the species contained in the
respective genera. And in the case of the Arvicole, there are added
two other tables ; one exhibiting the relative characters of the crania
in the different species, the other the number of the ribs and ver-
tebree.
The work concludes with a complete list of all the Mammalia
hitherto discovered in Europe, amounting to 188 species, exclusively
of those which have been introduced by man, and which are only
domesticated.
We have dwelt the longer on this work in the hope that it may
stimulate naturalists to making further researches in our own country.
Notwithstanding the labours of M. De Selys-Longchamps, and the
pains which he has taken in the monographs above noticed, we are
satisfied that the subject is not yet exhausted. There are several
species in the three genera of Sorex, Mus, and Arvicola which re-
quire further investigation, and doubtless some which remain yet to
be discovered. The British Shrews are not entirely cleared up. We
have also more than once had submitted to our examination speci-
mens of a mouse from the tops of the Irish mountains, closely allied
to the M. sylvaticus, but apparently offering some differences: un-
fortunately they were not in a sufficiently good state of preservation
to allow of any decided opinion respecting them. We may further
add that it appears doubtful whether we have not in our museums
two species of Arvicola confounded under the name of A. agrestis or
arvalis, one of which is the true A. arvalis of M. De Selys-Long-
champs, but the other so far distinct as not to have been immediately
recognised by this naturalist when specimens were submitted to his
view during his recent visit to this country. Ireland again seems to
possess a species of this genus which it is likely will be found differ-
ent from all those hitherto recorded as natives of Great Britain. But
further remarks on some of these points will probably be brought
under the notice of our readers before long.
442 Zoological Society.
PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES.
ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
February 26, 1839.—The Rev. F. W. Hope, in the Chair.
Mr. Fraser exhibited a new species of Corythair, which he pro-
ceeded to characterize as follows :
CoryTHAIX MACRORHYNCHUS. Cor. rostro pregrandi aurantiaco,
ad basin sanguineo ; capite, cristd, collo pectoreque viridibus ;
cristd ad apicem albd, et purpureo notata ; lined alba infra oculos
excurrente ; dorso alisque metallicé purpureis ; primariis san-
guineis nigro marginatis ; caudd superné metallice viride ; femo-
ribus cauddque subtus nigris ; tarsis nigris.
Long. tot. 14 poll.; rostri, 14; ale, 6; caude, 6; tarsi, 14.
Hab. ?
This species of Corythaix lived for some time in the Society’s
Menagerie, having been purchased from a dealer who was unac-
quainted with its locality.
Compared with the known species of the genus, it approaches
most nearly to the Corythaiz Persa of authors, but from this it may
readily be distinguished by its smaller size ; and the form, compara-
tively large size, and colouring of the beak. The colouring of the
plumage also differs in some respects : like C. Persa, the head, neck,
and breast are green, but the feathers on these parts are of a deeper
hue than in that species; the feathers of the crest, instead of being
simply tipped with white, having a white transverse line near the
apex, but at the apex they are purple-black. Minute black feathers
encircle the eye, and a white stripe extends from beneath the eye
on to the ear. The beak is much arched above, and somewhat in-
flated at the base; the nostrils are very large, and not hidden, as in
C. Persa, by the decumbent feathers, these extending only to the
posterior angle of the nostril. The upper mandible is of a bright
yellow colour, excepting all that portion which lies below and be-
hind the nostrils, which is of a brilliant red colour; the lower man-
dible is of the same red tint, but tipped with yellow. Both mandi-
bles present simple sharp-cutting edges, in this respect exhibiting a
different structure from that observable in the allied species, C. Persa
and C. Buffonii, in which the mandibles have their cutting edges
serrated. ‘The back and upper surface of the wings are of a deep
purple-blue tint, exhibiting in certain parts greenish reflections.
The primaries (with the exception of the first quill) and the second-
aries (with the exception of the three or four innermost quills) are
red, margined with black ; the shafts of these feathers are also black.
The outer primary is black, and the two or three following feathers
are broadly margined externally with the same colour. All the
wing feathers are black at the base; on the outermost feathers the
Zoological Society. 443
black colouring occupies but little space, but in each successive
feather it increases in extent. ‘The feathers of the tail are of a very
dark green colour above, inclining to black ; beneath they are black,
but exhibit indistinct purple reflections. ‘The rump, upper and un-
der tail coverts, thighs, and vent are black, obscurely tinted with
purple or green in parts. The tarsi are black. ‘The eyes are hazel,
and the naked, or almost naked, space around the eye, is of a crimson
colour; not carunculated, as in C. Buffonii and C. leucotis.
