4 ede Phordind meet ease eon 2 eg ighin eS oe oe eee Sagi ‘* r ge Apel oe ere Me! ane Pie area opie ees a aegis ted ? 7 . Vo : - . , hae 4 ; . ae pi Parsee, P ne Fre ie JM : Y 9 re f . sm) .! 6s aor nt ee P +. ¢ ihes Scene rin slastor Sa Pac feces Siew Se ae : eee Le OETA deta ‘ ery i rv St Presid, Co: eu Brie « me AST res aor i beet r t a aa ORO oul welt. ae i i ta A i « mest ny, ey aa xk & . j wy \ y ' y qs \ » 4 ‘ Tae | oa a » i : ‘amen Akal iy ast : 7 : ha? Le THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY, ZOOLOGY, BOTANY, anno GEOLOGY. (BEING A CONTINUATION OF THE ‘ MAGAZINE OF BOTANY AND ZOOLOGY,’ AND OF LOUDON AND CHARLESWORTH ’S ‘MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.’) CONDUCTED BY Sir W. JARDINE, Bart., F.L.S.—P. J. SELBY, Esa., F.L.S., GEORGE JOHNSTON, M.D., | CHARLES C. BABINGTON, Esa., M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S., J. H. BALFOUR, M.D., Reg. Prof. Bot. Glasg., AND RICHARD TAYLOR, F.L.S., F.G.S. VOL. XI. nreeeerrsren~n Sms» M0 Ym" LONDON: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY R. AND J. E. TAYLOR. SOLD BY S. HIGHLEY; SIMPKIN AND MARSHALL; SHERWOOD AND CO.; Ww. WOOD, TAVISTOCK STREET ; BAILLIERE, REGENT STREET, AND PARIS: LIZARS, AND MACLACHLAN AND STEWART, EDINBURGH : CURRY, DUBLIN: AND ASHER, BERLIN. 1843. ‘*Omnes res create sunt divine sapientiz et potentie testes, divitic felicitatis humane :—ex harum usu bonifas Creatoris; ex pulchritudine sapientia Domini ; ex ceconomia in conservatione, proportione, renovatione, potentia majestatis elucet. Earum itaque indagatio ab hominibus sibi relictis semper estimata; a vere eruditis et sapientibus semper exculta; male doctis et barbaris semper inimica fuit.”— Linn. CONTENTS OF VOL. XI. NUMBER LXVIL. 3 Rodding of a Species of Iehnewmon whose Larva is parneli on Spiders. By Joun Bracxwatt, Esq., F.L.S. ......+. kalv cap hae Dbowrin’ II. Notice of Saurian Dermal-Plates from the Wealden of sia Isle of Wight. By Joun Epwarp Lez, Esq... (With a Plate.) ...ccc.sseeeeeeoee III. On the Discovery of the Remains of a Mastodontoid Pachyderm in Australia. By Prof. Owen, F.R.S. (With Woodcuts.) ...seecceesees ‘ IV. Observationes de paso Plantis Surinamensibus. By Dr. FB. AS G. Mrquen: mawasdith. cian ads. be. ssid. reecccevecceteceencts + V. Descriptions of new ‘Shells Sy the Collection of Capt. Belcher, R.N., C.B., &c. By Ricnarp Brinstex Hinps, Esq., Surgeon R.N. - VI. Hints towards a new specific character in the Willows. By W. A. Lereuton, B.A., F.B.S.E., &e. (With Woodcuts.) ....cecceccecseses VII. Contributions to the Ichthyology of Australia. . By Joun Ricwarpson, M.D., F.R.S., &c., Inspector of Hospitals, Haslar. (Con- oe oe eon emnpe npr Kinksons Neus oy Ceeren nace i vaeuisade asi deeb bisabialhe ‘ VIII. Observations on the “ Sea-Cup. ” By Cuarzes W. Peacu, MAGS LWT © PUNTO). ccadnaessteccceevess ces Speeoeseees sop yhey ave Reperery eee IX. Descriptions of Chalcidites discovered near Conception in South America by C. Darwin, Esq. By Francis Warxer, Esq., F.L.S. ... X. On drying Plants for the Herbarium by means of a Deliquescent Salt, By J, J. MOnCotr, Beg. cisasi sis sesevcecesnceseeseses secesacceeccees eee XI. On the relative position of the Divisions of Stigma and Parietal Placentz in the Compound Ovarium of Plants. By Rosert Brown, BOGE Rk AE LB. srgsgneviecs plauehisectesaness Sebete neh BEN SPREE ge cee an XII. On the Structure of the Capsule of Papaveracee; and on the Nature of the Stigma of Crucifere. By J. W. Howe t, Esq., M.R.C.S. XIII, Observations on the Metamorphosis of an Annelide. By S. Loven. (With & Plate.) ...cissccccccvcnse vopandVeuvey kt en duse meas vse eehune - XIV. Description of two new species of Reptiles from the Collection made during the Voyages of H.M.S. Sulphur. By J. E. Gray, Esq., ERB ciieidicceccchperassavtvgeuteresetose sna? voecccccees deeccontececcosavenses eee New Books :—The Grasses of Scotland, by Richard Parnell, M.D., F.R.S.E., &e.—Histoire Naturelle des Poissons d’eau douce, par I,, Agassiz.—Narrative of a Residence on the Mosquito Shore, by T. Young.—Report on the Invertebrata of Massachusetts —Fi- gures of Molluscous Animals, by Maria-Emma Gray —The Natu- Page 1 46 iv CONTENTS. : Page ralist’s Library, vol. xxxv :—Mammailia, vol. xiii. Introduction, by Lieut.-Col. C. Hamilton Smith.—Nomenclator Zoologicus, auctore L. Agassiz.—The Birds of Australia, by J. Gould, F.L.S., &c. Parts VIII. 1X.—Icones Piscium; or, Plates of Rare Fishes, by Dr. Richardson. ...............00. Sates Dts Mase dhedicecess cvccee 47—58 Proceedings of the Entomological Society; Wernerian Natural History Society; Royal Society of Edinburgh ; Botanical Society of Edin- burgh Ceeeveee Seer cessor resseeersessreseseeses Seereeeccscesesereesessees® . 58—74 Meeting of the British Association for 1843 ; Epilobium virgatum, Fries ; Habits of Tarsipes Spensere; New British Plant; Note on Ho- meeocladia anglica, Ag.; Juncus diffusus, Hoppe, and Drosera obovata, M. and K.; White’s Thrush; Fossil Mammalia ; Curator- ‘ship of the Geological Society ; Meteorological Observations and Table wisi isis. esis nt Sebstbacte Jobe suey du case esteesebivesess FO——OO NUMBER LXVIII. XV. The Natural History of the British Entomostraca. By W. Bairp, M.D. (With two Plates.) (Continued.) .....scsceee paves defen .*- 81 _ XVI. Observations on the Formation of the Pitted Tissue of Plants, with one or two remarks on the Analogy between the Blood-discs in Animals and the Starch Particles in Vegetables. By Jounn Wm. Grir- ritu, M.D., F.L.S., &. (With a Plate.)..........4. wked canabedberein, ayaaie 95 XVII. The Crustacea of Ireland. By Wma. Tuomrson, Esq., Vice- Pres. Nat. Hist. Society of Belfast. (Continwed.) ..veccrcsesccsceacoes oo. 102 XVIII. Remarks on three species of Marine Zoophytes. By ArtuuR Hitt Hassarr, Esq. ......cccceceseees Siaeattenasneeaboadsesschaene Seasinsactens BEL XIX. On certain species of Siberian Birds described by Latham, but which have hitherto been insufficiently determined. By Prof. J. F. Branot of St. Petersburgh. (Communicated by H. E. Strickland, Esq., M. A.) @eeseeeeeeseetseseetee SOCeeesseseeseesese @eceeseeeeretasetes @teeeesteaereeseeee ae 1138 XX. Descriptions.of Chalcidites found near Lima by C. Darwin, Esq. By Francis WAukEr, Esq., F.L.S.......ccececsesscssccscscscssseeees . 115 XXI. Descriptions of some new genera and species of Mammalia in the British Museum Collection. By J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S., Keeper of the Zoological Collection in the British Museum ......ecseseeeeresees 117 XXII. History and Observations on the Pearly Nautilus, involving a new Theory to account for the camerated construction of its Shell by the aid of the Siphonic Membrane. By Loveti Reeve, Esq., A.L.S. 119 XXIII. History of a Case in which a Fluid periodically ejected from the Stomach contained Vegetable Organisms of an undescribed form. By Joun Goopsir, Esq., Conservator of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh ......... iene sUpovenesteawiaaemiaetsswsess Besesubbeckesecipewevaceeee 125 XXIV. On the Parasitic Vegetable Structures found growing in Living Animals. By J. H. Bennett, M.D. ..ccscccssocrseeeeees evesesree 128 CONTENTS. Vv Page New Books :—A History of British Starfishes, by Edward Forbes.— A General History of Animalcules: Part I., by A. Pritchard. 127—140 Proceedings of the Zoological Society; Geological Society ; Botanical Society of London; Microscopical Society of London; Royal So- ciety of Edinburgh .......ssecseesseeees doescccececoees seesenomeses 141—158 Maianthemum bifolium ; Dr. Patrick Neill; Collections of Plants, Birds, and Minerals; Meteorological Observations and Table ... 158—160 NUMBER LXIX. XXV. On a new Genus of Alge belonging to the family of the Nostochine. By Gro. J. Auman, A.B., L.R.C.S.I., Secretary to the Dublin Microscopical Society. (With a Plate.) ........ pacbsneesisscuyans 161 XXVI. Notice of several Cases of Defective and Redundant Orga- nization observed among the 4raneidea. By Joun Briackwatt, Esq., FE cistasisvwten Sc ss ccnsasédossrnabbencens laine) atin deiksonset itiviewseloess «- 165 XXVII. Description of a new species of Carex found near Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire. By Cuarzes C. Basineron, M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S., &c.. (With a Plate.) uv. icconcvasssencosevhciocssvcnbndsossiacsveoeeses scvcceeveee 168 XXVIII. Contributions to the I bcaeoens of Australia. By Joun Ricuarpson, M.D., F.R.S., &e. (Continwed.) ...cccccccocescccscesees eos 169 XXIX. On the Structure and Functions of the Pollen Granules. By Wiix1am WILSON, Esq. ..cccscssccccsseccvesccsccccteccscnecccscsccsceses . 182 XXX. Descriptions of Chalcidites discovered in the Isle of Chonos by C. Darwin, Esq. By Francis Waker, Esq., F.L.S. .....eeeceeeee 184 XXXI. Descriptions of Chalcidites discovered in Coquimbo by C. Darwin, Esq. By Francis Waker, Esq., F.L.S. ...eceeeeeee seovee 185 XXXII. Some Rectification of the Nomenclature of Australian Birds. By Gzorce Ropert GRAy, Esq. ..c.cscceeceescens Vas edbssenesced 189 XXXIII. Descriptions of several new Genera and Species of Cri- noidea. By Tuomas Austin, Esq. and Tuomas Austin, Jun., Civil Engineer oovees.cccceeee soekveubease ees ese ndscccocecsocesosedenbe deveeseeveccvesees 195 XXXIV. On two new Species of British Masci. By Tuomas Tay- tor, M.D., Dunkerron, Kenmare ......... dondjene dcedevevceces sobesecedees 208 New Books :—Natural History of New York. Zoology, or the New- York Fauna, by James E. De Kay: Part I. Mammalia.—Icones Plantarum, by Sir W. J. Hooker, K.H., &c. Part [X.—Flora Ita- lica, by A. Bertoloni, Eq.-Aur. M.D. ......ssccoscsscesceseesees 209—211 Proceedings of the Zoological Society ; Linnzean Society ......... 213—237 On the presence of Theine in the Leaves of Jlex Paraguyensis; Sula melanura ; Capture of Bottle-nosed Whales; Note on Pagurus Pri- deauxit; Meteorological Observations and Table. ..........+. 237—240 NUMBER LXX. XXXV. Observations on the Habits of a Tenthredo or Saw-fly. By Pie GRE Re MEME: CWIith & Plate.) sasccicedisscsccdevessénesesceveteccdoveas we 241 “vi - CONTENTS. XXXVI. Descriptions of new species of Coleopterous Insects be- longing to the genus Apocyrtus, collected by Hugh Cuming, Esq,, in Page the Philippine Islands. By G. R. Wareruouss, Esq., Assistant Se- cretary and Curator to the Zoological Society. (Continued.)...... covene XXXVII. Descriptions of new Shells from the Collection of Captain Sir Edward Belcher, R.N., C.B. By Ricnuarp Brinstey Hinps, Esq., 247 255 Surgeon R.N. (Continued.) sadeeuseagudsesgtoaphasosebedesececdors aeteassentes XXXVIII. On Fumaria micrantha, Lag., and F. calycina, Bab. By © Cuartes C. Basrnaton, M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S., &c........ schon Aoeed Uappens XXXIX. Series of Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of Zoology uniform and permanent, being the Report of a Committee for the consideration of the subject appointed by the British Association for the Advancement of Science ....c.cceceseeceeseccersecees devcdeneubebeees XL. On the History and Habits of the Rook, Corvus Srugilegus, Linn... By the Rev. Davin Lanpsporoveu ........ setvesesees Sasestietessds XLI. Note in reply to Dr. Griffith’s Remarks on the Pitted Tissue of Plants, on Muscle, &. By Martin Barry, M.D., F.R.SS. L. & E. XLII. On a new British Starfish of the genus Goniaster. By Prof. Epwarp Forsgs, V.P.W.S., F.L.S., F.B.S.; &c. (With a Plate.) ... XLIII. Description of a new genus of Carabideous Insects brought from the Falkland Islands by Charles Darwin, Esq. By G. R. Warer- nousE, Esq.,. Assistant Secretary. and Curator to the Zoological So- Clety, RC. ..ieccseracscesccsccescscdeesoeceserscnces Weeds se Deeuse dives Seibed access XLIV..The Birds of Ireland By Wm. Tuompson, Esq., Pres. Nat. Hist. Society, Belfast. (Continued.)......... eho e\Wecksbdivauct¥etctecabsccees XLV. Anatomical Researches on the Nervous and Circulating Sy- stems of the Triton aquaticus, or Aquatic Salamander. By G. Nico- Lucci of Naples. Communicated by Dr. Grant........... coveveceee evedes New Books :—The Climate of South Devon, &c., by Thomas Shafter, M.D.—Annales des Sciences Naturelles for September, October, November and December.—The London Journal of Botany, by Sir W. J. Hooker, K.H., &c.—Salictum Britannicum Exsiccatum. Fase. I., by the Rev. J. E, Leefe, M.A.—Illustrations of Indian 258 259 275 278 280 281 283 290 Ornithology, by T. C. Jerdon .....scesecesesere veeb de bnesccees eee 295—302 Proceedings of the Zoological Society ; Entomological Society ; Bota- nical Society of Edinburgh ; Geological Society .........seeee 302—325 On the Pearl Oyster of Ceylon (with a Plate); Fossil Remains in Essex ; Notice of the Discovery of an Electrical Fish on the Ame- rican coast, by D. Humphreys Storer, M.D.; On a peculiar Sen- sation caused by some Mollusca, by F. M. Jennings ; Meteorolo- gical Observations and Table .........+4. Sbavabacludas Uhiensscont 325—328 NUMBER LXXI. XLVI. Additional Evidence proving the Australian Pachyderm de- scribed in a former Number of the ‘ Annals’ to be a Dinotherium, with CONTENTS. vii Page remarks on the Nature and Affinities of that genus. By Prof. Owen, PRS. cient se veebiebsdesinn ob 2ei%98 wand dntiulesas vhsike « sbsasedt paWstnSeeeie we 329 -XLVII. Remarks on a Collection of Australian Drawings of Birds, the Property of the Earl of Derby. By H. E. Srricxuanp, Esq., M.A. 333 XLVIILI. Notes on the Botany of Sicily. By Joun Bart, B.A., M.R.I.A.. Peewee stoeee tenes eee eee eeeeaseseeseeees eeerecee Sees ereseeeseseesees 338 XLIX. Contributions to the Ichthyology of Australia. By Joun Ricuarpson, M.D., F.R.S. &c. (Continued.) sescrerseeseees pe desecenns . 852 L. Observations on the Growth, Reproduction, and Species of the Branched Freshwater Conferve. By Artuur Hint Hassatt, Esq.... 359 LI. On some new Insects from Western Africa. By the Rev. F. W:Hope, F.RAS., P.LS. “CContintced.) “i.i cc cccecccccsccqsvcvcccenccpecces 364 LIT. Some remarks on the Soft-billed Duck of Latham. By Benner -Rosert Gray, Esq. ans ethanguetlns pbvstecess Pein ¥a ein Rdsngh cide sie hee siesce'se gon sh 369 LIII. Remarks on the species of Desmidium. By Joun Rates, Esq., M.R.C.S. °° (With a, Plate.) .,.-0sscasvstscercrags deosbipenecens cds passed coed 372 LIV. Note on the Saw-Fly (Lyda inanita) the sibince of M. Huber’s paper in the preceding per By J. O. Westwoop, Esq., F.L.S., BBs BiG. eb aciics wiconessss Picivegntubess coke Ee ES PE eS COP PL TP ee Cdssccresed GEO LV. On the Blood and Fibre. By Jonn Wittiam Grirritn, M.D., F.L.S. Socesesessesecsese Seereesecesse PO UETUERERULELEE TIT eee eecscaee S72 Proceedings of the Royal Society ; Royal Society of Edinburgh ; Zoo- logical Society ; Botanical Society of London ; Botanical Society of: Edinburgh............ Meesyeeees socaberchaiadaaccencdys ae eeiye sesese 31 8—403 On Worms in the Blood of a Dog ; On the Cotton called “ Nurma,” by A. Burn, Esq.; On Diphya sagitiaria; Experiments on the Tor- pedo; Meteorological Observations and Table ....... seresees 403—408 NUMBER LXXIL LVI. Notes on the Salmon. By Joun Buackwatt, Esq., F.L.S.... 409 LVII. Short description of a Bottle-nose Whale stranded upon the coast of the co. Louth in the autumn of 1840. Communicated to the Nat. Hist. Society of Dublin, by O. B, Bexiineuam, M.D. ........... . 414 LVIII. On Substances inclosed in Mocha-stones. By Kart Muet- LER, Physician at Detmold. Translated and communicated by the ev. Mids Degwarey.. CWith: & PIAte.) 10-0. ceseeperscoconceedsepyehenice 415 LIX, Contributions to the Ichthyology of Australia. By Joun Ricnarpson, M.D., F:RAS. &o.'' (Continued.) ....ccccccossvevecsscacconsecs 422 LX. Descriptions of British Freshwater Confervee, mostly new, with observations on some of the Genera. By Artuur Hitt Hassatz, Esq. 428 -LXI, On the Sacculi of the Polygastrica. By Joun Witu1am RR es IIe PBs Gee. 5555s ds acdvadeeus devdesvevssveccevovescsdeccesstes 438 LXII. On the Diatomacee. By Joun Ratrs, Bag ., M.R.C.S. (With Plates.) ses. etetaceser COKOPR REO REeeHR HERO eH eeeteLOeReE HERO HER teers Ceereeees 447 Vill CONTENTS. R Page New Books :—The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Sulphur, under the Command of Capt. Sir Edward Belcher, R.N. &c.: Mammalia, by John Edward Gray, Esq., F.R.S.—A History of the Molluscous Animals of the counties of Aberdeen, Kincardine and Banff; to . which is appended an Account of the Cirripedal Animals of the same District, by William Macgillivray, A.M.—Annales des Sci- ences Naturelles for January ......... pie anslipse gets bibs wcebiess 457-—460 Proceedings of the Linnzean Society ; Entomological Society ; Zoological Society ; Geological Society..............6. ages entladsrdcpnan pee 461—483 Note on Saxifraga stellaris and S. leucanthemifolia, Lap. ; Geogra- phical Distribution of some American Birds; Fructification of Chetophora tuberculosa ; Lecidea Wahlenbergii; Letters from Ray to Sir Hans Sloane; Meteorological Observations and RADIO Ses vec ssctehe cane wtiingas bates OR BOA paiasbanageas 483—488 NUMBER LXXIII. SUPPLEMENT. LXIII. Contributions to the Ichthyology of Australia. By Joun Ricuarpson, M.D., F.R.S. &c., Inspector of Hospitals, Haslar. (Con- Cluded.) rsereseacecevvsceeees Coecrnecccesceccncvcesceseseeces ccccgeccccgocessbitace 409 LXIV. On some new Genera of the Class Myriapoda. By G. New- PoRT, Esq. ...... Won secdecnserccepecseosoecsendvonssveds Daarcceccerscceceneessecess 498 Proceedings of the Geological Society; Zoological Society ...... 502—537 TRA heuacetaieds denon kecaiacteves pee age Uaeees Wie aGinas ipindesamatscdiessc,C0o PLATES IN VOL. XI. Priate I. Development of the ‘ Sea-Cup.”—Metamorphosis of an Anne- lide.—Saurian Dermal Plates. Lt British Entomostraca. IV. Pitted Tissue of Plants. V. Carex Gibsoni.— Trichormus incurvus. VI. Habits of the Larva of a Tenthredo. VII. Goniaster abbensis.— Pearl Oyster of Ceylon*. yi } Desmidia and Diatomacee. X. Organic Substances inclosed in Mocha-stones. * In the notice on this subject at p.325 the number of the plate was not referred to. THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. $6. sessesseceeeeee EY litora spargite muscum, Naiades, et circtm vitreos considite fontes : Pollice virgineo teneros hic carpite flores ; Floribus et pictum, dive, replete canistrum. At vos, o Nymphe Craterides, ite sub undas ; Ite, recurvato variata corallia trunco Vellite muscosis e rupibus, et mihi conchas Ferte, Dez pelagi, et pingui conchylia succo.” Parthenii Ecl. 1. No. 67. JANUARY 1843. > 1.—Account of a Species of Ichneumon whose Larva is para- sitic on Spiders. By Joun Buackwatt, F.L.S.* Immature spiders of the species Epetra antriada and Epeira cucurbitina, and adults of the species Linyphia minuta and Linyphia pusilla, are frequently infested by the larva of a small Ichneumon, which feeds upon their juices and ultimately occasions their death. This parasite is always attached to the upper part of the abdomen, near its union with the cephalo- thorax, generally in a transverse but occasionally in a longi- tudinal direction, and, though it proves a source of constant irritation, is secured by its position from every attempt of the spider to displace it. Being apodous, it appears to retain its hold upon its victim solely by the instrumentality of the mouth and of a viscid secretion emitted from its caudal ex- tremity. I never saw more than a single larva on the same individual spider, which, indeed, could not supply sufficient nourishment for two. In the earlier stages of its growth this parasite has an ob- long oviform figure, somewhat depressed on the under side ; it is whitish with a faint tinge of yellow extending along the medial line, which seems to be occasioned by the contents of the viscera. At this period of its existence the external co- vering presents a smooth uniform surface; but when it has completed its moultings and attained its full size, the head becomes visible, the body exhibits thirteen distinct segments, and the prevailing hue is pale greenish yellow. * Read at the Manchester Meeting of the British Association. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. B 2 Mr. J. Blackwall on a Species of Ichneumon In April 1838, I captured a young female Epeira antriada with one of these parasites upon it, and placing it in a phial of transparent glass, I supplied it with flies. Towards the end of May, having gone through its final moult and increased considerably in size, this larva became very restless, and on the 29th quitted the spider, which was found dead and much shrunk at the bottom of the phial, and attaching itself to the extremity of the cork with which the phial was stopped, it began to spin its envelope. On the 31st it had completed its cocoon, which was composed of pale yellowish white silk of a compact texture, and measured one-third of an inch in length and one-tenth in diameter; it was of an oblong quadrilateral figure tapering to its extremities, one of which was more pointed than the other, and was connected with the cork by numerous fine silken lines. peek The perfect insect came out of the cocoon, at the larger end, on the 27th of June, and proved to be the female of a small species of Ichneumon; but whether it is known to en- tomologists or not I have not yet been able to ascertain*. The length of this insect from the anterior part of the head to the extremity of the abdomen, not including the ovipositor, was one-fourth of an inch; the breadth from tip to tip of the — anterior wings when expanded, 3jths. The antenne were filiform and had each twenty-four joints. The maxillary palpi had five joints, and the labial palpi four. The tibize were ter- minated by two spurs on the under side. The tarsi had five joints, of which the penultimate was the shortest, and the claw-joint was provided with two curved claws and a pulvil- lus. The head, antennz, and several parts of the trunk were brownish black, with the exception of the organs of mandu- cation, which were brown. An oblong soot-coloured spot oc- curred near the exterior margin of each anterior wing, a little beyond the middle towards the extremity. The legs, and the maxillary and labial palpi, were of a yellowish brown colour, the tarsi and the extremities of the tibize of the pos- terior legs excepted, which were brown. The abdomen con- sisted of eight segments: the first, which was the longest, was rather narrow and of a brownish black colour; the others were dark brown above, but the posterior margins of the se- cond, third, fourth, and fifth were much the darkest. The caudal or terminal segment was the shortest, and had a small hairy process on each side, at the extremity. All the seg- ments, except the first, were pale brown on the under side of * Mr. Stevens, to whom we referred the insect in question, kindly in- forms us that it is the Polysphincta carbonaria of Gravenhorst.—Ep. whose Larva is parasitic on Spiders. 3 the abdomen. The ovipositor was hairy, very dark brown, and measured ,',th of an inch in length. On the 20th of July 1838, I obtained a young female Epeira antriada, to whose abdomen a full-grown larva of this Ichneu- mon was attached, and placed it in a phial. On the 23rd the larva became restless and destroyed the spider, after having reduced it to a mere corrugated skin; then quitting it, and taking its station on the extremity of the cork which stopped the phial, it commenced spinning its cocoon, and completed it on the 24th. ; Out of this cocoon, which exactly resembled the one de- scribed above in figure and colour, though it was somewhat less, a male [chneumon issued on the 16th of August. This insect. was without ovipositor, and was smaller than the female bred from the larva found on the female Epeira antriada captured in April 1838; its antennz also had each twenty-two joints only ; but these differences may be regarded as sexual peculiarities merely; the close resemblance of the two insects in other particulars, and the exact correspondence in the ceconomy of their larvae, leave no doubt about their specific identity. On the 26th of October 1841, I caught an adult female Linyphia minuta with a parasitic larva, which had completed its moulting, fixed upon its abdomen, and enclosing it in a phial I fed.it with flies. The larva increased in growth till the Ist of February 1842, when it destroyed the spider, which was much reduced in size, and having quitted it, attached itself to the under side of a slight horizontal sheet of web previously constructed in the phial by the spider. In this situation it remained till the evening of the same day, when it commenced spinning its cocoon, and on the evening of the day following had completed it. This cocoon was composed of brown silk of a compact texture, and was of an oblong quadrilateral form tapering to its extremities, one of which was more pointed than the other. As this insect did not go through its final metamorphosis, I am unable to decide whether it differed specifically from those already described or not; but it is very probable that it did not, as the dissimilarity in the colour of the silk com- posing its cocoon may be reasonably ascribed to the quality of the food derived from a different species of spider, for it is a well-known fact that animal secretions are frequently modi- fied in colour by changes of diet. As for the circumstance of the cocoon having been connected with the web of the spider which supplied the larva with sustenance, it may be considered as accidental; at all events, the spiders in the two former cases detailed in this paper did not construct webs, B2 4 Mr. J. Blackwall on a Species of Ichneumon. but merely spun a few irregular lines to which they attached themselves. It is a fact deserving of notice, that immature spiders in- fested with the larva of this Jchneumon do not change their skins. Were it not for this admirable provision of Providence, the larva, cast off with the integuments in the act of moult- ing, would inevitably perish, and the important purpose which its remarkable ceconomy is so evidently intended to subserve, namely, the keeping of these deadly enemies of the insect tribes within due limits, would fail to be accomplished. Various circumstances concur to render it probable that this species of Ichneumon deposits its eggs on spiders in the autumn, attaching one only to the abdomen of each individual. Messrs. Kirby and Spence, in treating on the diseases of insects in the fourth volume of their ‘Introduction to Entomo- logy,’ have given a brief account of observations made by De Geer on the larva of a small [chnewmon discovered on a young spider, whose ceconomy is similar to that of the parasite which has engaged my attention*. Being desirous of ascertaining whether these insects were of the same species or not, and having no opportunity of con- sulting De Geer’s celebrated work, I availed myself of the assistance of Mr. Peter Barrow of Manchester, who obligingly transcribed all that the Swedish entomologist had published on the subject, and transmitted it to me in Wales. On perusing the description of the female [chneumon bred from the larva which formed the subject of his investigations t+, I found that it presented several decided points of difference in colour from the species observed by me, from which it may be distinguished at once by the two longitudinal yellowish lines on its thorax. It scarcely admits of a doubt, that the whitish oval object noticed by Baron Walckenaer on a specimen of Linyphia montana}, which seems to have induced no small degree of surprise and perplexity in the mind of that accomplished arachnologist, was the parasitic larva of a small species of Ichneumon§. * Letter 44. p. 221. + Mémoires pour servir a |’Histoire des Insectes, tom. ii. p. 866. { Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Aptéres, tom. i. p. 176. [§ In a letter recently received from the author he thus writes: ‘ The insect is not uncommon in this neighbourhood (Oakland); indeed, the Zch- neumonide abound throughout the district. ‘Two other species belonging to this family, which deposit their eggs in those of spiders, have come under my observation ; one is very small and black; the other is small, though larger than the former; and the female, which is apterous, is of an orange~ red colour, with a black head, and a zone of the same hue encircling the ab- domen,”—Ep. ] é ee ie ae ele } er f Uy fey Ann. & Mag Nat Hist. Nol. VL°P 1.1. \ Birds Hye View. P— Ey sie a Brae. ‘Magnilied. at. St xe. TLL» < “ ¢ a NS section from a.to b. sen AS bs J Basire. Litho. Mr. J. EK. Lee on Saurian Dermal Plates. 5 II.—Nolice of Saurian Dermal Plates from the Wealden of the Isle of Wight. By Joun Evwarp LErE*. [With a Plate.] Ir is well known that the chief interest of the Wealden for- mation arises from the number of its saurian remains. Few beds contain so many genera, and at no other geological pe- riod did there exist reptiles of such enormous magnitude. The distribution of these fossils is in general extremely local, and they seldom occur in any other form than as detached bones. All these circumstances render the determination of any new remains a matter of difficulty; and this remark applies very forcibly to three fossils which were found in the Hast- ings sands of Sandown Bay in the Isle of Wight, and which evidently appear to be the dermal plates of some of the sau- rians found in this formation. The first and most perfect of the three is represented of the natural size in the annexed plate (Plate I. C.) : it is of an irre- gularly oval shape. In the centre of the upper side is a deep oval depression, within which is a prominence rising gradually to the summit, which is eccentric. The space around the de- pressed part is slightly concave and is intersected by deep furrows, which are so arranged that the whole of this space might be said to consist of a number of obscurely pentagonal or hexagonal prominences, the surfaces of which are flattened and in some cases slightly concave. The lower side of the scale is convex. A general idea of the proportion may perhaps be better obtained by the lower figure, which represents a section from a to &. The fibrous bony structure is very apparent at the sides of both this scale and that next to be described, and the whole surface of both of them is covered with small pores, some of which, particularly on the central prominence, run together and form minute furrows. The second scale is more irregular in its form, but the ge- neral characters are so similar to those of the former, that it most probably belonged to an animal of the same species. There is the same central depression, the same prominence within it, and the outer space is divided in a similar manner by furrows, but all these characters are far more obscure than in the other: the form also is not oval, but approaches to a * The substance of the following paper was forwarded some time ago for insertion in the ‘ Ann. of Nat. Hist.,’ together with drawings of the two scales first described, Unfortunately, however, the paper, drawings, and the two fossils themselves were lost in a hackney-coach on their way to Mr. Sowerby. A drawing of the most interesting scale has, however, been pre- served in the hands of Mr, Charlesworth, who kindly returned it for the sake of illustrating the present notice. 6 Mr. J. E. Lee on Saurian Dermal Plates. square with one or two of the corners broken off, and both the upper and under sides are nearly flat and parallel. The third dermal plate is not sufficiently perfect to admit of a drawing, but the characters, as far as they can be ce: guished, are rather different from those of the other two. Like the first, the figure is oval and the under side convex, but the upper side is chiefly occupied with three ridges, rising gradually from the circumference to an eccentric summit. There is not the same appearance of porosity as on the sur- faces of the other two, but the structure is decidedly bony. The general appearance bears some resemblance, on a large scale, to the plates which ornament the head of the recent Iguana, and it is only to be regretted that a specimen of this nature had not been secured before it became water-worn, as it might have afforded another link to connect the _Iguanodon with the recent Iguana. With respect to the other two scales, there do not appear to be any characters to connect them with the Iguanodon by a comparison with the living Iguana. The common Crocodile is furnished with large and strong plates, which in some parts of the body are oval; but, as far as I aim aware, neither the scales of the crocodile nor those of any other recent reptile have exactly the same characters as the fossil plates. But little assistance can be derived in their determination from the associated fossils. In the same locality were found the teeth of the Crocodile and the Iguanodon, and gigantic bones which have usually been considered as those of the lat- ter saurian. One vertebra from Sandown Bay weighs above 14 lbs., and a portion of one of the bones of the leg is 26 inches in length. In the same formation, at Brixton Bay, the bones are still more gigantic: the upper part of a femur was obtained there, which measures 13 inches from the outer side of the head to the point of the trochanter. Fragments of bones of these dimensions are not uncommon in the Isle of Wight, so that it appears singular, if these scales belonged to the Igua- nodon, that they should not have been before noticed ; besides which, there is nothing like them in the covering of the recent Iguana, and they appear almost too small for a saurian of the size of the Iguanodon. Again, if we consider them as the scales of the Wealden Crocodile, the analogy with the recent animal certainly in a measure favours the idea; but still the question may very naturally be asked,—what has become of the scales of all the crocodiles from which the innumerable - teeth in the Sussex beds are derived? None but those who have personally examined these beds can have any idea of the immense number of teeth and bones which they contain: it Prof. Owen on a Mastodontoid Pachyderm. “4 cannot be argued that they have perished, for the most deli- cate bones are preserved, as well as the finest scales of the Lepisosteus ; so that, to say the least, there certainly appears to bega difficulty in referring them to the Crocodile. here are other genera the remains of which are found in the Wealden formation, but very little is known respecting them, and it would be little better than conjecture to refer the scales in question to the Megalosaurus or the Phytosaurus, be- cause there were difficulties in referring them to the Crocodile or the Iguanodon. Before long it may be hoped that other specimens will be found under more favourable circumstances with respect to their determination. III.—On the Discovery of the Remains of a Mastodontoid Pachyderm in Australia. By Prof. Owen, F.R.S. To the Editors of the Annals of Natural History. GENTLEMEN, I wave lately received a letter, dated April 6, 1842, from Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell, Surveyor-General of Au- stralia, in which he announces the interesting discovery of large fossil mammalian remains in that continent. The spe- cimens from the bone-caves in Wellington Valley, described in the second volume of Sir Thomas’s work on Australia, were, it may be remembered, remains of extinct species of marsupial genera now existing in that continent, and of a genus very nearly allied to the existing ones ; the largest fos- sil, which had been supposed to belong to a Hippopotamus or Dugong, indicating rather an extinct gigantic Phascolome ; and there was not any conclusive evidence of a genus of pla- cental mammal in that collection*. The fossils, which my friend has now transmitted, incon- testably establish the former existence of a huge proboscidian Pachyderm in the Australian continent, referable to either the genus Mastodon or Dinotherium. 'These fossils consist of a portion of a molar tooth, and of the shaft of a femur with part of the spine of a scapula, and some smaller fragments of a long bone. Sir Thomas states, “ these are not satisfactory speci- mens such as I hope soon to send you, but being the first from the locality, I am anxious you should first hear of them. I can tell you but little of the manner in which they occur ; but such bones are found on the Darling Downs—those ex- tensive plains which you will see marked to the S.W. of Moreton Bay on most maps of this country. They are at the * Mr. Pentland informs me that a bone of alarge quadruped, apparently a pachyderm, from the Wellington Valley, is, he believes, in the Museum at Paris, 8 Prof. Owen on the Remains of a sources of the Darling river and at a great height above the level of the sea, upwards of 4000 feet. I am informed that - these huge bones, of which I send you but fragments, are found in some abundance.” These fragments, when their broken surfaces were re- adjusted, composed the very considerable part of the right femur, of which the subjoined cut, fig. 1, gives a view of the posterior and most entire surface, one-fifth the natural size ; Fig. 1. the contour of the circumference at (a) illustrates the principal characteristic of the bone, viz. its being flattened from before backwards. Among the larger quadrupeds the femur presents a simi- lar antero-posterior compression in the elephant, mastodon, and rhinoceros, but the latter animal is distinguished by a Mastodontoid Pachyderm in Australia. 9 second external trochanter, situated below the great trochan- ter, which is not present in the Australian fossil. In the Me- gatherium and its congeners the flattening of the femur and its transverse breadth greatly surpass the proportions exhi- bited by the fossil under consideration, or those of the fe- mora of the proboscidian Pachyderms. The femur of the Mastodon is that which the fossil from the Darling Range most resembles, in being flatter on the posterior than on the anterior surface. Compared with the femur of the Mastodon giganteus, the fossil presents the fol- lowing differences : it is broader in proportion to its length; as, for example, Australian femur. Mastodon. in. lines. in. lines. From the lower part of the post-trochan- terian depression to the prominence above the outer condyle . .... 418 O 24 0 Breadth of middle of shaft of femur . . 5 O 5.9 Circumference of — do. ec ew he a, eS The surface of the bone below the post-trochanterian de- pression (4) is more convex in the Australian fossil, and the prominence above the back part of the outer condyle is more developed ; the small trochanter is narrower and longer, and is defined by a groove along its anterior part. The femur in the Mastodon giganteus thins off almost to an edge at the outside of the distal half of the shaft: in the Australian fossil the corresponding part is broad and convex. The anterior part of the great trochanter rises higher above the level of that part of the femur in the Australian fossil than in the Mastodon. The orifice of the medullary artery is conspicuous in the Au- Fig. 2. Fig. 3. stralian fossil at the back part a little above the middle of the shaft, and towards the inner side; the canal sloping upwards. I cannot detect the corresponding orifice in the Mastodon’s femur compared, The Australian fossil exhibits a large me- 10 Prof. Owen on the Remains of a dullary cavity along the middle of the shaft, with dense pa- rietes an inch thick. The total length of the fossil is twenty- two inches ;-its greatest breadth across the upper or proximal end, where the neck begins to bend inwards, is ten inches. _ Traces of the smooth pitted surface at the broken distal end indicate the place of junction of the articular epiphysis, and prove that the entire shaft of the femur is here preserved; a part of the epiphysis is anchylosed to the shaft. The portion of the molar tooth was obtained from the same locality as the femur, and if it belong, as is most probable, to the same animal, proves it to be most nearly allied to those Pachyderms, as the Dinotherium and Mastodon giganteus, in which the grinding surface of the teeth is raised into broad transverse ridges. Parts of two of the anterior ridges, and a smaller or lower one which runs across the base of the first, at the anterior part of the crown of the tooth, are here pre- served ; but the accuracy of the figures (figs. 2. and 3.), which are of the natural size, precludes the necessity of further de- scription. The apex of both the higher ridges has been worn by mastication, but not to such an extent as is usually seen in the small deciduous molars of the Mastodons: there is less trace of a division of the summit of the ridge into mammillz than would be presented by a similar sized molar, equally worn down, of the Mastodon giyanteus, in which the two mammille would be indicated by a median constriction. The transverse ridges are still more subdivided in the other known species, as M. longirostris, M. latidens, M. angustidens, or M. elephantotdes: the Australian tooth more resembles that of the Dinotherium in the simplicity of the transverse eminences, but there is a deposit of cement or crusta petrosa at the bottom of the intervening valleys, which I have not observed in any molar of Dinotherium. As the bones of the extremities of this most remarkable genus, the Dinotherium, have not yet been discovered, the affinities of the Australian Pachyderm to that genus do not at present derive further elucidation from the. femur above described. The close relationship of the Mastodon to the Dinotherium has received additional proof by the discovery of the two tusks of the lower jaw in the young individuals of the Mastodon, and by the retention of one of these as a sexual distinction of the male, in Mastodon giganteus: and the highly interesting member of the ancient fauna of Australia, revealed by the remains above described, must be referred, on their evidence, to the same natural family of gigantic Pachyderms as that which includes the Mastodons and Dinotheres, and to a spe- cies distinct from any yet determined. ‘The interests of science Mastodontoid Pachyderm in Australia. 1} will, perhaps, be best consulted by refraining from the im- position of any generic or specific name until the requisite characters are obtained ; and of this most desirable acquisition reasonable hopes may be entertained, since the zealous and distinguished officer to whom we are indebted for all the in- teresting fossils yet met with in Australia promises a con- tinuance of his valuable aid. At the conclusion of his letter Sir T. L. Mitchell states, “Iam promised part of a rib and other bones by the gentleman who gave the tooth, and I have some hopes of obtaining a jaw-bone; when I do, it shall be sent to you forthwith.” The fossils above described will be presented, in the name of Sir T. L. Mitchell, to the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons, London. They cannot be contemplated without suggesting many interesting reflections. They tell us plainly that the time was when Australia’s arid plains were trodden by the hoofs of heavy Pachyderms; but could the land then have been, as now, parched by long-continued droughts, with dry river-courses containing here and there a pond of water? All the facts and analogies which throw light on the habits of the extinct Mastodons and Dinotheres, indicate these creatures to have been frequenters of marshes, swamps, or lakes. Other relations of land and sea than now characterize the southern hemisphere, a different condition of the surface of the land and of the meteoric influences governing the pro- portion and distribution of fresh water on that surface, may, therefore, be conjectured to have prevailed, when huge Mas- todontoid Pachyderms constituted part of the quadruped- population of Australia. May not the change from a more humid climate to the present peculiarly dry one have been the cause or chief cause of the extinction of such Pachyderms? Was not the ancient terra australis, when so populated, of greater extent than the present insular continent ? The mutual dependences between large mammalian quadru- peds, and other members of the animal kingdom, suggest other reflections in connexion with the present fossil. If the extinct species ever so abounded as to require its redundancy to be suppressed by a carnivorous enemy, then some destructive species of this kind must have coexisted, of larger dimensions than the extinct Dasyurus laniarius,—the ancient destroyer of the now equally extinct gigantic kangaroos, Macropus Titan, &c., whose remains were discovered in the bone-caves of Wel- lington Valley. Extremely few coprophagous beetles have hitherto, I believe, been found in Australia, and the scarcity of such is readily explained by the absence of native species of large herbivorous mammals; but the dung of the Mastodon; 12 Dr. Miquel on some Plants:from Surinam. toid quadrupeds which formerly existed in Australia must then have afforded the requisite conditions for a greater abundance of such Coleoptera. These and other speculations are natu- rally suggested by the highly interesting fossils here described. The great importance of such organic remains will be obvious from the few inferences which have been here briefly noted: our obligations to the enlightened collector and transmitter of the Mastodontoid fossils are great, and the arrival of ad- ditional facts and specimens will be most earnestly welcomed. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient servant, RicHAaRD Owen. London, Nov. Ist, 1842. IV.— Observationes de quibusdam Plantis Surinamensibus. Scripsit Dr. F. A. G. MiquE.. To the Editors of the Annals of Natural History. GENTLEMEN, Rotterdam, Dec. 1, 1842. I rake the liberty to offer you a botanical paper on some plants of Surinam, and to pray you to give it a place in your ‘ Annals and Magazine of Nat. History,’ which journal I have for several years read with the greatest interest. Believe me to be, your obedient Servant, F, A. G. MiquEL. CoMBRETACEZ. 1. Combretum Guianense. Arborescens, ramis obtuse tetragonis te-. trapteris, foliis oppositis breviter petiolatis oblongis obtuse et bre- viter acuminatis utrinque lepidotis, spicis terminalibus opposite vel ternatim paniculatis, floribus unilateralibus confertis ebracteo- latis, calycibus extus lepidotissimis intus longe pilosis, fructibus tetragono-tetrapteris lepidotis. Hab. Surinam prope plantationem Bergendaal, Sept. florens. Flores pulchre rubri. Fruter humilis, ut videtur haud scandens; rami tereti-subtetra- goni, faciebus duabus lateralibus angustioribus et magis planis quam reliquee convexiores ac majores, sordide fusci, membranis exiguis ri- gidis nigrescentibus fere tetrapteri, hic illic accessoriis membranulis plurialati, § cent. fere crassi; internudia 8—10 cent. longa, nodis parumper tumidis, cicatricibus petiolorum fere circularibus. Jolia opposita decussata ; petioli breves $ cent. paullo superantes, cylin- dracei, antice canaliculati; lamine elliptice,,14—17 et plura cent. longe, 7—8 late, basi rotundatz obtuse, apice obtuse breviter et ineequaliter acuminate, margine repande, membranacee, subco- riacee, nervo medio valido 7—8 costas alternas aut suboppositas yenoso-anastomosantes emittente, et ut ramuli, pagina inferior pal- Dr. Miquel on some Plants from Surinam. 13 lidior confertius, superior remotius et magis subtiliter lepidota. Flores dense spicati, spicis terminalibus oppositis ternisve, ramos pa- niculatim terminantibus, singulis e foliorum paullo minorum axillis. Rhachides spicarum 7—10 cent. longe, subtetragone, sursum atte- nuatee, rubiginoso-fuscee, ruguloso-lepidote. Flores sessiles, conferti, unilaterales, suberecti vel horizontales. Sicci flores eque ac folia facile cadunt. Flos totus cum genitalibus exsertis fere 4 cent. longus. Ovarium siccum subtetragono-ellipticum, utrinque attenuatum, lepi- dotum, 4 mm. longum; ea que in averso spice latere affixa, ob florem sursum directum, ad basin curvata sunt. Alabastra clavata. Preefloratio valvata. Filamenia flexuoso-incurva. Calyx floris aperti infundibuliformi-campanulatus, deciduus, squamulis orbicularibus rufis quam confertissime obtectus, quadridentatus, dentibus erectis lanceolato-acutis, 1 cent. fere longus. Petala 4 elliptica acuta inter dentes calycinos inserta iisque breviora ac angustiora haud lepidota, trinervia, erecta. Tubus calycinus intus usque ad petala pilis griseis rigidiusculis inclusis totus vestitus. Stamina 8 longissima (24 cent.) exserta, biserialia, 4 petalis opposita, paullo altius inserta ac exserta. Filamenta nitida purpurea, sursum attenuata, paullo flexuosa ; anthere postice affix, ovales vel ovali-obovate, rimis duabus longitudinali-_ bus dehiscentes. Stylus filamenta eequans iisque colore etiam similis acutus. Fructus tetragono-subtetrapterus. CENOTHERE. 2. Jussieua inclinata, Linn., Fil. Suppl. p. 235 ; DeC. Prod. iii. p. 54. Pedunculorum longitudo varia, nec omnes petiolo paullo lon- giores uti auctores perhibent. Crescit ad Wanica Martio cum fl. et Caps. 3. Jussieua pilosa, H. B. K., Nov. Gen. vi. p. 101. tab. 532. fig. a et b; DeC. Prod. iii. p. 53. Cum precedente. 4. Jussieua pterophora. Herbacea, erecta ramosa glabra, caule alato, ramis compressiusculis alulatis vel apteris, foliis lineari-lanceolatis elongatis utrinque attenuatis, floribus sessilibus, calycis lobis lan- ceolatis quinquenerviis, petalis obovatis calycem fere zquantibus, capsula tetragona obpyramidata subalata. Hab, Surinam variis locis. Affinis J. decurrenti, DeC., et J. palustri, Meyen, DeC. Prod. iii. p- 56, sed caule diptero, foliis lineari-lanceolatis, floribus sessilibus, sepalis petala eequantibus probe distincta. Planta gracilis, caude levissimo glaberrimo fistuloso anguste bia- lato, pede altior. Rami alterni erecto-patentes compressiusculi. Fo- lia caulina longiora, 15 cent. longa, vix 14 lata, versus apicem valde attenuata, membranacea, flaccida, nervo mediano fuscescente,. costis- que tenuibus; folia ramea multo breviora et angustiora. Flores in eorum axillis sessiles vel subsessiles, sed ad oppositum latus ver- gentes. Tubus calycinus 1 cent. longus, subalato-tetragonus. Se- pala lineari-lanceolata, viridia, marginata, nervis 5 coloratis, tubum petalaque flava nervosa obovata fere equantia. 14 Dr. Miquel on some Plants from Surinam. PAPILIONACER. 5. Crotalaria Paramariboensis. Ramis tetragonis subtetrapteris, sti- pulis reflexis majoribus sublunatis uno latere acuminatis, foliis latis ovato-rhombeis obtusissimis basi paulisper attenuatis utrin- que puberulis, racemis terminalibus, bracteis exiguis linearibus ciliatis pedicello multum brevioribus, floribus calycem longe supe- rantibus. Hab. prope Paramaribo in hortis, m. Jan. fl. Fruticulus humilis adspectu glaber, sed sub lente puberulus. Rami ineequaliter tetragoni, una facie latiore ac convexa, reliquis tribus planis vel convexiusculis. Anguli tenuissime alati aut tantum acu- tati. Folia alterna; petioli pubescentes, 5—6 mm. longi, lamine membranacee, puberule, ovato-subrotunde rhombee, apice obtusis- simo aliquando subretuso, Sex utrinque coste e nervo medio. Lamine long. 54, lat. 5; minorum long. 4, lat. 3; maximorum:7 long., 6 late. Stipule foliacez, virides, horizontales, reflexee, semiovate, acuminate, latere prope basin exciso affixe, hinc semilunate, fere 1 cent. longe. Racemi terminales pauciflori. Bractea pedicellum 5 mm. longum ful- ciens linearis patula perexigua, ambo pubescentes. Calyx sub lente puberulus membranaceus; labii 7 mm. longi dentes lanceolati. Ova- rium oblongo-lineare antice barbatum. Vevillum 1 cent. longum sub- rotundum retusum. Ale oblongz basi attenuate unguiculate paullo breviores. Carina ad medium libera biunguiculata, e lata basi bre- viter rostrata. Vagina staminea antice fissa. Legumen (fere maturum) sordide fuscescens, sparse, sed ad suturam dorsalem conferte pilosum, stylo coronatum. Semina circiter 10. 6. Zornia Surinamensis. Caulibus diffusis dichotome ramosis su- perne pubescentibus, foliolis 2 oblongo-lanceolatis superioribus lanceolatis pubescentibus demum glabratis, bracteis ovali-lanceo- latis acutis basi inzqualiter semicordatis piloso-hirtis ciliatisque quinquenerviis non punctatis legumine brevioribus, leguminis ar- ticulis fere 3 radiato-aculeatis, aculeis retrorsum scabris. Hab. Surinam, locis elevatioribus. Zornie angustifolia et Z. pu- bescenti, DeC. Prod. affinis. 7. Phaseolus Surinamensis. Volubilis, ramulis glabriusculis, foliolis diversis utrinque aspere pubescentibus, lateralibus foliorum infe- riorum subdimidiato-ovatis acutis, supremorum dimidiatis trape- zoideo-lanceolatis, margine interno superne concavo, foliolo impari inferiorum deltoideo-acuminato, supremorum lanceolato, racemis folia subeequantibus pedunculatis 6—8-floris, bracteolis ovato-lan- ceolatis, calycis labio superiore lato leviter emarginato, inferioris laciniis lanceolato-falcatis. Hab. in vicinitate fl. Commewyne inf.; m. Octobri cum fl. et legum. Pulchra species, prope Ph. sylvestrem, H. B. K., et Ph. formosum, H. B. K. DeC. Prod. ii. p. 392, collocanda. Petioli 5—6 cent. longi, glabri; pedicelli brevissimi tomentosi; foliolum impar longius petiolulatum videtur, sed ejus petiolulus e glabro petiolo inter foliola continuato consistit quocum verus pedi- Dr. Miquel on some Planis from Surinam. 15 cellus brevis articulatim connectitur. oliola inferiorum lateralia 8 cent. longa, impar paullo longius, superiorum 6 cent. longa. Brac- teole membranaceee oblongo lanceolate ciliolatee. Calyx membrana- ceus leviter puberulus, bracteolis longior, $ cent. longus. Corolla 2 cent. longa, Legumina immatura plana 9 cent. longa, 8 mm. lata, leviter falcata, apice corniculata, appresse pubescentia, marginibus scabra, 12—15-sperma. 8. Cassia Savannensis. Foliolis bijugis glabris, ramulis leevibus, fo- liolis obovato-ellipticis subtus flabellatim nervosis striatis, petiolis medio glandulosis et piliferis, stipulis membranaceis pallidis stri- atis ovatis acutis basi cordata fusce maculatis, pedicellis axillaribus unifloris decies petiolum superantibus, legumine compresso eequali leviter falcato sparse et appresse piloso. Ex affinitate C. uniflore, Spr., et C. Persoonii, DeC. Hab. Surinami, locis arenosis, in Tooden-Savanna, prope fl. Suri- name Sup. Septemb. fl. 9. Cassia Paramariboensis. Erecta, glabra, petiolis pubescentibus eglandulosis, foliolis 15 —-25-jugis subalternis linearibus obtusius- culis mucronatis, pedicellis patenti-pubescentibus paucis aggre- gatis ad apices ramulorum ex axillis foliorum caulinorum egredi- entibus. Ex affinitate C. sp osiagsa DeC. 1. c. p. 504, et C. Of- terbeinit, Mey., DeC. 1. c. Had. prope Paramaribo. Planta suffruticosa, alterne ramosa. Caulis levis striatus, viridis, fistulosus ; folia alterna, sparsa, majora 6 cent. longa; foliola 8 mm. Stipule decidue. Flores terni quaterni in apicibus ramulorum ; se- pala infima pubescentia, oblonga, subacuta. Legumina stipitata, 5 cent. longa, margine inferiore recto, superiore sinuato, apice obtuso, in quibusdam mucronato, 5 mm. lata, glabra, margine sup. pube- rula, articulata, ad articulos fragilia, compressa, fusca, verrucoso- tessellata, 7—-9-sperma. PASSIFLOREA, 10. Ryania tomentosa. Foliis ellipticis coriaceis supra lucidis glabris modo in nervo setulosis, infra ramisque junioribus petiolisque fusce griseo-tomentosis, floribus axillaribus solitariis (majoribus) ali- quando binis uno rudimentario, extus ochraceo-villosis. Hab. Surinami prope plantationem Bergendaal, Octob. fl. Fruticulus, habitu referens Patrisiam parvifloram, DeC. Prod. i. p- 256; De Less. Icon. Sel. tom. iii. tab. 14, sed floribus multo ma- joribus, sepalis lanceolatis quam stamina brevioribus, foliorum to- mento diversissimus*. Annotatio. Genera Ryania, Vahl, et Patrisia, L. C. Rich., nullo graviore charactere diversa, in unum genus merito conjungenda sunt. (Endlich. Gener.) Relique Ryante species sunt :— 1. R. speciosa, Vahl, Eclog. i. p. 51. tab. 9. - * Plante omnes hic descripte, in solo natali collectee sunt ab amico di- lectissimo H. C. Focke. 16 Mr. R. B. Hinds’s Descriptions of new Shells. 2. Ryania Candollei, Vahl, Patrisia bicolor, DeC. Prod. i. p. 255. 3. R. Patrisii, Vahl, Patrisia parviflora, DeC. 1. c. 4. R. dentata, Vahl, Patrisia dentata, H. B. K. 5. R. Kunthii, Vahl, Patrisia affinis, H. B. K. Roterodami, m. Novemb. 1842. V.—Descriptions of new Shells from the Collection of Captain Belcher, R.N., C.B., ec. By Ricnharp Brinsutey Hinps, Ksq., Surgeon R.N. Tue genus Triphoris* was established by M. Deshayes in 1824 to receive a small fossil reversed shell, having a near affinity to Cerithium, and which was characterized as the type of a group, as an elongated shell, turrited, inflated about the mid- dle, sinistral, terminated by three rounded openings, the an- terior being the largest, another at the base tubular, and a third posterior. Some recent shells were, however, soon con- veniently placed in the same group, as the Cerithium perversum of Lamarck, and the old Murex adversus of our own coasts. The number of recent species amounts to five in Kiener’s ré- sumé of Cerithium, where they constitute his fourth group. I have found the species so numerous in the collection of Capt. Belcher, C.B., that they give avery formidable appearance to the genus, which seems likely to become extensive. This accession also makes it necessary to alter the character of the genus to some extent. Though all the species have diminu- tive shells, and generally require the assistance of a glass for their examination, yet they will be found to possess very di- stinct characters, and are at the same time eminently beautiful in their form and sculpture. If we except some fluctuation in colour, which may probably be attributable to locality, they seem liable to little variation. The only circumstance neces- sary to guard against in the discrimination of species, accord- ing to my own experience, is the circumstance, that in the transverse series of granulations which prevail in many, the number will be found to fluctuate with age. ‘Thus, in the Mediterranean shell, Triphoris perversus, the young will be found to possess only two series of granules; when more ad- vanced in age, a third, intermediate in position, and smaller, is added ; and in the full-grown shell the last whorl has four distinct series. Whilst the shells from Captain Belcher’s col- lection were under examination, Mr. J. E. Gray and Mr. W. Metcalfe did me the favour to place their specimens at my disposal, which has enabled me to add several more species. * Triphorus of Swainson’s Treatise, and Triphora of Sowerby’s Manual. Mr. R. B. Hinds’s Descriptions of new Shells. 17 TRIPHORIS, ad Testa parva, gracilis, plerumque elongata, sinistra ; carine et tuber- cula transversim disposita, canalis tubularis obliquus ; sinus late- ralis plus minusve coarctatus vel tubiformis. Geog. As far as our present knowledge acquaints us, the genus would appear most numerous in the Indian seas, particularly in the Straits of Malacca. Though much attention was bestowed on small shells along the western coast of America, yet not a single species was met with. In crossing the Pacific to the westward, a solitary species was first seen at Bow Island; apparently Triphoris adversus. At New Ireland a few more were noticed, though not T. violaceus (Cerithium violaceum, Quoy). On the shores of New Guinea they were still more frequent ; and those from the Straits of Malacca are particularly interesting shells. They occur in the United States, and a local species is described, T. nigrocinctus (Cerithium nigrocinctum, Adams). A few from our own shores and the Mediterranean are well known, and in the West Indies they would seem to be frequent. The genus is both littoral, and found in deep water. 1. Subgenus Iwo. Testa cylindracea, elongata, acuminata. 1. T. gigas. ‘Testa valde elongata; anfractibus 25—28 planulatis, quadriseriatim granulosis, inferiore paululum maxima ad basin granulorum punctatis. Axis 1] lin. Geog. New Guinea; dredged from a muddy bottom at 18 fathoms. This is the largest species with which I am acquainted. The colour would appear to be brown, but, as the specimens are dead, this cannot be relied on. 2. T. concors. Testa cylindracea; anfractibus viginti-duo triseria- tim granulosis ; serie media paululum minima; sutura lineata ; apertura rotundata; sinu laterali tubiformi. Axis 6 lin. Geog. Straits of Malacca; in 18 fathoms. 3. T. sculptus. Testa pallide rufente ; anfractibus 15—18 biseriatim granoso-carinatis, medio levigatis carina secundaria ; prope sutu- ram carinula monilifera; sinu laterali patulo. Axis 44 lin. Geog. Straits of Malacca ; in 23 fathoms. 4. T. vittatus. Testa levigata, cornea; anfractibus 22—25 trans- versim leviter sulcatis, medio fusco elegantissime vittatis ; aper- tura subquadrata ; sinu laterali obsoleto. Axis 8 lin. Geog. Straits of Malacca ; in 23 fathoms. 5. T. bilix. Testa attenuata pallida; anfractibus quindecim trica- rinatis; carina inferiore paululum maxima marmorata, media mi- nima ; apertura rotundata ; sinu laterali patulo. Axis 3 lin. Geog. Straits of Malacca; dredged from a muddy bottom in 20 fathoms. 6. T. Metcalfeii. Testa alba fusco marmorata; anfractibus nume- rosis tricarinatis ; carina inferiore maxima fusco maculata, duobus superioribus parvis, media minima ; sutura carinata. Axis 7 lin, Geog. Pacific Ocean? Cab. Metcalfe. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. C 18 Mr. R. B. Hinds’s Descriptions of new Shells. A fine species with squarish brown spots on a white sur- face; but I regret that the single specimen in Mr. Metcalfe’s collection has neither the apex or mouth entire. 7. T. cancellatus. Testa pallide rufente; anfractibus 15—18 bi- carinatis ; carinis albo maculatis; inter carinas cancellata lineis albis longitudinalibus intervallis fuscis; sutura sulcata; apertura subquadrata ; sinu laterali margine contracta. Axis 44 lin. Geog. Straits of Malacca; in 20 fathoms. i Qs 4 8. T. corrugatus. Testa cornea; anfractibus 17—20 bicarinatis, inter d, -carinas corrugatis, medio carina secondaria; sutura leviter cari- nata; apertura rotunda; sinu laterali lineari. Axis 6} lin. Geog. New Guinea ; dredged from 23 fathoms, among fine gravel. Straits of Malacca; from 18 to 23 fathoms. 9. T. mazillaris. ‘Testa rosea; anfractibus 16—18, superficie leevi- gata, bisulcatis; marginibus sulcorum granulatis ; sutura sulcata, marginibus granulatis, apertura subquadrata, sinu laterali parvo patulo. Axis 54 lin. Geog. Straits of Malacca ; dredged from 18 to 23 fathoms. This shell is very remarkably characterized. The surface is perfectly smooth, and of an agreeable rose-colour ; but each whorl is divided into three unequal parts by two furrows. The margins of each furrow, and also of the depressed line which marks the course of the suture, are provided with a se- ries of horizontal granulations, which look towards each other and do not appear above the surface of the shell, but under a magnifying glass display an appearance which seems to jus- tify the specific name. 10. 7. micans. Testa gracili attenuata, fusca; anfractibus 20—22, supra coarctatis, triseriatim granulosis, serie inferiore maxima al- bida, superiore minima ; apertura subquadrata ; sinu laterali lineari. Axis 6 lin. Geog. New Guinea; dredged from mud in from 5 to 18 fathoms. 11. T..asperrimus. Testa gracili attenuata; anfractibus 24 —26, su- perne valde coarctatis, inferne angulatis, serie duplici granulorum ; prope suturam granuloso- carinata. Axis 6 lin. Geog. New Guinea; dredged from a muddy bottom in 8 fathoms. The only specimen of this speciés in the collection has an injured mouth. It is remarkable for its long needle-like shape ; and the upper portion of each whorl being strangulated, and the lower angular and with a series of tubercles, the sheli has a very rough and jagged appearance. 12. T. marmoratus. ‘Testa cylindracea fusca, albo marmorata; an- fractibus 1618 triseriatim granulosis; seriebus zqualibus, con- fertis, inferiore plerumque albida; sutura obsoleta. Axis 3 lin. Geog. West Indies. Cab. Gray. 18. T. elegans. ‘Testa alba, fusco marmorata ; anfractibus 16—18 Mr. R. B. Hinds’s Descriptions of new Shells. 19 quater carinatis; carinis duobus primariis, inferiore maximo ; duobus secondariis alternantibus; carinis omnibus maculis albis et fuscis ornatis. Apertura rotundata, sinu laterali patulo. Axis 45 lin. Geog. Straits of Malacca ; from 20 fathoms, mud. 2. Subgenus Sycuar. Testa elongata, anfractus rotundati, apex mamillaris. 14. T. vitreus. Testa pellucida; anfractibus quindecim levigatis rotundatis, lineis duabus elevatis cinctis; apice mamillari; aper- tura subquadrata ; sinu laterali patulo. Axis 44 lin. Geog. Straits of Malacca; dredged from 20 fathoms. One of the elevated lines traverses the whorl about its centre; the other, not at first very apparent, will be found on its lower surface near the suture. 3. Subgenus Masronia. Testa acuminata, circa mediam tumida. 15. T. vulpinus. ‘Testa nigricante ; anfractibus quatuordecim trica- rinatis ; carina inferiore albida ; apertura rotundata ; sinu laterali subnullo, Axis 3 lin. Geog. New Ireland; found, with other small shells, among fine gravel about low-water mark. 16. T. monilifer. Testa parva, elegantissime monili; anfractibus decem biseriatim granulosis; granulis seriei inferioris albis inter- vallis rubris, supreme albis; apertura subquadrata, sinu laterali angusto. Axis 22 lin. Geog. Straits of Malacca; in 18 to 23 fathoms, mud. The manner in which the lower series of markings is re- peated in the last whorl is very evident in this species, though to be met with in nearly the whole. Thus the series of bead- ing, which is single on the upper whorls, will here be found to be double on the last. 7 17. T. Grayw. Testa ovali; anfractibus decem, superioribus bise- riatim granulosis moniliferis, duabus inferioribus triseriatim, serie media minima. Axis 44 lin. Geog. The Mediterranean Sea. Cab. Gray. The single specimen of this very pretty shell has the mouth much injured. 18. T. ruber. Testa rufa; anfractibus undecim biseriatim granu- losis, seriebus subdistantibus suturam ‘obtegentibus ; apertura ro- tundata ; sinu laterali margine contracto. Axis 4 lin. Geog. New Ireland; numerous among fine gravel at low water. Straits of Malacca; in 20 fathoms. Its reddish colour and double series of tubercles will readily distinguish this shell. In some of the specimens a small in- C2 20 Mr. R. B. Hinds’s Descriptions of new Shells. termediate series is about to make its appearance on the one or two inferior whorls. 19. T. affinis. Testa fusca albo marmorata, preecipue serie granulo- rum inferiore ; anfractibus tridecim triseriatim granulosis; serie- bus equalibus suturam offerentibus ; apertura subquadrata. Axis 34 lin. Geog. St. Vincent’s, West Indies, Rev. W. J. Guilding. Cab. Gray et Metcalfe. Nearly allied to 7. SEES 20. 7. castus. Testa parva; anfractibus duodecim, biseriatim ele- ganter granosis ; serie inferiore parva fusca, superiore maxima mar- garitacea ; apertura rotunda ; sinu laterali postico tubiformi. Axis 2 lin. _ Geog. St. Vincent’s, West Indies; Rev. W. J. Guilding. Cab. Gray et Metcalfe. 21. T. celebs. ‘Testa ovali; anfractibus undecim triseriatim granu- losis ; serie media fusca, alteris albidis; sutura sulcata; apertura subquadrata ; sinu laterali subnullo. Axis 4 lin. Geog. Pacific Ocean? Cab. Metcalfe. 22. T. emulans. Testa albida; anfractibus duodecim biseriatim gra- nulosis, medio carina minima granosa fusca; sutura carinulata ; apertura subquadrata ; sinu laterali patulo. Axis 5 lin. Geog. Pacific Ocean? Cab. Metcalfe. 23. T. concinnus. Testa ovali elongata; anfractibus novem triseria- tim granulosis ; serie media minima, inferiore fusca, superiore cor- nea. Axis 34 lin. Geog. Pacific Ocean? Cab. Metcalfe. The manner in which the series of markings of the spire are repeated in the last whorl is well seen in this species, where the handsome dark spiral line resulting from the lower series is again twice repeated ; so that the last whorl has really five series of granules. 24. T. tristis. Testa ovali elongata, ferruginea ; anfractibus tridecim biseriatim granulosis ; serie superiori paululum maxima et albida ; anfractu penultimo serie tertia minima. Axis 3 lin. Geog. ? Cab. Gray. 25. T. clemens. Testa cornea nitenti; anfractibus quindecim trise- riatim granulosis ; serie media parva ad inferiorem appropinquante, inferiore prominulo-margaritacea ; anfractus ultimi granulis parvis ; sutura sulcata; apertura rotunda ; sinu laterali patulo. Axis 3 lin. Geog. Straits of Malacca; from 20 fathoms, mud. 26. T. Carteretensis. ‘Testa pallida; anfractibus quatuordecim tri- seriatim granulosis, serie media minima, infra duas superiores sul- catis ; apertura subquadrata; sinu laterali patulo. Axis 3 lin. Geog. Port Carteret, New Ireland ; among fine gravel at low water. Mr. W. A. Leighton on a new Character in Willows. 21 The sulcus, which traverses the whorl transversely, will readily distinguish this species. 27. T. roseus. Testa ovali; anfractibus decem biseriatim granulosis, seriebus corneis, medio levigato roseo serie tertia parva ; apertura rotundata. Axis 34 lin. Geog. Pacific Ocean? Cab. Metcalfe. 28. T. candidus. Testa elongata, pallide cerulente ; anfractibus sex- decim tricarinatis levigatis, medio subfuscis; carina media minima ; apertura rotundata ; sinu laterali patulo. Axis 4 lin. Geog. Pacific Ocean? Cab. Metcalfe. 29. T. hilaris. Testa elongata; anfractibus quatuordecim tricari- natis ; carinis duabus inferioribus equalibus albidis, superiore mar- morata paululum maxima. Axis 4 lin. Geog. Pacific Ocean? Cab. Metcalfe. November 28, 1842. VI.— Hints towards a new specific character in the Willows. By W. A. Lercuron, B.A., F.B.S.E., &c. Cursority looking at the willows which fringe the margins of the river Severn near Shrewsbury, the thought suddenly occurred to me, that possibly a character might exist in the form of the leaf-bud, which might prove serviceable in distinguish- ing those species of this extensive and difficult genus that were closely allied to each other. On examining the leaf-buds of trees respectively named by Mr. Borrer Russelliana and Jragilis, and described on his authority under those names in my ‘Flora of Shropshire,’ I found my conjecture strikingly realized. In Russelliana the leaf-bud was in ferm ovato-lan- ceolate, with a somewhat acute apex, very much dorsally com- pressed, the back alone being prominent from the enclosed contents. These did not by any means fill the entire cavity of the outer integument, but occupied the central portion only, and consequently the margins and apex of the leaf-bud were rendered thin and compressed, though nevertheless not decidedly acute. On the contrary, in fragilis the cavity of the outer integument was completely filled, and the leaf-bud as- sumed in consequence a decided full and plump appearance. It was of an elongated ovate shape, obtuse or rounded at the apex, nearly triangular, with the angles rounded. The accom- panying figures will more clearly illustrate my meaning. Whether this character prevail in the allied species of other groups I have had no means of deciding, but would be per- mitted to throw out the above hints, as the character appears to me important, and well worthy the attention of those bota- 22 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to nists who may possess opportunities of extensively testing its validity. ) Salix Russelliana. | Salix fragilis. a. Leaf-bud of S. Russelliana, viewed from the back. b. Longitudinal section of ditto. c. ‘Transverse section of ditto. d. Leaf-bud of S. fragilis, viewed from the back. e. Longitudinal section of ditto. _f. Transverse section of ditto. Shrewsbury, November 8, 1842. VII.—Contributions to the Ichthyology of Australia. By Joun Ricnarpson, M.D., F.R.S., &c., Inspector of Hospitals, Haslar*. [Continued from vol. x. p. 34.] Fisu of the Scomberoid family are numerous in the Austra- lian seas, and many came under the observation of Parkinson, Solander, and the Forsters on Cook’s first.two voyages. Such of them as were sketched by Parkinson and George Forster are commented on in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons,’ and Schneider’s quotations from J. R. Forster’s notes are also occasionally criticized in that work ; but Solander’s ‘ Pisces Australie’ contains several descriptions of ‘ Scombri,’? which Cuvier has not found it possible to refer with certainty to any species known to him. Indeed the strong family likeness which prevails among the Scoméeroidee renders the detection * Coloured figures of some of the rare species described in this commu- nication are just published by Dr. Richardson in a work intitled ‘ Zcones Piscium.’ See our Bibliographical Notices, the Ichthyology of Australia. 23 of precise specific differences proportionably difficult, and, in fact, it is often impossible to elicit even the generic forms from the descriptions of the naturalists of the Linnzean school. The authors of the ‘Histoire des Poissons’ were therefore un- doubtedly right in abstaining from encumbering their great work by uncertain references to Solander’s manuscripts ; but the ichthyologist who shall hereafter revisit the ports explored by Cook, may wish to know what number of this difficult fa- mily he has to look for; and with the recent fish before him, he may find that the subjoined extracts from the ‘ Pisces Au- straliz’ will enable him to clear up the synonymy in a way which could scarcely be attempted by the European naturalist who has access to a few discoloured specimens only. The Scomber australasicus (Cuv. et Val.) taken by Messrs. Quoy and Gaimard in King George’s Sound, is said to be much like the Mediterranean pneumatophorus in general form, to have the angle of the preoperculum marked with diverging streaks, and the numbers of the fin-rays as follows :— D.9| — 1112; A. 2|11, &e. Another species, Scomder loo (Cuv. et Val), which was found by Messrs. Lesson and Garnot at New Ireland, Waigiou and New Guinea, represents the common mackerel of Europe almost exactly in form and in the numbers of its fin-rays, though it attains a larger size. It is ornamented by a series of spots and two lines of a brilliant gold-yellow tint. Solander saw a mackerel in Queen Charlotte’s Sound, which he consi- dered to be identical with the European one, and as ‘he says nothing about yellow spots and lines, it is probable that the likeness is still more exact than that of the Scomber loo. His very brief notice of the fish is as follows: “ Scomber scombrus (Linn. Syst. 492. 1.), habitat (Dec. 1, 1769) in sinu Motuaro. Nostratibus paulo majores. B.7; D.10)—1|1l1; A. 1\11; C.18; P. 20; V.1|5.” The fin-rays of the European mackerel are stated by Cuvier to be D. 10, 11 or 12|}— 1|11; A. 1/11, with five pinnules above and below. The Scomber splendens of Solander (¢ Pisces Australiz,’ p.37) and the Scomber dentex of the Forsters, which is the “maga” of the natives of Queen Charlotte’s Sound, are Thyrsites, and very probably the same species. George Forster’s figure* of Scomber dentex (the dentatus of J. R. Forster, as quoted by * From a reference written with a pencil under this figure, it appears to have been considered by some one as the same with the Scomber lanceolatus of Solander; but this is the Cybiwm Solandri of Cuvier and Valenciennes (vili. p. 192), which was taken off Thrumcap Island in the Polynesian Archipelago, and is named in the native language “ tatea.” ‘The Banksian library contains a figure of it by Parkinson. 24 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to ~ Schneider) is compared in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons’ with the Thyrsites atun of the Cape of Good Hope. The Thyr- sites altivelis (‘ Zool. Proceed.’ 1839, p. 99) from Port Arthur, Van Diemen’s Land, differs but slightly from the atun. [Vide ‘Zool. Trans.’ vol. i. p. 118.] The Scomber macrophthalmus of Solander (‘ Pisces Austr.’ p- 44), of which there is a drawing by Parkinson (91), is the GEMPYLUS SOLANDRI of the ‘Histoire des Poissons’ (viii. p- 215). It was obtained on the coast of Hahei no-mauwee, the northern division of New Zealand. The number of rays is stated by Solander to be according to our notation, D. 18] —1{17, 11; A. 1|15, If, which differs from the quotation in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons,’ where the two spurious fins above and below are not supposed to have been included by Solander in his enumeration of the rays. His words are, “ Pinna dorsalis pos- terior 20-radiata, radio primo simplici, reliquis muticis duobus posticis distinctis ideoque spuriis.” And “ Pinna analis sub pinna dorsali posteriori, illique similis 18-radiata ; radio primo spinoso, reliquis muticis; duobus posticis reliquis distinctis, h. e. spuriis.” Parkinson’s figure indicates the number of spinous rays distinctly, but the articulated rays are not drawn with sufficient precision to show their exact number. CHORINEMUS FORSTER], Forster’s Chorinemus. Scomber maculatus, G. Forster, Icon. No. 228. Mus. Brit., J. R. Forster apud Schneider. Scomber Forsteri, Bl. Schn., p. 26. No. 30.°Mr. Gilbert’s list. This fish is common in all parts of the harbour of Port Es- sington, and is captured daily in great numbers by the natives, who name it “ milinjidne.” It appears to be the same species which the Forsters found at New Zealand, and named macu- latus, and perhaps it is also the same with the aken parah of Russell (141) and the Chorinemus commersonianus of the ‘ His- toire des Poissons’; at least the detailed description contained in this work agrees almost exactly with Mr. Gilbert’s speci- men, the following exceptions being slight and: perhaps only apparent. The length of the snout before the eye is more nearly the fifth part of the length of the head than the fourth; the narrow maxil- lary dilates and is truncated at its lower extremity ; and the scapular bone has an elongated oval shape and not a rectangular one, its ends being much rounded. The supra-scapular is shaped as in commer- sonianus. The upper profile of the head is scarcely curved. There is only a single row of teeth on the lateral limbs of the jaws. The couchant interosseous spine is very evident when the part is dis- sected; there are three interosseous bones without rays before it, the Ichthyology of Australia. 25 and the first very short dorsal spine stands upon it. The whole of the branching dorsal and anal rays are connected by a membrane, which is notched before the more posterior rays. The lateral line is slightly arched before the dorsal fin. It makes a small obtuse angle over the middle of the pectoral, not more conspicuous than three or four undulations, which follow at a little distance: after passing the first four jointed rays of the dorsal, the line runs perfectly evenly and directly to the caudal fin. Rays :—D. 7|—1|19; A. 2—1|17; C.18%; P.17; V.1)5. Dimensions. inches, lines, Length from tip of snout to end of caudal fin .........eeseseee 19:..«8 SNR OE LEN nc cuidoc danas 9 pekens saié 16 4 beginning of jointed dorsal ...... § 9 = ANUS sececensccccscvcccccvscsoccscocs Ors first free dorsal spine............... 5° 4 edge of gill-cover: ......s..s.0se0ee 3. 6 + —-+- CRO: OE i hohe pevisniuigts 0 8 RPPAPOOL WE COE BEE ne csrnap avabhedsncudstss nadtahinvesssonheeairitewaa 0 8 ESOHREH OF PODOONIS: shuvavencaboncnvassssXeadesiensseqewescesescuncces 2 2 FIGIGHE Of MOCERE ANG GUA. c a ceisiiecccteyvacesccesvescdvecdcucsevves 2 6 PIGEON GE CUT TORR asi hogan teste in debes onlceccediabsisipnngs satidececitic 2303-9 EAOIGTE 00 ORT DUONG isa cdcsucndonssrisbsddven Sucvsederissesechess ans 5 0 The Caranx trachurus, Scad or Horse-mackerel, is an almost cosmopolitan fish ; or at least, the peculiar characters of the species which inhabit the various districts of the ocean, if they be different, are not very obvious. There are variations of form in the Trachuri of the European seas, which appear, when a great number of individuals are examined, to pass into each other by such insensible gradations, that Cuvier hesitates to consider them as permanent, and merely divides the species into three groups of varieties. In the first group, which fur- nishes the example chosen for description in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons,’ the lateral line is armed with seventy shields, and its oblique bend extends from opposite the beginning of the second dorsal to beneath the tenth ray. The second group comprises individuals having from eighty to eighty-eight shields, of less vertical height, and rather more than half of the lateral line posterior to the bend, which is also more sud- den. The third group, which includes individuals possessing from ninety-four to ninety-nine lateral shields, is, in Cuvier’s opinion, actually a distinct species, though he does not give ita name. Its members have a more slender body than the ordinary species, a narrower lateral line, which bends sud- denly in the middle, and leaves the posterior part just equal to the anterior part, including the bend. Scad differing very slightly from the European ones, and having from seventy-three to seventy-five lateral shields, are noticed in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons’ (ix. p. 19) as -having 26 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to been brought from the Cape of Good Hope by Delalande. Others, taken in Shark Bay by Lesson, and at New Zealand and Amboyna by Quoy and Gaimard, had from sixty-eight to seventy-three shields, and their external resemblance to the common species of the British Channel was very close, the bend of the lateral line being the same, and not, as in the Cape variety, more gradual. But some variations in the viscera of the New Zealand examples are detailed in the work above quoted (p. 26). Mr. Jenyns, in the “Zoology” of the ‘ Voyage of the Beagle’ (p. 68. pl. 14.), has described and figured, under the name of Caranx declivis, a scad from King George’s Sound which has eighty-one or eighty-two shields, and the bend commencing under the fifth ray of the second dorsal and terminating under ~ the ninth, or almost exactly at the middle of the line. It has the black spot at the opercular notch more or less distinctly seen in all the Trachuri, and indeed in most of the horse- mackerels (Caranz). 3 Solander, in his ‘ Pisces Australiz,’ gives the following account of a Caranx. It is not accompanied by a figure, but from the way in which he describes the lateral line, it is pro- bably a Trachurus. ‘* Scomber clupeoides. Habitat in oceano australi prope Motuaro. Piscis 8-unciarum lanceolatus, supra medium e viridi- et caeeruleo-opa- linus, infra ex opalino-argenteus. Macula sublunaris nigra paulo supra angulum lamin postice opercuiorum. Iris argentea. Pu- pilla nigra. Linea lateralis late loricata, postice et in cauda acute alteque carinata, in medio pisce descendens. Linea dorsalis ad ini- tium pinne dorsi posterioris paulo divaricata. Area postica caudee lanceolata. Pinna analis in lacuna, e regione ani continuata, recon- denda. Supra pinnam analem linea obsolete impressa ; forte heec et linea dorsalis scombri propriz.” The Australian seas nourish examples of other groups of Caranz. Of those which have only small scales on the fore- part of their lateral line, no pinnules, little height, and an almost straight form of body, Cuvier remarks that the distinct- ive marks of most of the species are so obscure that they escape naturalists who have not an opportunity of comparing one with another, and that the synonymy is consequently in- volved. The Scomber lutescens of Solander (‘ Pisces Austr,’ p- 38) is evidently one of this group, and is perhaps different from most of the other members of it, in the greater curvature of the lateral line, though without a figure this is not quite certain. ** Corpus lanceolatum, supra medium e lutescenti-opalinum, sub- tus ex argenteo-opalinum. Oculi mediocres: iris argentea: pupilla the Ichthyology of Australa. 27 nigra. Macula nigra ad angulum superiorem operculorum. Pinnz dorsales colore dorsi absque nitore. Pinnz pectorales pallidiores. Pinnee ventrales albide. Pinna ani antice albida, postice lutescens. Pinna caudalis lutescens. Pinnule spuriz nulle. Pectus sub pin- nis ventralibus late canaliculatum. Pinna dorsalis anterior fossula recondenda. Linea dorsalis completa paulo pone pinnam dorsalem anteriorem parum descendens. Linea lateralis antice dorso propior, sub initium pinne dorsalis posterioris admodum descendens et dein recta ad carinam caudz extensa. Cauda loricata anceps. Rictus amplus albus. Habitat in oceano Australiam alluente, prope Novam Zelandiam, Martii 30, 1770.” (Solander.) The Scomber trachurus, varietas (fig. 223, Banks. Lib.), of the Forsters, is also most probably another example of this group: it was taken in Dusky Bay, New Zealand. Brous- sonnet has added under the drawing a reference to Scomber dimidiatus of his MSS.; and some one has also considered it, though incorrectly, as synonymous with the Scomber micans of Solander. There is a short notice of it in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons’ (ix. p. 20). The CARANX GEORGIANUS (Cuv. and Val., ix. p. 85), pro- cured by Messrs. Quoy and Gaimard in King George’s Sound, is one of the species having a more elevated body, but still with a straight profile. A specimen from the same locality is described by Mr. Jenyns with more detail in the “ Zoology” of the ‘ Voyage of the Beagle’; and Parkinson’s figure, No. 89, and Solander’s description of Scomber micans, do not appear to differ from it. : “Corpus ovato-oblongum, compressum nitens. Caput mediocre, - antice nudum, postice squamosum. Rostrum parum descendens, obtusiusculum. Maxilla superior paulo longior, in ore clauso. Max- illa inferior subtus poris punctata. Os parvum. Dentes in maxillis, lingua, palato et fauce. Dentes maxillares minuti, conici, numerosi serie irregulari dispositi: dentes lingue et palati acerosi, minuti, pauci: dentes faucium conici plures. Lingua ovata, obtusa alba, antice libera. Oculi parvi; iris e fusco-argentea : pupilla nigra. Nares in medio inter oculos et rostrum, vicine, parve, oblonge : anterior paulo major. Branchiarum opercula integra, squamosa. Membrana branchiostega tecta, 7-radiata. Linea lateralis supra pinnas pecto- rales late arcuata dorso propior, parum carinata, pone illarum apices descendens et dein recta per medium piscem in cauda loricata alte et acute carinata. Preeter lineam lateralem linea dorso toto parallela, spatio vix semunciali ab illo remota (ideoque nobis dorsalis), punctu- lata ; alia linea obsoleta, impressiuscula, paulo supra pinnam analem ducta. Regio ani in medio pisce, oblongo-lanceolata, nuda, # unc. longa a pinna anali parum remota. Anus majusculus; apertura va- gine geniture parva. Cauda brevis, teres, e linea laterali loricata, subanceps, postice dilatata in aream quadratam ad latera carine linez lateralis. Pinne dorsales due, anterior spinosa, 8-radiata, intra 28 Mr. C. W. Peach on the Sea-Cup. cutem dorsi incrassatum elevatum, recipienda. Pinne pectorales, falcate, paulo pone initium pinne analis extensz, 18-radiate, muticee. Pinuee ventrales mutice, oblonge, acutiuscule, breves, anum non attingentes, ventri arcte adnate. Pinne anales due; anterior spi- nosa, bi-radiata, radiis brevibus ; posterior 25-radiata, uti pinna dor- salis intra cutem elevatam recipiende ; radius primus simplex, spino- sus ceteris brevior, reliqui mutici. Pinna caudalis bifurca, 20- radiata ; lobi lanceolati, acuti, equales. Squamez parvee, adherentes, tenues, leeves, integre. “‘ Color :—Piscis supra medium e czeruleo-opalinus, infra ex opa- lino-argenteus, totus nitens. Caput ante oculos pellucido-virescens. Macula majuscula atra paulo supra angulum laminz posterioris branchiarum. Pinna dorsalis, et pinna analis pallide olivaceze. Pinnez pectorales cinerascentes. Pinnze ventrales albide, interdum parum rubentes. Pinna caudalis cinereo-plumbea. Linea dorsalis cyanea. Diameter piscis longitudinalis uncias 18, perpendicularis 54, trans- versalis 21. “Rapit:—Br. 7; D. 8|—1]28; A. 2—1]24; V. 1]5; P. 18; C.20. ** Habitat in oceano Australiz prope Motuaro.”’ (Solander. ) Representatives of the third division of Caranx, ‘Les Ca- rangues ’ (Cuv.), also exist in the seas of Australia. The Caranx Lessonit (Cuv. and Val. ix. p. 113) was brought from New Holland by MM. Lesson and Garnot, and is considered by Cuvier to be the gundi-parah of Russell, p. 144. The Caranx speciosus (Cuv. and Val. ix. p.130), which inhabits the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Polynesian Archipelago, was brought by Bougainville (le fils) from New Holland. The Scomber platinoides of Solander, of which the only me- morial is the following brief notice, is probably a member of this division. “« Seepe pedalis, totus argenteus, nitidissimus, dorsum parum ce- rulescens. Iris argentea, pupilla nigra. Macula nigra sublunata postice in angulo laminze operculi postice. Pinnz param lutescunt, precipue pinna analis. Miabitat Tolaga.” (Pisces Austr.) A pencil reference to Sc. hippos, with a mark of doubt, is appended to the MSS. The Sc. hippos? of Forster, of which a figure exists in thg Banksian Library, and a description in Schneider (p. 28), ges taken at Otaheite, and not in New Zealand, as stated in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons,’ where it is named Caranzx forsteri. (To be continued. } VIII.— Observations on the “ Sea-Cup.” By Cuarums W. Peacu, Esq. : { With a Plate.] Havine read in Ellis’s ‘ Essay on the Corallines’ that he con- sidered the “ Sea-Cup” to be “the ovary of the periwinkle Mr. C. W. Peach on the Sea-Cup. 29 shell-fish,” and having nowhere, in the few books I have ac- cess to, seen that contradicted, I beg to forward to you some observations on the subject, and to show that the “ sea-cup ” does not belong to the periwinkle, but to the Purpurgus la- pillus. Inthe early part of January of the present year I found that the Purpuréus lapillus was very abundant on the rocks in Little Peraver near my residence, and that they got together in clusters. I watched their movements, and found that where they assembled the “ sea-cup” was plentiful in- deed; in fact I never before saw them so abundant. On taking hold of some of the whelks, I found that they covered three or four of the “‘ cups” with their mantles, and it required a good pull to remove them. I also noticed that there were in- dentations in the mantle corresponding with the number of “ cups” which it had enveloped, and that when the shell was removed a drop of transparent matter stood on the upper end of each cup. After the whelk has formed and filled them, the mouth is securely sealed up. The “cup” is then ofa pale yellowish colour; the internal part soon assumes a granular appearance which becomes more and more distinct; after some time, some of them change to a pinkish hue, and the young fry can be better distinguished ; the thickened seal of the operculum becomes thin, and after about four months opens, and the young prisoners escape into the surrounding medium, and take refuge in crevices of the rocks or amongst mussels, Balani, &c. &c. which are attached to them. The young leave the “cups” gradually, and sometimes a fortnight elapses between the exit of the first and the last, and they are of different sizes ; they have all the peculiar habits of the adult ones, such as remaining out of the water for long periods: this I observed in many that I reared in a dish in my house; some of them also were of a purple colour. Some which I took out of the “ cups ”—nay, all—show the distinguishing canal, and are at first semitransparent and horn-coloured: the older before leaving the “cups,” the more white and opake they are, and show the striz and markings on the pillar, with the canal, and all the characteristic appearances of the old shell, clearly evincing that they belong to the Purpureus lapillus, and not the Turbo littoreus, which latter shell has no canal or markings on the pillar. t I observe also, that in Little Peraver, where the “ egg-cups” and Purpureus lapillus are abundant, there is scarcely a peri- winkle to be found; whilst at Cologna in the same parish, about half a mile distant, where periwinkles are numerous, and the Purpureus lapillus very scarce, egg-cups fre few and far between. 4 30 Mr. Walker’s descriptions of Chalcidites from Conception. I have taken as many as thirty-four perfect shells from one cup, showing that they are prolific. They fix these cups in indentations and crevices and under overhanging parts of the rocks, and invariably on that side least exposed to the fury of the waves; and this circumstance shows that even in this animal the Great Author of all has im- planted a sense of guarding its young from injury, proving his superintending care over all his creatures. The accompanying drawings will illustrate the above state- __ment :— | Puate I, A. Fig. 1. Nidi taken from under the whelk when in the act of forming it. — 2. Nidi after the escape of the young. — 3. Magnified view of the upper part or operculum when left by the whelk. 1X.—Descriptions of Chalcidites discovered near Conception, in South America, by C. Darwin, Esq. By Francis Wa ker, F.LS. Lamprotatus Alcander, Mas. neo-viridis cupreo et cyaneo varius, an- tenne fulve, pedes fulvi, ale limpide. Corpus breve, robustum, convexum, zneo-viride, nitens, scitissime squa- meum, parce hirtum : caput transversum, breve, viride, thorace paullo latius ; vertex latus, frons impressa, abrupte declivis: oculi rufi, mediocres, non ex- tantes: antenne fulve, subfiliformes, thorace non longiores; articulus 1"* nigro-viridis, longus, gracilis; 2"* longicyathiformis; 3°° et 4°° brevissimi; 5°*° et sequentes usque ad 10"™ breves, approximati, subzequales; clavalon- giconica, compressa, acuminata, articulo 10° duplo longior: thorax ovatus, cupreo-zeneus : prothorax brevissimus: mesothoracis scutum cyaneo-viride, longitudine latius; parapsidum suture bene determinate, postice approxi- mate; scutellum subrotundum: paraptera et epimera magna: metathorax mediocris, obconicus, declivis : petiolus sat longus : abdomen breviovatum, cupreo-varium, supra planum, basi cyaneo-viride, thorace multo brevius ; segmentum 1"" magnum, 2" et sequentia brevia: pedes fulvi, simplices, subzequales ; coxe virides ; tarsi apice fusci : ale ample, limpide ; squamule fuscze ; nervi fulvi; nervus humeralis ulnari fere duplo longior, radialis ulnari non brevior, cubitali multo longior; stigma minutum. (Corp. long. lin. 1; alar. lin. 2.) Gastrancistrus Cephalon, Fem. Cupreus, antenne nigre, pedes lutei, femora basi nigra, ale limpide. Corpus cupreum, convexum, nitens, scitissime squameum, parce hirtum : caput transversum, breve, thorace latius; vertex latus; frons impressa, abrupte declivis: oculi rufi, mediocres, non extantes: antennz subclavate, nigre, sat graciles, submoniliformes, thorace non longiores; articulus 1" lon- gus, sublinearis ; 2"° cyathiformis; 3"* et 4"s minimi; 5% et sequentes usque ad 10"™ breves, approximati, subzequales; clava longiconica, acuminata, ar- ticulo 10° plus duplo longior: thorax ovatus: prothorax transversus, me- diocris, antice angustus: mesothoracis scutum longitudine latius; parapsi- dum suture bene determinatz, postice approximatze ; scutellum subconicum: metathorax brevis, postice angustus: petiolus brevissimus: abdomen ova- Mr. Walker’s descriptions of Chalcidites from Conception. 31 tum, lve, supra planum, subtus carinatum, apice acuminatum, thorace paullo brevius : pedes lutei, simplices, subeequales ; coxze virides ; femora basi nigra; tarsi apice fusci: ale limpide ; squamule picez ; nervi fulvi; ner- vus humeralis ulnari multo longior, radialis ulnari paullo brevior, cubitali multo longior; stigma minutum. (Corp. long. lin. 4; alar, lin, 14.) Pteromalus Calenus, Mas. Aineo-viridis, abdomen cupreum, antenne nigra, pedes fulvi, femora viridia, ale limpide, Corpusconvexum, zeneo-viride, nitens, scitissime squameum, parce hirtum: caput transversum, breve, thorace latius; vertex latus; frons impressa, abrupte declivis : oculi rufi, mediocres, non extantes : antenne nigre, subcla- vatz, thorace paullo longiores ; articulus 1"° longus, gracilis, 2"* longicyathi- formis; 3"° et 4"* minimi; 5"* et sequentes ad 10" subzequales; clava conica, articulo 10° multo longior: thorax ovatus: prothorax transversus, brevissimus : mesothoracis scutum longitudine latius; parapsidum suture vix conspicuz ; scutellum subconicum : paraptera magna ; metathorax brevi- obconicus, declivis: petiolus brevissimus: abdomen cupreum, sublineare, depressum, lve, fere glabrum, thorace multo angustius et paullo brevius : pedes fulvi, simplices, subzequales ; coxze virides; femora viridia, apice fulva ; tarsi apice fusci ; mesotibize fuscee; metatibie piceo-cincte : ale limpide ; squamule piceze; nervi fusci; nervus humeralis ulnari duplo longior, radia- lis ulnari non brevior, cubitali paullo longior ; stigma minutum. (Corp. long. lin. 1; alar. lin. 13.) ° Derostenus Alcetas, Mas. Viridis, antenne nigra, pedes flavi, ale fulvo- tincte. Corpus breve, convexum, viride, nitens, subtilissime squameum, parce hirtum: caput transversum, breve, thorace vix latius: vertex latus; frons impressa, abrupte declivis: oculi rufi, mediocres, non extantes : antenne graciles, submoniliformes, nigra, apice acuminate, thorace non longiores ; articulus 1"* longus, sublinearis; 2"* et sequentes usque ad clavam breves: thorax ovatus, cupreo-varius: prothorax brevissimus, supra non conspicuus : mesothoracis scutum longitudine latius ; parapsidum suture bene determi- natee, postice approximate : scutellum obconicum : metathorax magnus, de- clivis, obconicus: petiolus sat longus: abdomen breviovatum, leve, fere planum, thorace multo brevius : pedes pallide flavi, graciles, subzequales ; cox virides; ungues et pulvilli fusci: alee fulvo-tincte, late; squamule picez ; nervi flavi; nervus ulnaris humerali multo longior, radialis vix ullus, cubitalis brevissimus. (Corp. long. lin. 2; alar. lin. 14.) Closterocerus Cercius, Fem. Viridis, abdominis discus purpureus, an- tenne nigre, pedes nigri, tarsi flavi, ale fusco-nebulose. Corpus sublineare, fere planum, lete viride, nitens, scitissimé squameum, parce hirtum: caput transversum, brevissimum, impressum, thorace non la- tius; frons abrupte declivis: oculi rufi, mediocres, non extantes: antenne nigra, graciles, submoniliformes, apice acuminate, thorace paullo breviores ; articulus 1"S longus, sublinearis ; 2"5 et sequentes usque ad clavam breves, subeequales : thorax ovatus: prothorax breyissimus, supra non conspicuus : mesothoracis scutum longitudine latius ; parapsidum suture non bene deter- minatze ; scutellum eneo-viride, obconicum : metathorax brevis, postice an- gustus : petiolus brevissimus: abdomen ovatum, subtus carinatum, thorace brevius, non latius; discus purpureus: pedes nigri, simplices, subeequales ; coxe virides ; genua fulva; tibiz apice flava; tarsi flavi, apice fusci: ale sublimpide, ciliate, fusco obsolete nebulosz ; squamule picee ; nervi fulvi; nervus ulnaris humerali multo longior, radialis vix ullus, cubitalis brevissi- mus, in alze discum abrupte declivis; stigma minutum. (Corp. long. lin. 3; alar. lin. 14.) 32 Mr. Walker’s descriptions of Chalcidites from Conception. Bellerus (N.G.) Anaitis (Haliday MSS.), Mas. Viridis, antenne nigre, pedes virides, tarsi fusci, ale subfusce. : Corpus gracile, sublineare, convexum, viride, nitens, scitissime squameum, parce hirtum : caput transversum, brevissimum, thorace vix latius; vertex sat latus; frons impressa, abrupte declivis: oculi rufi, mediocres, non ex- tantes: antenne 12-articulate ?, graciles, moniliformes, nodose, verticillato- pilosze, corpore paullo breviores ; articulus 1"* longus, sublinearis; 2°* bre- vis ; 3"5 et sequentesusque ad 9° verticillo setarum ornati ; 5"* et sequentium quisque ad 9"™ gracillimi, lineares, apice ubi sete insident in clavam globo- sam latescentes; clava triarticulata, fusiformis, acuminata: thorax longi- ovatus: prothorax transversus, sat magnus, antice angustus: mesothoracis scutum longitudine latius ; parapsidum suture optime determinate, postice approximate ; paraptera et epimera magna; scutellum subovatum: meta- thorax mediocris, obconicus, declivis: petiolus brevissimus: abdomen sub- lineare, planum, lve, thorace angustius et multo brevius: pedes virides, simplices, subzequales ; trochanteres picei; genua fusca; tarsi 4-articulati, fusci ; ungues et pulvilli minuti ; protarsi basi flavi; alee subfusce ; squamule picez ; nervi fusci ; nervus ulnaris humerali multo longior, radialis humerali aullo brevior, cubitali plus duplo longior; stigma minutum. (Corp. long. fi 8; alar. lin. 14.) Tetrastichus Naucles, Fem. Ater, abdomen nigro-eneum, antenne picee, pedes fulvi, femora nigra, metatibie fusco-cincte, ale sublimpide. Corpus validum, convexum, atrum, nitens, leve, parce hirtum: caput transversum, brevissimum, thoracis latitudine ; vertex sat latus; frons im- pressa, abrupte declivis : oculirufi, mediocres, non extantes : antenne picez, subclavatz, thorace vix longiores: thorax ovatus: prothorax brevissimus, supra vix conspicuus : mesothoracis scutum magnum, longitudine non latius ; parapsidum suture bene determinatz, remote, postice approximate; scu- tellum bisulcatum, semicirculum fingens: metathorax brevis, transversus, declivis : petiolus brevissimus: abdomen ovatum, nigro-zeneum, supra pla- num, subtus carinatum, apice acuminatum, thorace paullo longius: pedes fulvi, simplices, subzequales; coxz nigree; femora nigra, apice fulva; tarsi apice fusci; metatibize fusco-cinctz : alz sublimpide, pubescentes; squa- mule picez; nervi fusci; nervus ulnaris humerali fere duplo longior, ra- dialis nullus, cubitalis sat longus; stigma minutum. (Corp. long. lin. 1; alar. lin. 14.) Tetrastichus Norax, Fem. 48 Bibliographical Notices. We must now enter a little into detail. The author has paid pe- culiar attention to the elucidation of the species included in the dif- ficult genera Bromus and Poa. In the former he has successfully applied some new characters to the distinction of those difficult species, B. mollis, B. racemosus, B. arvensis (or rather commutatus), and B. secalinus ; and in the latter he has used throughout the genus characters, founded upon the webbed flowers, the nerves of the pa- lez, the sheaths of the leaves, the ligules, and the joints of the stem, which had not previously been employed in more than a few species. The result has been that several forms of Poa which appear to have great claims to specific rank have been detected, and it seems pro- bable that when all the British plants belonging to this genus have been examined with equal care, that several other additions will re- quire to be made to our list. Dr. Parnell distinguishes P. cesia, P. montana (a new species), and P. Balfouri,* (n.s.) from P. nemoralis, and P. polynoda (n.s.) from P. compressa. He considers his P. mon- tana to be the P. nemoralis, var. montana, of Koch’s ‘ Synopsis’; but for this there do not seem to be sufficient grounds, and the Scottish plant is probably a species not before recorded. Three genera not usually recognized in this country have been adopted, namely, Amenagrostis, Bucetum, and Trisetum. To the for- mer, which includes the Agrostis spica-venti alone, we have nothing - to object except its name, which ought to have been dpera. Con- cerning the other two it will be necessary to speak at greater length. To Bucetum (a name invented by Dr. Parnell) he refers the Festuca elatior, F. pratensis, F. loliacea, and F. gigantea of authors. All these we refer to Festuca, considering the three former as belonging to one variable species. The only distinctions that we can detect be- tween Bucetum and Festuca are, that the awned midrib is not at- tached to the palea quite to its summit in the former, and that the radical leaves are broader than those of the stem; whilst in Festuca ‘the awn is (usually) quite terminal, and the stem leaves are broader than the radical. We do not consider this as a sufficient reason for constituting a new genus. In Trisetum, the third genus to which we have referred, our au- thor places Avena pratensis (including as varieties A. alpina and A. planiculmis) and A. pubescens in addition to A. flavescens, which has been often referred to that genus. As he has not contrasted the characters of Avena and Trisetum, it is rather difficult to ascertain upon what he would found their distinctions; indeed the short ge- neric definitions do not afford any tangible point, except that Avena is included in the section “ calyx containing two florets,” and Trise- tum in that with ‘‘ the calyx containing three or more florets.’’ Now this would exclude from the genus Avena several true Oats, such as A. sterilis, which often has four florets ; 4. fatua, in which three florets is as common as two; and A. nuda is often, if not usually, three-flow- ered. A character may certainly be found in the fewer ribs of the glumes and palez of Parnell’s Trisetum, but that cannot be a suffi- * This new grass was figured and described in vol. x. p. 121 of this Journal. Bibliographical Notices. 49 cient reason for combining plants with “ crested and furrowed fruit” with the true genus 7risetum, in which that part is ‘‘ neither crested nor furrowed.” It appears then to us that the genus T’risetum should be confined (as far as Britain is concerned) to the A. flavescens of Linnzus, and that the other species of Parnell ought to be considered as belonging to Avena. We must, however, draw these observations to a conclusion, and in doing so beg to congratulate the author upon the appearance of _ so creditable a book, and express a hope that he will not relax in his pursuit until he has illustrated in a similar manner at least all the British Grasses. At the same time we would hint, that a little more attention to the fine nerves on the calyx and corolla, which we do not find represented on some of the plates, although they exist in nature, and also to a representation of the ligule in all cases, would be highly desirable. Histoire Naturelle des Poissons d’eau douce de ? Europe centrale, par L. Agassiz. Hmbryologie des Salmones, par C. Vogt. Neuchatel, 1842. 8vo, pp. 326. Many of our readers will be aware that the first number of this work appeared some years since as an atlas of lithographic figures, representing several species of the Salmonide of central Europe in their various stages; the second number of these plates has now been received, devoted entirely to embryology, and with it a volume of letter-press by M. C. Vogt, to which they serve as illustrations. In the’ short preface by the author of the text, it is stated, that with the view of rendering the history of the freshwater fishes of Eu- rope as complete as possible, M. Agassiz requested his assistance, and the observations were begun together towards the end of the year 1839. ‘‘Cependant,” continues M.Vogt, ‘des travaux plus pres- sans empéchérent plus tard M. Agassiz d’y consacrer tous ses soins, et comme ce genre d’étude exigeait des observations non interrom- pues et trop fréquentes pour que l’un ou l’autre eit pu se dispenser d’y vouer tout son temps, je fus chargé d’achever seul ce travail. En me confiant une tache aussi honorable, mon célébre ami n’est*ce- pendant point resté étranger 4 mes recherches. Nous avons discuté ensemble les faits capitaux, & mesure que l’observation me les révé- loit ; souvent méme nous les avons examinés de nouveau en com- mun, et lorsque j’eus rédigée mon travail, c’est encore lui qui a bien voulu le revoir.” ‘lhe plan pursued in the work has been to take one species, and to examine the progressive development of the germ in all its parts; for this purpose a species of Coregonus has been selected (C. palea, Cuv.), probably on account of being easily procured, and the ova which have been used have all been impreg- nated artificially. We could have wished that the observations had been made upon a typical member of the family, for although the differences may be comparatively small, the whole habit of the Core- gont, their spawning and impregnation, are closely similar to those of the Clupeade ; nevertheless tlie volume is an important addition both to embryology and to the commencement of the structure of the’ Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 50 Bibliographical Notices. Salmons. It is confined almost to a journal of facts which seem to have been very carefully observed, M. Vogt having abstained, in a great measure, from attempts to generalize or to draw a comparison between the embryology of other classes, either higher or lower, for which purposes he considers that materials do not exist. ‘‘ Em- bryologie, envisagée comme science, n’a guére été jusqu’a présent que Vhistoire du développement de l’ceuf de la poule, et l’on s’est géné- ralement borné & indiquer les différences qu'on remarquait a l’égard de certains organes dans d’autres animaux, souvent sans avoir fait une étude spéciale de ces derni€res ; ce qui a donné lieu plus d'une fois 4 des rapprochemens inexacts.’ ” ‘The work is divided into four- teen chapters, of which we give the titles. Chap. 1. L’euf avant la fécondation.—A general description of the ovum in this state is given. The vitellus and vitellary mem- brane are the parts which increase most rapidly; but the germina- ting vescicle and germinating spots increase also, though in less pro- portion. The growth of the latter has been denied, but it is so evident in the ova of the C. palea as to be easily perceived. The surface of the ova is stated to be smooth and without any of that viscous covering which assists in attaching those of many otherfishes to plants or stones, &e. ‘The ova of C. palea, like that of all the Salmons, is delivered free, and left to the mercy of the waves.” ‘This we have considered as one of the points of distinction in the economy of the Coregoni and the Clupeade, compared with the true Salmons: in the first, the ova are deposited ‘‘on the waters,” and impregnated at the same time ; among the latter they are deposited on the ground, and are never removed from the furrow and gravel where they have been placed by the parent fish. Chap. II. Fécondation ; condition de développement ; maladies de I’ euf ; méthode d’observation.