A highly-interesting and valuable series of specimens of the Paper
Nautilus (Argonauta Argo), consisting of the animals and their
shells of various sizes, of ova in various stages of development,
and of fractured shells in different stages of reparation, were ex-
hibited and commented on by Professor Owen, to whom they had
been transmitted for that purpose by Madame Jeanette Power,
Mr. Owen stated that these specimens formed part of a large collec-
tion, illustrative of the natural history of the Argonaut, and bearing
especially on the long-debated question of the right of the Cepha-
lopod inhabiting the Argonaut shell to be considered as the true
fabricator of that shell.
This collection was formed by Madame Power in Sicily in the
year 1838, during which period she was engaged in repeating her
experiments and observations on the Argonaut, having then full
cognizance of the nature of the little parasite (Hectocotylus, Cuv.),
which had misled her in regard to the development of the Argonaut
in a previous suite of experiments described by her in the Transac-
tions of the Gizenian Academy for 1836.
As this mistake had been somewhat illogically dwelt on, to depre-
ciate the value of other observations detailed in Madame Power’s
Memoir, Mr. Owen observed, that it was highly satisfactory to
find that the most important of the statements in that memoir had
been subsequently repeated and confirmed by an able French mala-
cologist, M. Sander Rang.
The collection of Argonauts, —Cephalopods and shells,—preserved
in spirits, included twenty specimens, at different periods of growth,
the smallest having a shell weighing not more than one grain and
a half, the remainder increasing, by small gradations, to the com-
mon-sized mature individual.
The inductions, which the present collection of Argonauts of
different ages and sizes legitimately sustained, were in exact ac-
cordance with Madame Power’s belief that the Cephalopod was the
true constructor of the shell, while no contradictory inference had
been, or could be, deduced from an examination of the specimens
themselves.
444 Zoological Society.
With reference to the second suite of specimens, viz. the ova of
the Argonaut in different stages of development, Mr. Owen entered
into a detailed account of the new and interesting facts which they
revealed. In the ova most advanced, the distinction of head and
body was established; the pigment of the eyes, the ink in the ink-
bladder, the pigmental spots on the skin, were distinctly developed ;
the siphon, the beak,—which was colourless and almost transparent,
—and the arms were also discernible by a low microscopic power;
the arms were short and simple; the secreting membranes of the
shell were not developed, and of the shell itself there was no trace.
Mr. Owen then recapitulated as follows, the evidence, which, in-
dependently of any preconceived theory or statement, could be de-
duced from the admirable collection of Argonauta Argo due to the
labours of the accomplished lady who had contributed so materially
to the elucidation of a problem which had divided the zoological
world from the time of Aristotle. :
Ist. The Cephalopod of the Argonaut constantly maintains the
same relative position in its shell.
2nd. The young Cephalopod manifests the same concordance
between the form of its body and that of the shell, and the same per-
fect adaptation of the one to the other, as do the young of other
testaceous Mollusks.
8rd. The young Cephalopod entirely fills the cavity of its shell:
the fundus of the sac begins to be withdrawn from the apex of the
shell only when the ovarium begins to enlarge under the sexual
stimulus.
4th. The shell of the Argonaut corresponds in size with that of its
inhabitant, whatever be the differences in the latter in that respect.
(‘The observations of Poli, of Prevost, and myself, on a series of
Argonauta rufa, before cited, are to the same effect.’’)
5th. The shell of the Argonaut possesses all the requisite flexibi-
lity and elasticity which the mechanism of respiration and locomo-
tion in the inhabitant requires: it is also permeable to light.
6th. The Cephalopod inhabiting the Argonaut repairs the frac-
tures of its shell with a material having the same chemical compo-
sition as the original shell, and differing in mechanical properties
only in being a little more opake. |
7th. The repairing material is laid on from without the shell, as
it should be according to the theory of the function of the mem-
branous arms as calcifying organs.
8th. When the embryo of the Argonaut has reached an advanced
stage of development in ovo, neither the membranous arms nor shell
are developed.