—The manner in which M. Vogt artificially impregnated the ova is described, differing little from that. practised by Mr. Shaw of Drumlanrigg; various causes, however, seem. to influence their development, some of which appear curious. ‘To bring them successfully to perfection, I believe it is necessary that they should be kept in the same water in which the fish has been accus- tomed to spawn. I have had experience of the fact, that the ova of the salmon trout which spawns in the rivers are destroyed when placed in the waters of the lake; while those of C. palea which spawns in the lake itself do not succeed in the water of the rivers. I have even been unable to bring to their term the ova of the pike of the marshes, which spawns earlier than that of the lake, though the fishes do not differ generically.” Sudden violent changes of tem- perature are fatal, but a gradual cold, even though the ova were en- closed in ice, only retarded the ;rogress. A disease attacks the ova in various stages, and is very fatal to the newly-hatched young; it is the growth of a cryptogamous plant or species of mould, consi- dered analogous to that which M. Hannover has observed on differ- ent tritons, and perhaps also somewhat similar to that which has of late received attention in this country as vegetating upon living fishes. Bibliographical Notices. 51 Chap. Ill. De auf fécondé et du germe.—Treating of the milt or sperm, M. Vogt writes, ‘“‘ On ne sait cependant presque rien du role que les différentes parties de cette liqueur jouent dans la féconda- tion. Je me suis donné toutes les peines possibles pour savoir com- mentse comportent, dans la fécondation, ces animalcules spermatiques de la palea, mais en vain.” ‘The rotatory motion of the vitellus known in the ova of Mollusca, and observed in those of Mammalia by Bischoff, has not been noticed in the ova of the C. palea, which seem on the contrary to remain in the same position, the oily disc being turned upwards. At certain periods after fecundation furrows and small regular elevations are discovered on one side of the ova: M. Vogt observes, ‘‘ I consider that the ova of fishes are distinguished from those of many other animals, and in particular from those of the frog, inasmuch as these furrows affect only the germ and never the vitellus, and cannot in reality be formed in any other man- ner, since in the egg of the C. palea the vitellus is completely deprived of cellules.”” And in speaking of the primitive formation of the germ, he concludes with the following sentence, printed in italics :—‘‘ Les cellules du germe embryonique se développent des taches germinatives, que par conséquent les taches germinatives sont en réalité les véritables cellules embryonaires primitives, et que, dans les poissons, elles forment a elles seules le premier rudiment de l’embryon.” Chap. IV. L’embryon jusqu’a la fermeture du sillon dorsal.— M. Vogt considers that the true embryonic development does not commence until the divisions of the germ into two parts, the embryo and vitellary vesicle ; previous to this the embryo is only a simple enlargement of the cellules. The first appearance of the embryo takes place under the form of a linear and uniform enlargement of the cellules which form the embryonic substance ; in short, that this ‘“ bande primitive,” asit is named by M. Baer, exists in fishes as well as in the fowl or birds ; but he does not think with M. Baer that it is the commencement or forerunner of the vertebral column, nor the primitive form of the cerebro-spinal system. The transformation of the cephalic or anterior part of the furrow into many distinct divi- sions is the first index of the central nervous system, composed of the brain and spinal marrow. This transformation is not charac- terized by a new formation of cellules, nor by the appearance of cel- lules of a particular structure. Chap. V. Développement du syst?me nerveux central. Chap. VI. Développement des organes des sens.—Speaking of the eye, where, in the embryo of the higher classes, it has been ad- vanced that the two ocular sinuses are at first united, M. Vogt states, that ‘‘ in fishes at least I can affirm that the ocular sinuses are situate from the commencement upon the sides of the head, deeply separated by the cavity of the mesencephale. Of the ear, the first traces of the auditory organs show themselves when the formation of the crystalline sinus begins to appear in the eye. The nose, or development of smell, appears later than the other organs of the senses. K 2 52 Bibliographical Notices. Chap. VII. Développement du squelette—In summing up a portion of this chapter, M. Vogt combats the doctrine of the cranium being’ composed of and divisible into different vertebrze, and brings the struc- ture of the embryo to his assistance; he concludes by stating, ‘‘ that the cranium of the embryo does not present, like the trunk, verte- bral divisions ;” and he eontinues, ‘“‘ Je dis qu’il n’existe dans le crane qu’une seule vertébre, la vertébre occipitale; tous qui est en avant doit étre envisagé comme un prolongement de cette vertébre, destinée, comme la vertébre occipitale elle-méme, 4 servir d’appui aux organes des sens et particuliérement a loreille.” _ He names the maxillary and bronchial apparatus, with the tongue and opercular system, “ piéces viscérales de la téte,” and considers them not distinctly separated during the embryonic development. The ventral fins do not appear until a considerable time after exclu- sion. ‘‘'There never exists the smallest communication between these fins and the rest of the skeleton; and for this reason, and their variable position, he considers the ventrals as locomotive organs PECULIAR to fishes, and not as the true analogues of the posterior extremities of the higher Vertebrata. Chap. VIII. Développement de la peau et des muscles. Chap. IX. Développement des intestins.—Of the kidneys it is re- marked, they have evidently other functions among the osseous fishes than in the higher animals; they do not correspond with the true kidneys of the last, but rather to their embryonic rudiments, ‘les corps de Wolff.” This opinion already advanced is here con- firmed by the early appearance of these isolated bodies, by the de- velopment of their secretionary canals, and by their position and extension along the vertebral column, which reminds one in every respect of the ‘‘ corps de Wolff.” Chap. X. Développement du systéme sanguin.—The formation of the blood-cellules depends much on external circumstances: when the embryos were placed in a vessel with a dark or black bottom, although the general development went successfully on, the circula- tion was found to be retarded, only rare and isolated blood-cellules were seen in the vessels, and even the development of the blood- vessels themselves seemed to be kept back, compared with other parts of the structure ; on placing again the embryos ina vessel with a white bottom, all the blood-vessels were filled with the blood-cel- lules, and in twenty-four hours the circulation appeared admirably developed. From these facts it is concluded that light has a consi- derable influence on the formation of the blood, and that the cellu- lary life of the embryo and the development of the organs depend little on the circulation; this only acquires its importance after the transformation of the cellules into other constituting elements, which eannot subsist or be continued without a greater or less quantity of alimentary matter furnished by the blood. Chap. XI. Conformation extérieure de l’embryon. Chap. XII. Développement des tissus en général.—All the tissues are considered to have their origin from cellules of different kinds, Bibliographical Notices. 53 and ia regard to the primitive formation of these cellules it is re- marked,—‘‘ 1°, chaque cellule nait isolement ; 2°, chaque cellule se forme autour d’un centre donné.” Chap. XIIf. Systeme générale de la formation embryonique. Chap. XIV. Apercu historique de la marche du développement.— This details the appearance and condition of the ovum and embryo from the time of the expulsion of the former from the fish to the exclusion of the embryo, through a period of from forty to sixty days. As we previously observed, the whole work will be of much import- ance to embryologists ; and we would only make the suggestion, that as the ova experimented on, and the young fish after exclusion, (in which state they could not be kept beyond a month alive,) were often in a condition rather unhealthy,—could M. Vogt depend on the pro- gress and development continuing to their greatest extent? The plates of the atlas are beautifully and minutely lithographed. Narrative of a Residence on the Mosquito Shore, during the years 1839, 1840, 1841. By Thomas Young. 8vo. London, 1842. Smith, Elder, and Co. : Although this little volume, written by the Deputy-Superintendent of the British Central American Land Company’s settlements on the Mosquito Shore, only pretends to being considered as a “ sort of hand-book ” for settlers in that promising district of the New World, it appears to us to be highly deserving of the attention of the natu- ralist. ‘The author is manifestly one of those who never visit any country without having their ‘eyes open” to whatever they may meet with, and accordingly without being a professed naturalist, or apparently knowing anything of: scientific natural history, he has filled his book with interesting observations upon the native produc- tions of the land in which his lot was temporarily cast. His account of the native tribes cannot fail highly to interest those who study the natural history of man, and his observations upon the animals and vegetables are full of facts deserving of the attention of the man of science. It is certainly most unfortunate that a person so well qua- lified for scientific observations should not have that acquaintance with science which would enable him to refer his facts to their re- spective species, so as to make them available for the use of the home naturalist. As, however, he has given the native names, a person on the spot would probably find little difficulty in determining the species. We have no room for extracts, but one statement has struck us as so interesting, and so similar in some respects to a disputed observation of Audubon upon the pigeon of the United States, that we must make room for it :— * The large flights of green parrots and yellow-tails, in the Black river, will hardly be credited ; flight after flight passing over our heads, and settling just at sunset on some tall spreading trees; in- deed on one occasion such quantities alighted on a tree at the back of our encampment that a large branch broke off, and the noise that ensued was laughable; such callings, scoldings, and screamings, [ never heard before.” —Puge 100. 54 Bibliographical Notices. Report on the Invertebrata of Massachusetts, comprising the Mollusca, Crustacea, Annelida, and Radiata. Published agreeably to an order of the Legislature, by the Commissioners on the Zoological and Botanical Survey of the State. Cambridge, 1841. 8vo. Washington, if we remember rightly, on abdicating the Presidency of the United States, put into his valedictory address a recommenda- tion of the sciences to the protection and encouragement of the young Republic ; and we look upon the ‘ Report’ before us as one of many proofs which the separate ‘‘ States”’ have given of their attention to their father’s legacy. And naturalists in particular must be grate- ful to the ‘‘ Legislatures” that so devote a share of the public purse; for in all new countries—we fear that we may safely add, and in all old ones too—the scientific study of living beings, that is, studied independently of their uses or relations to man, and merely as con- stituent parts of God’s creation, his wisdom, and power, can have few followers when and where all are busy idolaters of Mammon and his legion. ‘« Appointed, as I suppose myself to have been,” says Dr. Gould, ‘under that section of the Constitution which enjoins it upon the legislature to encourage the arts and sciences, and to promote, among other things, ‘a natural history of the country,’ I have ventured to make my ‘Report’ mainly of a scientific character. It was the only way in which my labours could prove of much practical value, in- asmuch as very few of the objects, belonging to the portion of the animal kingdom to which my attention has been given, are of much general interest, or of much importance in an ceconomical point of view. I could not but suppose that an effort to contribute some- thing towards that branch of science, which we have hitherto re- ceived entirely at the hands of other states and other lands, would be desired and approved; and that Massachusetts, which first set the example in those investigations of territorial natural resources, which haye since been undertaken by almost every state in the Union, would not desire to be behind any of the states in this respect. I have, therefore, undertaken to present something more than a mere array of names in the form of a catalogue. ‘«« As I could not extend my plan fully to all the objects assigned me, I have selected the SHELLS, on which to bestow my chief at- tention. These I have endeavoured to describe and figure in sucha manner that the ‘ Report’ might be used as a school-manual for the study of the conchology of New England. Such a work is greatly in demand, and nothing of the kind is in existence.” The want here indicated, it gives us unfeigned pleasure to say, has been most ably supplied by Dr. Augustus A. Gould, who has given a correct description of every mollusc found up to the period of his publication on the shores of Massachusetts, accompanied with a judi- cious synonymy, and with critical remarks of much value. The work has peculiar claims to the attention of the British naturalist, for he will find here many shells identical with those of his own island, many that bear a close resemblance to other natives and yet distinct, and several that are the living representatives of shells that with us have Bibliographical Notices. 55 passed into a fossil state. The figures that illustrate this well-printed volume are 213 in number, and are very accurately drawn and en- graved. The number of species described is 268, of which there are of Cirripedes 12, Conchifera 92, Brachiopoda 2, Gasteropoda 154. Of these, 29 belong to the land, 42 to fresh water, and 197 are marine. Relative to their geographical distribution Dr. Gould remarks :— ‘* The land and freshwater univalves are all distributed over every part of the territory, with the exceptions of Helix hortensis, which is as yet confined to some parts of the sea-coast, and Helix tridentata, hir- suta, and monodon, which are found only in the interior and western portions. Of the freshwater mussels we find Unio complanatus, radia- tus, and probably nasutus, in every region ; U. cariosus is only found in the Connecticut and its tributaries, and in Plymouth ponds ; Ano- don cataracta, and Alasm. arcuata and marginata are found every- where in the interior, while Anodon implicata is perhaps entirely limited, in this state, to ponds in Essex and Middlesex, and Anodon undulata to Blackstone river and its branches. ** The distribution of the marine shells is well worthy of notice as a geological fact. Cape Cod, the right arm of the Commonwealth, reaches out into the ocean some fifty or sixty miles. It is nowhere many miles wide; but this narrow point of land has hitherto proved a barrier to the migrations of many species of Mollusca. Several genera and numerous species, which are separated by the interven- tion of only a few miles of land, are effectually prevented from in- termingling by the Cape, and do not pass from one side to the other. No specimen of Cochlodesma, Montacuta, Cumingia, Corbula, Ianthina, Tornatella, Vermetus, Columbella, Cerithium, Pyrula, or Ranella, has as yet been found to the north of Cape Cod; while Panopea, Glycy- meris, Terebratula, Cemoria, Trichotropis, Rostellaria, Cancellaria, and probably Cyprina and Cardita, donot seem to have passed to the south of it. Of the 197 marine species, 83 do not pass to the south shore, and 50 are not found on the north shore, of the Cape. The remaining 64 take a wider range, and are found on both sides. Buzzard’s bay and the south shore have as yet: been very little ex- plored ; and we may yet expect to find many species peculiar to those localities. ““ At least seventy of our species are also found on the trans- atlantic shores ; and more than twenty of these have been described by different American conchologists as new species. About twenty may be regarded as intermediate, being found most frequently by fishermen about the banks, Newfoundland, and the islands inter- vening between Greenland and England.”—Page 315-316. Dr. Gould has too seldom noticed the animal of the shells he has so well described; his account of the Mollusca Nudibranrchia is meagre, and the list. scanty ; of the Cephalopoda, two species only are catalogued; and his catalogue of the Crustacea, Annelida, and Radiata is useless, and needs to be worked anew. ‘The Doctor is well aware of the truth of this censure :—‘‘ The list,” he says, “serves to show that we have about us an abundance of animals which have hitherto found few devotees in this country. So few gleanings have been made in this field, that no other promises a more 56 Bibliographical Notices. abundant return for labour.” — Page 352. All naturalists would re- joice could we promise them that Dr. Gould will himself cultivate this field, for then the harvest would be assuredly rich. Figures of Molluscous Animals, selected from various Authors ; etched Sor the use of Students. By Maria-Emma Gray. Vol. I. London, 1842. 8vo. : The distinguishing characteristic of this volume is its utility. In this country we have no work which, in this point of view, can be compared with it. Bowdich attempted something similar in his ‘Elements,’ but on a much more limited scale and in a less perfect manner; while Sowerby’s ‘Genera,’ being purely conchological, does not supply the naturalist with a very important desideratum, for which we are infinitely indebted to the skill and perseverance of Mrs. Gray. The volume contains eighty-eight plates, most of them occupied with several figures, copied in general from rare and expensive pub- lications-beyond our reach, and, we presume, beyond the reach of all that reside in the country. The plates are etched with neatness and precision, and bring out very clearly the peculiarities of the animals that distinguish the several genera: and, says Mrs. Gray, ‘as the present work has been a labour of love, in order to bring it within the reach of conchologists of limited means, it is published at the cost of paper and printing, with only the addition requisite to cover the retail profit of the bookseller.” To the student who is anxious to cultivate conchology asa science, we would recommend this convenient volume as a remembrancer and guide, for genera which are established solely on the examina- tion of the shell can have no sure foundation, as many recent ex- amples have proved. To the amateur, the ‘‘ Figures” must, in our opinion, prove eminently interesting ; for, from a perusal of them, he will learn a great deal of the structure of the creatures to whom he owes the cabinet of shells that he has so often looked over with ad- miration and delight. In the hope that we may soon see another volume, we take leave at present of Mrs. Gray, tendering her our most hearty thanks for this useful contribution to a favourite branch of science. The Naturalist’s Library, vol. xxxv.:—Mammalia, vol. xii. Intro- duction. By Lieut.-Col. C. Hamilton Smith, K.H. & K.W., F.R. & L.S., &c. 12mo. 1842. pp. 313. The thirteenth and concluding number of that portion of the ‘ Na- turalist’s Library’ which treats of the Mammalia having just reached us, we lose no time in introducing it to the favourable regard of our readers. Whether it were of design that the Introductory volume of this interesting section of natural history, according to an acknow- ledged canon of bookmaking, was delayed to the last, we have no means of knowing ; but we may remark, that it at all events affords a good illustration of the advantages of the plan. After a few pre- fatory remarks, the distinguished author takes a rapid survey of all the orders of the class, making a special reference ‘‘ to the principal families which have not been described at length in the foregoing Bibliographical Notices. 57 volumes ;” whilst at the same time he by no means neglects even these, but almost without exception illustrates them by observations drawn from his own ample stores of information, as well as by the more recent discoveries of other naturalists. Nor does he confine his attention solely to existing animals, but furnishes likewise a rapid survey of such as belong to paleontology, iucluding the extinct as well as the living species; thereby undoubtedly supplying the most com- prehensive and interesting account which the subject affords. Hence this volume, in many particulars, throws light upon the preceding ones of the series; at the same time, alone, it presents a lucid sum- mary of the whole extensive department to which it is devoted. Maintaining all due respect for the classified arrangement of the Baron Cuvier, Col. Hamilton Smith suggests another, in which there are considerable modifications. Thus, instead of the well-known ar- rangement of the Baron, upon which we need not dwell, the Colonel divides the class Mammalia into two subclasses and twelve orders, as follows: -——I. Subclass Puacentrauia, including ten Orders, namely, Bimana, Quadrumana, Chiroptera, Insectivora, Carnivora, Ce- tacea, Pachydermata, Ruminantia, Edentata and Rodentia; and II. Sub- class ImptacenTaLiA, including the Marsupialia and the Monotre- mata. ‘There are various improvements here, as well as in the ar- . rangement of many of the minor groups, which we cannot parti- cularize ; a general commendation, to which we take leave to append only one remark, and that regarding the inexpediency of the intro- duction of the first Order, or Bimana. Did space permit, we should gladly have indulged ourselves by supplying some of the interesting information, scientific and popular, which the author with great industry has collected from almost every quarter of the globe. We have been most struck with this in the Order Carnivora, concerning the Felines, the Ermines and other Mustelide, the Bears and other Urside, the Otters, Seals, and Rumi- nantia. Nor, as will readily be credited, has the pencil been want- ing more than the pen, a considerable proportion of the portraits of the different animals being taken from life ; and these, with all the others, derived from the best sources, especially the different mu- seums, domestic and foreign, exhibit in a high degree the taste and execution of the able author. We have still to add, that the value of the volume is considerably enhanced by an original memoir of Dr. Drury, an eminent entomo- logist of the last century, who died in the year 1763. Ample mate- rials for the notice, including a correspondence with contemporary zoologists, have been kindly supplied by the descendants of the zealous naturalist, and these have been very judiciously arranged by the talented author of the biography. Books received. Nomenclator Zoologicus, continens nomina systematica generum ani- malium tam viventium quam fossilium, secundum ordinem alphabeticum disposita, adjectis auctoribus, libris in quibus reperiuntur, anno edi- tionis, etymologia, et familiis ad quas pertinent, in variis classibus. AuctoreL. Agassiz. Fasciculus II. continens Aves; 4to, 1842, pp. 90. 58 Entomological Society. A work indispensable to the working ornithologist, carefully ex- ecuted, and having the advantage of being revised by the Prince of Canino, Mr. G. R. Gray, and Mr. Strickland. In an undertaking ‘requiring such extensive consultation of authors, some mistakes, or errors of the press, might be expected, but so far as we have exa- mined it, these are remarkably few ; oreophilus, p. 53, is oreopholus, or rather it should be oreopdlus, from dpos, mons, and rwohéw, frequento. The Birds of Australia, by J. Gould, F.L.S., &c. Parts VIII. IX. Oblong folio. 1842. The pictorial character and scientific interest of these numbers are sustained ; in both we have illustrations of many new genera, (perhaps too many,) and the author is following a very useful practice, of devoting a considerable portion of every number to the illustration of a genus, so that the whole, or a great portion of it, is at once brought under review. Thus, in No. VIII. we have seven species of the old genus Petroica figured; the author, however, subdividing it, and placing the old P. rhodinogaster under the title of Erythrodryas. Again, in No. IX. there are plates of six species of swallows, illustrating five genera. The Natural History of Selborne, by the late Rev. G. White. New edition, with Notes by the Rev. Leonard Jenyns. London, Van Voorst. A General History of Animalcules, by A. Pritchard. Part I. London, Whittaker. History of British Birds, by William Yarrell. Part XXXII. 8vo, August 1, 1842, concludes the history of the Goosanders, and con- tains those of the Grebes‘and Divers ( Podiceps, Colymbus). Faune Belge, 1*'¢ Partie, Indication des Mammiféres, Oiseaux, Reptiles et Poissons observés jusqu’ici en Belgique, par Edm. De Selys-Longchamps. Works preparing for publication. Mr. Gould has in preparation an illustrated monograph of the genus Ortyz, or strong-billed American partridges. Icones Piscium ; or Plates of rare Fishes. By John Richardson, M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S., F.R.G.S., &e. The fasciculi of this work are intended to appear at intervals, ac- cording tothe encouragement it may receive. The charge not to exceed the outlay. Fasciculus I. will contain twelve coloured figures, being exact copies of drawings from the portfolio of J. B. Emery, Esq., late first lieutenant of the Beagle surveying vessel, employed on the western coasts of Australia, accompanied by brief notices. Full de- scriptions of some of the species by Dr. Richardson have appeared in our pages. PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. March 7th, 1842.—W. W. Saunders, Esq., F.L.S., &c., President, in the Chair. Mr. Boreham exhibited some curious varieties of Hipparchia Janira, Entomological Society. 59 and Mr. S. Stevens a number of minute Coleoptera, collected from. moss during the preceding winter. The Rev. F. W. Hope exhibited a specimen of a new and coarse kind of white silk, communicated by Mr. Strachan. He also read some extracts from a letter received by him from Mr. Fortnum, Corr. Mem. E.S. at Adelaide, in South Australia, containing many ob- servations on the entomology of that district. Mr. Westwood exhibited specimens of Uropoda vegetans which had been found in countless multitudes on the surface of the ground, in a cucumber frame, and which attached themselves to a beetle intro- duced into the frame. The fcllowing memoirs were read :— Continuation of a memoir on the Chrysomelide of New Holland allied to Cryptocephalus. By W. W. Saunders, Esq., President, con- taining detailed descriptions of the following insects :— Ocurosorsis, n. g., divided from Anodonta. yes reniform. Antenne as long as the body, l1-jointed; lst joint robust, clavate ; 2nd small, obconic; 3rd, 4th and 5th of nearly equal length ; 4th shortest, the remainder gradually decreasing in size. Thorax rounded in front, transverse, nearly as broad as the elytra. Elyira half as long again as broad. Legs moderate. Colour pale. Ochrosopsis vermicularis. Reddish-brown ; thorax and elytra ful- vous, rugose, with the impressed punctures black, those on the elytra forming irregular strie ; legs light rufous brown. Length ;*5 inch.—Hab. New Holland. Mus. Hope. ; Ochrosopsis australis. Head ochre-yellow ; antenne dusky brown ; thorax shining reddish brown, with a longitudinal band and two Saint oblique bands of fulvous, with large black impressions ; scu- tellum dark brown; elytra fulvous, with large irregular impres- sions ; beneath pale ochre-yellow ; legs dusky fulvous. Length 3°; inch.—Hab. Swan River. Mus. Hope. Ochrosopsis erosa. Head ochre-yellow; antenne black; thorax shining fulvous, with coarse black impressions forming two black- ish patches ; scutellum black ; elytra pale ochre-yellow, with deep and irregular black punctures, which are occasionally confluent ; legs light reddish brown. Length 3%; inch.—Hab. Swan River. Mus. Hope. Ochrosopsis melanocephala. Head ochre-yellow, with the vertex and a central line black ; antenne black ; thorax ochre-yellow, with a small oblong patch near the hinder angles, and a large triangular patch on each side in front black and punctured; scutellum black ; elytra shining ochre-yellow, with dark brown punctures ; legs reddish brown ; tips of femora, tibie and tarsi black, Length 3% inch.—Hab. New Holland. Mus. Hope. Aporocera chalybea. Head dark chestnut-brown, mouth ochre ; antenne black; thorax pitchy black, with ochreous margins deeply punctured ; scutellum black; elytra shining chalybeate blue, deeply punctured; legs pale ochre-yellow, with the tips of the tibie and tarsi black. Length 43; inch.—Hab. Port Essington, Mus. Hope. 60 Entomological Society. ** Notes upon the genus Hyleus, and on Crypius bellosus, and other insects.” By G. H. K. Thwaites, Esq., M.E.S. In this communication (addressed to the Secretary) Mr. Thwaites states, that he discovered in the preceding summer that Hyleus is not parasitical, having reared several individuals of two species from bramble sticks, the holes in which exactly corresponded with the size of the insects, and were much too small for any other bee likely to be found in such a situation except Heriades, which does not occur in the neighbourhood of Bristol. Great care is taken by Mr. Thwaites in cutting away the wood of bored sticks so as to expose the cocoons, which are carefully watched, so that the insect escaping from each is at once detected. It is desirable, Mr. Thwaites adds, to discover upon what kind of food the larva of the Hyleus is fed, and if on pollen, how the parent insect conveys it to its nest. Both Hyleus and Ceratina emit, when captured, a considerable quantity of sticky fluid from the mouth ; but they can scarcely convey pollen to their nidi by means of a ca- pacious stomach. The cocoons of the Hyleus are arranged regu- larly end to end, and the upper ones produce males, which come out first. Mr. Thwaites has also reared a new species of Hyleus allied to H. dilatatus, K., from bramble sticks. Mr. Thwaites has reared Cryptus bellosus from a cocoon in a hole much too small for Epipone levipes, and which he believes to be that of a new species of Tryporylon which he has discovered near Bristol. Upon reading Mr. Dale’s account of the curious mode in which a Stylops acted when a bee was placed under the glass in ‘which it ‘was confined, it occurred to Mr. Thwaites that the Stylops may per- haps lay its eggs on the body of the bee, and that they may be intro- duced into the nest by being brushed off with the pollen. If the bees, not infested, come out later than the others, the above idea cannot be true; but it is possible that he may have been deceived, and that the bees he observed later may not have been the same species. The Stylopized and other Andrene (mentioned in Mr. Thwaites’s short article in Trans. Ent. Soc., vol. ili. p. 67), appear to have been introduced in his garden with some mould brought there some months previously, as none had appeared since last year. ** Memoir on the genus Hyleus, with descriptions of several new British species.””’ By Mr. F. Smith, who also stated that he had reared Cryptus bellosus from the nests of more than one species of bee. The following are the new species described in this memoir :— Hyleus cornutus, Kirby MSS. 9 This species is remarkable for the two teeth and frontal prominence which arm the clypeus ; an- tenne fulvous beneath, posterior tibia annulated with yellow.—Cove Common, Hants. Mus. Ent. Soc. London, and Smith. Hyleus plantaris, Smith. 4 Black; plante of the intermediate legs dilated at the base; antenne yellow, short, with the scape consi- derably dilated in males, with a black streak above; thorax with a yellow spot on each side of the collar. Length 3 lines.—Cove Common, Hants. Mus. Smith. Hyleus pallidens, Kirby MSS. <¢ Black; scape of antenne with Entomological Society. G61 a yellow line in front ; face white ; mandibles yellow ; anterior tibie yellow ; fore femora with a yellow line in front ; abdomen piceous, with a fringe of white hair on each side of the first seg- ment. Length 3 lines. Hyleus punctulatissimus, Smith. 9 Black, with a cream-coloured stripe close to the eyes; antenne black ; thorax coarsely punc- tured, varied with pale yellow ; abdomen with a fringe of white hair on each side of the first segment. @ H. annularis, var. y, Kirby. ‘Taken in company together at Coombe. Hyleus hyalinatus, Smith. Head and thorax black, very mi- nutely punctured with deeper punctures intermixed ; antenne black ; wings hyaline ; legs black, posterior annulated with yellow. Black ; face yellow, scape of antenne black, remaining joints ful- vous beneath; thorax with a yellow spot on the tegule and tubercles ; wings hyaline. Length 2 lines.—Received from Mr. Thwaites. ‘Descriptions of some new exotic genera belonging to the family of the Sacred Beetles.” By J. O. Westwood, F.L.S. Retaining Canthon viridis, Klug, as the type of Epilissus, Dej. Cat., Mr. Westwood considers Circellium nitidum, Lap. Hist. nat. ins. col. ii. p. 66, from Madagascar, as the type of a separate subgenus under the name of Aracunopes, W. Mentum basi latius, lateribus convergentibus apice haud emarginato. Palpi labiales graciles. Prothoraz la- teribus, pone medium valdé angulatis et reflexis. Pedes valde elongati, femoribus longis haud compressis. Tarsi articulo ultimo subtas ad apicem in spinam parvam producto. ‘ Nanos, W. Antennarum clava, brevis, subrotundata. Mentum in. medio latius, antice valdé emarginatum. Palpi labiales brevissimi erassi. Prothorazx lateribus fere rotundatis haud reflexis. Pedes parim elongati, tibiis curvatis.—Type Circellium pygmzum, La- porte. Madagascar. ) Macroperrs, W. Corpus fere hemisphericum, clypeus emargina- tus. Mentum*subtriangulare anticé profunde fissum. Prothorax maximus lateribus rotundatis, antice utringue obsolet2 retusus. Elytra levissime striato-punctata. Tibie postice apice dilatate, tarsi articulo basali magno compresso triangulari.—Type Ontho- phagus Greeni, Kirby. Cape of Good Hope. Uxoxys, W. Corpus oblongum subdepressum, elytris postic? acumi- natis. Clypeus antice acute bilobus. Mentum subquadratum, an- tice parim emarginatum. Palpi labiales articulis longitudine Sere aequalibus. Prothorax lateribus in medio angulatis. Pedes an- tict elongati, tibiis (tn uno sexu) depressis intis angulatis. Tarsi 4 postici articulis magnitudine decrescentibus. Uroxys cuprescens, W. U. cupreo- seu violaceo-nigricans, nitida levissime punctulata, antennis rufescentibus, elytris striis 8 leviter punctatis, tarsis piceis. Long. corp. lin. 43.—Hab. Colombia. Scatonomus (Erichson) Myrmidon, W. S. subcylindricus, niger, capite et pronoto viridibus nitidis, clypeo profunde emarginato, in sinu acute bidentato ; elytris leviter striatis ; prothoracis angulis posticis prominentibus. Long. corp. lin, 2.—Hab. Cayenne. 62 Entomological Society. Scatonomus smaragdinus, W. S. brevis, subcylindricus, smarag- dinus; capite antic? profundé emarginato in sinu obtuse bidentato ; elytris leviter striatis ; tibiis 4 posticis angustioribus ; prothoracis angulis anticis in lobum parvum productis. Long. corp. lin. 23. —Hab. Brazil. Mus. Gory. Anomiopus, W. Corpus oblongum subconverum, pedibus latissimis. Mentum ovale basi truncatum, antic? vie emarginatum. Palpi labiales breves articulis sensim minoribus. Clypeus bidentatus. Prothorax lateribus rotundatis. Elytra marginata striisque im- pressa. Tarsi posticeé latissimi. Anomiopus virescens, W. A. eneo-virescens, dentibus duobus clypei obtusis, capite pronoto et elytris tenuissime et irregulariler punctulatis ; elytris striato-punctatis ; punctis viz distinctis ; tibiis 4 posticis in medio prominulis ; tibiis anticis ad basin externé 4- serratis. Long. corp. lin. 35.—-Hab. Brazil. Anomiopus nigricans, W. A. @neo-niger, dentibus clypet acutis parallelis ; fortius punctatus ; punctis duobus parvis inter oculos ; elytris pauld longioribus cyaneo-nigris, striis profundis ; pedibus anticis castaneis ; tibiis anticis basi externé 7-denticulatis ; tibiis- que posticis in medio haud prominulis. Long. corp. lin. 23.— Hab. Brazil. «Descriptions of the Coleopterous insects sent to England by Dr. Cantor from Chusan and Canton, with observations on the Entomo- logy of China.” By the Rev. F. W. Hope, F.R.S., &c. The following are the characters of the new species described in this paper :— Sp. 1. Lucanus Confucius, Hope. 6 Niger nitidus, mandibulis capite thoraceque fere equalibus ; caput depressum, clypeo in medio producto, flavo-ciliato ; thorace transverse oblongo, angulis posticis oblique truncatis, granulato. Long, lin. 28, lat. lin. 7. Sp. 2. Copris Sinicus, Hope. Niger ewscutellatus, thorace pro- minentid duplici, cornu capitis erecto intis ad basin 2-denticulato. Long. lin. 10, lat. lin. 54. Allied to C. Sabeeus, Fab. Sp. 3. Copris Sinensis, Hope. Mas adhuc laiet, Niger exscutella- tus, clypeo emarginato, capite tuberculo lato armato, elytris striato- punctatis. Long. lin. 9, lat. lin. 43. Sp. 4. Onthophagus Sinicus, Hope. Niger, antennis luteis, cly- peo integro, capite cornu tauriformi ; thorace punctulato ; elytris striato-punctatis, interstitiis disci punctatis. Long. lin. 44, lat. lin. 24. Sp. 5. Dipelicus Cantori, Hope. Piceus, capite anticé trigono, pos- tice cornu elevato triangulari ; thorace convexo, varioloso punc- tato, marginibus undique elevatis ; elytris lineato-punctatis. Long. lin. 19, lat. lin. 83. Sp. 6. Mimela Downsii, Hope. Afinis Mimele glabree Hope, at minor. Viridis glabra infra aurato-viridis ; antennis atrovires- centibus, mesosterno abrupte truncato. Long. lin. 6, lat. lin. 3. Sp. 7. Popillia Maclellandi, Hope. Castanea, capite punctulato, thorace glabro cupreo, elytris castaneis podice atro, maculis duabus flavis e pilis brevibus formatis. Long. lin. 7, lat. lin, 34. Entomological Society. 63 Sp. 8. Popillia castanoptera, Hope. Castanea, clypeo integro punc- tato parim reflexo, viridis ; thorace concolori crebrissime punctu- lato, fossuld utrinque impressd ; scutello punctato ; elytris pallide castaneis, striato-punctatis. Long. lin. 5, lat. lin. 2}. Sp. 9. Holotricha Sinensis, Hope. Picea, clypeo emarginato, tho- race convexo pruinoso, fossuld utrinque impressd, marginibusque externe, subserratis ; elytris rubro-piceis punctatissimis, corpore infra concolori. Long. Jin. 10, lat. lin. 44. Sp. 10. Holotricha plumbea, Hope. Pruinosa, capitis clypeo fere integro ; thorace convexo punctulato, lateribus sub lente parim sub- _ serratis ; elytris plumbeo-piceis punctatis. Long. lin. 10$, lat. lin. 44. Sp. 11. ‘Serica Sinica, Hope. Atro-plumbea, clypeo integro, antice punctulato, postice glabro; thorace marginibus parim elevatis ; elytris plumbeis seu atro-pruinosis lineolatis. Long. lin. 4, lat. lin, 24. Sp. 12. 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FEBRUARY 1843. | ’ “ And if,’ says Mr. Gray, “ the relative position of the animal of the Nautilus be correctly assigned by Mr. Owen with respect to its shell, it must offer a similar anomaly to the genera Patella and Lottia.” In 1840 two more specimens of the Nautilus were procured after a long and arduous search, by a Dutch gentleman at New Guinea. One was sent to the public museum of Leyden, and the other to Paris; but as these also were destitute of their calcareous envelope, an investigation of them could add little to what had been already advanced by Mr. Owen. M. Va- lenciennes, however, with a laudable desire, probably, of emu- lating his predecessor, undertook the dissection, and a skilful * The very elaborate character of this memoir directly stamped its author as the first zootomist of the day. The smallest nerve has its immediate office assigned to it, the simplest organ its peculiar function ; the component sy- stems are traced with the most rigorous accuracy, and the inferences that are deduced from a consideration of the whole, exhibit a fertility of imagi- nation that renders an abstruse subject as pleasing as it is full of scientific interest, and on the construction of its Shell. 121 memoir was the result, though not containing much of novelty beyond a difference in his calculation of the tentacles, and the demonstration of an organ of hearing*. His observations are conducted with accuracy and plainness, but the memoir is not so rich in that eloquent analogical reasoning which so vividly characterizes the writings of his contemporary. The oppor- tunity that was thus afforded the continental professor of ex- amining the soft parts of the Nautilus, was highly satisfactory to Mr. Owen, for he arrived at precisely the same conclusion as himself in regard to their relation with the shell. “ Hn confirmant,” says Valenciennes, “‘la maniére de voir de M. Owen, si juste et si conforme a la nature, pai établi Panimal dans la vraie place occupée par lui dans sa coquille, je ne laisse plus aucune discussion raisonnable possible sur ce point.” Here, however, was no direct proof, the testimony of both the learned professors was alike circumstantial ; indeed, the very necessity for the introduction of the word raisonnadle in this statement proclaimed it to be an hypothesis. Mr. Owen was himself singularly destined to prove the truth of his conjecture, for only two days since a magnificent specimen of the Nautilus, with its shell entire, was presented to him by Capt. Belcher, R.N. The individual in question was captured by that gen- tleman at Amboyna, not long since ; it was secured alive, and has been preserved, together with its shell, in spirits without the slightest injury. When put into Mr. Owen’s hands, he was extremely gratified to behold that the animal held exactly the position in its shell that he had ventured to assign to it ; and we doubt not but that M. Valenciennes will be as highly pleased to find that his expectations have been so soon realized+. Having detailed the history of the Nautilus from the time of Aristotle to the present day, it now remains for us to speak of its structure and general habits. The soft parts of this animal form a kind of oblong mass, such as may be supposed capable of fitting into the porch or aperture of its well-known shell, and, like the rest of the Cephalopods, consist of two * Mr. Owen says on this head, “ With respect to the sense of hearing, I have not been able to detect a distinct organ for that faculty.” + We shall not readily forget the glorious delight of the Hunterian Pro- fessor, as he hurried past our door only yesterday on his way to the Zoolo- gical Society; his treasure proudly suspended in an anatomical jar ; himself loaded with the controversial theories of his contemporaries, that he was about to level at a breath. Nor can we fail to remember his animated en- thusiasm at the Meeting, when, holding up the precious truant, fresh as it were from its native element, without a fracture, and apparently dozing under its capacious hood, he proved, beyond the possibility of contradiction, the generalizations he had so admirably worked out as a student ten years before by an ingenious complication of analogies, hee gee » 122 Mr. Lovell Reeve on the Pearly Nautilus arts. The anterior or outer part incloses a well-developed | head, with a pair of strong, horny mandibles, a mass of some thirty or forty tentacles, and a number of delicate structures, including the organs of smelling, hearing, seeing, &c.; and over all these parts is a capacious fleshy hood, which may be considered as the analogue of the operculum in the Gastro- pods. The inner or posterior part of the body contains the viscera, with a funnel or vent-hole extending from beneath the tentacles, and the entire abdominal mass, together with the breathing apparatus, is enveloped by a large sack-like mantle fitting into the hollow of the shell. The anterior portion of the mantle, or that which is attached to the back part of the head, is produced into a considerable fold, which overlaps the involuted convexity of the shell, and from the lower extremity of the entire body extends a central membranous tubiform process, which, by passing the siphonic apertures of the septa, extends completely through the convolutions of the shell, from chamber to chamber, until it is fastened to the nucleus or parietal wall of the central or first-formed chamber. Around the circumference of this abdominal sack there is a thin layer of horny matter, called the belt, expanding on each side into a kind of broad patch, and becoming the medium of muscular attachment. The natural position, then, of the Nautilus in its shell, is with the back of the head and concavity of the hood against the camerated convexity of the spire, and the funnel resting on the outer concave: wall of the chamber: the tentacles are consequently protruded over the lateral margins of the aper- ture, and the body is retained within the shell by the adhesion of the membrane and the horny girdle. The following appears to us to be the manner in which the Nautilus constructs its shell. The animal in its embryo for- mation deposits a simple hollow shell, out of which it neces- sarily advances as it increases in bulk; and in order to assist its specific gravity at the bottom of the ocean, the vacated portion of the shell is chambered in by the secretion of trans- verse septa, the animal having first taken the precaution to secure a strong tubiform membrane to the inner wall, in order to adjust its position (a consideration of the habits of this pe- lagic mollusk will show the necessity for this membrane). As the soft parts increase in bulk, the muscular girdle which binds them to the shell would naturally be forced from any adhesion ; but from its being furnished with a certain degree of elasticity, it advances by a series of periodical slips, the suddenness of which is undoubtedly counteracte by the at- tachment of the central membrane. The growth of the shell and on the construction of its Sheil. 123 then proceeds in a circular direction, and serves to buoy up its inhabitant in the water by having the vacated portion . chambered in to meet its specific gravity. The geometrical increase of it arises simply thus. The natural position of the Nautilus, like other Cephalopods, is with its head downwards, the shell being consequently above; and the periodical slip of the belt of adhesion most probably takes place when the ani- mal is in this supine position. It lets itself down, and round and round, as it were, upon its axis, by the limited extension of this membranous pulley ; the operation ceases when it ar- rives at maturity, and the membrane being no longer wanted, probably decays. Such is the manner in which our observa- tions lead us to suppose the Nautilus grows ; the chambers have certainly no communication with the surrounding fluid. The camerated portion of the shell-of Nautilus is evidently a simple, mechanical construction, (though planned by the wisest intelligence,) to assist the specific gravity of its inhabitant whilst under the different mutations of pressure that it is liable to at different periods of growth in its passage through the element; and it is, moreover, a contrivance that could only be effected by the aid of this adjusting membrane upon the simple geometry of motion above described *. M. Valenciennes regards the periodical introduction of a partition in the shell of Nautilus as in some measure analogous to the occasional deposit of a varix in the shell of Murex and other Gastropods. The septa, like the varices, may undoubt- edly be secreted by the mantle during a period of rest, but there the analogy ceases. We would rather compare the ro- tatory increase of the Nautilus to the horizontal growth of that singular Gastropod, the Magilus (Conch. Syst. p.231). The one gravitates round a centre, increasing by a peculiarity of con- * The principle here advanced, of the geometrical formation of the Nau- tilus shell round its axis by the aid of an adjusting membrane, and of its ca- merated construction being accommodated to the specific gravity of the in- habitant, will, perhaps, receive additional weight by a consideration of the following passage from the ‘ Memoir’ of Professor Owen :— ‘In sections of recent shells, its [the membrane’s] dried remains may occasionally be seen of ablack colour and pergameneous texture, continuing from septum to septum as far as the central or first-formed chamber ; and a further confirmation that this is the true structure of the parts, is afforded by the fossil shells of this genus. In some polished sections of these remains, not only is the continuation of the tube through all the chambers evident, but it is seen to become slightly dilated in them, and in some instances ap- pears also to have been reflected over the outer part of the testaceous tube prior to being continued across the chamber to the next partition. There is no indication, however, of the latter structure in the recent shells where the membranous tube is preserved.” 124 Mr. Lovell Reeve on the Pearly Nautilus. trivance the volume and comparative buoyancy of its shell to . keep pace with the surrounding pressure, which naturally in- creases in intenseness as the subject increases in bulk; the other having a different medium to combat with, namely, the outward increase of the coral in which it is imbedded, leaves its spiral plan of construction to pursue a straight growth, and, raising itself forward, fills the vacated portion of the shell with an extraordinary secretion of solid matter. If the Ma- gilus had advanced by a deposit of transverse septa, instead of solidifying its shell, the increase of the madrepore might have crushed it; and if the Nautilus had advanced by the solidify- ing of its shell instead of by the deposit of transverse septa, it would have produced an incumbrance incompatible with its locomotive faculties. We are now brought to the consideration of the habits of the Nautilus. It is evidently, as Mr. Owen expresses it, “a ground-dwelling animal,” creeping along the bottom of the sea, with hood and tentacles, at a tolerably quick pace ; and the shell, being above its head, must greatly assist the animal in its movements, from a tendency to float. It is not impro- bable but that the Nautilus may use a certain hydrostatic in- fluence over the branchial cavity to enable it to rise to the surface. Valenciennes says, “ [1 nage avec facilité dans le sein des eaux en faisant sortir avec force la grande quantité d’eau contenue dans sa cavité branchiale”’ And the testimony of Rumphius in respect to its capacity of floating, cited by Mr. Owen, is of so much interest, considering the time in- which it was written, that we venture to repeat it. “‘ When he thus floats on the water, he puts out his head, and all his barbs (tentacles), and spreads them upon the water with the poop (of the shell) above; but at the bottom he creeps in the reverse position, with his boat above him, and with his head and barbs upon the ground, making* a tolerably quick progress. He keeps himself chiefly upon the ground, creep- ing sometimes also into the nets of the fishermen ; but after a storm, as the weather becomes calm, they are seen in troops floating on the water, being driven up by the agitation of the waves: whence one may infer that they congregate in troops at the bottom. This sailing, however, is not of long continu- ance; for having taken in all their tentacles, they upset their - boat, and so return to the bottom.” This account, published at Amsterdam more than a hundred years ago, is mainly au- thenticated ; but it may still be a little exaggerated, for the * By force of gravity probably. Mr. Goodsir on Vegetable Organisms in the Stomach. 125 Nautili have never since been found floating in troops, nor exercising the bold familiarity, above-mentioned, of walking into the fisherman’s nets. The natural history of this mollusk is important to the zoologist, but far more so to the geologist. The mysterious nature of those polythalamous tenants of a former world, the Ammonites and their multifarious congeners, is at length de- monstrated by the discovery of the Nautilus, a solitary living remnant, proving that the vast assemblage of those organic remains so abundant in our secondary formations must have belonged to animals who once dwelt in full activity and vigour at the bottom of the ocean, constructing a discoidal shell by force of gravity, and hermetically sealing the vacated portion of it as they increased in bulk, to give them buoyancy under the surrounding pressure *. XXII1.—History of a Case in which a Fluid periodically ejected from the Stomach contained Vegetable Organisms of an undescribed form. By Joun Goopsir, Esq., Conser- vator of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh +. ‘Tne case detailed by Mr. Goodsir is that of a young man, aged 19, who had laboured for four months under stomach complaint, ac- companied with the ejection of a peculiar acid fluid from the stomach. The fluid passed from the stomach every morning without any effort of vomiting. On examining the ejected fluid with the microscope, peculiar organisms were detected, in the form of square or slightly oblong plates. ‘‘ The flat surfaces were divided into four secondary squares by two rectilinear transparent spaces, which, passing from side to side, intersected one another in the centre, like two cross garden-walks. Each of the four secondary squares was again divided by similarly arranged, but more feebly developed spaces, into four ternary squares. The sixteen ternary squares thus constituted, when examined with deeper powers, were seen to consist each of four cells, which were not separated by transparent spaces, but simply by dissepiments formed by the conjunction of the walls of contiguous cells. These sixty-four cells, of which the organism consisted, did not present in perfect individuals distinct nuclei.” The whole or- ganism had the appearance of a wool-pack, or of a soft bundle bound with cord, crossing it four times at right angles and at equal di- stances: hence Mr. Goodsir gives it the name of Sarcina. He con- siders it to be of a vegetable nature, and to be allied to some of the * “The Nautilus,” says Prof. Owen, ‘is the living, and perhaps sole living archetype of a vast tribe of organized beings, whose fossilized remains testify their existence at a remote period, and in another order of things.” + From the Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, No. 151. 126 Dr. Bennett on Parasitic Vegetable Structures. species of Gonium, more particularly Gonium hyalinum, glaucum, and tranquillum. The genus Gonium, as at present constituted, he thinks consists both of animal and vegetable species. The following are the generic characters of Sarcina :— Plants coriaceous, transparent, consisting of sixteen, or sixty-four four- celled square frustules, arranged parallel to one another in a square transparent matrix.” The species under consideration is denominated by Mr. Goodsir Sarcina ventriculi, and is thus defined: ‘‘ Frustules sixteen; colour light brown ; transparent matrix very perceptible between the frus- tules, less so around the edges ; size 800 to 1000 of an inch. Hab. The human stomach.” A perfect individual Sarcina consists then ‘‘ of sixty-four ultimate cells, but as soon as each of these again divides into, or produces four new cells, the individual becomes composite, and may forthwith divide into four young ones, each of these again to undergo the same quaternary division.” The parts of the individuals are arranged in the square ; these parts increase in numbers in a geometrical pro- gression, and the species propagates according to the same law, four in the first generation, sixteen in the second, sixty-four in the third, 256 in the fourth, 1024 in the fifth, and so on with a rapidity pe- culiar to such a series of numbers. The liquid of the stomach in which the Sarcina was found, was analysed by Dr. George Wilson, Lecturer on Chemistry in Edinburgh ; he found three acids in it,— hydrochloric, acetic, and lactic. The first was present in very small quantity, while the two others (more especially the acetic) were abundant. Since the publication of Mr. Goodsir’s paper, similar organisms have been detected in other cases of stomach complaint by Dr. J. H. Davidson and Mr. Benjamin Joseph Bell, of Edinburgh. r XXIV.—On the Parasitic Vegetable Structures found growing in Living Animals. By J. H. Bennetr, M.D.* Tue objects of this memoir, as stated by the author, are—< lst, to confirm and extend the observations and experiments of Gruby concerning the mycodermatous vegetations found in the crusts of the disease called Tinea favosa, or Porrigo lupinosa of Bateman; 2nd, to announce the occasional existence, and describe a plant found growing on the lining membrane or cheesy matter of tubercular ca- vities in the lungs of man; 3rd, to describe the structure of a plant found growing on the skin of the gold-fish ; and 4th, from a review of all the facts hitherto recorded in connexion with this subject, to draw certain conclusions respecting the pathological state which furnishes the conditions necessary for the growth of fungi in living animals.”’ * In the Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, vol. xv. Bibliographical Notices. 127 Dr. Bennett has traced the growth of mycodermatous vegetations in several cases of Tinea, and has given figures to show the appear- ances they present. He thinks that they spring up originally below, or in the thickness of the cuticle: they consist of small articulated filaments containing sporules. ‘The author endeavoured to propagate the disease by introducing the sporules into his arm and scalp, but he did not succeed in causing the plants to germinate on parts dif- ferent from those which originally produced them. A plant of a similar nature, consisting of jointed filaments and sporules, was de- tected by Dr. Bennett in the lungs of a man who died of tubercular consumption. ‘The vegetations were seen on dissection, but were also detected in the sputa freshly expectorated during life. The plant is allied to Penicillium glaucum. A similar structure was seen in the sordes collected on the teeth and gums of persons labouring under typhus fever. Dr. Bennett and Mr. Goodsir* have both examined the vegetations found occasionally growing on the gold-fish (Cyprinus auratus). These consist of elongated cells presenting the appearance of long jointed tubes, and of fine filaments arising from the sides of the cel- lular tubes. Numerous instances are mentioned in different tribes of animals, as mollusca, insects, fishes, birds, and mammalia, in which vegetations have been detected during life, and copious references are given to the works in which the cases are detailed. From all the facts which the author has been able to collect, he thinks it pro- bable—“ Ist, that these vegetations always arise in living animals previously diseased; 2nd, that their presence indicates great de- pression of the vital powers, and impairment of the nutritive func- tions of the ceeconomy; 3rd, that the peculiar constitution or ca- chexia favourable to their growth is the tubercular or scrofulous in the mammalia, birds, and fishes, and most probably in reptiles and insects; and 4th, that the therapeutic indications are to invi- gorate the system, and to use locally, if possible, such applications as tend to destroy vegetable life.” The paper is one of great interest, and is worthy of an attentive perusal. Further observations on the subject of the vegetable nature of Tinea favosa will be found in the ‘ Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal’ for June 1842. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. A History of British Starfishes, and other Animals of the Class Echi- nodermata. By Edward Forbes, M.W.S., For. Sec. B.S., &c. Tuts book is one of that fair sisterhood of natural-history publica- tions, for which we are indebted to Van Voorst. We had intended, immediately on the completion of the work, to have introduced it to * See Annals, vol. ix. p, 333. 128 Bibliographical Notices. the notice of our readers, and have given them, as best we could, a knowledge of the kind of information which it contained, and of the manner in which that information had been communicated. But an editor, alas! like still greater potentates, is dependent on his allies, and not until now have we succeeded in obtaining that co-operation and assistance which the fulfilment of our design required. We shall therefore endeavour by a careful analysis, and by extracts more copious than we generally give, to make amends to our readers for our delay in making them acquainted with a work of such originality and value ; one which has elicited the encomiums of Professor Agassiz, who, among living naturalists, is perhaps the one best qualified to appre- ciate its merits*. | The following passages from the introduction state precisely what portion of the animal kingdom is treated of under the term Echino- dermata :— ‘The Echinodermata constitute one of the three great classes into which the Radiata are divided. The Radiate type presents us with animals which either have their parts arranged in a ray-like manner round a common centre, or have their bilaterality so modified as to give them a star-like form. The Zoophytes, the Meduse, and the creatures to which this volume is de- voted, constitute the type. The Echinodermata are most highly organized, much more so than the Polypes; they are almost all free animals, creeping about at the bottom of the sea; and as the greater number of species are covered with a coriaceous skin, which is commonly strengthened by calca- reous plates or spines, they have derived their general appellation from that remarkable character, which at once distinguishes them from the Meduse, free swimming animals of the most delicate and membranous texture.” “‘The system most characteristic of the Radiate type is the Aquiferous, or apparatus for a water circulation ; indeed, it can scarcely he said to exist in any of the other types. It is chiefly developed in the Arachnodermata and Echinodermata, and in the last is intimately connected with the movements of the animals ; for it is by means of this water circulation that the suckers or cirrhi are enabled to act as organs of progression. In many species of the most typical group, that of Echinide, we find a portion of the dermato- skeleton turned in, as it were, to form arches for the protection of the water- canals, thus evidencing their great importance in those creatures. Among the Annelidous Echinodermata, however, the aquiferous system seems alto- gether to disappear. “On the modifications of this characteristic system, its presence or ab- sence, and its combination with the tegumentary system for purposes of mo- tion, I have founded my arrangement of the Echinodermata. I look upon the Echinodermata and Arachnodermata as two parallel groups, and hold it as a law that the divisions of parallel groups should be based on a common principle.” . In accordance with this view the author proposes the following ar- rangement :— Order I. Pinnicrapa. Crinomex—First appearance of cirrhi, spring- ing from brachial membranes, which, with the true arms, form the organs of motion. * See Ann, Nat. Hist. vol. ix. p. 189. Bibliographical Notices. 129 Order II, Spixrerava. Oprnturtpa—Disappearance of brachial mem- branes, cirrhi as before; true arms clothed with spines for motion. III. Crrruiarava. Astertrapa—Arms disappear; body more or less lobed, and lobes channeled beneath for cirrhi, which act as suckers, and are the organs of motion. IV. Crrrur-Spinierapa. Ecurrpm — Gradual disappearance of lobes ; cirrhiferous canals appearing as avenues where cirrhi act as in Order III., but are assisted by mobile spines clothing the integument. V. Crrrui-Vermicrapa. Hototaur1ap“z—Lobes disappear ; mo- tions affected by avenues of cirrhi, assisted by contraction and extension of the soft body. VI. Vermicrava. Srpuncutip#—Cirrhi become obsolete and dis- appear ; motion effected by the contraction and extension of the animal’s body. *‘ All the Radiata,” it is remarked, ‘‘ are greatly influenced in the arrangement of their parts by some definite number. In the Echi- nodermata the reigning number is five. The name of ‘ five-fingers,’ commonly applied by mariners to the Starfishes, is founded ‘on a po- pular recognition of the number regnant.”’ ‘Every plate of the Sea-Urchin is built up of pentagonal particles. The skeletons of the digestive, the aquiferous, and the tegumentary systems, equally present the quinary arrangement ; and even the cartilaginous frame- work of the disk of every sucker is regulated ‘by this mystic number. When the parts of Echinoderms deviate from it, it is always either in consequence of the abortion of certain organs, or it is a variation by representation, that is to say, by the assumption of the regnant number of another class. Thus do monstrous Starfishes and Urchins often appear quadrate, and have their parts fourfold, assuming the reigning number of the Actinodermata, con- sistent with a law in which I put firm trust, that when parallel groups vary numerically by representation they vary by interchange of their respective numbers.” _ We pass by the excellent tables showing the distribution of spe- cies, both in regard to the zones of the sea and the coasts of the Bri- tish Isles, and proceed to the consideration of the several orders into which the Echinodermata are divided. ‘The first is the Crinoidee, of which we have now but one living British species. The former abundance and present scarcity of these singular and interesting tribes is thus announced in the opening paragraph, in which the beauty of the diction is surpassed only by the elevation, the gran- deur and poetic interest of the ideas which it embodies. “One of the most remarkable phenomena displayed to us by the researches of the geologist, is the evidence of the existence, in primeval times, of ani- mals and plants, the analogies of which are now rare or wanting on our lands and in our seas. Among those tribes which have become all but ex- tinct, but which once presented numerous generic modifications of form and structure, the order of Crinoid Starfishes is most prominent. Now scarcely a dozen kinds of these beatiful animals live in the seas of our globe, and in- dividuals of these kinds are comparatively rarely to be met with: formerly they were among the most numerous of the ocean’s inhabitants,—so nume- rous that the remains of their skeletons constitute great tracts of the dry land as it now appears. For miles and miles we may walk over the stony Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 130 Bibliographical Notices. fragments of the Crinoidee; fragments which were once built up in animated forms, encased in living flesh, and obeying the will of creatures among the loveliest of the inhabitants of the ocean. Even in their present disjointed and petrified state, they excite the admiration not only of the naturalist but of the common gazer ; and the name of Stone-lily popularly applied to them,. indicates a popular appreciation of their beauty. To the philosopher they have long been subjects of contemplation as well as of admiration. In him they raise up a vision of an early world, a world the potentates of which were not men but animals—of seas on whose tranquil surfaces myriads of convoluted Nautili sported, and in whose depths millions of Lily-stars waved wilfully on their slender stems. Now the Lily-stars and the Nautili are almost gone : a few lovely stragglers of those once-abounding tribes remain to evidence the wondrous forms and structures of their comrades. Other beings, not less wonderful, and scarcely less graceful, have replaced them; while the seas in which they flourished have become lands, whereon man in his columned cathedrals and mazy palaces emulates the beauty and symmetry of their fluted stems and chambered shells.” The species figured is the Comatula rosacea, or Rosy Feather-Star, “a creature which in its youth is fixed and pedunculate, like a zoo- phyte, in its adult state free and star-like.” This view was first main- tained hy Mr. J. V. Thompson of Cork, who regarded the Pentacri- nus Europeus as the young state of the Comatula, an opinion which has now been fully confirmed. “When dredging,” says Mr. Forbes, ‘in Dublin Bay in August 1840, with my friends Mr. R. Ball and W. Thompson, we found numbers of the Phy- tocrinus or Polype state of the Feather-star, more advanced than they had ever been seen before, so advanced that we saw the creature drop from its stem and swim about a true Comatula; nor could we find any difference be- tween it and the perfect animal, when examining it under the microscope.’’ The Starfishes composing the second order are the Opnrurip#, **so named from the long serpent or worm-like arms, which are ap- pended to their round, depressed, urchin-like bodies ;”’ they are di- vided into three genera and thirteen species ; of these, two (O. punc- tata and O. Goodsirii) are for the first time described and figured. The O. Ballii, described a short time before in the ‘ Annals,’ is now for the first time figured. A figure and description of O. filiformis, as a British species, appears for the first time, as does also a figure of the O. brachiata of Montagu. In speaking of the O. filiformis, the author describes a remarkable peculiarity in the structure of its spines, exhibiting “‘ a very beautiful example of the adaptation of or- ganization to the locality in which the creature is destined to live.” And in the O. bellis, “‘ one of the prettiest of its tribe,” it is re- marked,— “‘ This intermingled surface of spines and plates gives the disk that like- ness to a daisy-flower, whence it has been called ‘ bellis? by some; nor is the flower at all degraded by the comparison, for but few daisies can show such beauty either of form or colour as is presented by this little Sea-star.” Persons who have not given attention to these objects, or who know them only in the dried and rigid aspect which they present in our museums, have no idea of the variety and beauty which they exhibit in the living state. Those who have ever been present when a dredge half-filled with the commonest of our Brittle-stars, O. rosula, Bibliographical Notices. E82 has been emptied, will bear testimony to the fidelity of the following description :-— “ Of all our native Brittle-stars this is the most common and th? most va- riable. It is also one of the handsomest, presenting every vaiiety of varie- gation, and the most splendid displays of vivid hues arranged in beautiful patterns. Not often do we find two specimens coloured alike. It varies also in the length of the ray-spines, the spinousness of the disk, and the relative proportions of rays and disk; and in some places it grows to a much greater size than in others. It is the most brittle of all Brittle-stars, separating itself into pieces with wonderful quickness and ease. Touch it, and it flings away an arm; hold it, and in a moment not an arm remains attached to the body.” The notice of this species is most appropriately concluded by a vignette representing a portion of one of its spines, which, as it is justly observed, exhibits ‘‘a structure, the lightness and beauty of which might serve as a model for the spire of a cathedral.” We next come to the AstrR1ap#, or true Starfishes, an order whose beauty and symmetry seems to have “ attracted the attention of such observers of nature as dwelt by the sea-side, from a very early period.” “ A fanciful analogy between the form of these Radiata and the popular notion of a star, has originated a name applied to them in most maritime countries,—a name which has given rise to a fine thought or two. ‘ As there are stars in the sky, so are there stars in the sea,’ is Linck’s first sentence. ‘Ccelorum spectare sidera decet juvatque Astronomos: Physi- corum interest stellis marinis visum intendere,’ saith Christian Gabriel Fischer in his preface to Linck’s volume. Our own poet, James Montgomery, whose inspiration has revelled gloriously among the wonders of Nature, beautifully expresses the same anology, ‘ The heavens Were throng’d with constellations, and the seas Strown with their images.’ ” The order Asteriade contains fourteen British species, distributed into eight genera, two of which, Solaster and Luidia, are established by our author. The Cribella rosea comes forward for the first time as a British species; Uraster glacialis is figured for the first time from a British specimen, and Goniaster Templetoni appeared pre- viously only in Mr. Forbes’s paper in the ‘ Wernerian Memoirs.’ The following important observation occurs in p. 82:— “* It is a remarkable fact, one which I have elsewhere pressed on the at- tention of geologists when considering the Mollusca, that whenever, as in the Hebrides, the tides fall but a few feet, these animals, usually inhabitants of deep water, may be found living above low-water mark. This holds good as well in regard to Radiata as to Mollusca ; and the mixture of species gene- rally considered inhabitants of the depths of the sea, with truly littoral spe- cies, should a fossi! bed be formed, might lead to false conclusions unless such fact be borne in mind. Thus a change in the tides of a line of coast would materially affect its fauna.” ‘The Solasters,” we are told, ‘are suns in the systems of Sea- stars. Their many rays and brilliant hues give them a distinguished place among the marine constellations.’” The structure of the eye- lid is described in p. 113; it forms a very perfect protection to the K 2 {32 Bibliographical Notices. eye, and is extremely difficult to be forced open against the will of the animal, The fourth order, that of the Ecurnrp# or Sea-Urchins, is thus introduced to our notice :— ‘¢ Of equal importance to zoologist and geologist is the study of the Sea- Urchins: to the former they present the perfection of radiism, as well as the first steps towards a symmetrical or bilateral form; to the latter the know- ledge of their habits and organization is necessary in order to understand the relations and associations of the numerous species which abound in many of the earth’s strata. Of all the Radiata they are most perfectly preserved in a fossil state. Their hard calcareous integument, or shell, as it is popu- larly but inaccurately termed, the parts of which are jointed together with wondrous completeness, is especially durable ; consequently we find the hard parts of the extinct species frequently as perfeet as those of the recent ex- amples preserved in our cabinets. “The Sea-Urchins are distinguished from all the other Echinoderms by their form, which is more or less rounded, without arms of any kind, and by their integument, in which calcareous matter is deposited so as to form se- ries of regular plates, which plates are studded with tubercles, bearing jointed on them spines of various forms and sizes according to the genus or family.” “ The Echinide progress by means of the joint action of their suckers and spines, using the former in the manner of the Asteriade, and the latter as the Ophiuride do. Many Sea-Urchins, such as live on hard surfaces, moor themselves also by means of the suckers, and thus adhere very firmly to the rocks. That such is the mode of progression and rest among this family I assert, not only from the general belief of naturalists, but also from personal observation.” On this point we can fully corroborate what the author has ad- vanced, having repeatedly seen the common Urchin (Kchinus sphera) moving about or anchoring at pleasure by means of its suckers. ‘The first time we noticed the fact was under circumstances which we still very vividly remember. We had cut horizontally into two nearly equal parts a large Sea-Urchin, for the purpose of examining the in- testine and ovaries. ‘These being removed, the shell was thrown on the deck of the little vessel, as being no longer of any service. It chanced, however, that we afterwards picked up the parts and placed them in a shallow vessel of sea-water. To our surprise, the suckers were soon extended and the animal walked about apparently as un- concerned as if the loss of intestine and ovaries had been an every- day occurrence. Of the order Echinide there are seven genera and twelve species. Brissus lyrifer is now for the first time described and figured, and we have also for the first time figures of the L. Flemingii and lividus. We have long been aware of the fact that the common Echinus of the Mediterranean was a species distinct from our own, though both had been included in the common appellation of E. esculentus. The distinction is now announced by Mr. Forbes, and he gives the follow- ing excellent characteristics for the family Echinide :— ‘“‘ The essential specific characters depend on the arrangement of the tu- bercles which bear the spines, on the spines themselves, and on the number and arrangement of the pairs of pores in the avenues of suckers. These pre- Bibliographical Notices. 133 sent good marks of distinction throughout the genus Lechinus. The spines are especially important, as from the examination of a single spine it is pos- sible to pronounce on. the species to which it belongs. To the geologist this is evidently of great consequence, as frequently he meets only with a few scattered spines. But when we leave the family Echinide, we leave this im- portant character behind us. Among the Heart-Urchins the spines present one common family structure. A single plate, either ambulacral or inter- ambulacral, will also, from the arrangement of the spiniferous tubercles which cover its surface, enable us to pronounce pretty. certainly on the ani- mal of which it formed a part. Thus, in this family of Echinodermata, from an apparently insignificant fragment we can construct, as it were, a species, even as the student of the Vertebrata, from a broken bone, can pronounce on the form and habits of the animal to which it belonged.” To those—if such there be—who wandering on the beach, and no- ticing a Sea-Urchin flung there by the retiring tide, view it merely as part of the rejectamenta of the ocean—a thing to be glanced at with contempt, and broken into fragments under the foot, we re- commend the careful perusal of the following extract, and beg they will treasure up in their ‘“ heart of hearts” the reflection with which it concludes :— “‘ In a moderate-sized Urchin I reckoned sixty-two rows of pores in each of the ten avenues. Now, as there are three pairs of pores in each row, their number multiplied by six, and again by ten, would give the great num- ber of 3720 pores; but as each sucker occupies a pair of pores, the number of suckers would be half that amount, or 1860. The structure in the Egg- Urchin is not less complicated in other parts. There are. above 300 plates of one kind, and nearly as many of another, all dove-tailing together with the greatest nicety and regularity, bearing on their surfaces above 4000 spines, each spine perfect in itself, and of a complicated structure, and ha- ving a free movement on its socket. Truly the skill of the Great Architect of Nature is not less displayed in the construction of a Sea-Urchin than in the building-up of a world !” Among the Echinide none are more attractive than the L. lividus, a species which at the time Mr. Forbes wrote was believed to be pe- culiar to Ireland among the British Isles, but which has recently been discovered on the west coast of Scotland by the Rev. D. Landsbo- rough. It is remarkable for its singular habit of boring principally into limestone rocks, and living in the excavation thus formed. In treating of this species the author gives the following interesting particulars :— “Mr. W. Thompson informs me it is gregarious, and was seen abundantly in rock pools at low water by himself and Mr. Ball when visiting the South Isles of Arran in 1884. It is always stationary, the hole in which it is found being cup-like, yet fitting so as not to impede the spines. Every one lived in a hole fitted to its own size, the little ones in little holes and the large ones in large holes; and their purple spines and regular forms presented a most beautiful appearance studding the bottoms of the gray limestone rocks’ pools.”’ We now pass on to the HoLoruuriap&, an order composed of ani- mals much less known to naturalists in general than those of the pre- ceding orders. ‘ A Holothuria may be regarded in one light as a soft Sea-Urchin, in another as a radiated animal approximating to the 134 Bibliographical Notices. Annelides.” Besides progressing by means of suckers, “ the Holo- thuriade move as Annelides do, by the extension and contraction of their bodies.” ‘‘ On our shores they are rare and unattractive ani- mals, not often seen even by the zoologist ; but abroad they are very abundant, and are in some places used as food.” “It is this animal which the Malays of the Oriental Isles seek so dili- gently for the supply of the China market, where it obtains a good price -when well-preserved. - It is employed by the Chinese in the preparation of nutritious soups, in common with an esculent sea-weed, sharks’ fins, edible birds’-nests, and other materials, affording much jelly. Jaeger says the in- testines are extracted, the animal then boiled in sea-water, and dried in smoke.”’ The order Holothuriade contains six genera, two of which, Psali- nus and Ocnus are constituted by our author. It contains altogether fifteen native species, six of which are now for the first time described and figured ; these are Psolinus brevis, Cucumaria communis, C. fusi- formis, C. fucicola, Ocnus lacteus and Thyone Portlockit. ‘There are three others which had been recently described in the ‘ Annals,’ and are now for the first time figured, viz. C. Drummondii, C. Hyndmanni, -and Ocnus brunneus ; we have also for the first time a figure of Cuc. hyalina. “« Doubtless there yet remain many undiscovered species of Holothuriade in the British seas. Of Starfishes we must not expect to find many more . kinds, though Goniaster miliaris, and some few others which have been seen on the Norwegian shores, may be looked for. Of Sea-Urchins there are probably still fewer unnoticed; but of the Sea-Cucumbers many. Their comparatively unattractive aspect, the difficulty of preserving them (they must always be kept in spirits), their habitat in the sea, and the little atten- tion that has hitherto been paid to them by native zoologists, all lead me to believe that many species have been passed over. We have as yet no repre- sentative of the typical Holothurie which have twenty tentacula in the Bri- . tish Fauna. Several of these, such as the Holothuria elegans and Holothu- ria mollis, inhabitants of the Scandinavian shores, will probably ere long prove to be natives of our own.” Lastly, we come to the sixth order, Srpuncutip. ‘‘ In their ex- ternal appearance they are worms,” but internally they afford evi- dence of belonging to the same great class ‘‘ with the Holothuriade.”’ In the Sipunculide there are five British genera and eight species ; two of these, Syrinx Harvett and Sipunculus Johnstonii, are now for the first time described and figured. Of Syrinz papillosus we have for the first time a figure; it was described shortly before this work appeared. Syrinx nudus, Sipunc. Bernhardus, Priapulius caudatus, and Echinus vulgaris, are for the first time figured frem British speci- mens; the last-mentioned had not before been announced as a na- tive of our seas. The description given of some of these animals is extremely cu- rious; one (Priapulus caudatus) ‘‘is shaped like a dice-box ;” an- other has a sheath for its tentacula, presenting the form of a marrow- spoon. When we find the likeness of our household appurtenances thus dwelling beneath the waters as living animals, it calls to our mind the well-known quotation, ‘‘ Nothing of ‘them but doth suffer Bibliographical Notices. 135 a sea change.” Instead, however, of giving a brief notice of three or four species, we shall content ourselves by taking the following more copious extract, descriptive of the Sipunculus Bernhardus :— “‘ The species bury in sand, or in the crevices of rocks, or, as is the cus- tom of the curious animal before us, adopt the shells of dead univalve tes- tacea for a house and home, after the manner of the Hermit Crab. The Sipunculus would appear, however, to be of a less changeable disposition of mind and body than its crustacean analogue, and when once securely housed in a shell to make that its permanent habitation. Whether the egg is ori- ginally deposited in the future habitation ef the animal by some wonderful instinct, or is only developed when lodged by the waters in such a locality, or whether the parent Sipunculus bequeathes the chosen lodging of its caudal termination to its eldest born, and so on from generation to generation, a veritable entailed property, we know not at present; but the inquiry is a most interesting one, and well worth the attention of the se, erate Z00-~ logist. The Sipunculus is not, however, content with the habitation built for it by its molluscan predecessor ; it exercises its own architectural inge- nuity, and secures the entrance of its shell by a plaster-work of sand, leaving a round hole in the centre sufficiently large to admit of the protru- sion of its trunk, which it sends out to a great length, and moves about in all directions with great facility.” Throughout the entire work, Mr. Forbes makes the most hearty acknowledgments, not only to those who have either by specimens or by communications assisted his present labours, but to those hardy pioneers in the paths of science who first ‘“‘ broke ground” in this department of inquiry. As anexample, we select the following tri- bute to Col. Montagu :— “ It is not merely the copiousness of his descriptions which gives them their peculiar value, though their fulness is a great merit ; nor merely their perspicuity, though that is a still greater merit; but it is their logical cha- racter, that instinctive perception of the essential attributes and relations of each. species, which is the most important faculty a naturalist can possess. Too many of our older naturalists (and can we claim exemption from the fault yet?) described forms as if there could be no creatures existing with which those forms might be confounded: they wrote of the animals they were characterizing, as if the whole book of Nature was already in print. Montagu was a forward-looking philosopher; he spoke of every creature as if one exceeding like it, yet different from it, would be washed up by the waves the next tide. Consequently his descriptions are permanent; and when he had full opportunities of examining any marine animal, subsequent observers have but little to add to bis words.” We may remark, that in Mr. Forbes’s own definition of species, he has evinced in no trivial degree the mental characteristics which he has ascribed to Montagu, and that the specific characters are remark- able, not only for the judgment with which they are selected, but for the precision and perspicuity with which they are expressed. Yet notwithstanding the pains-taking accuracy with which these definitions must have been elaborated, the book smells not of the lamp. The style throughout is peculiarly easv, varied, and unla- boured. As we turn over the pages, we find we are giving attention to animals, not dried in a cabinet, or preserved in alcohol, but put- ting forth in their native haunts, their several aspects, powers, and 136 Bibliographical Notices. peculiarities. Our thoughts turn to the sea. We hear in fancy the rippling of the tide, or the swelling of the surge, and feel upon our cheek its fresh and invigorating gales. We accompany the author in his researches on the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland, and venture with him even into the Shetland seas, where ‘‘ the king of the sea-cucumbers ” holds his court. In by-gone times we remember learning from a fragment of some old ballad, *« The herring loves the merry moonlight, The mackerel loves the wind, But the oyster loves the dredging song, For they come of a gentle kind.” Mr. Forbes does not tell us if any of the creatures which he has taken under his patronage ‘partake of the penchant for the dredging song, which is here attributed to the oyster. We would rather sur- mise, that all which have escaped his pen and pencil are evincing their determination not to permit any prying naturalist “to draw their frailties from their dread abode,” for we believe that the re- searches of succeeding naturalists have not as yet added even one species of Echinodermata to those which Mr. Forbes has recorded. In other departments of zoology, traditionary lore and superstitious feelings have made certain animals be regarded with some degree of reverence, or avoided with some infusion of awe. It is curious to find, that even to the Radiate animals, though so low in the scale of being, something of the same kind of superstitious dread has been extended. Thus we are told,— ‘“‘ The Common Brittle-star often congregates in great numbers on the edges of scallop-banks, and I have seen a large dredge come up completely filled with them; a most curious sight, for when the dredge was emptied, these little creatures, writhing with the strangest contortions, crept about in all directions, often flinging their arms in broken pieces around them, and their snake-like and threatening attitudes were by no means relished by the boatmen, who anxiously asked permission to shovel them overboard, super- stitiously remarking that ‘the things weren’t altogether right.’ ” The great Sea-Cucumber, we are told, is by the Shetland fisher- men arranged ‘‘in an extensive though most unphilosophically constituted class of ma- rive animals, to which they apply the term ‘Pushen,’. which being trans- lated signifies poison. In this Thulean arrangement numbers of the rarest of British animals are unfortunately included,—I say unfortunately, for all members of the class Pushen are unceremoniously and speedily thrust over- board almost as soon as seen in the fishing-boats, being considered unlucky and dangerous in their nature.” The author elsewhere says, in speaking of the common Cross-fish (Uraster rubens),— “Dr. J. L. Drummond of Belfast favours me with the following note on their Irish denomination :—‘ The Starfishes are called at Bangor (county Down) the Devil’s fingers, and the Devil’s hands, and the children have a superstitious dread of touching them. When drying some in the little gar- den behind my lodgings, I heard some of them on the other side of the hedge put the following queries:—‘ What’s the gentleman doing with the bad man’s hand? Is he ganging to eat the bad man’s hands, do ye think?’” Bibliographical Notices. 137 We should be glad, did our space permit, to descant on the per- manence of certain kinds of traditionary legends among the fisher- men of our coasts. Mingling comparatively little with other classes of men, pursuing in companionship with each other their laborious and uncertain calling, they transmit to the succeeding generation the heritage of legendary superstition which they have acquired from the past. We lately noticed a plank covered with the barnacle shells (Lepas anatifera) in a living state, cast upon the shore, and upon asking what they were of a hoary fisherman who was expounding their nature to a circle of attentive listeners, we were told that they were the shells that gave birth to the bernacle goose, and with a gracious condescension fitted to our seeming ignorance, he offered to point out the bill and feathers of the future bird. We must own we take a great pleasure in listening to these old stories, and in viewing the simple and industrious race among whom they are cur- rent. ‘Io the humble but hardy companions of his dredging labours, Mr. Forbes has not been inattentive. While studying the marine productions which the dredge brought to light, he has not neglected the men, by whose exertions they were procured. And this habit we know has not been suffered to slumber during his recent visit to the Aigean, for we have seen a letter to a friend, in which he says, “The scenery in many of the islands was very picturesque, the people in all most interesting ; and the inquisitive, speculative, and news-knowing spirit of the old Greek is the same now as in the days when it was caricatured by Aristophanes.” Our author would seem to be one of those who believe “ it is good to be merry and wise,” for mirth and wisdom seem at times to dis- pute the possession of his pages, or rather we should say to hold them as joint and friendly occupants. Matters of high interest in the history or ceconomy of the animal are served up to us in so hu- morous a style, that there are pages in the ‘ History of British Star- fishes’ which we would be half inclined to prescribe as ‘‘ a cure for the heart-ache.” Thus, under the head of Ophiocoma punctata we | have the following paragraph :— ‘¢ The stomachs of fishes are often zoological treasuries. The Haddock is a great conchologist. In his travels through the country of the Mermaids, he picks up many curiosities in the shell way. Not a few rare species have been discovered by him; and the ungrateful zoologist too frequently de- scribes novelties without an allusion to the original discoverer. As Haddocks are not in the habit of writing pamphlets or papers, the fraud remains un- discovered, greatly to the detriment of science: for, had the describer stated to whom he was indebted for his specimen, we could form some idea of its habitat and history, whether littoral or deep sea,—very important points in the ceconomy of Mollusca,—important not only to the malacologist, but also to the geologist. Like the Haddock, the Cod also is a great naturalist ; and he, too, carries his devotion to our dear science so far as occasionally to die for its sake with a new species in his stomach, probably with a view to its being described and figured by some competent authority. The Cod is not so much devoted to the Mollusca as to the Echinodermata; and doubtless his knowledge of the Ophiure exceeds that of any biped. He has a great taste for that tribe. It was a Cod that communicated the pretty little spe- cies I am about to describe, to my friend Mr. Henry Goodsir, at Anstru- is Bibliographical Notices. ther ; and, as far as that gentleman could learn, it would appear the indus- trious animal had observed and entrapped this new Ophiocoma in the North Sea near the Dogger Bank. And as a worthy companion to this picture, we present one of the Luidia fragilissima :— “It is the wonderful power which the Lwidia possesses, not merely of casting away its arms entire, but of breaking them voluntarily into little pieces with great rapidity, which approximates it to the Ophiura. This fa- culty renders the preservation of a perfect specimen a very difficult matter. The first time I ever took one of these creatures I succeeded in getting it into the boat entire. Never having seen one before, and quite unconscious of its suicidal powers, I spread it out on a rowing bench, the better to ad- mire its form and colours. On attempting to remove it for preservation, to my horror and disappointment I found only an assemblage of rejected mem- bers. My conservative endeavours were all neutralized by its destructive exertions, and it is now badly represented in my cabinet by an armless disk and a diskless arm. Next time I went to dredge on the same spot, deter- mined not to be cheated out of a specimen in such a way a second time, I brought with me a bucket of cold fresh water, to which article Starfishes have a great antipathy. As I expected, a Luidia came up in the dredge, a most gorgeous specimen. As it does not generally break up before it is raised above the surface of the sea, cautiously and anxiously I sunk my bucket to a level with the dredge’s mouth, and proceeded in the most gentle manner to introduce Luidia to the purer element. Whether the cold air was too much for him, or the sight of the bucket tooterrific, I know not, but in a moment he proceeded to dissolve his corporation, and at every mesh of the dredge his fragments were seen escaping. In despair I grasped at the largest, and brought up the extremity of an arm with its terminating eye, the spinous eyelid of which opened and closed with something exceedingly like a wink of derision.” The following extract is of a different character, and needs not our introduction. Its philosophic spirit will commend itself to our readers :— “ The tracing of the connections between species and species, through minute differences combined with general resemblances, is one of the great- est pleasures which enliven the studies of the naturalist. Every here and there in organized nature we find creatures presenting the forms of one spe- cies, and the structure of another, filling up a supposed blank, or overturn- ing a supposed barrier. ‘The discovery of such forms frequently annihilates genera which we had long considered fixed, or brings together species which we had long looked upon as but doubtfully related to each other. There are men who affect to look down on the investigator of ‘ mere species,’ who, with patronizing self-sufficiency, talk of the ‘humble observers of minute differences of forms,’ and who scarcely rank the recorder of new animals or plants above the mere collector or virtuoso. Yet such persons affect per- fectly to understand the great laws of nature; and will write on what they are pleased to term the philosophy of natural history, often without the knowledge of a single form or structure save from a picture in a book. The humility which the knowledge of the abundance of undiscovered things teaches the practical naturalist, prevents him retorting on such would-be philosophers ; and knowing how little we yet know, he scarcely ventures to pronounce any law general. He knows too well that the conclusion he drew in the morning is often overturned by the discovery he makes in the even- ing, to pronounce himself the lawgiver of nature; yet also knowing, from Bibliographical Notices. 139 the perfection of all he sees around him, that the machinery of nature is perfect, and hoping the laws of that machinery discoverable, he points out the indications of those laws wherever he perceives a glimpse of their in- fluence, and works as trustfully towards the development of the truth.” And although our quotations have extended to great length, we cannot withstand the gratification of giving to our readers the con- cluding paragraph. It breathes a spirit which the pious and phi- losophic naturalist will ever appreciate :— “ Among the British Echinodermata we have seen some of the most ex- traordinary forms in the animal kingdom, some of the most wonderful structures and of the strangest habits. Much yet remains to be done towards their elucidation, and the investigation of them botli structurally and for- mally presents a wide field of inquiry to the student of Nature, as yet but imperfectly explored. The great naturalist of Denmark, Miiller, long ago said that we need not resort to distant regions and foreign climes for rare or wonderful creatures; that the fields, the woods, the streams, and the seas of our native lands abounded in wondrous evidences of God’s power and wisdom. The investigation of our native animals must ever be a chief source of sound zoological knowledge, for it is there only we can watch, under fa- vourable circumstances, for the observation of their development, their ha- bits, and their characters. The naturalist whose acquaintance is confined to preserved specimens in a cabinet, can form but a vague idea of the glo- rious variety of Nature, of the wisdom displayed in the building up of the atoms of matter to be the houses of life and intellect. And unless we study the creatures living around us, how can we gain that delightful knowledge ? The passing note of an animal observed during travel is an addition to science not to be scorned; the briefly characterizing of a new species from a pre- served specimen, if done with judgement, is of importance; but the real pro- gress of natural history must ever depend on the detailed examination of the beings gathered around us by the laws of geographical distribution, living and multiplying in their destined homes and habitats.” Our extracts have extended to such a length, that we are unable to notice as they deserve the numerous wood-cuts with which the work is illustrated and embellished. They may be divided into three classes. First, the representation of each of the sixty-three species described in the work, with magnified drawings of such parts as serve to convey a better idea of the specific distinctions or peculiarities of structure. ‘The author says in the introduction, ‘‘ with three ex- ceptions the figures of species are from my own drawings, and with a view to secure corréctness were mostly drawn on the wood by myself.” “The wood-cutting,” he remarks, “ speaks for itself,—thanks to Mr. Bastin, who in the most praiseworthy manner made himself acquainted not merely with the drawings, but with the texture and appearance of the ani- mals themselves, in order the better to express them.” Next in order we may mention those which may be regarded as embellishments, including under this title the poetical or allegorical designs which appear at the commencement of the several orders, and those which are technically known as “ tail-pieces.” Some of the latter are replete with humour, and will be sure to find favour with every admirer of Bewick. The third division of the illustrations is of a kind peculiar to the present work, and well fitted to increase the 140 Bibliographical Notices. interest with which it is read. They consist of a series of views of many of the localities in these kingdoms where researches among the Echinodermata have been conducted. Thus we have from the Isle of Man, Breda Head, the ruins of Peel Castle, and those of St. Ger- main’s Cathedral. On the English coast we have Scarboro’ and Tyne- mouth. On the Irish, Belfast Bay. On the Scotch, St. Andrew’s Castle, the Kyles of Bute, &c. These vignettes in general represent scenery which is in itself picturesque ; some of them are perfect gems—as for example, that of the Frith of Forth, with the Bass Rock and North Berwick Law, and that of Holy Loch, in the Clyde district, during a squall,—all are deserving of commendation, and furnish exquisite examples of the perfection which the art of wood- engraving has now attained. ‘The woodcuts alone are worth, ata very moderate computation, more than the publication price of the entire volume. A General History of Animalcules. By A. Pritchard. Part I. London, Whittaker. : We have already had occasion to notice this work in a former Number of this Journal, and we have now much pleasure in inform- ing our readers that Mr. Pritchard has thought it expedient to publish the plates of this work, containing upwards of 3500 beautiful figures illustrative of each genus of Infusoria, described by Ehrenberg in his large work in a separate form. In no branch of natural history are drawings of the subjects more requisite, and there is no doubt, from microscopes being now in the hands of almost all lovers of natural history, and Infusoria being generally the first things which attract the attention of the observer, that this work will meet with great approbation, especially as it leaves nothing to be desired with re- spect to price, the cost of each plate, containing upwards of fifty sub- jects, not amounting to sixpence. ‘The whole is accompanied by a general history of Animalcules, with their localities, best mode of capture, and method of examining them under the microscope, &c. Books received. The Naturalist’s Library:—Ornithology, vol. xiii. The Nectarinide, or Sun Birds. By Sir W. Jardine. Thirty-six volumes of the Naturalist’s Library are now published, Viz. :— Of Ornithology, 13 vols. Of Ichthyology, 3 vols. Of Entomology (complete), 7 vols. Of Mammalia (complete), 13 vols. ) There will be forty volumes in all. The remaining four will in- clude British Fishes in 2 vols., and the concluding portions of British Birds and the Fishes of Guiana. These are confidently expected by Midsummer. History of British Birds. By William Yarrell, F.L.S., &c. Part 34. Dec. 1842. 8vo. Van Voorst. This Part commences the Laride, and completes the descriptions Zoological Society. 141 of the Terns, of which ten species are introduced belonging to our native list. The most interesting species to the British ornithologist is the Sterna Leucopreia, for species of which, killed in the end of August at Lyme on the Dorsetshire coast, Mr. Yarrell is indebted to ‘I’. C. Heythem, Esq. of Carlisle. Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Vol. xv. Part 2. Session 1841-42, Dec. 1842. 4to. Grant and Son. An unusually thin number, containing only sixty-nine pages ; but we have among the contents two papers relating to zoology and botany, both of them illustrated with plates, of the first we have given an abstract at page 126 of the present Number. The second paper alluded to, is on the ultimate secreting structure, and on the laws of its function, by John Goodsir. The conclusions arrived at by the author are: ‘‘ That all the true secretions are formed by a vital action of the nucleolated cell, and that they are first contained in the cavity of that cell; that growth and secretion are identical,— the same vital process under different circumstances. Preparing for Publication. Supplement to Dr. Parnell’s Grasses of Scotland, including the Cereal Grain, making the British Grasses complete. We have much satisfaction in learning that the results of Captain Belcher’s Voyage in H.M.S. Sulphur are to be made available to science in the most advantageous manner, Government having ad- vanced a sum of money to provide the requisite illustrations. Richard Brinsley Hinds, Esq. has been appointed by the Admiralty to edit and superintend the publication, and the co-operation of Mr. J. E. Gray, Dr. Richardson, Mr. Gould, &c., has been obtained by that gentleman, to describe respectively the mammalia, fish, birds, &c., the shells being undertaken by himself, The work is to be published in parts, and at a moderate price. Part XI. of Taylor’s Scientific Memoirs, just published, contains Ehrenberg’s important memoir on the Animals of the Chalk Forma- tion. PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Feb. 8, 1842.—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. Some notes on the habits of the Horned Screamer (Palamedea cornuta, Linn.), by William Martin, Esq., Secretary to the Clifton Zoological Gardens, were read. These notes were communicated by the President, the Earl of Derby, and are drawn up from observations made upon a specimen of the Palamedea living in the Clifton menagerie. “The Horned Screamer was presented to the Society early in June 1839, by Capt. Rees of Bristol. On its arrival in this country it was exceedingly thin and weak. It had been fed during the voy- 142 Zoological Society. age principally upon Indian corn, but had a little chopped boiled meat occasionally. The weather being very mild, it was placed in~ a turfed aviary, used generally for pheasants, some water-cresses and other aquatic plants being procured; but it was soon evident that we had not discovered a proper substitute for its natural food. Think- ing one day that it manifested a desire to get at some roses which were trained upon the aviary, I gave it one of the flowers, which it ate eagerly. It was then thought, that, as it was so domesticated and familiar, the feathers of one wing should be cut, and the bird turned loose into the garden and watched, to see what plants it would pre- fer. The rose-trees were the favourite plants, the flowers, young shoots and leaves being eagerly eaten. Since this time it has al- ways been turned out every morning in mild weather to roam about the garden, and it is very fond of creeping up close to the gardeners,’ and watching them at work, although it does not appear to be from any desire to obtain worms or insects. It seldom wanders very far from its aviary, and in the afternoon is always found waiting to be let in. In winter it is allowed its liberty in the parrot aviary, which is heated by one of the Arnott stoves, and close to which it may generally be found. Even in moderately sharp weather, if it be dry, we find it better to let it go out for a short time; but then, instead of creeping leisurely about, it bustles off to its favourite plants, and very soon returns; but it will not bear confinement in a cage. At the present time /ettuce is its principal food, but it has also Indian corn, hemp-seed, sopped bread, and a little boiled sheep’s head. Small stones seem also necessary, and it is very fond of swallowing small pieces of the coal used in the stove, which is anthracite. Owing to the difficulty and expense of procuring a sufficient quan- tity of lettuce during the frost of last winter and that of the year before, the poor bird became very thin and weak, but quickly rallied upon again getting this food. In the summer, when on the lawns, it will eat grass, which it chips off with its beak in a very singular manner. I have tried it several times with a frog, but it has always been refused. When we first had it the horn upon the head was about four inches long ; but as it used to stand so close to the stove, it became burnt down to about an inch, and is now grown again con- siderably. “The spurs upon the elbows of the wings are nearly two inches long, and of amazing strength and hardness; they are truly formi- dable weapons. We have several varieties of dogs, which are kept in single kennels, in different parts of the garden, but they always re- treat upon the approach of the Screamer; and whilst the bird con- tinues close, nothing will induce them to come out, at least those that have once felt the spur. I have several times seen it standing close to a door of a kennel, with its head erect and looking very proud, making a sound which one could only look upon as a chal- lenge to the dog to come forth. As the mode of attack is so sly and unexpected, none are at first prepared for it. Throwing its neck and head backwards and forwards, and uttering at the same time a low note, it advances sideways up to the dog, and when close enough ' turns half-way round, and quietly raising its wing, delivers such a Zooloyical Society. — 143 blow that no dog that we have will face it a second time. It is not meant that a dog could not be made to resent such an attack, but only that of their own accord they seem unwilling to do so. “It is, however, exceedingly familiar, and would become attached to any one that would notice it*kindly, and with me will often make a kind of purring noise when being patted and caressed. Still I have seen it run after children when they have been teasing it. «On one or two occasions it has recovered the use of its wing sooner than expected, but it never flew beyond the garden—alighting upon the top of its aviary, flying off again, wheeling round in a circle and returning. In their wild state I should consider these birds good flyers ; their long wings and light bodies, with a most complete appa- ratus of external air-cells, would conduce to that result. I hardly know why it should be called a screamer; no noise that I have ever heard it make could be called a scream. It has certainly a tolerably sharp cry, and also a lower note or cry, somewhat resembling the trumpet-note of a peacock, but not so loud; both appear to be notes of pleasure and satisfaction, and may generally be called forth in the following manner. If for instance the bird is on the lawn, and any of those known to it should pass close by, it will utter one or two of the lower notes, and if encouraged by the person endeavouring to imitate the same note, it will utter two or three more, and finish with one of the shrill notes ; it will then often lie down to be patted and caressed. Its walk is rather ludicrous, partaking both of state- liness and awkwardness. ‘The head is carried high and well, but as its toes are so long it is compelled to raise each foot very high, in order to get it clear of the other, and this produces the appearance described. In standing, the toes of one foot are crossed a good deal over those of the other. ‘It has evidently more confidence in man, and seems also to have more intelligence than most birds.” The reading of Professor Owen’s memoir on the Myology of the Apteryx was continued. Mr. Gould then brought before the notice of the Meeting some additional ornithological novelties from Australia, and character- ized an Artamus, conspicuous for the white colouring of the rump, as : ARTAMUS LEUCOPYGIALIS. Art. capite, guld, et dorso fuliginoso- cinereis ; pectore, partibus inferioribus, et uropygio jacbis ; rostro pallide ceruleo- cinereo. Head, throat and back sooty grey; primaries and tail brownish black, washed with grey; chest, all the under surface, and rump, pure white ; irides brown; bill light bluish grey at the base, black at the tip ; legs and feet mealy greenish grey. Total length, 54 inches ; bill, 43; wing, 54; tail, 24 ; tarsi, 2: Hab. Australia. A new Pitta, being the third species of that form from the Austra- lian continent, as Pirra Irts. Pitt. capite, collo, pectore, abdomine, lateribus, et fe- 144 Zoological Society. moribus nigerrimis ; fascid superoculari, ad occiput ductd ferru- gined ; corpore supra, alisque ex aureo viridibus, humeris metallice ceruleis et fascid inferiore lazulind ornatis. Head, neck, breast, abdomen, flanks and thighs deep velvety black; over the eye, extending to the occiput, a band of ferruginous brown ; upper surface and wings golden green; shoulders bright metallic cerulean blue, bordered. below with lazuline blue; primaries black, passing into olive-brown at their tips; the third, fourth, fifth and sixth having a spot of white about the centre of the feather; tail black at the base, green at the tip, the former colour running on the inner web nearly to the tip; rump-feathers tinged with czrulean blue ; lower part of the abdomen and under tail-coverts bright scarlet, separated from the black of the abdomen by vellowish benwen's ; irides dark brown ; bill black; feet tlesh-colour. Total length, 7 inches ; bill, 14; wing, 4; tail, 13; tarsi, 14. Hab. Cobourg Peninsula, north coast of Australia. Mr. Gould then pointed out the generic characters of two new Te of Finches, the first of which he proposed to designate Genus EMBLEMA. Rostrum fer’ quam caput longum, conicum (ut in genere Ploceus). Ale mediocres; remige prima parvula, quatuor proximis inter se eequalibus ; tertiarlis elongatis. Cauda mediocris, et feré quadrata, vel paululim rotundata. Pedes plantigradi, digitis gracillimis ; digito intermedio externis longiore, illis inter se zequalibus. Empiema picta. mb. facie et guld saturate miniaceis ; vertice et corpore supra fuscis ; pectore et corpore subtis nigris crebré albo- guttatis, abdomine medio miniaceo adsperso. Face and throat deep vermilion red; the base of all the feathers of the throat black, giving that part a mingled appearance of black and red ; crown of the head, all the upper surface and wings, brown ; rump deep vermilion-red ; tail dark brown ; chest and all the under surface jet-black, the flanks numerously spotted with white, and the centre of the abdomen dashed with vermilion-red; feet light red; upper mandible black, under mandible scarlet, with a triangular patch of black at the base. Total length, 33 inches; bill, ;% ; wing, 24; tail, 13; tarsi, 3. Hab. The north-west coast of Australia. From the collection of B. Bynoe, Esq. And the second, Genus Po#PHILA. Gen. char.—Rostrum ad basin tumidum, et igitur feré tam latum et profundum quam longum. Ale mediocres, remige prima parvula, secunda tertid quarta et quintd inter se feré equalibus; digitis gracilibus, medio externis longiore, illis inter se zequalibus; digito postico, medio valdé breviore. Cauda cuneiformis, rectricibus duabus intermediis productis. This form is nearly allied to Erythura and Estrelda. Type, P. acuticauda (Amadina acuticaudu, Gould in Proc. Zool. Soc., Part VII. p. 143). Zoological Society. 145 Poiipuiia PERsonata. Poé. rostro ad basin fascid irregulari ni- gerrimd circumdato, vertice, dorso, alis, cauddque pallide cinna- momino-fuscis. Base of the bill surrounded by an irregular ring of deep velvety black ; crown of the head, upper surface and wings, light cinnamon- brown; lower part of the abdomen banded with deep velvety black ; lower part of the rump and under tail-coyerts white; upper tail- coverts white, striped longitudinally with black on ‘the outer side ; tail graduated, and of a deep blackish brown; irides red; bill bright orange ; legs and feet flesh-red. Total length, 32 inches; bill, 3; wing, 24; tail, 2; tarsi, =. Hab. The northern parts of Australia. Mr. Gould then characterized two new species of the genus Péi/i- nopus, Swainson, as P. Swainsonit and P. Ewingii; the first in honour of the founder of the genus, and the second in honour of the Rev. T. J. Ewing, of Van Diemen’s Land. Pritinopus Swarinsonu. Pil. fronte et vertice splendid? coccineis, héc colore lined angustd flavé nisi apud frontem cincto; pectore - sordidé viridi, singulis plumis ad apicem bifidis, more furcule, cujus apices maculd triangulari argenteo-cinered notantur ; abdo- mine medio aurantiaco ; caude apice late flavissimo. Forehead and crown deep crimson-red, surrounded, except in front, with a narrow ring of light yellow; back of the neck greyish green ; all the upper surface bright green tinged with yellow, the green becoming deep blue towards the extremities of the tertiaries, which are broadly margined with yellow; primaries slaty grey on their inner webs, green on the outer, very slightly margined with yellow ; tail deep green, largely tipped with rich yellow ; throat greenish grey, stained on the chin with yellow in some specimens; in others the chin is white ; breast dull green, each feather forked at the end, and with a triangular silvery grey spot at either extremity; flanks and abdomen green, with a large patch of orange-red in the centre of the latter ; under tail-coverts orange-yellow; thighs green; irides red- dish orange ; bill greenish black, horn-colour at the tip; feet olive- brown. Total length, 9 inches ; bill, 3; wing, 52; tail, 32; tarsi, 3. Hab. The brushes of the River Clarence and Moreton Bay. Prininopus Ewineu. P. fronte et vertice roseis, héc colore lined — flava nisi ad frontem cincto ; pectore virescenti-cinereo plumis bi- fidis, et ad apicem pallide cinereis ; fascia infra pectorali pallide sulphured ; abdomine medio saturate aurantiaco, cum lunuld cen- trali helvo-ceruled ; caude rectricibus ad apicem flavis, non sine tincturd viridi presertim in rectricibus duabus intermediis notandd. Forehead and crown of the head rose-pink, bordered, except in front, by a narrow line of yellow ; back of the head and neck green- ish grey; all the upper surface bright green, passing into deep blue on the tertiaries; primaries, secondaries and tertiaries slightly mar- . gined with yellow ; tail largely tipped with yellow tinged with green, particularly on the two centre feathers; chin pale yellow ; sides of Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi, 146 Zoological Society. the neck and chest greenish grey, each feather forked at the end and tipped with grey; below the chest an indistinct band of sulphur- yellow ; flanks and lower part of the abdomen green; centre of the abdomen rich orange, in the middle of which is a lunar-shaped mark of lilac; under tail-coverts orange; thighs and tarsi green; irides reddish orange ; feet olive. Total length, 73 incheg; bill, 3; wing, 4%; tail, 3 ; tarsi, 3. Hab. Port Essington. Mr. Gould next instituted a new genus among the Columbide, under the appellation of Genus GEoPuaprs. Gen. char.—Rosirum perbreve et robustum. Oculi cute denudata circumdati. Ale perbreves et rotundatz, apicibus latis. Tarsi mediocres digitis longiores. Digitus internus paululim ceteris longior. Of this form a new species was described as GEOPHAPS PLUMIFERA. Geo. capite cristd occipitali ornato; hdc sic et vertice, colli lateribus, peetore et alarum pagind inferiore pallide ferrugineis ; gula alternatim albo nigroque fasciato ; pectore lunulis duabus albis inter se junctis cuspidemque mediam efficienti- bus, ornato. Lores and orbits naked, and of a yellowish red; head furnished with a lengthened occipital crest, which, with the crown, sides of the neck and chest, and under part of the wing, is light ferruginous ; chin black ; throat banded alternately with white and black, the latter colour extending to the ear-coverts; on the chest two semilunar marks of white, which, meeting, form a point in the centre; middle of the abdomen light buff; under tail-coverts brown, with lighter edges; back of the neck, back, rump and upper tail-coverts, rufous brown; wings light ferruginous, with the basal half of the feathers silvery grey, the two colours separated by a transverse band of black ; primaries rufous brown; secondaries rufous brown, with a large patch of bronzy purple towards their tips; tail black; bill black ; feet reddish brown. , Total length, 7 inches ; bill, 3; wing, 32; tail, 22 ; tarsi, 7. Hab, 'The north-west coast of Australia. From the collection of B. Bynoe, Esq. A second genus of this tribe of birds was then characterized as Genus OcypHaps. Gen. char.—Caput crista occipitali elongata. Ale paulo breves, re- mige tertid gradatim ad apicem coarctata. Cauda mediocritér elongata, et rotundata. Tarsi et digitus intermedius eadem lon- gitudine. Digitus internus externo brevior. Type, Columba Lophotes, 'Temm. A second example of the genus Pedionomus was described as Pepionomus microurus. Ped. a P. Torquato diversus, staturd minore, collo haud torque circumdato, caudd fere carente. Crown of the head, back and upper surface mottled with black, Geological Society. 147 brown, and fawn-colour, the latter occupying the external edge of the feathers, and the black and brown forming alternate circular markings on each feather; throat, neck, chest and flanks dull fawn- colour; the feathers of the neck and chest blotched with brown; flanks marked with the same colour, assuming the form of bars ; tail- feathers, which are almost invisible, marked the same as the back; centre of the abdomen and the under tail-coverts buffy white, with- out spots or markings ; irides straw-yellow ; bill yellow, passing into black at the point; feet greenish yellow. Total length, 44 inches; bill, 14; wing, 34; tarsi, 7. The above are the measurements of an old male. Hab. Plains of the interior of South Australia. Differs from P. torquatus in its smaller size, in the absence of the collar, and in the almost total absence of tail. Mr. Gould also brought before the notice of the Meeting a new species of Megapodius, from the north coast of Australia, which he characterized as M. Tumulus, and read a very interesting account of its habits, which tends to confirm the opinion he had previously ex- pressed, that Megapodius Talegalla and Leipoa form part of one great family of birds, whose range will be found to extend from the Phi- lippines to Australia. Mecapopius tumutus. M. capite, et cristd saturate cinnamomino- fuscis ; nuchd, et corpore subtis saturate cinereis ; dorso, alisque cinnamomino-fuscis ; tectricibus caude, crissoque saturate casta- neis ; pedibus permagnis. Head and crest very deep cinnamon-brown ; back of the neck and all the under surface very dark grey; back and wings cinnamon- brown; upper and under tail-coverts dark chestnut-brown; tail blackish brown ; irides generally dark brown, but in some specimens light reddish brown; bill reddish brown, with yellow edges; tarsi and feet bright orange, the scales on the front of the tarsi, from the fourth downwards, and the scales of the toes dark reddish brown. Total length from 15 to 17 inches; bill from 13 to 14; wing from 92 to 10; tail from 4 to 44; tarsi from 22 to 31. Hab. Cobourg Peninsula, on the north coast of Australia. GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Feb. 23, 1842.—A memoir was read, entitled, ‘‘ Report on the Missourium now exhibiting at the Egyptian Hall, with an inquiry into the claims of the Tetracaulodon to generic distinction,” by Richard Owen, Esq., F.G.S., &c. Mr. Owen proceeds to consider the species of animal to which the skeleton is to be referred. It was, he says, a mammiferous animal, and while the anterior extremities disprove the existence of clavicles, they establish that the fossil belonged to the Ungu- lata. The enormous tusks of the upper jaw further show that it was a member of the proboscidean group of Pachyderms, and that the molar teeth prove it to be identical with the Tetracaulodon or Mastodon giganteum. With respect to the horizontal position of the L 2 148 Geological Society. tusks in the skeleton exhibited at the Egyptian Hall, Mr. Owen states, that it may have arisen from compression, the tusk of the Mas- todon, like that of the Elephant, being inserted by a nearly straight cylindrical base in a socket of corresponding form, and can be rotated in any given direction when the natural attachments are de- stroyed by decomposition; and he alludes to the skeleton exhibited in London in 1805, in which the tusks were bent downwards. Having, by a series of comparisons of the teeth and bones, which the author does not conceive it necessary to recount, arrived at the conclusion that the Missourium is either a Tetracaulodon or [a] Ma- stodon, he next considers the relations in which these supposed di- stinct genera stood to each other; premising that Mr. Koch’s ske- leton illustrates the osteology of the gigantic Mastodon far more completely than has been done by any other collection of North American fossils brought to Europe. The genus Tetracaulodon was founded by Dr. Godman on the lower jaw of a young Proboscidean having two tusks projecting from the symphysial extremities. Mr. W. Cooper of New York, however, suggested that the Tetracaulo- don was nothing but the young of the gigantic Mastodon, and that the tusks were lost as the animal became adult. ‘This opinion has been also advanced by others, but without being illustrated by any analogies ; and it has been opposed by Dr. Isaac Hays, in an elabo- rate memoir on additional specimens, which he states present all the proofs necessary for refuting the opinion that Dr. Godman had committed the error of describing as a new animal the young of a known species; and he observes with respect to Mr. Titian R. Peale’s suggestion that the lower tusks might be only a sexual di- stinction, ‘‘ that it is impossible in the existing state of our know- ledge, and with our present materials, to confirm or positively refute this suggestion.” The most recent opinion on the subject, Mr. Owen states, is contained in the last edition of the ‘ Ossemens Fossiles,’ in which M. Laurillard, after alluding to the opinion that the lower jaws with tusks may be immature Mastodons, proceeds to say, ‘ others have been led to believe that the lower jaws of every age which have tusks belong to a different species of large Mastodon: some charac- ters taken from the form of the jaw would seem to justify that opi- nion.’’—Oss. Foss. 8vo. vol. ii. p. 373, 1836. Mr. Koch’s collection of detached bones contains, Mr. Owen states, a number of lower jaws with the molars of Mastodon gigan- teum, which prove the important fact, that an animal of the same size and molar dentition as the Mastodon was characterized in the adult state by a single tusk projecting from the symphysial extremity of the right ramus, and that the two inferior tusks are manifested only by immature animals. Mr. Owen then details the evidence by which he arrived at the conclusion that the Tetracaulodon of Dr. Godman is the immature state of both sexes of the Mastodon giganteum, that in the adult male only one of the lower tusks is preserved, and that in the adult female both are wanting. | A table is given in the memoir of the measurements of six lower Geological Society. 149 jaws of full-grown animals; three which retained the right tusk or exhibited its socket, and three in which the tusk was wanting, and the socket more or less obliterated; and Mr. Owen says that the dimensions prove the close similarity in size and proportions between the lower jaws of Mastodons with and without the tusks; and further that no individuals of the same species could resemble each other more closely in the conformation of the molar teeth. In both, the inner boundaries of the molar series are parallel, and the inter- space is of the same breadth: the general form of the ascending ramus and the symphysis, the place and size of the great foramina for the dental nerves and vessels, are alike. The only differences consist in the Tetracaulodon * having larger condyles, and the outer side of the horizontal ramus being less convex and prominent ; the coronoid process also is higher; and the broad canal, which is im- pressed upon the upper part of the symphysis, is nearly straight, not sloping down to the deflected part as in the Mastodon; but the breadth of the canal is the same in both, though the symphysial part of the jaw is larger and broader in the Tetracaulodon than Mastodon. These differences, Mr. Owen observes, may relate to the additional motions of the lower jaw, connected with the uses to which the in- cisor may have been put. The incisor in full-grown Tetracaulodons or male Mastodons is a comparatively small, cylindrical and straight tusk, projecting forwards and a little downwards ; its circumference is five inches; the length of the projecting part of the most entire of three specimens was five inches, but an unknown portion had been broken off ; the socket was three inches in depth, uniformly one and a half inch in diameter, and slightly concave at its termination. With regard to these incisor teeth and the importance attached to them as a generic distinction, Prof. Owen says, it must be remem- bered that in many species, both of Cetacea and Pachyderms, incisors as well as canines vary in relation to the age and sex of the same > species of animal. In the male Dugong the upper incisors are pro- truded, scalpriform, and of unlimited growth, while in the female they are concealed, cuspidate, and solid to their base. In both sexes the lower jaw is provided at its deflected extremity with six incisors, which disappear in mature animals, only one or two remnants being occasionally discoverable in the cancellous sockets. In many of the Hog tribe, incisors are present in the young animal, but are lost in the full-grown. The most remarkable case, Mr. Owen says, of distinct conditions of incisors, teeth or tusks, relative to age and sex, is in the Narwhal. In this animal the young of both sexes have equally developed on each side of the upper jaw a single tusk, one of which grows rapidly in the male, constituting the well-known long, spirally twisted tusk, while the other remains stationary ; but both continue rudimental in the female. Were the Dugong and the Narwhal extinct, and to be judged of only by their fossil remains, the skulls of the two’sexes of the herbi- vorous cetacean, viewed irrelatively, would doubtless, Mr. Owen * The author retains the term Tetracaulodon in his description for the male Mastodon. 150 Geological Society. observes, be referred to two distinct species, though the identity in the molar teeth might impress the more cautious paleontologist with a strong suspicion of their generic identity ; but the cranium of the male Narwhal, with its unsymmetrical distortion, increased by an enormous tusk, would, it can scarcely be doubted, be referred to a genus of Cetaceans quite distinct from that which the edentulous and more symmetrical skull of the female would be considered to represent. In determining the real nature of differences in these extinct animal remains, Mr. Owen says it is necessary to inquire what other modifications are associated with those of the tusks ;— are the more essential parts of the dental system, as the grinding teeth, alike or different in the jaws with tusks and without tusks? Do the jaws themselves and the other parts of the skeleton offer the modifications of form which usually attend distinction of species? Above all, are the same characters presumed to distinguish the genera, present in the young as in the adult skulls? are there, for example, young Mastodons as well as young Tetracaulodons ? The youngest of five full-grown Tetracaulodons or male Masto- dons, examined by him, had two molars and half of a third deve- loped in each ramus; the first or antepenultimate having three trans- verse ridges, each divided into two tubercles; the second also, three bicusped ridges ; and the third two ridges extricated, and two others within the alveolar cavity. In the next jaw in the order of develop- ment, the third ridge of the last molar was extricated; in the third specimen the antepenultimate grinder had been shed, and the last molar exhibited the same degree of development; in the fourth jaw the ultimate molar was fully extricated, exhibiting four bicuspidate ridges and a talon ; and the fifth or oldest Tetracaulodon retained its penultimate but worn grinders, the two anterior ridges of the last molars being a little abraded, and the talon being developed into a _ pair of small tubercles. A series of jaws of female Mastodons (Mastodon proper of Dr. Godman and Dr. Hays) presented the same order of development. Having already shown that the molar teeth are identical in number and form in the Mastodon and Tetracaulodon, Mr. Owen proceeds to point out their correspondence in the mode and order of succession. The lower jaws of both present, moreover, those characters by which the Mastodon giganteum is distinguished from the genus Elephas, namely, by the higher coronoid, the less-rounded angle, the straight inferior margin, the parallel inner alveolar border, and the more pro- duced symphysial extremity. ‘They present, besides, equally the minor characteristic of the sharp process on the inner side of the neck of the condyle, and the ridge continued from the outer side of the neck. Both have an oblong depression on the outside of the coronoid process, but varying in depth in different Tetracaulodons. In both the posterior aperture of the dental canal commences in the same place; and the inner side of the angle of the jaw is concave, and bounded by an irregular margin, indicating the attachment of the fascia covering the internal pterygoid muscle, the irregularity being stronger in the lower jaws of older individuals. The relative position of the principal anterior outlet of the dental canal is the Geological Society. 151 same in Tetracaulodon as in Mastodon, varying in both in its relative position to the teeth as these alter their position in age. When the striking modifications by which the lower jaw of the Elephant differs from that of the Mastodon are considered, it cannot be supposed, observes Mr. Owen, that no corresponding differences should be present in the lower jaws of the Mastodon and of an- other genus of Proboscideans characterized by a difference in the number of the teeth, and he says, he knows of no analogy in the whole mammalian series that would justify such a belief. Tetra- caulodons are as numerous in Mr. Koch’s collection as Mastodons, yet there are not found in it two forms of humeri, ulne, radii, femora or tibiz, only the merest difference of variety being de- tectable; whilst the femora of the Elephas primigenius associated with them are at once recognizable by modifications which might be expected to accompany true generic differences in the rest of the organization. With the exception of a few bones of the Elephas primigenius, all the other remains of proboscidian Pachy- derms in Mr. Koch’s collection, Mr. Owen is of opinion, belong to the Mastodon giganteum; and the great skeleton he considers to be that of a male individual, on account of the size of the tusks and the strongly marked external characters of the principal bones of the ex- tremities ; but he points out that the lower jaw belonged to a female, and he states that the proprietor acknowledged that it was not discovered with the other portions of the skeleton. The true height of the animal, taken at the dorsal spines, Mr. Owen estimates at ten feet, and the length, from the intermaxillary bones to the end of the sacrum, at sixteen feet, or four more than that of the Asiatic Elephant in the Hunterian Museum. The supposed spinal column of a man fourteen feet high, Mr. Owen refers to the Lophiodon: Mr. Koch’s collection also includes some interesting remains of the Mylodon Harlani, also portions of large species of Bos, Cervus, &c. With respect to the use of the lower incisor, Mr. Owen says, if in- deed this diminutive inferior tusk were a generic character constantly associated in both sexes with the enormous upper tusks, no explana- tion could be given of so apparently useless an appendage; but if re- garded as a sexual character, there are in the animal kingdom abun- dant examples of the functional importance of external distinctions in the male ; and such he considers to be the explanation of the per- sistent single or prominent tusk in the male Mastodon. Further, with respect to the question why two tusks should be originally de- veloped, especially in the female, in which neither is to be retained, Mr. Owen replies that there is an equal difficulty with respect to the two rudimental tusks in the female Narwhal, and of the single one in the male; to the abortive incisors in the symphysial part of the lower jaw of the Dugong; to the rudimental teeth in the lower _ jaw of the Foetal Whale-bone Whale; and in the upper jaw of the Sperm Whale. In these, and many analogous instances, the author observes, a structure which is merely sketched out, and is function- less in one species, is perfected and performs important uses in an- other closely allied. ‘Thus the teeth which are shadowed forth in 152 Geological Society. the lower jaw of the Foetal Whale are fully developed in the Cachalot. The upper rudimentary maxillary teeth which remain hidden in the gum of the Sperm Whale are functionally developed in the Grampus; and in like manner in the gigantic Dinotherium, discovered by Dr. Kaup, is exhibited the full and functional development of the infe- rior rudimental tusks of the Mastodon. The molar teeth of the Mastodons offer, Mr. Owen says, a beauti- ful transitional modification connecting the lamellated structure of the triturating molar with those having simply a transversely-ridged grinding surface. The interval between the molar teeth of the Elephant and those of the Tapir is too great to have allowed their fundamental resemblance to have been detected in the existing creation; but-a study of the extinct Pachyderms brings to light, he says, a beautiful series of gradations leading through the ele- phantoid Mastodon of Ava and the gigantic Mastodon of. the Missouri to the Dinotherium, which it may be remembered was the gigantic Tapir of Cuvier. Moreover, he adds, the indication of the singular armature of the lower jaw of the Dinothere might be most closely discernible in that species of Mastodon which makes the nearest approach to the Dinothere in the form of the grinding teeth. The report from which the above extracts have been taken had been completed when Mr. Owen received a copyof the notice* of Dr. Hays’s description of Mr. Koch’s collection. After an attentive perusal of this document, in which the generic distinctness of the Tetracaulo- don is maintained, Mr. Owen has been only more convinced of the truth of his own theory ; he, however, in justice to Dr. Hays, gives the arguments of that esteemed naturalist. Dr. Hays considers the existence of a single tusk in the lower jaw to be only an accidental occurrence, referring, as examples of two tusks, to the specimen described by Dr. Godman, and to that belonging to the Museum of the University of Virginia. Respecting this statement, Mr. Owen observes, that the jaw described by Dr. Godman is that of an im- mature individual, retaining on the left side the first small molar, and therefore affords no proof of the persistence of the two in- ferior tusks in the adult animal, or evidence of the accidental na- ture of the absence of the left tusk in the mature jaw. With regard to the specimen in the cabinet of the University of Virginia, he says, that if this belong to a mature animal it would be an unique specimen, and might be paralleled with cases on record of two projecting tusks in the male Narwhal, and considered by all na- turalists to be accidental. Mr. Owen further calls attention to the figure of the specimen in pl. 27. fig. 2. of the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society (vol. iv.), where only the right tusk is represented, the left being merely indicated by a dark spot of cor- responding size, of the nature of which the text is silent. Respecting the symphysial portion of the jaw exhibiting the alve- oli of two tusks, both much smaller than the alveolus of the right tusk in the presumed male Mastodon’s jaws of corresponding size, and considered by Dr. Hays to constitute a distinct variety, if not a new species of Tetracaulodon, Mr. Owen considers it to be the jaw of * Proceedings, American Phil. Soc. October 1841. Botanical Society of London. 153 a young female Mastodon in which the obliteration of the tusks had not been completed. A lower jaw without tusks, considered by Dr. Hays to have been a young Mastodon, but with ‘‘ the chin slightly broken, so that it is impossible to determine whether it had the foliated termination so conspicuous in the adult ;’”’ Mr. Owen remarks, that notwithstanding the prominent end of the symphysial part containing the chief por- tion of the tusk-socket is wanting, yet ‘‘ two foramina are recognized at the anterior part of the chin,” and these, he observes, must be either portions of the alveoli of the tusks, or the canals of the nerves and vessels for the tusks in these alveoli. Thus, Mr. Owen says in conclusion, all the examples which seemed to show that the genus Mastodon at no period of life possessed tusks in the lower jaw, and that the genus Tetracaulodon was characterized at all periods of life by two projecting tusks in the lower jaw, become invalidated on a close inspection, and enter into the series of facts which support the proposition that the Mastodon giganteum has two lower tusks originally in both sexes, and retains the right lower tusk only in the adult male. BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, November 18th, 1842.—Adam Gerard, Esq., in the Chair. A paper was read from George Clarke, Esq., of the Island of Mahé, on the Lodoicea Sechellarum*. ‘The Lodoicea of Sechelles is an inter- tropical plant peculiar to the Sechelles Archipelago, where it grows naturally in two islands only, Praslin and Curiense. Praslin lies north- east of Mahé, distant twenty-one miles; Curiense to the north of Praslin, and is much smaller; a deep arm of the sea, from one to two miles in breadth, separates these two islands. They lie between 4° 15’ and 4° 21'S. lat. and 55° 39' and 55° 47’ E. long. In the other islands of this Archipelago there are but few Lodoiceas, which have all been planted, and only two or three appear to thrive. The trunk or stem of the Lodoicea is straight, and runs to the height of eighty or ninety feet, terminated by a splendid crown of winged, palmated leaves; it is only from twelve to fifteen inches in diameter, and so flexible that it waves to the slightest breeze. When the wind is moderately strong the huge leaves of this giant palm are clashed to- gether with an astonishing noise. ‘The outside of the stem is very hard and compact, but the interior is soft and fibrous. The leaygs, winged and palmated, open like a fan, and in the early growth"are more than fifteen feet long, without reckoning the foot-stalk, which is as much more. In the mature trees the leaf-stalk is not more than eight or ten feet long; and the whole leaf does not exceed twenty feet in length by ten or twelve in breadth, and is entirely destitute of thorns. The nascent leaves are enveloped, till the period of their expan- sion, by a thick covering of cottony down of a nankeen colour; but this is occasionally wanting. ‘The unanimous testimony of the in- [* A very interesting account of this plant by Mr. Clarke, illustrated by wood-cuts, will be found at p. 408, vol. vi. of this Journal.—Eps, ] 154 Botanical Society of London. habitants of Praslin proves that each tree produces only one leaf a year, and ‘‘ as three leaves occupy about eight inches of the trunk, and twenty years expire before that appears above the surface, a tree of eighty feet in height must be about 400 years old.” The flowers, about twenty in number, succeed each other one at a time, but oc- casionally two. The nuts are two-lobed, and sometimes two nuts are enclosed in one husk. Three-lobed nuts are very rare, but some are met with; and it is said that specimens with five lobes have been found. The form of the nut is very singular, and cannot be com- pared to that of any other production. T'wo highly remarkable cir- cumstances in the history of the Lodoicea are, the duration of its blossoms and the period necessary for maturing its fruits; for the latter, seven or eight years are required. The Lodoicea grows in every variety of soil, but delights most in the vegetable mould of the deep gorges of the mountains. It is, nevertheless, found on the bare mountain-tops, and forms a very conspicuous and remarkable object in such situations. It is curious that the vegetation of the nut is prevented by burying it, but if suffered simply to rest on the earth in a situation not too much exposed to the sun, germination readily takes place. The fruit in its unripe state is an agreeable and re- freshing aliment ; when ripe it yields oil. Its germ furnishes a very sweet food. November 29.—Sixth Anniversary Meeting. J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S., &c., President, in the Chair. The Report of the Council was read, from which it appeared that thirteen new members had been elected since the last Anniversary, and that the Society consisted of 152 members. The donations to the library had been very considerable. Many valuable parcels of British and Foreign plants had been re- ceived, and the return parcels sent to the members had given the greatest satisfaction. Mr. Edwin Lees had forwarded an Herbarium of the Malvern Hills, accompanied by many very valuable remarks upon the geogra- phical distribution of the plants of the neighbourhood; and it was hoped next year to report the receipt of other local herbaria now in course of formation for the Society. Amongst the most valuable parcels received during the past sea- son, may be mentioned a large collection of British plants, from Mr. Hewett C. Watson, comprising upwards of 5500 specimens ; also numerous Jersey plants, from Mr. G.H. K. Thwaites; a large col- lection of Shropshire Rubi, from Mr. H. Bedwell; 300 specimens of Bupleurum falcatum collected in Essex, from Mr. K. Doubleday ; and numerous specimens of Lastrea cristata, collected in Norfolk by Mr. B. D. Wardale, and presented by that gentleman. Numerous specimens of Mosses, Lichens, and Algz had been re- ceived. Foreign Plants.—These form a valuable part of the Society’s col-. lection, and comprise plants from North and South America, British Guiana, New South Wales, Cape of Good Hope, Sierra Leone, China, and various other parts of the world. The more interesting plants are 350 species collected by Mr. R. Microscopical Society. 155 H. Schomburgk in British Guiana; 250 species collected by Dr. F. Krauss in Natal, South Africa; many thousand specimens col- lected in North America by Dr. Gavin Watson ; and numerous spe- cies from South America, presented by Dr. C. F. P. von Martius. The Museum had been enriched by specimens of sections of wood, seed-vessels, barks, &c. &c.; many of them purchased at the sale of the Botanical Museum of the late A. B. Lambert, Esq., and pre- . sented by some of the members. The Report was unanimously adopted, and a ballot then took place for the Council for the ensuing year, when the Chairman was re-elected President, and he nominated J. G. Children, Esq., F.R.S. and Hewett C. Watson, Esq., F.L.S., Vice-Presidents. Mr. E. Doubleday, M.E.S., Mr. G. Francis, F.L.S., and Mr. J. G. Mitchell, M.E.S., were elected new members of the Council in the room of Dr. Meeson, Mr. G. Cooper and Mr. W. H. White, who retire from the Council in accordance with the rules of the Society. Mr. J. Reynolds, Mr. G. E. Dennes, F.L.S., and Mr. T. Sansom were respectively re-elected Treasurer, Secretary, and Librarian. _ MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. At a meeting of this Society held December 21st, 1842, Professor Lindley, President, in the Chair, a paper was read from the Rev. J. B. Reade, entitled «‘« Microscopic Chemistry, No. 1, on the Existence of Ammonia in Gum, Sugar, and other ‘ non-azotized bodies.’” A second paper was read by H. H. White, Esq. of Clapham, ‘‘ Ona new species of Xanthidium found in flint which he had named Xanthidium tubiferum aculeatum,” and was characterized by having the tentacula, which were twelve in number, quite pointed and free from any ap- pendages whatever; it measured 745th of an inch from the extre- mities of the opposite tentacula, and the specimen was afterwards exhibited to the Society. Arthur Hill Hassall, Esq. then read a paper entitled ‘‘ Observations on the Production of Decay in Fruit by means of Fungi” (continued). The author, after stating that in order to set aside any doubt which might exist of the power of Fungi in producing decay in fruit, he had inoculated sound fruit whilst on t e tree, and found that the decay was as rapid as in those speci- mens which had been previously removed from the tree. He con- tended that the mere binding of fruit was not sufficient of itself to cause decay, but that the presence either of fungi or of the sporules of fungi was necessary before the decay could take place. Jan. 18, 1843.—J. S. Bowerbank, Esq., F.R.S., in the Chair. A paper was read from that gentleman ‘“‘ On the Structure of the Shells of Molluscous and Conchiferous Animals*.” The researches of the author into the structure of the organic tissue of the Corallide, published in the ‘ Philosophical Transactions,’ part 2, 1842, suggested to him the idea of pursuing a similar course of investigation into the nature and origin of the testaceous coverings of the Mollusca and [* A paper on the Chemical Components of Shells by Dr. Carpenter was read at one of the late meetings of the Royal Society, which we shall notice in a future Number.—Eps.] 156 Microscopical Society. Conchifera. He commenced his researches during the spring of 1842, and the first subject for examination was the young cartilaginous lips of the common Garden Snail, Helix aspersa; subsequently he has directed his attention to the testaceous coverings of numerous spe- cies of adult univalve and bivalve shells. The general results of the examination of the lips of the Garden Snail were as follows :—The newly-formed lip was found to consist of a thin yellow-coloured horny substance, with a number of minute globular vesicles (incipient | cytoblasts and cells) in various stages of development, with a nucleus very visible by means of a power of 600 linear in the greater number of them; these cells were most numerous on the inner side of the lip, or that part in contact with the shell ; the young shells were trans- parent, but in the neighbourhood of these there may be seen aggre- gated together small patches of a deep yellow colour, which appeared as centres of ossification. Besides these other cytoblasts occur, which are developed in the form of tessellated cellular structure, which ulti- mately form a minute vascular tissue which is imbedded in bands cor- responding in their direction with the lines of growth of the shell; as these tissues approached maturity, the periostracum advancing from the old lip covers them and binds the whole firmly together. The examination by transmitted light of thin sections of univalve shells, made by the lapidary, afforded but little information of their true structure; but fractured surfaces at right angles to the outer and inner planes of the shell, and either parallel or at right angles to the lines of growth, when examined by the Lieberkuhn, exhibited three distinct strata uniform in the nature of their structure but alterna- ting in the mode of their disposition : each structure is formed of in- numerable plates composed of elongated prismatic cellular structure, each plate consisting of a single series of cells parallel to each other. The structure of bivalve shells is rather more complicated than that of univalves : the interior surface of some specimens exhibits a thin stratum of columnar basaltiform cells at right angles to the natural surfaces of the shell, whilst the upper is dense, uniform, and composed of numerous thin lamine parallel to the natural planes of the shell ; in other species the inner surface of about half the substance of the shell is composed of numerous thin calcareous strata, whilst the outer half presents the appearance of numerous basaltiform columnar cells having their planes at right angles to the surface of the shell: several other differences in the arrangement of the cells in other genera were then given. The author went on to describe a minute vascular tissue which embraced some of the elongated prismatic cells and gave them a striated appearance. Minute canals corresponding to the Haversian canals in bone, only much more minute, were also to be seen in some specimens; the author then alluded to the fact that there must be of necessity some vascular connection between the animal and its shell, although he had at present failed in detecting any. He concluded by describing the mode of reparation of injured parts, which was found to be precisely similar to the formation of the new lip in Helix aspersa, as before described. Beautiful figures of the principal structures described accompanied the communication. Royal Society of Edinburgh. 157 ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH. January 9, 1843.—The following communications were read :— 1. ‘‘ On the Growth of the Salmon ;” by Mr. John Young, Suther- landshire. Mr. Young has here taken up the subject of the Salmon’s growth where it was necessarily left off by Mr. Shaw. So far as the earliest or freshwater state of the fish is concerned, he entirely agrees with the observer just named. He then states the various opinions which prevail regarding the more or less rapid growth of smolts and grilse, and shows by tabular lists (the result of frequently repeated experi- ments) that the increase in their dimensions is extraordinary so soon as they descend into the salt water. So far back as the months of April and May 1837, he marked a number of descending smolts, by making a peculiar perforation in the caudal fin by means of small nipping-irons constructed for the purpose. He recaptured a consi- derable number of them ascending the rivers as grilse in the course of the ensuing months of June and July, and weighing several pounds each more or less, according to the difference in the length of their sojourn in the sea. Again, in April and May 1842 he marked a number of descending smolts by clipping off the little adipose fin upon the back. In June and July he caught several of them return- ing up the river and bearing his peculiar mark, the adipose fin being absent. Two or three specimens were exhibited to the Society. One marked in April and recaptured on the 25th of July weighed 7 lbs., the other marked in May and recaptured on the 30th of July weighed 34 lbs. As the season advances grilse increase in size, those being the largest which abide the longest in the sea ; they spawn in the rivers after their first ascent, and before they have become adult salmon. Mr. Young also described various experiments instituted with the view of showing the transition of grilse into salmon. He marked many small grilse after they had spawned in winter and were about to redescend into the sea. He recaptured them in the course of the ensuing summer as finely formed salmon, ranging in weight from 9 to 14 lbs., the difference still depending on the length of their so- journ in the sea. He has tried these experiments for many seasons, but never twice with the same mark. A specimen marked as a grilse of 4 lbs. in January 1842, and recaptured as a salmon of 9 lbs. in July, was exhibited to the Society: it bore a peculiarly twisted piece of copper wire in the upper lobe of the caudal fin. Those marked and retaken in 1841 were marked with brass wire in the dorsal fin. With these and other precautions, Mr. Young debarred the possibility of any mistake as to the lapse of time. Both grilse and salmon return uniformly to their native streams; at least it very rarely happens that a fish bearing a particular mark is found, except in the river where it was so marked. Salmon in the perfect state as to form and aspect also increase rapidly in their dimensions on again reaching the sea. A spawned salmon weighing 12 lbs. was marked on the 4th of March, and was recaptured on its return from the sea on the 10th of July, weighing 18 lbs. Mr. Young is of opinion that 158 Miscellaneous. salmon rather diminish than increase during their sojourn in rivers, aud ‘he illustrates this and other points of his subject by numerous experiments and observations. 2. * On the Geology of Roxburghshire.” Part II. By David Milne, Esq.,—the conclusion of a very interesting report. MISCELLANEOUS. MAIANTHEMUM BIFOLIUM. Tuis very pretty plant, recorded as British in the ‘ Annals’ for January, is a rediscovery and not altogether new to the British flora. It has been already figured and recorded as English, but a long while ago. In Gerarde’s ‘ Herbal,’ 2nd book, 90th chap. p. 409, will be found a very characteristic portrait of it under the name of Monophyllum or One blade. He classes it with his Wintergreenes (Pyrole), and says “it growth in Lancashire in Dingley Wood, six miles from Preston in Auldirnesse, and in Harwood near Blackburne likewise.” ‘‘ It floureth in May, and the fruit is ripe in September.”’ Let the Lancashire botanists look out for it next spring. It is strange that Gerarde’s notice of it should have escaped our older botanists ; and stranger still, that in the Linnzan Society’s copy it is marked “‘Convallaria bifolia”’ in Sir James E. Smith’s own handwriting, apparently without his having noticed the localities given for it be- low. In the south of Norway it is very abundant in pine-woods on a gneiss soil*, and should be looked for in similar situations in the north of Britain.—Epwarp Forses. DR. PATRICK NEILL. There are few whose claims to public commendation are stronger than those of Dr. Neill, who has been one of the most useful, but least ostentatious, of Edinburgh’s citizens. At a late meeting of the Caledonian Horticultural Society, Lord Murray proposed that the members should at their first meeting in their new hall express their sense of the obligations under which the Society lay to that gentle- man for his distinguished and laborious services ; which was carried by acclamation. In addition to this, it is proposed to request Dr. Neill to sit for a bust, to be executed by John Steell, Esq., R.S.A. This mark of approbation, however, should not be confined to the mem- bers: the Doctor’s services as a citizen of Edinburgh, and the in- terest he has taken in every public and benevolent undertaking, en- title him to amore general compliment. TO ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL COLLECTORS. Mr. William Gardener, Dundee, will prepare during the ensuing summer “‘ Botanical Parcels,” each of which “‘ will contain 500 spe- cies of Scottish Phzenogamic and Cryptogamic plants, including as many of the rarer species as possible, carefully selected, dried, named, and localised ; and the charge, inclusive of printed labels, paper and * It is also a common plant in the neighbourhood of Berlin, where it occurs in profusion in the Park on a sandy soil.—W. Francis. Meteorological Observations. 159 packing, will be 2/.” Subscribers are requested to give in their names as early as possible ; and we may add, that the good condition and drying of former parcels of plants are borne testimony to by Professor Balfour of Glasgow, J. G. Children, Esq., E. Doubleday, Esq., &c. THE COLLECTION OF BIRD-SKINS BELONGING TO THE LATE DR. WILLIAM HOOKER. This collection of bird-skins is to be disposed of; it consists of from between 800 and 1000 specimens from various countries ; but it is chiefly valuable for the number of Peruvian and Chilian species which served Mr. Swainson for his descriptions in his ‘‘ ‘T'wo cente- naries and a quarter”’ and other works, and which would be valuable for consultation in a public museum. Information regarding them will be given by G. Wails, Esq., Newcastle. PROFESSOR TRAIL’S MINERALOGICAL COLLECTION. The Mineralogical and Geological collection of Professor Trail of Edinburgh is to be disposed of, containing above 5000 specimens. The mineralogical series contains about 3000 of these. The geo- logical series is particularly illustrative of Scotland, Spain, Brazil, Greenland and the Arctic regions, and among the fossil remains are a set of the fossil fishes of the Orkney Islands, named by Agassiz. — METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR DECEMBER 1842. Chiswick. —Dec. 1. Slight rain : overcast. 2. Densely clouded : clear and fine. 8. Foggy. 4. Foggy: overcast. 5. Light haze: very fine: foggy. 6—9. Foggy. 10. Overcast. 11. Foggy: clearand fine. 12. Rain: overcast and mild. 13. Very fine: overcast. 14,15, Exceedingly fine. 16. Very fine: densely over- cast. 17, Very fine. 18, 19. Foggy: clear and fine. 20,21. Hazy. 22. Very fine. 23, Rain. 24. Very fine. 25, Clear : overcast and fine : stormy at night. 26. Cloudy and windy. 27. Rain: cloudy and damp: frosty. 28. Frosty: clear and fine. 29. Densely clouded. 30, Cloudy and very mild. 31. Very fine.— Mean temperature of the month 4°*12 above the average. Boston.— Dec. 1—-3. Cloudy. 4. Foggy. 5. Cloudy. 6. Foggy. 7. Cloudy. 8, 9. Foggy. 10. Foggy: rain early a.m. 11. Cloudy. 12. Rain: rain early am. 13. Cloudy. 14,15. Fine. 16. Cloudy: rain p.m. 17—19. Fine. 20. Cloudy. 21,22, Fine. 23. Cloudy. 24. Fine. 25. Fine: rainr.m. 26. Windy: rain p.m. 27. Cloudy: rain early a.m. 28, Fine. 29. Windy. 30. Fine. 31. Windy : stormy p.m. Sandwick Manse, Orkney.—Dec. 1. Rain: cloudy. 2. Showers: cloudy. 3. Clear: showers. 4. Cloudy: drizzle. 5,6. Bright: cloudy. 7. Cloudy. 8. Drizzle. 9. Fog. 10. Fog: cloudy. 11. Cloudy. 12. Rain: cloudy. 13, 14. Cloudy. 15, Bright: cloudy. 16. Bright. 17, 18. Showers. 19. Showers: clear. 20. Showers: cloudy. 21. Cloudy: drizzle. 22. Showers. 23. Showers: snow. 24, Showers. 25. Rain. 26, 27. Hail-showers, 28, 29. Cloudy. 30. Rain: drizzle. 31. Showers: frost. Applegarth Manse, Dumfries-shire.—Dec. 1, 2, Rain and wind. $. Fine and fair, 4. Rain a.m.: cleared. 5,6. Rain pm. 7. Fair and fine. 8. Fair a.m.: drizzly p.m. 9. Fair but cloudy. 10, Drizzly. 11. Fair : overcast p.m. 12. Wet all day. 13. Storm: wind: rain: flood. 14. Raine.m. 15,16. Storm: wind: rainr.M. 17..Fair. 18—23. Showers r.m. 24, Hoar-frost a. 25. Very wet allday. 26. Very wet a.m. 27. Slight shower: frost p.m. 28, Frost a.m. : rain P.M. 29, Rain, but mild. 30. Rain and high wind. 31. 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It consisted of flocculent unattached masses varying much in size and occu- pying very different depths, some floating upon the surface, while others were observed suspended in the water, and might be traced downwards till the depth alone concealed them from the sight. } The general appearance of these masses, so far as their me- chanical arrangement was concerned, might remind one of certain substances in the act of precipitation from their solu- tions, as camphor when undergoing precipitation from alcohol by the addition of water, or soap when separated by an acid from an aqueous or alcoholic solution, or perhaps still more of the curd of milk when diffused through the uncoagulable part of the fluid. In some places the green matter had been left by the retiring water upon the stones of the margin, and, here drying, had assumed a beautiful bluish green or verdigris colour without lustre. On subsequently visiting the Canal Docks at several differ- ent periods, I observed that the substance under consideration appeared sometimes in but very small quantity, while on other occasions it was to be seen much more abundantly. This ap- pearance and disappearance of the green matter would seem to be independent of the direct rays of the sun, and is pro- bably the result of barometrical and other meteorological in- fluences. * Read before the Society on the Ist of December 1842. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. M 162 Mr. G. J. Allman on a new genus of Alge. Connected with the Dock is a deep shaft partly filled with water. The shaft is covered over with boards, so that the light is almost totally excluded. Into this some of the green substance had made its way, and on bringing up some of it in a phial, I found that it differed from that in the open dock in being of a duller green; in other respects I could detect no difference. I mention this as it illustrates an important fact in the physiology of the green matter, and would appear to establish the influence of light in the development of its colour. Under the microscope this singular substance is seen to consist of exceedingly minute, simple, moniliform threads, with the globules composing them of uniform diameter, and the threads themselves variously but elegantly curved, and grouped together without order in a gelatinous matrix. » The green substance of the Dock then is a minute Alga of the family Nostochine, and evidently comes very near to the genus Anabaina of Bory Saint Vincent, and still nearer to an Alga discovered by Mr. Thompson in Ballydrain lake in the county Antrim, and which he names “ Anabaina? spiralis,” referring it doubtfully to Bory Saint Vincent’s genus*. From Anabaina of Bory Saint Vincent, the present Alga, as well as that of Mr. Thompson, differs in the uniform size of the articulations, Bory’s genus being characterized by larger globules occurring at distinct intervals in the series. Were the size of the filaments to be considered of generic import- ance, there might perhaps be found in their great minuteness in the plant now under consideration another distinctive cha- racter. The mere size however of the filaments is scarcely of sufficient importance to entitle it to the rank of a generic cha- racter, yet, when taken in conjunction with others whose im- portance must be admitted, it may materially assist us in forming an opinion as to the real systematic rank of the Alga. It must be recollected too, that in the minuteness of the fila- ments the Anabaina impalpabilis is perhaps equally remark- able, a fact, which, if the plant last named be a real dna- baina, would deprive this peculiarity of all value as a generic distinction. The absence however of the enlarged articulations in the Alga of the Canal Dock is avery obvious character, and upon the whole I consider myself justified in establishing for it a distinct genus, in which the Anabaina? spiralis of Thompson will also find a place. I suspect too that Bory’s A. impalpa- * See a very interesting paper by Mr. Thompson “On a minute Alga which colours the waters of Ballydrain lake near Belfast.”-—Ann. Nat. Hist. vol, v. p. 75. Mr. G. J. Allman on a new genus of Algz. 163 dis would be better removed to the new genus, as in the de- scription of the species no allusion is made to the enlarged globules, and as in the minuteness of the filaments as well as in its general habit, it corresponds closely with the subject of the present paper and with the 4.? spiralis. With respect however to the right of A. impalpabilis to occupy the ground assigned to it by Bory I speak with no certainty, nor would my present knowledge of the plant at all justify my meddling with it. The only plant entirely corresponding with Bory’s genus which I have had an opportunity of examining in a recent state is the Anabaina membranacea, specimens of which I ob- tained in the neighbourhood of Dublin last spring. This spe- cies possesses very distinctly the dilated globules; and in the large size of the filaments, and the general character and ha- bit of the plant, is so completely different from the Alga of the Canal Dock, that I feel certain that any one who has once seen the two will not hesitate as to their complete generic distinction. : To the genus which I propose establishing for the reception of the present Alga, as well as for that of Mr. Thompson, I have given the name T’richormus: it may be characterized as follows :— TRICHORMUS. Frond free, of indeterminate figure, consisting of simple, mi- nute, moniliform, curved threads with articulations of uni- form size, immersed in a gelatinous matrix. Name from OptE hair, and épuos a necklace. 1. J. spiralis, Thompson. Plant either diffused through the water or floating on the surface; filaments of a rich green colour and regularly spiral; when dried on paper of a dull green without lustre. Colouring the water of Ballydrain lake near Belfast, Mr. W. Thompson. July to October. 2. T. incurvus, mihi, Plant either diffused through the water or collected on the surface; filaments of a pea-green colour, crowded together confusedly in a gelatinous mass, va- riously curved but never regularly spiral, assuming when dried a fine verdigris-green colour without lustre. Pl. V. In the Grand Canal Dock, Dublin. October. The difficulty experienced by naturalists in assigning to many of the lower Algz their exact rank among organized beings, renders any investigations into the structure and phy- siological history of these doubtful organisms of peculiar in- terest. So impressed was Bory Saint Vincent with a belief M 2 164 Mr. G. J. Allman on a new genus of Alge. in the animal nature of the beings which constituted his ge- nus Anabaina, that he hesitated not to remove them from the vegetable kingdom. ‘The peculiar motion of reptation which he describes them as possessing, and which he compares to the crawling of worms, would appear to be the chief grounds on which he assumes their animality, and he also tells us that the analysis of Vauquelin and Chaptal is entirely in favour of the animal nature of the Anabaine. In the Alga which constitutes the subject of the present paper no such motion could be detected, and the same ap- pears to have been the case with the spiral Alga of Mr.'Thomp- son. In all the observations which I have had an opportu- nity of making upon the green matter of the Canal Docks, the vegetable nature of this substance would appear to be fully borne out. The probability of its green colour depending on the influence of light has been already mentioned, and this fact, though not decisive, would yet go far to abolish any claim to animality. The phenomena attendant on the spontaneous decomposition of the Alga are altogether coincident with the same view. When a large mass is placed in a limited quan- tity of water, decomposition soon sets in, the green colour be- comes duller, and finally assumes a dirty ferruginous hue, while the microscope can now no longer detect any trace of the original monilitorm structure. A disagreeable odour is at the same time exhaled; but this odour is altogether different from that of decomposing animal matter, and possesses a purely vegetable character. In the paper already alluded to, Mr. Thompson makes a similar remark with respect to the Alga of Ballydrain lake, the vdour of which, in a state of decomposition, he compares to that of water in which flax had been steeped (see ‘ Annals,’ vol. v. p. 78). So far observations are in favour of the vegetability of the Trichormi; at the same time however it must not be forgotten that these curious organisms would appear to possess the power of changing under circumstances their specific gravity, being sometimes observed collected in large quantities upon the sur- face, sometimes suspended for a considerable depth through the fluid, and sometimes the whole mass will be found to have sunk to the bottom and disappeared, again to rise to the sur- face when circumstances favourable to its appearance should occur. All these phznomena, however, wonderful and unaccount- able as they are, would hardly justify us in attributing them to spontaneity; they are in all probability dependent on ex- ternal causes, possibly of a meteorological character, and are On Defective Organization among the Araneidea. 165 certainly quite distinct from real animal motion. In an inter- esting memoir by Morren* on the genus Aphanizomenon, this botanist ascribes to the agency of electricity motions some- what similar to those of the Trichormus: Morren’s paper is ingenious and well worth perusal, but it must also be admitted that his theory is based on insufficient grounds, and his analo- gies rather far-fetched and fanciful. I have to notice also the occurrence in company with the Alga just described of the Aphanizomenon incurvum of Mor- ren, the only record of which as a British plant is that of Mr. Thompson of Belfast, who discovered it in Ballydrain lake in July 1838 (see ‘Annals,’ vol. v.). Shortly after this it was also found in the pond of the Dublin Zoological Gardens by Miss Ball, who possesses specimens from that locality in her col- lection. In investigating the subject of the present paper I have been enabled to examine dried specimens of Mr. Thompson’s Alga. For the opportunity thus afforded me of comparing my plant with the authentic A4.? spiralis, I am indebted to the kindness of Miss Ball, whose valuable collection that lady obligingly allowed me to examine, and by whom I was libe- rally supplied with any specimens I might require. XX VI.—WNotice of several Cases of Defective and Redundant Organization observed among the Araneidea. By Joun BLACKWALL, Esq., F.L.S. - Amone the numerous difficulties with which arachnologists have to contend in their endeavours to acquire a correct know- ledge of the Araneidea, the great lability of those animals to run into varieties, and the close resemblance which some spe- cies bear to others, are not the least formidable ; indeed, as cir- cumstances conducing largely to the introduction of fictitious species on the one hand, and to the confounding of those which are distinct on the other, they have proved fertile sources of error and perplexity. Ample evidence of the accuracy of this statement may be obtained by a careful comparison of the writings of those naturalists who hold the highest rank as authorities in this department of zoology. A considerable share of attention having been bestowed upon variations in the colour and size of species, resulting from differences in age, sex, food, climate, and other condi- tions of a less obvious character, while those arising from ex- * Histoire d’un genre nouveau de la tribu des Confervées nommé Aphani- zoméne; lu a l’Académie Royale de Bruxelles le 2 Décembre 1837.—See Annals, vol. v. p. 82. 166 Mr. J. Blackwall on Cases of Defective and traordinary organic modifications, in consequence, perhaps, of their less frequent occurrence, have been almost entirely over- looked, the purport of the present communication is to illus- trate by a few examples the importance which cases of the latter description possess in relation to physiology and syste- matic arrangement. 1. In March 1835, I found, under a piece of rock in a wood near Oakland, Denbighshire, an adult female Theridion jilipes, Blackw., exhibiting an anomaly in organization which I never witnessed before in this order of animals; it had a supernu- merary eye situated between the two small ones constituting the anterior intermediate pair, the total number of eyes pos- sessed by this individual being nine, and their arrangement symmetrical. 2. An immature female Thomisus cristatus, captured at Oakland on the 20th of July 1835, had the two lateral pairs of eyes only, the four small intermediate eyes being altogether wanting, not the slightest rudiment of them being perceptible even with the aid of a powerful magnifier. The size of this spider was about one-fourth less than that of an adult. 3. In the summer of 1836, I took an adult female Lycosa campestris in my father’s garden at Hendre House, Denbigh- shire, which had a short but perfectly-formed supernumerary tarsus connected with the base of the tarsal joint of the right posterior leg on its outer side. 4. An adult male Lycosa Cambrica, Blackw., taken in a marshy piece of land in a wood near Oakland in May 1839, was quite destitute of the right intermediate eye of the ante- rior row. : 5. I captured an adult female petra inclinata at Oakland on the 29th of August 1842, which was entirely without the left intermediate eye of the posterior row, and the right inter- mediate eye of the same row was not half the usual size. 6. An adult female Ciniflo atrox, Blackw. (Clubiona atrox, Walck.*), taken near Hendre House on the 14th of Septem- ber 1842, wanted the left intermediate eye of the posterior row. 7. A collection of spiders made by Mr. Hamlet Clark near Towcester, Northamptonshire, in the autumn of 1842, and obligingly submitted to my inspection, contained an adult female Epetra inclinata, whose right intermediate eye of the * For the circumstances which have led to the separation of Clubiona atrox and other species from the Drasside and Theridiida@, and to the esta- blishment with them of the new family Ciniflonide, see the Transactions of the Linnzean Society, vol. xviii. p. 606 et seq. Redundant Organization among the Araneidea. 167 posterior row was not one-eighth of the natural size, being merely rudimentary. The particulars detailed in the foregoing cases, which serve to establish the fact, that spiders, in common with many other animals, occasionally exhibit instances of anomalous structure, derive no small degree of interest from their novelty ; but when it is borne in mind that all the examples except one have refer- ence to those important organs the eyes, important, not only as regards the function they perform, but also on account of the extensive use made of them in the classification of the Araneidea, that interest becomes greatly augmented. Spiders with six and eight eyes have long been known to arachnologists, and Mr. MacLeay has recently published an account of one or two species discovered by him having two eyes only*, That spiders possessing four eyes will be found at a future period, when this neglected branch of natural sci- ence shall be more extensively and zealously cultivated than it has yet been, is highly probable ; it becomes a matter of some consequence, therefore, to caution observers against mistaking a mere defect in structure, like that recorded in case 2, for such a discovery. Had the female Thomisus cristatus, in which that defect was noticed, been an undescribed species, and the only individual obtained, not a new genus alone, but a new family and tribe also would probably have been proposed for its reception f. Whether there are spiders provided with an odd number of eyes or not is a more doubtful conjecture; should such exist, symmetry in the arrangement of their visual organs certainly may be expected to obtain; consequently, cases 4, 5 and 6, which present instances of an odd number of eyes disposed irregularly, would be regarded at all times with suspicion. Against case 1, however, no such objection can be urged ; and as the spider there introduced to notice was undescribed when captured by me, I should have felt much perplexity in assign- ing it a place among the Araneidea, had I not been so fortu- nate as to procure other specimens of it at the same time. Interesting chiefly in a physiological point of view, cases 3 and 7 show that a liability to irregularity in structure is not limited to the eyes, and that those organs are subject to pre- ternatural variations in size as well as number. I shall not attempt to speculate upon the cause of the or- ganic modifications which form the subject of this article ; to * Annals and Magazine of Natural History, vol. ii. pp. 3, 4. t The difference in the number of eyes with which spiders are provided has been proposed as the basis of their distribution into tribes. Transactions of the Linnzan Society, vol. xviii. p. 602. 168 Mr. C. C. Babington on a new species of Carex. attribute them to accidental circumstances would be, not merely to acknowledge ignorance of the matter, but to express that ignorance in most objectionable terms. The obscurity in which the origin of these remarkable phenomena is involved, careful investigation, conducted upon sound philosophical prin- ciples, can alone dispel. XXVII.—Description of a new species of Carex found near Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire. By Cuaruszs C. Basinc- Ton, M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S., &c.* [With a Plate.] Iv is now nearly two years since Mr. S. Gibson of Hebden Bridge was so kind as to forward to me a Carex, which he had reason to believe would prove to be an undescribed spe- cies. At that time he had only ventured to publish it in Baines’s ‘Flora of Yorkshire,’ as a variety of C. cespitosa (Gooden.), but in his letters to me he expressed a decided opinion that it was distinct from that species. Although con- vinced that it was indeed distinct from C. Goodenovii (C. cz- spitosa, Gooden.), it is only within the last few days that I have been enabled to examine its characters with the requi- site care to qualify myself to publish it as a true species, and to study the descriptions and figures in the works that treat of this genus, so as to be enabled to say with confidence that it is an undescribed plant. As I have convinced myself of this, I have now the pleasure of naming it in honour of its disco- verer, than whom no person can be more deserving of com- memoration by means of a plant of this genus, to the careful study of which he has long and successfully applied himself. Carex GrBsonl. C. spica mascula solitaria, femineis 2—4 oblongis basi attenuatis, infima breviter pedunculata, bracteis foliaceis, stigmatibus 2, fruc- tibus lanceolatis in rostrum breve integrum attenuatis multinerviis gluma 4 longioribus, acheniis late-obovatis apice rotundatis api- culatisque. Pl. V. C. ceespitosa, 3. chlorocarpos, Gibs. in Baines’s Fl. of Yorkshire, p.148. Root creeping. Stems 6—8 inches high, triquetrous with flat or concave faces, the angles rough towards the top. Leaves from near the base of the stem, and usually about equalling it in height, flat, slender, slightly rough at the edges and mid- rib beneath, particularly towards the end. Bracts without * Read before the Botanical Society of Edinburgh. \ Ann.dMag Nat.Hist NvM.PLN. Trichormus tncurvus. | Carex Gtbsoni. CCB del. SL.C.Sowerby fe. ‘Dr. Richardson on the Ichthyology of Australia. 169 sheaths; lower rather broad, leafy, often overtopping the spikes ; second long, setaceous ; the rest small, short. Spikes lax below, scarcely an inch long. Glumes oblong, blunt, pur- plish brown with a broad green band up the midrib, at least one-third shorter than the fruit; on the barren spike paler and obovate-lanceolate. Perigone nearly twice as long as the nut, gradually narrowing from below the middle to the top, pale green, with numerous and rather strongly marked ribs, which do not extend to the apex ; beak very short, truncate, entire. Nut compressed, rather longer than broad, widening upwards, rounded above, with a short somewhat conical beak, from which the style is deciduous, pale brown, opake. Found at Wood Hey near Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, in 1840, by Mr. 8. Gibson of that place : flowering in June. In C. Goodenovii (C. ceespitosa, Gooden., Sm.) the fruit is elliptical and very slightly longer than the glumes, the nut roundish and rather broader than long, the glumes purple with a slender pale green keel. In C. cespitosa (C. stricta, Gooden., Sm.) the fruit is elliptic- oblong, and the same length as the glumes. EXPLANATION OF PLATE V. a. Glume of the female spikes. 6. Fruit, pericarp including the nut. ¢. Nut. XXVIII.—Contributions to the Ichthyology of Australia. By Joun Ricnuarpson, M.D., F.R.S., &c., Inspector of Hospitals, Haslar. [Continued from p. 28. ] SERIOLA CULTRATA, Knife-edge Seriole. Sciena cultrata, G. Forster, No. 212; J. R. Forster, MS. iv. 9, apud Schn. Cichla cultrata, Bl. Schn., p. 348. Scomber clupeoides, Shaw, Brit. Mus. [The Sc. clupeoides of Broussonnet is a Cybium, C. & V. viii. p. 178.] Tus fish was taken with a hook off Norfolk Island on Cook’s second voyage. It differs from the other Seriole de- scribed in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons’ in the extremely acute under surface of the head, in the first dorsal being continuous with the second, though lower, and in other particulars. We must refer to Schneider for J. R. Forster’s account of it, but it is to be regretted that he does not state whether the vomer and palate-bones are toothed or not. The following particu- lars are drawn from an inspection of George Forster’s figure. The pectoral fins are small and somewhat falcate. The ventrals are also small, and are attached by their internal borders to the belly, 170 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to at the fore-part of a groove, which runs backwards to the anus. The first dorsal is low, nearly even, and contains eight spines, which are united to each other and to the second dorsal by a notched mem- brane that reaches above their middles. The drawing also indicates a short spine at the base of the first ray of the second dorsal, though only eight spines in all are enumerated by Forster. The fore-part of the soft fin is the highest, and forms a rounded peak, rising abruptly one-fourth above the succeeding rays, which become gra- dually'and evenly shorter. The last ray is not elongated. The anal spines are stronger, and nearly as long as the dorsal ones, and are in like manner connected by a notched membrane to the soft part of the fin. This is similar in form to the opposing dorsal, excepting that it wants the projecting peak at its beginning. Both it and the se- cond dorsal stand in a furrow formed by a low fillet of integument on each side. The caudal is deeply forked. The following is Forster’s enumeration of the rays:—Br. 6; D. 8|24; A. 3/26; C. 22; V.4; P. 15. In the figure 26 rays are marked in the soft dorsal. The lateral line is moderately curved over the pectoral. The length of the specimen was 84 inches, and the figure is of the natural size. The following front view will give some notion of the wedge-shaped form of the head. Capros AUSTRALIS (Nob.), Australian Boar-fish. In Polack’s account of New Zealand, John Dories are enu- merated among the fish which frequent the coasts of that promising colony, and there is much probability of his having correctly applied the name, since we find that Dories closely resembling the common species, if not actually the same, exist in the seas of Japan and the Cape of Good Hope, in nearly similar latitudes. Among the drawings which Dr. Lhotsky caused to be made of the fish of Port Arthur in Van Diemen’s Land, there is a well-executed figure of a fish the Ichthyology of Australia. 171 which appears to possess external characters intermediate between those of Zeus and Capros, but which, from the absence of spiniferous shields at the bases of the dorsal and anal, and on the ventral line, must necessarily be placed in the latter genus. Hitherto only one species of Capros has been de- scribed ; itis an inhabitant of the Mediterranean Sea; but one example of it has been taken on the coast of Cornwall. The Australian species does not seem to have been seen by any of the naturalists of the English or French scientific expeditions, probably because it inhabits great depths, like its Mediter- ranean congener, and is brought to the surface only by storms. The body, excluding the trunk of the tail and much of the head, is a regular short oval, whose vertical axis, lying between the first dorsal and anus, is equal to rather more than two-thirds of the lon- gitudinal one. The trunk of the tail is longer and more slender than that of either Zeus faber or Capros aper. In the general shape and details of its head the resemblance is greater to the common dory than to the boar-fish, though the snout is more protractile than in the latter. The figure represents the jaws thrust out and extended, and, from the transparency of the integu- ment, the forms of the bony parts are well shown. Their close cor- respondence with the same parts in Zeus faber gives confidence in the general correctness of the artist, though he has doubtless omitted some of the minute details which were not likely to attract the no- tice of any one except an ichthyologist. The under jaw does not project beyond the upper one when the mouth is open; the maxil- lary is wider below and more broadly and obliquely truncated than in the dory. The scaly cheek has the high subrhomboidal form of that fish, and the narrow smooth preoperculum makes an angle nearly as obtuse and approaching to a curve: near its anterior end a rounded shoulder is shown, looking backwards. The interopercu- lum, as large and as long as in the dory, is slightly curved on the edge like an italic S. The eye, smaller than that of the European boar-fish, though a little larger than that of the dory, is surmounted by a superciliary crest and cranial ridges, exactly as in the latter, but the little spine on each side of the occiput does not appear in the figure. The gill-flap is rounded; none of the opercular pieces are streaked or furrowed, nor are any spines shown either on the scapular or humeral bones. ‘There are three small scaly patches behind the eye, on the site of the supra-scapular plates. Rays :—Br. 6?; D.7|—18; A. 2)—17; C. 18; V. 1/5. The pectorals are small and rounded. The ventrals are also rounded, and attached farther back than the pectorals, as in Capros : a groove is shown in the belly of the fish, reaching to the anus, for their reception when folded back : the spine is very little shorter than the soft rays, and is not represented as rough. ‘The separation of the two dorsals is as complete as in the common dory. ‘The first dorsal is farther back, and occupies less space than in either the dory or > 172 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to common boar-fish. It stands over the anus and is very tall, though, as it has been curtailed of its proportions in the figure, owing to the smallness of the paper, its exact height cannot be stated. ‘The first ray is the longest, and the others decrease in succession to the last, which is short: none of them are represented with filamentous tips. The membrane ends at the base of the very short ray which begins the second dorsal. The rays of the second fin increase gradually but slightly as they become more posterior. ‘There appear to be two anals, as in the dory, of which the first is very small, consisting of only two spines : the second spine is only half the length of the first, and no membrane is shown connecting it with the second fin, which resembles the soft dorsal in form. In drawing the simple tapering dorsal or anal rays of a dory the articulations are very likely to be overlooked, as is the case in the figure we are commenting upon. The caudal fin is very slightly rounded, as in the dory. The scales are represented as considerably smaller than in the common boar-fish. The lateral line is more boldly curved, and ap- proaches nearer the dorsal line anteriorly ; posteriorly it descends very gradually to assume a straight course through the tail. The general colour is a pale straw-yellow, with much metallic lustre, without spots. The fins are pale carmine, and there is a carmine blush on the fore-part of the back, with deeper tints of the same on the tips of the scales, top of the head, scapulars, and some parts of the muzzle. The gill-membrane is deep lake-red, and there are some purplish tints on the gill-flap and humeral bones. The figure is said to be of the natural size, and measures Dimensions. : , inches. lines. From the lips, with the jaws protracted, to the end of caudal.. 10 base of ditto... 9 3 SANDE Ge REMI OE CALE aie won vissscunpecedesizasesanenscstatautsteuues Le BEPIEOC'OL CICLO, ocdsderdicctekesewssinateentasyecsssscesess edgeteokesh ona Baa & OEY SEI is tancet cece dvessveussecaccdaseesenssdesdpese cn seuss 4.6 Length of head, jaws protruded ........sescscssccccscececscccccsers a Date OE OVE! i5 side asin ses conele culdne'vns Sob vosccenactdantss clistes O; 8 From lips to edge of orbits. .csivccssscccessecssescccsevactwaccsseciedes 208 AMPHACANTHUS NoTostTictus (Nod.), The Loorooga. No. 17. Mr. Gilbert’s list. This Amphacanthus is named “ Loorooga” by the natives of the country round Port Essington, and is said by Mr. Gil- bert to be common to all the shallow parts of the harbour. In general form it resembles marmoratus, and still more nearly guttatus, but it is unlike the latter and some of the spotted species allied to it in the form of the profile of the forehead, which is not concave above the orbit, but evenly convex. From dorsalis, which exhibits a similar disposition of spots, it differs in the spots being black instead of whitish. The profile, excluding the fins and a small part of the tail, isa regular oval, whose vertical axis rather exceeds half the longitudinal the Ichthyology of Australia. 173 one, and is equal to one-third of the total length of the fish. The regular curve of the forehead corresponds with the part of the back on which the soft dorsal is set. There is no gibbosity either before or behind the eye, and the space between the eyes is convex trans- versely as well as longitudinally, its breadth being increased by the projection of the edge of the orbit at its anterior angle. The con- vex scaroid intermaxillary projects a little from the general curve of the head. The length of the head is rather more than one-fifth of the total length, or exactly one-fourth when the caudal is excluded. ‘There are about fifteen teeth in each intermaxillary, and one more in each limb of the lower jaw. The upper teeth are notched at the tip, one point being larger, lanceolate and denticulated; the other point, shorter and standing at the shoulder of the other, is concealed by the integument when in situ. The lower teeth are also notched, but the points are scarcely so acute, and the larger one does not exceed the other so much. They are also irregularly denticulated. 'There are two frontal ridges, which are visible in the dried specimen, to- gether with a faint indication of a mesial one, which must be quite imperceptible in a recent fish. The hind head is marked, over the posterior angle of the eye, with short winding lines, forming a sort of rustic-work, and there are also some ridges and pits on the pre- orbitar and two following bones of the chain. The projecting an- terior edge of the orbit shows faint crenatures under a lens. ‘The posterior half of the cheek is minutely scaly. The limbs of the preoperculum meet at an acute angle, and the upper limb is nearly twice the length of the lower one; the corner is scarcely rounded, and lies under the anterior quarter of the orbit. The surface of the bone is marked by irregular branching streaks and ridges, as is like- wise the operculum down to its lower third, which, with the inter- operculum and suboperculum, is smooth. The bones of the humeral chain are finely and deeply striated. ‘The gill-opening extends for- wards beyond the angle of the preoperculum. Rays :—D. 13/10; A. 7/9; C.174; P.15; V. 2|8. The pectoral has an oblique edge and rounded tip, and measures about one-fifth of the total length. The dorsal contains thirteen spines exclusive of the anterior couchant one. The first spine, as in the other species, touches the base of the second one, and is upwards of one-third shorter than the rest, which differ little from each other in height, the eighth, however, being the tallest, and the others de- creasing very gradually each way. ‘The spines are transversely com- pressed, with lateral sharp edges and acute tapering points. They lie alternately to the right and left when recumbent, and the mem- brane is attached to the alternate edges. Each of them is deeply impressed by two, or even three, longitudinal furrows. The arti- culated portion of the fin is rounded, its middle rays being highest and overtopping the spines. The anal is similarly formed. The caudal fin when fully spread is lunate on the margin, the depth of the arc being about one-third of the length of the central rays. The height of the trunk of the tail is one-fifth of that of the body. The 174 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to lateral line curves like the back, but nears it slightly in its progress, and changes suddenly to a straight course through the tail. It is formed by a series of simple linear elevations which become conti- nuous towards the tail; two or three next the shoulder emit ob- lique folds upwards. All the scales are small and firmly imbedded in the integument. The colours of the specimen are faded, but blackish dots are di- stinctly seen on the sides. ‘They coalesce into short curved lines on the back, become smaller as they descend beyond the lateral line, and disappear altogether above the level of the pectorals. There are vestiges of dark shades on the spinous parts of the dorsal and anal; the rest of the fins appear to have been pale and spotless. A pale band, of a pearly hue in the dried specimen, runs obliquely for- wards and downwards from behind the eye, and includes the gill- cover, preoperculum, and the scaly half of the cheek. Two or three short bars run back from the preorbitar over the scaly part of the cheek. Dimenstons. inches, lines. 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Nat Hist NANPA NL. ; 2 d fA $ iif mh A linthredo Forming its Case. ae THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. No. 70. APRIL 1843. ao XXXV.— Observations on the Habits of a Tenthredo or Saw-fly. By Pizrre HvuBer*. [ With a Plate. ] THE insect which is the subject of this memoir is, I conclude, somewhat rare in our country [Geneva], as I have not yet ob- served it except in the larva state; and these larvee are so un- common, that in looking diligently for them, I have scarcely found more than one or two every year. My design is to make known the first period of its history, looking for the time when more favourable circumstances may enable me to complete it. I especially regret my inability to give the description of the perfect insect; but, as we know with respect to a great num- ber of insects, all the philosophic interest attaches to the hi- story of the larve. Itis these indeed which most frequently exhibit to our sight that industry which so justly excites our admiration. This insect belongs to that division of the Saw-flies (Tenthre- dinide), the larvee of which, not furnished with membranous feet (prolegs), have only six coriaceous feet belonging to the thorax, and whose hind part or abdomen is armed laterally with two hard and horny processes which diverge from one another nearly in a straight line. These very prominent processes, I believe, are attached to the last ring but one. The last ring did not appear to have organs like the anal prolegs of cater- pillars ; it is, on the contrary, of a coriaceous and solid sub- stance, variegated with a brown colour above ; it terminates in an oval margin, and opens upwards in order to serve as a passage for the rejectamenta of the insect; but in some cases it also performs the office of a foot. The head is wholly coria- ceous, its eyes are very distinct and prominent; it is furnished with strong and rather short jaws, with two antennz placed near the eyes, and with two or three pairs of palpi, the length of which exceeds that of the jaws, and which serve the purpose * From the Mémoires de la Société de Physique et d'Histoire Naturelle de Genéve, tom. ix. part 2, 1842. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist, Vol. xi. R 242 M. Huber on the Habits of a Saw-fly. of a hand for holding the leaf upon which the insect is feed- ing or working. The length of this larva varies from six to eight lines, it is half a line thick; its ordinary colour is bluish green, the head is yellowish, and the feet are black; there is a small black spot on the first ring. In its first stage this insect lives upon the hazel-tree. Most larvee of Tinee and other insects expert in forming for themselves cases (fourreaux) carry them about with them, but (during the early period of its life at least) the larva in question is obliged to leave its case fixed to the leaf out of which it has been formed; it therefore preserves all the verdure of the leaf itself; at last, however, comes the time when this larva separates the case from the leaf and carries it from place to place. ‘The case in which it envelopes itself is of a very sin- gular form; it is a very much lengthened hollow cone, very narrow at the end with a rather wide mouth; it is made of a strip or band of a hazel-leaf rolled in a spiral form and com- posed of a number of variable whorls; this strip, very nar- row at the lower extremity, at first produces only very nar- row whorls and of small diameter, for at first the larva wants but a very narrow case. When complete it is from twelve to fourteen lines in length, and two lines in diameter at its ori- fice ; it is composed of more than ten turns, the exterior part of the case presenting the upper surface of the leaf, the ser- rated edge of which is preserved entire, turned towards the point of the cone. This dwelling is very spacious for our larva, and it can turn itself about in it with the greatest ease. It forms this cone by cutting along the edge of the leaf a narrow strip, which it then winds spirally around itself by a method which I shall presently describe. When this portion has taken the desired form or position, it goes on cutting the band a little further up, and always nearly parallel with the edge of the leaf. By little and little it rolls around itself a fresh portion, and so on during all the time of its growth ; so that the cone, which was at first very short, lengthens every time that the larva works at it. But it is not content with clothing itself; it feeds as it goes on, it even eats prodigiously ; only, while eating, it takes good care to attend to the arrange- ment of the strip or band necessary for its clothing; it eats according to method, and with the double object of providing itself at once with board and lodging ; I say lodging, for this case, being too roomy to be justly considered as a mere gar- ment, serves it rather as an asylum than as a defence against the inclemency of the weather. Another part of the skill of this insect consists in knowing how to roll this bandage round itself, which unsupported would M. Huber on the Habits of a Saw-fly. 243 fall by its own weight like a shred of the leaf. It will be sup- posed that it is by means of its silk, skilfully employed, that it succeeds in giving it the requisite position and fixing it in its place. I shall give a full description of the method which it prac- tises, a process in some degree analogous to that of the roll- ing caterpillars, which consists in carrying threads from the surface of the rolled portion to that part of the leaf which they wish to join to their work. The weight of their body, resting on the first threads, brings the leaf near to the centre of the roll, and fresh threads tend to keep it in this position. But the manner in which our. larva works every time that a fresh portion of leaf is to be added to his case deserves greater detail. There are generally three skeins. or wefts* stretched from the mouth of its case to the leaf. The first weft or skein is situated on the body of the case; this is the shortest, and reaches the leaf by the shortest course ; the second proceeds from the middle of the last whorl and also goes to the leaf; and the third is fastened on still higher up, that is to say, at the point where the rolling of the band begins. These wefts are composed of threads parallel to each other, and nearly perpen- dicular to the orifice, After the larva has bitten the leaf so far as to separate enough for rolling up, it comes half out of its case, mounts on the first weft and produces a fresh one which I shall call No. 1 dis, similar, except that the threads are fixed higher on the roll and on the leaf. After this operation it re- enters its funnel, and comes out again at the space which lies between the second and the third older wefts ; it mounts upon the second, makes it bend with its weight, or perhaps by the contraction of its body, and establishes a weft No. 2 dis, com- posed of a score of silk threads ; lastly it places itself on the third, and from thence makes a new weft No, 3 dis. By this means the work of rolling up goes on in succession, and the whole portion cut off is rolled up at once, the spiral cone ac- quiring a quarter of a whorl at each time; it gains each day acomplete whorl. In fact, it is the cone which is rolled suc- cessively on the bandage. Now the three wefts bis become fundamental, and serve as types for three new wefts, which in their turn will be succeeded by others, Such is the tenor of this process so far as I have been able to ascertain. The roll turns during the operation of fixing the threads, and not at all while the larva cuts out the bandage. We should mention * A row of parallel threads is obviously intended. The word trame of the original has been rendered weft, with some doubt however of its being the proper term.—R, T, R2 244 M. Huber on the Habits of a Saw-fly. that the rolling caterpillars make cylinders with leaves, whereas in the present case the rolling up must be oblique in order to produce a spiral, and this, probably, is what renders necessary the complex process which the larva of the Saw-fly of the hazel employs. The axis of the cone or case of our larva is frequently placed at right angles to the tangent which might be drawn at the edge of the leaf; yet the orifice is not parallel to this edge ; on the contrary, this opening is very oblique, and such as it should be in order that the band of which it is formed in roll- ing up may only cover over the last spiral by its edge, so as to form a prolongation of the case, and not a simple coating. It sometimes happens that this larva, whether by chance or by design, detaches its case from the leaf: this especially occurs when the leaf withers ; for then it is obliged to seek for a fresher one, a thing which frequently happened to those which I had under my observation at home. I have often amused myself by cutting the little bands and suspending the case underneath the leaf, by means of some one of the scattered silks which remained at the mouth, as the larva itself does when its case is wholly finished. But I operated before the time, and it had still several whorls to add to its cone: had I left but a single thread, it would have been sufficient to bring back its case towards the leaf, for this larva, of a slender form, is gifted with an unequalled agility and suppleness. Coming more than three-fourths out of its cone, it bent itself in a thousand ways, and by its skill succeeded in reaching the leaf, to which it fastened some imperceptible threads of silk; it clung to these threads, then drawing its body forwards, it made the case approach the leaf by help of the side legs and the two processes near its hinder extremity ; then bound it with new and shorter threads of silk, so that it nearly touched the lower surface of the leaf. The cone had now to be made to travel in this situation. The process which it employs is most ingenious: it leans for- ward out of its case on the side to which it intends to direct it; and, as far as it can reach, stretches threads of silk from the leaf to the case. This latter, held back by former threads, does not as yet move at all; but the caterpillar, with its accus- tomed ingenuity, cuts the former threads with its jaws ; if they resist too much, it stretches its body so as to force away the cone, when the last attachments break: in this way the cone is suspended only by the new threads, its centre of gravity is now displaced and is carried forward. A fresh similar man- ceuvre effects a new step; thus travels this heavy load, sus- tained by threads of silk which are substituted for each other M. Huber on the Habits of a Saw-fly. 245 in succession. Our traveller at last arrives at the end of its journey, that is to say, at the end of the leaf. It then brings its case near its under surface, and adjusts it or places it in such a way as to be situated in the plane of the leaf; but on the outside he sets it up as sailors raise a mast on its base, only so as to be placed horizontally in the air, and that instead of drawing the cords on the side where it wishes to make it fast, it finds the means of establishing shorter and shorter threads of silk, and bursts the old threads that kept it in a vertical position. It has, in short, the art to lead the spiral tube to the suitable place and into the position requisite for again begin- ning its rolling up. It cuts off the inequalities and adjusts it so neatly to the edge of the leaf, which is also prepared before- hand for this purpose, that the junction of the two pieces shall be imperceptible. The leaf fits exactly at the edge of the case ; threads of silk, carefully stretched within, sew together (if we may so speak) the two parts, and the caterpillar then setting itself to gnaw the leaf, eats it parallel to its edge, so as to give it the dimensions of the bandage of the case. I shall conclude this notice with the last experiment that I made on one of these larvee, and the result of which presents some very curious particulars. It was still young, it had com- posed its case of twelve whorls, and I-saw that it had added one or two turns of new ribbon. It was working at it when » I took it out in order to lay it bare; 1 then perceived that the portion of the case newly added being looser than it ought, and consequently the whorl being too wide at this part, the insect had obviated this inconvenience by spinning around itself such a number of threads that. they formed a narrow sheath at the orifice of the case. ; The larva being exposed, was gently laid upon a fresh and tender hazel-leaf, the underside of the leaf being turned up- wards. At first it appeared embarrassed ; it tried to turn upon its back, and it was only after many trials and efforts that it succeeded in effecting this ; from this time it regained courage, and sought to carry its head from right to left of its body in order to reach the leaf in this position ; but the want of a point d’appui for a long time hindered it from accomplishing this. However, by dint of twisting itself about, it at last succeeded, placing its spinneret upon the leaf on its right side; by a cir- cular movement of the head, it led a thread from thence to its left side passing above its body; from that time it no longer appeared embarrassed ; the movements became quicker and quicker ; it had soon made a lace-work of silk above itself, fitting well enough to hold it closely against the leaf, yet without cramping it. By help of these threads it became 246 M. Huber on the Habits of a Saw-fly. easier and easier to raise up the anterior part of its body, and to stretch longer or more oblique threads, at its choice; in order to do this, it bent its body in the form of an arch above the leaf, so as to make supports of all the threads which it had stretched above it. The play and muscular strength of its rings made of all these threads so many ladders, which helped its body to advance on the cordage which it had spread ; and the plaited nature of the rings of its belly, and especially the large size of the last ring but one, greatly contributed to the success of its efforts : the motion begins at the tail, it ad- vances, the rings swell and contract successively, they quit the threads to which they correspond in order to rest on other more advanced threads, and the whole body travels two lines in advance. The caterpillar then spreads fresh threads above itself, and by the same process gains a little ground every time ; in short, it attains the object of its efforts, being always turned on its back; when it has reached the edge of the leaf it stops. Such is its way of proceeding when naked. I was very curious to know how it would repair the loss of its covering at an age when the size of its body differs from what it was at first, and when a turn of ribbon two lines in width is not sufficient for it. I had the satisfaction of seeing this work done, which was worthy of some skilful tailor in a desert island who might be obliged to make his own garment. I will explain it in two words: the caterpillar had the tact to make itself a complete covering out of a single fold, which it cut to its measure, after having rolled it around itself. For that purpose, after having made a deep fold in the leaf around itself, it made a hole in the middle of the leaf, enlarged it by degrees, and rolled this wide shred about itself, just as we should draw a covering over us. ‘The covering folded upon itself forms a double envelope, which the insect converts to its use in this position, by sewing it with numerous threads at the two ends. ; Nature, as we see, is rich in ingenious expedients: so much originality in the means, so much variety in the processes, so much skill and depth in her views, what do these declare ? what do they proclaim,—if not the indisputable, the infinite wisdom of the Creator of all things ? EXPLANATION OF PLATE VI. Fig. 1. The caterpillar, natural size. Fig. 2. The same, magnified. Fig. 3,4. Different appearances of the rolling-up of the case before the caterpillar forms its threads. Fig. 5, 6, 7. Various positions of the caterpillars in forming the case by means of their threads. Fig. 8. The closed case. Mr, G. R. Waterhouse on some new Coleoptera. 247 XXX VI.—Descriptions of new species of Coleopterous Insecis belonging to the Genus Apocyrtus, collected by Hugh Cu- ming, Esq., in the Philippine Islands. By G. R. WaTER- HOUSE, Esq., Assistant Secretary and Curator to the Zoo- logical Society. [Continued from vol. ix. p. 311.] Order COLEOPTERA. Sect. CURCULIONIDES. Div. Pacuyruyneurpes, Schonh. Genus Aprocyrtvs, Erichson, In the ‘Annals of Natural History’ for June 1842, seventeen new species of Apocyrtus are characterized ; descriptions of others I had prepared, but as they extended the paper to too great a length for a monthly journal, I was not sorry to lay aside the latter half of my work for revision, especially as I found several of the species ex- ceedingly difficult to determine. ‘Those already described, for the most part, present well-marked characters ; there are some, however, which upon re-examination I think are doubtful. The Ap. metallicus and Ap. levicollis, notwithstanding the differences in their markings, I am now inclined to regard as varieties. Apocyrius gibbirostris and A. subfasciatus—The insect described under the former of these names I am now convinced is a female, the abdomen is somewhat convex beneath, and the terminal segment is conical; the apex of the elytra is slightly produced, and there is a small depression immediately in front of the prominent point. The male has the abdomen slightly concave, the terminal segment semicircular and coarsely punctured (in the female it is less di- stinctly punctured) ; the apex of the elytra is rounded, and the ex- treme point does not form a kind of tubercle as in the female; the thorax is rather larger in proportion to the elytra, and the rostrum is destitute of the hump; it is thickly punctured, and has a broadish longitudinal groove extending from the base and terminating about half-way towards the apex; on each side immediately in front of the eye is an oblong fovea joining the transverse groove which separates the rostrum from the head. This is the insect, I feel little doubt, described by M. Chevrolat under the name Apocyrtus Hrichsoni*, a name which has priority over mine. The specimens upon which I founded the Ap. subfasciatus are all males, and possibly are va- rieties of the Ap. gibbirostris (or rather Hrichsont) ; they, however, differ from those, which are certainly the males of gibbirostris, in having the thorax tuberculated instead of being punctured, and also in the markings, as pointed out in the published description. Ap. geniculatus.x—The rostrum in this species is shorter and broader than others of the genus ; it is rather longer than broad, and the sides are parallel; the transverse groove at the base is rather more strongly marked in the female than in the male, where it is in the * See * Revue Zoologique,’ No, 7. 1841, p. 226. 248 Mr. G. R. Waterhouse on some new Coleoptera form of a sharply indented line ; the surface is convex, punctured and glossy, and has a longitudinal line on the basal half; in front of the eye isan oblong fovea, broad near the eye and pointed in front; this fovea is bounded above and below by a ridge, the lower ridge forming the upper boundary of the groove for the antenna. The male Ap. geniculatus has the terminal segment of the abdomen semicircular and punctured, and this is preceded by two very short transverse seg- ments as usual; but in the female the hindermost of these two trans- verse segments undergoes a singular modification in form, being produced posteriorly so as completely to hide the terminal segment, and having a deep emargination, and terminating in two spines be- hind ; the last segment is smooth and very glossy. In one other spe- cies of Apocyrtus (Ap. inflatus), I have found the same sexual pecu- liarities in the abdominal segments. Apocyrtus rufipes. Ap. niger, nitidus; pedibus splendide rufis, genibus tarsisque nigris; capite punctato ; rostro crebre punctato; thorace globoso, antice posticeque truncato, tuberculis rotundatis crebre obsito: elytris rugoso-punctatis. . Long. corp. 54—44 lin. Mas: thorace valde globoso; elytris thorace angustioribus, postice rotuuda- tis; rostro supra concavo. Femina: elytris thorace latioribus, subovatis, ad apicem 6 sri duabus ar- matis ; rostro supra convexiusculo. The male of this species is remarkable for the large size and nearly spherical form of its thorax. The head has some scattered punc- tures, and a distinct longitudinal groove between the eyes; the ros- trum is thickly punctured, and its upper surface presents a large, but somewhat shallow concavity; this occupies the whole width of the rostrum in front, between the antenne, but becomes gradually narrower towards the transverse depression at the base; on each side, in front of the eyes, are two fovez, one above the other; the upper one is the largest, and joins the transverse groove at the base of the rostrum. ‘The legsare of a very bright red colour; the tip of the femora, the cox, apex of the tibiee, and the tarsi are black. The thorax is thickly covered with glossy, rounded tubercles, and has a slight longitudinal channel. The elytra are scarcely dilated in the middle, convex, and distinctly punctured; the punctures are con- fluent, and have a tendency to arrange themselves in strie. The terminal segment of the abdomen is semicircular and coarsely punc- tured. An insect agreeing with the above in all essential characters, and which I feel no doubt is the female, is remarkable for the possession of two spines at the apex of the elytra,—a character which I have found in a female of another species of the present genus. It differs, moreover, in having the thorax proportionately smaller, and the ely- tra rather broader than the thorax, being more dilated in the mid- dle. They have a small subapical hump on the suture, out of which springs a brush of hairs, as in the female Ap. geniculatus and some others of the genus, and the terminal segment of the abdomen is conical and presents numerous irregular ruge. The rostrum, instead belonging to the genus Apocyrtus. 