Zoological Society. 445
9th. The shell of the Argonaut does not present any distinctly
defined nucleus.
Mr. Owen finally proceeded to consider the validity of the best
and latest arguments advanced in favour of the parasitism of the
Cephalopod of the Argonaut.
Finally, Mr. Owen proceeded to state in detail the points which
still remained to be elucidated in the natural history of this most in-
teresting Mollusk. Among other experiments he suggested that
the young Argonaut should be deprived of one of the velated arms,
and preserved in a marine vivarium, with the view to determine the
influence which such mutilation might have on the future growth of
the shell: but in proposing further experiments, and while admitting
that the period of the first formation of the shell yet remained to be:
determined, Mr. Owen stated that he regarded the facts already as-
certained to be decisive in proof that the Cephalopod of the Argonaut
was the true fabricator of its shell.
March 12. The notice of M. Temminck’s letter, and the second
part of Dr. Cantor’s paper, read this day, have been inserted above,
pp. 273. 341.
April 9, 1839.—The Rev. F. W. Hope, in the Chair.
A collection of beautifully finished drawings of Tasmanian Fishes
was exhibited to the Members present, these drawings having been
sent to the Society by Dr. Lhotsky for that purpose. In a letter
accompanying these drawings, Dr. Lhotsky stated that they had all
been executed, under his own superintendence, from fresh specimens.
A new species of Hamster was exhibited by Mr. Waterhouse, and
characterized as follows:
Cricetus auratus. Cri. aureo-fuscescens, subtis albidus : pilis
mollissimis, supra ad basin plumbeis, subtis ad basin cinereis :
auribus mediocribus, rotundis : caudd brevissimd pilis albis obsitd.
unc. lin.
Longitudo ab apice rostri ad caude basin .. 7 6
PONE ey SN eS aT eee 0 5
ab apice rostriad basinauris .... Il 6
tarsi digitorumque.... . 604 essres 0 10
he de NOs OE a a Q 7
Hab. Aleppo.
** This species is less than the common Hamster (Cricetus vul-
garis), and is remarkable for its deep golden yellow colouring. The
fur is moderately long and very soft, and has a silk-like gloss: the
deep golden yellow colouring extends over the upper parts and sides
of the head and body, and also over the outer side of the limbs : on
the back, the hairs are brownish at the tip, hence in this part the
fur assumes a deeper hue than on the sides of the body : the sides
446 Zoological Society.
of the muzzle, throat, and under parts of the body are white, but
faintly tinted with yellow: on the back, and sides of the body, all
the hairs are of a deep gray or lead colour at the base ; and on the
under parts of the body, the hairs are indistinctly tinted with gray
at the base. The feet and tail are white. The ears are of moderate
size, furnished externally with deep golden-coloured hairs, and in-
ternally with whitish hairs. The moustaches consist of black and
white hairs intermixed.
« The skull, when compared with that of Cricetus vulgaris, differs
in not having the anterior root of the zygomatic arch produced an-
teriorly in the form of a thin plate, which in that animal, as in the
Rats, serves to protect an opening which is connected with the nasal
cavity: the facial portion of the skull is proportionately longer and
narrower: in size there is much difference, the skull of Cricetus au-
ratus being one inch and six lines in length, and ten lines in breadth,
measuring from the outer side of the zygomatic arches.”
April 23, 1839.—William H. Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair.
A letter was read from Dr. Weissenborn, dated Weimar, Febru-
ary 19, 1839. It accompanied a female specimen of the Hamster
(Cricetus vulgaris), which he begged to present to the Society, and
related to some longitudinal, naked (or nearly naked) marks which
are observable on the hips of that animal,
These marks, Dr. Weissenborn states, are found in every Ham-
ster, though usually hidden by the long fur which surrounds them,
and the common opinion of the furriers (who have to cut them out
and to repiece the skin) is, that they arise from friction. Being
situated over the hip-bones, and therefore more exposed than
other parts, the hair is worn whilst the animal is moving in its bur-
row. ‘This is the opinion also of the earlier authors, but ‘is, how-
ever, erroneous, as remarked already by Dr. Sulzer, in his valuable
monograph on this species, published at Gotha in 1774. These
spots are visible the very moment the hair begins to grow, in the
naked young, and they are the very places where the growth of the
hair becomes first apparent. At this early stage of the animal’s life,
they appear on the inner side of the skin, when viewed by trans-
mitted or reflected light, as two dark spots. When all the hair is
developed the case is reversed, and these spots appear paler than the
rest of the skin. Dr. Sulzer confesses himself to be quite ignorant
of the part which these peculiar spots act in the ceconomy of the
animal, and no subsequent author has explained the subject. I
imagine no person, after Sulzer, has turned his attention seriously
to it, but it is to be wondered that he was not more successful, being
Zoological Society. 447
an accurate and clever observer. ‘The reason why the Hamster is
furnished with these spots appears to me very far from being myste-
rious, and had the cause not been mistaken for the effect, I think
anybody might have hit upon the idea, that nature had made the
short, stiff, and closely adpressed hairs, to grow upon these spots of
the Hamster’s body, which are most exposed to friction, and at the
same time contiguous to bone, that the hair and the skin might be
competent to stand the wear and tear to which they necessarily are
subjected in the narrow burrow of an animal, which is very brisk
in its movements; and no doubt the skin, which gives rise to a dif-
ferent kind of hair, is of a different structure from the rest ; and as
this hair is more stiff, the skin which it covers is probably more
callous.
“‘ In the present state of the science of physiology, it may be im-
possible to state with sufficient precision the conditions on which the
peculiar structure of the skin and hair, in these particular spots, de-
pends. The relation in which the latter stand to the hip-bones by
peculiar tissues may perhaps help to explain the circumstance, as |
the neighbourhood of, and connexion with, bony structures, have
an evident influence on the nature of the skin and its productions.”
Mr. Waterhouse remarked, that the description which Dr. Weis-
senborn had given of the peculiar spots on the hips of the Hamster,
caused him to suspect that they were glands, analogous to those ob-
servable in the Shrews, and might help the animals to distinguish
each other in their dark burrows.
Mr. Waterhouse exhibited two specimens of a species of Lark
from China, which had recently died in the Society’s Menagerie,
having been presented to the Society by J. R. Reeves, Esq. It was
characterized as follows :
ALAUDA SINENSIS. Al, supra rufo-fusca, subtis alba, fascid lata
pectorali nigrd ; lined sordide alba ab oculis, ad occiput extensd ;
fronte, nuchd, et humeris castaneis ; remigibus primariis nigris,
marginibus externis angusté fuscescenti-albis, remige primo illo
externe marginato ; caudd nigrd, rectrice utringue externd albd,
ad basin nigro lavatd, proximd utrinque albo-marginatd ; rectri-
cibus intermediis duabus fuscescentibus.
Long. tot. 8 unc. ; rostri, 2; ale, 5; caude, 31; tarsi, 10 lin.
Hab. apud Sinam.
The Chinese Lark very much resembles, and is nearly allied to,
the Alanda Calandra of authors, but differs in the following parti-
culars. ‘The beak is more compressed, and the upper mandible has
two longitudinal grooves on each side, the upper one of which gives
a keel-like edge to the culmen ; the tail is proportionately longer,
the tarsi are shorter ; the feet are smaller, and the hinder claws, in-
448 Zoological Society.
stead of being bent downwards, are slightly recurved*. In the co-
louring there are also points of distinction: in lieu of the dull brown
tint on the top of the head and back, the present species possesses
rich rufous brown feathers. In one specimen the body is yellowish
white beneath, but in the other it is pure white.
Mr. Waterhouse then proceeded to make some observations upon
a series of skulls of Rodents which were upon the table. These
skulls belonged chiefly to species of the various genera contained in
the families Chinchillide (consisting of the genera Chinchilla, Lagotis,
and Lagostomus), and Caviide—composed of the genera Cavia, Ke-
rodon, Dolichotis, and Hydrocherus. Numerous points of resem-
blance between these two families were dwelt upon, more particu-
larly in the structure of the teeth, the form of the palate, the con-
tracted glenoid cavity, the form of the lower jaw, and direction of
the lower pair of incisors. The Caviide, however, possess certain
characters, independent of those observable in the form of the teeth,
which renders it easy to distinguish them from the Chinchillide. He
alluded especially to the shortness of the condyloid process of the
lower jaw, the forward position of the coronoid process, the peculiar
projecting ridge on the outer side of the horizontal ramus, and the
form of the descending ramus or angle of the jaw; this projects con-
siderably beyond the line of the coronoid process, whereas in the
Chinchillide it terminates in a line with the posterior portion of the
coronoid process, or projects but slightly beyond that line.