249 of being concave above, as in the male, is slightly convex, more densely punctured, and is slightly humped behind: in the middle is a shallow longitudinal groove. The elytra are more thickly punc- tured—this is also the case in the females of some other species. Apocyrtus Germari. Ap. niger, femoribus, ad basin, antennisque piceo-rubris ; capite inter oculos et rostro rugosis ; thorace antice posticeque truncato, lateribus rotundato, tuberculis minutis, nitidis, crebre obsito; marginibus anticis lateralibusque squamis viridibus ornato, fascia postice eodem colore: elytris globoso- ovatis, thorace conspicue latioribus, rugosis, fasciis tribus subinterruptis, lineisque duabus Jongitudinalibus ad apicem viridibus. Long. corp. 4 lin. ; lat. 14 lin. This species departs somewhat from the rest of the genus in its proportions, which nearly resemble those of Otiorhynchus gemmatus, but the thorax is rather broader; the antennz are rather shorter than in other Apocyrti. The size is equal to that of Otiorhynchus scabrosus. The rostrum is separated from the head by a transverse groove in front of the eyes, and is very nearly equal to the head in length ; the upper surface is rugose, and has two irregular ridges which con- verge behind, but do not meet. The head is rugose between the eyes, where there is a distinct longitudinal impression. The eyes are round and but little prominent. ‘The thorax is subglobose, and truncated before and behind ; it is thickly covered above with glossy tubercles, has a green band in the anterior margin, and a second transverse band towards the posterior margin; these bands, which are formed of scales, are joined on the sides of the thorax by a lon- gitudinal series of scales. The elytra are of a short, oval form, or subglobose, but acuminated at the apex ; the surface is rugose and subtuberculated: they have a narrowish transverse band near the base, a second in the middle, and a third towards the apex, besides two oblong marks on the apical portion ; these bands are formed of green scales, and are somewhat interrupted in parts: the antennz and legs are pitchy; the thighs are reddish, excepting at the apex, where they are nearly black. Apocyrius inflatus. Ap. inflatus, Erichson, Act. Acad. Ces. Leop. &c, vol. xvi. Suppl. p. 378. pl. 48. f. 8; Schonh, v. pt. 2. p. 824. This species is readily distinguished from others described in this paper by the great size of its almost spherical body as compared with the head and thorax, and by its more prominent eyes. The head, thorax, abdomen beneath, base of the thighs, and tarsi are black, and the elytra are red or pitchy red, but broadly margined with black. Between the eyes are some green scales, and there is a small patch of these scales on each side of the thorax, and some- times they form an interrupted line on the middle above; near the outer margin of each elytron are three spots, one at the base, another near the middle, and the third towards the apex, also formed of green scales; the sides of the meso- and metathorax are likewise 250 Mr. G. R. Waterhouse on some new Coleoptera adorned with scales. The legs are bright red. The rostrum is finely punctured above, and has a short central impressed line at the base, and a large fovea on each side at the base. The head is separated from the thorax by a deep transverse impression, and has a longitu- dinally impressed line and some punctures between the eyes, which are round and prominent. The thorax is subglobose, but contracted and somewhat produced before and behind; the surface is covered with largish, rounded, glossy tubercles, and there is an indistinct dorsal channel. The elytra are twice as broad as the thorax, very convex and nearly spherical, but they are produced into a kind of neck in front to meet the thorax, and near the apex they are sud- denly contracted ; at the apex they are pointed. The upper surface is coarsely sculptured, rugose and subtuberculated, and the impressions, though irregular, have a tendency to be arranged in lines. Length, 5 to 64 lines; width 24 to 3 lines. The specimens before me are females. They have the antepe- nultimate segment of the abdomen extremely narrow in the antero- posterior direction, and the penultimate segment is large, produced over the last segment and deeply emarginated, and terminating in two spines or pointed processes behind. Apocyrtus impius, Ap. impius, Lrichson, l.c. p. 380. pl. 48. f. 9. Ap. niger, opacus, squamulis virescentibus adspersis; elytris ovatis, con- vexis, rugulosis, punctatis. Long. corp. 4 lin. Evichs. The above description, from Erichson, is applicable to the female sex of a species which Mr. Cuming found in great abundance in the Philippine Islands. It is very closely allied to the Ap. profa- nus, but differs in form and in sculpturing. _It is of a dullish black colour and sprinkled with blue-green scales; the thorax is globose, and thickly studded with glossy rounded tubercles; the elytra are thickly, but not very coarsely punctured. In the male, the rostrum is rugosely punctured, somewhat concave at the base, and has a mo- derately broad and deep longitudinal furrow in the centre, and a deepish oblong fovea on each side in front of the eye—the trans- verse furrow at the base of the rostrum runs into this. The head is punctured and has an impressed line between the eyes, which are but little prominent. The thorax is as broad or broader than the elytra—these are nearly cylindrical, or but indistinctly swollen in the middle, from whence they become gradually narrower, and are rounded at the extremity. The abdomen is punctured beneath, and is tolerably well-clothed with minute ash-coloured hairs; the ter- minal segment is semicircular and rather coarsely punctured. ‘The female has the rostrum convex above, more thickly punctured than the male, and with the longitudinal impression indistinct ; the trans- verse impression at the base is very deep, and suddenly curves in front of each eye to join the lateral fovea, which is deep. The sides of the thorax are boldly rounded, but this segment is narrower than the elytra—these are distinctly dilated in the middle and acuminated behind; the apex is somewhat produced. ‘The abdomen is convex beneath, and the terminal segment is smooth, glossy, and slightly belonging to the genus Apocyrtus. 251 concave. This sex is more densely clothed with scales than the other ; the males, indeed, are often almost destitute of scales. Apocyritus profanus, Ap. profanus, Zrichs. le. p. 379; Schinh, v. pt. 2. p. 852. Spheerogaster profanus, Eschsch. Oblongus, fuscus, parum nitidus, thoracis pectorisque lateribus parce viridi- squamosis ; fronte canaliculata, thorace granulis nitidis crebre adsperso ; elytris subovatis, subconvexis, thorace parum latioribus, crebre granu- latis, margine basali dense viridi-squamosis, femoribus ferrugineis. Var. 8. Elytris tibiisque etiam ferrugineis. The above description, which is from Schoenherr, very well cha- racterizes an insect brought home in tolerable abundance by Mr. Cuming. I have before me specimens exhibiting three distinct va- rieties: the first is black, and well-clothed with green scales; the second is pitchy, has the femora reddish at the base, and is less densely clothed with scales, and the third is of a pitchy red colour, almost destitute of scales; these being chiefly confined to a narrow band across the base of the elytra. 5 may add, of the first variety there are both sexes, of the second variety there are but females, and of © the red variety* there are no females. This species greatly resembles the Ap. impius, but is usually rather smaller, and the elytra differ in having minute glossy tubercles. The rostrum is rugose above, has a broad and shallow longitudi- nal impression in the middle, and another on each side of this, which is broad at its commencement, near the transverse line at the base of the rostrum, and becomes gradually narrower to its point of ter- mination, which is in a line with the point of insertion of the an- tennz: on the side of the rostrum is a deep longitudinal groove which runs into the groove for the antenne. The thorax is globose and covered with minute glossy tubercles: in the male it is very nearly equal in width with the elytra; in the female the sides are less boldly rounded, and it is decidedly narrower than the elytra— these are covered with rugze and minute tubercles. In the male the elytra are rounded at the extremity, and the terminal segment of the abdomen is semicircular and rugose. In the female the elytra are ovate, and attenuated and pointed behind ; they have a subapical prominence on the suture. The terminal segment of the abdomen is conical, glossy, and has a large shallow fovea, Length from 3% to 5 lines. Apocyrtus Chevrolatii. Ap. niger, femoribus rubris, antennis, tibiis, genibusque piceis: capite inter oculos punctato et linea longitudinali impressa; rostro rugoso, basi ca- naliculato; thorace subgloboso, tuberculis crebris obsito, dense viridi- squamoso, linea transversa in mediam denudata ; elytris convexis, ovatis, rugosis et tuberculis minutis obsitis, squamis viridibus ornatis, fasciis duabus, et plaga utrinque subapicali, denudatis. Long. corp. 4—5 lin. This species is about equal in size to the Ap. profanus, which it very nearly resembles also in form ; it is readily distinguished by the * The difference of colour certainly does not arise from immaturity. 252 Mr. G. R. Waterhouse on some new Coleoptera beautiful bands of golden green, or blue scales with which it is adorned. The thorax is nearly covered with scales, the only denuded parts being a band across the centre and a small space follow- ing the posterior margin. On the elytra is a coloured band at the base, and a second in the middle, and the apical third of the elytra is covered with scales, with the exception of an oblong space on each side between the suture and outer margin. The antenne are pitchy, and sometimes reddish at the base; the legs are also pitchy, but the femora are red at the base; sometimes the red extends almost to the joint, and in some specimens the apical half of the femora is dusky. The rostrum is rugose above, and has two irregular ridges at the base ; these nearly meet near the transverse impression which separates the head from the rostrum, but diverge in front; on the side of the rostrum is a deep longitudinal groove, which commences at the anterior angle of the eye and runs into the groove for the an- tenna. In the male the thorax is scarcely narrower than the elytra, and the terminal segment of the abdomen is semicircular, coarsely punctured, and has a fovea in the middle. In the female the elytra are more ovate, decidedly broader than the thorax, and pointed at the apex; the terminal segment of the abdomen is conical, has a few punctures and some irregular little grooves near, and running for the most part parallel with, the margin. Apocyrtus acutipennis. Ap. niger, parum nitidus ; rostro rugoso, linea longitudinali ad basin im- pressa; capite inter oculos squamis viridibus ornato; thorace convexo, lateribus rotundatis, tuberculis nitidis crebre obsito, fascia antica, lateribus, maculisque duabus, squamis viridibus vestito; elytris ovatis, tuberculis minutis subacutis crebre obsito, fasciis duabus, maculisque tribus sub- apicalibus viridibus. Long. corp. 44—5 lin. -Feem.: elytris ad apicem divergentibus, et acutis. Mas: elytris ad apicem subrotundatis. This species is very closely allied to the Ap. Chevrolatii, but is at once distinguished by the black colour of its legs and antenne, by its having a spot on the suture towards the apex of the elytra, the space between the eyes is broader, &c. The rostrum is very rugose, has a longitudinal depression in the middle and another on each side of this: on the side in front of the eye is a longitudinal groove, which posteriorly joins that which separates the rostrum from the head, and anteriorly it partially runs into the antennal groove ; not so distinctly joining that groove as in Ap. Chevrolatii. ‘The thorax is globose in the male and but little narrower than the elytra, which are slightly dilated in the middle and somewhat rounded at the apex. In the female the thorax is less globose, proportionately smaller, and the elytra larger, more ovate, and at the apex they slightly diverge, are curved downwards and acutely pointed : here the terminal seg- ment of the abdomen is impunctate and remarkable for a deep and largish fovea at the apex, a character which the female Ap. Chevrolatii does not exhibit, neither has the corresponding sex of that species the acute apex to the elytra. In the male of the present species the terminal segment of the abdomen is semicircular and rugose. As re- belonging to the genus Apocyrtus. 253 gards the markings, which are formed of bluish green scales, they consist of a narrow line on the front and sides of the thorax and two spots, one on each side of the centre: on the elytra are two bands, one at the base and the other in the middle, a spot on the suture between this last band and the apex of the elytra, and a subapical patch on each side, which sends out a branch to join the central fascia at the outer margin of the elytron, which has an almost unin- terrupted band of scales.. In the female insect I have further to no- tice that the elytra have a hump on the suture situated rather behind the apical third. Apocyrtus concinnus. Ap. nigey, parum nitidus ; rostro rugoso; thorace subgloboso, crebre tuber- culato, pone medium linea transversa, marginibus anticis lateralibusque aureo-viridibus ; elytris ovatis, crebre tuberculatis, ad apicem fasciisque duabus, aureo-viridibus. Long. corp. 4 lin. This species very closely resembles the Ap. acutipennis (like that, differing from Ap. Chevrolatii in having black legs), but differs in having the markings of a golden-green colour, a narrow band on the thorax rather behind the middle, and the whole apex of the elytra covered with scales; these, though somewhat scattered, do not arrange themselves into spots as in acutipennis. In form and sculpturing there are moreover some points of distinction. The rostrum is very rugose, and does not exhibit any longitudinal channel; the elytra in the female are not produced into an acute angle at the apex as in acuti- pennis, and the terminal segment of the abdomen in this sex is de- stitute of the large fovea, and is rather coarsely punctured. The elytra are more thickly tuberculated. ‘The space between the eyes is con- siderably broader and more distinctly punctured than in Ap. Chevro- latii. Apocyrius bispinosus. Ap. niger, squamis viridibus adspersis; thorace valde globoso, tuberculis erebre obsito; elytris rugosis, subseriatim tuberculatis, ad apicem bispi- nosis ; femoribus rufescentibus. Long. corp, 34 lin. This species is less than the Ap. impius of Erichson, and has the elytra more constricted at the base. The rostrum is thickly punc- tured, and has a broadish but shallow longitudinal impression ; it is separated from the head by a transverse groove, which runs on each side into a large fovea situated immediately in front of the eye; these lateral pits contract the hinder part of the rostrum, which is some- what humped and raised above the plane of the head. The head is distinctly punctured between the eyes, where there is a longitudinal groove; the eyes are large and but little convex. The thorax is truncated before and behind, but nearly of a spherical form; above it is thickly studded with glossy, rounded tubercles, and rather sparingly sprinkled with bright green scales. ‘The elytra are very convex and of a short ovate form ; the apex of each elytron is pro- duced into a spine, which is evident to the naked eye, and there is a small hump at the suture at a short distance from the apex; the surface of the elytra is very rough, being broken up into ruge and tubercles—the latter form longitudinal strie. Bright green scales are 254 Mr. G.R, Waterhouse on some new Coleoptera. as it were sprinkled on the elytra. The antenne have a slight pitchy hue, and so have the tibiee; the femora are red, but blackish at the extremity. The specimen from which this description is taken is a female, and has the terminal segment of the abdomen conical and covered with ruge.. The insect, which I suspect to be the male, differs in having the elytra narrower and rounded at the extremity, the rostrum rather coarsely punctured, and has three oblong furrows at the base, Apocyrtus adspersus. Ap. ater; squamis viridibus adspersis; tibiis antennisque piceo-nigris, fe- moribus rufescentibus ; rostro rugoso, ad basin distincte transversim im- presso, foveis tribus oblongis impresso ; capite inter oculos punctate atque linea longitudinali impresso ; thorace subgloboso, antice posticeque trun- cato, tuberculis nitidis crebre obsito. Elytris thorace paulo latioribus, rugosis et tuberculis minutis crebris. Long, corp, 3 lin. The form of this insect is very nearly the same as in Apocyrtus pro- fanus, Eschsch., but the elytra are rather shorter in proportion, The rostrum is rugose, punctured, has a very distinct transverse impression at the base, a broadish and shallow longitudinal groove in the mid- dle, extending from the base and terminating nearly in a line with the antenne, and on each side of this is a similar groove. The head, between the eyes, is distinctly punctured, and has a longitudinally im- pressed line; the eyes are round and but little convex. The thorax is nearly globose, but truncated before and behind; its surface is thickly studded with glossy tubercles. ‘The elytra are about half as long again as the thorax; they are truncated in front, imcrease in width in the middle, where they attain a diameter very slightly ex- ceeding that of the thorax, and at the apex they are somewhat acu- minated, but rounded at the point ; their surface is subsulcated, very rough, having coarse confluent punctures and small pointed tubercles. Numerous round bright green scales are scattered on the thorax and elytra, and there are a few-on the head between the eyes. The tibiee and antenne are pitchy, and the thighs are of an obscure red colour, excepting at the apex, where they are dusky. This is a small species about equal in size to Phyllobius argentatus, and less than the Ap. bispinosus; the female is readily distinguished from the corresponding sex of the insect last mentioned by the want of the spines at the apex of the elytra; the thorax is smaller in pro- portion, The male differs from the supposed male of Ap, bispinosus in having the rostrum more coarsely sculptured, and in the longitudinal groove in front of the eye being distinctly joined with the antennal groove ; this groove is represented in ¢ bispinosus by an oblong fovea which does not run into the antennal groove; the thorax is smaller in proportion to the elytra. Apocyrtus pulverulentus. Ap. niger, squamis viridibus minutissimis dense pulverulentis; pedibus rufo-testaceis, vel piceo-testaceis, pilis minutis albis vestitis; antennis piceis; rostro rugoso, canaliculato ; thorace subgloboso, tuberculis nitidis Mr. R. B. Hinds’s Descriptions of new Shells. 255 crebris ; elytris ovatis, thorace paulo latioribus, tuberculis minutis crebris obsitis. Long. corp. 24—3¥4 lin. This species is a trifle less than the last, from which it may be distinguished by the very minute size of the scales with which it is covered, or as it were powdered, for they do not completely cover the body; the minute tubercles on the thorax and elytra are free from scales; the abdomen beneath is rather sparingly furnished with whitish hairs. The legs are shorter, and the femora are less clavate than in Ap. adspersus. XXXVII.—Descriptions of new Shells from the Collection of Captain Sir Edward Belcher, R.N., C.B, By Ricnarp BrinsLey Hinps, Esg., Surgeon R.N. [Continued from p. 21.] Mitra Beicheri. 'Testa fusiformi, turrita, elongata, solida; anfracti- bus levigatis, transversim inequaliter sulcatis vel exaratis, divi- sionibus duabus superioribus majoribus ; epidermide nigro induta sed infra lactea; columella quadriplicata ; labio externo tenui. Axis 48 lin. Geog. Gulfs of Nicoya and Papagayo, Central America; dredged from a muddy floor in 17 fathoms. This fine shell approaches in size the largest species of the genus, and is surpassed by none in symmetry and outline. In shape it is fusiform and turreted, the spire rather produced, and the last whorl not occupying more than half the entire length. The shell itself is milky white, but is everywhere covered by a smooth black epidermis, The whorls are ploughed with deep channels or sulci at unequal distances, of which the two superior divisions have the greatest breadth, but the inferior of the two is the broadest; and they overlap each other more than is usual in the genus. The columella is fur- nished with four plaits, the upper being somewhat distant, and the lower not very distinct. The outer lip is thin and uneven, by reason of the sulci which terminate on its margin; the inner is slightly developed. The shell is named after the Commander of the expedition, and, handsome as it is, commemorates but feebly his devotion to conchology, ‘Two specimens, an adult and a young shell, are in the collection ; a third is in my own collection, and I know of the existence of no others. Ranella Californica. Testa ovata, ventricosa, fusca; anfractibus uni- seriatim tuberculatis, transversim granoso-striatis, tuberculis co- nicis subdistantibus ; varicibus magnis cavernosis ; anfractu ultimo multiseriatim obsolete tuberculato, fasciis duabus angustis pur- 256 Mr. R. B. Hinds’s Descriptions of new Shells. pureis indistinctis cincto; apertura alba; labio externo crenato et dentato, interno transversim striato. Axis 52 lin. Geog. San Diego, California. There is some chance that this shell may be confounded with R. ventricosa, as the more prominent features of both have only a comparative value. This, however, is a much larger shell, is without any disposition to tuberculation near the suture, the varices are much bolder and cavernous, the tubercles on the spire fewer and larger, and the pillar lip is set with many small transverse ridges. 1. Conus marchionatus. Testa oblonga, turbinata, alba, fusco angu- late reticulata; spira depressa, ecoronata, mucronata, spiraliter striata; anfractibus sulcatis; apertura inferne paululum effusa, ad basin striata; epidermide diaphano levi induta. Axis 16 lin. Geog. Port Anna Maria, Nuhuhiva, Marquesas; dredged from a sandy floor in 7 to 10 fathoms. A difference of opinion seems to exist as to what is the base colour of this and similar species. My own opinions were open to proof, till a specimen with a repaired fracture appears to me to decide it. After repairing the injury, the animal for a time has discontinued the reticulation, and a portion of a pure white has been produced. After awhile the meshes are again continued. A variety of this shell oc- curs in which the reticulation is of a pale yellow colour. 2. C. patricius. Testa pyriformi, tumida; spira acuminata, minute tuberculata vel coronata; anfractu ultimo striato, superne plicifero, inferne valde contractato; apertura lineari; labio externo tenui, acuto ; epidermide fulvo levi induta. Axis 13 lin. Geog. Gulf of Nicoya, Central America; dredged from sandy mud in 7 fathoms. Shell much contracted in the lower portion of the last whorl, somewhat tumid below the shoulder ; spire moderately produced, minutely coronated, at the angle of the last whorl thrown into small folds; aperture narrow and linear; the outer lip very thin. Epidermis of a clear fulvous colour, beneath which the shell is of a uniform fawn-colour. 3. C. celebs. ‘Testa pyriformi, alba; spira retusa, conica, ecoronata ; anfractu ultimo lineis elevatis equidistantibus transversim dispo- sitis ; apertura lineari, inferne paululum effusa, alba ; columelle basi et spire apice violaceo ; epidermide olivacea, fragili. Axis 12 lin. Geog. Ambow, Feejee Islands. A single specimen was captured on the coral reefs. CyRTULUS*, n. g. Testa fusiformis ; anfractus ultimus et penultimus turbinatus ; spira per saltum ascendens ; apertura linearis in canali brevi effuso de- * xvetos incurvus, atvaos columna. Mr. R. B. Hinds’s Descriptions of new Shells. 257 sinens ; columella valde arcuata, superne callosa; labium exter- num acutum; umbilicus parvus. Epidermis levis. C. serotinus. | Geog. Port Anna Maria, Nuhuhiva, Marquesas. Shell somewhat fusiform, the last two whorls turbinate, whence a spire, less than half the length of the body-whorl, suddenly ascends; everywhere smooth, except the spire, which is nodulose and transversely ridged, and covered with the re- mains of a brown epidermis. The last whorl much lengthened, squarish, flattened, and not at all ventricose; the aperture terminating in a short effuse canal, and towards the centre expanded, from the conformation of the columella. Outer lip thin and sharp; inner not at all produced. Columella with a large callosity above, arcuate in the centre, corresponding to a contraction which occupies the circumference of the last whorl. A smaller callosity below assists to cover the umbi- licus. Axis 39 lines. I am disposed to place this new genus among the Pyru- lide, in which group it holds an analogous situation to Swain- son’s genus of fossil shells, Clavalithes, among the Turbinel- lide. ‘The structure of the spire, formation of the canal, and peculiar convolution of the lower whorls seem to display its affinities here. But as the plaits on the columella are variable in Clavalithes, and Cyrtulus may still be confounded with it, the points of difference will be found in the short expanded canal, deeply incurved columella, and in the absence of the papillary spire,—a character on which Mr. Swainson dwells, as being indispensable to the existence of his genus. 1. Phos Veraguensis. Testa ovata, elongata, costulata; costulis nu- merosis zqualibus, lineis elevatis decussatis et cancellatis ; anfrac- tibus subplanulatis, superne fuscis, inferne albidis; ultimo albo fasciato. Axis 15 lin. Geog. Pueblo Nueva, coast of Veragua; dredged in some num- bers from 26 fathoms, mud. This may be regarded as the American analogue of the Asiatic shell, Phos senticosus. 2. P. crassus. Testa ovata, elongata, solida, costata ; costis rudibus subdistantibus, lineis impressis decussatis; labio externo grandi- dentato, interno prorsum producto. _ Geog. Panama and Gulf of Fonseca; dredged as solitary shells in from 3 to 14 fathoms, mud. The characters of this shell are all prominent. It is solid, the ribs large and coarse, crossed by prominent lines; teeth on the outer lip large, internal ridges strongly marked ; inner lip considerably produced forwards. The colour is a lightish brown, somewhat deeper on the ribs. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. S 258 Mr, C. C. Babington on Fumaria micrantha. XXXVIII.—On Fumaria micrantha, Lag., and F. calycina, Bab. By Cuarues C. Basineton, M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S., &c.* Tue difference of opinion which has for some time existed between Dr. Arnott and myself concerning the identity of the Fumaria micrantha (Lag.) and the F. calycina (Bab.) having been now set at rest, I feel myself bound to communicate the fact to the public at the earliest opportunity. In the original paper upon these plants by Dr.Walker Arnott (published by the Bot. Soc.) he expressly states that he had not seen and did not know of an authentic specimen of F, micrantha, and there ap- pearing to me to be many weighty reasons for not considering the F, calycina as identical with it, I have, up to the present time, resisted the application of La Gasca’s name to my plant. The reasons referred to haye been already communicated to the Botanical Society, but will not now be published, as they are quite superseded by information which I have recently obtained, Learning accidentally that, in a small but valuable work, entitled ‘ Introduction 4 une Flore analytique de Paris,’ a Fu- maria was noticed under the name of F. micrantha (Lag.), I applied to Dr, A. Weddell, one of its authors, for information concerning that plant, sending at the same time a specimen of the Edinburgh F. calycina. In reply he informs me that Prof. Parlatore, Curator of the Grand-ducal Herbarium at Flo- rence, who, it is well known, has long been employed upon a monograph of the Fumariacee, compared the French plant * with authentic samples” of that of La Gasca, and thus with certainty determined their identity, Dr. Weddell has now carefully examined my specimen from Edinburgh of F, caly- cina, and sent to me a portion of one of his own specimens of the French F. micrantha, at the same time giving his opinion that the Parisian and Scottish specimens belong to the same species. In this opinion I fully concur; and as itis clear, from what has been already stated, that they agree with the plant of La Gasca, the Scottish plant must be denominated F, mi- crantha, and the name which I applied to it will sink into a synonym. I may add, that Dr, Weddell refers F. prehensilis (Kitaib.) to this species (on the authority of authentic speci- mens), not to F. capreolata, as was done by Dr, Arnott. In the course of the summer of 1842 my valued friend Mr. Borrer observed that the F, micrantha was plentiful near Guildford in Surrey, and it is probable that it will prove to be far from a rare plant in Britain, * Read before the Botanical Society at Edinburgh. _ Propositions relative to the Nomenclature of Zoology. 259 XXXIX.—Series of Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of Zoology uniform and permanent, being the Report of a Committee Sor the consideration of the subject appointed by the British Asso- ciation for the Advancement of Science*. ALL persons who are conversant with the present state of Zoology must be aware of the great detriment which the science sustains from the vagueness and uncertainty of its nomenclature. We do not here refer to those diver- sities of language which arise from the various methods of classification _ adopted by different authors, and which are unavoidable in the present state of our knowledge. So long as naturalists differ in the views which they are disposed to take of the natural affinities of animals there will always be di- versities of classification, and the only way to arrive at the true system of nature is to allow perfect liberty to systematists in this respect. But the evil complained of is of a different character. It consists in this, that when naturalists ave agreed as to the characters and limits of an individual group or species, they still disagree in the appellations by which they distinguish it. A genus is often designated by three or four, and a species by twice that number of precisely equivalent synonyms ; and in the absence of any rule on the subject, the naturalist is wholly at a loss what nomenclature to adopt. The consequence is, that the so-called commonwealth of science is becoming daily divided into independent states, kept asunder by diversities of language as well as by geographical limits. If an English zoologist, for example, visits the museums and converses with the professors of France, he finds that their scientific language is almost as foreign to him as their vernacular, Almost every specimen which he examines is labeled by a title which is unknown to him, and he feels that nothing short of a continued residence in that country can make him conversant with her science, If he proceeds thence to Germany or Russia, he is again at a loss: bewildered everywhere amidst the confusion of nomenclature, he returns in despair to his own country and to the museums and books to which he is accustomed. If these diversities of scientific language were as deeply rooted as the ver- nacular tongue of each country, it would of course be hopeless to think of remedying them ; but happily this is not the case. The language of science is in the mouths of comparatively few, and these few, though scattered over di- stant lands, are in habits of frequent and friendly intercourse with each other, All that is wanted then is, that some plain and simple regulations, founded on justice and sound reason, should be drawn up by a competent body of persons, and then be extensively distributed throughout the zoological world. The undivided attention of chemists, of astronomers, of anatomists, of . mineralogists, has been of late years devoted to fixing their respective lan- * From the Report of the Association for 1842, p.105, The Committee appointed by the Council, Feb. 11, 1842, consisted of the following members :—Mr. Darwin, Prof. Henslow, Rev. L. Jenyns, Mr. Ogilby, Mr, J. Phillips, Dr, Richardson, Mr, H. E. Strickland (reporter), and Mr. Westwood: to whom were subsequently added Messrs. Broderip, Prof. Owen, Shuckard, Waterhouse and Yarrell. The Report states that an outline of the proposed rules having been drawn up, copies were sent to emi- nent zoologists at home and abroad, with a request that they would favour the Com- mittee with their comments; and that many valuable suggestions had already been thus obtained.—Ed. S 2 260 Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of guages on a sound basis. Why, then, do zoologists hesitate in performing the same duty ? at a time, too, when all acknowledge the evils of the present anarchical state of their science. It is needless to inquire far into the causes of the present confusion of zoological nomenclature. It isin great measure the result of the same branch of science having been followed in distant countries by persons who were either unavoidably ignorant of each other’s labours, or who neglected to in- form themselves sufficiently of the state of the science in other regions. And when we remark the great obstacles which now exist to the circulation of books beyond the conventional limits of the states in which they happen to he published, it must be admitted that this ignorance of the writings of others, however unfortunate, is yet in great measure pardonable. But there is another source for this evil, which is far less excusable,—the practice of gratifying individual vanity by attempting on the most frivolous pretexts to cancel the terms established by original discoverers, and to substitute a new and un- authorized nomenclature in their place. One author lays down as a rule, that no specific names should be derived from geographical sources, and un- hesitatingly proceeds to insert words of his own in all such cases; another declares war against names of exotic origin, foreign to the Greek and Latin ; a third excommunicates all words which exceed a certain number of sylla- bles; a fourth cancels all names which are complimentary of individuals, and so on, till universality and permanence, the two great essentials of scientific language, are utterly destroyed. It is surely, then, an object well worthy the attention of the Zoological Section of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, to devise some means which may lessen the extent of this evil, if not wholly put an -end to it. The best method of making the attempt seems to be, to entrust to a carefully selected committee the preparation of a series of rules, the adoption of which must be left to the sound sense of naturalists in general. By emanating from the British Association, it is hoped that the proposed rules will be invested with an authority which no individual zoologist, how- ever eminent, could confer on them. The world of science is no longer a monarchy, obedient to the ordinances, however just, of an Aristotle or a Lin- neus. She has now assumed the form of a republic, and although this revo- lution may have increased the vigour and zeal of her followers, yet it has de- stroyed much of her former order and regularity of government. The latter can only be restored by framing such laws as shall be based in reason and sanctioned by the approval of men of science ; and it is to the preparation of these laws that the Zoological Section of the Association have been invited to give their aid. | In venturing to propose these rules for the guidance of all classes of zoolo- gists in all countries, we disclaim any intention of dictating to men of science the course which they may see fit to pursue. It must of course be always at the option of authors to adhere to or depart from these principles, but we offer them to the candid consideration of zoologists, in the hope that they may lead to sufficient uniformity of method in future to rescue the science from becoming a mere chaos of words. We now proceed to develope the details of our plan; and in order to make the reasons by which we are guided apparent to naturalists at large, it will be requisite to append to each proposition a short explanation of the circum- stances which call for it. Zoology uniform and permanent. 261 Among the numerous rules for nomenclature which have been proposed by naturalists, there are many which, though excellent in themselves, it is not now desirable to enforce*. The cases in which those rules have been over- looked or departed from, are so numerous and of such long standing, that to carry these regulations into effect would undermine the edifice of zoological nomenclature. But while we do not adopt these propositions as authoritative laws, they may still be consulted with advantage in making such additions to the language of zoology as are required by the progress of the science. By adhering to sound principles of philology, we may avoid errors in future, even when it is too late to remedy the past, and the language of science will thus eventually assume an aspect of more classic purity than it now presents. Our subject hence divides itself into two parts; the first consisting of Rules for the rectification of the present zoological nomenclature, and the second of Recommendations for the improvement of zoological nomenclature in future. PART I. RULES FOR RECTIFYING THE PRESENT NOMENCLATURE [Limitation of the Plan to Systematic Nomenclature. | In proposing a measure for the establishment of a permanent and universal zoological nomenclature, it must be premised that we refer solely to the Latin or systematic language of zoology. We have nothing to do with vernacular appellations. One great cause of the neglect and corruption which prevails in the scientific nomenclature of zoology, has been the frequent and often exclusive use of vernacular names in lieu of the Latin binomial designations, which form the only legitimate language of systematic zoology. Let us then endeavour to render perfect the Latin or Linnzean method of nomenclature, which, being far removed from the scope of national vanities and modern antipathies, holds out the only hope of introducing into zoology that grand desideratum, an universal language. [Law of Priority the only effectual and just one. | It being admitted on all hands that words are only the conventional signs of ideas, it is evident that language can only attain its end effectually by being permanently established and generally recognized. ‘This consideration ought, it would seem, to have checked those who are continually attempting to subvert the established language of zoology by substituting terms of their own coinage. But, forgetting the true nature of language, they persist in confounding the zame of a species or group with its definition ; and because the former often falls short of the fullness of expression found in the latter, they cancel it without hesitation, and introduce some new term which ap- pears to them more characteristic, but which is utterly unknown to the science, and is therefore devoid of all authority+. If these persons were to object to such names of men as Long, Little, Armstrong, Golightly, &c., in cases where they fail to apply to the individyals who bear them, or should complain of the names Gough, Lawrence, or Harvey, that they were devoid of meaning, and should hence propose to change them for more characteristic appella- * See especially the admirable code proposed in the ‘ Philosophia Botanica’ of Linneus. If zoologists had paid more attention to the principles of that code, the present attempt at reform would perhaps have been unnecessary. + Linneus says on this subject, ‘“‘ Abstinendum ab hac innovatione que nunquam cessa- ret, quin indies aptiora detegerentur ad infinitum.” 262 Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of tions, they would not act more unphilosophically or inconsiderately than they do in the case before us; for, in truth, it matters not in the least by what conventional sound we agree to designate an individual object, provided the sign to be employed be stamped with such an authority as-will suffice to make it pass current. Now in zoology no one person can subsequently claim an authority equal to that possessed by the person who is the first to define a new genus or describe a new species; and hence it is that the name origin- ally given, even though it may be infericr in point of elegance or express- iveness to those subsequently proposed, ought as a general principle to be permanently retained. To this consideration we ought to add the injustice of erasing the name originally selected by the person to whose labours we owe our first knowledge of the object; and we should reflect how much the permission of such a practice opens a door to obscure pretenders for dragging themselves into notice at the expense of original observers. Neither can an author be permitted to alter a name which he himself has once published, except in accordance with fixed and equitable laws. It is well observed by Decandolle, ‘‘ L’auteur méme quia le premier établi un nom n’a pas plus qu’un autre le droit de le changer pour simple cause d’impropriété. La pri- orité en effet est un terme fixe, positif, qui n’admet rien, ni d’arbitraire, ni de partial.” For these reasons, we have no hesitation in adopting as our fundamental maxim, the “ law of priority,” viz. § 1. The name originally given by the founder of a group or the describer of a species should be permanently retained, to the exclu- sion of all subsequent synonyms (with the exceptions about to be noticed). Having laid down this principle, we must next inquire into the limitations which are found necessary in carrying it into practice. [ Not to extend to authors older than Linneus. ] As our subject matter is strictly confined to the binomial system of nomen- clature, or that which indicates species by means of two Latin words, the one generic, the other specific, and as this invaluable method originated solely with Linneus, it is clear that, as far as species are concerned, we ought not to attempt to carry back the principle of priority beyond the date of the 12th edition of the ‘ Systema Nature.’ Previous to that period, naturalists were wont to indicate species not by a mame comprised in one word, but by a definition which occupied a sentence, the extreme verbosity of which method was productive of great inconvenience. Jt is true that one word sometimes sufficed for the definition of a species, but these rare cases were only binomial by accident and not by principle, and ought not therefore in any instance to supersede the binomial designations imposed by Linneeus. The same reasons apply also to generic names. Linnzeus was the first to attach a definite value to genera, and to give them a systematic character by means of exact definitions; and therefore although the names used by pre- vious authors may often be applied with propriety to modern genera, yet in such cases they acquire a new meaning, and should be quoted on the author- ity of the first person who used them in this secondary sense. It is true, that several of the old authors made occasional approaches to the Linnean exactness of generic definition, but still these were but partial attempts ; and it is certain that if in our rectification of the binomial nomenclature we once : Zoology uniform and permanent. 263 trace back our authorities into the obscurity which preceded the epoch of its foundation, we shall find no resting-place or fixed boundary for our re- searches. The nomenclature of Ray is chiefly derived from that of Gesner and Aldrovandus, and from these authors we might proceed backward to fElian, Pliny, and Aristotle, till our zoological studies would be frittered away amid the refinements of classical learning*. We therefore recommend the adoption of the following proposition =~ § 2. The binomial nomenclature having originated with Linneus, the law of priority, in respect of that nomenclature, is not to extend to the writings of antecedent authors. [It should be here explained, that Brisson, who was a contemporary of Linneeus and acquainted with the ‘ Systema Nature,’ defined and published certain genera of birds which are additional to those in the 12th edition of Linnzeus’s work, and which are therefore of perfectly good authority. But Brisson still adhered to the old mode of designating species by a sentence instead of a word, and therefore while we retain his defined genera, we do not extend the same indulgence to the titles of his species, even when the latter are accidentally binomial in form. For instance, the Perdix rubra of Brisson is the Zetrao rufus of Linneeus ; therefore as we in this case retain the generic name of Brisson and the specific name of Linneus, the correct title of the species would be Perdix rufa.] [ Generic names not to be cancelled in subsequent subdivisions. ] As the number of known species which form the groundwork of zoological science is always increasing, and our knowledge of their structure becomes more complete, fresh generalizations continually occur to the naturalist, and the number of genera and other groups requiring appellations is ever be- coming more extensive. Itthus becomes necessary to subdivide the contents of old groups and to make their definitions continually more restricted. In carrying out this process, it is an act of justice to the original author, that his generic name should never be lost sight of ; and it is no less essential to the welfare of the science, that all which is sound in its nomenclature should remain unaltered amid the additions which are continually being made to it. On this ground we recommend the adoption of the following rule :— § 3. A generic name when once established should never be can- celled in any subsequent subdivision of the group, but retained in a restricted sense for one of the constituent portions. [ Generic names to be retained for the typical portion of the old genus. | When a genus is subdivided into other genera, the original name should be retained for that portion of it which exhibits in the greatest degree its essential characters as at first defined. Authors frequently indicate this by selecting some one species as a fixed point of reference, which they term the “type of the genus.” When they omit doing so, it may still in many cases be correctly inferred that the first species mentioned on their list, if found accurately to agree with their definition, was regarded by them as the type. A specific name or its synonyms will also often serve to point out the parti- cular species which by implication must be regarded as the original type of a genus. In such cases we are justified in restoring the name of the old genus * « Quis longo eyo recepta vocabula commutaret hodie cum patrum ?”—Linneus. 264 Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of to its typical signification, even when later authors have done otherwise. We submit therefore that § 4. The generic name should always be retained for that portion of the original genus which was considered typical by the author. Example.—The genus Picumnus was established by Temminck, and in- cluded two groups, one with four toes, the other with three, the former of which was regarded by the author as typical. Swainson, however, in raising these groups at a later period to the rank of genera, gave a new name, Asthenurus, to the former group, and retained Picumnus for the latter. In this case we have no choice but to restore the name Picumnus, Tem., to its correct sense, cancelling the name Asthenurus, Sw., and imposing a new name on the 3-toed group which Swainson had called Picumnus. [ When no type is indicated, then the original name is to be kept for that sub- sequent subdivision which first received it. | Our next proposition seems to require no explanation :— § 5. When the evidence as to the original type of a genus is not perfectly clear and indisputable, then the person who first subdivides the genus may affix the original name to any portion of it at his dis- cretion, and no later author has a right to transfer that name to any other part of the original genus. [A later name of the same extent as an earlier to be wholly cancelled. When an author infringes the law of priority by giving a new name to a genus which has been properly defined and named already, the only penalty which can be attached to this act of negligence or injustice, is to expel the name so introduced from the pale of the science. It is not right then in such cases to restrict the meaning of the later name so that it may stand side by side with the earlier one, as has sometimes been done. For instance, the genus Monaulus, Vieill. 1816, is a precise equivalent to Lophophorus, Tem. 1813, both authors having adopted the same species as their type, and there- fore when the latter genus came in the course of time to be divided into two, it was incorrect to give the condemned name Monaulus to one of the por- tions. To state this succinctly, § 6. When two authors define and name the same genus, doth making it exactly of the same extent, the later name should be can- celled in toto, and not retained in a modified sense*. This rule admits of the following exception :— § 7. Provided however, that if these authors select their respective types from different sections of the genus, and these sections be after- wards raised into genera, then both these names may be retained in a restricted sense for the new genera respectively. - Example—The names Gidemia and Melanetta were originally co-exten- sive synonyms, but their respective types were taken from different sections which are now raised into genera, distinguished by the above titles. [No special rule is required for the cases in which the later of two generic * These discarded names may however be folerated, if they have been afterwards pro- posed in a totally new sense, though we trust that in future no one will Anowingly apply an old name, whether now adopted or not, to a new genus. (See proposition g, infra.) Zoology uniform and permanent. 265 names is so defined as to be less extensive in signification than the earlier, for if the later includes the type of the earlier genus, it would be cancelled by the operation of § 4; and if it does not include that type, it is in fact a distinct enus. | But when the later name is more extensive than the earlier, the following rule comes into operation :— [A later name equivalent to several earlier ones is to be cancelled. } The same principle which is involved in § 6, will apply to § 8. § 8. If the later name be so defined as to be equal in extent to two or more previously published genera, it must be cancelled in toto. Example.—Psarocolius, Wagl. 1827, is equivalent to five or six genera previously published under other names, therefore Psarocolius should be cancelled. If these previously published genera be separately adopted (as is the case with the equivalents of Psarocolius), their original names will of course pre- vail; but if we follow the later author in combining them into one, the fol- lowing rule is necessary :-— [A genus compounded of two or more previously proposed genera whose cha- racters are now deemed insufficient, should retain the name of one of them. ] It sometimes happens that the progress of science requires two or more genera, founded on insufficient or erroneous characters, to be combined to- gether into one. In such cases the law of priority forbids us to cancel all the original names and impose a mew one on this compound genus. We must therefore select some one species as a type or example, and give the generic name which it formerly bore to the whole group now formed. If these ori- ginal generic names differ in date, the oldest one should be the one adopted. § 9. In compounding a genus out of several smaller ones, the earli- est of them, if otherwise unobjectionable, should be selected, and its former generic name be extended over the new genus so compounded. Example.—The genera Accentor and Prunella of Vieillot not being con- sidered sufficiently distinct in character, are now united under the general name of Accentor, that being the earliest. So also Cerithium and Potamides, which were long considered distinct, are now united, and the latter name merges into the former. We now proceed to point out those few cases which form exceptions to the law of priority, and in which it becomes both justifiable and necessary to alter the names originally imposed by authors. [A name should be changed when previously applied to another group which still retains tt. | It being essential to the binomial method to indicate objects in natural history by means of two words only, without the aid of any further designa- tion, it follows that a generic name should only have one meaning, in other words, that two genera should never bear the same name. For a similar reason, no two species in the same genus should bear the same name. When these cases occur, the later of the two duplicate names should be cancelled, and a new term, or the earliest synonym, if there be any, substituted. When it is necessary to form new words for this purpose, it is desirable to make them bear some analogy to those which they are destined to supersede, as where the genus of birds, Plectorhynchus, being preoccupied in Ichthyology, 266 Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of is changed to Plectorhamphus. It is, we conceive, the bounden duty of an author when naming a new genus, to ascertain by careful search that the name which he proposes to employ has not been previously adopted in other departments of natural history*. By neglecting this precaution he is liable to have the name altered and his authority superseded by the first subsequent author who may detect the oversight, and for this result, however unfortu- nate, we fear there is no remedy, though such cases would be less frequent if the detectors of these errors would, as an act of courtesy, point them out to the author himself, if living, and leave it to him to correct his own inad- vertencies. This occasional hardship appears to us to be a less evil than to permit the practice of giving the same generic name ad libitum to a multi- plicity of genera. We submit therefore, that - $10. A name should be changed which has before been proposed for some other genus in zoology or botany, or for some other species in the same genus, when still retained for such genus or species. [A name whose meaning is glaringly false may be changed. ] Our next proposition has no other claim for adoption than that of being a concession to human infirmity. If such proper names of places as Covent Garden, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Newcastle, Bridgewater, &c., no longer sug- gest the ideas of gardens, fields, castles, or bridges, but refer the mind with the quickness of thought to the particular localities which they respectively de- signate, there seems no reason why the proper names used in natural history should not equally perform the office of correct indication even when their etymological meaning may be wholly inapplicable to the object which they typify. But we must remember that the language of science has but a limit- ed currency, and hence the words which compose it do not circulate with the same freedom and rapidity as those which belong to every-day life. The attention is consequently liable in scientific studies to be diverted from the contemplation of the thing signified to the etymological meaning of the sign, and hence it is necessary to provide that the latter shall not be such as to propagate actual error. Instances of this kind are indeed very rare, and in some cases, such as that of Monodon, Caprimulgus, Paradisea apoda and Monoculus, they have acquired sufficient currency no longer to cause error, and are therefore retained without change. But when we find a Batrachian reptile named in violation of its true affinities, Mastodonsaurus, a Mexican species termed (through erroneous information of its habitat) Picus cafer, or an olive-coloured one Muscicapa atra, or when a name is derived from an accidental monstrosity, as in Picus semirostris of Linneeus, and Helix dis- junceta of ‘Turton, we feel justified in cancelling these names, and adopting that synonym which stands next in point of date. At the same time we think it right to remark that this privilege is very liable to abuse, and ought there- fore to be applied only to extreme cases and with great caution. With these limitations we may concede that 11. A name may be changed when it implies a false proposition which is likely to propagate important errors. [ Names not clearly defined may be changed. | Unless a species or group is intelligibly defined when the name is given, it cannot be recognized by others, and the signification of the name is conse- * This laborious and difficult research will in future be greatly facilitated by the very useful work of M. Agassiz, entitled “ Nomenclator Zoologicus.” Zoology uniform and permanent. 267 quently lost. Two things are necessary before a zoological term can acquire any authority, viz. definition and publication. Definition properly implies a distinct exposition of essential characters, and in all cases we conceive this to be indispensable, although some authors maintain that a mere enumeration of the component species, or even of a single type, is sufficient to authenticate a genus. To constitute publication, nothing short of the insertion of the above particulars in @ printed book can be held sufficient. Many birds, for instance, in the Paris and other continental museums, shells in the British Museum (in Dr. Leach’s time), and fossils in the Scarborough and other public collections, have received MS.names which will be of no authority until they are published*. Nor can any unpublished descriptions, however exact (such as those of Forster, which are still shut up in a MS. at Berlin), claim any right of priority till published, and then only from the date of their pub- lication. The same rule applies to cases where groups or species are pub- lished, but not defined, as in some museum catalogues, and in Lesson’s ‘ Traité d’Ornithologie,’ where many species are enumerated by name, without any description or reference by which they can be identified. ‘Therefore 12. A name which has never been clearly detined in some pub- lished work should be changed for the earliest name by which the object shall have been so defined. [ Specific names, when adopted as generic, must be changed.) The necessity for the following rule will be best illustrated by an example. The Corvus pyrrhocorax, Linn., was afterwards advanced to a genus under the name of Pyrrhocorax. 'Temminck adopts this generic name, and also retains the old specific one, so that he terms the species Pyrrhocorax pyr- rhocorax. 'The inelegance of this method is so great as to demand a change of the specific name, and the species now stands as Pyrrhocorax alpinus, Vieill. We propose therefore that § 13. Anew specific name must be given to a species when its old name has been adopted for a genus which includes that species. N.B. It will be seen, however, below, that we strongly object to the further continuance of this practice of elevating specific names into generic. [ Latin orthography to be adhered to. | On the subject of orthography it is necessary to lay down one proposition,— § 14. In writing zoological names the rules of Latin orthography must be adhered to. } In Latinizing Greek words there are certain rules of orthography known to classical scholars which must never be departed from. For instance, the names which modern authors have written Aipunemia, Zenophasia, poioce- phala, must, according to the laws of etymology, be spelt Apycnemia, Xeno- phasia and peocephala. In Latinizing modern words the rules of classic usage do not apply, and all that we can do is to give to such terms as clas- sical an appearance as we can, consistently with the preservation of their etymology. In the case of European words whose orthography is fixed, it is best to retain the original form, even though it may include letters and com- binations unknown in Latin. Such words, for instance, as Woodwardi, 7 These MS. names are in all cases liable to create confusion, and it is therefore much to be desired that the practice of using them should be avoided in future. 268 Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of Knighti, Bullocki, Eschscholtzi, would be quite unintelligible if they were Latinized into Vudvardi, Cnichti, Bullocci, Essolzi, &c. But words*of bar- barous origin, having no fixed orthography, are more pliable, and hence, when adopted into the Latin, they should be rendered as classical in appear- ance as is consistent with the preservation of their original sound. Thus the words Tockus, awsuree, argoondah, kundoo, &c. should, when Latinized, have been written Zoccus, ausure, argunda, cundu, &c. Such words ought, in all practicable cases, to have a Latin termination given them, especially if they are used generically. In Latinizing proper names, the simplest rule appears to be to use the ter- mination -ws, genitive -2, when the name ends with a consonant, as in the above examples ; and -zws, gen. -27, when it ends with a vowel, as Latreille, Latreillii, &e. In converting Greek words into Latin the following rules must be attended to :— Greek. Latin. Greek. Latin, ac becomes e. 6 becomes th. el ie i, @ $s ph. os terminal, us. Sir iF hag ch. ov ” um, K ” C. ov becomes u. xX - » neh. ou 9 ce. VY ” ng. uv ” y- . 3” die When a name has been erroneously written and its orthography has been afterwards amended, we conceive that the authority of the original author should still be retained for the name, and not that of the person who makes the correction. PART II. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING THE NOMENCLATURE IN FUTURE. The above propositions are all which in the present state of the science it appears practicable to invest with the character of laws. We have endeavour- ed to make them as few and simple as possible, in the hope that they may be the more easily comprehended and adopted by naturalists in general. We are aware that a large number of other regulations, some of which are hereafter enumerated, have been proposed and acted upon by various authors who have undertaken the difficult task of legislating on this subject ; but as the enforce- ment of such rules would in many cases undermine the invaluable principle of priority, we do not feel justified in adopting them. At the same time we fully admit that the rules in question are, for the most part, founded on just criticism, and therefore, though we do not allow them to operate retrospec- tively, we are willing to retain them for future guidance. Although it is of the first importance that the principle of pricrity should be held paramount to all others, yet we are not blind to the desirableness of rendering our sci- entific language palatable to the scholar and the man of taste. Many zoolo- gical terms, which are now marked with the stamp of perpetual currency, are yet so far defective in construction, that our inability to remove them without infringing the law of priority may be a subject of regret. With these terms we cannot interfere, if we adhere to the principles above laid down; nor is there even any remedy, if authors insist on infringing the rules of good taste by introducing into the science words of the same inelegant or unclassical character in future. But that which cannot be enforced by law may, in some Zoology uniform and permanent. 269 measure, be effected by persuasion ; and with this view we submit the follow- ing propositions to naturalists, under the title of Recommendations for the improvement of Zoological Nomenclature in future. [ The best names are Latin or Greek characteristic words. | The classical languages being selected for zoology, and words being more easily remembered in proportion as they are expressive, it is self-evident that § A. The dest zoological names are those which are derived from the Latin or Greek, and express some distinguishing characteristic of the object to which they are applied. [ Classes of objectionable names. ] It follows from hence that the following classes of words are more or less objectionable in point of taste, though, in the case of genera, it is often neces- sary to use them, from the impossibility of finding characteristic words which have not before been employed for other genera. We will commence with those which appear the least open to objection, such as a. Geographical names.—These words being for the most part adjectives can rarely be used for genera. As designations of species they have been so strongly objected to, that some authors ( Wagler, for instance) have gone the length of substituting fresh names wherever they occur ; others (e.g. Swain- son) will only tolerate them where they apply exclusively, as Lepus hiberni- cus, Troglodytes europeus, &c. We are by no means disposed to go to this length. It is not the less true that the Hirundo javanica is a Javanese bird, even though it may occur in other countries also, and though other species of Hirundo may occur in Java. The utmost that can be urged against such words is, that they do not tell the whole truth. However, as so many authors object to this class of names, it is better to avoid giving them, except where there is reason to believe that the species is chiefly confined to the country whose name it bears. b. Barbarous names.—Some authors protest strongly against the introduc- tion of exotic words into our Latin nomenclature, others defend the practice with equal warmth. We may remark, first, that the practice is not contrary to classical usage, for the Greeks and Romans did occasionally, though with reluctance, introduce barbarous words in a modified form into their respective languages. Secondly, the preservation of the trivial names which animals bear in their native countries is often of great use to the traveller in aiding him to discover and identify species. We do not therefore consider, if such words have a Latin termination given to them, that the occasional and judi- cious use of them as scientific terms can be justly objected to. c. Technical names.—All words expressive of trades and professions have been by some writers excluded from zoology, but without. sufficient reason. Words of this class, when carefully chosen, often express the peculiar charac- ters and habits of animals in a metaphorical manner, which is highly elegant. We may cite the generic terms Arvicola, Lanius, Pastor, Tyrannus, Regulus, Mimus, Ploceus, &¢c., as favourable examples of this class of names. d. Mythological or historical names.—When these have no perceptible re- ference or allusion to the characters of the object on which they are conferred, they may be properly regarded as unmeaning and in bad taste. Thus the generic names Lesbia, Leilus, Remus, Corydon, Pasiphae, have been applied to a Humming bird, a Butterfly, a Beetle, a Parrot, and a Crab respectively, 270 Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of without any perceptible association of ideas. But mythological names may sometimes be used as generic with the same propriety as technical ones, in cases where a direct allusion can be traced between the narrated actions of a personage and the observed habits or structure of an animal. Thus when the name Progne is given to a Swallow, Clotho to a Spider, Hydra to a Polyp, Athene to an Owl, Nestor to a grey-headed Parrot, &e., a pleasing and bene- ficial connexion is established between classical literature and physical science. e. Comparative names.—The objections which have been raised to words of this class are not without foundation. The names, no less than the defini- tions of objects, should, where practicable, be drawn from positive and self- evident characters, and not from a comparison with other objects, which may be less known to the reader than the one before him. Specific names expres- sive of comparative size are also to be avoided, as they may be rendered in- accurate by the after-discovery of additional species. The names Picoides, Emberizoides, Pseudoluscinia, rubeculoides, maximus, minor, minimus, &c. are examples of this objectionable practice. JS. Generic names compounded from other genera,—These are in some de- gree open to the same imputation as comparative words; but as they often serve to express the position of a genus as intermediate to, or allied with, two other genera, they may occasionally be used with advantage, Care must be taken not to adopt such compound words as are of too great length, and not to corrupt them in trying to render them shorter. The names G‘allopavo, Te- traogallus, G'ypaetos, are examples of the appropriate use of compound words. g. Specific names derived from persons.-—So long as these complimentary designations are used with moderation, and are restricted to persons of emi- nence as scientific zoologists, they may be employed with propriety in cases where expressive or characteristic words are not to be found, But we fully concur with those who censure the practice of naming species after persons of no scientific reputation, as curiosity dealers (e. g. Caniveti, Boissoneauti), Peruvian priestesses (Cora, Amazilia), or Hottentots (Kdass/), h, Generic names derived from persons.—Words of this class have been very extensively used in botany, and therefore it would have been well to have excluded them wholly from zoology, for the sake of obtaining a memo- ria technica by which the name of a genus would at once tell us to which of the kingdoms of nature it belonged. Some few personal generic names have however crept into zoology, as Cuvieria, Mulleria, Rossia, Lessonia, &c., but they are very rare in comparison with those of botany, and it is perhaps de- sirable not to add to their number. t. Names of harsh and inelegant pronunciation.—These words are grating to the ear, either from inelegance of form, as Huhua, Yuhina, Craxirex, Esch- scholizi, or from too great length, as chirostrengylostinus, Opetiorhynchus, brachypodioides, Thecodontosaurus, not to mention the Enaliolimnosaurus crocodilocephaloides of a German naturalist. It is needless to enlarge on the advantage of consulting euphony in the construction of our language. As a general rule it may be recommended to avoid introducing words of more than five syllables. k, Aneient names of animals applied in a wrong sense,—It has been cus- tomary, in numerous cases, to apply the names of animals found in classic authors at random to exotic genera or species which were wholly unknown to the ancients. The names Cebus, Callithrix, Spiza, Kitta, Struthus, ave examples, This practice ought by no means to be encouraged, The usual Zoology uniform and permanent. 271 defence for it is, that it is impossible now to identify the species to-which the name was anciently applied. But it is certain that if any traveller will take the trouble to collect the vernacular names used by the modern Greeks and Italians for the Vertebrata and Mollusca of southern Europe, the meaning of the ancient names may in most cases be determined with the greatest preci- sion. It has been well remarked that a Cretan fisher-boy is a far better com- mentator on Aristotle’s 4 History of Animals’ than a British or German scho- lar. The use however of ancient names, when correctly applied, is most de- sirable, for ‘in framing scientific terms, the appropriation of old words is preferable to the formation of new ones*.” ; l. Adjective generic names.—The names of genera are, in all cases, essen- tially substantive, and hence adjective terms cannot be employed for them without doing violence to grammar. The generic names Hians, Criniger, Cursorius, Nitidula, &c, are examples of this incorrect usage. m. Hybrid names——Compound words, whose component parts are taken from two different languages, are great deformities in nomenclature, and na- turalists should be especially guarded not to introduce any more such terms into zoology, which furnishes too many examples of them already. We have them compounded of Greek and Latin, as Dendrofaleo, G'ymnocorvus, Mo- noculus, Arborophila, flavigaster ; Greek and French, as Jacamaraleyon, Ja- camerops ; and.Greek and English, as Bullockoides, Gilbertsocrinites. n. Names closely resembling other names already used.—By Rule 10 it was laid down, that when a name is introduced which is ¢dentical with one pre- viously used, the later one should be changed. Some authors have extended the same principle to cases where the later name, when correctly written, only approaches in form, without wholly coinciding with the earlier. We do not, -however, think it advisable to make this law imperative, first, because of the vast extent of our nomenclature, which renders it highly difficult to find a name which shall not bear more or less resemblance in sound to some other; and, secondly, because of the impossibility of fixing a limit to the degree of approximation beyond which such a law should cease to operate. We con- tent ourselves, therefore, with putting forth this proposition merely as a re- commendation to naturalists, in selecting generic names, to avoid such as too closely approximate words already adopted. So with respect to species, the judicious naturalist will aim at variety of designation, and will not, for ex- ample, call a species virens or virescens in a genus which already possesses a viridis, 0. Corrupted words,—In the construction of compound Latin words, there are certain grammatical rules which have been known and acted on for two thousand years, and which a naturalist is bound to acquaint himself with be- fore he tries his skill in coining zoological terms. One of the chief of these rules is, that in compounding words all the radical or essential parts of the constituent members must be retained, and no change made except in the variable terminations. But several generic names have been lately introduced which run counter to this rule, and form most unsightly objects to all who are conversant with the spirit of the Latin language. A name made up of the first half of one word and the last half of another, is as deformed a monster in nomenclature as a Mermaid or a Centaur would be in zoology ; yet we find examples in the names Corcorax (from Corvus and Pyrrhocorax), Cypsnagra * Whewell, Phil. Ind, Se. yi. p. Lxvii, 272 Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of (from Cypselus and Tanagra), Merulaxis (Merula and Synallaxis), Loxigilla (Loxia and Fringilla), &c. In other cases, where the commencement of both the simple words is retained in the compound, a fault is still committed by cutting off too much of the radical and vital portions, as is the case in Bu- corvus (from Buceros and Corvus), Ninox (Nisus and Noctua), &c. p. Nonsense names.— Some authors having found difficulty in selecting ge- neric names which have not been used before, have adopted the plan of coining words at random without any derivation or meaning whatever. The following are examples: Viralva, Xema, Azeca, Assiminia, Quedius, Spisula. To the same class we may refer anagrams of other generic names, as Dacelo and Ce- dola of Alcedo, Zapornia of Porzana, &c. Such verbal trifling as this is in very bad taste, and is especially calculated to bring the science into contempt. It finds no precedent in the Augustan age of Latin, but can be compared only to the puerile quibblings of the middle ages. It is contrary to the genius of all languages, which appear never to produce new words by spontaneous ge- neration, but always to derive them from some other source, however distant or obscure. And it is peculiarly annoying to the etymologist, who after seek~ ing in vain through the vast storehouses of human language for the parentage of such words, discovers at last that he has been pursuing an zgnis fatuus. gq. Names previously cancelled by the operation of § 6.—Some authors con- sider that when a name has been reduced to a synonym by the operations of the laws of priority, they are then at liberty to apply it at pleasure to any new group which may be in want of a name. We consider, however, that when a word has once been proposed in a given sense, and has afterwards sunk into a synonym, it is far better to lay it aside for ever than to run the risk of ma- king confusion by re-issuing it with a new meaning attached. r. Specific names raised into generic.—It has sometimes been the practice* in subdividing an old genus to give to the lesser genera so formed, the names of their respective typical species. Our Rule 13 authorizes the forming a new specific name in such cases; but we further wish to state our objections to the practice altogether. Considering as we do that the original specific names should as far as possible be held sacred, both on the grounds of justice to their authors and of practical convenience to naturalists, we would strongly dissuade from the further continuance of a practice which is gratuitous in itself, and which involves the necessity of altering long-established specific names. We have now pointed out the principal rocks and shoals which lie in the path of the nomenclator; and it will be seen that the navigation through them is by no means easy. The task of constructing a language which shall supply the demands of scientific accuracy on the one hand, and of literary elegance on the other, is not to be inconsiderately undertaken by unqualified persons. Our nomenclature presents but too many flaws and inelegancies already, and as the stern law of priority forbids their removal, it follows that they must remain as monuments of the bad taste or bad scholarship of their authors to the latest ages in which zoology shall be studied. [ Families to end in ide, and Subfamilies in ine. ] The practice suggested in the following proposition has been adopted by many recent authors, and its simplicity and convenience is so great that we strongly recommend its universal use. § B. It is recommended that the assemblages of genera termed fa- milies should be uniformly named by adding the termination ide to Zoology uniform and permanent. 273 the name of the earliest known, or most typically characterized genus in them; and that their subdivisions, termed subfamilies, should be similarly constructed, with the termination ine. These words are formed by changing the last syllable of the genitive case into ide or ine, as Strix, Strigis, Strigide, Buceros, Bucerotis, Bucerotide, not Strixide, Buceride. [ Specific names to be written with a small initial. ] A convenient memoria technica may be effected by adopting our next pro- position. It has been usual, when the titles of species are derived from pro- per names, to write them with a capital letter, and hence when the specific name is used alone it is liable to be occasionally mistaken for the title of a genus. But if the titles of species were invariably written with a small ini- tial, and those of genera with a capital, the eye would at once distinguish the rank of the group referred to, and a possible source of error would be avoided. It should be further remembered that all species are egua/, and should there- fore be written all alike. We suggest, then, that § C. Specific names should always be written with a small initial letter, even when derived from persons or places, and generic names should be always written with a capital. [ The authority for a species, exclusive of the genus, to be followed by a di- stinctive expression. | The systematic names of zoology being still far from that state of fixity which is the ultimate aim of the science, it is frequently necessary for correct indication to append to them the name of the person on whose authority they have been proposed. When the same person is authority both for the specific and generic name, the case is very simple ; but when the specific name of one author is annexed to the generic name of another, some difficulty occurs. For example, the Muscicapa crinita of Linnzeus belongs to the modern genus Tyrannus of Vieillot; but Swainson was the first to apply the specific name of Linnzus to the generic one of Vieillot. ‘The question now arises, Whose authority is to be quoted for the name Tyrannus crinitus? The expression Tyrannus crinitus, Lin., would imply what is untrue, for Linnzeus did not use the term Tyrannus ; and Tyrannus crinitus, Vieill., is equally incorrect, for Vieillot did not adopt the name erinitus. If we call it Tyrannus crinitus, Sw., it would imply that Swainson was the first to describe the species, and Linneus would be robbed of his due credit. If we term it Tyrannus, Vieill., crinitus, Lin., we use a form which, though expressing the facts correctly, and therefore not without advantage in particular cases where great exactness is required, is yet too lengthy and inconvenient to be used with ease and rapi- dity. Of the three persons concerned with the construction of a binomial title in the case before us, we conceive that the author who first describes and names a species which forms the groundwork of later generalizations, possesses a higher claim to have his name recorded than he who afterwards defines a genus which is found to embrace that species, or who may be the mere accidental means of bringing the generic and specific names into con- tact. By giving the authority for the specific name in preference to all others, the inquirer is referred directly to the original description, habitat, &c. of the Species, and is at the same time reminded of the date of its discovery ; while genera, being less numerous than species, may be carried in the memory, or Ann. § Mag. N. Hist. Vol, xi. 274 On the Nomenclature of Zoology. referred to in systematic works without the necessity of perpetually quoting their authorities. The most simple mode then for ordinary use seems to be to append to the original authority for the species, when not applying to the genus also, some distinctive mark, such as (sp.) implying an exclusive refer- ence to the specific name, as Tyrannus crinitus, Lin. (sp.), and to omit this expression when the same authority attaches to both genus and species, as Ostrea edulis, Lin.* Therefore, § D. It is recommended that the authority for a specific name, when not applying to the generic name also, should be followed by the di- stinctive expression (sp.). [New genera and species to be defined amply and publicly. ] A large proportion of the complicated mass of synonyms which has now become the opprobrium of zoology, has originated either from the slovenly and imperfect manner in which species and groups have been originally de- fined, or from their definitions having been inserted in obscure local publica- tions which have never obtained an extensive circulation. Therefore, although under § 12, we have conceded that mere insertion in a printed book is suffi- cient for publication, yet we would strongly advise the authors of new groups always to give in the first instance a full and accurate definition of their cha- racters, and to insert the same in such periodical or other works as are likely to obtain an immediate and extensive circulation. ‘To state this briefly, § E. It is recommended that new genera or species be amply de- fined, and extensively circulated in the first instance. [ The names to be given to subdivisions of genera to agree in gender with the original genus. | In order to preserve specific names as far as possible in an unaltered form, whatever may be the changes which the genera to which they are referred may undergo, it is desirable, when it can be done with propriety, to make the new subdivisions of genera agree in gender with the old groups from which they are formed. This recommendation does not however authorize the changing the gender or termination of a genus already established. In brief, § F. It is recommended that in subdividing an old genus in future, the names given to the subdivisions should agree in gender with that of the original group. [ Htymologies and types of new genera to be stated. It is obvious that the names of genera would in general be far more care- fully constructed, and their definitions would be rendered more exact, if authors would adopt the following suggestion :— § G. It is recommended that in defining new genera the etymo- logy of the name should be always stated, and that one species should be invariably selected as a type or standard of reference. In concluding this outline of a scheme for the rectification of zoological nomenclature, we have only to remark, that almost the whole of the proposi- tions contained in it may be applied with equal correctness to the sister sci- ence of botany. We have preferred, however, in this essay to limit our views * The expression Tyrannus crinitus (Lin.) would perhaps be preferable from its greater brevity. Rev. D. Landsborough on the Rook. 975 to zoology, both for the sake of rendering the question less complex, and because we conceive that the botanical nomenclature of the present day stands in much less need of distinct enactment than the zoological. The admirable rules laid down by Linneus, Smith, Decandolle, and other botanists (to which, no less than to the works of Fabricius, Illiger, Vigors, Swainson, and other zoologists, we have been much indebted in preparing the present document), have always exercised a beneficial influence over their disciples. Hence the language of botany has attained a more perfect and stable con- dition than that of zoology; and if this attempt at reformation may have the effect of advancing zoological nomenclature beyond its present backward and abnormal state, the wishes of its promoters will be fully attained. (Signed ) H. E. StrickLANnp. J. S. Henstow. June 27, 1842. Joun Puiiips. W. E. Suuckarp. Joun RicHARDSON. G. R. WATERHOUSE. RicHARD OwEN. W. YARRELL. LEONARD JENYNS. C. Darwin. W. J. Broperip. J. O. WEsTWoopD. XL.—On the History and Habits of the Rook, Corvus fru- gilegus, Linn. By the Rev. Davin LANDsBoROUGH. To the Editors of the Annals of Natural History. GENTLEMEN, Tuoven birds were my early favourites, I have never made much progress in ornithology. In some future communica- tion, however, I may attempt to give a list of the birds found in the south-west of Scotland. Before doing so I shall ven- ture to give you some notices of a few of them, though they will be unworthy of appearing even as short addenda to the highly interesting ornithological articles, furnished from time to time by that accurate observer of the works of nature—Mr. W. Thompson of Belfast. I have little leisure for such pursuits, and I shall merely subjoin a brief sketch of a pet Rook with which I have the pleasure of being acquainted. I visited him a few days ago at Ardrossan, and was glad to find, that though a dozen winters have passed over his head, he has all the vivacity of early life. He is a crow of aristocratic extraction; at all events he is of high descent, having been reared on one of the highest trees at Shieldhall, where his an- cestors, it is believed, had their favourite residence for many generations. When he was well fledged he. was brought down to the abodes of men by one of the aspiring youths of Shield- hall (George Oswald, Esq., now in India) as a present to his aunt Miss Oswald, and by her the pet crow, prized for his T 2 276 Rey. D. Landsborough on the own good qualities, and loved for the donor’s sake, was brought down to her sweet villa at Ardrossan. Her villa was conti- guous to that of Miss Hamilton of Holmhead, and as our rook had then the free use of his wings, and was of a social disposition, he paid frequent visits to his neighbours, and soon formed acquaintance with the occupants of Miss Hamilton’s poultry-yard, consisting of a cock and two hens. The inti- macy increased ; the visits became longer and longer, till at last the crow became domiciled along with them; and when Miss Oswald left Ardrossan, being unwilling to break asunder the ties of affectionate friendship, she left the crow in its adopted dwelling-place. The longer they were acquainted the stronger did the friendship become, though it was evidently most ardent on the part of the crow. He was exceedingly attentive to his chosen friends the hens, and would often ar- range their feathers and dress them to his own taste, so that his officious services were sometimes rejected as troublesome. The cock was still a greater favourite, and he roosted every night beside him, nestling under his wing. After this platonic friendship had subsisted for several years, one of the hens became sick and died. During her ill- ness he was unremitting in his attentions, waiting on her most affectionately ; but he could not ward off the stroke of death. A still greater calamity awaited him, for the favourite cock also died. He was unceasing in his attention to him during his trouble, and when he died he was so disconsolate that he would not taste food for several days. At last old age, which indeed had carried off the others, crept on the remaining hen. When she became feeble and helpless he scarcely ever left her for a moment, striving to cheer her by innumerable little acts of kindness. There were two steps up from the poultry-yard to the house in which they roosted, and when she became too weak to mount the steps, as he could not himself lift her up he always came to the kitchen-window, and kept up an incessant clamour till some of the servants came out and lifted her up. For two days before her death she could not leave the roost- ing-house, and he remained along with her bringing her food, laying it down before her, and coaxing her to eat it. Notwithstanding his unwearied assiduity and affectionate attentions the poor hen died, and it was thought that he would not long have survived her. He was quite disconsolate. Life had lost its charm. He scarcely tasted food and became al- together changed; so that from being lively and cheerful and active, he drooped and became timid and spiritless. Some young poultry were purchased in the hope that they History and Habits of the Rook. 277 might cheer him, but he seemed quite afraid of them and avoided their company. _ j After months had passed away he gradually recovered his spirits, and he is now as brisk and lively a bird as you can look upon. He is no longer afraid of the inmates of the poultry-yard ; but though he associates with them, they have not succeeded in gaining his affections. He knows all the in- mates of the house, and takes with pleasure a bit of bread or of cold meat from their hands. Unfortunately he is so much of an epicure as to be particularly fond of a new-laid egg, and when the exulting cackle of a hen proclaims that she has de- posited a treasure, there is generally a race between the ser- vant and the rook, each being eager to seize the prize. For a long time he was allowed the free use of his wings, but complaints were lodged against him by the proprietors of the neighbouring villas that he was in the habit of perching on the roofs of their houses, and of picking the lime from the skews, casting it up into the air. This frolic was an overt act of mis- chief; but his accusers did not take into account that it was conjoined with another act of utility, for it was only the loosened pieces of lime that he removed, and chiefly, we doubt not, that he might get at the vermin concealed underneath. As no person would become bound for his more sober de- meanour when he got into his altitudes, the poor fellow was condemned to have one of his wings clipped, that as a degraded biped, he might, like his accusers, walk on the face of the earth. It is vexing to see him, when he attempts to fly with the remaining wing, falling down to the ground after being provokingly. twirled round. The only way in which he can now taste some of the de- parted joys of exalted station is by mounting an old apple-tree in the garden, the lowest branches being within his reach, and when he has reached the highest he shows how delighted he is by proud cawings and cacklings. He is a very cleanly bird, as his glossy plumage shows, When a pail of water is placed within his reach, he immediately enters it and splashes it about with great delight. He is still more delighted when there is a fall of snow, for he rolls in it, flaps and flutters amongst it, taking it up in his bill and throw- ing it about with the greatest glee and merriment. Long live this kind-hearted rook ! and as we have reason and revelation to guide, may we remember that we are bound to surpass him in his amiable qualities. I am, dear Sirs, yours &c., Manse of Steverston, Ayrshire, Davip LANDSBOROUGH. feb, 13, 1843, 278 Dr. M. Barry on the Pitted Tissue of XLI.—Note in reply to Dr. Grits Remarks on the Pitted Tissue of Plants, on Muscle, &e By Martin Barry, M.D., F.R.SS. L. & E. I HAVE to acknowledge the courtesy shown in the remarks of Dr. Griffith, and regret that his opinions differ so widely from my own; but am compelled to say, I find nothing in his com- munication that alters in any particular my views, or that re- quires more than general notice at my hands. ©The appearances observed by Dr. Barry in the blood,” which Dr, Griffith thinks were “ misinterpreted,” I cannot suppose that Dr. Griffith ever saw ; if I may judge from the description he has given. That they are however visible, is proved by the following description given by another, who did see the appearances in question. Whether they have been “ misinterpreted,” the future may determine. __ “ Bristol, August 19, 1842. *« Dr. Barry has pointed out to me, among the corpuscles of newt’s blood, preserved in their own serum, without any reagent having been applied to them, many which had the form of a flask with a projecting neck, or which might be still better compared to the body of a pair of bellows with its projecting nozzle. ‘The projecting por- tion appeared to be a filament, having a much higher refracting power than the general substance of the corpuscle. He also showed me, in a portion of blood to which corrosive sublimate had been added, a corpuscle which was evidently destitute of the ordinary nu- cleus; and which contained what appeared to be a filament which presented transverse markings that resembled those of muscular fibrille, the interspaces being oblique. The appearance resembled that of Dr. Barry’s fig. 9 6. [Phil. Trans. 1842, plate 5.], except that there was no trace of nucleus. (Signed) «'W. B, Carpenter.” preparauions of muscle have been seen by many, to whom I could refer for their opinions regarding them. Among our own countrymen may be mentioned Robert Brown, D.C.L., and Professors Owen and Sharpey, besides the gentlemen from whom I have received the testimonials at foot. To the kind- ness of Professor Sharpey I am indebted for the beautiful preparation of muscle from the tail of the tadpole mentioned by Dr. Griffith. The following note was sent me by © one who had closely examined that preparation, “6 Holles Street, Cavendish Square, Oct. 13, 1842. “ My pxEAR Srr,—On returning home today after seeing your ex- quisite preparations of muscular tissue, I was anxious to express my thanks for your kindness and patience in exhibiting the series to me. I went to your house by no means prepared to admit the existence of * Annals of Natural History, No. 68, for Feb, 1843, p, 95, Plants, and on Muscle. 279 the spiral fibre ; on the contrary, somewhat prepossessed against such a theory; for while I had already made up my mind as to the non- existence of the discs advocated in Mr. Bowman’s very ingenious paper in the ‘ Philos. Trans.,’ I had not been able to bring my belief to the idea of substituting a spiral thread or fibre to account for the peculiar markings on the muscular fasciculi. You have, however, convinced me, for in several instances I was enabled to follow the spiral thread round its axis, and to see the continuity of both sides of the chain. In one or two instances I observed it drawn out or separated so far as not to leave a doubt of its reality. In the same way I di- stinctly recognised the double spiral (especially in one preparation where the two spirals had not an equal obliquity), and I can conceive that the longitudinal lines or fibrillated appearance of the larger fas- ciculi depends upon the even juxtaposition of many minute spirals. * “The reason, probably, I had failed in previously making out this structure, resulted from my expectation of seeing this appear- ance throughout the whole length of a filament; but I now observe how minute is the care necessary to separate parts, and how small often is the portion favourably situated or sufficiently isolated to ad- mit of a distinct view of this curious structure. ‘** There are also many circumstances connected with the different refrangibility of objects of great importance in explaining why a spiral fibre should be so much more easily seen in one tissue than another; and thus it is that reagents are often most usefully ap- plied where different parts of the same object refract the light nearly equally. I think, through your help, I have at last settled my belief as to the true character of the markings of muscle, and for which I beg you to accept the thanks of ** Yours faithfully, (Signed) * Jonn DauRyMPLeE.” ‘© To Martin Barry, M.D.” The following, connected with the same subject, was re- ceived from Dr. Carpenter, bearing the same date as his tes- timonial above given. “‘T have this day had the opportunity, through Dr, Barry’s kind- ness, of examining several of his preparations of muscular fibre, especially those from the heart of the turtle and from the shrimp. I have distinctly seen single spiral threads continuous with fasciculi ; in one or two instances so little elongated as to resemble a cork. screw; in others drawn out more or less straightly. In several fibrille, which had been isolated without disturbance of their struc- ture, I have seen appearances closely corresponding with those repre- sented by Dr. Barry in figs. 52 and 56 of his last paper [Phil. Trans, 1842]. I may add, that I have seen these appearances even more distinctly under my own microscope, which is furnished with one of Powell's /atest 1-16th objectives, than under Dr, Barry’s instrument, in which lower powers were used, (Signed) “ ‘WituiAM B, Carpenter.” The microscope’ I use is one of Schiek’s achromatics, si- 280 Prof. E. Forbes on a new British Starfish. milar to those employed by Professors Ehrenberg, Schwann; and R. Wagner. On this subject I cannot refer to a higher authority than that of Joseph Jackson Lister, who, after a close examination, describes my deeper object-glasses as “very finely corrected every way.” XLIL.—On a new British Starfish of the genus Goniaster. By Prof. Epwarp Forsss, V.P.W.S., F.L.S., F.B.S. &c. [ With a Plate.] | Tue very splendid addition to the catalogue of British Star- fishes, the only one found since the publication of my work on those animals, which I am about to describe, was discovered by an active naturalist, Mr. Robert Maclaurin of Coldingham, who exhibited it to the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club at their meeting held December 21, 1842, where he pointed it out as distinct from any recorded British species. It was found be- tween St. Abb’s Head and the Isle of May, and was brought up on the lines of the fishermen from a depth of about 30 fathoms, It belongs to the same group of Goniasters with the G. eguestris, to which species it is nearly allied, but differs re- markably in form from any species of the genus. The ar- rangement and form of the granulations, tubercles, marginal plates, and those remarkable bodies to which I have in the description applied the name of stomata, further distinguish it from its immediate ally. Sp. Ch. Goniaster abbensis. G.z corpore planiusculo, orbiculari, an- gulis in brachiis productis, infra et supra tuberculis, granulis sto- matibusque vestito. Description.— Upper surface.—Disc round, interrupted by the bases of five short arms, each of which is as long as a third of the breadth of the disc. Surface plane, thickly covered by granules, among which are irregularly interspersed numerous mammilliform tubercles (transformed spines), and at intervals spinules in pairs forming stomata (transformed pedicellarize ?) of an ovate form. No appearance of an anal pore. Madre- poriform tubercle nearer the margin than centre, large, ru- gose. Upper surface of arms (which are prolongations of the angles of disc) similarly covered with the centre. Margin bordered by a double series of irregularly quadrate plates, somewhat arched at their free borders, and each edged by a single row of minute square granules. The upper series bear from one to four mammiform tubercles: when more than rk * ~~ ‘di on 4 Nc omyier™ Ann. Mag. Nat Hist No. .P\NIL. Pe eee ee ee ee ee IDC. Sowerby fe. SES. ler abben. ALAS: Go EForbes ael* om .\ Mr. Waterhouse on a new genus of Carabideous Insects. 281 one, two are usually larger than the rest. On the lower series the tubercles are usually more numerous than on the upper. Under surface.—The triangular spaces between the avenues are granulated; among the granulations numerous large sto- mata, in form linear and compressed, each placed in a smooth space surrounded by a close border of flattened mammiform tubercles, those forming the lateral borders largest. The avenues are linear, contracting towards the arms. Suckers biserial. Border of avenues formed by transverse plates, each bearing four or five elongated tubercles, two of which face the avenue. These plates are each bordered by a series of gra- nules. Eye-cover formed of one large transversely-ovate tubercle terminating the ray, and three or four smaller ones on each side, with a circle of minute granules immediately surround- ing the (red) eye. | Dimensions.—Breadth across the disc 5} inches ; length of arm 13 inch; breadth of arm at base 5%, inch. Colour.—When fresh Mr. Maclaurin states it was of an orange-yellow, which with crimson-red, are the usual hues of the Cushion-stars. Dried, it is of a pale yellow. EXPLANATION OF PLATE VII. Fig. 1. The starfish, seen from above. Fig. 4. Marginal plates. fig. 2. Portion of upper surface. _ fig. 5. Border of avenue. Fig. 3. Ditto of under surface. Fig. 6. Eye-cover. XLIII.— Description of a new genus of Carabideous Insects brought from the Falkland Islands by Charles Darwin, Esq. By G. R. Watrernovuse, Esq., Assistant Secretary and Curator to the Zoological Society, &c. Section GEODEPHAGA. Fam. FERONIIDZ. LissoPpTeRuS*, noy. gen. Corpus depressum, elongatum ; lateribus elytrorum.subparallelis. Labrum transversum, antice emarginatum. Labium profunde emarginatum, dente in medio paulo producto, ad apicem truncato. Pailpi filiformes, articulo ultimo ad apicem truncato. Mandibule mediocres, edentule, acute. Antenne mediocres, articulis subzequalibus, Pedes mediocres ; tibie anteriores in maribus incrassate, et tarsi ar- ticulis quatuor dilatati. This genus is founded upon an insect discovered by Mr. Dar- * Aicods smooth, and wregov, in allusion to the almost total absence of sculpturing on the elytra. 282 Mr. Waterhouse on a new genus of Carabideous Insecis. win in the Falkland Islands. Some of the specimens were found in the month of March under a dead bird on the sea-coast in K, Falkland Island. Both by myself and Mr, Darwin this insect was upon a cursory inspection supposed to be a species of Sphedrus, but upon examination it was found to exhibit characters which separate it from that and other published genera, The more conspicuous are, the swollen anterior tibize of the male; the femora are also stouter in this sex, and the Jour basal joints of the anterior tarsi are dilated, and (with the exception of the basal joint, which is triangular,) they are broader than long. The antenne do not exhibit the short second and long third joint as in Sphodrus, but have the joints all nearly equal in length, the second joint being scarcely shorter than the third, which is not longer than the following joints. In size the present insect is about equal to the Oma- seus melanurus, and an idea of its proportions may perhaps be best conveyed by comparing the two: the body is more depressed than in O. melanurus, the head is a trifle broader, and the antennz are more slender ; the thorax presents nearly the same outline, but the sides are not rounded quite to the base as in that insect. The elytra also present nearly the some outline, but besides being less convex, they have the re- flected margin much broader and more distinct ; the legs are nearly of the same proportions ; the dilated tarsi of the male are broader, the tibiz stouter, and the internal emargination _ much less distinct, and situated nearer to the apex of the tibia. The principal specific characters may be thus expressed :— Lissopterus quadrinotatus, Liss, niger subnitidus; antennis pedi- busque piceis, vel rufo-piceis; thorace supra paulo convexo, sub- quadrato postice angustiore, lateribus indistincte rotundatis, foveis duabus oblongis impresso, medio canaliculato; elytris elongato- ovatis, lateribus subparallelis postice rotundatis, supra subde- pressis, leevibus, indistinctissime striatis, notis quatuor rufis ornatis. Long. corp. 63—8 lin. ; lat. 22—3 lin. Var. 3. Elytris immaculatis, pedibus nigris. Colour black; head and thorax glossy, elytra dull; head rather broad and subdepressed, with a slight transverse groove in front marking the posterior boundary of the clypeus, which is transverse and slightly emarginated in front, where it is of a pitchy hue; two shallow fovez situated partly on the cly- peus and partly on the head ; eyes rather small, rounded and convex ; labrum and mandibles pitchy; antenne and palpi pitchy-red. Thorax about one-fourth broader than long; in front but little narrower than the elytra, and behind about one-fifth narrower than in front; the sides slightly rounded, but becoming nearly straight and parallel towards the posterior Mr. W. Thompson on the Birds of Ireland. 283 angles, which are nearly right angles; the upper surface is but little convex, the reflected lateral margins are rather broad, the dorsal channel moderately distinct, but obliterated near the anterior and posterior margins of the thorax ; on each side, behind, are two oblique, long, smooth fovezx, between which is a transverse impression situated at about one-fourth of the distance from the base towards the apex of the thorax— this transverse impression is not strongly marked, LElytra elongate-ovate, above subdepressed, the lateral reflected mar- gins broad and distinct, the surface nearly smooth but ex- hibiting indistinct striez, and these are most faintly punc- tured; two smallish red spots are observable on each elytron near the outer margin, one towards the base of the elytron, and the other on the apical fourth; the legs are pitchy or pitchy-red. Sometimes the red spots on the elytra are obli- terated, the legs are nearly black, and the antenne and palpi are pitchy. . . Obs.—As regards one of the characters upon which I found the present genus, I allude to the male sex having four of the joints of the anterior tarsi distinctly dilated, I may call at- tention to the remark by Dejean in his observations on the Feronie, viz. that this group is distinguished from the Har- pal by the structure of the intermediate tarsi (¢. e. they are not dilated), and by the fourth joint of the anterior tarsus, which is never dilated in the male sex. The genus Lissopterus therefore affords a remarkable exception to a general rule. XLIV.—The Birds of Ireland By Wa. Tuompson, Esq,, Pres, Nat. Hist. Society, Belfast, : [Continued from vel, x. p. 179.] Tue Rine-Dovs *—Columba Palumbus, Linn.