Among the Chinchillide, the Lagostomus trichodactylus, observes
Mr. Waterhouse, approaches most nearly to the Cavies, the angle
of the lower jaw being less acute and the coronoid process more for-
ward than in the other species.
In the imperfect state of the palate, the narrowness of the ante-
rior and posterior sphenoids, the form of the occipital condyles, the
form of the articular portion of the lower jaw, and the almost hori-
zontal direction of the incisors of the lower jaw of the Chinchillas
and Cavies, Mr. Waterhouse stated he had found characters which
induced him to place those animals next before the Leporide.
May 14. Mr. Cunningham’s account of the Apteryx, and Mr.
Hope’s Monograph of Euchlora, have been inserted above, pp.312.342.
May 28.—William Ogilby, Esq. in the Chair.
A paper from the Rev. R. T. Lowe was read, entitled ‘‘ A Supple-
ment to the Synopsis of the Fishes of Madeira,” inserted above, p. 405.
* « This difference in the form of the claw cannot be depended on, as the
birds have been for some time in confinement; they may originally have
been straight, but I think they never could have been curved downwards.”
Zoological Society. 449
June 11.—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair.
Mr. Bucknell exhibited his Hccaleobion, or machine for hatching
eggs; and having broken eggs in every stage of incubation, explained
the nature and incidents of the process. Mr. Bucknell stated that
the period of incubation in the common fowl, which was, on an ayer-
age, 21 days, sometimes varied from 18 to 24 days, and that he at-
tributed this variation to the mode of keeping, and previous treat-
ment, by which the embryo was injured, either from the heat of the
weather, exposure to variety of temperature, jolting in carriage, &c.
The young bird was occasionally known to emit a faint chirp even
so long as 24 hours before being excluded; and he believed that if this
noise was heard on the 18th day the chickens would probably appear
on the 19th. From this and other circumstances, such as the common
mode of preparing eggs by varnishing, &c., the porosity of the shell,
and other similar causes, he concluded that the small globule of air
constantly found in eggs, and which he had observed to increase ac-
cording to the age of the egg, was produced by the air penetrating
the substance of the shell and its lining membrane.
The average number of malformations, according to Mr. Buck-
nell’s experience, was not more than five in a thousand; though in
Egypt, it was stated, that malformations were extremely common in
the artificial process of incubation. He attributed this circumstance to
an excess of heat, and generally found it to affect the toes and ex-.
tremities ; sometimes also the muscles of the neck.
A general conversation afterwards took place on this subject,
during which much interesting and valuable information was ex-
tracted, with regard to the period and circumstances of the incuba-
tion.
A letter from H. Cuming, Esq., Corr. Memb., dated Manilla, No-
vember 18, 1837, was read. ‘This letter stated that Mr. Cuming had
forwarded a collection containing 395 birds and 12 quadrupeds,
from the southern part of the Island of Luzon.
Mr. Cuming states that quadrupeds are scarce in the Philippine
Islands, and that he has been able to procure all the species known
excepting three, two of which are Deer, and the third is a species of
Buffalo, of small size, with straight and sharply-pointed horns.
This last animal Mr. Ogilby stated was most probably the Anoa de-
pressicornis.
Mr. Ogilby exhibited the skull of an Elk from Nova Scotia, brought
over by Dr. Cox, and remarkable for its great size as compared —
the dimensions of the horns.
Ann. Nat. Hist. Vol.4. No.27. Suppl. Feb. 1840. 2x
450 Zoological Society.
Mr. Ogilby also called the attention of the meeting to a collection
of skins from Sierra Leone, exhibited by Mr. Garnett. Among
others were three of the Chimpanzee, apparently adult, but too much
mutilated to admit of obtaining the dimensions ; two of Colobus ur-
sinus, one of which had the tail of a rusty white colour, instead of
the pure white which generally characterizes the species; and one
of a species of Cat, which Mr. Ogilby believed to be undescribed,
and for which he proposed the name of
Fetis Servatina. F. supra fulva, maculis nigris, minutis, copio-
sissimis ; subtis albida ; caudd brevissimd.
‘«