—is common throughout the wooded districts of the island. Mr. Waterton is rather disposed to believe that in his part of York- shire there is an annual increase by migration to the numbers of na- tive birds. Mr. Selby states, in general terms, that there is not any such increase. ‘lhe great numbers that congregate in autumn, and remain together during winter in Ireland, I have always considered as our indigenous birds only, collected together in their choicest haunts, however widely separated they may have been in the breed- ing-season. | Belvoir Park near Belfast, with its fine and extensive woods, is quite a preserve for these birds, and throughout the autumn and winter they may be daily seen there in the afternoon, in multitudi- t. Commonly called Wood Quest and Wood Pigeon in the north of Ire- and, 284 Mr. W. Thompson on the Birds of Ireland. nous numbers, occasionally not less than five hundred appearing in one flock. Mr. Selby remarks that the ring-dove prefers fir and ash-trees to roost in, but in this park, the beech apparently is pre- ferred above all other species. Not only is a wood consisting of these trees their chief resort, but in mixed plantations their tops may be seen dotted with these birds, when none appear on other equally lofty deciduous trees, pines, or firs. It was a very pleasing sight on one occasion here to see a number of these birds descend from the highest trees to drink at the river Lagan—which bounds the demesne at one side—before retiring to roost. On November 30, 1838, which was a very dark day, several hundreds were settled on the trees apparently for the night, so early as half-past two o’clock in the afternoon. The immense flocks here, rising ex’ masse from their roosting-places with thundering noise, remind us of the vast flights of the passenger pigeon in North America, of which we are so fully informed in the graphic narrations of Wilson and Audubon. The earliest date in my journal, with reference to large flocks roosting in Belvoir Park, is Sept. 16, 1840, and in the spring of the preceding year, they are noted as seen in very large flocks so late as the 25th of March. But they breed here fully as early as in the north of England, occasionally even earlier than the latter end of February—the time mentioned by Mr. Selby; lofty trees are generally selected for the nest, but in a locality where the species was protected I have in more than one instance known the nest to be placed not more than seven feet from the ground, in young fir-trees. Their cooing, with which the woods resound in the early spring, and their singular flight at this season, rising and falling suddenly in the air, render the ring- dove highly attractive. Although this bird will, where protected, display little fear of man, particularly in the breeding-season, it is generally very wary, and when assembled in flocks, extremely so : its sense of hearing must be remarkably acute, as the slightest noise, even at a distance, will alarm a flock, and cause the temporary de- sertion of its intended roosting-place. The large flocks alluded to divide into foraging parties in the morning, though some few may be seen about their roosting-places - at all times of the day. In severe frosts they are driven to the tur- nip-fields, to feed upon the green tops of the plant. I have seen large flocks regaling on beech-mast ; and they are partial to ploughed fields, on account of the seeds and other vegetable matter turned up. Useful in consuming the seeds and roots of weeds injurious to the crops, yet Mr. Waterton, who looks upon all the feathered race in the most fa- vourable light that truth will warrant, does not consider the ring-dove of any service to man. A friend, whose country-seat is in the valley of the Lagan, and near to Belvoir Park, where the species is so nume- rous, reports, that he has often seen ring-doves pluck gooseberries and currants from the bushes in his garden, but never knew them to attack his cherries. ‘They are very destructive to young plants of the cabbage tribe, which are preferred to the tender tops of turnips. Quantities of all kinds of his grain, when ripe, are stated to be de- Mr. W. Thompson on the Birds of Ireland. 285 stroyed by these birds, which are accused of flying against the standing stalks, and prostrating them, to feed upon the pickles, and alighting with the same evil intent on the masses prostrated by storm or rain, as well as on the “ stooks.”’ Wheat is their favourite —and it is said that for it ‘‘ they will fly a mile farther” than for any other grain. Though the ring-dove is prized in the north of Ireland, the young are not regularly sought after for the table, as they are stated by Mr. Waterton to be in Yorkshire. ‘This gentleman in his ‘ Essays on Natural History,’ and Mr, Macgillivray in his ‘ British Birds,’ give full and interesting accounts of the species. In France and Switzer- land I have, in summer and autumn, observed the ring-dove to be equally common as in the British Islands*. Rocx-Dove, Columba Livia, Brisson+.—About the rock- bound and caverned coasts on all sides of Ireland, and the adjacent islands, this species has occurred to me. It is like- wise to be found at inland caves and grottos, such as in lime- stone districts especially are not unfrequent. Some authors speak of the sea-coast only as frequented by the rock-dove, but from personal observation it can be stated, that caverns, be they inland or marine, are its natural abiding-places ; and whether situated in the inland solitude, close by the din of the water-fall, or the “roar of ocean’s waves,” are equally resorted to. * The Stock-Dove, C. Gnas, is unknown both to Ireland and Scotland. In England it is said to frequent only the midland and eastern counties. ¢ This bird is the parent of the common tame pigeon. When the dove- cot is not far distant from the nestling-places of the wild birds in the rocks, the tame ones often resort thither and pair with them, and the mottled pro- duce seen frequenting wild localities often puzzle the tyro ornithologist. It may be mentioned, on account of the period of time that elapsed on the occasion, that a tame pigeon taken from Belfast to the Falls, two miles distant, and shut up in a room for twelve months, immediately on being liberated flew back to its old quarters. The following paragraph on carrier pigeons appeared in the Leinster Ea- press newspaper in Dec. 1842 :—“ One of these pigeons was let loose from Palmerston-house, near Chapelizod, the seat of the Earl of Donoughmore, when it accomplished the journey to Castle Bernard, which is upwards of sixty-two miles, in two hours ; yet the flight was much impeded, as the day was both dark and hazy, accompanied with a strong head wind at the time, At the late fair of Ballinasloe, Thomas Bernard, Esq. took with him one of these birds, which he let go in the town at eleven o’clock a.m. with a note appended, directing dinner to be ready at Castle Bernard at the given time, as he purposed being home that day, when the bird took its flight, and the message was delivered in eleven minutes after, having travelled twenty- three miles Irish in that wonderful short space of time, or, in other words, at the rate of 1254 miles an hour. These pigeons, of which Mr. Bernard has a large flock, are so domesticated, that he can handle them as he pleases, and so very tractable are they, that whenever he calls, they attend the call promptly.” : An interesting note on the attachment shown by a tame pigeon to her mate, which had been shot and gibbeted in a pea-field, is related by Mr, Jesse, in his ‘ Gleanings of Natural History,’ p. 112, 1st series, 286 Mr. W. Thompson on the Birds of Ireland. On examining the crop of some of these birds shot in the month of June 1832, at the wild peninsula of the Horn (co. Donegal), where they are very common, they were found to be filled with the seeds of rushes. When visiting the island of Achil, on the 29th of June 1834, in company with Mr. R. Ball, we saw several rock-doves feed- ing on the low sandy tract near Keil, and approached them within about twenty-five paces. On remarking to Lieut. Reynolds, R.N. of the Coast Guard service, then stationed there, how near they permitted the approach of our party, he stated that on the preceding day he killed twenty-one of them about the same place, and that he had killed as many as fifty and fifty-two in one day there, although more than two were never procured at one shot. - In this wild di- strict they are seldom molested, and consequently exhibit little fear of man. In the level tract alluded to there is no ambush to ¢on- ceal the sportsman, who must walk up directly within sight of the birds until within shooting distance. It is only at a particular sea- son that they are seen here, when, according to my informant, they are attracted to the locality by a ‘small pea’”’ which is abundant, and is always found in the crops of those killed, We requested to be shown the plant, and found it to be the common bird’s-foot tre- foil (Lotus corniculatus). When walking along the top of the fine marine cliffs about Portpatrick, in Wigtonshire, in Aug. 1838, in company with Capt. Fayrer, R.N., he remarked, on some rock-doves being sprung, that he had shot many of them there as they came to feed on the “‘ wild liquorice,” a favourite kind of food—this also I found to be the Lotus corniculatus. About the marine cliffs near Ballantrae, in the adjoining county of Ayr, I have remarked these birds to be common, and have seen flocks of them alight in the fields of green or unripe corn, near the coast*. In August 1526, when visiting the celebrated cascade at Tivoli, near Rome, rock-doves presented a singular and beautiful appear- ance, as numbers of them kept flying in and out of the gloomy re- cesses of the rock, close to where the mass of waters was precipi- tated: viewed from the heights above, they looked so remarkably small, that at first sight I was deceived as to their species. At the end of April 1841, I observed rock-doves to be numerous about the precipitous and caverned cliffs of the island of Sphacteria, forming part of the western boundary of the noble bay of Navarino. When there on the 29th and 30th of that month, the officers of H.M.S. Beacon set out in a boat for the purpose of entering the caves to shoot them, and returned on each day with several brace. They remarked, that of the great numbers seen, all were on the western or sea side of the island, although as fine caverns are on the eastern or bay side. Again, when becalmed in the Atgean Sea on the 10th of June in H.M.S. Magpie, a likely place for these birds pre- senting itself in a rocky islet, N.E. of Port Nousa, in the island of Paros, a boat was lowered for the commander and myself to go in pursuit of them. A few were seen about its caves and cliffs, anda young bird of the year which was shot on wing was in full plu- * Mr, Macgillivray gives a full and excellent account of this species from personal observation in Scotland. Mr. W. Thompson on the Birds of Ireland. 287 mage, but still retained some fragments of down about the head. On this occasion I could not but think how very different was the scene and climate from that in which I first became initiated in rock- dove shooting, by thus visiting marine caves for the purpose. This was in the snow-white range of caverned cliffs extending for some distance westward of Dunluce Castle, near the Giant’s Causeway. The rock-dove was equally common in both localities. Tur Turtie-Dove—Columba Turtur, Linn.—is an occa- sional visitant to Ireland, and has been obtained in the coun- ties ranging farthest to the south-west and north-west. It has appeared in spring, summer and autumn, and probably visited the island in some instances to increase its species, although no instance of its breeding here is known to me*, In four or five successive years it has occurred. Mr. Templeton records the turtle-dove as ‘‘ seen at Cranmore and Shanes-Castle ;” the former his own residence near Belfast, the latter that of Earl O’Neil, situated on the borders of Lough Neagh. . About the year 1820, one of these birds was seen by a friend at Fisherwick Lodge; which, with the two localities just named, is in the county of Antrim. The collection of J. V. Stewart, Esq. of Rockhill, Letterkenny, contains a specimen shot in the north-west of the county of Donegal. About Youghal, the species has two or three times been met with by R. Ball, Esq. I have been informed by Dr. Harvey of Cork, that ‘‘ Mr. Fennell of Ballibrado, near Cahir, county of Tipperary, shot a turtle-dove there in the spring of 1830, when several of them were seen during a few weeks about his place; in the following year, likewise, he saw three or four of these birds in the same locality.” In March 1834, a turtle-dove shown me by Mr. Glennon, bird-preserver, Dublin, was said to have been shot at Carton, the seat of the Duke of Leinster; and at the same time it was mentioned that the species had for two or three summers visited Simpson’s nursery-grounds, near the metropolis. By the late 'T. F, Neligan, Esq. of Tralee, one of these birds was obtained near that town on September 20, 1834; its crop was filled with wheat. To T. W. Warren, Esq. of Dublin, I am indebted for notes to the effect, that in the year 1834 he saw a recent example of this species, which was shot in the county of Wexford; that two specimens in his col- lection were shot near Malahide, county of Dublin, in the summers of 1835 and 1836—two or three years beforé this time, he more than once met with a bird of this species feeding in a field of vetches, in the locality whence the specimens were procured, but it was too wary to admit of his approach within gun-shot. H.H. Dombrain, Esq. states, that one was shot in the summer of 1836, in Lord Roden’s demesne, Dundalk. On the 10th of July 1837, I saw a * Since the above was written, I have been credibly informed that a pair of turtle-doves bred in a plantation near Downpatrick in the summer of 1842. They remained to a late period in the locality, one of them having been killed on the 12th of November. Dr. Burkitt of Waterford mentions two specimens obtained near that town—in 1834 and 1836, 288 Mr. W. Thompson on the Birds of Ireland. turtle-dove in the shop of Mr. Glennon, who assured me that it had been killed about three weeks previously near Donnybrook, a few miles from Dublin. George Selby, Esq. of Alnwick, Northumber- land, (brother to the distinguished naturalist, and imbued with simi- lar tastes,) on visiting Belfast in October 1837, informed me that one of these birds, which admitted of a close approach, was seen by him on the road-side between Armagh and Aughnacloy in the first week of that month. When on a tour in Holland and Switzerland in the summer of 1826, the turtle-dove was met with, and in the former country was very tame. When proceeding in H.M.S. Beacon from Malta to the Morea in the spring of 1841, a few of these birds appeared on the 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th of April, coming from the south on their way from Africa to Europe. They generally came singly, and not more than two were seen in company*. On the 29th of April I saw one near Navarino; and again on the 6th of May in the island © of Syra:—at the end of this month, numbers were observed in the - spacious gardens of the old seraglio at Constantinople. Tue Parasant—Phasianus Colchicus, Linn.—is a species, which, having unquestionably been introduced to Ireland, has only claims to be considered in a supplementary note. The period of its introduc- tion is unknown to met. Smith would seem to have imagined that it was indigenous to the island, as in his ‘ History of Cork’ it is ob- served—‘‘ They are now [about 1749] indeed very rare, most of our woods being cut down.” This splendid bird has for a long time past been common in many parts of the country, where it is carefully preserved and protected. In Down and Antrim the ring-necked va- riety is not uncommon; and I have seen a few examples (shot in a wild state) of the female in the assumed plumage of the male, but, although his colours were there, they were always dull in hue com- pared with the gloss and splendour of the adult plumage of the veritable cock—on the dissection of one of these, the eggs were ob- served to be not larger than clover-seed. I have often remarked the aversion of the pheasant to take wing when near its home, and have seen it, even when cantered directly up to, or charged on horseback, run across a considerable stretch of field to the preserve, rather than take wing. Attention has been called by some writers to the effect of thunder in prompting the pheasant to crow, and on this subject the following note appears in my journal :—*“ April 7, 1833. When walking along the banks of the Lagan today between four and five o’clock, there were a few peals of thunder, at the immediate commencement of each of which, the pheasants in Belvoir Park crowed, although their ‘ most sweet voices!’ were not to be heard at any other time.” Mr. Waterton does not believe in the capture of pheasants by means of the fumes of sulphur, but though never present at any such poaching office, I * In Annals, vol. viii. p. 128, are further particulars. tT In the year 1589 it was noticed as common. See note on Quail. Mr. W. Thompson on the Birds of Ireland. 289 have no doubt from what has been related to me that they are so taken, and that the vile practice is resorted to on the western, as well as the eastern side of the Irish Sea. An observant friend has often remarked that during the absence of the pheasant from its nest the eggs (sometimes thirteen in number) were covered with hay, which he believed to have been always placed there by the bird itself. Upon looking to notes on the food observed in opening nine phea- sants, killed at various times and places during five months—from December to April inclusive—I find that the stones of haws or fruit of the white-thorn were contained in seven of them; in addition to these were grain, small seeds, and peas: one exhibited a few roots of plants and twigs of trees: another was nearly filled with grass: one only contained any insects—-all presented numerous fragments of stone. A pheasant which frequented our own garden daily for some time in summer was accused of feeding on black currants ; the tops of turnips are sometimes eaten; and a fine cock bird was in the habit of visiting a stable-yard in the vicinity of Belfast very early in the morning for the purpose of feeding there. The Bishop of Norwich, in his ‘ Familiar History of Birds,’ men- tions an ungallant and furious assault of a cock-pheasant upon a young lady when quietly walking on the highway, but who, never- theless, seized her assailant and carried him home. ‘Though, per- haps, not a rare instance in the case of the barn-door fowl, it may be worth noticing, that a fine cock of this species kept in our own yard, on more than one occasion assaulted an old cook who nowise meddled with him, though she did sometimes lay hold of some of the members of his seraglio. She was once indisposed for a few days after his attack, on which occasion he, according to her own version, had struck her ‘‘ severely with his spurs between the ribs.” In April 1842 the following paragraph appeared in a Dublin news- paper :—‘*‘ On Sunday se’nnight, a child named Martha Collins, living at Harold’s-cross, was sent by her mother to a livery-stable yard in the neighbourhood, kept by a Mr. Smith. On entering the yard, a cock flew at the child and struck her three or four times in the face and other parts of the head, cutting her with each blow. A woman, also named Collins, resident in the yard, hearing the screams of the little sufferer, ran to her assistance and rescued her. On the Tuesday following, it was considered necessary to have medical aid, and the child was shown to Dr. Monks, who at once pronounced the case fatal. The child expired the next day. An inquest was held on the body, and a verdict according to the above-mentioned circumstance returned.”’ In the work last mentioned, a mousing hen is alluded to (vol. ii. p-97. 3rd ed.), which reminds me that in my young days there was a hen of our own stock which took an especial delight in mouse- hunting, and often have I seen her carrying her victims about as if in triumph. Gotp Pueasant (P. pictus), Sirver Purasant (P. nyctheme- ris). As it is interesting to know the age which these birds will Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. U 290 M. Nicolucci on the Anatomy of the Triton aquaticus. attain in captivity, one or two notes on the subject may here be in- troduced. A fine male silver pheasant has been known to me to live twenty-one or twenty-two years. Such gold pheasants as I happened to learn the age of did not exceed half that period, though which species can really be termed the longer lived, I-am unable to state. Such of the latter as came under my knowledge died almost instantaneously, and when in the highest condition as to flesh and plumage. Some years ago I saw at Glenarm Park a brood partly of the common, and partly of the silver pheasant, which had thriven very well together under the maternity of a ‘‘ barn-door” hen—the young of both species made their first appearance on the same day. It may here be mentioned that a pair of Pea-Fown (Pavo cristatus) which we had for some time, paid due respect to the hall-door, as there they would eat only of bread or biscuit (moistened), although at the back door, or in the yard, they would feed freely on potatoes. George Matthews, Esq. informs me that many years ago at Springvale, county of Down, where nearly fifty Guinna-Fown (Nu- mida Meleagris) were kept, they flew about in company every even- ing before roosting, and then settled for the night on the highest trees about the place, which were ash. On a field of barley being reaped there, a nest of these birds was discovered, containing be- tween two and three hundred eggs. [To be continued. ] XLV.—Anatomical Researches on the Nervous and Circu- lating Systems of the Triton aquaticus, or Aquatic Sala- mander. By G. Nicoxvucci of Naples. Communicated by Dr. Grant, Professor of Comparative Anatomy and Zoo- logy in University College, London. TuE object of the brief investigations which we now detail is merely a summary indication of the nervous and circulating systems of the Aquatic Salamander, in preparing a complete monograph of which we have been for some time engaged. 1, Nervous System. The encephalic mass of the Salamander occupies a great part of the cavity of the cranium, and is formed by two oblong hemispheres, having a median furrow on their upper and under surface. The pineal gland, sufficiently developed, fills the space that the hemispheres present on the under side by diverging a little from each other, and closes the large cala- mus scriptorius between the two enlargements of the medulla oblongata, which, extended as far as the tail, presents a lon- gitudinal median furrow. It is around the brain itself, and most especially externally along the furrow that separates the lobes of the medulla oblongata, that the chally follicles of M. Nicolucci on the Anatomy of the Triton aquaticus. 291 Comparetti are visible, which appear to penetrate as far as the auditory organ, and which are again met with under the skin, of the use of which we are ignorant. Certainly they cannot be confounded with the dermal follicles which secrete the mucus with which the surface of the Salamander is covered, as they are considerably larger than these and quite different in colour. The spinal marrow has not any enlargement corresponding with the nervous plexuses, which are directed to the anterior and posterior extremities ; but the nervous filaments which spring from it have only a double root, which appears evi- dently in all the costal nerves, resembling what Delle Chiaje has observed in the Proteus. The brachial plexus is formed by three cervical nerves, which send off, before they unite, filaments both for the skin and the surrounding muscles, and, again united, divide into two branches, of which the shorter radial does not go so far as the fore-arm, dividing itself into infinite ramusculi; and the cubital, having furnished branches to the muscles of the arm, parts into four digital branches, each directed to its own finger. The plexus ischia- ticus also consists of three lumbar nerves, of which the median sends branches to the genital organs and to the kidneys, the posterior sends small filaments to the neigh- bouring muscles, and the superior join to form two trunks, the anterior and posterior sciatic; the first the shorter, which does not reach so far as the thigh; the second, which extends to the foot, parting into two branches, one which supplies the two digital nerves to the first two fingers, and the other those of the remaining three. The great sympathic nerve appears to have its origin from the third cervical nerve, from which a filament is seen to be given off, which, passing across the other cervical nerves that form the brachial plexus, gives origin to the exceedingly mi- nute ganglions on the spinal nerves precisely where their double roots join, and terminates in the first of the lumbar nerves, which unites with the others in forming the plexus ischia- ticus. The cerebral nerves of the Salamander are reduced to the first, second, fifth, eighth and ninth pairs. The first of these or the olfactory, springing from the anterior part of the cere- bral hemispheres, immediately distributes itself in the nasal cavity ; the second or the optic, springing from the rudimental optic thalami ? (lobes), turns towards the eye, the bulb of which it penetrates entire ; and the fifth or the trigeminus, taking its rise immediately in the upper part of the medulla oblongata, trifurcates after having given origin to a ganglion, the first U 2 292 M. Nicolucci on the Anatomy of the Triton aquaticus. branch directing itself in a great measure to the skin of the muzzle and to the internal parts of the eye, the second to the maxillary angle, and the third partly to the skin of the head and partly to the inside of the mouth. The eighth pair or the acoustic, rising immediately from the brain, and in con- tact with the calcareous granules, enters into the auditory ca- vity ; and the ninth or the pneumo-gastric, having a common origin with the fifth, at first enlarges into a ganglion, then resolves itself into three branches; the outer directed to the skin, the inner to the heart and the aorta, and the median further parts into two branches, one for the stomach and the other for the lungs. 2. Circulating System. A. Arterial System.—From the conical ventricle of the heart, placed above a single (? double) auricle, rises the bulb of the aorta, which sends out three great trunks from both sides : the upper of which may take the name of carotid, since it en- tirely distributes itself in the head, and at first sends a super- ficial branch into the interior of the mouth, then another which soon divides into two; the internal, which supplies a branch to the eye and enters the cranium, passing over the brain and anastomosing with the opposite branch; and the external, wholly directed to the ear. The last most conspicuous branch is the maxillary, which supplies also a small branch to the muscles of the neck. The third or lower trunk, having anasto- mosed, by means of a transverse branch, with the median, is directed entirely to the lungs, where it forms a very delicate network joined by its extremities with the ramifications of the pulmonary vein. The median trunk is that which makes a curve and then descends to form the aorta; but before it bends, a little after its quitting the bulb, it sends out a branch which turns directly towards the nasal fosse, supplying besides a ramuscule to the eyeball. The aorta, which runs through the whole body to the extremity of the tail, furnishes from its commencement in opposite directions the subclavian arteries, which branch off in their turn into the brachial, ulnar and radial, terminating in the four digitals for the upper limbs, before they enter which they furnish a large branch (arteria mammaria) anastomosing with the ischiatic arteries, and from which separate so many ramusculi for the abdominal muscles and skin. ‘Thence from the aorta there rises lower down the coeliac artery, from which originate all the arterial vessels of the abdominal cavity. Because there arises from this the cysto- hepatic artery directed towards the gall-bladder and to the liver, where it is dispersed in a multiplicity of branches ; the M. Nicolucci on the Anatomy of the Triton aquaticus. 293 pancreo-duodeno-gastro-splenic divided into the pancreo-duo- denal and the gastric, which previous to its being divided upon the stomach sends two pretty large branches to the spleen. Two other small trunks which spring from the cceliac are all directed to the small intestine (arterie mesenterice superiores) ; whilst another branch (a. mesenterica inferior) goes off direct from the aorta to disperse itself on the large intestine. Betwixt the cceliac and the last-described artery, the aorta always sends off branches to the testicles and the vasa deferentia in the males, to the ovaries and oviducts in the fe- males ; to the adipose bodies ; to the kidneys in 10—12 ramus- culi. Along the course of the aorta there pass off from it at right angles and in opposite directions the intercostal arteries, and from the last the vesical and the ischiadic, which, having given a superficial branch to the surrounding muscles, and anastomosing with the mammary, turn towards the hinder legs, soon divided into the femoral, tibial and fibular, extend- ing to the fingers, divided into the five digitals. ‘The aorta being prolonged into the tail, first gives small branches to the cloaca, and moreover lateral branches as far as to the extre- mity of the tail. B. Venous System.—From the union of the digital veins arise the femoral and tibial of the hinder limbs, which are united, in the interior of the pelvis, to the caudal vein, from which then arise the renal afferent vein, which receives the vesical and is dispersed through the whole kidney by the aid of considerable lateral branching trunks; the wmbilical, which runs isolated along the ventral side of the body so as to reach the liver and there lose itself; the vena porte, which ascending successively collects many intestinal branches, the splenic vein, the pancreatic, the gastric, and divides thus enlarged in the liver; whilst the renal efferent vein, arising by the side of the kidneys from the many trunks which seem to be anastomosed with the renal efferent veins in the same manner as the pul- monary artery and veins are upon the respiratory sac, turns to the vena porte *. * Jacobson was really the first person who made mention of this peculiar circuit of the blood in the kidneys which occurs in fishes and reptiles, but not in birds, as Nicolai has demonstrated (Oken’s ‘ Isis,’ 1806, p. 404) ; but the description given of it by Jacobson was altogether doubtful and confused, so that many anatomists either paid little regard to it, or considered it as a thing not at all demonstrated (Duvernoy in ‘ Cuviér, Lecons d’Anat. Comp.’ 2nd edit., Paris, 1839, tom. vi. pp. 254, 255). Meyer (Analekten fiir ver- gleich. Anat., Bonn, 1835) pointed out traces of it, in the Rana pipa, some- what more distinctly than the Danish anatomist ; and Wagner in like man- ner made it the subject of his investigation (Lehrbuch der vergl, Anat., 294 M. Nicolucci on the Anatomy of the Triton aquaticus. The vena cava posterior collects the branches of the dorsal skin, the spinal branches of the ovary and the oviducts in the females, of the testicles and deferential canals in the males, and of the adipose bodies, and running by side of the liver receives there the hepatic vein ; thence discharges itself into the single auricle of the heart. The cava superior is formed. of the jugular veins which carry back all the blood of the head, from the subclavian which bring back the nutritive liquid from the upper limbs, and from the pulmonary veins. Leipsig, 1834, pp. 172, 178). But none of these has unfolded this question with so much accuracy as Delle Chiaje. We shall not now repeat what the above-mentioned anatomists have said upon the venous system of Jacobson,—a discussion on which we shall enter in our Monograph,—but shall state that the observations of Delle Chiaje have already been recorded in his ‘ Notomia Comparata’ (Naples, 1836, ii. 104 —114. pl. 53. f. 1. Qq K B, in the Rana esculenta, 3 H 45 v 8 for the Coluber natrix), in the ‘ Ricerche anatomico-fisiologiche sul Proteo serpen- tino (Naples, 1840, inserted in the ‘ Antologia di Sc. Nat. di Piria e Scacchi’ for March 1841), and more particularly in the ‘ Monografia del Sistema cir- colatorio sanguigno degli animali rettili,’ presented with 16 plates imperial 4to to the R. Acad. of Sciences, and mentioned in the Annual Discourse, 1838, of the Secretary Cav. Monticelli, and in our translation of Tiedemann’s ‘General and Comparative Anatomy’ (Nap. 1840, p. 142). We ought lastly to notice that Delle Chiaje two years ago undertook for us the injection of the entire Jacobonisan system (which he appropriately denominates the uro- entero-hepatic) in an eft, and that the description of it traced by us in the salamander was taken from an injection, which at our request he was so good as to make for us, thus enabling ourselves to repeat it, as we often have done, with every kind of facility. With regard to the office of the kidneys in reptiles and fishes, the opinions of Jacobson appear probable enough that they assist in the function of the hzmatosis, although Bojanus (Oken’s ‘ Isis,’ 1 bd. 7 hft. p. 873) and Carus (Lehrb. d. vergleich. Zoost. ii. Leipsig, 1834, p. 700) maintain that all the blood must be carried directly into the liver. This function of the kidneys was expressed by Jacobson (De peculiari systemate venoso, &c. Hafnize, 1821) in the following terms: “ This venous system is charged with carrying into the kidneys, or into the kidneys and liver, the venous blood coming from the hinder and middle part of the body, making it subserve the functions of the secretions of those organs.” And this for a double reason, both because the lungs, or at least the branchiz, in reptiles and fishes, do not present to the air so ample a surface as in the higher animals, to the vascular ramifications which carry the blood there into contact with the aérial fluid; and also be- cause the venous blood, mixing in the heart with the arterial blood returned from the pulmonary veins, this is conveyed there in a state the most fitted for the wants of nutrition ; and this clearly takes place partly in the kidneys and partly in the liver, and partly also, it may be said, in the skin, where the blood undergoes a modification in its proper elements, and from being venous and useless for nutrition becomes arterial and nutritive. It appears, then, that subsequent to Delle Chiaje, who was the first to give its topographical description and delineation, nothing new has been added to the anatomical knowledge of the Jacobsonian system ; nor, since Jacob- — son, any new idea respecting its physiological interpretation. Bibliographical Notices. 295 [The zootomical labours of Delle Chiaje have now been familiar to the anatomists of Europe for nearly a quarter of a century, and they reflect great honour on him and on his country. It must therefore be gratifying to all foreigners to observe the zeal and candour of his fellow-labourers at Naples, in thus reclaiming for their distinguished countryman the merit of originality to which he is so justly entitled.— R. E, G.] BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. The Climate of the South of Devon and its influence upon Health ; with short accounts of Exeter, Torquay, Babbacombe, Teignmouth, Daw- lish, Exmouth, Budleigh-Salterton, Sidmouth, &c. By Thomas Shafter, M.D., Physician to the Exeter Dispensary, Lying-in- Charity, &c. Pp. 258. 12mo. Churchill: London, 1842. In this work, although chiefly embracing statistics and medical topo- graphy, there are many interesting observations relative to natural history, and on that account it may with propriety be noticed in this Journal. The work was written ‘‘ in accordance with the suggestion of Sir James Clark, that in order to determine the true character of the climate of the south-western part of England, observations should be made in some of its principal localities.” This has been already done in regard to Bristol and Clifton by Drs. Carrick and Symonds, and in regard to the Land’s End by Dr. Forbes. Dr. Shafter’s publication is a continuation of the subject. The work is divided into two parts; the first treating of the cli- mate and diseases of South Devon, and the second of its geology, natural productions, ceconomical history and statistics. The climate of Devon generally is warm and moist: this depends partly on its latitude and partly on its position as regards the ocean, nearly half of its circumference being sea-coast. ‘The mean annual temp. of South Devon is 51°29’, or nearly 1° higher than that of London ; one of its most striking characteristics is equability of tem- perature. The indications of the barometer, although not very dis- similar from those of London, yet show that the atmosphere of the district is both less dense and less liable to changes in its density than is the case in the metropolis. It is charged with-moisture, and a slight depression of temperature causes deposition of dew or a fall of rain, In general language it may be stated, that from March to September the climate is dry, and during the remainder of the year humid. The mean annual fall of rain amounts very nearly to 32 inches, being about 7 inches more than fall in London. The average number of wet days (i. e. days in which a fall of rain, however slight, takes place) amounts to rather more than 162, while in London it amounts to 178. Frost is not unfrequent during winter and spring, but is rarely of long continuance. Snow rarely falls in any great quantity, or re- 296 Bibliographical Notices. mains on the ground above two or three days, except on the high lands. Thunder and lightning are comparatively unfrequent, and very rarely indeed are the storms attended by serious or awful con- sequences. ‘he prevailing winds are west and north-west. “ During the winter season the south-west wind is often accompanied by a warm thick mist, which is peculiarly relaxing, and from its frequency not unaptly styled Devonshire weather.” “ The chief characteristic then of the climate of this district is that of being warm, soft, mild, equably calm and free from storms : though subject to a large share of rain, yet it seldom occurs that a whole day is so unceasingly wet, as not to afford some hours, whether early or late, sufficiently fine for outdoor exercise.” The general mildness of the climate is indicated by many tender and delicate exotics flourishing in the open air and not being destroyed during the winter. Among them we may notice Hrythrina laurifolia, Laurus Camphora, Camellia japonica, Thea viridis and Bohea, Magnolia fuscata, Arundo Donax, Agave americana, Passiflora brasiliensis, Hydrangea hortensis, Mimulus cardinalis, Myrtus communis, Punica Granatum, Citrus medica, Limonum, and aurantium, Olea europea, Gladiolus cardinalis and psitta- cinus, various species of Alstremeria, Callistemon salignum, Cheiranthus tristis, Salvia angustifolia, Ceanothus azureus, In illustrating the effects of climate upon the constitutions of the inhabitants, a description is given of the diseases incidental to the district. The results are deduced from the cases admitted to the Exeter Dispensary during ten years, and embrace 11,258 patients, of whom 4535 were males and 6723 females. September appears to be the healthiest month in the year. A diagram is given showing the relative number per cent. of sick persons in each month, and full tables are given illustrating the prevalence of particular diseases. This being more immediately connected with medicine, we do not enter upon it. We would recommend to all medical men this part of the work, as well as the notice of those diseases in which the cli- mate of Devonshire proves beneficial. In treating of the geology of the district Dr. Shafter remarks, that the rocks which occur present a very extensive series, ‘‘ ranging from the granite to the lower cretaceous group; the series however is by no means complete, many of the intervening rocks being wanting. Those which present themselves for investigation are granite, grau- wacke slates, carbonaceous rocks, schists, limestone, new red sand- stone (including Exeter conglomerate), greensand, granitic green- stone and trap rocks.” The indigenous Phanerogamous plants of Devonshire are said to amount to about 800, and the following is given as the number of species in the different natural Orders :— MonocoryLEDONEs. Tp 8828 POET & 70? PONE ee is winks Cpe Pe ie Pe 46 Asphodelete : i... esis 5 FTA I A 16 And referable to eight other Ovenrancete $52) FN PEE 13 natural Orders........ oe 13 Piuviales 20254 65 2 G4 10 Bibliographical Notices. 297 DicoryLEDONEs. COMDOBILD 94:0. 54.0 2 ohn 72° Chenopodew’............ 15 CUCUOTE Ged 5 Aik ony aie 44 Boraginewm.. 2... 2c eee 13 Leguminose .. s -.06 0 e002 39 PrimulaceeandLentibularie 13 Umbellifere ..........-. 38 Geraniacez and Oxalidee.. 14 Rosaceze and Pomacee .... 36 Rubriacee.............. 11 T OBiGtee 5 sins ceen ince sur 6 35 MHypericinee ........ es 9 Scrophularine and Oroban- MU CENINGD. cn gad 4 6 ais ¢ - 9 Ce ae ee cis ts Ok = OOMMEIN Can 6 sce Seawind 2 Caryophyllacez and Linee,. 31 Euphorbiacee .......... 8 Corylacez and Salicineee .. 28 Papaveracee............ 7 Ranunculacese ........-+- 20 And referable to thirty-nine TOV ROROM ne veicwercices) 18 OLDER raers s 5)... ove a6 113 The Grasses form nearly two-thirds of the Monocotyledons, and together with the Composite one-fourth of all the Phanerogamous plants; while Crucifere, Leguminose, Umbellifere, Rosacee and La- biate form together one-fourth more. Amongst the plants peculiar to the county are noticed Linosyris vulgaris and Lobelia ureus : Primula veris and Campanula. rotundifolia, of common occurrence in the ad- joining counties, are but rarely met with. Erica vagans is chiefly re- stricted to the serpentine formation ; Iris fetidissima and the Elm are frequent in the red sand; the Cistacee, Clematis vitalba and Inula Conyza on the limestone, and the Oak on the schist formation. We trust that the example which has been set by Dr. Shafter will be followed by others, and that ultimately we may expect to have full accounts of the climate and natural productions of the various counties of England. The tables of statistics of life and disease have been made with great care and are well worthy of attention. Annales des Sciences Naturelles :— Zoologie, M. Milne Edwards. Botanique, MM. Ad. Brongniart et Guillemin. Paris: Fortin, Masson and Co. Sept. 1842.—Zoology.—M. F. Dujardin on the Anatomy of Gor- dius and Mermis. The author gives the details of structure in the Gordius aquaticus and Gordius tolosanus. He confirms the account given by M. Siebold of the extraordinary structure of the animals of this genus. ‘“‘ They are,” says M. Dujardin, ‘without mouth, without anus, without intestine, without veritable nerves or vessels. They have internally a fleshy muscular tube with thick walls. They have only a single aperture situated at the posterior extremity and serving doubtless the function of generation.” Wanting all the organs ne- cessary to the preservation of the individual, M. Dujardin is led to suppose that the Gordius may be the last stage of development of a worm, in which those organs have been atrophied in consequence of the excessive growth of the tegumentary system and of the organs destined for the continuation of the species. His genus Mermis differs from Gordius in the structure of its integument, in the presence of a minute terminal mouth, and in the mode of development of the ova. 298 Bibliographical Notices. There is something so anomalous in the structure of these worms, that we cannot admit the accounts of it to influence our generali- zations until we have further observations, and above all a careful ex- amination of animals of different ages. There is no difficulty in pro- curing material to work upon ; will no British observer take up the subject >—M. E. Robert on the Habits of Ants. —M. Bouchard-Chan- tereaux on the genus Productus, in which he proves that the dorsal valves of these shells is not imperforate as is generally supposed, but the contrary, and attached by a ligament like its allies —Compara- tive history of the Metamorphosis and Anatomy of Cetonia aurata and Doreus parallelipipedus, by M. Leon Dufour : an elaborate paper beautifully Ulustrated.—A translation of Mr. H. Goodsir’s import- ant paper on the Development of the Eggs and Metamorphoses of Caligus, from the ‘ Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal’ for July 1842.—M. Lucas on new Insects from Algeria.—M. H. Mittre on four new Shells, viz. 1. Helix Minorciensis (allied to H. serpentina) from Port Mahon ; 2. Helix Telonensis (allied to H. glabella) from 'Toulon ; 3. Helix Nyeli from Port Mahon, and 4. Cardium aquilinum from Toulon Roads. This paper wants figures. Botany.—On the genera Polysaccum and Geaster, by MM. L. R. and C. Tulasne. Their observations on the first are at variance with those of M. Corda: figures excellent.—On the dry Gangrene of Po- tatoes, as observed for some years in Germany, by M. de Martius (from the ‘Comptes Rendus’): a paper highly interesting to the vegetable pathologist, in which it is shown that the disease depends on the presence of a parasitic fungus.—On two plants new to the French Flora, by M. Delastre: these are Cirsium spurium and Li- naria pretermissa (new ; very near L. minor).—On the Nectaries of Plants, by M. L. Bravais—On new Plants of Madagascar, &c., by M. Bojer. Oct. 1842.—Zoology.—On the Embryo of Syngnathus Ophidion, Linn., by M. de Quatrefages : an elaborate memoir on the early hi- story of these curious marsupial fish, illustrated by beautiful figures. —Researches on the composition of the Blood in some domestic ani- mals, by MM. Andral, Gavarret and Delafond.—Researches on Di- gestion, by MM. Bouchardet and Sandras.—Memoir on Belemnites, by M. Alcide d’Orbigny. Commencement: an excellent paper. Botany.—On the Distribution of the Arborescent Vegetables on the coast of Scandinavia, and on the north side of the Grimsel in Switzerland, by M. Ch. Martens. ‘‘ If we except the oak and the beech, the succession of trees is the same on the Grimsel and in the North.”—On the genus Xiphophora, and on the question whether we find in the Fucacee the two modes of propagation observed in the Floridee ? by Dr. Montagne.—On two genera confounded with plants of the family of Myrsinacee, by M. Alph. DeCandolle : these are, Parastemon, founded on the Hmbelia urophylla of Wallich, and Kellana, on the Myrsine Kellan of Hochstetter.—On the Flora of Southern Brazil, by MM. Aug. de St. Hilaire and Ch. Naudin. Third part. The plants enumerated belong to the family Malvaceae. —M. Gay on the Flowers and Fruit of Fumaria officinalis.—M. C. Bibliographical Notices. 299 Dareste on a Monstrosity of Delphinium Ajacis.—M. Bunge on the genus Braya.—Count Jaubert and M. E. Spach, a Monograph of the genus Cicer: eight species enumerated.—Monograph of the genus Halimodendron, by the same botanists: three species described.— Third Century (65—8 decades) of new Exotic Cellular Plants, by Dr. Montagne. Noy. 1842.—Zoology.—Continuation of M. d’Orbigny’s memoir on the Belemnites ; the author arranges them under five groups: Ist, the Acuari; 2nd, Canaliculati; 3rd, Hastati ; 4th, Clavati; and 5th, Dilatati. These divisions not only present good zoological characters, but are respectively concentrated in different geological formations.—M. de Quatrefages on Hleutheria dichotoma, a new genus of Radiata allied to Hydra, Several highly original papers by this naturalist have lately appeared in the ‘ Annales,’ founded on researches among the Inver- tebrata of the coasts of France. Most of the animals he has described may be looked for in our own seas. The new zoophyte here fully investigated is microscopic, and appears to us to be rather an ally of Lucernaria than of Hydra, very possibly the young state of some known species. ‘The author has a tendency to see too much, and to put too great faith in the description of Hydra by M. Corda. His generic character, ‘‘ Ocular points at the bases of the arms: no feet,” is insufficient and unphilosophical.— M. §. Lovén on the Me- tamorphosis of an Annelide, see ‘ Annals Nat. Hist.’ vol. xi. p. 43.— M. 8. Lovén on Myxostoma cirrhiferum: an excellent paper on the curious parasite which infests the arms of Comatula.—M. Brullé on the Classification of Animals in parallel series, concluded.—M. Flou- rens on the Development of Bone. Botany.—M. Montagne on Exotic Cellulares, continued.—Count Jaubert and M. Spach, Monograph of Chesneya.—Prof. Bernhardi on the characters of Tulipacee and allied families (a translation from the ‘Flora’ for 1840).—M. Desvaux on a new Fig and some plants fur- nishing Milk.—M. Goeppert on the Anatomical Structure of some Magnoliacee (from the ‘ Linnea’). The researches of the author lead him to deny the analogy asserted to exist between Tasmannia and Drimys on the one hand, and the Conifere on the other. The re- sult is important, as removing an uncertainty from the study of fossil botany. Dec. 1842.—Zoology.—Observations on the structure and func- tions of some Zoophyta, Mollusca and Crustacea of the coasts of France, by M. H. Milne Edwards. Every communication from the pen of M. Milne Edwards is of great value. In this paper he gives some most interesting notices: 1, On the Hermaphrodism of Pectens (in describing the testicle there is no mention of Spermatozoa), 2. On the Organization of Carinaria Mediterranea: the distinction of sexes in the animals of this species is first made out, In describing the respiratory system no mention is-‘made of the presence or absence of cilia on the branchivze, the structure of which is compared to that of the branchie of the Pleurobranchus. [We have sought for cilia on the branchie of Firola in vain, but with better glasses and under more favourable circumstances they may perhaps be detected.] ‘he 300 Bibliographical Notices. nervous system is well made out. 3. On the existence of a Gastro- vascular apparatus in the Calliope of Risso, a Mollusk of the family of Kolidee. [The phenomenon herein described may be well seen in the Montagua viridis, Forb. of our own seas.] 4. On the Sper- matophores of the Cephalopoda. All these notices are illustrated by beautiful figures.—On the Neutral Nitrogenous Substances occur- ring in Organization, by MM. Dumas and Cahours.—Remarks rela- ting to Insects found in the neighbourhood of Paris, by M. E. Ro- bert.—Note on the existence of the Urea in the Normal Blood, by M. Simon (from Miiller’s ‘ Archiv’ ). Botany.—Observations on the structure of Dotted Vessels, by Prof. Mohl (from the ‘ Linnza’).—Observations on the Flower and Ovary of Gtnothera suaveolens, by Dr. Duchartre: an elaborate paper with beautiful illustrations.—Note upon the Mineral Bases occurring in the Walls of Cells, by M. Payen.—Review of some observations on the Development of the Appendages of the Vegetable Axis, by M. Ch. Naudin.—Prof. Bernhardi on the Sesamee (from the ‘ Linnza’). —Prof. Koch on the Strawberries of Germany and France (from the ‘ Flora’).—M. Meyer on the species of Agrimonia (notes on sixteen species, results of examination of nine), from the Bulletin of the Imperial Academy of Petersburg.—Fischer, Meyer and Schrenk on Schrenkia and Cryptodiscus, new genera of Umbellifere: extracted from a Russian work on the plants of Longaria. The London Journal of Botany. By Sir W. J. Hooker, K.H. &c. &c. No. 11, Nov. 1842, to No. 15, March 1843. Contents :—Botanical Excursions in South Africa; by C. J. F. Bunbury, Esq. (Nos. 11, 13.).—On a new species of Thuja, and on Podocarpus Totarra of New Zealand ; by Sir W. J. Hooker (No. 11. t. 18, 19.).—_ Memoir to determine the use of Pollen in Natural Clas- sification ; by Dr. Aldridge (No. 11. t. 20.).—On the Hair-collectors of Campanula; by W. Wilson, Esq. (No. 11. t. 20.).—Figures and descriptions of three species of Podocarpus ; by Sir W. J. Hooker (No. 12, t. 21, 22, 23.).—Genera of Ferns; by J. Smith, A.L.S. (No. 12.).—On the Vegetation of the Feejee Islands, Tauna, New Ireland and New Guinea; by*R. B. Hinds, Esq. (No. 12.).—Notes of a Botanical Tour in the Azores; by H. C. Watson, Esq. (No.13, 15.).—Descriptions of four new genera of Plants from the Organ Mountains [Boromania, Leucopholis, in Composite; Hockinia, in Gentianee ; Napeanthus, in Cyrtandacee.| (No. 13.).—Contributions towards a Flora of South America: Mr. Schomburgk’s Plants from Guiana; by G. Bentham, Esq. (No. 13.).—Contributions towards a Flora of South Africa; by Dr. Meisner (No. 13, 14.).—Biographi- cal Sketch of F. Bauer; by Dr. Lhotsky (No. 14.).—Notes on a Botanical Excursion in South Carolina; by Dr. A. Gray (No. 15.). —wNotes on the Distribution of Plants in Aberdeenshire; by Dr. Dickie (No. 15.).—Some data towards the Botanical Geography of New Holland; by Dr. Lhotsky (No. 15.).—Brief descriptions of Ju- niperus Bermudiana and Dacrydium elatum; by Sir W. J. Hooker Bibliographical Notices. FS SQRa (No. 15. t. 1, 2.).—Botanical Information : Botanical Letters from Dr. Hortmann in Surinam (No. 11.) ; also from Mr. Drummond in New Holland (No. 12.), and-extracts from M. Boissier’s Spanish Botany (No. 12.) ; Notice of Le Conte Jaubert and M. Spach’s Illus- trationes Plantarum Orientalium ; Mr. H. C. Watson’s geographical distribution of British Plants, third edition; and of the Rev. J. E. Leefe’s ‘ Salictum Britannicum Exsiccatum’ (No. 15.).—Botanical Collections noticed: China, South Africa, Caucasus, Swan River (No. 15.). Salictum Britannicum Ezsiccatum. Fasc. I. By the Rev. J. E. Leefe, M.A. In a former number of the ‘Annals’ we announced that a work under the above title was in preparation, and we have now the plea- sure of informing our readers that the first fasciculus has reached us. We beg to recommend the collection most strongly ; the specimens are ample, in good preservation, and very complete ; and the notes appended to them are usually of considerable value. Great addi- tional interest is given to these specimens by their having been in- spected, and the nomenclature authenticated, by Mr. Borrer, whose acquaintance with willows generally, and particularly those of Bri- tain, is probably unequalled. We hear that the great labour and amount of time which the preparation of this fasciculus has required causes Mr. Leefe to have considerable doubt of being able to con- tinue the publication, but we earnestly hope and expect that this part will be so well received by botanists as to cause him to come to a different determination. Owing to some accident the author has not appended his name to the collection, nor named any publisher, we therefore think it right to add his name and address, viz. ‘‘ Rev. J. E. Leefe, Sigston, North Allerton, Yorkshire.” We believe that the collection may be procured from Messrs. Whittaker and Co., Lon- don, and recommend an early application, as very few copies were prepared. ‘The price is extremely moderate. PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION. Mr. Hassall informs us that he has long been collecting materials for a History of the British Freshwater Algee. Mr. Hassall states, that should any botanists be desirous of investigating those species which occur in their own neighbourhoods, he will have much plea- sure in assisting them in the determination of those species, which plan he hopes may conduce much to the completeness of the work. The simplest mode of transmission, he states, is to place a frag- ment of each species in a piece of moistened linen, and to enclose a number of such packages in an envelope of tin-foil. Illustrations of Indian Ornithology ; a series of fifty coloured Litho- graphic Drawings of Indian Birds, accompanied by descriptive Letter- press. By T. C. Jerdon, Assistant-Surgeon, Madras Medical Establishment. The original drawings have been executed by native artists, from pencil sketches by the author, and under his immediate superintend- 302 Zoological Society. ence. Several of them were exhibited at a meeting of the Literary Society of Madras some time ago, and were much admired for their beauty and accuracy. ° The subjects for the present publication will be selected so as to present an agreeable variety, and most of them will be figured here for the first time. The drawings will be lithographed both on quarto and royal octavo paper. ‘The colouring will be finished under the author’s own super- intendence. The letter-press will contain a full description of the species figured. The work is proposed to be published by subscription. Subscri- bers’ names received by Mr. Lizars, Engraver, Edinburgh. We have, at the same time, received a specimen of one of the il- lustrations, which is well executed and carefully coloured. PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Feb. 22, 1842.—William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair. . The following ‘‘ Monograph of Crassatella, a genus of Acephalous Mollusks (Family Mactracea),” by Mr. Lovell Reeve, was read. The genus Crassatella was instituted by Lamarck for the purpose of associating certain bivalve mollusks that had been hitherto dis- tributed amongst the Mactre and the Veneres. Their shells exhibit an interesting peculiarity of character, differing from the former in being thick and solid, and for the most part covered with a strong brown epidermis ; and from the latter in the position of the ligament. The genus, however, as introduced by Lamarck, was yet imperfect; it included five species that could not easily be distinguished from his Amphidesmata, and was therefore susceptible of farther division. With the view of uniting the intermediate species of these genera, a new genus was proposed by Deshayes, under the title of Mesodesma, and I have found great convenience in adopting it in my ‘ Systematic Conchology.’ Thus out of eleven species described by Lamarck as Crassatelle, six only can be allowed toremain. Since his time, how- ever, several new and important species have been discovered; two have been described by Sowerby in the ‘ Proceedings’ of this Society, one by the same author in his ‘ Appendix to the Tankerville Cata- logue,’ and I have now the pleasure of exhibiting ten more, which I believe to be entirely new to science. To make this a complete monograph, I mention all the species, di- stinguishing the new ones by the addition of the specific characters. 1. CRASsATELLA CASTANEA. Crass. testa ovato-trigond, gibbosd, umbonibus plané erosis, epidermide castaned, quasi politd nitente, indutd ; intis subfused ; latere antico rotundato ; posiico angulifero, abrupto. Reeve, Conch. Icon.* Crassatella, pl. 1. f. 3. * Having made accurate drawings of the Crassatellg, with a view to publication at some future period, I venture to refer to a pictorial and de- scriptive repertory of species now in course of preparation, to be entitled ** Concnotogia Icontca,”’ Zoological Society. 303 Long. 34; alt. 8 pull. Mus. Stainforth, Saul, Walton. Hab. ad oras Novee Hollandize. The Crassatella castanea is the largest and perhaps the best defined species of the genus; its shell is covered with a shining horny epi- dermis, and both valves are singularly eroded at the umbones. I know of three specimens of this fine shell, and each of them fully exhibit this last-mentioned peculiarity. 2. CrassaTELLA Kinercona. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. v. p. 481; Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 1. f. 5. Hab. ad oras Novee Hollandiz. Mus. Stainforth. A specimen of this species, in the possession of the Rev. Mr. Stainforth, is the only one that I have seen. 3. CrassaTELLA DeEcIPIENS. Crass. testd ovatd, subgibbd, epider- mide fuscd indutd, vivide radiatd, radiis ab umbonibus ad margines sepe extensis ; latere antico subangulato, striis brevibus ornato ; postico subguadrato, parm productiore. Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 1. f. 4. Long. 23; alt. 24 poll. Hab. ad oras Nove Hollandiz. Crassatella Kingicola, Nobis (falsd), Conch. Syst., vol. i. pl. 44. f. 3. This species, which has lately arrived from New Holland in great abundance, has been received by most collectors as the Crassatella Kingicola of Lamarck; I moreover regret that it has been errone- ously figured under that title in my ‘ Conchologia Systematica.’ This error was.kindly pointed out to me by Mr. Sowerby, and I am now satisfied that the shell of Lamarck’s Crassatella Kingicola, which is accurately figured in the ‘ Genera of Recent and Fossil Shells,’ is one of extreme rarity. Mr. Cuming possesses a gibbous variety of the C. decipiens, but it is not sufficiently distinct to demand especial notice. Mr. Owen is we believe engaged upon the anatomy of this species. 4, CRASSATELLA PULCHRA. Crass. testd ovato-irigond, depressd, obsolete radiata, epidermide crassd, fibrosd, molliusculd, indutd ; transversim sulcatd, sulcis profundis, regularibus ; latere antico rotundato ; postico subangulato, Reeve, Conch. Icon, Crassatella, pl. 3. f. 16. Long. 22; alt. 2 poll. Mus. Cuming, Stainforth. Hab, ad oras Nove Hollandiz. De Blainville appears to have figured this shell in his ‘Manuel de Malacologie’ as the Crassatella sulcata of Lamarck; but it is of a totally different form, nor does it agree with the Mactra sulcata of Bruguiére, to which he refers in the ‘ Encyclopédie Méthodique’; I therefore now propose to distinguish it by the above new title. The shell of the Crassatella sulcata approaches rather in form to that of the Crassatelia rostrata, the anterior side of which is specially cha- - racterized as being productiore ; the grooves too in that species run irregularly across the valves, and are not parallel with the lines that mark the increase of growth. The shell of the Crassatella pul: _ chra, on the contrary, is of a plain triangular form; the posterior 304 Loological Society. side is but slightly produced, the grooves are very deep, and they run parallel with the lines of growth. §. CrasSaATELLA LAPIDEA. Crass. testd ovato-orbiculatd, epider- mide fibrosd indutd, umbonibus parvis, striatis ; intts subfuscd ; latere antico rotundato, abrupto, striis nonnullis brevibus ornato ; postico subangulato. Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 2. f. 7. Long. 12; alt. 1} poll. Mus. Cuming. Hab. ad insulam Negros, Philippinarum. Mr. Cuming met with one true pair only and a few odd valves of this species at the Island of Negros in coarse sand in seven fathoms water. The shell somewhat resembles that of the Crassatella donacina, but may however be readily distinguished. 6. CRAsSATELLA DoNACINA. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. v p. 481. Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 3. f. 19. This shell, figured in Delessert’s ‘ Recueil de Coquilles,’ pl. 4. f. :; a, b, is extremely rare. The only specimens I have seen are in the collections of Miss Saul and the Rey. Mr. Stainforth. 7. CRASSATELLA UNDULATA. Sowerby, Proc. Zool. Soc., 1832, p. 56; Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 1. f. 2. a. and b. 8. CrassaTELLA ANTILLARUM. Crass. testa trigono-ovatd, vix gibbosd, crassa, epidermide fibrosd indutd ; intis brunned, prope ad marginem albicante ; umbonibus subdepressis, leviter undulatis ; latere antico rotundato, postico subungulato. Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 2. f. 8. Long. 32; alt. 2} poll. Mus. Cuming. Hab. ad insulam Margaritta, Antillarum. Mr. Cuming informs me that this beautiful species was dredged up in the pearl-fisheries at the island of Margaritta in the West Indies. It is erroneously figured in Delessert’s ‘ Recueil de Co- quilles’ as the Crassatella rostrata of Lamarck. The rich chocolate colour of the interior of this shell is very remarkable, approaching somewhat in that respect to that of the preceding species. 9, CRASSATELLA JUBAR. Crass. testd subovatd, valde inequilaterali, gibbosd, extis vivide radiata, radiis ferruginosis, ab umbonibus, jubarum similitudine, divergentibus ; ad utrumque latus irregulari- ter multistriata ; epidermide fusca, subquassd, sparsim induté ; in- tis albd, ad extremitatem posticam brunned ; umbonibus plicatis, compressis ; latere antico inclinato, rotundato, postico arcuato, elongato, acuminaio. Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 2. f. 11. Long. 223; alt. 13 poll. Mus. Cuming. Hab. ad oras occidentales Novee Hollandiz. A single specimen of this fine shell was procured by Mr. Cuming in Hamburgh; it had been received from that prolific portion of the globe above noted, and has made a valuable addition to the genus. It has the general form of the C. gibbosa; the sides are profusely striated, and the entire surface is richly illumined with brownish rays, diverging like solar beams from the umbones to the margin. Zoological Society. 305 10. CrassaTELLA sutcATA. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. v. p- 481; Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 2. f. 6. a. and 0. Hab. ad oras Nove Hollandiz. This is another very rare species; I know of two or three odd valves, but only one true pair, which is in Mr. Cuming’s collection. 11. CrassaTeLya rostrata. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. v. p-. 481; Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 2. f. 10. Hab. ad insulam Ceylon. The figures which have been just published by M. Chenu in De- lessert’s ‘ Recueil de Coquilles’ as the Crassatella rostrata of Lamarck, are certainly not that species, nor do they at all correspond with his description of it, particularly in that part which says intis margine crenulato; I have moreover every reason to believe that they are drawn from specimens of the new species from the island of Marga- ritta, which we have called Crassatella Antillarum. 'The Crassatella rostrata is a well-known species from Ceylon, and the only large one of the genus that is distinctly crenulated at the margin. 12. CrassaTeLLa Gipposa. Sowerby, Proc. Zool. Soc., 1832, p- 56; Reeve, Conch. Syst., pl. 44. fig. 2; and Conch. Icon, Cras- satella, pl. 1. f. 1. a. and 8. 13. CrassaTELLA corBULOIDES. Crass. testd suborbiculatd, valde gibbosd, umbones versis profund2 sulcatd, epidermide fuscd in- dutd ; latere antico rotundato, postico producto, subitd rostrato. Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 2. f. 9. Long. 12; alt. 1 poll. Mus. Stainforth. _ Hab. ? The title of corbuloides is selected for this new and very character- istic species, on account of its short gibbous form ; the anterior side is suddenly beaked, like some of the Corbule, and cannot well be confounded with the Crassatella gibbosa, to which it is nearly allied. 14, CRASSATELLA RADIATA. Sowerby, App. Tank. Cat.; Reeve, Conch. Syst., pl. 44. fig. 1; and Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 3. f. 12. Hab. ad insulam Singapore. This species, originally described by Sowerby from a specimen belonging to the late Earl of Tankerville, was found by Mr. Cuming at the island of Singapore, in coarse sand at seven fathoms’ water. 15. CrassaTELLA suBRADIATA. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. v. p. 482; Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 3. f. 15. a. and 0. I have little doubt but that the shell now before me, from the col- lection of the Rev. Mr. Stainforth, is the Crassatella subradiata of Lamarck. Unfortunately there does not exist any drawing of it, nor does it appear in Delessert’s ‘ Recueil de Coquilles,’ in which M. Chenu professes to illustrate all the species described by Lamarck that have not yet been figured. 16, CrRAssATELLA CONTRARIA. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. v. p. 481; Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 3. f. 18. Mus. Stain- forth, Saul. Venus contraria, Gmelin. Ann, & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. X 306° Zoological Society. Venus divaricata, Chemnitz. Crassatella divaricata, D’Orbigny. Hab. ad insulam Lancerotte, Canariarum. I have only seen three specimens of this very interesting shell. The above locality is quoted from D’Orbigny’s ‘ Mollusques des Iles Canaries ;’ it is the only species of Crassatella he found in that di- strict. 17. CrassaTELLA ziczac. Crass. testd subtrigond, depressd, lute- old, epidermide tenui indutd ; radiis binis interruptis ab umbonibus ad margines divergentibus, lineis roseis, fleruosis, ubique pictd ; intiis subrosaced ; latere antico breviculo, rotundato ; postico sub- angulato ; lunuld utrinque radiis roseis vivide virgatd. Reeve, Conch. Icon, Crassatella, pl. 3. f. 13. Long. 13; alt. 1 poll. Mus, Cuming. Hab. ad insulam Corrigidor, Philippinarum. This species was found by Mr. Cuming at the island of Corrigidor, in coarse sand at six fathoms water ; he possesses it in several stages of growth, all of which are covered with fine rose-coloured zigzag me 8. CrassaTELLA TRIQUETRA. Crass. testd trigond, solidd, rosa- ie epidermide tenui indutd, transversim striata; maculis roseis irregularibus vivide pictd ; intis rosaced, versiis marginem albi- cante ; margine tenuiter crenulato ; lateribus subrectis, vir rotun- datis ; lunuld utrinque magna, radiis roseis vivid virgatd, Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 3. f. 14. Long. 4; ae § poll. Mus. Stainforth, Cuming, &c. Hab. I am nla at ignorant of the locality of this pretty little species ; it is of a warm rose-colour, radiately spotted with deep pink, and is of a solid triangular form. 19. CRASSATELLA ORNATA. Crass. testd trigond, subdepressd, pal- lidd, lineis spadiceis brevibus, longitudinalibus, varie pictd, trans- versim striatd ; intis albdque brunned, margine tenuiter crenulato, latere antico rotundato, postico fleruoso, angulato. Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 3. f. 17. Mesodesma ornata ? Gray. Long. 1 Bees % poll. Mus. Stainforth. Hab. A specimen fa this shell, in the collection of Miss Saul, is the only one we have seen at present. The above title has been decided upon because there is an inaccurate figure of it in Griffith’s ‘ Cuvier’s Animal Kingdom’ with the name of Mesodesma ornata; it is not ac- companied with any description, but we believe it to be intended for this shell. March 8.—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. _ Mr, Waterhouse called the attention of the Members to two new species of Marsupial animals from South Australia, and forming part of a collection presented to the Society by J. B. Harvey, Esq.; one Zoological Society. | 307 belonging to the genus Phascogale ; and the other, of which only an imperfect skin had been procured, Mr. Waterhouse observed, was evidently a new species of Perameles, nearly allied to the P. Lagotis of Mr. Reid, but differed from that animal in having much smaller ears, a less hairy tail, and in being of a brown colour above, pen- cilled with white. ‘The fur is dense and very soft; on the upper part of the body it is of a slate-grey colour next the skin ; each hair of the ordinary fur is brownish white towards the apex, and shaded into deep brown at the point. The longer and less soft hairs are very broadly annulated with white near the point, and black a¢ the the point. The fur on the under parts of the body is white—rather impure; and next the skin it is tinted with palish grey. On the side of the body and head a yellowish hue is observable. The ears are of moderate size, rather broad, and well clothed with hairs; on the inner side these are of a dirty white colour, slightly tinted with yellowish, and so are those on the outer side, excepting towards the margin, where they are of a brownish black hue. The tail is im- perfect ; it-must have been, however, longer than in any known Perameles (excepting the P. Lagotis), the part attached to the skin measuring eight and a half inches. It is well clothed with hairs, which completely hide the skin, though they are rather short: on the upper part they are of a rich brown colour, excepting towards the apex, where they are longer and entirely white; on the under side they are dirty white. The feet are unfortunately wanting. The length of the head and body is about sixteen inches, and the ear measures about one inch in length. Mr. Waterhouse gave to this animal the name of its discoverer, a Corresponding Member of the Society, and one to whom the Society is indebted for very many valuable collections. Its principal cha- racters may be thus expressed :— PeraMetes Harveri. Per. pilis mollibus ; corpore supra fusco alboque irrorato, infra albo; caudd longa, supra fused, infra et ad apicem sordidé albd. Hab. Port Adelaide. The Phascogale presents the following characters :— PuascoGaLe auBires. Phase. pilis brevibus et permollibus ; corpore supra nigro et flavescenti-irrorato, infra albo; pedibus albis ; caudd longd supra fuscescente, infra fusco-albd, = une, lin. Longitudo ab apice rostri ad caude basin,... 3 9 ad basin auris .... 0 104 QMIG 3's ke SRE ES Me ee De ee Gant Or 7 — Ee ee Soiveseeie Cues Gee tarsi digitorumque.......... eees O 8} Hab. Port Adelaide. The fur in this little animal is shorter than in other species of Phascogale hitherto described, and extremely soft; it is of a deep slate-grey colour next the skin, but externally, on the upper parts of the body, the colour is brownish, a tint produced by the admixture of black and yellow, the hairs being annulated with the latter colour X3 “ 308 Zoological Society. near the point, and black at the point. The under parts of the body are greyish white, each hair being deep grey and tipped with white. The feet are white. The tail is furnished throughout with very minute hairs. It approaches most nearly to the P. murina, but differs in being rather larger, in general colouring, and especially in having the tail of a dark colour, and not white, as in that species. March 22.—William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair. The following paper, by Mr. Lovell Reeve, entitled ‘‘ Descriptions of new species of Shells, principally from the collection of Hugh Cuming, Esq.,” was read. Buiimus smaragpinus. Bul. testd oblongo-ovatd, nitidd, viridi, apicem versus subpurpured; fascia albd per anfractuum suturas decurrente ; aperturd rotundato-ovali, peristomate albo, reflexo. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 173. fig. 6. Had. ad insulam Mindanao, Papper Long. 23 ; lat. 13 poll. The whorls of this, shell exhibit a pleasing gradation of colour ; commencing at the apex in deep purple, it passes through py yel- low to a bright sea-green. Hexix Vattoni. Hel. testd ovatd, depressd, anfractibus ventricosi- usculis, ultimo superne productiore ; rubido-fuscd, radiis longi- — tudinalibus obsolete pictd ; epidermide tenui, peculiariter maculosd, — indutd ; aperturd subquadrato-ovali, marginibus nigerrimis, dis- junctis ; labro acutissimé reflero. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 166. fig. 23. Hab. ad insulam Ceylon. Long. 24; lat. 13 poll. I name this remarkable shell in honour of my friend William Walton, Esq., a zealous and assiduous collector; it is of a dark ruddy brown colour, and has a very black polished lip; it is, how- ever, especially characterized by its curiously speckled epidermis. SIPHONARIA cHARACTERISTICA. Siph. testdé orbiculari, conicd, extis longitudinaliter costatd, costis irregularibus, interstitiis ni- gricantibus, apicem versus valde decorticatis ; intiis nigerrimo- Suscd, impressione musculari scabrd, profunde notatd ; impressione siphonali characteristic? imbutd. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 138. fig. 3. Hab. In sinu Panamensi. Long. 2}; lat. 1; alt. 1} poll. This shell approaches very closely to the Siphonaria gigas of Sow- erby ; we venture, however, after a close comparison between speci- mens of each in different stages of growth, to pronounce it a distinct species. It is of a more irregular form, and the separate impressions of the muscle and the siphon are remarkably distinct. ParmornHorus corrueatus. Parm. testd elongato-quadratd, tenut, depressd, extus leviter corrugatd ; vertice obtuso, prope ad partem posticam inclinato. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 139. fig. 1. Hab, ad insulam Madagascar. Long. 14; lat. ? poll. Zoological Society. 309 Principally distinguished by the position of the vertex, which is more posterior than in any other species; the wrinkled sculpturing upon the outer surface is also a well-defined peculiarity. PaRMOPHORUS INTERMEDIUS. Parm. testd ovatd, elevatiusculd, antice attenuatd ; extis radiis asperrimis, quasi serratis, ornatd ; vertice prominulo, incurvo; margine crenulato. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 139. fig. 5 and 6. Hab. ad insulam Bohol, Philippinarum. Long. 2; lat. 2 poll. This beautiful little shell, which may be considered as intermediate in its generic characters between the Parmophori and the Emargi- nule, is most elegantly radiated on the outer surface, and the only species of this genus at present known that is serrated at the margin. EMARGINULA conoiDEA. Emarg. testd conoided, albicante, extis striis numerosis creberrimé radiatd ; vertice centrali, acuto ; mar- gine valde crenato, sinu marginali profundé inciso, Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. i. pl. 140. fig. 7. Hab. ? Long. 4; lat. %; alt. 3 poll. A very *characteristic shell, in the collection of William Walton, Esq. CALYPTRZA CINEREA. Cal. testd suborbiculari, extis a vertice ra- diatd, radiis spinis parvis numerosis irregulariter ornatis ; intis cinereo nitente, cyatho magno, albo, subpellucido, lateraliter flex- uoso. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 144. fig. 4. Hab. Cape Horn. Diam, 13; alt. 1 poll. An immense number of these shells, just brought to England, were found attached to a single log of wood floating off Cape Horn. ‘The interior is lined with a very dark, ashy, highly polished enamel, but the cup is of a pure transparent white, offering a remarkably rich contrast of colour.. The exterior of the shell is irregularly covered with numerous small spines, becoming, as in most of the Calyptree, obsolete with age. April 26.— William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair. The following ‘‘ Description of a new Dorsibranchiate Gasteropod, discovered at Madeira,” by the Rev. R. T. Lowe, was read. Class MOLLUSCA. Ord. GasTERoPopDA. Fam. Nupisrancuia (Les Tritoniens, Lam.). Gen. PEpuipia. Char. Gen.—Corpus limaciforme, repens, oblongum; posticé com- presso-triquetrum, dorso abrupté (ut in Seylled) cristatum s. alato- carinatum ; apice attenuato, acuto. Caput anticé (ut in Thethye, L.) veliferum ; velo semicirculari, margine fimbriato-lacero, ciliolato : ore inter labia buccalia subtis, simplici. Tentacula (ut in Doride) duo. Orificitum generationis ad colli dextrum. Branchie diplo- . 310 Zoological Society. morphe: s. in medio dorsi (ut in Doride) circa anum stellatim ramose, arbusculiformes, ramis pectinato-ciliatis; et per latera utrinque (ut in Tritonia Thethyeve) longitudinaliter biseriate, conico-papilliformes ; papillis apice subdivisis, ciliatis. Obs. Corpus totum glabrum, leve, subpellucidum. Oculi nulli. Spec. Peplidia Madere, nob. Hab. in mari Maderensi-atlantico, inter rupes littorales in aquis zestu relictis ; rariss. A single example of this beautiful and extremely interesting mol- lusk was discovered on the 24th of April, 1841, by Dr. Lister, in a pool left by the tide amongst a reef of rocks called the Gorgulho, situate a little to the west of Funchal. It presents a combination of generic characters, by which, if it approximates in each apart by turns to Doris, Thethys, Tritonia, and Scyllea, it differs notably from all. The large dorsal star-like tuft of branchiz, and the tentacles, resem- ble those of Doris; but it differs totally in other characters : the veil before the head, though smaller and differently fringed, together with the rows of branchiferous papille down the back or sides, bring- ing it somewhat nearer Thethys, from which it is essentially distin- guished, as it is also from Tritonia and Scyllea, by its Doridian character of the ano-dorsal five-branched rose or star of branchie. And if agreeing with the last of these two genera in the carinate or crested tail, it is at once distinguished by the presence of the frontal veil. The whole upper surface of the animal, which is from one inch and a half to two inches and a half long, about one-third of an inch broad and half an inch high, is of a pale dull red, mottled or freckled with brighter orange-red and yellow, and thickly speckled all over with dark chestnut-brown spots and dots, which are larger and sub- confluent in two sublateral darker lines or rows, meeting behind the branchial star upon the back, and smaller on the sides and veil. ‘The tentacles above, and the foot alone beneath are immaculate, the latter being pale pellucid flesh-colour, with the extreme edges yellow. The edges of the veil, and the tips of the dorsal or sublateral branchiferous papillz are fimbriato-ciliate. Of the latter, there are two rows on each side: the lower consisting each of six small and inconspicuous or obsolete papill ; the upper, each of three much larger and more elongate or subcylindric bodies, placed at equal di- stances from one another, two in advance, and the third a little behind the ano-dorsal rose. The head or apex of each of this third or last pair forks into two parts, one of which is subdivided or ciliferous, like the other pairs; the other branch of the fork is simple and cla- vate, ending abruptly in a dark red sort of knob or button. The orifice of generation is on the right side of the neck, beneath the first of the upper row of branchiferous papille. During the animal’s life it appeared simple, but on contraction after death it was found to be composed of two apertures close together; the male organ be- ing exserted from the anterior. The ano-dorsal branchial tuft or star is very large, and placed at Zoological Society. 311 the top of a strong hump or protuberance; the vent being in its centre, as in Doris. It appears, in general, equally five-rayed ; “but assumes occasionally, as it also does sometimes in Doris, the appear- ance of being composed of two bifurcated lateral, and a simple ante- rior branch or ray. Its divisions are regularly and beautifully pec- tinate. The caudal fin-like crest begins a little behind it; and its edge is crisped or irregularly notched and plicate, and even obsoletely ciliate here and there, or fimbriate. In swimming, this crest is stiffly expanded into a broad fin, ending abruptly behind, as in Cuvier’s fig. 4. of Scyllea pelagica (Mém. des Moll.), but with the edge even or entire. In a glass of sea-water, in which this animal lived more than six weeks, it had the usual habits of a Doris, but these with more acti- vity: swimming about violently when disturbed or when provided with a fresh supply of water, in which operation the hind part of the body, with the crested fin-like tail, is lashed from side to side with a strong and regular sculling motion ; the fore-part, with the head or veil expanded also to its full dimensions, being at the same time beat with equal force and regularity in a contrary direction, or obliquely upwards and downwards, stroke for stroke ; these parts (the veil and crest) performing thus alike the office of true fins. At night, espe- cially when thus in motion, it appeared most brilliantly phosphores- cent; the light flashing progressively but very rapidly along the body, especially from all the branchial tufts and the edges of the veil and crest. At other times it remained quiescently adhering to the sides of the glass, or moving slowly up and down as if in search of food; seeming to use the veil as a feeler, but with the tentacles reflexed. Sometimes it crawled in the usual inverted posture along the surface of the water. It is by no means a shy or timid animal. After five or six days, it deposited in the night-time a pale orange- coloured long and narrow riband of eggs, resembling a tape-worm, and loosely coiled up spirally on the side of the glass, to which it was partially attached by one edge. ‘This egg-band was about three inches and a half long and two lines broad, narrowing a little to- wards one end. On two subsequent occasions, at intervals of ten days or a fortnight, it again deposited two similar but smaller bands ; after which, though apparently remaining in full vigour, it retained not more than two-thirds of its former bulk. Its mode of swimming perfectly resembles that of the larva of the gnat so common in our English cisterns of rain-water. The next paper read was from W. J. Broderip, Esq. In this paper the author proceeds with his descriptions of Shells brought to this country by H. Cuming, Esq. In the second volume of the ‘ Zoological Journal’ will be found my notice of the Voluta aulica of Solander, a shell which formed one of the principal ornaments of the Portland Museum, of that of M. de Calonne (in the catalogues of which it is noted as unique), of the Tankerville collection (in the catalogue of which Mr. Sowerby speaks of it as ‘‘ an extremely scarce and fine shell ; the only speci- 312 Zoological Society. men we have seen”), and of my own cabinet, which is now in the British Museum. Mr. Cuming has laid before me some Volutes which he brought from the Philippine Islands, and which, after a careful examination, I think must be referred to this scarce species. Not one of them, however, is identical with the variety in the British Museum (var. a.), which is still, as far as I know, unique. Voluta aulica. Var. a. Without nodules or bands, spotted with large red flakes : Mus. Brit. Figured in the Tankerville catalogue (G. B. Sowerby). Var. b. Flesh-colour, subnodulous, girt with two broad rich red bands mottled with white; spire mottled with red and white, apex coral-red. Length nearly 4 inches, bréadth 1§. Var. c. Flesh-colour, nodulous, lineated longitudinally with close- set,red, somewhat undulated lines, mottled here and there with white, girt by two interrupted rich red bands; spire mottled with red and white, apex coral-red. Length 44, breadth 23th inches. Var. d. Nodulous, whitish, lineated with very close-set, delicate, pale yellowish undulated lines ; body whorl girt with two broad yel- lowish red bands mottled finely with the ground-colour.. The upper band is bordered above with a row of rich dark brown spots approach- ing closely to black, each spot being placed upon a nodule : the lower edge of this band is serrated as it were, and each of the teeth is marked with a spot immediately under the upper spots, but more dashed and somewhat less intense. ‘The upper edge of the lower band is marked in a similar manner, but the spots are less defined. Above the shoulder of the body, whorl is a band of similar colour, with its lower edge dashed with markings of the same colour as those which ornament the other bands, and at similar intervals. T'wo simi- larly coloured spots appear below the third and fourth nodule of the spire just above the suture of the body whorl, which suture almost hides one below the second of those nodules, counting from the edge of the lip. Upper part of the spiral whorls coloured after the same pattern, and brought out by the pale ground-colour of the lower part. Apex yellowish red. Length 34 inches, breadth 14. This description will convey a very faint notion of one of the most beautiful shells I ever saw. Var. e. Sharply nodulous. Dull red, blotched with flesh-colour ; a faint band, palest in the middle at intervals, girds the body whorl below the middle. The tips of the nodules are of the same colour as the blotches. Length 4} inches, breadth 23. Var. f. Very sharply nodulous, the muricated nodules becoming high ridges extending almost half-way down the body whorl. Dull coral-red, with here and there a dash of whitish between the nodules. A very faint band may be traced below the middle of the body whorl, and on its darker upper and lower borders a few white spots appear at intervals as they approach the lip. Length 42ths, breadth 23th inches. —- ; Var. g. Bluntly but highly nodulous on the back, the nodules on Zoological Society. 313 the lower side rather sharper. Whitish, lineated longitudinally with close-set undulated livid lines blotched with clouds and dashes of livid red. A broad pale band girds the body whorl below the middle. Apex reddish white. Length 5}; breadth 3 inches. All these varieties, with the exception of var. a, are in the museum of Mr. Cuming. Conus Vicror. Con. testd subcylindraceo-conicd, flavd, maculis albis inspersd, fasciis 2 moniliformibus latis, nigro-brunneis vel brunneo-castaneis, latis concinné ornatd ; spire mediocris, pyra- midalis, anfractibus excavatis longitudinaliter striatis, subcancel- latis, apice subacuto. Long. 14; lat. % poll. Mus. Cuming, Harford. . Hab. ? This brilliant Cone strikes the eye at once. The bright star-like spots with which the dark necklace-bands are interrupted and re- lieved, and the yellow ground-colour which takes the form of three alternating bands, render it attractive, and|the more minutely it is examined the more it gains on the attention. The necklaces form- ing the moniliform bands, when looked at with a lens, present the appearance of some of the flattened platted chains executed in gold and silver, and the shell altogether is a choice piece of workmanship. The species to which Conus Victor bears most resemblance are Coni nobilis and Ammiralis ; but it comes much nearer to the last in shape and general character, differing, however, from it in the deeper excavation and sculpture of the spire, to say nothing of the discre- pancy in the arrangement of the colouring, which in the only two specimens that I have seen is identical. Of these, the richest in colour is in the fine collection of Mr. Cuming, and the younger, but very perfect specimen, in the choice cabinet of the Rev. A. Harford. A paper by Mr. Lovell Reeve, entitled ‘‘ Descriptions of four new species of Achatina, a genus of Pulmobranchiate mollusks of the family Colimacea,” was then read. Acuatina tacTEA. Ach. testd oblongo-ovatd, solidd, intis ex- tisque quasi fossili, lacted, epidermide levidensi sparsim indutd ; spird regulari, anfractibus longitudinaliter striatis, lineisque mi- nutis circumdatis ; aperturd suboblongd, labro solidiusculo. Reeve, Conch. Syst. vol. ii. pl. 177. fig. 6. Long. 4,45 ; lat. 2;45 poll. Mus, Cuming, Stainforth. Hab. Zanzibar. This beautiful shell, which is in a perfectly live state, and covered with a slight scattered epidermis, is of a rich uniform cream-colour, without the least indication of any pattern; the whorls are very fully striated longitudinally, the strie rather irregularly following the growth of the shell; and they are again characterized by having a number of fine lines running around the upper half of them in an opposite direction. The columella, the aperture, indeed the entire shell, both inside and out, is of rich cream-colour, and by this alone it cannot fail to be recognised. 314 Entomological Society. Acuatina Tincta. Ach. testd oblongo-ovatd, tenuiculd, albicante, maculis grandibus longitudinalibus vivide tinctd, epidermide flavidd indutd ; spird pariim elatd, apice obtuso, rosaceo ; aperturd ob- longd, albd. Reeve, Conch. Syst. vol. ii. pl. 179. fig. 18. Long. 35%; ; lat. 13 poll. Mus. Cuming, Stainforth. Hab. ? probably some part of Africa. The Achatina tincta has a white shell covered with a yellowish epidermis, and it is singularly stained in a longitudinal direction with a deep morone colour. The stains take almost the form of bands in some places, but exhibit no degree of regularity. ACHATINA sly ple Ach. testd ovatd, vie ventricosd, rufo- castaned, epidermide durd, nitente, indutd; anfractibus, ultimo excipiente, longitudinaliter strigatis, strigis albis, nunc rectis, nunc sinuosis, distantibus, de suturis, longitudine variabili, por- rectis ; spird breviusculd, apice obtuso; aperturd ovatd, albd. Reeve, Conch. Syst. vol. ii. pl. 179. fig. 19. Long. 2%; lat. 14 poll. Mus. Cuming. Hab. Cape Natal, coast of Africa. I have named this species, at the request of Mr. Cuming, in honour of Dr. Krayis, who presented it to him on his arrival from Cape Natal, where he had formed a very interesting collection of shells. It is of a dark chestnut colour, and the last and penultimate whorls are marked with small zigzag stripes running from the sutures about half-way down them ; they are distant and somewhat irregular. AcHATINA Picta. Ach. testd ovato-conicd, levi, luted, maculis, quasi Sasciis, viridibus, conspersim ornatd; anfractibus planiusculis, suturis maculis castaneis, transversis, vivide pictis ; spird subelatd, apice minuto, rosaceo ; aperturd orbiculari, flavidd. Reeve, Conch. Syst. vol. ii. pl. 178. fig. 10. Long. 14; lat. # poll. Mus. Stainforth. Hab. ad insulam Cuba, Indiarum Occidentalium. This elegantly painted shell is allied to the Achatina fasciata in form, though it is certainly of lighter texture. The ground-colour is a bright yellow ; there are a few bright green bands crossing the whorls at intervals ; and the sutures of the whorls are ornamented throughout with a banded row of stained chestnut-coloured spots, for the most part touching each other. I only know of one speci- men, and it exhibits as distinct an assemblage of characters as can well be imagined. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. May 2nd, 1842.—W. W. Saunders, Esq., F.L.S., President, in the Chair. Frederick Parry, Esq., exhibited two cases of splendid Lepidoptera from Assam and Jamaica, including specimens of Papilio Agestor, Gray, and P. Cloanthus, Westw. : Mr. A. White exhibited the remarkable cocoon of the North Ame- rican Bombyx crepuscularis, Abb. and Sm., one end of which is closed with a valve. Entomological Society. 315 Mr. Ingpen exhibited a specimen of the common white butterfly which had died in the act of passing from the larva to the chrysalis state. Mr. Westwood exhibited specimens of the pupze of a small species of Cicada, from the body of each of which one or several elongated appendages (clavarie) had been produced. Likewise a numerous collection of the portable cases formed by various insects, chiefly Lepidoptera allied to Oiketicus, Guild., as well as numerous draw- ings of other kinds of cases, observing that in all the instances which had fallen under his notice the larva closes the mouth of the case by fixing the edges of the aperture where the front of the body has for- merly protruded to the stems or leaves of trees, whereas in a draw- ing by Abbott in the British Museum, copied by Mr. Doubleday in the ‘ Entomologist,’ pl. 1. fig. 15, the case ofa species allied to Oike- ticus is affixed by a stalk at the open end to the twig. Mr. Edward Doubleday, who was present, however, affirmed the correctness of the drawing in this respect. Mr. Shuckard mentioned that he had found specimens in the in- digenous collection of the British Museum of Anthocopa Papaveris, and of the genus Ammobates, Latr., both hitherto unrecorded as na- tives of this country. He also exhibited some fine hymenopterous insects from New Holland, including a gigantic species of Megalyra, Westw. A paper was read by Mr. Westwood, containing descriptions of some new exotic Lamellicorn Beetles :— Silphodes Indica, W. S. custaneo-fusca, lateribus rufescentibus ; elytris striato-punctatis, mediocriter setoso-marginatis ; tibiis an- ticis extis (et inter dentes) serratis ; tarsis anticis simplicibus. Long. corp. lin. 54.—Hab. East Ind. Mus. Melly. Silphodes Madagascariensis, W. SS. piceo-castanea, lateribus pe- dibusque magis rufescentibus ; capite anticé latiori ; elytris minus ovatis, punctatis punctis majoribus, striisque tribus levibus, punc- tis utrinque marginatis ; lateribus longe setosis. Long. corp. lin, 53.—Hab. Madagascar. Mus. Melly. Silphodes dubia, W. S. nigricans, lateribus viz setosis ; prothorace levi ; elytris sub lente irregulariter punctatis, lineis tribus levibus in singulo, punctis utrinque marginatis ; tibiis anticis extern? (et inter dentes) serratis—Long. corp. lin. 44.—Hab. >? Mus. Hope. June 6, 1842.—W. W. Saunders, Esq., F.L.S., President, in the Chair. Mr. Bond brought for distribution amongst the members, speci- mens of Blethisa multipunctata and Callidium violaceum, and Mr. Evans specimens of Cleonis nebulosa and a rare species of Chryso- mela. Mr. S. Stevens exhibited a box of Coleoptera captured near Charl- ton, Kent, comprising several rare species. Mr. Ingpen exhibited some branches of the spindle trees growing in Lincoln’s-Inn-Fields, covered with multitudes of a species of Coccus. 316 Entomological Society. Mr. F. Bond exhibited specimens of Schizocerus pallipes 3 and Cladius difformis 3, from Stanmore, Middlesex ; also a beautiful va- riety of Pecilophasia marginata. He also presented a number of cocoons of the small Honey-Moth. Mr. Stephens exhibited larve of Nyssia zonaria bred from eggs received from Mr. Gregson. Mr. Westwood exhibited a specimen of a species of Typhlopone, together with a female of a large species of Ant which had lost its wings, brought from Algiers by M. Lucas, to the former of which was attached the following note :—‘‘ Fourmie trouvée dans une four- miliére qui par sa présence fait fuire les vrais habitans de la fourmi- liére ;’ the wingless ant being one of the latter.. This fact was of interest as determining the real nature of the genus Typhlopone, which Mr. Shuckard has regarded as composed of female Dorylide, but which Mr. Westwood considered to be true Formicide. He also exhibited specimens of a new species of Cetoniide from Madagascar, remarkable for the thick coating of coloured hairs on the hind tarsi {since figured in the ‘ Arcana Entomologica,’ under the name of Chro- moptilia diversipes, W.]. He also exhibited the pupa of a species of Eumenia, a genus of butterflies, presented to him by M. Boisduval, which was attached by the tail as well as girt round the middle of the body, thus proving this anomalous genus to consist of gigantic Polyommatide. Also a singular larva of some unknown Coleopterous insect [Passalus ?] which possesses only four feet, the third or poste- rior pair being reduced to a very minute size. The following memoirs were read :— Description of a new British Julus.. By George Newport, Esq. Iulus pilosus, Newp. Very like lulus terrestris, but smaller and more elegantly formed. Black, shining, segments fifty-six, deeply striated longitudinally, with the margin of each, more especially of all the posterior segments, set with fine white hairs ; anal spine compressed and elongated. The chief characteristics of this species are the fringe of delicate hairs at the posterior margin of the segments, and the number of the latter, which amounts to fifty-six; while in Julus terrestris, with which this species may readily be confounded, there are never more than fifty-one, and usually but fifty. It occurs in the neighbourhood of London at the end of May, but is not common. Description of Depressaria Gossypiella, a small moth which is very destructive to the cotton plant in India. By W. W. Saunders, Esq., President. The insect in question, which was communicated to the author by Dr. Royle, has committed great ravages in the cotton plantations at Broach in Western India, whence it was sent by Dr. Barn, super- intendent of the government cotton plantations. In a commercial point of view, therefore, the means to be employed for its destruction are of importance. The eggs are deposited in the germen at the time of flowering, and the larva feeds on the cotton seed until the pod is ready to burst, a little previous to which it opens a round hole in the Entomological Society. 317 side of the pod through which it descends to the ground, into which it burrows about an inch, where it assumes the pupa state. Depressaria Gossypiella. Dark fuscous brown, the head and thorax somewhat lighter in colour ; fore wings with an undefined round blackish spot on the disk a little above the centre of a fascia of the same colour, crossing the wings a little above the apex, which itself is black; under wings silvery gray, darker towards the hinder margin. Length ;4;ths of an inch. Descriptions of new Australian Chrysomelide allied to Cryptoce- phalus. By W. W. Saunders, Esq., President. The name Anodonta having been previously employed in zoology, the author proposes the name of Jdiocephala in its stead, and de- scribes the following new species :— Sp. 7. Idiocephala similis, S. Black ; head, thorax and elytra deeply punctured, the latter with the surface undulating, somewhat fuscous at the apex ; body beneath with the sides of the mesosternal region and of the abdominal segments silvery pilose ; legs with a purplish iridescence. Length ;=);4th of an inch. Cabinet Ent. Club. Inhabits New Holland. Sp. 8. Idiocephala Tasmanica, S. Head rufous brown, with three round yellow facial spots ; antenne brown, darker at the tip, basal joint yellow ; thorax rich rufous brown, margins yellow, and with two yellow longitudinal lines on the disk behind; elytra rufous brown, with the apex and margin round the scutellum yellow, each with four longitudinal carine ; legs rufous brown. Length 34% th of an inch. Cabinet Ent. Soc. Lond. Inhabits Van Diemen’s Land. C. Darwin, Esq. Sp. 9. Idiocephala Darwinii, S. Head black, with a large trian- gular patch in front; antenne dusky brown, basal joints rusty brown beneath ; thorax rufous brown, pitchy in front ; elytra punc- tate-striate, dark metallic green, the apex luteous; legs horn- coloured ; tarsi dusky. Length ;85thof an inch. Cabinet Ent. Soc. Lond. Taken near Sydney, N. 8S. Wales. C. Darwin, Esq. Sp. 10. Idiocephala semibrunnea, S. Head shining black; face rufous brown ; antenne black, basal joints rufous brown; thorax rufous brown; scutellum shining black ; elytra brown, punctate- striate, margined with black, which ascends half-way along the su- ture ; legs horny brown ; tarsi pitchy. Length ;35th of an inch. Cabinet Ent. Soc. London. Taken near Sydney by Mr. Darwin. Monograph of the genus Nyctelia. By G. R. Waterhouse, Esq., who exhibited the extensive collection of that group belonging to the Marquis de Breme, who was present at the meeting. [This memoir has subsequently been published in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society. ] Descriptions of new species of insects collected at Adelaide in South-Western Australia by Mr. Fortnum. By the Rey. F. W. Hope. Fam. Burrestipaz, Sp. 1. Stigmodera Fortnumi. Violacea, capite viridi, thorace 318 Entomological Society. punctulato lateribus flavo-marginatis, medio purpurascenti ; elytris ternisque latis fasciis flavis insignitis. Long. lin. 18, lat. lin. 8. Sp. 2. Stigmodera Parryi. Nigra, capite antic? argenteo ; thorace nigro-punctato ; elytris miniatis ad basin maculis ternis atris in- signitis, binis externé humeralibus et elongatis, tertioque infra scu- tellum posito. Long. lin. 33, lat.lin.l. _ Sp. 3. Stigmodera Guerinii. Violacea, thorace nigro marginibus auratis ; elytris antice et postice nigro-violaceis, in medio fascid latd flava insignitis. Long. lin. 3, lat. lin. 14. Sp. 4. Conognatha Bremei. Nigra, capite eneo, medio fortiter impresso ; thorace bronzeo, disco punctatissimo lined longitudinali, in medio vix impressd, foved utrinque fortiter insculptd ; elytris nigris, binis fasciis rubris. Long. lin. 9, lat. lin. 33. Sp. 5. Conognatha coccinata, Hope. Coccinea, capite viridi an- tennisque concoloribus ; thorace lete miniato maculis ternis viri- dibus insignito ; elytris coccineis, tribus fasciis lete viridibus or- natis, primd basali duobus aliis fere apicalibus, Long. lin. 51, lat. lin. 2. Fam. CaAnTHARID&. Tmesidera, Westwood in Guérin, Mag. Zool. Sp. 6. Tmesidera violacea, Hope. Véolacea, capite nigro ; thorace nigro antice capite latiori, angulis anticis rotundatis, posticis fere rectis ; elytris varioloso-rugosis ; corpore infra rubro. Long. lin. 52, lat. lin, 13. Sp. 7. Tmesidera assimilis. Nigra, antennis pedibusque concolo- ribus et nitidis ; elytris rubro-testaceis lineis pari elevatis. Long. lin. 44, lat. lin. 14. Sp. 8. Tmesidera rubricollis. Nigra, thorace rubro, elytris atris subrugosis pedibusque concoloribus ; corpore infra nigro. Long. lin, 3, lat. lin. 1. Fam. CaraBip2z. Sp. 9. CalosomaCurtisii. Viride, thorace fere glabro postice fortiter impresso ; elytris striato-punctatis et rugosis, punctisque impressis, in triplici serie ordinatis ; infra piceum; pedibus antennisque piceis. Long. lin. 10, lat. lin. 4. Sp. 10. Calosoma Australe. Nigro-eneum, thorace subcordato punctulato, postice utrinque fortiter impresso ; elytris nigro-eneis, confertim punctato-striatis, punctis subeneis in triplici serie or- dinatis. Long. lin. 10, lat. lin. 33. Fam. HeTreromorpuip2#, Hope. Silphomorpha, Westwood. Sp. 11. Sil. Orectocheiloides, Hope. Corpore supra nigro-piceo lateribus thoracis marginibusque elytrorum pallidioribus, infra brunneo-picea, antennis pedibusque concoloribus. Long. lin. 6}, lat. lin. 23. Sp. 12. Adelotopus Fortnumi, Hope. Niger, marginibus lateralibus thoracis piceis, palpis ferrugineis ; corpus infra atro-piceum, seg- mentis abdominis postice brunneo-piceis, pedibus concoloribus. Long. lin. 34, lat. lin. 1}. Botanical Society of Edinburgh. 319 Fam. Harpanip2. Acinopus, Ziegler. Sp. 13. Ac. Australis, Hope. Niger, thorace magno, transvers? sub- rugoso, marginibus externis thoracis postice let? cupreis ; elytris fere glabris, marginibus subeneis et punctatis. Long. lin, 9, lat. lin. 25. Fam. ByrruipZ. Sp. 14. Anthrenus Australis. Niger, capite atro, thorace medio concolori marginibus externis albis ; elytris tribus fasciis undatis albis ; corpore infra nigro. Long. lin. 14, lat. lin. 4. Fam. Meuyrip&. Sp. 15. Dasytes nigricans, Hope. Ater pubescens, thorace longi- oribus capillis obsito; elytris atro-brunneis marginibus externis . pallidioribus. Long. lin. 13, lat. lin. 2. Sp. 16. Dasytes fuscipennis. After, antennis rubris ; thorace pu- bescente, nigro ; elytris fusco-testaceis punctatis, pedibus concolori- bus. Long. lin, 12, lat. lin. ¢. Fam. PsELAPHIDz. Articerus, Dalman. Sp. 17. Articerus Fortnumi. Sanguineus, capite elongato-ovato Sronte rotundato ; thorace fere quadrato, angulis anticis rotundatis, medio impresso ; elytris thorace latioribus marginibus posticis ni. gricantibus ; abdomine postice rotundato utrinque maculd nigrd insignito. Long. lin. 4, lat. lin, 4. Mr. Evans communicated a notice relative to an exotic species of caterpillar of large size and black colour with red spots, the hairs of which are so rigid that they penetrate into the flesh when incau- tiously handled, causing much pain and inflammation. Mr. Westwood stated that he had recently acquired the greater part of Latreille’s original collection of bees from the Abbé Blondeau, by whom it had been purchased at the sale of the collection of Baron Déjean. ’ Mr. Edward Doubleday (in allusion to Mr. Saunders’s paper) stated that in North America he had observed that the cotton plants are. not attacked by any of the Tineide, but that they suffer greatly from the attacks of several species of Noctuidae, BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH. February 9, 1843.—Professor Graham in the Chair. Professor Graham then read a highly interesting account of his botanical excursion in Ross-shire, during August 1842, with a party of friends :— The party left Edinburgh on the 21st of August, and met at Ding- wall—thence they walked by Garve, Auchnalt, &c. for Kinlochewe. On the low hills near Garve they found a sprinkling of alpine vegeta- tion, and Nymphea alba, beautifully in flower, in a pool near the top of 320 Botanical Society of Edinburgh. one of them, at a higher elevation than had been previously observed. The season having been remarkably dry, all the lakes were far below their usual level, and in consequence such plants as Lobelia Dort- manna, Subularia aquatica, &c. were seen, wondering at each other, in flower and fruit, on dry ground. Things, however, were now changed, for the party had scarcely a dry day during the whole of their excursion, and few such as admitted of the vegetation being carefully examined. Several days were spent among the mountains about Loch Maree, which are chiefly composed of red sandstone, with quartz tops, and by no means prolific in interesting vegetation. Cornus suecica, Saussurea alpina, Hieracium alpinum, Rubus Cha- memorus, Arbutus alpina, Azalea procumbens, Cherleria sedoides, Sib- baldia procumbens, &c. were among the rarest plants observed ; and rather unusually, all the six Lycopodie were picked nearly in one spot. Tofieldia palustris, Thalictrum alpinum and Malazis paludosa occurred at the bottom of the cliffs, and Salix herbacea was found sparingly on the red sandstone below the summit cliffs of Ben Tarshan. Op- posite Applecross, in a bog which the tide could seldom reach, were picked specimens of Blysmus rufus two feet high. Here there is an extent of limestone country, easily recognised at the distance of se- veral miles by a marked improvement in the pasturage. On it the party met with Schenus nigricans, Gentiana amarella, Listera ovata and Epipactis latifolia, with pale flowers, but searched in vain for Dryas octopetala, which occurs profusely in similar soils in Sutherland. In an old deserted garden between Sheildag and Janetown they observed Althea officinalis, Aconitum Napellus and other introduced plants. They also saw near Janetown Ulex europeus (a rare plant in the west of Ross-shire) growing freely, and producing abundance of seed, and the elder seemed to thrive peculiarly well. The mountains at the head of Loch Duich seemed to the party the finest they had seen, more magnificent even than those at the head of Loch Torri- don, which again were more imposing than the much-extolled, and certainly very superb, groups bordering Loch Maree ; but differences in the weather might have had some influence on the effect produced, Proceeding southward, the party enjoyed one fine day at Clunie, and examined with considerable attention some very promising mountains to the south-west of the inn. These are crumbling and micaceous, but want elevation to produce alpine plants, and the mildness of the western climate renders that all the more necessary. The only interesting vegetable feature was an immense profusion of Saussurea alpina; though in spring, before vegetation gets rank, it is not unlikely that these cliffs might be found more productive. A patch of snow observed on the south side of Maamsool, a mountain about twenty miles north of Clunie, made the party desirous of visiting it ; but here again the weather baffled their intentions. The party took Ben Nevis on their route, but the same cause rendered them unable to examine as they wished its magnificent cliffs. ‘They, however, picked some interesting plants, and among the rest Carex saratilis, but only in one spot. In concluding his remarks, Dr. Graham observes :—‘‘ The scenery Botanical Society of Edinburgh. 321 we passed in the west of Ross-shire was magnificent ; and in fine weather, if ever such shall occur in that district, it may occasion less disappointment, botanically, than we experienced. The disap- pearance of the forests from this and a great part of the Highlands of Scotland is a phenomenon which I cannot account for. Certainly it is not a change of climate, for in many districts the forests have perpetuated themselves by their own seedlings ; and even where they have not, solitary seedlings of Scotch fir, birch and poplar occasion- ally spring up and thrive. It could not have been that the trees were cut. for the purposes of the population, for the population is, and always must have been, from want of food, very limited. Fr is the only natural agent I can think of which was capable of effecting such » destruction, but the remains of the trees have no appearance of ha- ving been burnt; and I doubt whether any of my companions, after our experience in a season which has parched up all of Scotland ex- cept the district we were in, will believe they ever could have been long enough dry to burn. A letter to Professor Graham from Mr. N. B. Ward, F.L.S., on the introduction of the Musa Cavendisii into the Navigator Islands, was read :— : ‘* When Mr. Williams was about to leave England in 1839 for the Navigators, he was anxious to take with him some useful plants, and particularly the Musa. He inquired of me whether I thought that it would travel safely in one of the glazed cases, and having received an answer in the affirmative, he applied to his Grace the Duke of Devonshire, who kindly gave him a healthy young plant. Mr. Wil- liams left England on the 11th of April 1839, and arrived at Upolu, one of the Navigator Islands, at the end of the following November. The Musa bore this long voyage well, and was transplanted into a favourable situation soon after its arrival. In May 1840 it borea fine cluster of fruit, exceeding 300 in- number, and weighing nearly a hundred-weight. The parent plant then died, leaving behind more than thirty young ones. These were distributed to various parts of the island, and in the followimg May (1841) when Mrs. Williams left the island, all of these were in a fructiferous state, and producing numerous off-sets. Supposing the plants to continue to increase in the same ratio, there will be in the ensuing May (of 1843) more than 800,000 of them, and as the son of Mr. Williams is established as a merchant at Upolu, is owner of two vessels constantly employed in trading between the various islands in the South Pacific, and is more- over actuated by the same benevolent disposition which was a striking characteristic of his late father, there cannot be a doubt, but that, in a very short time, they will be common in all the islands. To estimate the importance of the introduction of this plant, we must bear in mind the great quantity of nutritious food furnished by the Banana. Humboldt has told us that he was never wearied with astonishment at the smallness of the portion of soil, which, in Mexico and the ad- joining provinces, would yield sustenance to a family for a year, and that the same extent of ground, which in wheat would maintain only two persons, would yield sustenance under the Banana to fifty, al- Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 322 Geological Society. though in that favoured region the return of wheat is never under seventy, and sometimes as much as a hundred-fold. The return, on an average, in Great Britain, is not more than nine for one.” Mr. Ralf’s paper on the Diatomacee, No. 3, was then read, con- taining descriptions of the genera Striatella Tessella and Tetra cyclas. “On the Development of Leaves ;” by Dr. Dickie, Lecturer on Botany, King’s College, Aberdeen. The author concluded by stating, “that it cannot be said that the forms of leaves in flowering plants have any dependence whatever on their venation, since young leaves are lobed, &c. previous to the appearance of the veins. The truth appears to be, that the quantity of cellular tissue in a leaf determines ‘the development and positions of the veins, and not the opposite.” GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. June 29, 1842.—A paper ‘ On the Fossil Foot-prints of Birds and Impressions of Rain-drops in the Valley of the Connecticut.” By Charles Lyell, Esq., V.P.G.S. The deposit in which these impressions, long known on account of the researches of Prof. Hitchcock, occur, is situated in a trough of hypogene rocks, about five miles broad, the strata, which consist of sandstone, shale and conglomerate, dipping uniformly to the east at angles that vary from 5° to 30°. Mr. Lyell first examined the red sandstone at Rocky Hill, three miles south of Hartford, in Connec- ticut, where it is associated ‘with red shale and capped by twenty feet of greenstone. Many of the beds are rippled, and cracks in the shale are filled by the materials of the superincumbent sandy layer, showing, the author observes, a drying and shrinking of the mud while the accumulation of the strata was in progress. The next quarries he examined were at Newark in New Jersey, about ten miles west from New York city. The excavations are extensive, and the strata dip, as is usual in New Jersey, to the north-west, or in an opposite direction to the inclination in the valley of Con- necticut, a ridge of hypogene rocks intervening. The angle is about 35° near Newark. ‘The beds exhibited ripple-marks and casts of cracks, also impressions of rain-drops on the upper surface of the fine red shales. Mr. Lyell states, that he felt some hesitation respecting the impressions first assigned to the action of rain by Mr. Cunning- ham of Liverpool, but he is now convinced of the justness of the inference, having observed similar markings produced on very soft mud by rain at Brooklyn in Long Island (New York). On the same mud were the foot-prints of fowls, some of which had been made before the rain and some after it. Mr. Lyell next visited the red and green shales of Cabotville, north of Springfield in Massachusetts, where some of the best Ornithich- nites have been procured, chiefly in the green shale. The dip of the beds is 20° to the east, a higher inclination, the author says, than could have belonged to a sea-beach. He observed in the same quar- ries ripple-marks as well as casts of cracks, and he was informed that the impressions of rain-drops have likewise been found. In company with Prof. Hitchcock, Mr. Lyell afterwards examined a natural section near Smith’s Ferry, on the right bank of the Con- Geological Society. 323 necticut, about eleven miles north of Springfield. The rock con- sists of thin-bedded sandstone with red-coloured shale. Some of the flags are distinctly ripple-marked, and the dip of the layers on which the Ornithichnites are imprinted, in great abundance, varies from eleven to fifteen degrees. Many superimposed beds must have been successively trodden upon, as different sets of tracks are traced through a thickness of sandstone exceeding ten feet; and Prof. Hitchcock pointed out-to the author that some of the beds exposed several yards farther down the river, and containing Ornithichnites, would, if prolonged, pass under those of the principal locality, and make the entire thickness throughout which the impressions prevail, at intervals, perhaps twenty or thirty feet. Mr. Lyell, therefore, con- ceives that a continued subsidence of the ground took place during the deposition of the layers on which the birds walked. It has been suggested, but the opinion has not been adopted by Prof. Hitchcock, that the eastward slope of the beds represents that of the original beach. With a view to this question, Mr. Lyell exa- mined the direction of the ripple-marks, and found that it agreed with the dip, or was at right angles to the supposed line of beach; but he adds, though this agreement presents a formidable objection to the suggestion above alluded to, if the ripples were produced by waves, yet it does not disprove the opinion, as the ripples do not exceed in dimensions those which are produced by sand blown over a muddy beach, and often distributed at right angles to the coast-line. In- stances of this effect of the wind Mr. Lyell has remarked along the shores of Massachusetts. Nevertheless he is of opinion that the rippled layer of sandstone in question contains too much clay to have resulted from blown sand, and he is disposed to think that in most of these localities the strata have been tilted, instances of such dis- turbance having been pointed out to him by Prof. Hitchcock in the state of Massachusetts, and by Mr. Percival near Newhaven in Con- necticut. In reference to this subject, he says, that a few miles from Smith’s Ferry a conglomerate, several hundred feet thick, containing angular and rounded fragments of trap and red sandstone, the base being sometimes a vesicular trap and trap tuff, passes upwards into the very flags on which Ornithichnites occur; and from this he infers, hat there were eruptions of trap, accompanied by upheaval and par- tial denudation, during the deposition of the red sandstone. With respect to the impressions having been made by birds, Mr. Lyell states, that until he examined the whole of the evidence he entertained some scepticism, notwithstanding the luminous account given by Prof. Hitchcock. In proof of their being the foot-prints of some creature walking on mud or sand, he mentions, Ist, the fact of Prof. Hitchcock’s having seen 2000 impressions, all, like those he had himself examined, indented in the upper surface of the layer, the casts in relief being always on the lower surface ; and 2ndly, that where there is a single line of impressions the marks are uniform in size, and nearly uniform in distance from each other, the toes in the successive steps turning alternately right and left. Such single lines, Mr. Lyell says, indicate that the animal was a biped, and the trifid marks resemble those which a bird leaves, there being generally a be. 324 Geological Sociely. deviation from a straight line in any three successive prints ; and his attention having been called to indications of joints in the different toes, he afterwards clearly recognised similar markings in the recent steps of coots and other birds on the sands of the shores of Massa- chusetts. Prof. Hitchcock has shown, that the same impression ex~ tends through several lamine, decreasing in distinctness in propor- tion as the layer recedes from that in which it is most strongly marked, or in proportion as the sediment filled up the hollows and restored the surface to a level; and Mr. Lyell states, that he has observed a great number of instances of this fact. 7 | He also says, that he can scarcely doubt that some of the impres- sions on the red sandstone of Connecticut are not referable to birds, but he believes that the gigantic ones described by Prof. Hitchcock are Ornithichnites. At Smith’s Ferry they are so numerous that a bed of shale many yards square is trodden into a most irregular and jagged surface, so that there is not a trace of a distinct footstep ; but on withdrawing from this area to spots where the same tracts are fewer, the observer, Mr. Lyell says, is forced to admit that the effect in each case has been produced by this cause. On examining the shores on some small islands about fifteen miles south-east from Savannah, the author was struck with the number as well as the clearness of the tracks of raccoons and opossums imprinted in the mud during the four preceding hours, or after the tide had be- gun toebb. Atone spot, where the raccoons had been attracted by the ovsters, the impressions were as confused as when a flock of sheep has passed over a muddy road ; and in consequence of a gentle breeze blowing parallel to the line of cliffs composed of quartzose sand, the tracks had in many places already become half-filled with blown sand, and in others were entirely obliterated ; so that if the coast should subside, the consolidation of this sand would afford casts analogous to those of Storeton Hill in Cheshire, yet the im- pressions had been made and filled in a few hours. i When considering the broad question whether the fossil foot-prints: were made by creatures walking on mud or sand after the ebbing of the tide, Mr. Lyell reminds his readers of the fact that in the United States, as in Saxony and Cheshire, the tracks in sandstone and shale are accompanied by littoral appearances, as ripple-marks, the casts of cracks in the clay, and often by the marks of rain. In regard to the age of the red sandstone of the valley of the _Connecticut and New Jersey, the author states he has nothing to add to what had been previously advanced, by which its position had been shown to be between the carboniferous and cretaceous series. In the neighbourhood of Durham, Connecticut, he had col- lected in the sandstone, fishes of the genera Paleoniscus and Cato- pterus, but no other organic remains, except fossil wood. In conclusion, Mr. Lyell remarks, Ist, that the Ornithichnites of Connecticut should teach extreme caution in inferring the non- existence of land animals from the absence of their remains in con- temporaneous marine strata; 2ndly, that when this red sandstone of Connecticut was deposited, there was Jand in the immediate vici- nity of the places where the Ornithichnites occur; and that but for Miscellaneous. 325 them it might naturally be inferred that the nearest land was several miles distant, namely, that of the hypogene rocks which bound the basin of the Connecticut. Now, the land that caused the sea-beach, Mr. Lyell says, must have been formed of the same sandstone which was then in the act of accumulating, in the same manner as where deltas are advancing upon the sea. In a postscript, Mr. Lyell states, that subsequently to writing the paper he had read the luminous report of Mr. Vanuxem on the Or- nithichnites described by Prof. Hitchcock, and though it agrees in substance with his own account in some particulars, yet that he has left his notice as it stood. MISCELLANEOUS. ON THE PEARL OYSTER OF CEYLON. ‘“‘ [ry may interest some of your conchological acquaintances to know that Avicula radiata of Leach is the far-famed Pearl Oyster of Cey- lon. I have got plenty of all ages destined for the Belfast Museum. I send you asketch* of the fry which roves about near the surface of the sea; it in scarcely any respect resembles the full-grown shell.” Vide Nat. Misc., vol. i. pl. 43.—E tract from R. Templeton’s, Esq., R.A., letter from Colombo in Ceylon, May 19, 1842. FOSSIL REMAINS IN ESSEX. To the Editors of the Annals of Natural History. GrnTLEMEN,—Fossil remains of Mammalia have been met with so often in the county of Essex that their occurrence now almost ceases to excite surprise, but.a large portion of a fossil tusk of the elephant has very recently been found at Grays Thurrock, of di- mensions so large as to favour the impression, that the animal to which it formerly belonged must have arrived at the maximum size of those giants of the animal kingdom. This fine fossil in its present state is two feet eleven inches in length; it is broken off at both ends, and appears to have formed the middle third part of the tusk in length. At its larger extremity it is 194 inches in circumference, and when it is considered that no part of the cavity forming the alveolus can be seen, that portion being broken off and with it more of the larger end of the tusk pro- bably ;—bearing this in mind, we may fairly infer that the tusk was quite as long as our conclusions warrant in drawing from the facts before us. At its smaller end it is broken off at that part which gives us fifteen inches circumference, and as to its length, by following the two outer curvatures of this fragment to a point, these lines meet at a distance of about three feet from the smaller circumference ; and if we allow little more than two feet from its larger end for the alveolus and other missing portions, we then have a length of between eight and nine feet when this tusk was whole. * The figure will be given in one of the Plates of our present volume.—Ep. 326 Miscellaneous. This fossil was discovered about a month ago in a bed of detritus, thirty feet from the surface, in a brick-field, at the locality before mentioned in this county; a locality rich in mammalian and other fossil remains, vide pages 262 and 263, vol. ix. of this work ; and it is now in the collection of Mrs. Mills of Lexden Park, near Colches- ter, to whose kindness I am indebted for the measurements of this relic of days long gone by; another fact illustrating the alteration in the fauna of our planet. I am, Gentlemen, yours very truly, Stanway, Feb. 4, 1843. Joun Brown. NOTICE OF THE DISCOVERY OF AN ELECTRICAL FISH ON THE AMERICAN COAST. BY D. HUMPHREYS STORER, M.D. A species of Ray possessing electrical powers has been known to / the fishermen of Cape Cod and New York for many years, and called ‘by them the cramp-fish or numb-fish. Mitchell, in his paper on the « Fishes of New York,” contained in the first volume of the Transac- tions of the Literary and Philosophical Society of New York, refers to this species; he had never seen it, but, from the facts he was enabled to collect respecting it, he supposed it to be identical with the European species ‘‘ Raia torpedo,” and as such introduces it into his memoir. In my Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, I merely observed that a Torpedo was found on the coast of Cape Cod, but being unable to procure a specimen, I could not identify it. I have had the good fortune to procure a fine specimen within the last month, which was captured at Wellfleet; it was 4 feet 2 inches in length, and proves to be a Torpedo nobiliana, Bonaparte. It agrees perfectly with Mr. Thompson’s description, in the fifth volume of the ‘Annals of Natural History,’ of a specimen taken on the Irish coast in 1838. As some time may elapse before I can publish a contemplated paper on our fishes, I would avail myself of your valuable Journal to make the above-mentioned fact known to ichthyologists.—Silliman’s Journal, Jan. 1843. ON A PECULIAR SENSATION CAUSED BY SOME MOLLUSCA. BY FRANCIS M. JENNINGS. On the 2nd of May, 1842, I brought before the Cork Cuvierian Society a short notice of a curious fact I had observed in some fresh- water mollusca, viz. a power of causing a peculiar sensation when placed on the tongue ; this may be experienced by putting the Lim- neus periger, a small univalve shell which abounds in most ponds and lakes in this country, into the mouth, and allowing the foot of the animal to remain for a few minutes on the tongue, when the sensa- tion will be felt, varying in intensity according to the size of the ani- mal and the length of time it is allowed to remain. The sensation, though not decidedly painful, is yet rather dis- agreeable whilst it continues, frequently lasting from one to two hours, being exerted with greater energy during warm than cold weather. I tried a few experiments to ascertain whether the power Meteorological Observations. 327 arose from an acid secretion, capable of being emitted at pleasure by the animal, but so far without success. I hope these few observations will be the means of directing the attention of naturalists to this subject, which has hitherto, I believe, escaped their notice. Brown Street, Cork, March 4, 1843. Francis M. JENNINGS. Mr. Jennings having sent the foregoing to me to forward for pub- lication, I beg to add, that I repeated his experiment with a similar result to that he describes. I understand that Mr. Armstrong of this city, having, in collecting Ancyli, put some of them into his mouth, experienced the same painful action from the contact of these animals with his tongue. As I am not aware that the subject is rightly understood, I think it worth bringing under notice. Dublin, March 13, 1848. Rosert Batu. .7 sige METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR FEB. 1843. Chiswick.— Feb. 1. Very fine: cloudy. 2. Heavy rain: overcast. 9%. Stormy showers: boisterous. 4. Stormy: very boisterous, 5, Clear and frosty. 6. Cloudy. 7. Hazy: sleet. 8. Dense fog: hazy and cold. 9. Cold easterly haze. 10, Densely clouded. 11. Uniformly overcast. 12. Slight drizzle. 13. Frosty: hazy: sharp frost at night. 14. Frosty: cloudy: severe frost. 15. Sharp frost: snow flakes: frosty. 16. Dry air and frosty: overcast, 17. Clear and frosty: very fine: stormy at night. 18. Stormy, with drifting snow. 19. Overcast: heavy rain. 20. Rain: foggy. 21. Foggy: fine: foggy. 22. Slight rain: cloudy. 23. Very fine. 24. Foggy: cold easterly haze, 25. Slight drizzle: stormy. 26. Sleet: drizzly. 27. Stormy and wet: barometer very low. 28. Cloudy.—Mean temperature of the month 3°°8 below the average. Boston.—Feb. 1. Fine. 2. Rain: stormy, withrainr.m. 3. Fine: stormy, with snow p.m.: stormy night. 4. Stormy: hailand snow p.m. 5. Fine. 6. Fine : rain and snow v.m. 7. Cloudy: raine.m. 8. Cloudy. 9. Fine. 10. Fine: rain p.M. 11. Rain: rainearly a.m.: rain p.m. 12. Cloudy. 13. Fine. 14— 16. Cloudy. 17. Fine. 18. Cloudy: snow a.m; 19. Cloudy: rainr.m. 20. Cloudy: rain early a.M.: rainp.m., 21. Cloudy. 22. Rain: rain early a.m: rain a.M. 23, Fine. 24. Cloudy. 25. Cloudy: rain and snow p.m. 26—28. Cloudy. Sandwick Manse, Orkney.—Feb. 1. Showers. 2, At 14,P.mM. wind N.W.: stormy, with drift. 3. Snow-drift: at 12 at night a stormegan. 4. Cloudy: thaw: frost. 5. Cloudy: frost. 6. Bright: frost: thaw: aurora. 7. Clear: frost: thaw. 8. Bright: thaw: damp. 9, 10, Cloudy: frost. 11. Drizzly showers: clear hoar-frost. 12. Clear frost: clear hoar-frost. 15. Showers: snow-showers. 14, Snow-drift. 15. Clear: snowing. 16, 17. Snow-showers : clear. 18. Clear: cloudy. 19. Bright: cloudy. 20. Bright: thaw. 21. Cloudy : thaw. 22. Snow-showers: cloudy: frost. 23. Clear and frosty. 24. Bright: cloudy: thaw. 25. Cloudy: frost. 26. Cloudy: snow-showers. 27. Snow- showers: clear and frosty. 28. Clear and frosty : snow-shewers. | Applegarth Manse, Dum/fries-shire—Feb. 1. Heavy showers p.m. 2. Snow- showers. 3. Snow: frost p.m. 4. Frost and snow. 5. Fine, but frosty. 6, Frost a.M.:rainr.m, 7. Thaw: high wind p.m. 8. Mild and fair. 9. Fair, but chilly. 10. Sprinkling of snow: frost. 11,12, Fair: no frost. 13. Frost: fine. 14, Frost. 15, Frost: shower of snow. 16—18. Frost. 19. Slight frost. 20. Snow and sleet. 21. Slight rain. 22. Fair. 23, 24. Showery. 25. Fine and fair, 26. Fair, but cloudy. 27. Fair. 28. 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No.71. MAY 1843. _—— XLVI.—Additional Evidence proving the Australian Pachy- derm described in a former Number of the ‘ Annals’ to be a DiNoTHERIUM, with remarks on the Nature and Affinities of that genus. By Prof. Owen, F.R.S. In the January Number of the ¢ Annals of Natural History ’ (p. 7) I described some fossils transmitted from Australia by Sir Thos. L. Mitchell, and referred them to the Proboscidian family of Pachyderms, pointing out the close resemblance of the broken tooth (figs. 2 and 3, p. 9) to the molars of the Di- notherium and Mastodon, but more especially to those of the Dinotherium, on account of the size and shape of the trans-. verse ridges ; although, as their number in the entire tooth Fig. 1. Dinotherium Australe: one-third nat. size. could not be ascertained from the fossil, it could not with cer- tainty be referred to that genus. I have this morning been favoured by Sir Thos. Mitchell with a letter containing two figures of the portion of the jaw- bone referred to in his former letter, but which he has not been able to procure for transmission, and these figures prove the Australian Pachyderm to be a Dinotherium, not a Mastodon. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. Z 330 Prof. Owen on a new species of Dinotherium, In the genus Mastodon the antero-posterior diameter of the molars and the number of the transverse eminences or pairs of tubercles on their grinding surface increase, as the teeth are placed further back in the jaw: thus, in the M. giganteus, whose teeth bear most resemblance to the Dinotherian type, the first and second molars have two transverse ridges, the third and fourth have three ridges, and the last molar has four or five ridges. In the portion of jaw from the Darling Downs, figured by Sir Thomas Mitchell, which contains the third and fourth molars, the former (fig. 1, 6) hasthree transverse ridges, and is of greater antero-posterior extent than the fourth molar, which has only two transverse ridges. In the shape as well as proportions of the teeth, the Australian fossil agrees with the different species of Dinotherium that have been dis- covered in the Miocene of Europe. The Australian species is somewhat less than the Dinotherium medium of Kaup. ‘The Fig. 2. = 2s, we z b/ i\ = i as ‘\ oo 4, i 4 “ q 4 4 a GC —=s ) 7 = K, W eae: ey Grinding surface of third and fourth molars. Dinotherium Australe: one-third nat. size. degree of correspondence, in both size and shape, of the teeth in the jaw figured by Sir Thos. Mitchell with the portion of the molar represented at p. 9, figs. 2 and 3, would indicate the latter to be part of an anterior molar of the same species of Dinotkerium, if not of the same individual. The traces in the femur of the unobliterated junction of the condyloid epiphysis with the shaft of the bone indicated it te have belonged to a young though nearly full-grown animal, and it would seem that the last molar of the lower jaw had not come into place, for in the figure of the portion of the jaw, the cavity which contained it appears to be indicated at a, fig. 1. The sum- mits of the ridges of the fourth molar.are represented sharp and unworn, like those of a tooth that had been recently ac- quired. We may thus assume, with a high degree of probability, that the portions of jaw, femur and teeth associated together, with remarks on the Nature and Affinities of that genus. 331 on the Darling Downs, belonged to the same animal; and on this assumption proceed to apply the anatomical facts so at- tained to a resolution of the mooted question of the nature and affinities of the genus Dinotherium. The only bone of the extremities referable to any of the European species of Dinothere which has hitherto been dis- covered is a scapula, described by Prof. Kaup in his ‘ Osse- mens Fossiles de Darmstadt,’ 4to, 1832, p. 13. If the pha- lanx of the gigantic Pangolin, figured in the same work, pl. 2. ad. figs. 4—7, had. belonged, as the discoverer of the Dino- therium supposed, to his most. extraordinary genus, it would have indicated an affinity to the Edentata, which would have rendered the Dinothere with its. huge, incisive tusks a. still stranger and more anomalous creature than its cranial and dental organization prove.it to be. The opinions of Prof. Kaup have. been. opposed by MM. de Blainville and Isidore Geoffroy St. Hilaire upon the evidence afforded by the entire cranium and dental system, which was exhibited in Paris in 1837*. This evidence was deemed con- clusive in proof that the Dinotherium belonged to the family of the Herbivorous Cetaceat, or, to use the words of M. de Blainville, that it was a gigantic Dugong with inferior incisors developed into tusks{. The Professor then adverts to the question, whether the Dinothere had four or two locomotive members, and, in reply, states it to be more probable that it had but two anterior pinniform extremities or “en nageoires.’ M. Isid. Geoffroy St. Hilaire recognises, with M. de Blain- ville, in the Dinotherium numerous analogies with the Du- gong, and especially with the Manatee, “et. c’est dans le groupe si remarquable, et jusqu’a présent si peu nombreux, auquel appartiennent ces deux genres, que le Dinotherium lui parait devoir trouver sa place naturelle.”—Jbid. p. 429. The anatomy of the Dugong and Manatee—their membrana nictitans, their vesicule seminales and double corpus caverno- sum, their renal system, larynx and dentition, their pectoral mamme, &c.§, all combine to prove the close affinities of the * “ Quoique nous soyons bien éloignés de penser qu’un seul os, une seule facette d’un os, soient suffisants pour reconstruire la charpente osseuse ou le squelette d’un mammifére, ici nous croyons que la téte entiére et le sy- stéme dentaire complet, sont tout-a-fait suffisants pour mettre notre thése hors de doute.”—M. de Blainville, Compte Rendu de l Acad. des Sciences, March 20, 1837 (p. 422). + “ Le Dinotherium a constitué un genre de mammiféres de la famille des Dugongs et des Lamantins.”—Jbid. p. 422. t “ En un mot, c’était, suivant nous, un Dugong avec les incisives en dé- fense inférieures.”—ZJbid. § See Proceedings of the Zoological Society, March 27, 1838. Z 2 332 Prof. Owen on a new species of Dinotherium. Herbivorous Cetacea of Cuvier with the Pachyderms, and especially with the group containing the Dinotherium. But the close relation manifested by this extinct genus to the Mas-. todon, in its molar teeth and inferior tusks, strongly argued it to belong to the proboscidian rather than to the aquatic or cetaceous family of Pachyderms. The femur associated with the jaw and teeth of the Dinotherium from Darling Downs gives the required evidence of its having been, like the Mas- todon and Elephant, a heavy terrestrial quadruped, and the differences which I have pointed out (ante p. 8) between the femur of the Australian Pachyderm and that of the Mastodon giganteus may be regarded as indicating the distinctive cha- racters of the femur in the genus Dinotherium. Although this much-desired evidence has thus unexpect- edly reached us from Australia, it cannot be doubted that it will be ultimately corroborated by the discovery, in the rich depositaries at Epplesheim and at Anch, of bones:of the ex- tremities associated with the characteristic teeth of the Dino- theres. It is well known that the double transverse-ridged grinding surface, which characterizes the teeth of the Tapir, and is ex- hibited on a gigantic scale in those of the Dinothere (Cuvier’s Gigantic Tapir), and by the Mastodon giganteus in its anterior molars, is likewise present in the molars of the Manatee and Kangaroo: and the similarity is sufficiently close to have warranted perhaps the supposition, if we had had only the re- mains of the jaw and teeth to reason from, that some still more gigantic form of Macropus than the Gigas and Titan of the Wellington bone-caves had formerly existed in Australia: but it might, on the other hand, have been contended that a gigantic form of Herbivorous Cetacean had formerly browsed on the shores of Australia; and, indeed, without other evi- dence, the advocates of M. de Blainville’s hypothesis might have held this conclusion to be quite compatible with the ad- mission of the generic relationship of the fossil of the Darling Downs with the Dinotherium of Europe. The happy disco- very of the femur, while it shows that the mammal in question was neither Kangaroo nor Manatee, proves that the genus to which it truly appertains was a quadrupedal and terrestrial Pachyderm with thick and stout extremities adapted to the support and progression of the massive frame which charac- terizes the known Proboscidian Pachyderms. : I propose to designate the Australian Pachyderm by the name of Dinotherium Australe. London, March 13, 1843. Remarks on a Collection of Australian Drawings. 333 XLVII.—Remarks on a Collection of Australian Drawings of Birds, the Property of the Earlof Derby. By H. EB. Stricx- LAND, Esq., M.A In the March Number of the ‘ Annals of Nat. Hist.’ Mr. G. R. Gray has given a list of certain Australian birds long since described by Latham, but which, from the brevity and incom- pleteness of that author’s descriptions, have remained till now in much obscurity. By the aid of the original drawings, from which alone Latham compiled his descriptions, Mr. Gray has been enabled to refer the greater part of these hitherto doubtful species to their true place in the modern system, and by ap- plying the “ law of priority” to their specific names has done an act of justice to the father of British ornithologists. Having had the pleasure of co-operating with Mr. Gray in comparing these drawings with specimens in the British Museum, and having then acquiesced in most of the conclu- sions to which he arrived, I should not have now referred to them, were it not that the Earl of Derby has kindly permitted me to take these drawings to my own residence, and by a careful comparison of them with specimens in my collection, I have obtained a few additional results. Mr. Gould has also examined these drawings with much attention, and has communicated his remarks upon them, which, with his permission, I have inserted in the present no- tice, distinguishing them by the initials J. G. These water-colour drawings, comprised in three folio vo- lumes, are 225 in number, the first being a landscape in Nor- folk Island, the next ten are mammalia, and the rest birds. There is no title-page, date or artist’s name, but the backs are lettered “ New South Wales Drawings,” and there is every reason to believe that the whole of them were made in the Australian regions. It has been supposed that the artist was John White, author of the ‘ Voyage to New South Wales,’ 4to, London, 1790, soon after which date they came into posses- ‘sion of Mr. A. B. Lambert. Mr. Gould however remarks, “this is probably a mistake; they were perhaps made by some convict. Mr. Lambert told Mr. Prince, upon showing him the drawings some time before his death, that they were made by an artist in the colony for one of the governors, by whom they were presented to Mr. Lambert. I am strengthened in this opinion by observing among them many of the deni- zens of the penal settlement of Norfolk Island, a part never I believe visited by White.” In 1800 they were borrowed by Dr. Latham, as appears from an autograph letter from him to Mr. Lambert, inserted 334 Mr. H. E. Strickland on the Earl of Derby’s into the first volume. It was this circumstance which con- ferred on these drawings a far greater value than they would intrinsically have possessed. Dr. Latham not only wrote on each drawing with his own hand the name which he intended the species to retain, but drew up from these designs a great number of original specific descriptions, which he published for the first time in the second Supplement of his ‘ Synopsis,’ 4to, London, 1802, and which are repeated in his ‘General History of Birds,’ and in the works of Shaw, Vieillot and other compilers. But inasmuch as many of the drawings are but rude and unscientific copies of nature, and the descriptions are often very vague copies of the drawings, these nominal species have hitherto lain in great obscurity, which will now be in great measure removed by the fortunate discovery, at Mr. Lambert’s death, of the original designs. The plates 121, 122, 126, 127, 129, 131, 134, 136 and 139 of Latham’s second Supplement are copies, more or less exact, of some of these drawings; and it further appears that a M. Francillon, a French artist, copied others of them early in the present century, as some of the plates in Vieillot’s ‘Oiseaux Dorées,’ said to be from M. Francillon’s designs, are manifest copies from this collection. From that time till very recently the “ New South Wales Drawings” remained in oblivion, to the no small inconvenience of the science, for had Messrs. Vi- gors and Horsfield and other writers on Australian ornitho- logy had an opportunity of consulting them, it would have saved us many superfluous synonyms and cleared up many difficulties. These remarks, it is hoped, will prove the great value of original drawings when they have been used as the basis of specific descriptions. How much useless lumber was removed from zoology by the valuable memoir of Lichtenstein on the original designs for Marcgrave’s ‘ History of Brazil,’ now pre- served at Berlin! (See Oken’s ‘ Isis,’ 1820.) And Mr. Gray would confer an equal boon if he would give us a catalogue raisonnée of the yet unpublished drawings made by Forster during Capt. Cook’s voyage, and preserved in the British Museum. There are also numerous unascertained species described by Latham from drawings once belonging to Lady Impey, Gen. Davies, and other persons, which, if they could be now discovered, would prove of the wtmost value to modern science. Let me hope that these observations may aid in bringing some of these lost documents to light, and in sub- mitting them to the criticisms of zoologists. I now proceed to make some specific remarks by way of a commentary and supplement to Mr. Gray’s paper, premising Collection of Australian Drawings. 335 that the determination of many of these species is rendered difficult by the rudeness of the designs, and by the changes which some of the colours have undergone, especially the whites, which being metallic colours have become oxydized, and are now changed to black. Another difficulty arises from some of the birds being drawn of the natural size and others reduced, without any indication when this is the case, so that the dimensions given by Latham from the drawings are often faulty. Hence, after all the pains bestowed by Mr. G. R. Gray, Mr. Gould, and myself, some few of the drawings still fail to be identified with any known species. These may either re- present true species unknown to modern science, or they may possibly be, as Mr. Gould conjectures, mere inventions of the artist. Page 189 of the present vol. .After ‘‘ Fauco nisus, Lath.,” insert var. 0. (This bird is the Accipiter torquatus, not Astur approximans, J.G.) Also note that the larger species, Astur approximans of Vi- gors and Gould, is unquestionably a true Accipiter and not an Astur. (The true Falco radiatus of Latham is also not an Astur but an Ac- cipiter, J. G.). : (Fatco lunulatus, Lath., is perhaps a young Jeracidea, J. G.*) (Lantus robustus, Lath., represents one of the numerous varieties of plumage of Graucalus mentalis. It must now I suppose be called Graucalus robustus, J. G.) Lantus erectus, Lath., judging from the figure, is more like a Ma- lurus than a Falcunculus, but I am unacquainted with any species like it. P. 190. Corvus versicolor, Lath., is a true species of Strepera, of a gray colour, allied in form and size to Strepera graculina. I pos- sess a specimen, and Mr. Gould has shot it in New South Wales. The name versicolor being decidedly erroneous, Mr. Gould proposes to call it Strepera cinerea. Corvus cyanoleucus, Lath. As this bird was also very accurately described by Latham in his second Supplement under the name of Gracula picata, and as the name picata is more correctly descriptive than cyanoleuca, I should prefer making the permanent designation of the bird Grallina picata (Lath.) rather than Grallina cyanoleuca (Lath.). j For Cucuus phasianus, Lath., read Cucutus phasianinus, Lath., and it should therefore now stand as Centropus phasianinus. P. 191. (Curruza melanops, Lath. Syn. Sup. ii. p. 165. descrip- tion 1, is perhaps the same as Glycyphila fulvifrons, J. G.) (Certara melanops, var. Lath. /. c. description 2, is certainly Gly- cyphila fulvifrons, J. G.) * Mr. Gould and I have compared the drawing of Falco lunulaius, Lath., with specimens of Jeracidea berigora and Falco frontatus, Gould. . Though differing from both, it most resembles the Zeracidea. The name Falco fron- tatus may therefore be allowed to stand. 336 Mr. H. E. Strickland on the Earl of Derby’s (Cerrutia leucophea, Lath., is not Glycyphila subocularis as Mr. Gray makes it, but is the Climacteris picumnus, Tem., J. G.) This is sufficiently evident on comparing the drawing of C. leucophea with Mr. Gould’s figure of the female Climacteris picumnus. ‘This bird should therefore be designated as Climacteris leucophea (Lath.). The Certhia atricapilla of Lath. is figured and described with a white chin, which distinguishes it from the Meliphaga atricapilla of Sir W. Jardine’s ‘ Illustrations of Ornithology,’ ser. 1. pl. 134. f. 1. Mr. Gray unites it to Melithreptus lunulatus (Shaw), but that differs in having a white band at the back of the head. ‘The Certhia atri- capilla, Lath., is therefore either a distinct species from both the above, or it may possibly be the young of Jardine’s M. atricapilla. Certhia sanguinolenta is probably the female of Myzomela dibapha. To the synonyms of Cerruia dibapha, Lath., add Meliphaga car- dinalis, V. and H. (nec Certhia cardinalis, Lath.) and Certhia austra- lasie, Leach. (CertTuia canescens, Lath., is perhaps the Colluriocincla cinerea, V. and H., J. G.) Crrrutia cerulescens, Lath., is the Zosterops dorsalis, Vig., not the Z. tenuirostris, Gould. It is also the Sylvia lateralis of Latham, and the latter specific name seems preferable to cerulescens. Add Certhia diluta, Shaw, and Philedon ceruleus, Cuv., to the synonyms of Zos- terops lateralis. Add Certhia zanthotis, Shaw, to the synonyms of Certhia chry- sotis, Lath. P. 192. Mr. Gray makes the Meliphaga auricomis of Vigors, Swainson and Gould, to be distinct from Muscicapa auricomis, Lath., but I do not see on what grounds. This bird is figured no less than four times over in the ‘‘ New S. Wales Drawings”’—once as Tur- dus melanops, and again under Latham’s MS. names of Muscicapa australis, Sylvia mystacea, and Muscicapa nove hollandie. ‘These three last references Latham seems to have afterwards incorporated into one species, described in his second Supplement under the name of Muscicapa auricomis. The species should therefore retain the ap- propriate name of Ptilotis auricomis. Turpvus harmonicus, Lath., is, I have no doubt, a synonym of Col- luriocincla cinerea, Vig., which should therefore stand as Colluriocincla harmonica. Turpus prasinus, Lath., seems to be the young of Pachycephala rufiventris (Lath.). (Turpvs tenebrosus, Lath., is perhaps the young of Artamus sor- didus, J. G.) To the synonyms of Turpvus Junulatus, Lath., add Turdus varius, V. and H., and perhaps also 7. varius of Horsfield’s ‘ Java.’ (Turpvs fuliginosus, Lath., is Merula nestor, Gould, J. G.), and will now stand as Merula fuliginosa. (Turpvs mazillaris, Lath., is perhaps the Sphecotheres australis, Sw., J. G.) (Turpvus mellinus, Lath., is the young male of Sericulus chrysoce- phalus, J. G.) Collection of Australian Drawings. 337 Loxta bella, Lath., and Loaia nitida, Lath., constitute a well- known species of Estrilda, which may stand as Hstrilda bella, Lath. (Loxra fascinans, Lath., is my Micrea macroptera, Myiagra ma- croptera, Vig. I presume it must now be termed Micreca fascinans, J. G.) P.193. To the synonyms of Muscicapa pectoralis, Lath., add Tur- dus lunularis, Steph., and Lanius albicollis, Vieill. I feel quite satisfied that Muscicapa cucullata, Lath., is the same as Petroica bicolor, Swains., which should therefore stand as Petroica cucullata (Lath.). Grallina bicolor, V. and H., is another synonym of it. Muscicapa rhodogastra, Lath., is synonymous with Sazicola rho- dinogastra, Drap., and Muscicapa lathami, Vig. It therefore stands as Petroica rhodogastra (Lath.). Moracitua_ atricapilla, Lath., is possibly the young male of Seri- culus chrysocephalus, as it bears some resemblance to the drawing of Turdus mellinus, Lath. (Mr. Gould considers that the Syivia sagittata, Lath. (which is certainly the Anthus minimus, Vig.) will probably rank as the type of a new genus; but for the present we may follow Mr. Gray in calling it Acanthiza sagittata.) (Syxzvia leucophea, Lath., is Micreca fascinans (Lath.), J. G.) (Syxvia versicolor, Lath., is Chrysococcyx lucidus, J. G.) This seems to be the Chrysococcyx plagosus of Mr. Gray, who I believe regards the true C. lucidus of New Zealand as a distinct species. The toes, having been erroneously drawn, induced Latham to make it a Sylvia. . P.194. The following synonyms refer to Hirunpo caudacuta, Lath. : Chetura australis, Steph. ; Hirundo fusca, Steph., and Chetura macroptera, Sw. (Hirunpo pacifica, Lath., is Cypselus australis, Gould, J. G.) It should therefore be designated Cypselus pacificus. To the synonyms of Caprimuteus vittatus, Lath., add Caprimul- gus cristatus, White, and Aigotheles australis, Sw. CaprimuLeus megacephalus, Lath., appears to be the same as Po- dargus stanleyanus, V. and H., and perhaps also Caprimulgus gracilis, Lath. CoxtumBa melanoleuca, Lath., is the same as Columba picata, Lath., Columba armillaris, Tem., and Columba jamiesoni, Quoy. It will stand as Phaps picata (Lath.), Selby. A comparison of the original drawing of Charadrius magnirostris, Lath., with a specimen in my ¢gllection has convinced me that this bird is no other than Gdicnemus arius (Lath.). We have here an instructive example of the mode in which errors arise and are propagated in natural history. The artist who drew the bird which Latham named Charadrius magnirostris has represented with consi- derable exactness the plumage of Mdicnemus grallarius, but by throwing too strong a shade into the nasal groove, he led Latham to describe the beak as ‘‘ very broad, resembling the Tody genus.” Next came Illiger, who in his ‘ Prodromus Systematis Mammalium 338 Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. et Avium,’ published in 1811, had the rashness to found a genus, Burhinus, on Latham’s imperfect description of a rude drawing, and the consequence has been that for the last thirty years our systems of ornithology have been haunted by a ‘* Burhinus magnirostris ”— a vow et preterea nihil, unknown both to nature and to science. The original drawing which led to all this confusion has now assisted in dispelling it. Cuaxraprivs griseus, Lath., is I conceive the Charadrius virginia- cus, Borkh. (C. marmoratus, Wagl., C. pectoralis, Less., C. affinis, Boié). The following remarks refer to some additional species of Latham not in Mr. Gray’s list :— Fauco ponticerianus, var. Lath., is the Haliastur leucosternus (Gould). Corvus melanops, Lath., is the Graucalus melanops. Gauuinuta porphyrio, var. B. Lath., is Porphyrio melanonotus, Tem. Fatco melanops, Lath., is ‘the Accipiter torquatus, Tem. (Nisus australis, Less.) As the black round the eye which suggested the specific name of melanops seems to be an invention of the artist, I would reject that name on the ground of its serious iticorrectness, and retain the later one of torquatus. Faxco albicilla, var. Lath., is the Ichthyaétus leucogaster (Lath.), young (Haliaétus sphenurus, Gould). Fatco clarus, Lath., is perhaps the young of Astur nove hollandie (Lath.). Faxco pacificus, Lath., is perhaps a peculiar state of Milvus isurus, Gould, with the head pure white. Muscicara erythrogastra, var. 2. Lath. Syn. Sup. ii. p. 216, is perhaps a new species of Petroica, differing from P. multicolor by having a white eyebrow. (Cucutus flabelliformis, Lath., may perhaps be the Cuculus cine- raceus, Vig., J. G.) ARDEA antigone, var. Lath., is Grus antigone (Lin.) (Grus orien- talis, Frankl.). Lantus curvirostris, Lath., is Cracticus torquatus (Lath.) (Vanga destructor, 'Tem.). Arpga maculata, Lath., is Nycticorax caledonica, young. Besides the above there are several other species which Latham originally described from these drawings, but which, having been long since identified and made known to naturalists, it is unnecessary to enumerate. XLVIII.—Notes on the Botany of Sicily. By Joun Batt, B.A., M.R.LA. Havine observed in a recent number of this Magazine a paper upon the Botany of Sicily, containing a list of spe- cies observed or recorded as belonging to that island, I have been induced to refer to some notes made during a very hasty Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. 339 tour, which I did not at the time conceive to be worthy of publication. On looking over the catalogue of species given by Mr. Hoge I was struck with the extreme meagreness of its contents, extending to scarce half the number of species already known as natives of Sicily, though probably a far more complete one would come far short of adequately representing the exube- rant richness of its gorgeous flora. It is indeed extraordinary that an island so easily accessible to travellers, which presents to them probably less of difficulties and inconveniences than any part of the South of Europe, and which offers so many ob- jects of surpassing interest, both those already known, the theme of the historian and the poet, and those yet in store to reward the investigations of the antiquarian or the naturalist, should be so little visited and so imperfectly known. To be told that the temple of Segesta stands in solitary grandeur amongst mountains rarely tracked by the foot of a traveller, that the guide can scarcely determine the uncertain course amidst the pathless sands where arise the colossal ruins of Selinuntium, that there are yet unexplored tracts where hundreds of new and beautiful species would doubtless reward the botanist, whilst the geology offers many most interesting problems to the future - historian of the earth, seems a sort of reproach on the activity and energy of the numerous travellers who yearly quit En- gland, seeking throughout Europe for new objects of inquiry. I find that even amongst the limited number of species which it was possible for me to collect during a hurried ride round the island under an almost vertical sun, there is a great por- tion not contained in the catalogue furnished by Mr. Hogg ; and I think it may tend to show what the real extent of the Sicilian flora must be, and at the same time be interesting to botanists who may visit the South of Europe, to give a list of the known species of the single family of Grasses, to which I have paid some attention, with some remarks, attracting their notice to various points which may be studied on the spot by any one having sufficient time to spare for the purpose. I have added a few notes of my tour, pointing out localities for some of the more remarkable plants, those interesting either for their rarity, beauty, or scientific importance. ‘The autho- rities for most of the species in the following list, not seen by myself, are extracted from the first volume of Bertoloni’s ‘ Flora Italica,? a work well known to many of your readers as indispensable to the student of Italian, indeed of European botany ; as unsurpassed, and scarcely equalled, for the accu- racy of its descriptions, the soundness of its criticism, or the extent of research which has been bestowed upon it. The traveller landing in Sicily from Naples is at once sur- 340 Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. prised by the almost total change in the vegetation. The least ’ curious eye must be struck by the strange forms of the dis- torted Opuntia, the dark glossy foliage of the Carudia, or the stiff motionless aloe (Agave americana), which within a short period has become universally diffused ; but to the botanist few of the new objects which meet him in every direction will be more attractive than the beautiful and varied species of Graminee. The neighbourhood of Messina, particularly the sandy tract extending to the now undreaded Charybdis and the Pelorian promontory, is peculiarly rich in plants of this class ; here will be found the beautiful Panicum teneriffe*, R. Br. (Saccharum tenerife, Fl. Gr.), the Lamarckia aurea, Meench., Stipa tor- tilis, Dsf.; many species of Festuca of the Vulpia group, in- cluding F. alopecurus, Pers., and F. ligustica, Bert. (whether the latter be distinct from F. geniculata, W., is 1 should think doubtful) ; the Avena condensata, Link, which occurs here and elsewhere on the east coast (it may be doubted whether this should not be united with A. neglecta, W.), and Aigilops tri- aristata, W. The genus Aigilops requires further study and illustration ; though favoured by specimens from the Botanic Garden at Pisa, I can find no permanent character by which to distinguish 4. neglecta, Savi, from 4. ovata, nor do the remarks of Bertoloni enable me to separate 4. triaristata,W., from 4. triuncialis, L. Amongst the species of other orders, the botanist will notice several maritime Umbéellifere, inclu- ding Thapsia Garganica, Fl. Gr., and Cachrys Sicula, L., and among the less conspicuous plants the Gnaphalium tenuifo- lium, Psl.+, which seems to have some claims to the rank of a distinct species. The rocks near St. Alessio are covered with beautiful spe- cies, including Scabiosa cretica, L., Matthiola rupestris, R. Br. (which seems too near to M. sinuata), Dianthus velutinus,Guss., Silene fruticosa, L., Euphorbia ceratocarpa, and E. biglandu- losa, Dsf., Lythrum Grefferi, Ten., Artemisia arborescens, L., Centaurea sicula, L., and C. cineraria, L.; also Cineraria bico- lor, W. (it is to be wished that some botanist would clear up the confusion that exists as to several species of this group). The neighbouring sands abound in rare plants ; the Matthiola tri- cuspidata, R. Br., is conspicuous ; amongst the Gramineae, the scarce Bromus fasciculatus, Presl, Festuca (Vulpia) ciliata, DeC., a beautiful and distinct species, F. maritima, Kunth * I have not observed the reddish tint given to the figure in the ‘ Flora Greca.’ + Filago Gallica, ®. DC. Prod. Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. 341 (Triticum maritimum, L., Bertol. Fl. It.); it seems quite im- possible to separate this from the group forming the genus’ Sclerochloa of Link. I here found a variety of Bromus ste- rilis, L., with the panicle dense and pendulous, and the mem- branous margin of the calycine valves broader and whiter than usual, giving the plant a beautiful silvery appearance ; it is very possibly a distinct species. A few miles to the southward of St. Alessio is Taormina (the ancient Taurominium) : as the traveller stands above the vast area of its theatre, his eye is distracted from the glorious prospect which extends from the southern point of Calabria on the one hand, across the Ionian Sea, to the rocks of the Cyclops and up to the snowy peak of Etna, by the gorgeous vegetation which mantles over this mighty monument of ancient art. The Acanthus mollis, Phlo- mis fruticosa, and Solanum sodomeum are conspicuous, and here the botanist first notices the beautiful little Sedum ceru- leum abundant on the walls and rocks. I should think that no spot in Sicily would better reward the naturalist or anti- quary for a halt of some days: the small town of ‘Taormina contains many beautiful remnants of Norman architecture, and the numerous half-ruined towns and villages that are perched on the summit of lofty and seemingly scarce accessible rocks must abound in objects of interest; while the little inn at Giardini, though not very inviting, is one of the most tole- rable in the country. No one visiting the supposed site of the scenes described in the Odyssey—the island of Polyphemus, will fail to remark the singular geological phznomena there presented ; where beds of a very recent tertiary limestone are interposed between the more ancient columnar lava and an upper stream, which is not to be distinguished from that which advances into the sea from the neighbouring shore ; inducing the suspicion that the whole may have undergone material changes even since the date of the Homeric record. Indeed it is still to be determined whether the shells contained in a large portion of the Sicilian tertiary strata be not identical with ex- isting species *, thus referring the period of elevation to a more recent epoch than has hitherto been suspected. The marshy ground south of Catania contains many interesting plants, such as Hnanthe globulosa, Bupleurum Odontites, L. (nec Sm.), &c.; one group of the genus Phalaris may be well studied here, as within a confined range may be found P. paradoza, L., P. nodosa, Spr., P. aquatica, L. (P. cerulescens, Auct.), and P. minor, W.; it may be worth inquiry whether the characters * I have been informed that several supposed extinct species have been dredged up by Mr. Forbes in the Levant. 342 Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. of the last species be not subject to variation. Of the vege- tation of Etna much has been written, yet I am satisfied that a more lengthened examination than has yet been given, espe- cially to its western slopes, would amply reward the botanist who would undertake it. Upon the Monte Rosso, the lowest of the long line of craters which have been opened by the suc- . cessive eruptions, many of the species of the lower region will be found, amongst them Sedum ampleaicaule, DeC. (Sem- pervivum tenuifolium, Fl. Gr.). The extent of snow at the period of my ascent prevented my examination of the upper region ; the last. plants which I.saw in flower were Viola it- nensis, Psl. (which is doubtless, as DeCandolle has. placed it, a variety of V. calcarata), and Erophila precox, DeC., scarcely an inch in height; this most of the foreign botanists consider distinct: I presume that the EZ. verna, 8. of Hooker’s ‘ British ~ Flora’ is this species. The limestone tract round Lentini is covered with beautiful plants, such as Ononis ramosissima, Dsf., Phlomis Herba-venti, L., Lonicera implexa, Bert., Eryn- gium triquetrum, Vahl., and E. pusillum, L. In wandering over the barren rocks where once stood Sy- racuse, the mind is so prepossessed by the thousand confused memories of former days as to forget its accustomed occupa- tions, and at first even the most hardened botanist will hesi- tate lest in pursuing his vocation he sacrilegiously disturb the ashes of some of that illustrious race who once made this spot celebrated; he will however speedily overcome his scruples on noticing several scarce species, such as Origanum heracleo- ticum, Marrubium hispanicum and Pteris cretica; these grow in different parts of the Latomie, the enormous quarries which alone attest the extent of the ancient city ; in the same place I found the Melica minuta of Bertoloni, ‘ Fl. It. Kunth seems not to have well understood this group, as the M4. ramosa, Vill. of Bertoloni seems certainly distinct from its allies; it is a scarce plant; I have seen it only in the Roman stations men- tioned in the ‘Fl. It’ The Melia Azedarach, a quite tropical tree, has become naturalized about Syracuse. As the guides conduct all travellers up the stream of the Anapus, where the Papyrus grows in great luxuriance to a height of eight or ten feet, no one can avoid remarking this, the king of the Cype- raceous tribe ; as it grows in several other similar situations, I see no.reason to doubt Gussone’s correctness in supposing it a native of Sicily.. At or near the mouth of the Anapus I noticed Rottboéllia cylindrica and fasciculata? ; a large Glyce- ria near to G. fluitans in character, but approaching G. aqua- tica in habit, probably a new species of the genus; two spe- Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. 343 cies of Frankenia, (F. levis and another doubtful one,) together with several litoral species. The limestone hills which lie to the westward of Syracuse contain many interesting species, but have been scarcely at all examined; I noticed Salvia triloba, L., Convolvulus tricolor, L., a doubtful Pyrus, Ophrys tenthredinifera, W., and Orchis lactea, Poir. It is only on arriving on the southern shores of Sicily that the traveller discovers the semi-tropical character of its vegetation; here the ground is covered with the dwarf palm, Chamerops humilis, L., and many species of Helianthe- mum, and waving in the breeze will be seen those singular shrubs Ephedra distachya, and E. fragilis, Dsf.* On the sea- banks grow Momordica Elaterium, and Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, and here and there tufts of the beautiful and anomalous grass Lygeum spartum. Amongst many scarce Umbellifere 1 gathered on the sands near Terranova Orlaya maritima, Koch, Krubera leptophylla, Hoffm., Kundmannia (Sium) sicula, DeC., &c.; also Bromus lanceolatus, B. scoparius, B. maximus, several varieties, Ammophila arundinacea, &c. It would be impossible within the limits of a brief sketch to give any notion of the great variety of the vegetation of this coast, I have no doubt but that many interesting species would re- ward any examination that may be given to it: Girgenti, from the surpassing interest attaching to its architectural remains, would naturally be chosen as head quarters ; in the same neigh- bourhood a large number of fossils of the tertiary strata might be collected with little trouble: amongst the rare plants al- ready known in the neighbourhood, I may mention Ornitho- galum arabicum, L., O. narbonense, L., Scabiosa dichotoma, Lavatera Agrigentina, and L. cretica ; the first four I observed near to the so-called temple of Juno. I suspect that the nu- merous species of the tribe of Cynaree have not yet been suffi- ciently examined ; I found a species of Carduncellus, probably undescribed ; the Cirsium Italicum, DeC. Pr., though scarce in Italy, is here frequent: there are also many Sicilian species of Euphorbia omitted in Mr. Hogg’s list ; besides those already noticed there are, EL. trinervis, Bert., EH. melapetala, Gaspar., E. cuneifolia, Guss., E. orientalis, L., E. spinosa, L., E. ptero- cocca, Spr., E. Cupani, Guss., and probably many more. In the beautiful district lying between Trapani and Palermo, the naturalist who will explore the pathless mountain ranges, such as that which runs to the westward from Alcamo, will * Any botanist carrying a microscope or a powerful lens should carefully examine the structure of the inflorescence and fructification of these plants, as in the dried state this becomes impossible ; at present very little seems to be known on the subject. 344 Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. be sure of being amply rewarded for his labour ; it would pro- bably be easy to obtain such letters as would ensure resting- places within a reasonable distance from the scene of his ope- rations ; but the less adventurous or more hurried traveller may well content himself with the vicinity of Palermo, which does not disappoint the expectations excited by the magni- ficence of the first view which he obtains from the heights above Monreale. Within the amphitheatre which he overlooks, there are three different regions for the botanist to’examine, the sea-coast, the plain, and the hills around: in the first, amongst other rarities, will be found Medicago oliveformis, M. tribuloides, M. Helix, &c.; two tropical grasses, Pennisetum distylum and Dactyloctenium egyptiacum, &c. In the plain round the town grow Narcissus serotinus, Crocus longiflorus, Zizyphus Lotus, Saccharum egyptiacum, and the beautiful Lobelia tenella, Biv., which is frequent upon damp walls. On the hills near San Martino I gathered Matthiola tristis, Lychnis Celi-Rosa and L. Coronaria, Andropogon pubescens, Vis., and a new species of Dactylis, to which I propose to give the name disticha, from its peculiar habit; amongst other species from the hilly district, Professor Parlatore, a young Sicilian botanist of great promise, has discovered Lepidium bonannianum, Chamepeuce stellata, DeC., and a new Agro- pyrum, which he has named A. panormitanum. That this, which is considered the well-known district of Sicily, should present some new object to every inquirer, may give some idea of how much remains to be done by naturalists in this country ; it is not too much to suppose that the following list of Grasses, which contains about 240 species*, may be nearly a hundred short of the real number hereafter to be ascertained; I can only hope that the foregoing brief sketch may have the effect of stimulating the zeal of future travellers, more especially of those who may be able to devote a longer period to their visit than I was myself able to do. In the following list I have given localities for most of the rarer species, and where the plant rests on my own authority ; and have affixed a note of interrogation where I do not actually possess specimens from the locality mentioned, even where I do not feel any doubt on the subject. Note.—I may remark, in respect to Mr. Hogg’s observa- tions on the temperature of Palermo, that in July 1841 the thermometer rose on three successive days to37° R. or 115°-2 F. in the shade; and I have understood that this is not much above the usual heat during the prevalence of the sirocco. * Mr. Hogg’s two lists have somewhat less than one hundred. Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. | 345 CATALOGUE OF SICILIAN GRASSES. Anthoxanthum odoratum, L. gracile, R. and S. Saccharum Ravenne, Spr. Aigyptiacum, W. banks of the Oreto, Palermo, Gussone. cylindricum, Lam. Sea-coast. Phalaris Canariensis, L. Certainly indigenous on the sandy coast, north of Messina, &c., J. B. sp. nitida, Psl. Palermo, Gussone. nodosa, Spr. Vizzini, Noto, Gussone. aquatica, L. Near Catania, &c., J. B. sp. minor, W. Near Catania, J. B. sp.; Terranova, Gussone. paradozra, L. Not unfrequent, J. B. arundinacea, L. Phleum pratense, L. : Bi nodosum, J.B.sp. This can scarcely be separated even as a variety. echinatum, R. and S. Madonie, Gussone. P. felinum, Fl. Gr., is this plant. asperum, Pers. Behmeri, W., J. B. , Micheli, All. Madonie, Gussone; lower region of Etna, J. B.? ( arenarium, L., J. B.? tenue, Schr. Near Messina, J.B. Crypsis aculeata, Ait. — schenoides, Lam. Near Palermo, Gussone. alopecuroides, Schr. nigricans, Guss. Several places along the south coast. I suspect it will prove to be only a stunted variety of the last species: Alopecurus pratensis, L. —— agrestis, L. bulbosus, L., J. B.? This is perhaps a var. of the last. geniculatus, L. I do not know whether A. fulvus, Sm., has been observed in Sicily ; I cannot agree with Bertoloni in consi- dering it a form of the last; the rounded anthers and different _ character of the herbage seem to me constant characters, utriculatus, Pers. Catania, J. B.? Polypogon monspeliensis, R. and S. This beautiful grass is common in salt marshes, growing sometimes, as at the mouth of the Anapus, to a height of three feet. Gussone has described a remarkable variety with the arista only equalling the calycine valves, not - three times as long. maritimus, R. and S. Sea-coast, Gussone. This species, though like the last, is quite distinct. Milium effusum, L. Madonie, Gussone. scabrum, R. and 8. Madonie, Gussone. This, the M. vernale, M. B., is I think certainly a good sp. It always has a much sim- pler panicle and the stem scabrous. — ca@rulescens, Pers. Near Syracuse, Gussone. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 2A 346 Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. Gastridium lendigerum, R. and 8., J. B. sp. I cannot agree in the reunion of this genus with Milium. In an extensive natural order it is surely necessary to allow great weight to habit in establish- ing generic distinctions. muticum, Spr. In several places. Observation may per- haps show that the differences are not permanent which separate this from the preceding very variable species, Agrostis pallida, DeC. Castelvetrano, &c. canina, Li. nitens, Guss. Trapani, from the salt-marshes, Gussone. Sicula, Kunth (A. glaucescens, Spr.). Iam not acquainted with this species, nor does it appear that Bertoloni is so either. alba, L. Very common and variable :. amongst other forms there are A. vulgaris, E. B.; A. stolonifera, L.; A. pumila, L. ; and I should say the following :— verticillata, Vill. Syracuse, J. B. I cannot find satisfactory characters, though assisted by Bertoloni’s observations. 7 pungens, Schreb. Palermo. Cynodon Dactylon, Pers. Very common. Digitaria Sanguinalis, W. A very variable species. Panicum verticillatum, L. Fields about Palermo, Gussone. viride, LL. Common. glaucum, L. Common. Bertoloni has well distinguished these plants. Crus-Galli, L. Common. zonale, Guss. Fields near Palermo and Boccadifalco, Guss. ——— Teneriffe, R. Br. Not unfrequent, J. B. repens, L. compressum, Biv. Neighbourhood of Palermo, J. B. sp. Aira cristata, L. grandiflora, Bert. This is I think frequent on rocky ground. aquatica, L. agrostidea, Spr. Madonie, Herb. nost.; meadows at Bucheri, Gussone. cespitosa, l.. Nebrodes, Gussone. pubescens, Vahl. Frequent on the sea-coast, J. B. sp. flexuosa, L. Mountainous parts, J. B. articulata, Pers. South coast, Gussone; lower region of Etna, J.B. sp. The Etna plant has a slightly different appearance, but is scarcely distinguishable as a variety : itis the Aira ditnensis, Psl. caryophyllea, Madonie, Herb. nost.; Terranova, Jan. Tenorii, Guss., A. pulchella,W. Sicily, Gussone. This should be placed next to the last species, to which it is nearly allied, though certainly distinct. capillaris, Spr. Palermo, Gussone. , y. Bert., 4. intermedia, Guss. Palermo, Gussone ; Madonie, Herb. nost. Pollinia distachya, Spr. Palermo, Taormina, and elsewhere on the east coast, J. B. sp. Andropogon hirtum, L. Frequent, J. B. sp. angustifolium, Fl. Gr. Frequent, J. B. Should Bertoloni Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. 347 be correct in distinguishing this from the A. Ischemum, L., the common French species, it will be necessary to rename the A. an- gustifolium, H. and K., a Mexican species, which ought then to recover the name A. stenophyllus, R. and S. Syst. Nat. Andropogon pubescens, Vis. I found this species, which is nearly allied to A. hirtum, L., on dry rocky ground near the monastery of San Martino, seven miles from Palermo, It is widely spread along the coast of Barbary, and has been found in Abyssinia and Nubia by Schimper and Kotschy. Sorghum halepense, Pers. Palermo, Biv. Holcus lanatus, L., J. B.? — mollis, li, J. B. Arrhenatherum avenaceum, P. de B. Melica ciliata, L. South coast, J. B. sp. Cupani, Guss. Madonie, Gussone. Bauhini, W., J. B.? These three species are very nearly al- lied ; with the assistance of Bertoloni’s remarks, both groups may be well studied in Sicily. If great difference of habit suffices to constitute a genus, these might well be separated. uniflora, W. Etna, J. B. —— pyramidalis, Bert. Not rare, J. B. minuta, L. Latomie, Syracuse, J. B. sp. Molinia cerulea, Moench. Etna? J. B. serotina, M. and K. Sesleria cerulea, Scop. , 8. tenuifolia, Schrad. , ¥. cylindrica, R. and 8. ——, e. nitida, R. and 8. I fully concur in the propriety of uniting all these supposed species, as well as the S. elongata, W., into one. The above forms, with many intermediate ones, will be found in Sicily. The var. ¢. has been found in the oo of Madonie and Cammarata by Gussone. Echinaria capitata, Dsf. Frequent in the south of Sicily, J. B. sp. Poa aquatica, L. —— fluitans, L. —— annua, L. —— bulbosa, Sm. Frequent, J. B. , 8. vivipara. Lower crater of Etna (Monte Rosso), J. B. sp. —-— trivialis, L. —- fertilis, Kunth, J. B. —-— pratensis, L. —— nemoralis, L. Etna? J.B. —-— compressa, L. Madonie, Herb. nost. —-— pilosa, L. Sicily, J. B. — Kragrostis, L. Frequent, J. B. —- tritica, Psl. A doubtful species. Briza minor, L., J. B.? media, LL. Not common. maxima, L. Very common. 2 A.2 348 Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. Dactylis glomerata, L. , B. glaucescens, W. -, y- hispanica, W. These supposed species are cer- tainly mere forms of a common type ; they are all found in Sicily. disticha, nobis*. Near Palermo, J.B. ——— litoralis, W. Marshes near Catania, Gussone. — repens, Dsf. Salt marshes at Spaccaforno and Cape Passaro, Gussone. Dactyloctenium Aigyptiacum, W. Near Palermo, sp. in Herb. nost. Cynosus cristatus, L. — echinatus, L. Very common. elegans, Dsf. Madonie, Castrogiovanni, Gussone. Lamarckia aurea, Mench. This beautiful species is not uncommon. Pennisetum distylum, Gussone. Lower part of the Monte Pellegrino, Palermo, Gussone. Festuca expansa, Kunth (Poa divaricata, W., Bert.). Salt marshes of Trapani. divaricata, Dsf. (Triticum divaricatum, Bert. ). Sea-coast in various places, J.B, sp. maritima, DeC. Gall. (Triticum maritimum, L., Bert.). . St. Alessio, J. B. sp. ; coast at Capaci, Gussone. rigida, Kunth. Common, J. B. distans, Kunth (Poa distans, L., Bert.). Palagonia, Gussone. , B. (F. thalassica and F. Hostii, Kunth, Poa maritima, Huds.). The above species form a very natural group which can scarcely be well separated into different genera. I agree with Ber- toloni in believing that there are intermediate forms connecting Poa distans, L., and P. maritima, Huds., though the opposite opi- nion is held by high authority. unioloides, Kunth (Triticum unioloides, Vahl, Bert.). Near Palermo and Termini, Gussone. Poa, Kunth (Triticum tenellum, L., Bert.). Sicily, J. B.? rottboéllioides, Kunth (Triticum loliaceum, Sm., Bert.). Near Messina, J. B. sp. tenuicula, Link (Triticum festucoides, Bert. i. 808). On vol- canic sand in the lower region of Etna, J. B. sp. This is I sup- pose the 7. hispanicum of Mr. Hogg. The whole group still re- quires some careful study and the examination of living specimens, as both the natural limits of the species and the synonymy are in great confusion. Sicula, Psl. Hills of Floresta and Val di Mazzara, Gussone. Micheli, Kunth (Keleria macilenta, DeC., sec. Bertoloni). Sands of Vittoria, Gussone. ligustica, Bert. Frequent, J. B. sp. geniculata, W. Sea-coast, Jan. uniglumis, Sol. Messina, &c., J. B. sp. myurus, L. , B. (F. bromoides, L.). Both are common. ciliata, DeC. St. Alessio, J. B. sp. * It may turn out that this is the Wangenheimia disticha of Moench (Cy- nosurus Lima, L.). I have not seen specimens of a good description. Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. 349 Festuca alopecurus, Pers. I have specimens from near Messina agree- ing with the plant so named by Tenore. incrassata, Salz. Sea-shore at Girgenti and Alicata, Gussone. poeformis, Spr. Sands of Etna, Gussone ; Madonie, Jan. ovina, L.. I am quite of the opinion of Bertoloni, ‘ Flora Ita- lica,’ i. 601, in uniting this with F. duriuscula, L., and the various supposed species there mentioned, but am inclined to consider the following as distinct. | y rubra, L. I am quite sure that I observed the large sea-side form of this plant on the east coast of Sicily, J. B. heterophylla, L. Woody region of Etna, Gussone. The cha- racters of this species remain very constant in cultivation. evaltata, Ps). calamaria, Sm. Woods of Etna, J. B.? pratensis, Huds. Sicily, Gussone. , B. (F. elatior, L.). Coast near Syracuse, J. B. sp. I am unable to find any permanent characters by which to separate these extreme forms, which are connected by many intermediate varieties. serotina, L. cerulescens, Dsf. Mountains near Palermo, Val Damone, Gussone. cristata, L. (Keleria phleoides, Pers.). Frequent, J. B. sp. hispida, Savi. Castelvetrano, Bronte, Gussone. ABtnensis, Psi. Lower region of Etna. This plant should be sought for, as it seems little known; Bertoloni believes it to be nearly allied to or identical with Poa cenisia, All. gracilis, Meench. (Brachypodium sylvaticum, R. and S.). On Etna, J. B.? : pinnata, Huds. (Brachypodium pinnatum, R. and §.). Fre- quent, J. B. sp. phenicoides, L., Mant. Frequent, J.B. sp. Extremely near the last species. Bromus secalinus, L. , B. (B. velutinus, Schr.). Polizzi, Gussone. squarrosus, L. mollis, L. It occurs both in the pubescent and glabrous form. racemosus, L. (B. arvensis, Sm.). Bertoloni is probably cor- rect in referring the B. arvensis, E. B., to B. racemosus, L. ; but I believe that the plant named B. racemosus by Smith and most English botanists is the glabrous form of B. mollis before men- tioned. B. commutatus, Schrad., should probably be referred to the present species. The B. arvensis of the Italian botanists, and perhaps of Linnzeus, is certainly different from the English species. intermedius, Guss. Boccadifalco, &c., Gussone. This is not unlikely to prove a variety of B. mollis. | lanceolatus, Roth. Not unfrequent, J. B. sp., and certainly distinct. scoparius, L. Terranova, J. B. sp.; Palermo, Val di Maz- zara, Gussone. This species has been much confused ; it is nearly allied to the last. 350 Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. Bromus giganteus, i. Woody region of Etna, J. B.? — asper, L. I suspect that this and the preceding species, and possibly the following one also, will ultimately be placed in the same group with Triticum ciliatum, DeC. erectus, Huds. The extreme forms of this species are at-least as distinct as Festuca pinnata, Huds., and F. phenicotdes, L. sterilis, L. , 2. argentea. Coast near St. Alessio, J. B. sp. I know not on what authority Bertoloni has united the B. jubatus, Ten., with this species. ; — scaberrimus, Ten. maximus, Psl. , B. (B. madritensis, Guss.). This latter is considered distinct by Professor Parlatore, who has well illustrated the Sici- lian species of this genus. A great variety of forms existin the island, but I can only separate my specimens into two specific groups, and even of these the limits are not very well defined. The synonymy is in inextricable confusion. tectorum, L. Frequent. rubens, L. Val di Mazzara and hills about Palermo, Guss. fasciculatus, Psl. Near St. Alessio and Selinonte, J.B. sp. ; Val di Mazzara, Gussone: a very distinct species. Had I not been desirous of avoiding unnecessary change in a mere catalogue, I should have followed Prof. Parlatore in separating the Bromi seca- lint as a distinct genus, to which he has given the name Serra- faicus, in the small monograph already referred to. Stipa pennata, L. Hills of Termini and Altavilla, Gussone. capillata, L. ‘Terranova, Castelvetrano, Gussone. tortilis, Dsf. Frequent, J. B. sp. Aristella bromoides, Bertoloni (Stipa Aristella, L.). Not unfrequent, J. B. Avena sterilis, L. fatua, L. fallax, Ten. Hills about Palermo and Caltavoturo, Gussone. pubescens, L. Sicily, J. B.? pratensis, L. Frequent, J. B. condensata, Link. In many places on the coast, J. B. sp. neglecta,Savi. Terranova, Gussone. It is admitted that most of the characters which separate this and the preceding are variable. parviflora, Dsf. flavescens, L. (To this Bertoloni refers Trisetum splendens, Psl.) fragilis, Li. (Gaudinia fragilis, R and S.). Common, J. B. Danthonia provincialis, DeC. Lower region of Etna, J. B.? Lagurus ovatus, L. Very common. Arundo Donax, L. pliniana, Turr. Chiefly about Palermo. This is the 4. mau- ritanica, Dsf., of Mr. Hogg. Ampelodesmos, Cyr. Common. ——— Phragmites, L. epigejos, Li. montana, R. and 8S. Etna, J: B.? Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. 351 Ammophila arundinacea, Host. Sea-shore at Terranova, J. B. sp. Lolium perenne, L. , B. (L. strictum, Psl.). Sands near Messina, J. B. sp. iemealente: L. — temulentum, (3. (L. speciosum, Guss.). Frequent, J. B. Rottboéllia incurvata, L. fil. In many places, J. B, sp. filiformis, Roth. Less frequent than the preceding, J. B. Nothing but a careful study of the living plants will settle the still doubtful question as to the identity of these two species. cylindrica,W. Mouth of the Anapus near Syracuse, J. B. sp. ; Mondello, Gussone. fasciculata, Dsf. South coast, J. B. Psilurus nardoides, Trin. Frequent in the lower region of Etna, J.B. sp. Elymus europeus, L. In woods. I believe I have seen Sicilian spe- cimens of EL. crinitus, Schreb. Hordeum bulbosum, L. Mistretta, Gussone. murinum, L. Not common; near Syracuse, J. B. sp. pratense, Huds. Mountainous parts. ———. maritimum, With. Frequent, J. B. sp. Aigilops ovata, L. Common. neglecta, Req., Savi. J. B. sp.? triaristata, Req.? J.B. sp. triuncialis, L. J.B. sp.?: As I before remarked, I am unable to distinguish the species of this genus; I believe that I have found the above four forms, and probably the &. triticoides, Req., and 4. cylindrica, Host, are also to be found; the genus calls for careful examination. Secale Montanum, Guss. Frequent, J. B. Triticum estivum, sylvestre. Frequent in various situations, and to all appearance spontaneous, J. B. See Bert. Fl. It. i. 796. villosum, Psl. Frequent, J. B. sp. junceum, Li. Sandy sea-shores, J. B. — scirpeum, Guss. Salt marshes at Sferracavallo, Serra di Falco and Termini, Gussone. — repens, Li, , Pp. W. » y: Bert. (7. litorale, Host). Coast near S* Agata, Gussone. — panormitanum (Agropyrum panormitanum of Parlatore). I have not yet seen specimens of this plant. ,It is to be feared that many of the described species of this section are merely variable forms of two or three types. Bertoloni unites T. glaucum of Host with T. repens, L. — caninum, Huds. May not’even this be an extreme form of T. repens ? Lappago racemosa, W. This is scarce in Sicily. Nardus stricta, L. Lygeum spartum, L. This singular and beautiful plant is almost con- fined to the south coast between Terranova and Sciacca. 352 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to XLIX.— Contributions to the Ichthyology of Australia. By Joun Ricnarpson, M.D., F.R.S., &c., Inspector of Hospitals, Haslar. [Continued from p. 182.] BaTRACHUS DIEMENSIS (Le Sueur ?), Tasmanian Frog-fish. No, 34. Mr, Gilbert’s list. Mr. GILBERT says that “ this fish is an inhabitant of the mud at the head of the harbour of Port Essington, where it may be frequently seen creeping over the surface when the tide has left. It is very difficult to capture, for on the slightest ap- pearance of danger it plunges down instantaneously.” - Not having at hand the journal of the Academy of Science of Philadelphia, in which M. Le Sueur describes the Batrachus diemensis, I am unable to affirm the correctness of the desig- nation which I have given to Mr. Gilbert’s specimen. The diemensis is quoted in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons’ as a syno- nym of the quadrispinis of that work, and with this the Port Essington fish agrees in having two spines on the suboper- culum similar to the opercular ones; but guadrispinis has three spines in the first dorsal, its markings are described as merely crowded dots on a pale ground, and nothing is said of the finely streaked and reticulated arrangement of the pale tint on the upper surface of the body, and in the axilla of the pectoral, which exists in Mr. Gilbert’s fish. The figure of Lophius dubius in White’s ‘ Voyage to Botany Bay,’ which is referred by Cuvier to Batrachus dussumieri, is so bad, that the only mode of discovering what it was intended for is a careful comparison of all the species which frequent Port Jackson. Teeth all very short, appearing conical and acute under the mi- eroscope, but to the naked eye forming villiform bands. The band is broadest at the symphysis of the lower jaw, but laterally and on the intermaxillaries it is reduced to a single, or at most a double row of teeth. On the vomer and palatine bones the dental stripe is three or four rows deep, and it widens posteriorly. The lower lip is fringed with short, thick filaments; there are a few on the maxillary; one small one projects from the membrane on each side of the snout over the limb of the intermaxillary, and about five somewhat larger ones mark out the edge of the preoperculum. ‘The upper edge of the orbit is furnished with a short palmated filament, and there is a smaller simple one further back. One row of pores with tumid lips runs above the orbit, and another below it: they meet behind, pass on in a single line to the nape, and thence with a slight arching to the end of the soft dorsal. A second row commencing before the ventrals, runs under the pectoral to the end of the anal; a third one, not so crowded and less complete, may be detected on the mid- dle of the side; and a few pores are scattered over the body. When the Ichthyology of Australia. 353 the skin is moistened it wrinkles, particularly behind the pectorals and on the upper part of the sides, forming many soft, forking and anastomosing ridges which enclose innumerable little pits, each of which is marked by a black spot, while the ridges have a pale yel- lowish brown colour. In drying the skin becomes quite even, and the site of the wrinkles on the top and sides of the body and head is occupied by a fine meshwork of yellowish lines. ‘Towards the belly there appear merely dark specks scattered over the yellowish ground. There are also five or six large irregular dark blotches on the sides and back. The skin is scaleless. Rays :—B. 6; D. 2—18; A.16; P. 20; C.13; V.1)2. The pectorals are oval. The first dorsal is represented by two warty points scarcely projecting above the skin: there is no vestige of a third spine. The soft dorsal, commencing a short way behind these points, has the free compressed tips of its rays covered with thick skin ; its last ray is short, and may be merely a division of the one which precedes it. 'The same may be said of the last ray of the anal. The opercular spines are rather flat and obtuse, and, as in quadrispinis, the upper one is twice the length of the under one. The suboperculum is armed with two similar spines, and also by a third shorter one or rather angular point beneath them. Diwenstons. inches, lines, Length from upper lip to end of caudal fin ......ecseseeseeeeees 5 BOW OE GICO 115. 250 i0c. Sentai sk. 6 0 MUU eases eee dee tents Bik times tas 4 7 PillmoMOMIN Givi ssds codes lees adsdecaon ts 2 3 Height at poctorg le. ini i. sa tinecenvgss «ciety espns deanedduapdcepenaeen 1 8 Thickness at ditto .....ssscocsececeeees Pagencndagsonditessshcopepiines 1 8 LONGI Of DECLOIIE 0. coc arngaccncteiceteccavoesvenvansecssvcaguntesss 1 1 VOMUMIE ell apansscdediatvesbcosppsencevesscnocn)y aye mabe dogs 1 5 LAaBRuS GouLpII (Nobd.), Gould’s Wrasse. Sp. British Museum, No. 40, 12, 9, 62. The ‘ Histoire des Poissons’ contains descriptions of only four Labri of the Southern seas, viz. L. pecilopleura of New Zealand, L. ephippium and macrodontus of Java, and L. gayi of Juan Fernandez. The British Museum possesses a fish brought from Western Australia by Mr. Gould, which appears to be nearly allied to L. macrodontus, but to differ in the num- ber of the fin-rays as well as in some other particulars. The specimen consists of the dried skin of one side of the fish, and the bones of the head have been much cut away, so that the proper form of the profile cannot be exactly ascertained. No traces of the original colour remain, but Mr. Gould reports that it was an unform olive in the recent fish. In the denti- tion this species approaches to the genus Cossyphus, but the fins are not so extensively scaly, there are no crenatures on the preoperculum, and the general aspect is dissimilar. It differs 354 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to in various characters from any of the Cossyphi described in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons.’ Head short and obtuse. Two long obtuse nearly cylindrical teeth stand near the symphysis of each jaw (in all four above and four below), followed by a series of nine short conical ones. The edges of the jaws are naked and crenated, with some small granular teeth bursting through. [Part of the upper jaw is concealed by the dried incurved lip. The vomer and palate bone are cut away.] There is no canine tooth at the angle of the mouth. The snout, under-jaw, sub- orbitar and top of the head to the occiput, are naked. The cheek is covered by small, vertical-oval, remote, impressed scales, which form seven rows before the curve of the preoperculum, but diminish to two towards the temples, the scales at the same time increasing in size. The hinder edge of the preoperculum is free and quite smooth. The anterior border of the operculum is also smooth and is vertically striated ; the rest of the bone is entirely scaly, so as to conceal its junction with the suboperculum: the scales form five rows, and increase in size towards the gill-opening. A row of still larger scales protects the suboperculum, and five rows of smaller ones, though not so small as those on the cheek, cover the interoper- culum, the lower edge of this bone being smooth. The free edge of the gill-cover is rounded, its tip being formed by the rounded, scale- less, membranous lobe. ‘The situation of the suprascapular bone is denoted by the peculiar form of the scales, and there is a patch of smaller scales on the temple, which does not reach to the top of the head. The scales of the body are large, there being forty in a lon- gitudinal row, including two rows of smaller ones on the base of the caudal*, ‘The lateral line is very slightly arched, and becomes quite straight under the end of the dorsal. It is formed by a raised tube on each scale, ending in a bushy cluster, the branches of which are not very distinct. Rays :—D. 11/10; A. 3{10; C.14%; P.17; V. 15. The spinous part of the dorsal is slightly arched and is lower than the articulated portion, which ends in a point formed by the penul- timate and two preceding rays, the eighth soft ray being the longest. The spines are much compressed with thin edges and a round tip, except the three last, which are more cylindrical and acute. The membrane is notched behind each spine. The soft part of the anal resembles the corresponding portion of the dorsal: the spines are much wider and more thin and rounded at the ends than the dorsal ones ; the membrane forms a broad edging to each spine. The caudal is moderately rounded. The pectoral is also rounded off. The ventral is pointed ; its greatly compressed spine is shorter than the fifth soft ray, and has only half the length of the second and third rays, which are the longest. * There are twenty or twenty-one scales in a vertical row, of which seven are above the lateral line. A few small scales exist on the base of the articu- lated portions of the dorsal and anal, but none on the spinous parts. The edges of the scales are rounded, thin and membranous. the Ichthyology of Australha. 355 DIMENSIONS. inches. lines. Length from end of snout to end of caudal ........ Senile digas n> 38 6 base of caudal ......cccsccesseesoee 35 6 BUG TT 5 cocsswasevscchsnees nsdens 22 0 BNTG “cvdcctcccvenctoccsscetoccasece 20 6 VEMITAL ...s.cccccccccccctececoecs 13 0 OOrgal cisiwriessbises sip otaess 12 6 Pectoral ...ccccecscecesceveesees ser 10 3 edge of pbb: tiie dbs 5 saidds « 10 3 Centre Of CYC cearcereceeessevevese OD 6 Height of first dorsal spine....+....+.. sondectsnebessheonseon en sonede! {ca 6 FONTAINE FUG oe conse cop deskicnstonmavaca ER Cee 2 2 MEANS s cuikgaikeesxaa oo¥0i0 bo pean Sheer ear ‘uvbdien kaake¥ sans 1 6 IONE is ae vdcc sede cnn toeenensncods Lsaaatnneerw's ] 9 longest soft ray of dorsal .......ceceeeeeees Meccecenones 5 6 — first anal spiMe ..0sssercececcesccccessvcccesocesvesecs ue’ 2 0 — SECON CittO ..ccccccecersseves dsbbb ob pes latesvdelé, Fib0. 2 3 rs SIGE CEGO. sen isdcncs oe gynvdesesnes saan sale ip Pen aaa ag spews 2 6 longest soft ray of anal ...sccccccssecseeseess sees cedenee/ O 6 a body about.........+0. whe asuans Ceae es eodueiaerece 12 or 13 0 LaBrus cyanopus (Nod.), Azure-toothed Wrasse. No. 16. Mr. Gilbert’s list. This wrasse bears the name of “ ngurmin” among the Ab- origines of Port Essington, and is very abundant in that har- bour, where it inhabits deep water with arocky bottom. The specimen was captured at Black Point. It seems to have the closest affinity with the Labrus macrodontus of Lacepéde and japonicus of the ‘ Histoire des Poissons,’ differing from them only in the arrangement of the shades of colour, in the want of a canine tooth at the angle of the mouth, and in the minor development of the bony edges of the upper and lower jaws. The profile rises in a straight line from the upper lip, at an angle of 45° with the axis of the fish, and then curves abruptly to join the very slightly arched dorsal line. The curve of the belly is similar to that of the back, and the body, which is highest in the pectoral region, tapers from thence to the trunk of the tail, whose height is about one-third of that of the body. The length of the head mea- sured to the tip of the gill-flap equals the height at the breast, and somewhat exceeds one-third of the length of the fish, excluding the caudal fin. The canine teeth, strong, curved, and of an azure blue colour, stand in a pair on each side of the symphysis of each jaw. In the upper jaw the outer or posterior tooth of each pair is compa- ratively short and small; in the lower jaw the corresponding tooth is as tall and strong as the one next the symphysis, from which it diverges by a lateral curve. The naked bony edges of the upper and lower jaws are thin, of a blue colour, and are armed with minute granular teeth ; the upper ones, with the exception of one within the base of the canines, scarcely perceptible to the naked eye; the lower ones resembling crenatures of the bone, and amounting to about sixteen in number, the four next the angle of the mouth being 356 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to slightly larger than the rest. The eye is small, placed high up, and equidistant from the edge of the upper lip and tip of the gill-flap, but more remote from the under edge of the interoperculum. The ante- rior nasal orifice is incapable of admitting more than the point of a fine needle ; the posterior one is larger and of an oval shape. There are seven rows of small roundish depressed scales on the cheek, not touching each other; they increase a little in size as they approach the temple, and the rows there are reduced to two. Five irregularly tiled vertical rows of larger scales cover the bony operculum and suboperculum, increasing in size as they recede from the preoper- ~culum. The gill-cover ends in a projecting rounded thin mem- branous lobe, beneath which there is a conspicuous curved notch, formed by a narrowing of the suboperculum and the expansion of the very thin edge of the wide interoperculum. A single row of six small scales runs along the upper part of this bone, immediately beneath the edge of the preoperculum. The angle of the suboper- culum is widely rounded, its edge slightly detached and very entire, and its surface somewhat uneven and porous. The suprascapular region is marked out by a patch of scales of smaller size than those of the body. ‘The lateral line is traced on the fourth row: of scales, taking into the reckoning the row of smaller scales which forms the wall of the groove in which the dorsal stands. It runs parallel to the curve of the back until near the end of the dorsal, when it gra- dually assumes a straight course through the tail. Thirty scales enter into its composition, and the arbuscle'on the disc of each consists anteriorly of six branches, mostly inclining upwards and — seldom divided: posteriorly the branches are fewer, and near the. caudal fin the line is formed. by a straight tube almost continuous from scale to scale, and having a few very short and slender branch- lets diverging from it upwards and downwards at right angles. This composition of the lateral line is much like that of Cossyphus schen- leintt of Agassiz (C. and V. xiii. p. 148), which further nearly agrees with our fish as well as with Labrus macrodontus and L. japonicus in the numbers of the fin-rays. Short crowded streaks are faintly ‘visible with a lens on the edges of the scales, and similar striz are more plainly seen towards the bases of the uncovered discs of the paler scales on the lower parts of the body. Rays :—B. 6; D. 13|7 ; A. 3)10; C.128; P. 15; V. 1[5. Though the normal number of gill-rays of the Labri be only five, — the specimen here described, which consists of the right side of the fish, has six that can be reckoned without risk of mistake. In the recent fish the gill-membrane must be greatly concealed by the dilated interoperculum. The spinous rays of the dorsal, anal and ventral fins are all moderately strong and pungent. The dorsal ones are overtopped by small membranous processes; the height of the fin augments gradually up to the penultimate branched ray, which is the tallest, and forms an acute though not slender point, the last ray being deeply divided and rounding it off behind : the first spine has one-third of the length of the tallest jointed ray. The form of the anal resembles that of the dorsal: its third spine is the strongest of _ the Ichthyology of Australia. 357 the three, and is twice the height of its first one. The ventral spine is more slender, and is one-third shorter than the soft acute point of the fin, which reaches nearly to the vent. The caudal fin forms one- sixth of the total length of the fish, and is moderately and somewhat irregularly rounded ; its upper corner being acute and rather longer than the under one. The original colours of the specimen have disappeared, but the distribution of some of the darker tints may still be made out. The top and sides of the head have a dark brownish hue, which is sepa- rated from the inferior orange or reddish yellow parts by an even line running from the corner of the mouth beneath the angle of the “preoperculum and pectoral fin. There is a purplish brown patch on the chin. The light tints of the under surface rise in the axilla of the pectoral to the middle of the side, and are continued at that height to the caudal. ‘The upper parts have in the dried fish a not very uniform leaden hue. Three broad dark bars descend from the spinous part of the dorsal to the lateral line; there is a fourth be- fore the fin, and a fifth more obscurely seen at the end of the soft part. The intermediate paler spaces are narrower than the bars. All the fins have a yellowish tint, except the three upper pectoral rays, which have the dark hue of the dorsal bands. There are no mark- ings on the dorsal, though the colour of the spinous part is somewhat deeper than that of the soft part. Two diaphanous lines traverse the middle of the anal, and five similar ones cross the caudal, followed by dots on the end of the fin. : Dimensions. inches. lines. Length from front teeth to tip of the caudal fin ...... conedceee 10 0 base Of djtto -rocscssseccccciacneosers 8 8 VENE.....ceeee Coccscnecsoncesesenssoeves a VENA cc iessosevecccseeses susdhees 3 3 TERMED: ccceba Si Gas oh Seis Big dieaibaee 3 24 POOUGERE Lae lisis ci ccdnnk sin ddeaddtnn es 3 0 —— tip of gill-cover .......s.scseeesseees Z5Ghd CONS OE OFONG, ivs'scn uses caceaanasnaer: 1 5 PHAGE. OF OF isc isg can h assasasyacpnchene binsssaneenaitecessriaan aL, 63 Lengthy Of pectorals .. ccs scvcvevsessevccscuncedsoctoesascagpoacceecoass 2 4 veritrals ® 60. 0cssco0. see seeese ecqeeduansedecseoss spssheauees 1 6 Height of body st.c000, cud pte liv edadeedbadenidscedecveswdeveves 3 0 trunk: of tail io. Vicsiues hi etin on Seevceces Coedeecee oudeenr TEE 0 LaBrus ? 1r1s (Solander), Rainbow Labroid. Labrus? iris *, Solander, Pisce. Nov. Holl. This fish was obtained on Cook’s first voyage to the coast of New Holland, off Bustard Bay, in the 24th parallel of south latitude and 2083° meridian. Solander has not furnished us with the means of ascertaining its proper genus, and we quote his description chiefly to excite the attention of collectors who * Labrus iris of Lacepéde is a Centrarchus, and is identical with his La- brus macropterus. 358 Dr. Richardson on the Ichthyology of Australia. may visit that part of Australia. Judging from the splendour of its dress, we may suspect it to be a Julis. It will be readily recognised by the extreme length of its upper caudal ray. *« Labrus iris, Maij 24, 1770. Dorsum pallide olivaceum, infra medium e cerulescenti albidum. Vitta in medio quadruplex, a. su- perne lutescens, (. pallide cyanea, y. lutescens, 6. griseo-cerulescens. Supra os fascie tres splendidz, a. intense czrulea, (. flava, y. ‘Capitis latera pallide czerulescentia ad pinnas pectorales ducta. Vitte cerulez per iridem continuantur. Obs. Vitta lateralis postice cyanea, ad basin pinne caudalis arcuata et inferne reflexa. Pinna caudalis rubescens, subpellucida; dorsalis lutescens ; pinne pectorales e cor- neo albidze, pellucide ; ventrales et pinna ani albido-pellucide. Obs. Radius supremus pinne caudalis elongatus, ut cauda triplo longior.”’ (Solander.) TAUTOGA MELAPTERUS (Cuv. et Val.), The Ardilga. Tautoga melapterus, Cuv. et Val. xiii. p. 311. Labrus melampterus, Bl. 285. Schn. 247. No. 19. Mr. Gilbert’s list. The ‘ Ardilga’ of the natives of Port Essington inhabits deep water among sunken rocks, and readily takes a baited hook. _ Mr. Gilbert’s specimen was captured at the Tamar rock. It agrees so closely with the account of the large- lipped Tautega from the sea of Java, in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons,’ that I have no hesitation in considering it to be the same species. A few particulars which are more readily observed in the dried skin than in a specimen preserved in spirits are mentioned in the following notice. The plaits of the large upper lips and the lobes of the lower one preserve their form when dried. The cranium above the posterior angle of the orbit and the suborbitars show many undulating and anastomosing lines, producing an irregular rustic-work ; the upper limb of the preoperculum is more faintly marked in the same way ; and the operculum is sculptured in fine straight lines, radiating from its upper corner. There are two rows of scales on the cheek deeply imbedded in the skin, and a single vertical row containing five on the temple. The lateral line is composed of twenty-seven scales, each having on its disc a tapering tube with the point inclined up- wards. The exposed discs of all the scales on the body are im- pressed by upwards of twenty faint fan-like streaks, which are con- tinued over the thin membranous edges. Rays :—B.5; D.9j10;, A. 2/10; C. 18%;-P.18; V. 15. The pectorals are rounded; the dorsal and anal fins end in acute points. ‘The dorsal contains an articulated ray fewer than the spe- cimen belonging to the Leyden Museum, which is the one described in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons.’ The posterior rays of the fin are one- fifth longer than the first soft ray, and twice as high as the first spine. The other spines increase gradually in height, the ninth being just perceptibly shorter than the jointed ray which succeeds Mr. Hassall on the Branched Freshwater Conferve. 359 it. The anal contains only two spines, unless the anterior short one has been removed in preparing the specimen. The pointed ventral reaches to the anus. The margin of the caudal is slightly concave, the angles rather acute, and the upper one projecting a very little. The colours of the specimen are tolerably well preserved, and agree generally with the tints mentioned in the ‘ Histoire des Pois- sons.’ The scales of the back and sides are dark and show greenish tints, and each is sharply bordered by a dark purplish margin producing a regular meshwork ; there are faint traces of a paler crescent on each scale within the marginal one. The under surface of the body, bounded by a line running from the axilla of the pectoral to the anal, is pale, each scale having also a pale margin, though of a dif- ferent tint from the disc. There is a large circular violet-purple blotch behind the eye, a dark patch on the preorbitar, and some spots of campanula-purple on the preoperculum, suboperculum and interoperculum. The cheeks and operculum have a dull yellowish hue. The colours of the pectorals and ventrals are effaced, except that a dark mark remains on the base of the former. The dorsal and anal fins are imperial purple, which is bounded by a line of deep pansy-purple, the extreme border being pale. Many dots of pansy- purple are spread over both fins, being roundish on the anal and ob- long on the soft dorsal; a few larger drops extend to the pale bor- der of the anal, and the scales on the base of the fins are edged with emerald-green. The caudal is purplish without spots, its edge being pale. Dimensions. inches. lines, Length from upper teeth to end of caudal ..............s000eee 13 6 , baseof chtadal .. «sina cer sie) cadsp es 11 3 ANUS «-osserves Sadecenedges ines res saree 6 9 SINUIEE ac ddae oeho:s ca vusnihos Shed uE 4 94 VORA ede ais 605 hoe ctapede coches 4 6 WOCRITEIE 1 Feri iii led ceaksds« 4 2 —— end of lobe of gill-cover ......:.. 4 3 EDEL: Assaalin>nasnssaps senelnonntnaiad 2 3 SPIBMIOCEL OF CYS. i. sand siiepckagidicqnecnsebvanerpeaa ddd sap se ees 0 7 TRGBU CE DBA YS oo icc st iespenecsvesaphven verse Cepasesesaseeyensecss 3 6 [To be continued. } L.— Observations on the Growth, Reproduction, and Species of the Branched Freshwater Conferve. By Arraur H1uy Hassa.u, Esq. In a paper read before the Natural History Society of Dublin, a portion of which was inserted in the § Annals,’ vol. ix. p-431. allusion was made to the principal mode of growth of the freshwater Confervze, viz. by the continued growth and bi- section of all the cells entering into the formation of the fila- ments. I come now to notice a second mode of development, 360 Mr. Hassall on the Branched Freshwater Conferve. scarcely less interesting and important as regards the classi- fication of Confervze than the former. In many species of Confervz, more especially amongst the branched kinds, there is not only a longitudinal development of the cells, but there is likewise a lateral growth of them, so that if we examine any species in which this law is known to. exist, we shall observe, first, that the filaments differ consider- ably in diameter in the same specimen ; secondly, that the largest filaments are near the centre of the specimen; and thirdly, that the diameter of all the filaments, whether these be near the centre or circumference, gradually decreases from base to apex ; the observation of these three things proving the existence of the law of lateral development of the cells, and also showing it to be in proportion to their age. The propor- tions of a specimen of branched Conferva are therefore, in miniature, those of a tree or shrub. I have observed this law of growth to exist in the following Confervz: in the Vesiculasperms, many Diatomacee, and in Conferva zonata, the filaments of all of which are simple; in the Batrachiosperms, the genera Draparnaldia and Cheio- phora, in Conferva glomerata, C. crispata, C. flavescens, and in C. egagropila, in all of which the filaments are branched. It has no existence in the Conjugating Conferve, in many Oscillatorie, in some of the species of the genus Desmidium, and in the genus Bulbochete, all of which, save the last, have simple filaments, whose diameter does not vary with age, but is the same in the immature and mature condition of the species. These laws of the lateral development of cells prevail doubtless likewise amongst the majority of the marine ramose Confervze, and it is important that it should be kept in view in the framing of genera. The reproduction of the branched Conferve, whether ma- rine or freshwater (for I believe it to be the same in both) is still shrouded in much obscurity, but certainly differs essen- tially, if we except the genus Bulbochete, from that of the Con- fervee with simple unbranched filaments, the Synspores of M. Decaisne, and the Vesiculasperms ; for in them there is no intermingling or union of the contents of the adjacent cells, either in the same or different filaments, and no formation of a true spore; but there is, as in the Vesiculasperms, an infla- tion of the reproductive cells, which inflation is produced by an increase in the size of the small sporular granules, some twenty, thirty or more of which are contained within each cell. The determining cause whereby this increase of the granules is produced is at present a mystery, the solution of which is much to be desired. The inflation of the reproductive cells of Mr. Hassall on the Branched Freshwater Conferve. 361 the branched Confervz does not appear to have been noticed, so far as I am aware, by any other observer save Vaucher, and by him only in the Batrachiosperms, and yet it is of frequent occurrence, and affords a character whereby often species may be distinguished from each other, although at the same time it changes the ordinary appearance of species so much as to lead sometimes to the description of specimens so altered as distinct species ; and this has doubtless been the case with Conferva fracta of the ‘Flora Danica,’ which I take to be nothing more than C, crispata in a state of reproduction. It is then by means of the small granules to which refer- ence has been made, which, although they have undergone a considerable increase in size, are not one-twentieth part so large as the true spores of the Conjugate and of the Vesicula- sperms, that the branched Conferve are perpetuated; and hence we see the necessity and wisdom of the law of lateral growth to these Confervee, which otherwise would be placed amongst the most minute objects of creation. And it is, therefore, amongst the branched freshwater Con- fervee that we are principally to look for members of the once apparently important class of Zoospores. If there be such things, and it can scarcely be doubted but there are, it is here that they will chiefly be found. I have myself tried to detect motion of the reproductive granules, (which motion, by the way, is no conclusive proof of animality,) and once only in Con- Serva glomerata did I observe any motion of bodies within the cells; and these might possibly have been small animalculz which had effected an entrance through the aperture said to be provided for the escape of the zoospores, which aperture I have observed only in Conferva glomerata, in which it in- variably occupies a determinate situation at one side of the upper extremity of each cell; a fact in itself so strong, as in my opinion at once to throw discredit upon the explanation of Agardh as to the manner of the formation of the aperture, viz. by the reiterated pulsations or knocking of the confined zoospores against the sides of the walls of the cells. The freshwater species of the branched Conferve appear to me to resolve themselves into the following genera, the whole of which, including the genus Bulbochete, appear to form an exceedingly natural group, which I propose to designate Mi- crosperms. Firs?¢, into the genus Bulbocheite, which may be thus defined :— Genus BULBOCHATE. Filaments attached, of equal diameter, branched; cells trun- cate, setigerous, the setz being rigid, elongated and bulbous Ann, & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 25 362. Mr. Hassall on the Branched Freshwater Conferve. at their bases ; reproductive bodies situated either in in- flated cells, when they are formed by the union of the con- tents of true contiguous cells, or in the bulbous portion of oe setze, which becomes much enlarged for their accommo- ation. The reproduction of this remarkable genus has until very recently been wholly unknown. M. Decaisne, in his memoir on the Classification of the Algae, contained in the numbers of the ‘ Ann. des Sciences Nat.,’ for May and June 1842, alludes to the mode of formation of the reproductive bodies by the union of the matter of true cells in the same filament, but does not appear to have noticed the second way in which they are formed, viz. within the bulbous portion of the tube. The ob- servations of M. Decaisne and my own remarks appear to have been made nearly at the same period. In the above account of the reproduction of the genus Bul- bochete I have avoided using the term spore to designate the condensed endochrome in the inflated cells which presents so much the appearance of a true spore, for I conceive that it is most probable that this separates, as in the other branched species of Conferve, into numerous small reproductive gra- nules. The genus Bulbochete may be regarded as forming the con- necting link between the simple and branched freshwater Con- fervee; it agreeing with the Conjugate in the equality of its filaments, with the Vesiculasperms in the union of the con- tents of two distinct cells, and probably with the branched species in the separation of the condensed endochrome in the inflated cells into numerous reproductive vesicles. But one species of this genus is described by British authors. There are however, I suspect, not less than three or four di- stinct species, which I would characterize as follows, refrain- ing for the present from naming them, in the hope of having further opportunities of examining them. 1st sp. Bulbochete setigera. Cells usually five times as long as broad. This I regard as the most common species of the genus, and I have met with it:in very great abundance in ponds on Hertford Heath, High Beach, Cheshunt Common, as well as other places. 2nd sp. Cells usually three or three and a half times as long as broad; reproductive bodies formed by the union of the contents of two adjacent cells, in one of which they are contained. Mr. Hassall on the Branched Freshwater Conferve. 363 3rd sp. Cells usually once and a half as long as broad; re- productive bodies placed within the bulbs of the setae, which become much enlarged for their accommodation. 4th sp. Filaments very minute ; cells usually four or five times as long as broad. The filaments in this are not one-third so large as those of the preceding species. Secondly, into the three well-known and intimately allied genera Batrachiospermum, Draparnaldia and Chetophora, which resemble in their mode of growth as well as in their reproduction the branched Confervze of the following genus. Thirdly, into the genus Microspora. Nov. gen. Microspora. Cuar. Frond attached, branched, filaments tapering and of various diameter according to their age ; reproduction con- sisting of minute vesicles, several of which are placed in each inflated cell. This important genus contains the following species, Con- Ferva glomerata, C. crispaia, C. flavescens, C. agegropila, C. Brownii, and most probably the majority of the marine branched Conferve usually associated with the genus Con- Serva, as well as many of the unbranched marine species. I have omitted enumerating Conferva fracta and C. nigri- cans as belonging to this genus, for I regard the first, as al- ready stated, to be Conferva crispata in a state of reproduc- tion; and the latter I strongly suspect to be some aquatic production, probably a Chara in a state of decay, of which I. found a considerable quantity on a recent visit to Wimbledon Common, the locality from which Mr. Dixon [Dickson ?] obtained his specimens, presenting much the appearance of a Conferva. Fourthly and jifthly, into two genera characterized as be- low, but which I shall leave for the present unnamed. Ist genus. Filaments very sparingly branched, slightly con- tracted at the joints ; endochrome rarely filling the cells. There is but one species which I am at present able to refer to this genus, the Conferva ericetorum of Roth, a plant which, in common with some other observers, I was long inclined to regard as a Conjugata and a member of the genus Mougeotia; however, the occasional presence of short branchlets seems inconsistent with this opinion. 2nd gen. Filaments nearly equal, dichotomously branched ; endochrome contained in a small tube which passes through the cells in a waved manner. 2B2 364 Rev. F. W. Hope on new Insects from Western Africa. Species. Filaments slender, attached, tufted, about three-fourths of an inch in height ; cells usually about seven times as long as broad, slightly contracted at the joints; endochrome black, contained in a small tube which passes through the cells in a waved manner. It is not at all easy to make out the structure of this pro- duction, unless it be immersed in a solution of iodine, owing to the extreme transparency of the filaments, the dark colour- ing matter being situated only in the narrow thread which passes up the filaments. To the unassisted sight the filaments are of a blackish-gray colour. Acton Green, Middlesex: several specimens. LI.—On some new Insects from Western Africa. By the Rev. F. W. Hops, F.R.S., F.L.S. {Continued from vol. x. p. 95.] To the Editors of the Annals of Natural History. GENTLEMEN, From illness I have not until now been able to continue the description of the new insects received from Western Africa. Those described at present are remarkable for beauty and richness of colouring, and exhibit all the splendour so peculiar to tropical regions. From the Rev. Mr. Savage I have lately received some additional observations respecting the Goliath Beetles, which it is my intention to transmit to you on a future occasion. In haste, I remain, yours very sincerely, February 22, 1848. F. W. Hope. Sp. 35. Hydaticus discoidalis, Hope. Long. lin. 53; lat. lin. 8. Affinis Hydat. dorsigero, Dupont, at minor. Oblongo-ovalis, thorace obscure testaceo, suturali parte elytrorum nigra lateribus testaceis, punctis minutisque per discum aspersis, corpore infra ferrugineo, pedibus concoloribus. Sp. 36. Hydrous rufofemoratus. Long. lin. 11; lat. lin. 5. Niger, palpis rufo-testaceis, thorace glabro, elytrisque quibusdam lineis punctato-striatis, punctis parum distinctis. Corpus infra atrum, femoribus rubris, tibiis nigricantibus nitidis. Hab. Circa Palmas. Sp. 37. Hydrous distinctus. Long. lin. 9; lat. lin.4. Niger, forma ovali elongata, palpis rufo-testaceis. Elytra glabra punctis haud sub lente distinguendis, Corpus infra obscure atrum et subtomentosum, femoribus tibiisque nigris et nitidis. Hab. in Sierra Leona. There are two other species undescribed in the same collection Rev. F. W. Hope on new Insects from Western Africa. 365 from Africa, but they are omitted, being in too bad a state to de- scribe. Sp. 38. Ampedus Savagei, Hope. Long. lin. 9 ; lat. lin. 24. Cyaneus, capite thorace pectore femoribusque miniatis, elytris lete cyaneis et striato-punctatis, abdomine nigro et nitido. Hab. circa Sierram Leonam. This magnificent insect is named in honour of the Rey. Mr. Sa- vage. The tibie and tarsi are unfortunately wanting. Sp. 39. Ampedus cyanocephalus. Long. lin. 6; lat. lin. 14. Cyaneus, capite concolori antennisque atris. Thorax miniatus et punctatus. Elytra lete cyanea et subtilissime striato-punctata. Corpus infra subcyaneum, abdomine parum rubescente, lateribus thoracis mi- niatis pedibusque testaceis. Hab. Cape Palmas. Sp. 40. Ampedus auripennis, Hope. Long. lin. 9 ; lat. lin. 3. Viridis, antennis atris, thorace convexo, virescenti-punctulato, elytris au- ratis nitidis, sub lente minutissime punctatis. Corpus infra viride punctulatum, pedibus concoloribus, tarsis spongiosis. Hab, Circa Palmas. Sp. 41. Ampedus Iris, Hope. Long. lin. 8; lat. lin. 2. Viridis, antennis atris, thorace punctulato versicolori flavoque tomentoso. Elytra concoloria, striato-punctata. Corpus infra rubrum, pedibus pallidioribus. Hab. Circa Palmas. Sp. 42. Ampedus cyanicollis. Long. lin. 6; lat. lin. 13. Violaceus, antennis nigris, thorace cyaneo, elytris ad basem auratis nitidis, posticeque cyaneis. Corpus infra pectore viridi, annulis abdominis rufescentibus, pedibus flavis. Hab. Circa Palmas. Sp. 43. Ampedus auricollis, Hope. Long. lin. 7 ; lat. lin. 17. Afneus, antennis atris, thorace lete aureo, elytris striato-punctatis et viridi- zneis.. Corpus infra concolor flavoque tomento obsitum, pedibus flavis. Sp. 44. Alaus ? interruptus, Hope. Long. lin. 8; lat. lin. 22. Affinis Al. Reicheo, at minor. Fusco-brunneus, antennis atris, thorace maculis minutis flavis asperso, elytrisque postice abrupte truncatis flavoque irroratis cruceque flava interrupta notatis. Corpus infra pectore flavo-ochraceo colore insignitum, abdomine griseo, pedi- busque concoloribus. Hab. Circa Palmas. The genus Alaus requires subdividing, those from Africa differing considerably from the Asiatic species. The type of the genus belongs to the New World. Sp. 45. Agrypnus Tropicus, Hope. Long. lin. 13; lat. lin. 34. Affinis tomentoso Fab., at minor. Brunneus, thorace nigricanti, elytris striato-punctatis tomentoque ferrugineo vestitis. Corpus infra brunneum. Hab. Circa Palmas. 366 Rev. F.W. Hope on new Insects from Western Africa. Sp. 46. Agrypnus laticollis, Hope. Long. lin. 16 ; lat. lin. 6. Niger, antennis pedibusque fusco-ferrugineis, thorace lato punctulato elytrisque fortissime sulcatis, interstitiis crebre punctatis. Corpus subtus atrum, femoribus tibiisque piceis tarsisque auricomatis. Hab. Circa Palmas. The above species in Africa seems to represent what Al. fuscipes, Fab. does in Asia, and is the largest species yet described. LoNGICORNES. Sp. 47. Mallodon Downesii, Hope. Long. lin. 24; lat. lin. 9. Piceus, mandibulis porrectis intusque hirsutis, apicibus 3-dentatis. Thorax fere transverso-quadratus lateribus depressis et serratis, disco in medio elevato, punctisque variis sparsim dispositis. Elytra picea ad suturam mucronata. Corpus infra piceum, annulis abdominis postice rufescentibus, pectore aurato tomento obsito. The above insect was taken at Fernando Po by my gallant friend Captain Downes; I have also received it from Cape Palmas. Mal- lodon picipennis and Raddoni are also taken at Sierra Leone. Sp. 48. Acanthophorus Paliniit, Hope. Long. lin. 17; lat. lin. 6: Piceo-brunneus, antennis piceis, thorace marginato 3-dentato, an- ticis spinis majoribus et recurvis, posticis minutis. Thorax flavo- tomentosus, elytris piceis, maculis plurimis villosis obsitis. Corpus infra flavo-tomentosum, tarsis infra rubro-spongiosis. The above insect was sent to me by Mr. Palin, who fell a victim to the unhealthy climate of Sierra Leone. Sp. 49. Acanthophorus longipennis. Long. lin. 33; lat. lin. 11. Piceus, thorace marginato 3-dentato, dentibus fere zqualibus, disco ‘in medio tuberculato. Elytra valde elongata, picea, ad humeros parum scabra, maculisque irrorata, lineis longitudinalibus vix di- stinctis. Corpus infra rubro-piceum, pedibus concoloribus. Hab, Sierra Leone. Phyllarthrius*, novum genus. Antenne articulo 1™° crasso, 2° minore, 3%° minimo, 6 sequentibus gradatim increscentibus et foliaceo-ramosis, externo articulo fere ovali, apice subacuto. Thorax fere orbicularis lateribus haud spinosis. Elytra ad apicem gradatim increscentia, rotundata. : Pedes femoribus quatuor anticis incrassatis, posticis longioribus et parum dilatatis. The above characters will at once sufficiently distinguish it from Amphidesmus, Esch., to which it approaches in form: its true locality in the system is doubtful. Sp. 50. Phyllarthrius Africanus. Long. lin. 64; lat. lin. 13. Flavus, antennis atris, sex ultimis articulis foliaceis, thorace fere rotun- dato, elytris postice sensim increscentibus flavis, apicibus autem nigris, totum corpus infra nigrum tarsis solummodo auricomatis. * From Qvaroy and d&edeop, leafjointed Cerambyx. Rey. F. W. Hope on new Insects from Western Africa. 367 The above insect was received from Sierra Leone and was collected by Mr. Palin. Sp. 51. Phyllarthrius unicolor. Long. lin. 5; lat. lin. 1}. Rubro- piceus, thorace orbiculari, antennis binis primis articulis nigrican- tibus, reliquis flavo-piceis. Elytra concoloria. Corpus infra testaceo- rubrum, femoribus incrassatis. The above insect was received from Ashantee. Sp. 52. Hamaticherus signaticollis, Hope. Long. lin. 10; lat. lin. 23. Niger, antennis corpore longioribus, thorace 4-maculato, maculis flavo-sericeis. Elytra ad apicem abrupte truncata linea aurato- sericea longitudinali conspicua, reliqua parte disci atra.. Corpus infra nigrum, segmentis abdominis argenteo-sericeis, pedibus nigri- cantibus, tarsis infra flavo-spongiosis. Hab. Circa Palmas. The above species will at some future time be regarded as the type of a subgenus allied to Hamaticherus. Sp. 53. Hamaticherus viridipennis. Long. lin. 12; lat. lin. 4. Vi- ridi-nitens, thorace nigro rugisque transversis obsito, elytris viridi- bus, ad apicem abrupte truncatis et sub lente subtilissime punctu- latis. Corpus infra atro-piceum, antennis pedibusque rubris. Hab. Circa Sierram Leonam. Sp. 54. Hamaticherus pilosicollis. Long. lin. 10; lat. lin. 3. Viridis, capite thoraceque flavis capillis obsitis, disco supra linea longi- tudinali, maculaque utrinque nigra nitida insignito. Elytra viridia nitida ad apicem rotundata, sub lente vix punctulata. Corpus infra nigrum flavisque capillis obsitum, pedibus concoloribus. Hab. Circa Palmas. Sp. 55. Hamaticherus glabricollis. Long. lin. 83; lat. lin. 24. Vi- ridis, antennis rubro-piceis, thorace nigro lateribus rugosis. Elytra ad apicem truncata subbispinosa viridia nitida sub lente vix punc- tata. Corpus infra nigrum, pedibus segmentisque abdominis pos- tice rubro-piceis. ~ Hab. Circa Palmas. The above three species are all metallic, and appear to belong to a peculiar section, I am also acquainted with others from the same locality. Sp. 56. Ionthodes amabilis. Long. lin. 11; lat. lin. 3. Affinis for- mos@, Serville, at major. Caput atrum, antennis pedibusque rubris. Thorax niger, maculis argenteis insignitus, binis flavis in medio disci positis, binisque aliis albidis utrinque ad lateraconspicuis. Elytra lete purpurascentia in quibusdam locis obscura. Corpus infra ni- _ gro-sericeum. This lovely insect inhabits Sierra Leone. Sp. 57. Callichroma assimile. Long. lin. 10; lat. lin. 24. Affine Call. Afro, Fab. et Cer. nitenti, Olivier. Viridi-nitens, antennis pedibusque ferrugineo-flavis, thorace rotundato subspinoso, trans- verse rugoso viridique aurato. Scutellum lete aureum, elytris vi- 368 Rev. F. W. Hope on new Insects from Western Africa. ridibus suturaque interne aureo-vittata. Corpus infra aureum et punctatum. Hab. Circa Sierram Leonam. Sp. 58. Callichroma letum, Hope. Long. lin. 15; lat. lin. 43. Cy- aneum aut lete viride, antennis nigris, thorace utrinque fortiter spinoso, dorso subtuberculato. Scutellum rugis transversis im- pressum et auratum. Elytra lete purpurea aut viridia punctulata, corpore infra concolori. Tarsi supra argentei infraque flavo-spon- » giosi. Hab.-Circa Palmas. This splendid insect varies considerably in its colouring, being sometimes purple, blue and green; it is closely allied to the C. albo- tarsis of Fabricius. Sp. 59. Callichroma atripenne, Hope. Long. lin. 124; lat. lin. 4. Atrum, antennis pedibusque rubris, thorace utrinque subspinoso, rugisque transversis impresso. Corpore infra aurato tomentoso. The above insect I have received from Cape Palmas and also from Sierra Leone. | Sp. 60. Callichroma igneicolle. Long. lin. 123; lat. lin. 23. Viola- ceum, antennis nigricantibus. Caput lete auratum. Thorax utrin- que spinosus, igne auroque zstuans. Elytra elongata interne viri- dia lateribus violaceis. Corpus infra auratum, pedibus violaceis. The above insect seems to unite in itself the Asiatic and African Callichromide ; it was received lately from Ashantee, and is one of the most beautiful insects found in Africa. Sp. 61. Promeces carbonarius. Long. lin. 92; lat. lin. 2. Niger, antennis atro-violaceis, thorace fere rotundato utrinque subtuber- culato, corpore infra concolori, pedibus rubris, femoribus quatuor anticis incrassatis, reliquis elongatis. It inhabits the vicinity of Sierra Leone. Sp. 62. Euporus amabilis. Long. lin. 6; lat. lin. 3. Cyaneus, an- tennis purpurascentibus, capite lete viridi, thorace cyaneo, dorso varioloso-punctato. Scutellum aureum, elytra ad humeros violacea, interne viridia et ad latera atro-cyanea. Corpus infra viride, femo- ribus cyaneis, tibiis posticis binis in medio rubris. Hab. Circa Palmas. Sp. 68. Euporus chrysocollis. Long. lin. 7; lat. lin. 1. Viridis, ca- pite antice concolori posticeque cyaneo. Antenne violacese. Thorax aureus, fortissime punctatus. Elytra in medio obscure viridia, su- tura aureo-virescente lateribus externe violaceis. Corpus infra auratum nitidum et punctatum, pedibus cyaneis. This species was given me by Captain Downes, and taken by him at Fernando Po; it is closely allied to the insect above described under the name of amabilis. Sp. 64. Sternodonta Palinit. Long. lin. 9; lat. lin. 23. Viridis, an- tennis atris, articulo 1™° ceruleo. Capite fronte viridi posticeque atro. Thorax ater, antice et postice linea transversa virescenti Mr. G. R. Gray on the Soft-billed Duck of Latham. 369 notatus, aliaque media aurantia. Elytra nigra fascia humerali aurantia, secunda fere media, duabus maculis concoloribus fere ad apicem positis. Intra humeralem fasciam et apicem totum discum maculis minutis viridibus aspersum. Corpus infra viride, pectore utrinque aurantio colore imbuto, The above elegant insect is named after Mr. Palin, an assiduous collector of insects at Sierra Leone. Sp. 65. Sternodonta Princeps. Long. lin. 13; lat. lin. 6. Atro- viridis, antennis pallidioribus, thorace 4 lineis transversis albidis notato, elytris disco nigro binis fasciis obliquis variisque maculis albido beryllinis insignitis. Corpus infra nigrum, segmentis abdo- minis beryllino-viridibus. Received from Ashantee in 1833. Sp. 66. Sternodonta amabilis. Long. lin. 12; lat. lin. 5. Affinis Stern. Imperiali, at major. Viridis, corpore pulvere fulvo aurato, fere om- nino tecto. Thorax medio aurantius, antice posticeque viridis. Elytra lete beryllino-viridia, ad basem nigra fascia notata, maculis- que varlis aurantiis conspicua. Corpus infra lete viride, pedibus concoloribus. The above insect is one of the most beautiful received from Africa. It was obtained from the country of the Ashantees. LII.—Some remarks on the Soft-billed Duck of Latham. By Greorce Rospert Gray, Esq. Amone the ducks described by Latham in his ‘ Synopsis’ is one that he denominated the Soft-billed Duck. It was first noticed however by Cook and Forster in their Voyages, and to them Dr. Latham was indebted for the information which supplied the material for his description. A representation of this curious and rare species of duck is given by G. Forster among his drawings, tab. 74. Gmelin was the first to give a scientific name, which he did by translating Latham’s, as Anas malacorhynchus. The specimens which have again brought it into notice have recently been presented to the National Col- lection by the New Zealand Company ; they are two in number, and were brought from New Zealand by Dr. Dieffenbach ; it is thus that the writer has had it in his power to examine it and to compare it with the Australian soft-billed duck. He soon discovered that Wagler was in error in considering it as belonging to the same division. From the form of the hind toe, the Australian species is a true duck near the Shovellers ; while the present bird is more properly placed with the lobed hind-toed ducks, such as the Pochards, and partaking in some measure of the form of the Goosanders. It should therefore be placed in the subfamily Fuliguline between Camptolaimus 870 Mr.G.R. Gray on the Soft-billed Duck of Latham. and Branta; the former of which is the only one of that sub- family that has the apical margins of the bill soft and some- what flexible. The Australian soft-billed duck is the type of the genus Malacorhynchus as established by Mr. Swainson in 1831. In 1832 Wagler used the same generic name, being unacquainted with the fact that it had been previously em- ployed: he seems to consider the New Zealand bird as the type, but mentioned the Australian one as the second species. This leaves us to conclude that Mr. Swainson’s genus Ma- lacorhynchus must, by the law of priority, be retained for the Australian Anas membranacea, while a new generic name should be proposed for the New Zealand Anas malacorhynchus. Capt.Cook in his ‘ Voyage’ mentions this bird as a “blue-gray duck, or whistling-duck as some called them, from the whist- ling noise they make;” and Forster in his ‘ Voyage’ states, that *“‘its bill had a remarkable membranaceous substance at the extremity on both sides, probably because the bird is intended to live by sucking the worms, &c. in the mud, when the tide retires from the beach.” On the drawing is written (as if called so by the natives) the word heweego; where is also re- presented'(and of which he speaks in his ‘ Voyage’) a narrow white band across each wing that is not found in the specimen before me. Hymenouaimus. Bill as long as the head, equally com- pressed, elevated at the base, with the culmen for three-fourths of its length straight, and then slightly curved to the tip; the sides from the culmen shelving to the lateral margins, of which the basal half is firm and furnished with lengthened slender laminze; the apical half of the margin composed of a soft flexible skin that hangs over the lower mandible, widening towards the tip, where it is somewhat truncate and the nail not very prominent; nostrils situated near the middle of the bill and oval. Wings short, slender, with the first, second and third quills equal and longest, and the shoulder armed with a short blunt spur. Tail lengthened and composed of broad feathers with the ends rather rounded. Tarsi nearly as long as the middle toe exclusive of claw, fore-toes strong and fully webbed, and the hind toe moderate and strongly lobed. H. malacorhynchus (Gm.), n. Brownish blue ; the feathers more or less margined with glossy green, especially on the head and back; the breast varied with large spots of light chestnut ; the secondaries (some tipped with white) with their outer edges margined narrowly with velvety black. Bull white, with the nail and the soft part black. Legs brown and web black. Mr. G. R. Gray on the Soft-billed Duck of Latham. 371 Length 20 inches; bill 2} inches; wings 84 inches ; tail 53 inches ; tarsi 1} inch. Anas malacorhynchus, Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. 526; Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. 862. Malacorhynchus Forsterorum, Wagl. Isis, 1832. As an appendix, I subjoin the descriptions of five species of birds which are considered to be new to science. Falco subniger. Deep brown, margins of feathers lighter ; abdomen, greater wing-coverts, quills and tail blackish brown ; bill and legs plumbeous. Length 23 inches ; bill 1 inch and 1 line; wings 16} inches ; tarsi 24 inches. This bird has the form of the peregrine falcon, but is larger in all its proportions ; judging from the plumage, it appears to be an immature specimen of a species not hitherto described. Its locality is unknown, but is supposed to be an Australian species. Falco guttatus. Black, the feathers of the back margined with blue, and the inner webs of the quills and tail-feathers spotted with rufous; throat and a semicollar on the neck white, slightly tinged with rufous ; breast and beneath deep rufous, spotted with black. Bull black, cere and legs yellow. Length 123 inches; bill 3 of an inch; wings 93 inches; tail 53 inches ; tarsi 13 inch. Approaches mostly to the Falco frontatus of Gould in size and colour, but the lower parts are deep rufous and distinctly spotted with black. Itis from the Philippine Islands. Astur cristatus. Glossy brown, top and back of the head, where the feathers form a crest, black ; ear-coverts plumbeous; throat white, with a very narrow streak of black down the centre; breast rufous, varying with white; abdomen broadly banded with white and rufous ; thigh white, with narrow bands of rufous brown; tail ashy, with four dark brown bands. Bill black and legs yellow. BE NECS ES Sa, ho ON ae Length 164 inches ; bill 1.inch;~wings 8} inches; tail 71 inches ; tarsi 2? inches. This bird might at first sight be taken for a species of Baza, as far as regards the position of its colours, but the festooned bill and lengthened tarsi at once distinguish it from that genus. It is an inhabitant of the Philippine Islands, Tchitrea rufa. Rufous, with the base of the feathers paler, the inner webs of the quills dusky. Length 83 inches ; bill 1 inch; wings 3 inches 8 lines; tail 45 inches ; tarsi 9 lines. This fine species is from the Philippine Islands. 372 My. J. Ralfs on the species of Desmidium. Caccabis Bonhami. Grayish isabella-colour, numerously banded and vermiculated with dusky ; lower part of the back and tail-coverts slightly speckled with black; front and line above the eyes black, another line through the eyes white ; the throat and sides of the neck pale blue, with some of the feathers of the latter variegated with white ; breast plain isa- bella-colour ; feathers of the sides varied with blotches of ru-. fous isabella and white margined with black ; abdomen nearly white ; tail pale cinnamon, with the ends paler and vermicu- lated with black. Bill and legs yellow. Length 82 inches. Female paler, entirely banded and vermiculated with dusky ; sides and abdomen varied with white, which colour predomi- nates on the throat. It is from the mountains of Persia, and has much the appearance of the P. Heyiit, Temm., to which it also approaches in size. LIII.—Remarks on the species of Desmidium. By Joun Ratrs, Kisq., M.R.C.S., Penzance. [ With a Plate.] Desmipium, 4g. FitaMeEnts fragile, jointed, angular, with the angles of each joint bicrenate, or cylindrical with a circular groove which produces a crenate appearance, finally separating into single joints or frustules. This natural genus is not well defined either in Agardh’s ‘ Con- spectus criticus Diatomacearum’ or in any of our British works. Its best distinctive character appears to consist in the crenated appearance of the filaments, which is least evident in_D.mucosum*. The filaments are of a pale green colour, simple, fragile, short, * Since this paper was written I have had an opportunity of seeing Kiit- zing’s ‘Synopsis Diatomearum,’ and as his character is the best I have met with I subjoin it :— ‘‘Desmidium. Corpuscula geminata in longam seriem conjuncta, itaque filum articulatum constituentia, tubulo communi filiformi mucoso inclusa.”’ —In Linnea, 1833, p. 613. Ehrenberg’s Desmidium differs widely from that of botanists. D. Swartzii is the only species common to both, in consequence of his having made tri- angular frustules one of the characters of his genus. His Desmidium, be- sides D. Swartzii, contains five species, orbiculare, hexaceros, bifidum, acu- leatum and apiculosum, all found in England. But these, not being united into a filament, are distinguished from the genus as above described, just as frustulia, Ag., is from Fragilaria. Ehrenberg defines his genus in the following terms :— “ Desmidium animal liberum, lorica simplici, univalvi, triquetra inclusum, szepe cateniforme.”—Die Infus. p. 140. Mr. J. Ralfs on the species of Desmidium. 373 straight, and are scattered in loose bundles in the water, or form a thin gelatinous fleece at the bottom of the pool. They are ge- nerally twisted in a regular manner ; this is shown by the waved darker line in D. Swartzii, and in D. cylindricum and D. Bor- rert by the apparent variableness in the diameter of the filament, and by the different position of the angles, which causes the cre- natures either to become less distinct or entirely to disappear at certain intervals. Whether D. mucosum is also twisted, I am unable to determine, the crenated appearance of the joimts beimg caused by a shallow groove running all round the joint: all the joints seem to be si- milar, and if twisted would not present any perceptible difference. As the angles of the joints in all the species are, in a greater or less degree, really or apparently bicrenate, this character is rather a generic than a specific one. | Most commonly each joint in the species of this genus has its endochrome divided into two portions separated by a paler line, which runs across between the crenatures, and in D. mucosum corresponds with the groove passing round the joint. A trans- verse view shows the endochrome disposed in a stellate manner. The species are found during great part of the year in clear shallow pools or in old peat-pits ; those at present known are few in number, and possess well-marked characters. * Filaments with a mucous sheath. 1. D. cylindricum, Grev. Filaments slightly compressed, with two angles; crenatures strongly marked; joints rather broader than long*. Plate VIII. fig. 1. Grev. Scot. Crypt. Fl.t.293; Desmaz. n. 1110. In old peat-pits about Dolgelley, N. Wales; sparingly near Pen- zance. D. cylindricum, Swartzii, Borreri and mucosum, growing together in a watercourse on Chiltington common near Pulborough, Sussex : Mr. Jenner; Cheshunt, Mr. Hassall. The filaments are as thick as those of D. Swartzii, which spe- cies it much resembles in the water. The joints, inclusive of the angles, which are colourless, are rather broader than long, and of an oval form, with a small sharp notch in each angle. Those joints in which the angles are not visible are about as long as broad. The joints seem to be connected by a thickened border. The mucous sheath is not noticed by Dr. Greville or Agardh, whose description in the ‘ Conspectus criticus Diatomacearum’ is taken from Greville. The description in the ‘Scot. Crypt. Flora’ was probably drawn up from dried specimens, in which the sheath is less evident. * Length and breadth have here their usual meaning when applied to the joints of the filament of a Conferva. 374 Mr. J. Ralfs on the species of Desmidium. The mucous sheath is narrower than that of D. mucosum, and in both a portion of it seems to belong to each joint ; in both also it is elastic, which may be the cause why the joints separate so easily. The elasticity is shown by its becoming longer than the joints after their separation. I learn from Mr. Berkeley, who kindly sent me a portion from Desmaziéres’ specimen, that Desmaziéres figures the joints as slightly compressed, with a rounded angle both of the filament and sheath on each side, and thus agrees exactly with my own observations. Desmaziéres, however, representsthe endochrome in two parcels, each consisting of five granules. In the specimens I have ex- amined the endochrome has sometimes four and sometimes five rays. The filaments are twisted, and consequently at about every tenth joint the angles are very perceptible, whilst in the two central jomts they are almost invisible ; on altering slightly the position of the filament the angles in the latter become visible, and in the former disappear. On account of the oval form of the joints the angles of each are separated, and thus the filament acquires a pinnatifid appearance ; the notch is sharply defined, as if a triangular bit had been snipped out. 2. D. mucosum, Breb. Filaments cylindrical, appearing very slightly crenate ; joints generally half as long as broad. Pl. VIII. fig. 2. Conf. dissiliens, Eng.Bot. t.2464. (crenature in the figure too deep). Cwm Bychan, W. Borrer, Esq.; Tunbridge Wells, Mr. Jenner ; near Bedgelert and about Dolgelley, N. Wales ; Swansea, S. Wales; plentiful near Penzance, Cornwall; High Beach, Essex; Hertford Heath and Wormley West end, Herts, Mr. Hassall. Filaments slenderer than those either of D. Swartzii or D. cy- lindricum, mucous, adhering firmly to paper, with a broad mucous sheath, cylindrical, without any angles, in which respect it differs from the other three species. Each joint has a shallow groove passing round it (thus resembling a small pulley-wheel) which gives the crenate appearance to the filaments ; the crenatures are generally very shallow, sometimes nearly obsolete, but I have oc- casionally seen them deeper, and thus more like the figure in ‘Eng. Bot.’ There is scarcely any depression between the joints ; in this circumstance it differs greatly from D. eylindricum. If kept in water for a few days it separates into single joints, each joint having a perfect mucous covering ; both the filament and sheath are cylindrical. The endochrome generally is disposed in a stellate manner (when seen transversely), having a small central ring and six or seven rays. Mr. J. Ralfs on the species of Desmidium. 375. Foreign specimens given me by Mr. Berkeley exactly agree with the above description. ** Filaments without a mucous sheath. 3. D. Swartzii, Ag. Filaments triangular ; joints shorter than broad. Pl. VIII. fig. 3. Grev. Crypt. Fl. t. 292; Hhren. Die Infus. p. 140. t. 10. fig. 8; Pritch. Infus. p.183. __ Tunbridge Wells, Mr. Borrer ; Swansea, S. Wales; Caernarvon and Dolgelley, N. Wales; Penzance. Agardh seems not to have understood this species. In the ‘ Conspectus criticus Diatomacearum’ he says, “ filis planis tri- angulisve,”’ and afterwards, “ Fila mihi plana visa, secundum Car- michael revera triangula sunt ; secundum Lyngbye articuli soluti cito figuram triangulam induunt. Iterum itaque hoc respectu observanda.” Dr. Greville’s description is very correct: the filaments are no doubt triangular, as a little care in using the microscope may easily determine. Under the lens two angles always appear at the two margins of the filament. The third angle is marked by the dark line caused by the greater thickness in that part. As the filaments are twisted, the dark line regularly passes, as seen in the sketch, from one margin to the other. By examining the fila- ment where the angle (shown by the dark line) touches the mar- gin and bringing the lens a little nearer, and then withdrawing it again, both angles may be distinctly seen. Transverse view triangular, the angles blunt, the sides slightly concave ; endochrome in three portions placed in the angles, and. connected in the centre by three processes resembling stalks. But this is only seen when the joints separate spontaneously. When a joint is separated under the microscope, a cloud of extremely minute granules is poured out, which for an instant obscures the view. It adheres but slightly to paper, is very fragile, but separates spontaneously into single joimts with less readiness than D. mu- cosum and D. cylindricum. Mr. Borrer has kindly presented me with a portion of a spe- cimen given him by Mr. D. Turner as the Conferva dissiliens of Dillwyn, but which is undoubtedly the plant now described. 4. D. Borreri. Filaments cylindrical, inflated, with two angles ; joints about twice as long as broad. Pl. VIII. fig. 4. I have great pleasure in dedicating this species to Mr. Borrer, who directed my attention to it in a boggy ditch at Cwm Bychan in July last, when I accompanied him in a very agreeable excur- sion among the Welsh mountains. We afterwards found it above Twll Da in a small pool near 376 Mr. Westwood on the Habits of a Saw-Fly. Llyn y Cwn; I have also gathered it in old peat-pits near the outlet of the Llanberris Lakes, and near Dolgelley, N. Wales. It is a very distinct species, and in the great length of its joints remarkably differs from the other species of this genus. Filaments pale green, very slender, and without a mucous sheath. The joints are cylindrical when viewed transversely, and have two minute angles. The endochrome, stellate, as in the other species, has five or six rays. That the crenatures are situated in the angles and not in a groove as in D. mucosum, is shown by their promimence and dis- appearance at regular distances as in D. cylindricum, which re- sults from the twisting of the filament. The notch seems less like an interruption of the outline than in the other species, but rather as if the angles were attached to the sides of the joint. The joints are somewhat inflated. When the angles are not visible they resemble small barrels placed end to end. Where the angles are fully displayed, the appearance may be compared to the juxtaposition of two flower-pots by their mouths, the rims and interval between which will represent the crenated angles. On account of the great length of the joints, the division of the endochrome into two portions is very strongly marked. LIV.—Note on the Saw-Fly (Lyda inanita) the subject of M. Hu- ber’s paper in the preceding Number. By J. O. Wrestwoop, Esq., F.L.S. E.S., &e. To Richard Taylor, Esq. Dear Sir, : Your readers will be interested to learn that the curious insect whose proceedings are detailed in the last number of the ‘ Annals ” is a native of this country. For ten years past I have observed it on the rose-trees in my garden at Hammersmith, where I have watched its proceedings in detail, and had prepared a history of it with a view to publication. A short abstract of my observations on it was published in my ‘ Introduction to the Modern Classi- fication of Insects,’ vol. 1. p. 107, accompanied by a figure of the case as well as of the perfect imsect (with which M. Huber was unacquainted), and which is the Lyda inanita, which appears in the imago state im the last week of May, flymg about the bushes in the garden with great velocity and settling on the leaves in the sunshine, its splendidly golden-coloured wings rendering it a very beautiful object. I am, dear Sir, yours very truly, Joun O. Westwoop. Dr. Griffith on the Blood and Fibre. 377 LV.—On the Blood and Fibre. By Joun Wri11aM Grirrira, M.D., F.L.S. To the Editors of the Annals of Natural History. GENTLEMEN, As Dr. Barry has noticed in the last Number of your valuable Journal some observations I made in a former Number* on the Blood and Fibre, I shall feel obliged by your inserting the fol- lowing remarks, extracted from my paper in the Medical Gazette in reply to Dr. Barry :— “T leave the reader to judge whether the description of the fibre in the blood-corpuscles, given by me, is sufficient to authorize any one to give an opinion as to whether I have seen it or not. I be- lieve that the consideration of the abstract appearances presented by objects under the microscope, serves very often rather to call forth the powers of the imagination as to what might cause such appearances, than as the means of making out the real structure of bodies; and, in examining different structures, we ought to avail ourselves of the assistance of all the means of investigation in our power—as dissection, chemical agents, heat, maceration, &c. Were these made use of in all cases, I feel convinced we should arrive at more satisfactory and less discrepant results. Now the effect of maceration in the case of muscular fibre con- vinces me that no such arrangement as that of a double spiral can exist ; otherwise why do we have the separation into discs ? This has been accurately figured and described by Mr. Bowman, and every microscopist must have seen it. As regards the formation of the tissues of the body from the blood-corpuscles, there seem to me insuperable difficulties in these views. In addition to the majority of the appearances which have been observed in the blood having occurred after the blood has left its vessels, in many cases they have been seen taking place, under the microscope, in the blood removed from the body. Can these appearances be called vital? Have we any right to believe that they take place in the living body? Moreover, where do these forming or per- fected fibres, &c. pass through the capillaries ? And how is it we do not find in certain cases fibres, epithelium-cells, &c. existing in the arteries, veins, or capillaries ? “T must say, however, that no views have been yet advanced which will os some of the appearances presented by muscular fibre. Some of those which have been figured by Dr. Barry cer- tainly cannot be explained on the views advanced by Mr. Bow- man; although I believe the appearance figured by him in the ‘ New Cyclopzedia of Physiology’ to be the real structure of the muscle in its ordinary form. * Annals and Mag. of Nat. Hist. No. 68. Feb. 1843. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 2C 378 Royal Society. “Dr. Barry cannot, I feel convinced, imagine that I am ex- ceeding the bounds of propriety in publicly noticing what he was kind enough to show me in private. Feeling assured that his object is no other than the advancement of science, I can only say that I have no other motive ; but advance these objections to his views with the idea that it is the duty of every one who has the opportunity to throw his mite imto the common heap; and. that the opposition of any theory will either bring forward evi- dence explaining the difficulties, and thus fixing truth on an immoveable basis; or bring up some new views, by means of which the old difficulty will be solved, and the same truth irre- sistibly founded.” 9 St. John’s Square, April 1843. PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES. ROYAL SOCIETY. December 8, 1842.—The following papers were read, viz. :— “ Observations on the Blood-corpuscles, particularly with refer- ence to opinions expressed and conclusions drawn in papers ‘ On the Corpuscles of the Blood,’ and ‘On Fibre,’ recently published in the Philosdphical Transactions.” By T. Wharton Jones, Esq., F.R.S. The author points out what he considers to be important errors in the series of papers by Dr. Martin Barry, which have lately appeared in the Philosophical Transactions, and are entitled, “‘ On the Corpus- cles of the Blood,” and “ On Fibre.” He alleges that Dr. Barry has generally confounded the colourless corpuscles contained in the blood with the red corpuscles of the same fluid; each of which latter kind consists of a vesicle or cell, with thick walls, but in a collapsed and flattened state, and having therefore a biconcave form, and in con- sequence of its thick wall being doubled on itself, presenting under the microscope a broad circumferential ring, which is illuminated or shaded differently from the depressed central portion, according to the focal adjustment of the instrument: while the colourless corpuscles, on the other hand, are of a globular shape, strongly refractive of light, and granulated on their surface, and are of less specific gravity and of somewhat larger size than the red corpuscles. The author quotes various passages from Dr. Barry’s papers in proof of his assertions, and refers particularly to fig. 23. of his second paper on the corpuscles of the blood. He farther states, that Dr. Barry’s description of the appearances of what he terms the red corpuscles, in paragraphs 53, 68, and 76 of his second paper, can, in fact, apply only to the colourless corpuscles: and he observes, that even when Dr. Barry does, at last, in his “ Additional Observa- tions,” advert to the distinction between the red and the colourless globules, he considers the latter as being merely “ the discs” con- tained in the red globules appearing under an altered state. Royal Society. 379 The author regards as wholly erroneous the notion which Dr. Barry entertains that a fibre exists in the interior of the blood-cor- puscle; and that these fibres, after their escape from thence, consti- tute the fibres which are formed by the consolidation of the fibrin of the liquor sanguinis. ‘The beaded aspect presented by the double contour of the thick wall of the red corpuscle when it has been acted upon either by mechanical causes or by chemical reagents, of which the effect is to corrugate the edge, and to bend it alternately in op- posite directions, has, in the opinion of the author, given rise to the illusive appearance of an internal, annular fibre. The appearance of flask-like vesicles presented by some of the red corpuscles, with the alleged fibre protruding from their neck, the author ascribes altogether to the effects of decomposition, which has altered the mechanical properties of the corpuscle, and allowed it to be drawn out, like any other viscid matter, into a thread. In conclusion, he remarks, that if these statements of Dr. Barry should be recognised as fundamental errors in his premises, the whole of the reasonings built upon them must fall to the ground. “ Spermatozoa observed within the Mammiferous Ovum.” By Martin Barry, M.D., F.R.S. L. and Ed. | In examining some ova of a rabbit, of twenty-four hours, the author observed a number of spermatozoa in their interior. Dec. 15.—A paper was read, entitled “ Experimental Inquiry into the cause of the Ascent and Continued Motion of the Sap; with a new method of preparing plants for physiological investigations.” By George Rainey, Esq., M.R.C.S. Communicated by P. M. Roget, M.D., F.R.S. The ascent of the sap in vegetables has been generally ascribed to a vital contraction either of the vessels or of the cells of the plant : the circumstances of that ascent taking place chiefly at certain sea- sons of the year, and of the quantity of fluid, and the velocity of its motion being proportional to the development of those parts whose functions are obviously vital, as the leaves and flowers, have been regarded as conclusive against the truth of all theories. which pro- fessed to explain the phenomenon on purely mechanical principles. The aim of the author, in the present paper, is to show that these objections are not valid, and to prove, by a series of experiments, that the motion of the sap is totally independent of any vital con- tractions of the passages which transmit it ; that it is wholly a mecha- nical process, resulting entirely from the operation of endosmose ; and that it takes place even through those parts of a plant which have been totally deprived of their vitality. The lower extremity of a branch of Valeriana rubra was placed, soon after being gathered, into a solution of bichloride of mercury. In a few hours a considerable quantity of this solution was absorbed, and the whole plant, which had been previously somewhat shrunk from the evaporation of its moisture, recovered its healthy appear- ance. On the next day, although the lower portion of the branch had. lost its vitality, the leaves and all the parts of the plant into which no bichloride had entered, but wey the water of the solution, were : 2 oo 380 Royal Society. perfectly healthy and filled with sap. On each of the following days additional portions of the stem became affected in succession; but the unaffected parts still preserved their healthy appearance, and the flowers and leaves developed themselves as if the plant had ve- getated in pure water and. the whole stem had been in its natural healthy state. On-a minute examination it was found that calomel, in the form of a white substance, had been deposited on the internal surface of the cuticle; but no bichloride of mercury could be de- tected in those parts which had retained their vitality ; thus showing that the solution of the bichloride had been decomposed into chlo- rine, calomel, and water, and had destroyed the vitality of the parts where this action had taken place; after which, fresh portions of the solution had passed through the substance of the poisoned parts, as if they had been inorganic canals. Various experiments of a similar kind were made on other plants, and the same conclusions were de- duced from them. As the addition of a solution of iodide of potassium converts the bichloride of mercury into an insoluble biniodide, the author was enabled, by the application of this test to thin sections of the stems of plants inte which the bichloride had been received by absorption, to ascertain, with the aid of the microscope, the particular portion of the structure into which the latter had penetrated. The result of his observations was, that the biniodide is found only in the in- tercellular and intervascular spaces, none appearing to be contained within the cavities of either cells or vessels. . As the fluids contained in the vessels and in the cells hold in so- lution various vegetable compounds, their density is greater than the ascending sap, which is external to them, and from which they are separated by an intervening organized membrane. Such being the conditions requisite for the operation of the principle of endos- mose, the author infers that such a principle is constantly in action in living plants; and that it is the cause of the continual trans- mission of fluids from the intervascular and intercellular spaces into the interior of the vessels and cells, and also of the ascent of the sap. Jan. 19, 1843.—* On the minute structure of the Skeletons or hard parts of Invertebrata,” by W. B. Carpenter, M.D. The present memoir is the first of a series which the author intends to communicate to the Society, and relates only to the Mol- lusca ; and he proposes, hereafter, to extend his inquiries to the skeletons of the Echinodermata, and the various classes of articu- lated animals. After adverting to the classifications of shells pro- posed by Mr. Hatchett and Mr. Gray, from the propriety of which he finds reason to dissent, he proceeds to state the results of his microscopic examination of the texture of shells under the several following heads. First, shells having a prismatic cellular structure, as the Pinna, and which are composed of a multitude of flattened hexagonal calcareous prisms, originally deposited in continuous layers of hexagonal cells, and thus constituting a calcified epithe- lium, analogous with the enamel of the teeth, Secondly, those con- Royal Society. 381 sisting of membranous shell-substance, the basis of which, after the removal of its calcareous portion, presents nothing but a membra- nous film, of greater or less consistence, composed of several layers, but without the appearance of any cellular tissue: this membrane the author regards as being derived from the mantle, of which it was originally a constituent part, by the development of nucleolated cells ; and the various corrugations and foldings of which it is sus- ceptible in different species, introducing many diversities into the structure of the shells of this class. Thirdly, shells having a nacreous structure, and exhibiting the phenomena of iridescence ; a property which the author ascribes to the plicated form of the membrane of the shell, combined with a secondary series of transverse corruga- tions. Fourthly, shells exhibiting a tubular structure, formed by cylindrical perforations oceurring among the several layers, and varying in diameter from about the 20,000th to the 3500th part of an inch; but measuring on an average about the 6000th part of an inch, and presenting a striking analogy with the dentine or ivory of the teeth. The last sections of the paper relate to the epidermis and the colouring matter of shells. References are made, in many parts of the paper, to illustrative drawings ; which, however, the author has not yet supplied. | Feb. 9.—“ On the Structure and Mode of Action of the Iris :” by C. R. Hall; Esq. Communicated by P. M. Roget, M.D., Sec. R.S. After reciting the various discordant opinions entertained at dif- ferent periods by anatomists and physiologists, relative to the struc- ture and actions of the iris, the author proceeds to give an account of his microscopical examination of the texture of this part of the eye, in different animals. He considers the radiated plice, which are seen on the uvea in Mammalia, as not being muscular; but he agrees with Dr. Jacob in regarding them as being analogous in structure to the ciliary processes. The white lines and elevations apparent on the anterior surface of the human iris, he supposes to be formed by the ciliary nerves which interlace with one another in the form of a plexus. The iris, he states, is composed of two portions ; the first, consisting of a highly vascular tissue, connected by vessels with the choroid, ciliary processes, sclerotica and cornea, and abun- dantly supplied with nerves, which, in the human iris, appear, in a front view, as thread-like strie ; and which are invested, on both surfaces, by the membrane of the aqueous humour. They are more or less thickly covered with pigment, which, by its varying colour, imparts to the iris on the anterior surface its characteristic hue ; and, by its darkness on the posterior surface, renders an otherwise semi- transparent structure perfectly opake. The second component por- tion of the iris consists of a layer of concentric muscular fibres, which fibres, in Man and Mammalia generally, are situated on the posterior surface of the pupillary portion of the iris; but which in Birds ex- tend much nearer to the ciliary margin, and consequently form a much broader layer. In Fishes and in some Reptiles they do not exist at all. The author then proceeds to inquire into the bearings which 382 Royal Society. these conclusions may have on the physiology of the iris. He thinks that the phenomena of its motions can receive no satisfactory expla- nation on the hypothesis of erectility alone, or on that of the anta- gonism of two sets of muscular fibres; the one for dilating, the other for contracting the pupil. He is convinced that the contrac- tion of the pupil is the effect of muscular action; but does not con- sider the knowledge we at present possess is sufficient to enable us to determine the nature of the agent by which its dilatation is effected. He, however, throws it out as a conjecture, that this latter action may be the result of an unusual degree of vital contractility, residing either in the cellular tissue. or in the minute blood-vessels of the iris. It is from elasticity, he believes, that the iris derives its power of accommodation to changes of size, and its tendency to return to its natural state from extremes, either of dilatation or of contraction ; but beyond this, elasticity is not concerned in its movements. Feb, 16.—“ On Fissiparous Generation :” by Martin Barry, M.D., F.R.S. L. and Ed. The author observes that the blood-corpuscle and the germinal vesicle resemble one another* in the circumstance of an orifice ex- | isting in the centre of the parietal nucleus of both. He pursues the analogy still farther, conceiving that as a substance of some sort is introduced into the ovum through its orifice, which the author terms the point of fecundation, so the corpuscles of the blood may undergo a sort of fecundation through their corresponding orifice ; and also that the blood-corpuscle, like the germinal vesicle, is pro- pagated by self-division of its nucleus; a mode of propagation which he believes to be common to cells in general. The nucleus of the germinal vesicle, or original parent cell of the ovum, gives origin, by self-division, to two young persistent cells, endowed with qualities resulting from the fecundation of the parent cell; these two cells being formed by assimilation, out of a great number of minuter cells which had been previously formed. This account of the process, which takes place in the reproduction of the entire or- ganism, explains, according to Dr. Barry, the mysterious reappear- ance of the qualities of both parents in the offspring. Certain nuclei, which the author has delineated in former papers as being contained within and among the fibres of the tissues, he conceives to be, in like manner, centres of assimilation, from obser- ving that they present the same sort of orifice, that they are repro- duced by self-division, and that they are derived from the original cells of development ; that is, from the nuclei of the corpuscles of the blood. He considers that assimilation of the substance intro- duced into the parietal nucleus of the cell is part of the process which propagates the cell; that the mode of reproduction of cells is essentially fissiparous, and that the process of assimilation pre- pares them for being cleft. A pellucid point is described by the author as being “ contained in a certain part of the cell-wall, and as representing the situation * Dr. Barry requests us to add, that the words “in certain states’’ are wanted here.—Ebpir. Royal Society. 383 of a highly pellucid substance, originally having little if any colour.” This substance, which he considers as being primogenital and form- ative, he denominates hyaline, and ascribes to it the following pro- perties. It appropriates to itself new matter, thus becoming enlarged ; then divides and subdivides into globules, each of which passes through changes of the same kind. Under certain circumstances, it exhibits a contractile power, and performs the motions called molecular. It is the seat of fecundation, and it is by its successive divisions that properties descend from cell to cell, new properties being continually acquired as new influences are applied; but the original constitution of the hyaline not being lost. ‘The main pur- pose for which cells are formed is to reproduce the hyaline; and this they do by effecting the assimilation which prepares it to divide ; such division being thus the essential part of fissiparous generation. The remaining part of the paper is occupied with a detailed ac- count of these processes as they occur in the development of the ovum, and also in the changes exhibited by the corpuscles of the blood, in which fissiparous reproduction also takes place, and the red blood-dises are converted into fibrin, and thus give origin to the various tissues of the organs. The same theory of fissiparous reproduction he also applies to the formation of the muscular fibre, in connexion with his belief that it is composed of a double spiral filament. Contractile cilia, he supposes, are also formed by the elongation of nuclei, the filaments proceeding from them in opposite directions. The author considers, lastly, the subject of the fissipa- rous reproduction of the Infusoria, and particularly of the Volvox globator, the Chlamido-monas, Baccillaria, Gonium, and the Mona- dina in general; and applies the same theory to gemmiparous repro- duction, and to the so-called spontaneous generation of infusoria and parasitic entozoa. March 16.—“ Further Observations on the descending fluids of Plants, and more especially the Cambium.” By George Rainey, Esq. Communicated by P. M. Roget, M.D., Sec. R.S. The author relates an experiment in ‘proof of the sap descending from the upper to the lower part of an exogenous tree, through vessels which are continuous from the leaves to the roots; the course of these vessels being shown by the addition of a solution of iodide of potassium after they had taken up by absorption a quantity of a solution of acetate of lead. The fluids in these vessels are, he con- ceives, separated from the sap, which is ascending from the roots, only by the membrane of which they are composed. When the leaf-buds of a tree are vegetating, large separations are observable between the cells of the bark, and also between the bark and the wood; while no such separations are apparent when the leaf-buds are entirely inactive. These separations are various in size, and irregular in form; their parietes consist of rows of cells, piled up one above another, like the bricks of a wall: and their cavities all communicate with one another. From these and other anatomical facts, which are given in detail by the author, he concludes that the 384 Royal Society of Edinburgh. propulsion of the sap along the vessels, resulting from the opera- tion of endosmose, will explain the descent of the cambium, which, being the nutritious portion of the vegetable fluids, corresponds in its nature to the ehyle in animals. ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH. March 27, 1843.—‘“ On the Growth and Migration of the Sea Trout of the Solway (Salmo trutia).” By Mr. John Shaw, Drum- lanrig. Communicated by James Wilson, Esq., F.R.S.E. The author has here pursued the same course of experimental in- quiry regarding the Sea Trout as that formerly followed in relation to the salmon. Having obtained impregnated ova from a pair of spawning fish, he conveyed these ova to his experimental ponds. This was on the Ist of Nov. 1839, and the young were excluded from the egg in seventy-five days. They resembled salmon of the same age, but were somewhat smaller and paler. They took two years to grow about 7 inches, and the majority were then converted inte smolts, but about one-fourth did not assume the silvery lustre, and this peculiarity, Mr. Shaw thinks, distinguishes a like proportion even in the rivers. He then experimented on the smolts in the natural streams, and found that after descending to the sea they returned as herlings (Salmo albus of Dr. Fleming) in July and August, with an addition to their weight of 7 or 8 ounces. These herlings spawn towards the end of the season of their first ascent, and after revisiting the sea they ascend the rivers again in the ensuing months of May and June, with an average weight of 24 lbs. This increase takes place almost entirely in the sea. After spawning for the second time, they descend for the third time to the sea, and make their appearance again in fresh water in the course of the ensuing summer, weighing 4\lbs. They are now in their fifth year, including the two seasons they had passed as fry, anterior to the assumption of the migratory dress and instinct. Descending seawards for the fourth time, they weigh about 6 lbs. when next seen in the rivers in the course of their sixth summer. These at least were the progressive changes and rates of increase observed by Mr. Shaw in specimens distinctly marked, and carefully noted when retaken successively from year to year. The peculiar marks imposed each season are detailed in his paper, and the whole subject is illustrated by an extensive series of speci- mens from the day of hatching to the middle of the sixth year. These specimens are now in the Society’s museum. April 17.—Professor Connell read a paper on the Presence of Organic Matter in the purest Water from Terrestrial Sources. Sir John MacNeill then read a Biographical Sketch of the late Sir Charles Bell, K.H. Dr. Douglass Maclagan read a notice regarding the Bebeeru Tree of British Guiana. Of this last paper we present a brief sketch. The plant bearing the above Indian name, and also called Sipeeri by the Dutch colonists, furnishes the hard and heavy timber known by the name of Greenheart. The object of the present paper was to Zoological Society. 385 state the result of experiments made by the author on the bark and seeds of the tree, which had been found by Mr. Rodie, late ‘surgeon R.N., to contain a vegetable alkali possessed of the power of check- ing intermittent fevers. Dr. Maclagan stated that the tree was un- known to botanists. Sir William Hooker and Dr. Lindley had seen the fruit and declared it to be lauraceous, but the author had been unable to find in Nees v. Esenbeck’s ‘Systema Laurinarum’ any genus or even suborder of lauraceous plants to which he could refer it. With regard to its chemical qualities, Dr. Maclagan stated that he had obtained both from the bark and seeds two distinct alkalies, both uncrystallizable ; to one of which he applied Mr. Rodie’s name Be- beerine ; to the other he gave the name of Sipeerine. They could be separated by anhydrous ether, the bebeerine being soluble in that menstruum, whilst the sipeerine was not. Dr. Maclagan had likewise obtained, especially from the seeds, a peculiar crystallizable and de- liquescent acid, which he called bebeeric acid, and which seemed to be distinct from every vegetable acid hitherto described. The author stated that he had instituted experiments with a view to ascertain if a soluble salt of the alkalies could be procured which might be used as a substitute for sulphate of quinine when dear. He stated as the results of his trials that the produce did not amount to more than one and a half of sulphate per cent. from the bark ; but he still calculated that if the bark could be got at a moderate price, the salt of the alkalies might be prepared at a cost inferior to that of sulphate of quinine. Dr. Maclagan stated that the bark appeared to be better suited for the purposes of manufacture than the seeds. The author mentioned that sulphate prepared under his directions had been sent out to Demerara, and had been tried there with marked success in intermittent fever by Dr. Watt. He had likewise used it with suc- cess in a few cases of ague in Edinburgh, and also in periodic head- ache, so that he had no doubt of its possessing considerable power as an antiperiodic remedy. Lastly, he mentioned that a secret prepa- ration, sold under the name of Warburg’s Fever Drops, reputed a good antiperiodic, appeared to him to be a tincture of bebeeru seeds. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. May 10, 1842.—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. Mr. Gould exhibited and pointed out the characters of two new species of Kangaroo. ‘The first of these belongs to the section to which Mr. Gray gave the name Petrogale, as was described under the name PETROGALE CONCINNA. Pet. corpore supra rufescente fusco alboque irrorato, ad latera flavescente, subtis albo; cauddé dimidio apicali pilis longis vestitd, his flavescenti-albis ad apicem nigris ; pedibus pallide fuscis, pilis sordide albis crebreé interspersis ; auribus me- diocribus ad apicem paulo attenuatis. unc, lin. Longitudo ab apice rostri ad caude basin.... 14 0 CONE os EERE BR OT 8 0 386 Zoological Society. une. lin Longitudo tarsi digitorumque.......... 004. 2: ‘9 — AUTIDUS . eee c eee es patie Bi sti 1 4 ————— ab apice rostri ad basin auris .... 2 11 Hab. North-west coast of Australia. This species of Petrogale is remarkable for its small size, the gene- ral pale colouring and the bright rusty tint of the upper parts of the body ; these parts are freely pencilled with whitish and with brown ; the sides of the neck and body are of a delicate yellowish hue, or might be described as very pale rust, and this is the prevailing hue of the head, which is nearly of a uniform tint; but is white, or nearly so, on the sides of the muzzle at the tip, and there is a trace of the usual white mark on the cheeks; above the eye is a spot of a pale rust-colour, and an indistinct brownish mark running towards the nostrils from the front of the eye; the ears are clothed within with white hair; externally they are of the same palish rusty yellow- ish hue as the upper surface of the head ; the chin, throat and whole under parts are white, with a faint yellowish rusty tint ; the outer side of the hinder legs is of a brighter tint than the sides of the body, but less red than the back; the feet are of a very pale brownish colour, freely pencilled with dirty white; a small space at the base of the tail is covered with fur of the same texture and colour as that of the body; beyond this the hairs of the tail are harsh, at first about half an inch or rather more in length, but becoming gradually longer towards the apex, where they are more than an inch long; these hairs are of a yellowish white colour, but the apical third of each hair is black. This species was brought to England by Lieut. Emery, of H.M.S. Beagle, and isnow in the British Museum. The second species belongs to the section or genus Halmaturus, and received from Mr. Gould the specific name Binoé, in honour of Benjamin Bynoe, Esq., to whom science is indebted for the discovery of many new and interesting objects in zoology. It is nearly allied to Halm. agilis, but in size is about equal to Halm. Thetis. ‘The fur is harsh and adpressed, and for the most part of a very pale brownish yellow tint; the back, however, is freely pencilled with black, the longer hairs having the exposed portion of this colour; a slight brownish grey hue is observable next the skin in the hairs of the back, but they are nearly uniform throughout their length, if we except a small black point to the shorter hairs, and the exposed black portion of the longer hairs ; the sides of the body and the limbs are of a paler hue, and are not pencilled with black; the abdomen may be de- scribed as of a dirty yellowish white colour; the tail is very nearly uniform in tint with the body, but a small portion at the apex is covered with brownish black hairs; the upper surface of the head is slightly tinted with brownish, and a mark of this colour runs from the eye to the tip of the snout on either side; adjoining this mark below is a pale mark; the ears have yellowish white hairs on the inner side, and rusty yellow hairs on the outer side; but along the anterior margin, and at the tip externally, the ears are black. The principal characters may be thus.expressed :— Zoological Society. 387 Hatmaturus Binoii. Halm. corpore pallide fuscescenti-flavo, supra nigro penicillato, subtis dilutiore ; caudd ad apicem fuscescenti- nigrd ; auribus extern? ad apicem, margineque anticé, nigris. unc. lin. Longitudo ab apice rostri ad caudz basin.... 21 0 ad basin auris .... 4 6 OEE ihe ia 0: 4:'0:hs ben ot welll aiatate! ai 20 O tarsi digitorumque .... 0... 0800s hing nectar ee eet 2 3 Hab. Port Essington. The following paper, by Mr. Lovell Reeve, entitled ‘* Monograph of the genus Tornatella, a small group of Pectinibranchiate Mollusks of the family Plicacea, including descriptions of seven new species, from the collection of H. Cuming, Esq.,” was then read. Tornate.tia, Lamarck. Testa ovalis, cylindracea, plerumque transversim striata, rard levis- sima, spira brevi, apice acuto; apertura longitudinali, superné angustata, inferné integra, rotundata; columella incrassata, valdé plicata ; labro simplici, solido, acuto. Molluscum marinum, pecti- nibranchiatum, operculo corneo, minuto, instructum. The very wide range of characters which were selected by Linnzeus for the determination of genera induced many inaccuracies in his method of classification which might certainly have been avoided, if, instead of generalizing upon the external variations of the shell, he had pursued a more searching inquiry, like his contemporaries Adanson and Forskael, into the nature of its animal inhabitant. His genus Voluta, for example, founded upon the character of the columella being obliquely plaited, included both phytophagous and zoophagous mollusks, animals both with and without proboscis, and respiratory siphon. The presence or absence of these organs, distin- guishing the plant-eating from the flesh-eating mollusks, is however still indicated to a certain extent in the shell, by tHe basal forma- tion of the aperture ; and Bruguiére, the conchologist of the ‘ Ency- clopédie Méthodique,’ appears to have sagaciously detected the difference between the shells of the true Volute and those which were subsequently selected by Lamarck for the formation of this genus; the base of the aperture being sinuated or canaliculated in the one, and entire in the other. But the alteration proposed by Bruguiére was little or no improvement upon the arrangement of Linneus ; for in removing the Tornatelle to his genus Bulimus, they became associated with a miscellaneous assemblage of mollusks, dif- fering most essentially both in their organization and habits. They were then distinguished by Lamarck by the above generic title; whilst De Blainville included them, together with some air-breathing mollusks, in a new genus under the name of Pedipes. The arrange- ment followed by the learned author of the ‘ Manuel de Malacologie’ was thus scarcely better than that of his predecessor Bruguiére ; he, however, cautiously abandoned it, when the propriety of Lamarck’s distribution of the Tornatelle was subsequently confirmed by Gray in the discovery of their being operculated. 388 Zoological Society. Of the following thirteen species referred to this genus, seven are entirely new ; five were collected by H. Cuming, Esq. in the Philip- pine Islands, one by Dr. Riippell on the shores of the Red Sea, and one by Dr. Siebald on the coast of Japan. 1. ToRNATELLA FLAMMEA. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. vi. part 2. p. 219; Lister, Synop. Conch., pl. 814. f. 24; Sowerby, Genera of Shells, No. 24. f. 1; Kiener, Iconographie des Coquilies, pl. 1.f. 1. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 206. f. 4. Auricula flammis lateritiis, Martini. Voluta flammea, Gmelin. Bulimus variegatus, Bruguiére. Hab. ad insulam Java. This shell, which is distinctly figured both by Lister and Martini, is marked with a number of flesh-coloured stripes, running in a lon- gitudinal direction from the spire. Var. a. Strigis rubris in maculis semilunaribus aperte divisis. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 206. f. 6. Hab. ad insulam Ticao, Philippinarum. A beautiful variety, in which the longitudinal flesh-coloured stripes are divided into distinct patches, of the form of a crescent.. Found by Mr. Cuming at the island of Ticao, in sandy mud at seven fathoms’ depth. Var. 8. Testa minore, maculis semilunaribus frequentioribus, indi- stinctis. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 206. f. 1. Hab, ad insulam Corrigidor, Philippinarum. This variety is constantly smaller and of deeper colour; the cres- cent-shaped spots are thicker, and run so indistinctly the one into the other as often to be completely clouded over. 2. ToRNATELLA SOLIDULA. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. vi. part 2. p. 220; Chemnitz, Conch., vol. x. pl. 149. f. 1405; Kiener, Iconographie des Coquilles, pl. 1. f.2. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. il. pl. 206. f. 7. Voluta solidula, Linneus. Bulimus solidulus, Bruguiére. Hab. ad insulas Philippinarum, &c. Several varieties of this shell, varying in colour from a bluish grey to a reddish brown, were found by Mr. Cuming amongst the Philip- pine Islands, in sandy mud at different depths, from 7 to 25 fathoms ; they are, however, by no means confined to this locality. 8. TorNnaTELiaA coccrnata. Torn. testa cylindraceo-ovatd, trans- versim striatd, albdé, maculis coccineis minutis profuse ornaté ; epidermide luted, leviter indutaé; spird depresso-conicd, suturis profundis, apice precipue exserto, acutissimo ; columelld biplicatda, plicd maxima bilobd. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 206. f. 10. Hab. ad insulam Mindanao, Philippinarum. This beautiful shell is very distinct from any variety of the pre- ceding ; the spire, which is remarkably sharp-pointed at the apex, is somewhat depressed and rounded ; and the shell altogether is covered Zoological Society. 389 with a number of small bright scarlet spots. It was found by Mr. Cuming at the island of Mindanao in sandy mud at the depth of twenty-five fathoms. 4. ToRNATELLA GLABRA. Torn. testd ovatd, transversim striatd, albd, nitidiusculd, maculis leucopheis varie denigratd ; spird sube- latd, apice acuto ; columella biplicatd, plicd maxima vix biloba. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 206. f. 12. Hab. ad insulam Negros, Philippinarum. Mr. Cuming collected several of this species at the island of Ne- gros. The shell is by no means a new one, but it has been hitherto confounded with the Tornatella solidula, probably in consequence of its resemblance in colour. It differs in form, and besides being more highly polished, is stamped with a certain peculiarity of character by which it cannot fail to be recognised. 5. TorRNATELLA TESSELLATA. Torn. testd oblongo-ovatd, albd, transversim striatd, strits plus minusve approwximatis, interstitiis maculis helvinis tessellatis ; spird elatd, apice precipue acuto ; co- lumelld biplicatd, plicéd maximd parim bilobd. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. 1. pl. 206. f. 3. Hab. In sinum Persicum. This elegant little shell was found by Dr. Riippell at the Red Sea, on the sands at low water. It is finely striated in a transverse di- - rection, and the interstices are neatly tessellated with numerous pale flesh-coloured square spots. 6. TorNaTELLA FAScIATA. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. vi. part 2. p. 220; Martini, Conch., vol. ii. pl. 43. f.442 and 443; En- cyclopédie Méthodique, pl. 452. f. 3. a, 6; Kiener, Iconographie des Coquilles, pl. 1. f. 3; Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 206. f. 11. Voluta tornatilis, Linneeus. Auricula bifasciata, Martini. Bulimus tornatilis, Bruguiére. Hab. ad oras Devoniz, Insule Britannice. Several of this well-known species have been recently dredged up from sandy mud at the depth of five fathoms, off the coast of Devon- shire. 7. TorNATELLA SreBALDII. Torn. testd ovato-conicd, transversim striata, rubicunduld, irregulariter dibaphd, spird elatd, suturis al- bis, apice acuto ; columelld uniplicatd, aperturd ovatd, labro tenui, acuto. | Hab. ad oras Japonie. This shell, which was brought by Dr. Siebald from Japan, is ir- regularly stained with a ruddy brown, exhibiting the appearance of having been dyed in two distinct colours; the sutures of the spire are perfectly white, and so is also the columella. 8. TornatsLLa BuLLATA. Kiener, Iconographie des Coquilles, pl. 1. f. 4; Lister, Synops. Conch., pl. 714. Hab. Indian Seas. A small cylindrical buila-shaped shell, which we have not included in this monograph without considerable hesitation. 390 Zoological Society. 9. ToRNATELLA NITIDULA. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. vi. part 2. p. 221; Encyclopédie Méthodique, pl. 452. f. 2. a, b; Sow- erby, Genera of Shells, No. 24. f. 2; Kiener, Iconographie des Co- quilles, pl. 1. f. 5; Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 206. f. 5. Hab. ad insulam Bohol, Philippinarum, &c. Some specimens of this shell, found by Mr. Cuming at the island of Bohol, in sandy mud at eleven fathoms’ depth, are smaller and more cylindrical than those hitherto known. 10. Tornatetta vireata. Torn. testd rotundato-ovatd, subcylin- draced, albd, transversim belle striatd, longitudinaliter strigis la- tis, nigerrimis, sinuosis, subdistantibus, vivide ornatd ; spird brevi, suturis distinctis, apice subobtuso ; columella uniplicatd. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 206. f. 8 and 9. Hab. ad insulam Masbate, Philippinarum. This is a beautiful shell, and very distinct from any other species ; it is of a pure transparent white, ornamented with a regular series of broad dark black stripes running down from the spire. Found by Mr. Cuming at the island of Masbate, in sandy mud at the depth of seven fathoms. 11. TornatreLia venusta. D’Orbigny, Voyage dans l’Amérique Méridionale, Mollusques, p. 399. pl. 56. f. 4 to 6. Hab. ad Peruviam, propé ad Paytam. ; A small fusiform shell, highly deserving of the title by which D’Orbigny has distinguished it. 12. TornatTeLta inscuLpTa. Torn. testd parvd, ovatd, sulcis parallelis numerosis transverse insculptd ; spird indistinctd, apice acuto; maculis subaquilis ubique pictd ; columella biplicatd, plicd maxima precipue bilobd. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 206. f. 2. Hab. ad insulam Masbate, Philippinarum. It is to be regretted that Mr. Cuming did not succeed in obtain- ing live specimens of this very characteristic shell, of which he found two only, lying dead upon the sands at the island of Masbate. ‘The spire is rather prominent, but still so indistinct as scarcely to exhibit the volution of the whorls; the shell is then neatly sculptured from the apex to the base with transverse lines running exactly parallel with each other, and the whole surface is painted with light brown spots. 13. TornaTeLua OryzA. Torn. testd minutd, oblongo-ovatd, ebur- ned, nitidd, transversim sulcatd, sulcis plus minusve approximatis ; spird regulari, apice subacuto ; columelld uniplicatd; apertura ovatd, superne attenuatd ; labro simplici, solido, acuto. Hab. ad insulam Cabbalonga, Philippinarum. A small species, unlike any hitherto described; it is perfectly white (a fine ivory white), and deeply sulcated from top to bottom. In concluding this monograph, it may be as well to state that the Tornatelle auricula and pedipes of Lamarck should be referred to the genus Auricula. The Tornatelle are strictly marine, dwelling in several fathoms’ water ; whilst the species just alluded to are inland, and amphibious, inhabiting swamps and marshy places. Zoological Society. 391 June 14.—Richard Owen, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. The following paper, by George Gulliver, Esq., F.R.S., entitled “« Observations on the Muscular Fibres of the Gisophagus and Heart in some of the Vertebrate Animals,” was read. The present communication is a continuation of the observations on the muscular fibres of the cesophagus and heart published in the ‘ Annals Nat. Hist.’ vol. v. p. 349. The author applies the term voluntary to the striated muscular fascicles—extending along the entire length of the gullet, and even on the commencement of the cardiac extremity of the stomach in several animals, along more or less only of the tube in man and some other mammals, and wholly absent from it in many of the lower Vertebrata—because this fibre has all the anatomical charac- ters of the muscular fibre of animal life, which no completely in- voluntary muscle has hitherto been found to possess. ‘‘ If we are to judge of the office of the fibre in question from its structure, it must be concluded that in many Vertebrata the whole length of the gullet is capable of voluntary motion, in some the lower or poste- rior portion is not obedient to the will, while in others the motions of the entire gullet must be quite involuntary. ‘That the muscular coat of the gullet should differ in animals of different orders will not appear surprising ; but it was hardly to be supposed that a difference in the cesophageal sheath would be found in some genera of the same order. Yet such is the fact in the Fere ; and it is probable that further research into the anatomy of this order will disclose more differences in their minute structure, espe- cially as my observations on the blood have shown that there is a remarkable diversity in the size of the blood-corpuscles or red par- ticles of some of the subdivisions of the Carnivora*. “‘ Perhaps the extent of the muscular coat of the gullet may vary in the same subject at different periods of life. In young and middle- aged mares and geldings some of the muscular fibre of animal life may be generally traced on the gullet four or five inches from the stomach ; but in a gelding twenty-five years old this fibre could not be found on the last ten inches of the gullet; and in an‘aged rabbit I found the striated muscular fascicles but sparingly on the last inch of the gullet, although in this animal generally they are most abun- dant in this situation. ‘“‘A summary of my inquiry concerning the extent of the voluntary muscular fibre on the gullet is subjoined. Some of the results may be modified by more facts, which are yet required to furnish a satisfactory view of the subject. I have had no opportunity of becoming acquainted with the researches of M. Ficinus and M. Va- lentin, referred to by Dr. Baly in his translation of Professor Miil- ler’s ‘ Physiology,’ vol. ii. p. 851. QUADRUMANA. In this order, as in the human subject, the muscular fibre of animal life does not invest the lowest portion of the gullet. * See Ann. Nat. Hist. vol. vii. p. 577 ; vol. viii. p.533; and Appendix to Gerber’s General Anatomy, p. 6-7. 392 Zoological Society. CHEIROPTERA. In the pipistrelle, the sheath of the gullet, excepting 1-16th of an inch at the stumachic end, was formed of the muscular fibre of animal life. FER2. Insectivora.—tIn the three British genera the muscular fibre of animal life covers the whole length of the gullet. Canide.—-The muscular fibre of animal life extends to the sto- machic end of the gullet. In the silvery fox none of this fibre could indeed be detected on the terminal third of an inch of the gullet, which should be examined again in another individual. Viverride.—In the African civet cat the striated muscular fasci- cles do not cover the last portion of the gullet. Felide.—The stomachic end of the gullet is not clothed with the muscular fibre of animal life; but in the caracal a few irregular fibres were observed on the cardiac end of the gullet, perhaps be- longing to the muscular fibre of animal life, although they were quite destitute either of transverse or longitudinal streaks. _ Mustelide.—In the otter the muscular fibre of animal life covers the gullet, excepting about half an inch of its stomachic extremity ; in three species of Mustela this fibre invests the whole gullet. Phocide.—In the seal no muscular fibre of animal life was found on the gullet within an inch of the stomach. Urside.—In the genus Nasua, and in the sloth-bear and Ame- rican bear, the gullet is throughout clothed with the muscular fibre of animal life, which in the latter animals is very thick and red on the last portion of the gullet, and extends on the cardiac extremity of the stomach. CETACEA. In a porpoise no muscular fibre of animal life could be found on four inches of the stomachic end of the gullet, although this fibre was abundant on the rest of the thoracic portion of the gullet. RUMINANTIA. The voluntary muscular fibre runs along the entire length of the gullet, and sometimes to a short distance on the cardiac extremity of the stomach. The striated muscular fibre on the last portion of the gullet is often mixed with a much greater proportion of the muscular fibre of organic life. RopeEnTIA. The whole length of the gullet is clothed with the muscular fibre of animal life. : MarsvpPiALIA. In the kangaroo and the squirrel-flying opossum no muscular fibre of animal life was found on the stomachic end of the gullet. Brrps, REeprites, AND FIsHEs. I have carefully searched for the striated muscular fascicles in the gullet of the birds and reptiles mentioned in the table, but in vain. In Birds the fibre of the superficial coat of the gullet is often Zoological Society. 393 disposed transversely, in which respect it may be seen with the naked eye to differ from the cesophageal muscular sheath of mam- mals. Ina few fishes the striated muscular fascicles invested the entire length of the gullet, and extended some distance on the sto- mach in others, as in the pike and bull-head. In the barbel some of these fascicles were found on the gullet or termination of the pha- rynx opposite to the posterior border of the gill-cover. In Fishes the striated muscular fasciculi of the gullet appear, from the mea- surements now given, to be much smaller than the fasciculi of the muscles of the body ; and a like difference, though to a much smaller degree, often exists in mammals. “‘ In the heart of the smaller species of the lower Vertebrata di- stinct muscular fibres are often not to be found, the structure being less distinct than in the heart of many mammals ; generally composed of bands or fillets not easily separable from each other, and com- monly about z,4,,th of an inch broad. These fillets are seldom clearly streaked transversely ; they are irregularly and most minutely granulated, without the longitudinal arrangement of the granules so plainly visible in the beaded primitive fibrils of the heart of Mammalia. In short, the known points of resemblance between the muscular fibre of the heart of mammals and that of voluntary muscle are generally wanting in the structure of the heart of the smaller species of the lower Vertebrata, for the latter is more nearly allied to the muscular tissue of organic life as it exists in other parts. ‘In some of the voluntary muscles of many of the smaller Mam- malia and Birds, as the common mouse and Fringillide, the existence of a sheath around the fibres appears to be questionable ; and in the heart of such animals the fibres are remarkably indistinct. In the common water-vole i noticed a very clear appearance of primitive fibrils, yet these seemed to be nowhere collected into fascicles. In the great pectoral muscle of various small birds, as the common swift, the transverse streaks are very indistinct, and often difficult to be seen, although they are very plain in the muscles of the leg; yet in this bird the former muscle is highly developed, and almost con- stantly in action, while the latter are but small and little used. It will be recollected that the above remarks apply only to particular muscles, and are not to be considered as at all invalidating the ad- mirable demonstration of the sarcolemma in many muscles by Prof. Schwann and Mr. Bowman, and the parallel observations of Dr. Jones Quain and Mr. W. J. E. Wilson*. As before observed, the fibres of the heart of Mammalia seem to have no intervening cellular (fila- mentous) tissue; this tissue, however, is easily observed in the heart of many lower vertebrate animals; and I have very recently seen minute wavy filaments, having all the characters of cellular tissue, in the heart of the bear, and of some other mammals which had died in confinement.” The term fibre, as used in this paper, corresponds to the primitive fasciculus of Fontana, Miller, and Bowmanf. As in the heart there * See Phil. Trans. part ii. 1840, p. 475. t+ Loc. cit. p. 458. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 2D 394 Zoological Society. is often a tolerably clear appearance of fascicles, and as frequently only of the fillet-like bands, both are set down in the table annexed to the author’s paper as fibres: the larger size of the fascicles at once distinguishes them from the bands, the primitive fibrils of the muscular tissue being out of the question. In the snake and newt the bands composed the tissue of the auricles, while a collection of these bands into fascicles appeared and was measured in the ven- tricles ; the measurements show many parallel instances, and one in which the fascicles appeared in the auricle and the bands in the ven- tricle. Mr. Gould exhibited to the Meeting an extensive collection of Australian Halcyontde, and characterized two new species belonging to this family as follows :— Hatcyon piratyrostris. Halc. capite, dorsoque ex erugine viridi- bus; alis cauddque virescenti-ceruleis ; guld pallidé luteold, héc colore gradatim apud nucham et partes corporis inferiores in cer- vinum, vel arenaceo-luteolum transeunte. Spot before the eye buff; head and back verditer green; wings and tail greenish blue; throat very pale buff, gradually passing into the rich sandy buff of the back of the neck and the whole of the under surface ; bill black; the base of the under surface of the lower mandible flesh-white. Total length, 73 inches ; bill, 12; wing, 3}; tail, 24; tarsi, 3. Hab. Navigators’ Islands. For the knowledge of this new species Mr. Gould is indebted to the kindness of Mr. Cunningham, who collected it, and to Mr. Ben- nett, at Sydney, at whose suggestion Mr. Cunningham presented it, with some other interesting birds, to Mr. Gould, for the advancement of zoological science. Hatcyon sorpipus. AHalc. capite, dorso, plumis scapularibus tec- tricibusque alarum fuscescenti-virescentibus, alis virescenti-ceruleis, tertiariis ad apicem viridi-tinctis ; caudd virescenti-ceruled ; tor- que collari, corporeque inferiore pallidé luteolis. Hab. North coast of Australia. Head, back, scapularies and wing-coverts brownish oil-green; wings greenish blue, gradually changing into green on the tips of the tertiaries; collar surrounding the back of the neck and all the under surface buffy white; tail greenish blue; upper mandible and tip of the lower one black; base of the latter flesh-white. Total length, 9 inches; bill, 21; wing, 41; tail, 3; tarsi, . From the collection of Benjamin Bynoe, Esq. June 28.—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. A Monograph on the Coleopterous family Phyllophoride, by the Rev. F. W. Hope, was read. Following are the characters of the new species and genera contained in this paper. Family PuyLtiopnorip#£, Hope. Genus Phyllophorus, Hope. Foemina antennis filiformibus 11-articulatis, articulo 1™° magno, ex- Zoological Society. 395 terné crassiore, duobus proximis brevibus, 7 sequentibus gradatim increscentibus et feré trigonis, ultimo autem ovale, apice parum minori. Palpi haud securiformes. Caput impressum, maxillis obtusis unidentatis. Thorav lateribus carinatis, angulis posticis subspinosis, anticis subrotundatis. Hlytra thorace quintuplo lon- giora, sulcata et rugosa, lateribus elevatis. Phyliophorus gigas. later gigas, Fab., Syst. Eleut. Genus Tetralobus, Serville. Tetralobus flabellicornis. later flabellicornis, Fab. Yetralobus cinereus, Gory, Ann. de la Soc. Ent. de France, tom. iv p. 220. pl. 4. fig. 1. j | Terratosus Goryr. Tetr. Mas, fusco-cinereus, capite feré qua- drato, antict subexcavato, angulis anterioribus rotundatis. Thorax marginatus, valde converus, ad scutellum elevatus, utrinque de- pressus, angulis posticis oblique acutis. Elytra thorace triplo— longiora, postice rotundata, lineis elevatis parum distinctis, tomen- tosa. Corpus infra piceo-cinereum, pectore pubescentt. Pedes tomentosi, femoribus compressis, tibiis subarcuatis, tarsisque flavo- membranaceis. Annuli abdominis utringue foveolatt. Long. corp. 184 lin.; lat. 54 lin. Hab. forsitan in Africa. Foemina differt, long. 21 lin., lat. 6 lin.; antennis serratis, arti- culo ultimo tribus antecedentibus equali, subacuto, abdomine multo convexiore. A small variety of the above species exists in the rich cabinet of M. Dupont at Paris, and has been named by him 7. Sennarius. It measures twenty lines in length, and differs also in the colour of its pubescence. : Trrratosus Duronti. Teir. nigro-cinereus, capite fere quadrato, antice excavato, tomentoso, angulis anticis rotundatis. Thorax convexus, subtilissime punctulatus haud foveis binis in medio im- pressus. Elytra thorace triplo longiora, ad suturam subacuminata, lineis vix distinctis. Corpus infra piceum, tomentosum, binis ulti- mis annulis foveis, utrinque fortiter impressis. Pedes, femoribus, tibiisque compressis. Long. corp. 28 lin. ; lat. 9 lin. In Muszo Dom. Dupont. It is probable that the above species is from Africa. It was re- ceived by M. Dupont (in whose honour it is named) from a foreign traveller, who is lately dead. No locality is mentioned. The an- tenne are imperfect. TretraLopus Savacer. Tetr. totum corpus supra fusco-brunneum, aurantiisque capillis obsitum. Caput fere quadratum angulis anticis rotundatis, antice excavatum. Thorax convexus, angulis posticis acutis. lytra thorace duplo longiora, auratdque pubescentid tecta. Corpus infra abdomine piceo, pectore aurantiis capillis longis ob- sito, femoribus tibiis piceis tarsisque infra auricomatis. Long. corp. 13 lin.; lat. 4 lin. The above species I have much satisfaction in naming after an American clergyman, the Rev. I. S. Savage. His zeal in the col- 2D:2 396 Zoological Society. lecting of insects in Western Africa has tended to add greatly to our stock of information regarding the entomology of those countries. Respecting the Goliath Beetles, he has in store for us many important observations, having collected them in the bush: his remarks on them may shortly be expected to arrive in this country. Tetralobus Australasie. Gory, Ann. de la Soc. Ent. de France. Terratosus Fortnumi. Tetr. totum corpus fuscum, auratd pubes- centid tectum, antennisque pedibus ferrugineis, elytrisque suturd acu- minatis. Caput viz emarginatum punctatum, fronte foved antice im- pressd. Antenne ferruginee. Fasciculus antennarum e lamellis novem rubro-ferrugineis. Thorax angulis anticis lateralibus, porrectis rotundatis ; posticis acutis, disco varioloso-punctato, lined- que longitudinali parum impressd. Scutellum postice rotundatum. Elytra striato-punctata, striis punctis fortiter impressis, interne acuminata, externeque rotundata. Corpus infra atro-piceum aureo tomentosum, capillis pectoris longioribus. Pedes ferruginet, tarsis subtis pallidioribus et excavatis. Long. corp. 12 lin,; lat. 3 lin. The above insect was lately sent to this country by Mr. Fortnum, from the new settlement of Adelaide, and although closely allied to T. Australasie of Gory, is yet distinct; it is the smallest species that has fallen under my notice, and has been named in honour of the above assiduous collector. TretraLosus Parry. Tetr. niger, capite fere quadrato, antrorsum foveolato, angulis anticis parum rotundatis. Oculis flavis. Tho- raz latus punctulatus. Elytra thorace triplo longiora, depressa, striata, striis valde distinctis. Corpus infra nigrum, segmentis abdominis utrinque foveolatis, pedibus piceis, antennis Serruginess. Long. corp. 18 lin. ; lat. 6} lin. Hab. in Nubia. In Musxo Dom. Parry. Captain Frederick Parry lately received this species in a box with other Nubian insects. It is of a remarkably depressed form, approach- ing somewhat in this respect to Tetralobus Goryi, which latter insect, however, is certainly much more convex, and differs from it also in various other minor points. TrerraLosus Maneursit. Fem. fusco-picea, antennis articulo primo concolore, reliquis ferrugineis. Caput feré quadratum, punc- tatum, oculis rubris et nitidis. Thorax valdé convexus, angulis anticis rotundatis, posticis acutis, lined longitudinals medid, foved utringue compressd insignitus. lytra vix acuminata, striato- punctata. Corpus infra rubro-piceum, antennis tarsisque ferru- gineis. Long. corp. 17 lin. ; lat. 44 lin. Hab. in Nova Hollandia. The above insect was sent to me by Capt. Mangles, the Egyptian traveller, in whose honour it is named. He received it from the vicinity of the Swan River. Since the above was written, I have discovered the male in the collection of the Linnean Society, and the following is a concise de- scription of it :— Fusco-piceus, articulo primo nigricanti, reliquis ferrugineo flabellatis, Zoological Society. 397 Caput feré quadratum, vix emarginatum. Thorar convexus, mar- ginibus lateralibus -subcarinatus. Scutellum valde depressum. - Hlytra acuminata, substriato-punctata et sparsim punctulata. Cor- pus infra fusco-piceum, pectore auraté pubescentié tecto, pedibus ferrugineis et auricomatis. TETRALOBUS AURICOMUS. Tetr. aureo-tomentosus, antennis flabella- tis nigris, thorace posticé producto, elytris thorace triplo longioribus, auricomatis, apicibus rotundatis. Corpus infra aureo-tomento- sum, pedibus concoloribus. Caput anticé rotundatum, fronte sub- Soveolatd. Antenne articulo 1” inequali elongato subsecuriformi, 24 et 3° minutis, reliquis trigono-ramosis, ultimo sublongo compresso, apice emarginato. Thorax antice rotundatus, con- vexrus, in medio disci foved utrinque impressd, angulisque posticis acutis. Elytra auricomata vix sublineata. Corpus infra tomen- tosum, annulis abdominis utringue subimpressis. Long. corp. 12 lin. ; lat. 3% lin. In Museo Dom. Guerin. Hab. in Africa. Since the above description was written a more exact locality has been given me. Hab. ‘Le fort de Sedou, au bord de la riviere Casamance, dé- couvert par M. le Capitaine Mion.’’ TrerraLosus rosustus. Fem. flavo-fusca, antennis vald? com- pressis. Caput anticé excavatum, flavisque capillis obsitum. Thorax convexus, angulis anticis rotundatis, posticis acutis. Ely- tra striata, ad apicem dehiscentia, subacuta. Corpus infra flavo- JSuscum, pectore aurato tomento obsito pedibusque concoloribus. From the remarkable compressed antennz I am inclined to con- sider this insect, which was received from the island of Madagascar, as the type of a distinct genus. The following characters may be deemed sufficient to mark its peculiarities, which are chiefly taken from the antennz, and hence it has been named Piezophyllus*. 3 Caput rotundatum, antennis valdé compressis, undecim articulatis, ar- ticulo 1™° crasso, 24 brevi, octo sequentibus gradatim decres- centibus, ultimo apice acuto. Thorar angulis anticis rotundatis, posticis acutis. H/yira subacuminata e sutura dehiscentia late- ribus medio subsinuatis. Pedes robusti, tidiis subincurvis. Other peculiarities might be mentioned ; but as it is well-figured, however, its other characters may easily be distinguished. PIEZOPHYLLUS SHuckHARDI. Tetr.atro-piceus, capite feré quadrato, antice parum excavato, angulis anticis suboblique truncatis anten- nisque ferrugineis. Antenne articulo 1” fere trigono, crasso, 24 34° brevibus, 7 sequentibus lamelligeris; antennis capite thoraceque equalibus. Thorax valde convexus, lateribus carinuld insignitis, angulisque posticis subacutis. lytra sulcata. Corpus infra atro-piceum, pectore hirsuto, flavisque capillis longis obsito. * Piezophyllus, from réGo premo, and Qvarov folium. 398. Zoological Society. Pedes picet, auricomi, femoribus tibiisque subcompressis. Long. corp. 24 lin.; lat. 7 lin.. 9 Long. corp. 21 lin.; lat. 7 lin. I am indebted to Mr. Shuckhard for the above insect, and the species is most probably the Tetralobus Dumolinii of Dupont’s cabinet. The antenne and tarsi of this specimen were in too imperfect a state to describe. PiEZOPHYLLUS SPENCEI. TFetr. niger, antennis fuseo-picets, articula primo nigricante. Caput fere quadratum, anticé excavatum. Tho- rax robustus, valdé convexus, lined longitudinali impressd fovedque utrinque insignitus et crebrissime punctulatus, angulis posticis fere rectis et acutis, carinuld abrupte interruptd. Elytra ad apicem dehiscentia, subacuta. Corpus infra atrum, pectore auricomate pedibusque concoloribus. Long. corp. 16 lin. Hab. in agro Senegalensi. This singular insect is described from the rich cabinet of Monsieur Dupont in Paris, and it appears to belong to the same subgenus as Tetr. Shuckhardi. ‘The same insect I have seen before, and as it was named after Mr. Spence, the celebrated entomologist, I have retained that name. Ozxynopterus* mucronatus. Elater mucronatus, Olivier. Olivier suspects that this insect is the female figured by Voet (vid. Coleap. tab. 45. fig. 34.) ; it was originally described from the cabinet of the Prince of Orange, and certainly differs from the Fla- bellicornis of Drury, which Olivier seems to doubt. The following short Latin characters separate it at once from Tetralobus. Genus Oxynopterus, Hope. Caput anticé subemarginatum, antennis ¢ apicibus flabellatis ely- ' trisque in utroque sexu acuminatis. Thorax angulis anticis feré rotundatis, posticis acutis. Hlytra striata et mucronata, pedibus veluti in Tetralobo. Each joint of all the tarsi is clothed beneath with a row of short golden-coloured plush, as in other species belonging to this genus. Oxynorterus Aupourini. Oxzyn., Mas, brunneo-cinereus, capite fortiter excavato, parum tomentoso. Thorax emarginatus, postic? subsinuatus, anticé aurantiis capillis obsitus, depressus. Scutellum rotundatum. LElytra brunneo-cinerea, parum tomentosa. Corpus infra nigro-cinereum. Pedes concolores, femoribus tibiisque com- pressis, tarsisque piceis. Long. corp. 62 lin. ; lat. 23 lin. ‘The above species was described by me, during my late residence in Paris, from the collection at the Jardin des Plantes. It is named in remembrance of the late Professor Audouin, who succeeded to the entomological chair held by the celebrated Latreille. The locality was not stated; I believe it, however, to be from the East Indies, although I cannot actually specify its real locality. It seems to differ considerably from mucronatus of Olivier. Oxynoprervs Cuminer. Ozyn. fusco-flavus, antennis ferrugineis. * From 6vva acuo, and xteoov penna. Zoological Sociely. 399 Caput clypeo rotundato atro, medio disci subsulcato, Thorax Suscus, marginibus elevatis, angulis anticis parum productis, pos- ticis acutis et extiis divergentibus. Scutellum postice rotundatum atrum. Elytra acuminata fusco-flava, tribus lineis pariim elevatis insignita. Corpus infra atro-piceum, femoribus concoloribus. Me- sosternum fortiter excavatum, cornu aprosterni ad medios pedes ‘porrecto. Long. corp. 36lin.; lat. 11 lin. Foemina magnitudine differt, thorace etiam paullo latiore antennis- que compressis. The light castaneous appearance of the elytra of the above insect must in a great measure be attributed to abrasion : when recently captured it was remarkable no doubt for a golden pubescence above and beneath, which is a characteristic of other allied species. The above magnificent species is named in honour of Mr. Cuming the conchologist, whose important discoveries at Manilla in various branches of zoology entitle him to the thanks of the naturalists of England. [t may be mentioned with regard to the above insects, that the joints of all the tarsi are clothed with a row of short golden- coloured plush; the head and thorax are covered also with very short gray pile, and in the male the elytra are fulvous red, whilst in the female they are saturated on the disc with brown; the latter sex is also a quarter of an inch larger than the male. It is also worthy of notice that the joints of the antennz to which the leaflets are at- tached gradually increase after the third joint, the extreme being the most marked. OXyYNOPTERUS LATIPENNIS. Nigro-fuscus, antennis. concoloribus, elytris acuminatis et piceis. Caput fere quadratum, antice excava- _ tum rugoso-punctatum. Thorax latus, angulis anticis vir productis, posticis acutis, lateribus marginibus elevatis. Elytra atro-picea tomentosa, apicibus acutis. Corpus infra nigrum, pedibus pares gineis. Long. corp. 24 lin. ; lat. 8 lin. Hab, in Africa. The above species was received by me in a box of insects from the Cape of Good Hope: for some time I was induced to regard it as an Asiatic species, but since I have lately received a species nearly similar in form from Sierra Leone, it may be an African insect. It is remarkably broad for a male; the disc of the thorax also is slightly convex. A label attached to it has ‘ Gold Coast’ written on it. In Muszo Dom. Hope. Foemina adhuc latet. Oxynorrerus Javanus. Oxyn. fusco-flavus et aureo-tomentosus, an- tennis ferrugineis. Caput alrum, antennis thorace feré duplo lon- gioribus. Thorax antice emarginatus, angulis utrinque productis, posticis acutis et divergentibus. lytra acuminata fusco-picea aurato-tomentosa. Corpus infra nigrum, pedibus nigricantibus to- mento supra aspersis, tarsisque auricomatis. Long. corp. 23 lin. ; lat. 7 lin. @ Long. corp. 28 lin.; lat. 82 lin. Femina differt antennis compresso-serratis et fuscis. Hab. in insula Javee 400 Zoological Society. The above insects, male and female, were brought to this country by Dr. Horsfield from the island of Java; at first I was inclined to consider the species as the mucronatus of Olivier, but the figure in Voet is quite different. I have no hesitation in recording it as another species, and it may be remarked here that the above insects are ina good state of preservation, and that all the species of flabellate Elaters with pubescence should be described immediately they are captured, as when dead they change considerably in colouring, often turning black and greasy, so that it is impossible accurately to describe them as in their original state. LEPTOPHYLLUs StRacaani. Lept. (Mas) piceus, capite anticé ex- cavato antennis, capite cum thorace feré duplo longioribus, ely- trisque acuminatis. Caput fere quadratum, antice excavatum ru- gosum, antenne thorace duplo longiores, lamellis elongatis et ferru- gineis. Thorax undique marginibus elevatis conspicuis, angulis an- ticis pariim productis, obtusis, posticis acutis et extis divergentibus. Elytra valdé acuminata marginata picea et aurato-tomentosa. Corpus infra concolor, femoribus tibiisque compressis. Femina ad- hue latet. Long. corp, 26 lin. ; tat. 7 lin. The above species was brought to this country by Mr. Strachan, long time a resident at Sierra Leone. His zeal in urging his friends to collect insects in that climate has been the means of considerably enriching our metropolitan collections, and to him chiefly we are indebted for our acquaintance with the Goliath beetles. I have named the insect above described in honour of this gentleman, who has exhibited such a remarkable zeal in favour of zoology. When his health declined in consequence of the bad climate, he yet made ar- rangements with his friends for enriching our collections at home. He returned to England, after resigning his laborious situation, broken in health but unsubdued in spirits, and hence we may hope that his health will shortly be re-established. The following cha- racters appear to me sufficient to form into a subgenus, allied to Oxynopterus, the above insect which I have denominated Lepto- phyllus, from the long leaflets which compose the antennz. Leptophyllus*, Hope. Caput feré quadratum, anticé emarginatum. Antenne 11-articulate, 1™° magno, 24° subtrigono, octo sequentibus feré equalibus et la- mellatis, undecimo triplo majori. Thorax angulis anticis rotun- datis, posticis acutis, lateribus marginatis et carinatis. Hlytra posticé acuminata, pedibus unguibus feré equalibus. The anatemical sections of this genus are so fully figured by Mr. Westwood that there is no necessity for more ample details, as they may be detected on reference to the plate. Pectocerat, Hope. Caput fortiter emarginatum. Antenne valde pectinate, novem ulti- * From argwtos tenuis, and Quadro» folium. + wenxrds or wnxtros combed, and xéeas horn, in short, comb-horned an- tenne. Zoological Society. 401 mis articulis, dentibus gradatim increscentibus, ultimis longissimis. Thorax anticé rotundatus, angulis posticis acutis. Hlytra acu minata, pedibus simplicibus. | The remaining characters may easily be seen in the accompanying plate. It appears to me that the above genus is mediate between Tetralobus and Ludius and Ctenicera. Pecrocera Canrori. Pect. fusco-castanea, antennis valde pecti- natis brunneis. Thorax niger tomentoque aureo aspersus. lytra JSusco-castanea, apicibus acuminatis. Corpus infra pilosum, cinereis flavisque capillis obsitum. Segmenta abdominis utrinque brunneo- maculata, maculis glabris. Long. corp. 10 lin. ; lat. 24 lin. Hab. in agro Assamensi. ‘The above insect I received from Dr. Cantor before he quitted England, and I have since received it from the Khasyah Hills: it is named in honour of the above zealous naturalist. Prectocera Meuuu. Flavo-fusca griseoque variegata, antennis pectinatis. Thorax angulis posticis acutis, subtomentosus. Elytra postice valde acuminata, pedibusque fusco-flavis et pubescentibus. Long. corp. 124 lin.; lat. 3 lin. Hab. circa Semlaa in agris Thibetianis. E Museo Dom. Melly descriptus. Mr. Gould exhibited a new species of Hawk, belonging to the genus Elanus, which he thus characterizes :— Exanvus scriptus. lan. fronte et lined superoculari albis ; capite et corpore subtis saturate cinereis, rufescenti-fusco lavatis ; tectri- cibus alarum fulgidé nigerrimis ; parte ale interiore notd latd nigrd, per humerum et antibrachium eductd, instar litere V (aut potits VV, utriusque ale pagind interiore in conspectu,) im- pressd. : Forehead and line over the eye white; head and all the upper surface dark grey, washed with reddish brown; wing-coverts deep glossy black ; primaries greyish brown, becoming nearly white on their webs, all but the first two or three margined with white at the tip ; secondaries brownish grey on the outer web, white on the inner and at the extremity ; tertiaries brownish grey ; two centre tail- feathers grey ; the remaining tail-feathers pale brown on their outer webs and white on the inner; lores black ; all the under surface and edge of the shoulder white; on the under surface of the wing fol- lowing the line of the bones a broad mark of black assuming the form of the letter V, or if both wings are seen at once, of a W ; bill black ; cere and legs yellow; claws black ; irides orange. Total length, 15% inches; bill, 14; wing, 124; tail, 74; tarsi, li. Hab. South Australia. Mr. Gould next called attention to a collection of Birds from India, recently presented to the Society by Walter Ewer, Esq. 402 Botanical Societies ef London and Edinburgh. BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. Dec. 16, 1842.—Dr. William Hughes Willshire in the Chair. Dr. John Lhotsky read a paper ‘‘ On the Limits of Vegetation.” Jan. 6, 1843.—J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S. &c., President, in the Chair. The Rev. W. H. Coleman presented a specimen of Carex Boenn- hausiana (Weihe) found by him in Herts. Dr. John Lhotsky read a paper ‘“‘ On the Sugar of Eucalyptus.” Jan. 20.—Adam Gerard, Esq., in the Chair. Mr. Robert Embleton presented a specimen of Maianthemum bifo- lium (DeC.), Convallaria bifolia (Linn.), found by him at Howick in Northumberland. A paper was read from Mr. William Gardiner, jun., being ‘‘ Loca- lities for the rarer Alpine Hypna.” The paper was accompanied by specimens. Feb. 17.—J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S. &c., President, in the Chair. Mr. T. Clarke, jun. presented specimens of a large variety of Lastrea Filiz mas, found by him at King’s Cliff Valley near Bridge- water. Mr. G. H. K. Thwaites read a paper, being a notice of the dis- covery of Grimmia orbicularis, a moss new to Britain, which was found by him upon St. Vincent’s Rocks, Bristol. The foliage is not distinguishable from that of Grimmia pulvinata ; the capsule however is abundantly distinct, being globose instead of ovate, and having a conical instead of a rostrate operculum. Both species grow upon St. Vincent’s Rocks, and are sometimes intermingled, but each retains its peculiar characteristics, so that Grimmia ordicularis cannot be con- sidered a variety of G. pulvinata. Specimens of the former species accompanied the paper. Read also a paper from Mr. T. Beesley, being ‘ Additions to the List of Plants found in the neighbourhood of Banbury, Oxfordshire, in 1842.” March 17.—J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S. &c., President, in the Chair. Mr. David Moore of the Royal Botanic Garden, Dublin, presented a specimen of Carex paradoxa (Willd.) found by him in Ladiston Woods, Mullingar, Westmeath, Ireland, in July last. Mr. Arthur Henfrey (Curator) read a paper ‘“ On the British spe- cies of Statice.” BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH. This Society met on the 9th of March (Dr. Neill in the Chair) when the following papers were read :— 1. ‘‘ Remarks on the Mode of Growth of the British Fruticose Rubi, &c.” By Mr. Edwin Lees, F.L.S. 2. ‘ Continuation of Remarks on the Diatomacee.” By Mr. John Ralfs, M.R.C.S.L., Penzance. Miscellaneous. 403 | 3. “ On Fumaria micrantha and F. calycina.” By Mr. C. C. Babington, M.A., F.L.S. &c.* 4. ‘On two new species of Jungermannie, and another new to Britain.”” By Thomas Taylor, M.D.: communicated by Mr. Wil- liam Gourlie, jun., Glasgow. _ 5. ‘Notice of the new fossil plant, Lyginodendron Landsburgit, Gourlie.”” By Mr. William Gourlie, jun. Mr. James Macnab exhibited a magnificent cluster of the male catkins of a palm from one of the South Sea Islands, which Lady Harvey had obtained from the captain of a vessel, and kindly allowed to be shown to the Society. Its dimensions, when expanded, were about three feet by three and a half, and it somewhat resembled an ornamental grate-screen formed of shavings. April 13th.—Professor Graham in the Chair. The attention of the Society was chiefly directed to a donation by William Brown, Esq., R.N., consisting of a miscellaneous collection of plants and fruits from Canton river and Chusan, and from the Cape and Prince’s Island, including a collection of forty species of Ericee from Simond’s Bay and Table Mountain. The following papers were read :— 1. ‘* Two Botanical Visits to the Reeky Linn and Den of Airly, in April and June 1842.” By Mr. William Gardiner, Dundee. 2. “On the Diatomacee.” No. VI. By Mr. Ralfs, Penzance. MISCELLANEOUS. Note on a Verminiferous kind of Blood of a Dog, caused by a great number of Hematvzoa of the genus Filaria. Communicated by MM. Gruby and Delafond to the French Academy of Sciences. PuysroLocists and anatomists have long since detected the presence of certain entozoa in the nutritive fluid of cold-blooded animals, as, for instance, frogs and fish. In the mammiferee, worms have some- times been found in the blood; but these worms had probably only come there after having perforated the organs in which they had developed themselves. It is of very great importance to physiology, pathology, and natural history, to demonstrate, not merely the exist- ence of entozoary worms in the blood, but moreover to prove their constant circulation in that fluid, in animals which come near to man. Now, since science is not as yet in possession of any example de- monstrating conclusively the circulation of worms in the blood of mammiferous animals, we are most anxious to communicate to the Academy the discovery which we have made of Entozoa circulating in the blood of a dog of a vigorous constitution, and in a state of apparent good health.t These worms are from 3 to 5 milliémes of a millimetre in dia- meter, and about 25 in length. The body is transparent and colour- less. The anterior-extremity is obtuse, and the posterior or caudal * See last Number of Annals.—Eb. + Observations, however, of this kind will be found described at pp. 48 and 49 of the 10th vol. of this Journal.—Ep. 404 Miscellaneous. ~ extremity ends in a very fine thread. At the fore part a small short furrow 5 milliémes of a millimetre in length is observed, which may be considered as the mouth. By all its characters, this species of heematozoa must rank in the genus Filaria. The motion of these animals is very lively. Their life continues even ten days after the blood has been drawn from the vessels and deposited in a vessel placed in a temperature of 59° Fahr. By examining a drop of blood under the lens of the microscope, we see these hematozoa swim with an undulatory movement between the globules of blcod; they curl, uncurl, and twist about with great vivacity. In order to be certain whether these worms existed in the whole circulatory current, we examined the blood of the coccygeal arteries, those of the external jugular veins, of the capillary, of the conjunctiva, and of the mucous membrane of the mouth, of the skin and of the muscles, and we were always able to detect entozoa. For the last twenty days we have daily opened the capillaries of the different parts of the skin and of the mucous membrane of the mouth, and always find these animals present. . The urine and excremental matters do not contain them. The diameter of the globules of the blood of the dog is from 7 to 8 milliémes of a millimetre ; that of the Filaria is from 3 to 5. There is therefore not the least doubt but that this worm can circu- late wherever the blood has to pass. We reckon, according to se- veral investigations made in order to ascertain the quantity of blood existing in the vessels of dogs of moderate size, that the dog in ques- © tion has 1*"-500 of blood in circulation. Now a drop of this blood weighs O*!-067, and in this drop we are able to detect from four to five Filaria. 'This dog would therefore contain more than 100,000 of these worms in the whole of its blood. The prodigious number of the animals is the more astonishing, as the dog seems to be in good health. We should however remark, that the entozoa of the digestive canal of dogs, the Tenia, even in very great numbers, very seldom disorder the vital functions. During a year we have examined the blood of from seventy to eighty dogs without meeting with the Filaria, and dating from its discovery, we have sought for it, but in vain, in the blood of fifteen dogs. We have now the honour of presenting to the Academy— 1. A drawing of the Filaria of the blood of the dog. 2. Some blood containing some of these worms alive. 3. The dog whose blood is verminiferous; and we can, if the Academy desire it, make an incision in the lip of the animal and show, with the microscope, the Filaria which circulate with the blood.—Annales de Chimie et de Physique for March. On the Cotton called “ Nurma,” in Guzerat. By A. Burn, Esq. The plant yielding what is called Nurma cotton in this part of the country, is the same as is described by Dr. J. F. Royle as Gossy- Miscellaneous. 405 pium arboreum, It is to be found growing wild, I believe, in dif- ferent parts of India; and from some experiments I made when at Kaira, I have very little doubt that it will be found to be the original stock from whence the Barbadoes, Bourbon, Egyptian, and Sea Island varieties have originally sprung. It grows in every kind of soil that is met with in Guzerat. But it obtains the greatest perfection in light sandy soils, to which a little old cow-dung manure has been added, and where it can have a proper drainage, in the black clayey soil known as “the cotton soil” of the indigenous G’. herbaceum,; it grows, but with diminished vigour, in proportion to the purity of that soil. In a state of nature, and when fully developed, the seeds are nearly as large as a grain of wheat, and are closely covered all round by a strongly-adhering bright pea-green coloured fur, and enveloped in a fine silky wool of considerable strength, and fully an inch in length. Hedge-rows, gardens, groves of trees about the abodes of devotees and temples, are the places where this plant is found. I do not know of its being cultivated in any other way. In these places it is a perennial, lasting for four or five years or more, and being cut down to within 2 feet of the ground in the end of June, or a little before the setting in of the annual rains; this also is the best time for sowing the seed. The natives appreciate this cotton, from its fine staple enabling them to spin finer thread than from any other kind with which they are acquainted. Muslins and long pugries for the head are made from it; but since the introduction to this country of European products of the loom, its use and its culture have been so reduced, as hardly at this day to afford sufficient evidence to save their being classified along with the fabulous stories of Hindoo history. Of the quantity produced per acre I can give no estimate, but in the first year it could not be over 100 lbs. of clean cotton. In the second year, as the plant then comes into full bearing, it might be from 300 to 400 Ibs. The great extra labour and expense over the common crops, of protecting the fields during the whole year, which the cultivation of this plant would entail, is, I believe, the main ob- stacle to any attempts being made to cultivate it. Here we have no hedge-rows, and nothing that is well calculated for such a pur- pose ; all the agricultural produce being from annuals, the ryot pro- tects them from cattle, thieves, &c., by living in his fields during the few months they are ripening, and which he could not do for a longer period. ‘The price of this cotton in the bazaar is always double that of the common country article. However, there is never more than a few pounds procurable. I have for several years back entertained great hopes in regard to this cotton, particularly that it may be improved, so as to become of value, by attending to modes of culture. That from it new varie- ties, suited to different soils and situations as regards climate, may be obtained, is more probable than from any of the cultivated kinds, and I have hoped that circumstances might some day admit of my 406 Miscellaneous. being able to attempt its culture as a — in the same way as cotton is grown in Peru. ON DIPHYA SAGITTAIRIA. M. Hollard read before the Society some facts relative to Diphya sagittairia, a singular animal, and as yet but little known, which, living in the open sea, is blown upon the coast by stormy winds which mutilate it, as its structure is very fragile. He also presented some details on the anatomy of the Velellide, radiated animals, the order of which is not yet determined. M. Hollard submitted to the Society several curious anatomical objects, and particularly a Tor- pedo from the Mediterranean, in which the electric apparatus was laid bare.—Bulletin des Sciences de la Société Vaudoise, as inserted in the Bibliotheque Universelle, Nov. 1842. EXPERIMENTS ON THE TORPEDO. M. Matteucci communicated to the French Academy of Sciences, on the 20th of Feb. last, the results of some experiments on the torpedo, illustrative of the theory entertained by himself and M. de Blainville on the analogy between muscular contraction and electricity. He introduced a small quantity of the aqueous solution of opium into the stomach of the living torpedo; the tincture of nux vomica was like- wise introduced into the stomach of another live torpedo. ‘The two fishes, apparently dead, were soon afterwards removed from the water, and on their backs were placed two frogs (prepared in the way al- ready described by the author) and the galvanometer. When the animal, or any part of it, was slightly touched, it contracted, and the torpedo furnished an electrical discharge, although before the expe- riment it required strong irritation to produce any effect. The brain of a torpedo, much reduced in strength, was exposed, and an alkaline solution of potash applied on the fourth lobe. ‘The torpedo died, giving forth very strong discharges. The electrical organ was rapidly removed from a living torpedo, and prepared frogs were placed on the organ. On passing a knife into the organ, and dividing the smallest nervous filaments, the frogs leaped up, sometimes one, sometimes the other, according to the point of the electrical organ which was cut. I had never before (says the author) seen in so perfect a manner the localised action of nervous filaments, nor had I ever witnesséd so clearly the curious action of the electrical lobe of the brain. I received six torpedos, which were brought to me in a state of apparent inanition ; the most active irritants failed to produce a discharge, for the animals seemed to have been destroyed by the cold. I exposed the brain, and on irritating the fourth lobe I obtained very powerful discharges. I cut up the electrical organ of a live torpedo in all directions, and applied the galvanometer to different points; the direction of the electrical current was invariably from the points nearest the back, towards the lower part of the belly. It is impossible to admit any analogy be- tween the organ, and piles, batteries, &c. Meteorological Observations. 407 BreviocraPpnHicaL Novice. To be published by subscription, the Genera of Birds ; comprising their Generic Characters, a notice of the Habits of each Genus, and an extensive List of Species, referred to their several Genera. By George Robert Gray, Senior Assistant of the Zoological Depart- ment, British Museum, and author of the ‘ List of the Genera of Birds,’ &c. Illustrated with Figures by David William Mitchell. The Illustrations of this work, amounting to about 200 plates, will be from the pencil of the author’s colleague, Mr. Mitchell; whose knowledge of the science, and zealous wish to facilitate its acquire- ment by others, will guarantee the faithful and spirited performance of his department of the work. It is proposed to commence the publication as soon as 100 sub- scribers are obtained, in Monthly Parts, each Part to consist of Four imperial-quarto coloured plates, and accompanying letter- press; giving the generic characters, short remarks on the habits, and a list of species of each genus as complete as possible. Each plate will contain, as far as practicable, the characters of all the groups of an entire subfamily, illustrated by a complete figure of. a species not hitherto figured; or, in the few cases where this is not to be obtained, of one that has only been given in some ex- pensive work, accompanied with numerous details of heads, bills, wings and feet of the other genera, as the case may require, for pointing out their distinguishing characters. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR MARCH 1843. Chiswick.— March 1. Clear: some snow-flakes: frosty. 2, 3. Clear and frosty : fine. 4. Cloudy and fine: frosty at night. 5. Sharp frost: cloudy. 6. Cloudy: clear and frosty at night. 7. Frosty and foggy: cold with easterly haze. 8, Light clouds: fine: frosty. 9. Dry haze. 10. Hazy: overcast. 11. Slight haze. 12. Uniformly overcast. 13, Clear: cloudy and fine. 14. Fine. 15. Hazy : cloudy and fine. 16. Hazy and mild: clear and fine. 17, 18. Mornings foggy, clear and fine. 19. Foggy: fine. 20. Foggy: very fine: rain. 21, 22. Very fine. 23. Cloudy and mild. 24. Hazy: fine. 25. Dry and windy. 26. Cold and dry. 27, 28. Cloudy and cold. 29. Dry cold haze. 30, 31. Overcast and fine. Boston.—March 1. Fine: snow early a.M.: raine.M. 2,3. Fine. 4. Cloudy. 5. Fine. 6. Cloudy. 7. Fine. 8—10. Cloudy. 11. Fine. 12. Cloudy. 13. Fine. 14. Cloudy: rainearly a.m. 15. Fine: rain early a.m. 16. Cloudy. 17,18. Fine. 19. Cloudy. 20, Fine. 21. Fine: rain early a.m. 22. Rain: rain early a.m. 23, 24. Cloudy: rain early a.m, 25, Windy. 26. Stormy. 27, 28. Windy. 29, 30. Fine. 31. Cloudy. Sandwick Manse, Orkney.—March 1, Snow-showers: frost. 2—5. Cloudy: thaw. 6. Clear: aurora, 7, 8. Clear: hoar-frost: aurora. 9. Clear: cloudy. 10. Cloudy: damp. 11. Damp. 12. Showers. 13. Snow: showers. 14. Snowing: clear. 15. Snow: showers: clear. 16. Cloudy: snow: rain. 17. Rain : drizzle. 18. Showers: clear: aurora, 19. Cloudy. 20. Cloudy: damp. 21,22. Damp. 23. Damp: showers: damp. 24. Damp. 25—29. Bright: clear. 30. Cloudy: rain. 31. Drizzle: rain. Applegarth Manse, Dum/fries-shire.— March 1—4, Frost: fair. 5. Slight frost : thaw p.m. 6. Thaw and drizzle. 7. Fair and fine: spring day. 8. Frost. 9. Frost: dull pw. 10. Rain. 11. Verydamp. 12, Wet a.m.: cleared up. 13. Fair and fine: drizzle. 14. Frost: threatening. 15. Frost: fine. 16. Drizzle. 17. Moist, but not rain, 18—20. Fair and fine. 21. Fair and fine: shower p.m. 22, Wet a.m.: cleared. 23, 24. Weta.m. 25, 26. Fair. 27— 29, Fair: slight frost. SO. Heavy rain: thunder. $1. 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Re 2. > Mas K craloe a, ‘osupyy younpung 9D SU SNO]D *D *A2z 947 49 pup {AUINS-saIMIWA CT ‘asunyy yzuvsaddy 4m breqcag] *M "403, 947 49 {NoLSOg yn | se A‘AN 49 SuopuoT dnau ‘xOIMSIUY) 10 Aqa120g Jo.LnqnaysLopT 347 fo uapany ay, yn *‘uosdwoy y “ayy 49 ‘ uoqeqoy aN ‘hunjasoag quagsissy ayy hg ‘NoaNnoy ‘hjat0g yohoy ayz fo siuampendp ay2 yn apy suorwasasg”) jonsopoLoajayy THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. No. 72. JUNE 1843. > LVI.—WNotes on the Salmon. By Joun Buackwatt, F.L.S, To Mr. Shaw of Drumlanrig belongs the merit of having suc- cessfully developed the natural history of the small fish denomi- nated Parr, whose ceconomy, prior to the enunciation of his dis- coveries, was involved in obscurity, and was the occasion of much perplexity and hypothetical reasoning among British ichthyolo- gists. By a series of well-conceived and skilfully conducted experiments he has not only proved that the parr is neither a hybrid nor a species su? generis, but has clearly established the interesting and important truth that it is the young of the salmon. Residing in the immediate vicinity of the river Conway, for some years past my attention as a naturalist and a fly-fisher has been directed to the finny inhabitants of its waters, and to the salmon in particular. In the course of my researches several remarkable facts relative to the latter species in its earlier stages of growth have come under my observation; Ist, that young males, exhibiting all the characters of the parr, frequently have the lobes of milt fully matured, while females of the same size have the lobes of roe in so backward a state that it is necessary to employ a magnifier in order to distinguish the ova ; 2nd, that these males shed their milt in the ensuing winter months; 3rd, that the males of salmon-smolts are found to have shed their milt before they descend to the sea, though the lobes of roe in the females are then of very small dimensions ; and 4th, that smolts may be made to assume the barred appearance of parrs by care- fully removing their silvery scales. Perceiving that Mr. Shaw, in his “ Experimental Observations on the Development and Growth of Salmon-fry,” published in the fourteenth volume of the ‘ Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh,’ had noticed the pheenomena enumerated above, which serve, however, in some measure, to corroborate the accuracy of his views, I put aside my notes in which they are recorded, and probably never might have recurred to them again had not an abstract of a paper * On the Growth of the Salmon,” by Mr. John Ann, & Mag. N. Hist, Vol. xi, 2E 410 | Mr. J. Blackwall’s Notes on the Salmon. Young, given in the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History,’ vol. xi. p. 157, induced me once more to turn to them, under the impression that they comprised evidence in favour of a conclusion . opposed to that arrived at by the latter observer. i Concurring with. Mr. Shaw as regards the history of the sal- mon from its rupturing the external capsule of the egg to the pe- riod when it acquires:the migratory dress and descends to the sea, Mr. Young has endeavoured to determine, by observations made upon marked individuals, the growth of this species after its first arrival in the salt water. In the months of April and May 1837, he marked a consider- able number of descending smolts by making a peculiar perfora- tion in the caudal fin by means of small nipping-irons; in the course of the ensuing months of June and July many of them were recaptured ascending the river as grilse, and weighing se- veral pounds each, more or less, according to the difference in the length of their sojourn in the sea. Again, he marked a number of descending smolts in April and May 1842, by clipping off the adipose fin, and in June and July he caught some of them return- ing up the river, the adipose fin being absent. One of these spe- cimens, marked in April and recaptured on the 25th of July, weighed seven pounds, and another, marked im May and recap- tured on the 30th of July, weighed three pounds and a half. Many small grilse, marked after they had spawned in winter and were about to redescend into the sea, in the course of the en- suing summer were recaptured as finely formed salmon, ranging from nine to fourteen pounds in weight, the difference still de- pending upon the length of their sojourn in the sea. A specimen marked as a grilse of four pounds in January 1842, was recaptured as a salmon of nine pounds in July. | A salmon which had spawned, weighing twelve pounds, was marked on the 4th of March, and was recaptured on its return from the sea on the 10th of July, weighing eighteen pounds. Such are the experiments detailed in the report of Mr. Young’s paper, and the inference deduced from them and others of a si- milar kind is that the growth of the salmon in its transition from a smolt to a grilse, from a grilse to the perfect state as to form and aspect, and also in the perfect state, is extraordinarily rapid during those portions of its existence which are passed in the sea, but Mr. Young entertains the opinion that salmon rather dimi- _ nish than increase while they remain in fresh water. Now, though it is an undoubted fact that great deterioration in the condition and, consequently, in the weight of salmon uni- formly takes place while they are engaged in perpetuating their species, yet that the growth of young individuals which do not accompany their congeners to the sea is steadily progressive, ob- Mr. J. Blackwall’s Notes on the Salmon. 411 servation and experiment plainly show. Salmon-fry from seven to eight inches long, having all the characters of the parr, may be taken in the Conway and its tributary streams in small numbers in the month of June, after the smolts of the season have entirely quitted those rivers, and, occasionally, I have obtained specimens of still larger dimensions, weighing fowr ounces. The physical cause, whatever it may be, which prevents these fish from acquiring the migratory dress and instinct of their species, evidently does not prevent them from increasing in growth and improving in condi- tion, even the males which have shed their milt presenting every appearance of renovated health and vigour. Mr. Yarrell, in his ‘ History of British Fishes,’ vol. ii. p. 21, states that a large landed proprietor in Scotland, in April 1831, put a dozen or two of small salmon-fry, three or four inches long, into a newly-formed pond between three and four acres in extent. No fishing was allowed in this pond till the summer of 1833, when several of these salmon were taken, weighing from two to three pounds, perfectly well-shaped, well-coloured, and well-fla- voured. As these fish must have been in their second year when put into the pond, it follows that they attained to the weight of two or three pounds in rather more than three years. In the Supplement to the second volume of Mr. Yarrell’s work other examples of the growth of young salmon in fresh water are given (pp. 5, 6), from which it appears that in one instance there was an increase in weight of eleven or twelve ounces in sixteen months, and in another instance an increase of fourteen or fifteen ounces in twenty-seven months. I shall now proceed to inquire into the growth of the salmon during its sojourn in the sea. Karly in the month of June, salmon in high condition, ranging from three to five pounds in weight, ascend the Conway in con- siderable numbers if the state of the water be favourable ; but that they cannot be identical with the smolts of the same year is ma- nifest, because the inversion of established physiological principles is involved in the opposite supposition ; for as great numbers of grilse weighing from half a pound to a pound come up the same river in August, full two months later than the former, there is no escaping from the unphilosophical conclusion to which such a hypothesis leads; namely, that young salmon decrease in size as they increase in age. To avoid the awkwardness of this dilemma, it is only necessary to admit the identity of the small grilse which ascend the Conway in August with the smolts of the preceding spring ; and this view of the subject, which, if correct, completely subverts the theory of the all but preternatural growth of the sal- mon in salt water, derives eye from the gradual increase of 2K 2 412 Mr. J. Blackwall’s Notes on the Salmon. this species in size when restricted to fresh water, and from some circumstances attending the loss of its teeth from the vomer. Adult salmon of average dimensions are known to have one or two teeth only at the anterior extremity of the vomer, though smolts have the same part amply provided with teeth extending along a great portion of its length. In the summer of 1840 I examined numerous specimens of salmon in various stages of growth, for the purpose of ascertaining the period at which the teeth begin to disappear from the vomer and the order in which they are shed. Specimens weighing from two to five pounds, taken in the months of June and July, had from three to seven teeth on the anterior part of the vomer, the number, allowing for the difference in condition, being almost always inversely as the weight ; and individuals of a larger size, captured at the same time, usually retained one or two teeth only, situated quite at its ante- rior extremity. Other specimens weighing from half a pound to a pound, taken in the month of August, were found to have the vomer well supplied with teeth except at its posterior part, from which some had been lost mvariably. The situation which the lost teeth have occupied is distinctly marked by dark spots in small grilse, but as they increase in size these spots become more obscure and, ultimately, are obliterated. As the teeth disappear from the vomer gradually and nearly in regular succession, those at the posterior part being shed first, it follows that the youngest fish, generally speaking, will have lost the fewest ; consequently, the small grilse which ascend the Con- way in August may be safely regarded as identical with the smolts which descended the same river in the preceding spring. Having attempted to show that the growth of the salmon du- ring its first visit to the sea is not so rapid as has been supposed, I may state that I see no reason for believing that it is accelerated in an extraordinary degree at any subsequent period of its life. The salmon which come up the Conway annually exhibit every gradation in weight from half a pound, or under, to twenty-five and thirty pounds ; this would hardly be the case were the belief in their extremely rapid growth well-founded, neither would in- dividuals of large dimensions bear so very small a numerical pro- portion as they are known to do to those of a medium size. In pursuing researches of this description it is desirable that measurement should be attended to as well as weight, for salmon of the same weight precisely often differ remarkably in their di- mensions according to the condition they are in; and the neglect of this circumstance, I am inclined to think, has contributed greatly to encumber the question with difficulties. I feel unwilling to offer any comments upon Mr. Young’s ex- Mr. J. Blackwall’s Notes on the Salmon. 413 periments, not being in possession of all the particulars given by the author in connexion with them; but I may be permitted to remark, that condition, considered with reference to weight, must have exercised no small share of influence in the case of the grilse marked by him after they had spawned in winter, and recaptured in the ensuing summer as finely-formed salmon weighing from nine to fourteen pounds ; in the instance of the specimen marked as a grilse of four pounds in January 1842, and retaken as a sal- mon of nine pounds in July; and also in that of the salmon weigh- ing twelve pounds, marked on the 4th of March, after it had Ay and recaptured on the 10th of July, weighing eighteen ounds. For the following table of the dimensions and weight of salmon differing in condition I am indebted to my brother, Mr. Thomas Blackwall. Length in inches. Girth in inches. Weight in pounds. 23 eoeccccccees 13 eveccccesrss 5 BB is: eee uekte ike Bidx(is eekebaen eee 5 eh ite wentehnwass Oe Seu dabedanen 5 we Sc buceatasgs ee ROL tponteenewe 7 SO! x vkvees wedses FS fi." eadcdseasee 7 | Aman? SATE LE WA I: BORer PEE eo 84 ) RARER Lome Se AB Bt ea te, eee 9 28 casvoeseesee EO th li leddere 114 sae: |. -v. “etenantalees FRE havcspusaete 114 $8 AT ays. Todt 1POe Be 154 se ee a te eee ESS Joi veavedt sare 16 G33 Th adeehe Gass BOS i Niece eee 183 39 eeeacdedsoos TEM i astocdhtsvee 184 OG: dedewctdoues Bl?) dadsdesitoss 20 42 dvesedisesune DD)? ht eRdacdesd 21 SR vapdoseetee FOP evebest rowel 23 Sh cabhbeendad RS. ees pobbes — The salmon which ascend the Conway are frequently infested externally by the Caligus curtus of Miiller, and internally by En- tozoa, three perfectly distmct species bemg sometimes found in the intestines of the same individual. These internal parasites abound in salmon newly arrived in the fresh water ; but in various specimens which I have examined in March, when they had spawned and were about to return to the sea, scarcely any were tobe seen. My observations, however, are too limited to warrant the deduction of any general conclusions in relation to this curious subject, which certainly merits further investigation. P.S. I have ascertamed by repeated dissections of the young of the Salmon Trout, Salmo trutta, that the males of that species shed their milt before they descend to the sea, but that the fe- 414 Dr. Bellingham on the Bottle-nose Whale. males do not spawn till they return from their first visit to the salt water, though some inequality in the development of the ova may frequently be perceived towards the end of April and the beginning of May in specimens measuring from six to seven inches in length which have assumed the migratory dress. Young salmon trouts weighing from half a pound to a pound are ob- served to ascend the Conway in considerable numbers every year in ‘August, and adults of large dimensions are, at all times, very much scarcer than those of a medium size. From these facts I am led to infer that the salmon trout, in its ceconomy and rate of growth, bears a close resemblance to the salmon. Oakland, May 8th, 1843. LVII.—Short description of a Bottle-nose Whale stranded upon the coast of the co. Louth in the autumn of 1840. Communicated to the Nat. Hist. Society of Dublin, by O. B. Bretzinexuam, M.D.* A sPpEcIMEN of Hyperoodon Butzkopf became entangled on the evening of Oct. 6, 1840, upon a bed of rocks, which run some distance into the sea, and are partially uncovered at low water, off Salterstown near Dunany Point, co. Louth, and next morning was found nearly dead by some fishermen, by: whom it was towed to Johnstown Beach. It was a male, and measured 28 feet 7 inches in length ; the greatest circumference behind the pectoral fins 13 feet 8 inches ; ; snout measured 2 feet 7 inches, and the tail 6 feet across. The skin was smooth, polished, and of an olive-black colour. Eyes small, dark, and somewhat larger than those of the ox ; immediately behind each eye was an opening about 5 inches in length and 2 broad. There were 2 small teeth in the extremity of the lower jaw, buried at least 2 inches in the gum. No remains of food were found on examination in the stomach or intestines. The blubber yielded upwards of 120 gallons of oil. Observations.—The Hyperoodon Butkzopf of Lacépéde, Hy- peroodon bidens of Fleming, Ceto-diodon Hunteri of Jacob, Bottle- head of Dale, and Bottle-nose Whale with two teeth of Hunter, is so little known to British naturalists that the most trifling parti- culars respecting it possess interest. This is the third specimen of this species which within the last four years has been stranded upon the same part of the coast of the co, Louth; two of these * A drawing of the animal, made by Lieut. Raye, R.N., was exhibited to the meeting. JS Basire, th. AG UMM SMEOStOMNES WNCelLosEed tr Mochi - Stones. M. Miiller on Substances inclosed in Mochastones. 415 have been noticed by my friend Mr. Thompson, President of the Belfast Natural History Society, in a communication to the 4th volume of the ‘ Annals of Natural History ’ the head of one is in the museum of the Royal Dublin Society, that of the other is in the museum of the Natural History Society of Dublin ; the skeleton of the third and largest (prepared by Lieut. Raye) has been presented by Sir Alan Bellingham to the Natural History Society. The drawing of a recent animal by Lieut. Raye adds considerably to the value of his communication. , Lieut. Raye’s figure of this specimen resembles much more closely Dale’s than Hunter’s, particularly in the shape of the body and its proportional thickness, as well as in the manner in which the forehead rises from the snout : it differs from Dale’s figure in the snout being much longer in proportion, in the lower jaw being longer and larger than the upper, and in the dorsal fin being placed nearer the posterior extremity of the body. The teeth are conical, pointed, and evidently only rudimentary ; and I could not learn that the palate was studded with any of those little horny eminences of tubercles which have been de- scribed, and are considered by Cuvier as rudimentary vestiges of whalebone. . LVIII.—On Substances inclosed in Mochastones*. By Karu Mve.ieEr, Physician at Detmold. Translated and commu- nicated by the Rev. M. J. Berxetny ft. [With a Plate.] § 1. General Observations. SINcE in the present day the naturalist is busied with constantly increasing zeal in bringing to light the relics of an Antediluvian Flora, even the slightest contribution is welcome which adds a link to the great chain of those plants which are denominated fossil. Moreover, although in many of these remains it is scareel possible from fragments to determine in what part of the fossil flora they should take their place, such notices are at least a con- tribution to the history of those minerals in which they are found, and so far a mite towards the history of the original condition of the world. On these grounds I venture to make some remarks on a sub- ject which has at present, alas! received little attention. * This word is evidently used with considerable latitude, and by no means confined to the bodies so named in this country, ¢ From the Regensburg Flora, May 21, 1842. 416 M. Miller on Substances inclosed in Mochastones. § 2. History. As far as I know, this matter was first noticed by Blumenbach in his ‘ Specimen archeologiz telluris terrarumque impr. Han- noy. ser. Geetting. 1813,’ in which he pointed out the organic nature of the so-called Dendrites, and even recognised amongst them genera which exist at the present day. At a later period the subject was considered worthy of especial notice by Macculloch, who however laboured only to prove again their organic nature (Transact. of the Geolog. Soc. of London, u. 510; Leonh. Taschenb. f. Mineral. xii. 595*). In this state the matter rested, and we merely find it men- tioned occasionally in introductions to geology under the head Chalcedony. § 3. On thew Organic Nature. This question springs in part from the scarcity of the substance which gives rise to it, which is found only here and there in col- lections of minerals, and then preserved merely as a curiosity ; in part, from the prevailing doubt as to their vegetable origin. People are easily induced to consider them as dendritic growths of metallic substances, as indeed has been done by many mine- ralogists and botanists ; but I have never heard of an explanation how such growths take place. I must indeed add, that amongst these inclosed bodies others are found whose organic origin cannot be denied, though I have never found the former with such a form or texture under the microscope, without whose help no judgement can be formed. While some allow their organic nature, we hear others too fre- quently speak of them as belonging to the category of sports of nature. But, it may be asked, what is a sport of nature? The dendritic formations in marly slate are brought forward as proofs of the existence of fortuitous forms in nature. How far they are related to the bodies in question I cannot say, not having paid especial attention to them. Even they however depend on fixed laws, under whose activity they are produced, since their forms so constantly recur. But how is it possible in the remotest degree to speak here of sports of nature, when so many forms so frequently recur in these inclosed bodies ? To prove their vegetable nature without the help of the micro- scope, Macculloch advised treating them with sulphuric acid, which turned them black. This method should seem however to be less practical than it appears at first, for many morganic inclosed sub- * It is to be regretted that M. Miiller had no opportunity of seeing Mr. Bowerbank’s admirable memoir, who however appears to have observed no- thing which he considered as referable to the vegetable kingdom.—M. J. B. M. Miiller on Substances inclosed in Mochastones. 417 stances may also become black under its influence. One cireum- stance indeed goes far to prove their vegetable nature, namely, that those portions of the mineral, whether it be chalcedony or quartz, where the bodies are exposed, do not admit of being polished, but being stained by the polishing-oil always remain tarnished. § 4. On the Inclosed Bodies themselves. The number will probably be found considerable, when they shall have been rescued from the curiosity-drawer and have been observed and described. Something complete can be expected only from the labours of many. It is to be wished, for instance, that the botanists about Oberstem would turn their attention to this subject, where of a certainty many a treasure is thrown away as useless amongst the chips which are made by the agate- grinders. I was permitted to examine a large quantity of inclosed sub- stances, and what I discovered amongst them will for the most part appear from what follows. 1. Intricate deposits of different colours, mostly black or red- brown. ‘They are very frequent, and resemble, under the micro- scope, mould ; that is, they are compressed, transparent, without distinct cellular structure adhering after the manner of vegetables, and plainly converted into coal. Since other vegetable substances frequently accompany these, it is clear that they are really mould which was formed before the mineral had received its present physical form. Found at Ober- stein. 2. A moss in fructification. It was surrounded by such a mass of mould that it was impossible to discover anything accurately as to its structure, or to come to the least decision as to its genus. The capsule had the form of that of a Hypnum. The peristome was not present. The fact however is of importance as aweighty argument against the devotees of sports of nature. Found at Oberstein. 3. In a bright, clouded chalcedony, in which traces of water were still visible, fragments of a Chara occurred. They consisted of fine, much-branched, glaucous green stems entangled with one another, and among which some branches occurred which were incrusted as if with lime. I could not discover any whirled frag- ments. The occurrence of water in chalcedony was interesting, which was confirmed by the late Prof. Zenker. Found atOberstein. In another reddish chalcedony I found a great mass of erect stems disposed with exceeding regularity. They were almost all in the same position, quite simple, and strongly incrusted with lime (?). The upper surface of the stone, where they were ex- posed to view, was sprinkled with black dots, which is very na- 418 M. Miller on Substances inclosed in Mochastones. tural, as such places, as said above, become black from the oil used in polishing. Found at Oberstein, 4, Plate X. fig. 1.—A Conferva in a green jasper [Prase]. Threads simple, short, curved, containing spiral threads (?). b—d. I am obliged to place a note of doubt here, since I am not quite sure whether what I saw was a spiral as in Zygnema: I have figured what I did see at 0. | It is a very difficult task to examine objects like this. We can examine only that portion which lies close to the surface, and it is then always matter of chance whether one falls in with anything of interest. I was unable to prepare thin sections, as the speci- mens were not my own property. I was besides obliged to make my observations mostly by means of concentrated lamp-light, in order to transmit more light through the whole stone, and may therefore have been subject to some optical deception. I could not ascertain the exact place in the system of Algee-to which the Conferva belonged, being unable to ascertain its inner structure. The thickness of the threads, which are distinct though congregated, seems to place them in the series of true Confervacee, as Conferva, Zygnema, &e. In conformity with the intention of these notes, I am content to draw attention to the fact, in the hope that later inquiries, should I be so fortunate as to meet again with similar objects, may throw more light upon the matter. Found in Scotland. 5. Plate X. fig. 2, a.—Mass lobed, glaucous green, compressed. A remarkable formation, resembling altogether a compressed dried Nostoc, which it resembles also in colour. Indeed i know not with what else to compare it. The vegetable has certainly once been a frons plicata, since we find the single folds lying one over the other. They are not of equal thickness ; their colour is also here and there darker, where the layers of folds are darker. The outline is very delicate and distinct. Under the microscope the whole appears like a compressed ma- cerated mass. I could not perceive the moniliform sporidia which are peculiar to the genus Nostoe, probably in consequence of their having been separated from one another by enormous pressure. The great distinctness of the frond seems to bespeak its affinity to Nostoc, as the lower Algee, Palmella, Coccochloris, Microloa, &e., under such pressure would scarcely have preserved their out- line, their mass being too gelatinous, while in most species of Nostoe it is of a firmer consistence, From want of globules it is impossible to name it. Fig.2,b—g.—In certain portions of the frond under small mag- nifying powers appear some darker specks. If these are followed M. Miiller on Substances inclosed in Mochastones. 419 up gradually with higher powers they appear as represented at b—g; they are of the same colour as the frond and lie scattered upon it, as if pressed to it. They are tender, seale-like mem- branes (?) jagged at the border. It is surprising to find structures like these, which are the last one should expect to find upon what, judging from habit, I have considered as a Nostoe. Many no longer retain their original orbicular form ; and more are frequently torn mto many divisions as at (e). If we inquire what this formation probably is, it is very pleasing to be able to give a certain answer : they are forms which belong to the great family Desmidiacee amongst Algz, and indeed to the genus Micrasterias. It has the greatest affinity with Micrasterias lacerata, Kiitzing, and J leave it for a while to the judgement of algologists. Since hitherto Micrasterie@ are known only as hydrophytes, the Nostoe must also be a water Alga. Found at Idar in the princi- pality of Birkenfeldt. 6. Fig. 4——9.—More or less round, pinnate, moss-like fronds, with a yellow-brown substratum, in the middle of which is gene- rally a circle with a dot in its centre. Under the microscope the texture appears as in the foregoing, macerated, and we can there- fore judge only from habit what the production may be. If we examine first the circle in its centre, with its own central dot, it appears that this is the point to which the object was fast- ened, and from whence as a centre the other branches proceeded. It must have been gelatinous, more or less globose, as appears from the gradually fading colour and the very thin compressed. membrane ; it must have been conglobated, so as to receive its present orbicular form. The feather-like lines were branches, whose branchlets were also gelatinous and conglobated. This again then belongs to the family of Algz, being most nearly allied to Chetophora amongst the Nostochinee, whose frond, as in Chet. endiviefolia, exhibits a similar branched structure. Found in a clear chalcedony from Oberstein. 7. Fig. 10.—Red organic masses, appearing to the naked eye as small, more or less isolated dots, occurring in a clear chalcedony. The circumjacent parts are yellow. This yellow field is bordered by similar red dots, only larger and more distinct and tolerably isolated. Under a weak magnifying power they appear like more or less oval balls, generally very regular, sometimes much torn and crushed, the one dark red, the other reddish yellow. As in fig. 2, a higher magnifying power surprises the inqui- ring eye, when these dots, which still appear superficial and isolated, are found to exhibit the forms represented in the figures c—s. | 420 M. Miiller on Substances inclosed in Mochastones. c, d, f, g, h, i, k, 1, n lie mostly at the side of the yellow field at (a); the remaining figures in the midst of the chalcedony, which they completely fill. The first appear as large, globular and spiral, the latter as more or less oval ; these again as reddish yellow, those as almost tile-red bodies. Both have the same peculiarity, that they assume the form of a mushroom: e, f, m, 0, p. There occur also frequently thin, skinny, banded remains, as at g. Their size is very variable. At the first glance all these bodies have so much resemblance to the fruit of Characee, that one might feel satisfied in considering them as such in reality. The banded spiral divisions bespeak as much ; yet it does not appear probable, as the bodies, so fre- quently confined to a small space, lie collected together in heaps. No single organic remain is found amongst them, and it is be- sides inconceivable that, supposing them to be the fruit of Chara, not a single vestige of the stem should remain. That amongst them clearly younger individuals and of a similar formation are perceptible, may afford an argument that they could be assigned to the animal kingdom. I have not observed extre- mities, feet, &c. I cannot venture to say more on this matter, but perhaps the same bodies may be found by some other observer under other peculiar circumstances, whence we may fortunately be able to draw some conclusion. Found in Siberia. 8. Figs.3 & 11.—Fig. 11. Thave given in fig. a—k the magni- fied representations of the very isolated red dots at (a) im a chal- cedony likewise from Siberia. They may be thought very con- fused, but they are true copies of what I saw. The single dots are of such a size that their outline can be distinguished by the naked eye. I have figured almost every dot which lying near the surface could be distinctly observed, and almost every one bore the marks of powerful destruction. In spite of this mroad on these so remarkable and beautiful red bodies, it is not difficult to form a clear notion of the original form from the individual fragments. The body was circular, as appears easily, and the figures f, d, g seem to give perfect assurance of the fact, since only a round body could be pressed so flat, as is the case in both these instances. Some other dots which I found showed the same form and struc- ture, so that I considered it superfluous to figure them here for further confirmation. I give exactly what I found. The circular body was moreover furnished with an epidermis, as is clear from d, g, h. This seems to have been dark red. It was filled with a loose marrow (/—A) inclining from orange to purple-red. Where this was extremely compressed the colour is of course lighter, in consequence of the mass being thinner. This is illustrated by b—e. M. Miller on Substances inclosed in Mochastones. 421 Tn the centre of the globular body was a conformable dark red nucleus e—h, k, Finally the whole mass was gelatinous ; as is indicated by the thick indistinct outlines of all the figures and by the body marked (2), from whose central opening the nucleus appears pressed, which betokens clearly a gelatinous nature. The nucleus is found of various sizes, probably merely from dif- ference of age. At (k) one is seen almost isolated. Fig. 3.—These figures also belong here, and are remarkable and interesting enough. This chalcedony came from Oberstein, whereas the other came from Siberia. The globules marked in outline are here more aggregated than in fig. 11, but they ex- hibit the same structure and colour. What these bodies are I dare scarcely conjecture. Here also there are no organic remains ; and would we compare them with some vegetable organ, the most appropriate should seem to be some kind of berry. I must however repeat what was said under fig. 10: the collection of the bodies into a small space, and the absence of other organic remains, are against such a supposition. Have we however before us some pristine inhabitant of the water belonging to the animal kingdom? If so, the black nucleus must represent some organ ; possibly the stomach. : We must here also wait patiently for further researches, and content ourselves with the little which I am able with my feeble powers to offer. May they only lead to further mquiries ; if so, I shall be satisfied, § 5. In what state are the Inclosed Substances found ? If the worthy Goeppert, in the introduction to his work on fossil plants, assumes three conditions (vid. Flor. 1840, p. 482), this section may be regarded as indicating a fourth. For here clearly the plants have undergone no chemical change. They were in- closed in the original soft mass of the chalcedony, and so, when this hardened, became impervious to atmospheric air and other chemical agents. As also amber and copal present their insects well-preserved, so here the mineral offers us its plants. The whole alteration consists merely in the highly compressed state in which most of the objects are found. The substance of the plants is still precisely what it was at first. In conclusion I have only to state, that all the objects examined are in the admirable mineralogical collection of M. Siegismund of Jever, a most excellent and obliging naturalist, 492 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to LIX.—Contributions to the Ichthyology of Australia. By Joun Ricnuarpson, M.D., F.R.S., &c., Inspector of Hospitals, Haslar. [Continued from p. 359. ] JULIS AURICULARIS (Cuv. e¢ Val.), Har-marked Julis. No. 18. Lieut. Emery’s drawings. I am inclined to consider the beautiful drawing here quoted as a representation of the Julis auricularis (Hist. des Poiss. Xili. p. 489) discovered in King George’s Sound by MM. Quoy and Gaimard, the naturalists of the expedition commanded by Captain D’Urville. Lieutenant Emery’s specimen was pro- cured at Abrolhos on the same coast. : It measured fourteen inches in length, the head forming two- ninths of this measurement, and slightly exceeding the height of the body. The ventrals are acute, but not longer than the rounded pec- torals, which equal the sixth part of the whole length. The dorsal and anal rise equably as they run backwards to the height of one- third of the body. The caudal is much rounded. Lips flesh-coloured ; from thence on the upper part of the head to the dorsal fin, and down to the middle of the eye, duck-green. Cheeks and operculum scar- let, terminating by a horizontal line even with the angle of the mouth, beneath which the colour is pale reddish lilac. Tip of the gill-flap smalt-blue, with a red spot and a black posterior edging. The pectoral region from the gill-opening to the anus and up to the level of the point of the gill-cover is white, which ends squarely be- hind. The ground-colour of the remainder of the body is vermilion- red, which takes a lakish tint on the flanks. ‘The whole side is re- gularly streaked by sixteen stripes, a little narrower than the inter- vening spaces, and of a pistachio-green colour, except the two upper ones, which are smalt-blue. A rectangular black mark crosses the middle of the first two dorsal rays; the border of the fin is marked longitudinally by six waving gallstone-yellow lines, and the part be- neath is crossed obliquely by crowded lines of the same colour. The anal wants the black spot, but is otherwise coloured exactly like the dorsal. Four coarser undulating gallstone-yellow lines cross the ex- tremity of the caudal, and there are five round spots of the same hue on the proximal half of the fin; its ground tint being pale blue; each of its rounded corners is occupied by a narrow pale lilac crescent. The bright gamboge-yellow pectoral has three black streaks along its upper edge, and the ventrals are striped with deep lilac and yel- low. The iris is painted with blue and scarlet concentric rings. The specimen described by M. Valenciennes had lost its original colours, though some tracings of the markings remained, which do not correspond well with the drawing here described. Figure 13 of Lieutenant Emery’s drawings represents a fish which was also taken at Abrolhos. It resembles the above so closely in its form and in the general arrangement of its the Ichthyology of Austraha. 423 markings, that Icannot venture, on the authority of the figures alone, to consider it as more than a variety or perhaps a sexual dress. Its dorsal and anal fins are however lower, and scarcely increase in height posteriorly. The ground-colour of the whole body beneath the lateral line is sulphur-yellow, and the longitudinal lines are buff- coloured, much fainter on the breast than elsewhere. A broad stripe of scarlet covers the snout, includes the eye, and, narrowing as it goes, runs backwards to the caudal fin. The back above it is brown- ish red, with two lines of a paler tint, occupying the place of the smalt-blue ones of the preceding variety. A bright king’s-yellow tints the cheek and gill-cover, and fades to white on the throat. The gill-cover is tipped with black. The dorsal and anal are coloured like those of the preceding fish, except that there are only four lon- gitudinal lines on their borders, and that the black mark on the dor- sal is triangular. The pectoral is buff-coloured and unspotted, the ventral edged with buff, and the caudal crimson, crossed in the mid- dle by three waving buff-coloured stripes, and having its angles pale lilac as in No. 18. JULIS? RUBECULA. Sparus rubecula, Solander, Pisce. Austr. p. 6; Parkinson, Bib. Banks. fig. 2. 36, no. 20. Parkinson’s drawing, quoted above, represents a fish which was taken on Cook’s first voyage, in Toteeranue or Ship Cove, one of the harbours of Queen Charlotte’s Sound. The species is not noticed by the authors of the ‘ Histoire des Poissons,’ but I think that its general aspect points it out to be a Julis, though the figure indicates a greater number (eleven) of spinous dorsal rays than any member of that genus is knownto possess. Solander describes the colours of the recent fish, but does not mention the number of the rays, or the form of the pharyn- geal teeth, so as to clear up the doubts occasioned by the unfinished state of the drawing. The length of the sketch is eleven inches, and the height of the body or length of the head is exactly equal to a fifth part thereof. The caudal has a slightly concave margin, or rather its acute, falcate angles project a fifth part beyond the straight intermediate mem- brane. ‘The dorsal rises slightly in its course backwards and ends acutely, but not in a slender point. The anal has a similar form, and the points of both fins reach the base of the caudal. Eleven spinous rays are indicated, occupying a third part less space than the soft part of the fin, and having the membrane behind their tips notched. ‘The rounded pectoral just exceeds a sixth of the length of the fish. The ventrals are shorter, and terminate nearly their own length before the anus. The lateral line, traced continuously on the third row of the large scales which cover the body, follows the curve of the back till it passes beyond the dorsal, when it descends sud- denly in a short oblique line, and then runs straight to the base of 424 Dr, Richardson’s Contributions to the caudal. The profile of the head blends gradually with the curve of the back, the gill-cover appears to be much rounded off poste- riorly, and the conical teeth are slightly curved and diminish rapidly in size as they recede from the symphysis. There is no canine tooth at the angle of the mouth, and no scales are depicted on the head. ** Sparus rubecula. (‘Kurakura’ aboriginorum.) Habitat prope ‘Cape Kidnappers.’ Corpus vivide rubrum, subtus pallidum. Pinna dor- salis saturate rubra, superne punctis fusco-sanguineis adspersa. Pinne pectorales rubicunde, immaculate. Pinnz ventrales pallide incarnate, apice rubescentes. Pinna analis ex aurantiaco-rubra. Pinna caudalis saturissime aurantiaca, fascia lata, nigra ad basin.” ** Varietas pallidior. Totus piscis pallidior, pinna dorsali incarnata, punctis lineisque sanguineis adspersa, pinna caudali flavicante, alias simillimus.” (Solander, Pisc. Austr. p. 5.) In the figure the tint of the head is dark lake-red, that of the body lighter, and of the caudal yellow, with a lilac edging and a well-defined even black bar across its base. Several other members of the genus described in the ¢ Hi- stoire des Poissons’ have one or more black bars on the tail or caudal fin, but they differ materially from rudecula in other characters. Among these are Julis cingulum and J. caudima- cula. Mr. Gilbert’s collection contains a species obtained at the island of Timor, which approaches very near to caudima- cula (C. & V. xiii. p. 465), and it may be only a variety of that fish, but it offers a different distribution of colours, though it has the same black bar across the tail. As it has not ac- tually been detected on the Australian coasts, a description of it is foreign to the precise object of this paper. The Cre- nilabrus chabrolit of Lesson, which is the Cossyphus maldat of the * Histoire des Poissons,’ has also a black bar on the trunk of the tail, but farther removed from the caudal fin than in rubecula. ‘The fish also differs from the latter in the pre- sence of conspicuous scaly fillets at the base of the dorsal and caudal, in the elongation of the ventrals, in the rounded cau- dal, in the brilliant streaks on the head, the rows of ‘spots on the body, and in its very different general aspect, which is peculiar to the genus Cossyphus, while the rubecula has more the character of a Julis. The Labrus ephippium is another of the family which has its tail encircled by a black or deep blue ring. It has nine spinous rays in the dorsal, is well cha- racterized by a saddle-shaped black patch on the back, and is supposed to be a native of the Javan sea, As the distance between Timor and the islands leading to Java is not great from the north-west coast of Australia, and their parallels of latitude differ little, we may expect to find much similarity in their ichthyology. the Ichthyology of Australia. 425 JULIS ? RUBIGINOSUS. Sparus rubiginosus, Parkinson, Banks. Bib. fig, 2. 38. no.4; Solander, Pisc. Austr. p. 7. This fish was discovered on the coast of New Zealand on Cook’s first voyage. Parkinson’s figure was done after a spe- cimen taken at Mattaruhow, and Solander has given the fol- lowing account of the colours of one obtained off Kidnapper’s Cape :— “ Sparus rubiginosus. Corpus pallide rubiginosum, macula oblonga transversali in singula squama. Caput rubrum subtus pallidum. Iris rubro-argentea ; pupilla nigra. Pinna dorsalis livido-rubicunda, maculis sub-ocellaribus e viridi lutescentibus. Pinnz ventrales et pectorales rubicunde, immaculate. Pinna analis similis pinnz dor- sali, sed prope basin serie jam unica ocellorum rubicundorum. Pinna caudalis basi et lateribus e nigricanti-violacea, in medio olivacea. Habitat oceano prope Kidnappers.”—(Pisc. Austr. p. 7.) Solander mentions, without describing, a variety taken at the same place. Parkinson’s figure exhibits a fish having the same profile ot the head and body with the Julis decussatus (Cuy. et Val. xiii. p- 433) figured in Bennett’s ‘ Fishes of Ceylon’ (No. 14), except that the height of the body is a trifle less, being contained thrice and one-half in the total length, caudal included. ‘The mouth is small with thickish lips, which are represented shut, so that the teeth are not seen. he caudal is lunate on the margin, with the points acute and projecting about a fifth part of the length of the fin beyond the central rays. The spinous part of the dorsal is nearly even, or rather higher anteriorly, and contains nine or ten rays, which occupy somewhat less space than the jointed rays, of which about eleven or twelve are indistinctly indicated. The membrane is notched between the spines, the dorsal and anal terminate rather acutely, and their tips reach the base of the caudal. The pectorals are rounded and longer than the ventrals, which do not reach to the anus. The scales are large, and their uncovered discs have the form of vertical rhombs. ‘There are several rows of small ones on the base of the tail. The lateral line is continuous, and has a sudden descending flexure opposite to the end of the dorsal. Four rows of spots are shown on the fore half of the anal, and three on the spinous portion of the dorsal. The colours of the New Zealand Labrus pecilopleura, as described in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons,’ are not very dissi- milar to those ascribed by Solander to the rudiginosus; but the pecilopleura is not so high a fish, its caudal fin is square, its dorsal low, and its pectorals rather large. JULIS? NOTATUS. Sparus notatus, Parkinson, Bibl. Banks. fig. 37 ; Solander, Pisc. Austr. This is also a New Zealand fish, taken on the same voyage. Parkinson’s drawing in outline is from an example captured Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 426 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to in Totzeranue, a cove of Queen Charlotte’s Sound. Solander’s description of one taken off Tolaga, in lat. 384° S. long. 1813°, is as follows. * Sparus notatus. Habitat Tolaga. Piscis interdum pedalis, vi- rescens, inferne albus. Squamze dorsi et laterum postice fusces- centes. Macula magna nigricans utrinque paulo pone medium. Iris flavo-argentea: pupilla nigra. Pinna dorsalis sordide e cinereo- virescens, maculis fuscis et rubentibus. Obs. pone maculam lateralem fascize due obsoletissime:, fuscescentes, seu nebulosee. Pinnze pecto- rales pellucentes cum pauxillo flavedinis et rubedinis. Pinnee ventrales lutes, marginibus albis. Pinna analis lutea, basi albido-nebulosa, maculis duabus nigris. Pinna caudalis lutescens vel rubescens. Obs. in capite infra oculos interdum lines vel macule oblong cxruleo- virides. Juniores pinnam dorsalem habent altius coloratam.” (Pisc. Austr. p. 16.) Parkinson’s figure shows that this species resembles the Julis _decussatus still more exactly in the form of the body than the pre- ceding one, but the snout is a little more obtuse. The oval black spot on the flank gives it some resemblance to a Cossyphus, but the position of the spot below the lateral line distinguishes it from the described species of that genus. The caudal ends squarely, or with a very slightly concave line, the angles neither projecting nor yet rounded off. The dorsal rises very gently from the first spine to the end of the soft part, which is moderately rounded, and does not quite reach the base of the caudai: it contains nine spinous rays. The anal is lower. The pectoral is obliquely rounded, its upper angle being acute.. The veritrals do not reach the anus. The scales are rather large, and their exposed discs have a vertical acutely oval or hexa- gonal outline. The lateral line is continuous, and bends suddenly under the end of the dorsal as in the preceding species. A Sparus stellatus and Labroides asellinus are mentioned in the ‘ Pisces Australiz,’ but as their colours only are noted, and nothing is said of their forms, we cannot say whether they ought to be ranked in the Wrasse family or not. Opax virratus, Solander’s Odax. Coregonoides vittatus, Solander, Pisc. Austr. p. 1 and 39. Callyodon coregonoides, Parkinson, pl. 44. no. 2. This fish was discovered on Cook’s first voyage at Matta- ruhow, on the coast of New Zealand. Solander has the fol- lowing notices of it in his ‘ Pisces Australiz.’ “Coregonus vitiatus. Totus piscis castaneo-umbratus, subtus multo pallidior, et uti alibique argentum mixtum esset. Vitta ex incarnata argentea, utrinque per medium piscem, sub basi mandibule inferioris incipiens, sub oculos ducta per basin pinnarum pectoralium in media latera, ad basin pinne analis extensa. Seepe macule parvee violacez in seriebus longitudinalibus per dorsum et latera dispositze. Iris e viride argentea. Pupilla majuscula, violacea, nigra. Caput the Ichthyology of Australia. 427 leeve, subconicum. Dentes quatuor, duo in utraque maxilla, granu- losi seu denticulis obtusis arcte imbricati. Pinne abdominales in antica parte abdominis, pone thoracem ut potius piscis abdominalis quam thoracicus, etsi dentibus convenit Callyodontibus. Pinnz omnes e fusco-castanez ; pectorales et caudalis extus sordide rubi- cundze.”’ (p. 1.)' “Pisces adulti sesquipedales, a junioribus valde variant et pro- portione et colore. Adulti crassi sicut cum capite parvo subtus (h. e. gula) gibbosiusculo, abdomine late rotundato. Color adultorum fusco-cinereus. Vitta lateralie maculis magnis sordide carneis in- terrupta, non continuata. Br.5; D.34; A.14; C.14; P.14; V.5. Pinna dorsalis postice altior; radius postremus subduplex. Pinna analis itidem postice altior: radiis primis minutis. Pinnz pectorales oblongo-rotundate. Pinne ventrales in thorace sed pone pinnas pectorales site. Obs. Figura nostra exhibet piscem crassiorem, precipue gulam.” (p. 39.) The figure here referred to is eleven inches and a half long, and represents a fish with a fuller head and more obtuse snout than Odax semifasciatus or pullus of the ‘ Histoire des Poissons.’ The eye is farther from the profile than in either of these, and the body is less slender, its height being just equal to the length of the head and to one-fifth of the total length, caudal included. The dorsal undu- lates in its height: its first four rays are equal to each other, after which the fin gradually lowers to the thirteenth or fourteenth spine and then rises again, so that the posterior quarter of the fin is higher than the four anterior rays. The caudal is slightly concave, with its angles scarcely rounded. Parkinson has added the following note respecting the colours:—‘‘ The stripe on the side silvery, the spots on the P. D. and P. A. transparent. The membranes of the tail trans- parent, the spots on the side purple-gray.” The back is tinted dark liver-brown, fading on the belly, with roundish spots below the lateral line ranging from the pectoral to the caudal. George Forster’s sketch of Odax pullus (202. Banks. Libr.), discovered in Queen Charlotte’s Sound, New Zealand, seems, from a query appended to it, “an Callyodon coregonoides?” to have been considered by some annotator to be a represen- tation of Solander’s fish. The general proportions of the fish and the numbers of the fin-rays correspond, but the figure does not indicate the characteristic lateral stripe of vittatus, nor does the dorsal exactly correspond in shape, being even for two-thirds of its length, and then rising agreeably with the phrase in J. R. Forster’s notes as quoted by Schneider (Scarus pullus, p. 288), “pinna dorsi longitudinalis, primum aqualis dein adscendens.” No spots are expressed in Forster’s pencil sketch, nor are any mentioned by Schneider. The cau- dal is described by the latter as sublunate, and also by M. Valenciennes, who adopts the species ; but his plate (No. 408) in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons’ exhibits an even dorsal, a 2F2 428 Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. greatly rounded caudal, and a much more slender head than that of vittatus. This plate is probably a representation of a fisk procured by MM. Quoy and Gaimard at Port Western in New Holland, and unless the artist has erred in the form of the dorsal and caudal, it can scarcely be the same with Forster’s pullus, and is still more evidently distinct from Solander’s vittatus. [To be continued. } LX.—Descriptions of British Freshwater Conferve, mostly new, with observations on some of the Genera. By ARTHUR Hitt Hassauz, Esq. Genus DrRaPARNALDIA. Draparnaldia repetita. Filaments branched, consisting of a repeated series of cells, each of which is composed of five or six cells or utricles which gradually decrease in size from the first or lower cell, which is rounded below, to the last or upper one; a tuft of minutely divided filaments, similar to those of other Draparnaldie, arises from the superior cell of the series usually only on one side, but sometimes on both ; the different series are not placed in a straight line imme- diately above each other, but are arranged somewhat in a zigzag or waved manner. I have only once met with the above species, and then but in small quantity ; it is therefore no less rare than it is curious. Each series of cells is an epitome of the entire plant, which consists but of an aggregation of these series. A sketch of it was forwarded to Dr. Greville, who did not hesitate to agree with myself in the opinion of its distinctness. Draparnaldia elongata. Filaments very slender, ciliated ; cells fasciated, usually three times as long as broad. I once met with a considerable quantity of the above spe- cies in a horse-trough near Cheshunt: it is however by no means common. Draparnaldia sparsa, Filaments highly mucous, very slender, sparingly branched; branches acuminate, not usually ci- liated ; cells rather broader than long. This is by no means an uncommon species during the spring and early part of the summer, being attached frequently to dead leaves and sticks. In the fineness of the filaments, in the shortness of the cells, as well as in the excessive mucosity of its filaments, it seems to evince some relation to the genus Chetophora (a bad name, as the species of the genera Batra- chiospermum and Draparnaldia are likewise cheetophorous). Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. 429 Draparnaldia condensata. Filaments of considerable dia- meter, sparingly branched ; branches furnished with cilia ; cells two or three times broader than long, and usually en- tirely filled with endochrome, which renders the demarca- tion of the cells but little apparent. This is one of the finest and most distinct species of the genus. ‘The only locality at present known for it is in a large fish-pond, opposite Mr. Bosanquet’s school for girls, 1 in the parish of Wormley, Hertfordshire. Genus VAUCHERIA. Vaucheria aversa. Vesicles sessile, germinate, sometimes ter- nate, in form resembling a bird’s head, the beak or summit of each vesicle being turned in opposite directions, so that a distinct horn or anther is required for each; anther de- pressed ; spores circular, not filling the entire cavity of the capsule. I have only once met with the above species, but then in considerable quantity and in great perfection. It differs from Vaucheria sessilis in the form of the vesicles, and the beaks are turned from and not towards each other as they are in all other species. Vicinity of Cheshunt. Vaucheria polysperma. Filaments minute ; vesicles subsessile, varying in number from one to five, but usually there are three ; in form the vesicles resemble an old-fashioned bill- hook, their beaks are long and point in the same direction ; spores circular, not filling the entire cavity of the vesicles. This species, which is by no means uncommon, may be di- stinguished from all others known to me by the fineness of its filaments, which are not half so large as those of our other British species. I at first thought that it might be identical with the Vaucheria ornithocephala of Agardh, but in that spe- cies the vesicles are represented to be pedunculated, and are either two or four in number. It is remarkable to observe that in this Vaucheria there are no distinct horns or anthera, the base of each vesicle before its complete formation appearing to discharge the office of an anther. Vicinity of Cheshunt. Vaucheria hamata (syn. Ectosperma hamata, Vaucher, Hist. des Conf. d’eau douce, p. 26. pl. 11. fig. 2.). Vesicles soli- tary, pedunculated, the peduncle being divided at its sum- mit into two short pedicels, one of which bears the spore and its capsule, the other the curved horn. 430 Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. “It differs from all the other Vaucherie by the manner in which it carries its grains. The peduncles which sustain them are very much elongated; they bear at their extremities two little threads, the one curved, into which is inserted the anther ; the other, shorter and straighter, carries the grain. This Conferva expands its grains at the commencement of spring. I have seen it germinate in such a manner as that I doubt not that these grains are really the seed.”—Vaucher. This is an abundant British species: I have met with it re- peatedly in the vicinity of Cheshunt and other places during the springs of the past and present years. Vaucheria repens. Filaments terrestrial; capsules sessile, so- litary and avicular, or in the form of a bird’s head; anthers curved and placed in close approximation with the capsules. I have as yet been able only to find but one specimen of this species, which is to be distinguished from Vaucheria Dill- wynii, the only species near to which it approaches, by the form of the capsules, which in the latter species are spherical. In a foot-path near Roydon, Essex, February 21st, 1843. Genus ZYGNEMA. Obs. Having recently had the opportunity of re-examining two of the three species of non-conjugating Zygnemata de- scribed in a previous paper, viz. Zygnema angulatum and Z. intermedium, as well as many other species not yet described, I have been able not merely to confirm the general accuracy of the statement formerly made of the production in certain species of spores without conjugation of the filaments, but also have ascertained two other particulars in reference to these most interesting productions. The first of these relates to the fact, that union of the fila- ments does in some rare cases occur even in those species, in which the rule is, that the spores should be formed without conjunction ; and this is nothing more than from analogy might clearly have been expected, nor does it in any way affect the importance or truth of the fact of the formation of spores in separate filaments, The second particular is one of much interest, and has re- ference to the circumstance, that in some few instances more than two apparently perfectly formed spores—three, four, or even five—are placed in adjacent cells, and consequently that no empty cells intervene between them, as we should expect to find in all cases, were it an essential, that every true spore should consist of the mingled contents of two cells. But this is only an apparent exception to the law of the formation of spores by Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. 431 the intermingling of the matter of two cells, which is appli- cable not merely to the Zygnemata but also to true Confervee (Vesiculasperme) and the genus Bulbochete; for although the mixing of the endochrome of two cells be necessary, i¢ does not follow that the whole of this should go to constitute a single spore IN ALL CASES, so that, consistently with the above law, we may arrive at a satisfactory explanation of the juxtaposition of more than two spores, by supposing, that in these compa- ratively rare instances, each spore does not consist of the full amount of the contents of two cells; that where three seeds are adjacent that these are made up of the matter of five cells, that on either side of the terminal spore being empty ; that where there are four, of the matter of six cells ; and where five, the greatest number I have ever noticed, that these are con- stituted by the mingling of seven cells, The above explanation will apply not only to the non-con- jugating Zygnemata, but also to the group of Vesiculasperms, where there are more than two adjacent spores, an occurrence not of greater frequency than amongst the non-conjugating Zygnemata. In one species of Zygnema which I have recently met with, and which is described in this paper, yoked and unyoked fila- ments occur plentifully, the conjugated being however by far the most abundant: the two forms of species would appear to be especially related through this species. * Spores produced both with and without union of the filaments, but most frequently in the latter way. Zygnema varians. Filaments of less diameter than those of Zygnema inflatum, Vaucher ; cells usually four, five or six times as long as broad; spores elongated, formed either with or without union of the filaments, but generally in the former way, and lodged in cells, which become considerably inflated for their reception ; extremities of cells inverted. This species comes very close to Vaucher’s Conjugata in- flata, a species recently found by Mr. Jenner, but differs from it in the size of its filaments, number of spires, form of the inflated cells, as well as in the greater frequency with which union of the filaments takes place. This species was first noticed by me in the vicinity of Ches- hunt, since which time I have seen it amongst Confervee sent by Mr. Ralfs, and within the last few days avery perfect spe- cimen was forwarded to me by Mr. Jenner. ** Spores produced by conjugation. Zygnema maximum, Annals Nat. Hist. for 1842, This plant appears to be subject to considerable variety, 432 Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. In most species of Conjugata, at the period of reproduction, a number of contiguous cells of one filament unite with the op- posed. cells of another filament, but the arrangement is differ- ent in specimens of this species in its ordinary state; in these it is usually only every second or third pair of cells which conjugate, and as soon as this conjugation is about to take place a very curious phenomenon occurs: the spherical gra- nules contained within the spiral coil of the pair of cells which have united increase in size and deepen in colour, while at the same time those contained in the intermediate cells which have not conjugated become much smaller than they were previous to the union. The filaments with the cells thus united appear to the unassisted eye to be striated or banded. The above account, as well as the description given in the ‘ Annals’ for September, apply to the species in its ordinary condition. Two varieties of it however occur: in the first the filaments do not differ in any material respect from the ordinary ones, but all the cells of each filament unite to form spores, as in other Zygnemata ; this they do also in the second variety, but in it there are fewer spiral coils, usually six or seven, and these are filled with much larger granules than those of either of the previously mentioned conditions. The filaments of this va- riety, which may possibly be a distinct species, from the small number of the spires and large size of the granules, resemble in all save diameter those of Zygnema nitidum. In all the varieties, the spores are slightly oval, and are less than the calibre of the cell which contains them, the cavity of which they therefore do not fill. Zygnema interruptum. Filaments of considerable length, and intermediate in diameter between those of Z. maximum and Z. nitidum ; cells at the period of conjugation rather longer than broad, previous to this however they are frequently not half so long as broad; spiral coils numerous; spore oval, equalling in breadth the diameter of the cell, but not producing any inflation of it. This fine species comes next to Z. maximum in size. It is estranged from Z. nitidum by the larger diameter of the fila- ments and the greater number of its spiral coils, these being not less than eight or ten; while from Z. delle, to which it bears considerable resemblance, it may be distinguished by a comparison of the filaments, which are considerably the largest in Z. interruptum; the number of spiral tubes is also somewhat greater in this. As in Z. maximum, in its ordinary condition, it is only every second or third pair of cells which unite, the granules, as in it, become likewise largest in the cells which have conjugated. Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. 433 Zygnema rivulare. A variety of this species, described in the ‘ Annals’ for September 1842, is sometimes met with during the autumn in water-courses, which differs from the ordinary condition of the species in having cells varying in length from twice to four times their diameter, and in being of a deep green colour. The species in its ordinary state is generally found attached to stones, and in streams near the margin where the current is slow. In specimens procured from such places the filaments are of a yellowish green colour, and the cells much longer. ‘There is no question of the specific identity of the variety with the species proper. Zygnema estivum. Filaments of less diameter than those of Z. quininum ; cells usually about four times as long as broad, but sometimes much longer and occasionally shorter. A single spiral tube occupies the cells, passing from side to side in right lines. This species is by no means uncommon, and was for a Jong time confounded by me with the Z. quininum of Ag., from which it differs in its smaller filaments, longer cells, and pe- culiar zigzag disposition of the single spiral tube. Cheshunt. Genus MouGEOTIA. Mougeotia brevior. Filaments about equal in diameter to those of Mougeotia genuflexa ; cells usually twice as long as broad, but sometimes nearly four times as long. Conju- gation angular, without the intervention of tubes. I do not think that there can be any question of this being specifically distinct from M. genuflexa, to which species its filaments however bear considerable resemblance, owing to the endochrome being of the same yellowish green colour. Vicinity of Cheshunt. Mougeotia dubia. Filaments about equal to those of M. genu- flexa in diameter ; cells usually either four or eight times as long as broad, but mostly only four times. Conjugation angular and without the intervention of transverse tubes. This species may possibly be merely a variety of M. genu- flexa, a doubt which I have indicated in the provisional name. Vicinity of Cheshunt. Mougeotia flava. Filaments about equal to those of M. major ; cellsvarying in lengthfrom rather better than twice to nearly five times their diameter, but being generally three or three and a half times as long as broad. Conjugation an- gular, without the intervention of tubes. 434 Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. The above appears to be one of several species which have all been confounded under the name of M, genuflexa. Vicinity of Cheshunt, Mougeotia quadrangulata. Filaments of less diameter than those of M. cerulescens; cells usually six times as long as broad ; sporangium quadrangular, This very interesting species I for a long time confounded with the M. cerulescens of Capt. Carmichael, an error which I was enabled to correct through the kindness of Mr. Ralfs, from whom I have received more than one fine specimen of that production. | The present species differs from M. cerulescens in having finer filaments as well as in the form of the sporangium. In M. cerulescens the sporangium is somewhat cruciform, while in M. quadrangulata it is quadrangular. Found in the early part of the spring of the past year (1842), at High Beech, Epping Forest. Mougeotia parvula, Filaments as slender as those of V, dom- bycina; cells usually six times as long as broad; endo- chrome imperfectly divided into two roundish masses ; spores circular, lodged in the transverse tubes. I at first regarded the above species as the Zygnema ordi- narium of the Rey. M. J. Berkeley, but that gentleman informs me that the filaments of his species exceed in diameter those of Z. elongatum, a much more robust Conferva than mine. Vicinity of Cheshunt. Vesiculifera vernalis. Filaments more robust than those of V. Mulleri; cells usually six times as long as broad; spores circular, contained in inflated cells, which are somewhat narrower at one extremity than the other. This species, which I have twice found since the commence- ment of the present year (March 4th, 1843), once at High Beech and again near Waltham Abbey, approaches very closely to V. Mulleri, from which it may be known, however, by its stouter filaments as well as the less regularly spherical form of the seed-bearing cells. : Genus SPHZROPLEA. Since the publication of my papers on the Vesiculasperms, in which some remarks occurred relative to the reproduction of the genus Spheroplea, I have received some very interest- ing observations respecting one of the species of that genus from Mr. Ralfs of Penzance, which I cannot do better than transcribe in the writer’s own words. “ T believe you to be quite correct about the Vesiculasperme, Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferva. 435 and the specimens I sent from Ilfracombe, V. princeps, were an example of its truth. Subsequently to. calling your atten- tion to the vegetating spores, I found these to elongate and divide into two joints, the rudiments of the filaments, but I cannot agree when you consider the Spheroplee to have spores similar to those of the Vesiculasperme. In the Conjugate and Vesiculasperme, the mass as it approaches to maturity becomes denser and appears of a more homogeneous texture. In Sphe- roplea, on the contrary, the granules are larger and more di- stinct in its advanced state, and my experience distinctly proves these granules to separate and move about with a very rapid motion resembling that of animals. This motion I first had an opportunity of seeing in Draparnaldia tenuis, and found it to agree with Agardh’s description in all respects, excepting that I did not see them rupture the cells to escape. ** At Ilfracombe in June last, for the first time, I gathered Spheroplea crispa, and examining the specimens within a few minutes after they were gathered, I perceived to my surprise some of the round masses, after escaping from the top of the filaments, separate into several largish granules, of which each of these masses was composed, and these then to dart about with rapid motion ; and in order to have witnesses, I called up the people of the house were I was lodging and told them to look into the microscope and tell me what they saw, and they said that numerous minute insects were darting about amongst the filaments of the plant. On my mentioning the circum- stance to Mr. Borrer, he informed me that many years ago he had observed the same thing to take place in the Conferva bicolor, and that Mr. Dillwyn, on his relating it to him, said that he supposed ‘ the plant had taken physic for worms ;’ and this tended to confirm me in the opinion of the identity of Spheroplea crispa with the Conferva bicolor of ‘English Bo- tany’. B ihclueeiaatiy on gathering the plant at Dolgelly, I ob- served the granules, which are slightly angular, move, but only slowly, and a few days after, when I gathered some in order to show the motion of the granules to my friend the Rev. T. Sal- wey, I was unable to detect any motion at all.” In a second communication Mr. Ralfs further observes, * I omitted in my last to give Mr. Berkeley as another observer of the motion, &c. of the granules in Spheroplea crispa. When I found it at Ilfracombe I immediately sent off a specimen to Mr. Berkeley, and it was not until the next day that I disco- vered the activity of the granules, of which I the same day informed Mr. Borrer on sending him a specimen. Some time afterwards I received an answer from Mr. Berkeley with 436 Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. sketches of his and my plants, and against his sketch is written “ the granules separate into most active Zoosperms.” Thus (supposing the Conferva bicolor to be the same) we have three different observers noticing the motion in this plant, neither of us being aware at the time of its having been noticed by the others.” If there be no fallacy connected with the above highly in- teresting remarks, and it can scarcely be supposed that there is any, since the singular motion of the granules into which each of the larger masses found in SpA. crispa is said to se- parate, is not only attested by so many able observers in our own country, but was likewise especially witnessed in this same species by Agardh himself, for the Conferva zonata, one of the three species more particularly submitted by him to ex- amination is assuredly none other than the Conferva bicolor of ‘English Botany,’ and this again, it is equally certain, is the Sph. crispa of the Rev. M. J. Berkeley as well as Conferva lucens of Mr. Dillwyn... It would appear that I have erred in regarding the large condensed masses of endochrome found in the cells of C. zonata as true spores, an opinion which I at no time entertained without a degree of misgiving. Nevertheless I still think that I am correct in ascribing the formation of these masses to the intermingling of the contents of adjacent cells in the same filament, whereby fecundation may be supposed to be effected, and which intermingling I have shown to occur so Invariably in the Vesiculasperme*. The only undoubted species which can at present be referred to the genus Spheroplea is the Conferva zonata of Weber, and this would appear to present a threefold relation with other freshwater Conferve ; first, with the Conjugate in the excessive mucosity of its filaments ; secondly, with Vesiculasperms in its attenuated filaments and in the intermingling of the contents of two cells; and lastly, with the branched Confervze in the other particulars of its réproduction, amongst the species of which group it should find its station. The following species, if not to be regarded as a Spheroplea, should be referred to the genus Lyngbya, and which differs but slightly, and perhaps not in any material respect, from Spheroplea. Spheroplea? vermicularis. Filaments very mucous, floating, of a light green colour, in diameter but little exceeding those of Vesiculifera bombycina; cells usually not quite so long * IT am now able to add my own testimony to the correctness of the above remarks. In my specimens, however, the synspores did not escape at the top of the filament, but by apertures in the cells occasioned by their bursting. Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. 437 as broad, but sometimes much longer and slightly inflated ; endochrome at the period of reproduction becoming mould- ed into spherical masses similar to those of Spheroplea zonata. This species may generally be met with throughout the year in boggy pools at High Beech, Epping Forest. Genus MELOSEIRA. The reproduction of this genus does not hitherto appear to have been at all understood ; I believe, however, from the oc- currence of vesicles on the filaments similar to those of the Vesiculasperme, that it will find its true position with these. In the tapering of the filaments, in the absence of gloss on them, and in the possession of strongly marked points, the Meloseire likewise resemble the Vesiculasperme, from which they differ principally in the excessive fragility of their fila- ments, by which they evince an affinity with diatomaceous productions. The only species in which I have noticed these vesicles is in the Meloseira varians of Agardh ; a production which I was led, from the presence of the vesicles, to describe as new in the paper upon the Vesiculasperms under the name of V. com- posita. Kutzing however figures them with his Meloseira orichalcea, a species which I was so fortunate as to find in considerable quantity in the vicinity of Cheshunt in the au- tumn of the last year. Since these descriptions were written I have had the plea- sure of receiving some of the plants described from Mr. Ralfs and Mr. Jenner, the habitats for which I subjoin :—Drapar- naldia sparsa, Penzance, Mr. Ralfs: Mougeotia quadrangulata, Penzance, Mr. Ralfs; Fisher’s Castle, Tunbridge Wells, and Broadwater Forest, Mr. Jenner: WM. parvula, Penzance, Mr. Ralfs ; near Cross-in-hand, Waldron, Mr. Jenner: Vesiculi- Sera vernalis, near Tunbridge Wells, Mr. Jenner; Penzance, Mr. Ralfs: Sp. vermicularis, Penzance, Mr. Ralfs. The following species described in this paper were re- corded on the wrapper of the ‘ Annals’ for August 1842 :— Draparnaldia sparsa, D. elongata, D. repetita, and Sp. ver- micularis. 438 Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polygastrica. LXI1.—On the Sacculi of the Polygastrica. By Joan Wi111aM Grirritu, M.D., F.L.S. &e. : To the Editors of the Annals of Natural History. GENTLEMEN, Ir you will find a place in your valuable Journal for these obser- vations on the Polygastric Animalcules, I shall feel obliged by your inserting them. Your obedient servant, : Joun Wiiiiam Grirritru, M.D. 9 St. John’s Square, May 8th, 1848. The real nature of the sacculi, vesicles, or stomachs which are seen in the bodies of the Polygastric division of Infusorial Ani- malcules is a point which has occupied considerable attention, and is at the present time by no means satisfactorily determined. The extreme minuteness of these bodies renders their examination a matter of very considerable difficulty, and what has hitherto been discovered concerning their digestive cavities has been principally, if not entirely, recognized by the introduction of foreign colour- ing matters into the sacs ; which colouring and other matters being moulded by the compressing force or elasticity of the containing sac or substance forming the walls of the cell in which they are contained, assume its shape, and are readily distinguished from the transparent parts of the animalcules by their opacity or altered refractive properties of ight. Great difficulty is also experienced in conducting the manipulations which are required for examining such minute atoms, and an unusual share of patience and care. The rapidity of their movements is also, without extreme caution, liable to mislead the microscopic observer. It is well known that when the animalcules denominated Poly- gastrica are examined under the microscope, certain sac-like bodies are observed in different parts of their. bodies ; these are some- times filled with various coloured particles, similar to those float- ing in the water in which they live, sometimes merely with fluid or semifluid matters. These bodies, called by Prof. Ehrenberg stomachs, are variable in number and situation, and in some cases entirely absent. An opinion that these sacculi were ova was formerly entertained by Gleichen, but this has long since fallen into disrepute; and justly so, inasmuch as the different matters which constitute the food of these minute animals has been, and can readily be, traced ito the vesicles, which is sufficient to indicate their connexion with the digestive and not the reproductive system. The Vorti- celle, among many others, are particularly well adapted for the examination of these sacculi, on account of their large size, fixed position, or nearly so, and their great abundance. Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polygastrica. 439 Prof. Ehrenberg’s view, that these vesicles are real stomachs or blind pouches leading out of an alimentary tube, is well known, and has been received for some time. It was founded upon the fact, that colouring and other matters upon which they feed, after having been drawn into the oral orifice of the canal, are next con- ducted to these cavities, where they remain a certain time; they are then propelled onwards, sometimes into other similar cavities, sometimes through the tract of the canal to the opposite extre- mity of the tube, whence either they or their undigested remains are expelled, or they are ejected by the same orifice at which they entered. Lately doubts have been thrown over these views, and many accurate observers are opposed to the doctrines of Khren- berg. Having had considerable opportunities of observing these interesting objects under a great variety of conditions, I am convinced that the views of the different authors which I shall presently mention are each generally correct, and that with slight modifications they are readily reconcilable to one another. Pro- fessor Rymer Jones* says, “The positions of the mouth and anal aperture we are well assured by frequent examination to be such as are indicated by the illustrious Professor at Berlin ; but with regard to the tube named by him intestine and the stomachs ap- pended thereto, our utmost patient and long-continued efforts - have failed to detect the arrangement depicted in his drawings. In the first place, as regards the function of the sacculi, which he looked upon as organs in which digestion is accomplished : in car- nivorous animalcules which devour other species, we might expect, were these the stomachs, that the prey would be at once conveyed into one or other of these cavities ; yet, setting aside the difficulty which must manifestly occur in lodging large animalcules in these microscopic sacs, and having recourse to the result of actual ex- perience, we have never in a single instance seen an animalcule when swallowed placed in such a position, but have repeatedly traced the prey into what seemed a cavity excavated in the general parenchyma of the body. In the second place, the parenchyma has no appearance of being pedunculated, and consequently, in a certain degree fixed in definite positions: during the last two howrs we have been carefully examining some beautiful specimens of Paramecium aurelia, an animalcule, which from its size is pe- culiarly adapted to the investigation of these vesicles ; and so far from their having any appearance of connexion with a central canal, as represented in the figure copied from Ehrenberg, they are in continual circulation, moving slowly upwards along one side of the body, and in the opposite direction down the other, * «A General Outline of the Animal Kingdom.’ Although these views have been previously extracted into this Journal (vol. iii. p. 105.), as Pro- fessor Owen’s observations obviously apply to some part of them, the subject would be incomplete without them. 440 Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polygastrica. and resembling in every respect the coloured granules which have been described as visible in the gelatinous parenchyma of the Hydra. With respect to the central canal, we have not in any in- stance been able to detect it, or even any portion of the tube seen in the figures, much less the branches leading from it to the ve- sicles or stomachs, as they are called. Even the circumstances attending the prehension of food would lead us to imagine a dif- ferent structure ; witness, for example, the changes of form which Enchelys pupa undergoes when it devowrs an animalcule almost equal to itself in bulk, and is seen to assume a perfectly different shape as it dilates its mouth to receive the victim, with which its whole body becomes gradually distended. Such a capability of taking in and digesting a prey so disproportionate would in itself go far to prove that the mmute sacculi were not stomachs, as it evidently cannot be in one of these that digestion is accomplished.” Professor Jones then says he considers that there is an analogy between the organization of the so-named Polygastrica and of the Hydra viridis. He also says, “that the vesicles becoming co- loured by the coloured food given to the animalcules cannot be considered as a proof of their being stomachs, as in the experi- ments of Trembley, the granules circulating in the body of the Hydra became dyed with the juices of the animals with which it was fed precisely in a similar manner.” M. Meyen says* he never admitted the observations of M. Eh- renberg, because in the first place “I never could see the intes- tines which form the communication between the stomachs, and likewise because I have observed, many years since, that the sup- posed stomachs were moving in the interior of the body of many species with great rapidity, in the same manner as the granules which circulate in the joints of the Chara. I have often seen Vorticelle with nine or ten large globules of indigo in the belly, which always moved round a centre, and thus showed in the most evident manner that they could not have a communicating canal be- tween the stomachs provided with an oral orifice and an extremity directed to the mouth.” M. Meyen considers that the inner sur- face of the first part of the canal is provided with ciha, which roll up alimentary and colouring matters mto the form of a ball. When the ball has acquired the size of the stomach, it is expelled by its other extremity and pushed into the cavity of the animal. If solid substances do not exist in the surrounding liquid, then the balls are less solid, and appear in the forms which they pre- sent in the Infusoria existing in colourless liquids. “ In this case the balls are composed. of a small number of particles, and prin- cipally of a considerable mucous mass which unites them.” * Annals. of Nat. Hist. vol. iii. p. 100; alsoinserted in Pritchard’s ‘ Gen. ° Hist. of Animalcules.’ Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polygastrica. 441 The observations of Mons. Dujardin on this subject will be found in vol. iii. p. 170. of this Journal. The objection (which M. Dujardin considers well-founded) ad- vanced by M. Bory de St. Vincent, again presented by Dr. Foeke and Prof. Rymer Jones, the latter of whose words we have just quoted, rests on the inner motion of the globules or sacculi, which “can in no way be reconciled with the hypothesis of an intestine connecting all these globules together, and which, on the con- trary, proves their entire independence.” The reader will be able to estimate the validity of this objection when he has perused the remainder of this paper. The following are the observations of Mr. Addison on this sub- ject* :—“ A singular fact+ is stated with regard to the animalcules; it may be witnessed in all of them by the liquor potasse. It pe- netrates the transparent tunic composing the body of the animal- cule by imbibition, and soon causes it to burst open or explode, and the so-called stomachs of the creatures are forcibly discharged or thrown out one after another, thus becoming objects for minute microscopical scrutiny. The stomachs (?) swell and burst in like manner, precisely as the granules discharged from the lymph cor- puscles of the frog. These stomachs he believes to be granulated vesicles performing their functions by imbibition, and not by as- similating or digesting food voluntarily taken. The vital powers of the animalcules are totally inefficient in opposing the imbibi- tion of the poison, and their stomachs may be seen enlarging in the interior of the body prior to the rupture of the integument.” Dr. Carpenter sayst, Ehrenberg’s account of the numerous glo- bular particles has been objected to by other observers, on the ground that these particles are seen to undergo a regular move- ment, as if they were floating in the midst of a fluid filling the general interior cavity of the body, and that they are sometimes discharged through the anal orifice. Of the validity of this ob- jection his own observations have satisfied him. I cannot (says he) “ doubt that these particles are cells which float im the fluid of the body, and elaborate the materials of its nutrition in the same manner as do those of the chyle and blood of higher animals.” Professor Owen’s observations$ answer some of the objections which have been raised to Ehrenberg’s views. He says (speak- ing of the Enchelys pupa swallowing another animalcule nearly equal to itself in bulk, and thereby undergoing a total change in the form of its body), »“‘but this may only imply great dilata- * Prov. Med. and Surg. Journal, Aug. 20, 1842. + These are not Mr. Addison’s words, but an extract from his paper read before the British Association made by the editor of the journal. t Brit. and For. Med. Review, Jan. 1843. § Hunterian Lectures, 1843. Ann. § Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. ° 2G 442 Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polygastrica. bility of the oesophagus or common canal, such as we observe in the boa constrictor, which becomes in like manner deformed after gorging a goat or other animal much thicker than itself; doubtless the little sacculi successively receive and digest, like the stomach of the boa, the dissolved parts of the swallowed prey. Then again it is objected that the sacculi are not fixed in definite positions, but are seen constantly, though slowly moving, and apparently rotating through the general cavity of the animal. But the pe- ristaltic wave-like undulations of a common connecting canal, by drawing them successively in and out of focus of the observer, 18 quite sufficient, and very likely to occasion the deceptive appear- ance of their circulatory movements. If these stomachs were ac- tually separate and closed sacs imbedded in the transparent gela- tinous plasma of the animalcule and endowed with a circulatory movement, it is inconceivable that they should commonly present the characteristic arrangement which Ehrenberg has described and figured in particular species; as for example in the Vorticella, a circular arrangement, or the wavy disposition in Leucophrys ; yet such a constancy in the arrangement of the assimilative sacs in these genera is the result of my experience. Add to this, if they have not orifices of communication with the alimentary tract, the difficulty of accounting for the rapid and ready transmission of the coloured aliment into their interior without the surrounding parenchyme being stained.” In support of the views of Prof. Ehrenberg I refer the reader to vol. ii. p. 121. of the ‘ Annals,’ wherein is contained an account of a discussion between this indefatigable observer and Prof. Jones. It will there be found that Ehrenberg considers the objection of Prof. Jones’s not having been able to detect the stomachs in one or two instances as not sufficient to bring mto doubt “the mass of relations which have been gradually established after many years of observation.” Moreover, Prof. Ehrenberg.says that Paramecium Aurelia is unfavourable to such observation, and that he himself has not been able to recognise the alimentary canal in all the species of the various genera. The Berlin Prof. says he had seen the circular motion of Prof. Jones, and states that “the great contractility of the body of the animalcules was, to less practised observers, not seldom a cause of enigmatical pheeno- mena, of which continued patient observation of the object would gradually bring the explanation. Thus at times the intestinal canal of the animalcule extends at the expense of the ventral sacs so far, that it occupies the whole space of the body, and then the devoured substances, very similar to the ventral sacs, circulate in the whole body.” He then gives three sketches of Loxodes Bur- saria, wherein the first represents the animalcule in its ordinary state, with the alimentary canal and sacculi; the second, where Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polygasiriea. 443 the direction of particles in the alimentary canal is depicted ; and. the third, where the currents or motions of particles are indicated in the distended intestinal canal. In addition to this, I refer to the Proceedings of the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences at Berlin for Feb, 1841*, wherem is related an account of the observations of Dr, Werneck, which agree in support of those of Prof. Ehrenberg ; nay, go further, for Dr. Werneck renders more probable than heretofore, that the ali- mentary canal exists in all the Polygastrica, I extract the following observations from the report of Prof. Ehrenberg on Dr. Werneck’s discoveries as made to the Academy : Indeed what I, from caution, mentioned as only a supposition, viz. that probably even in the monads (Bodo socialis) a distinct anus, consequently an intestine, existed, whereby then the division of the Anentera would be destroyed, is shown by Dr. Werneck to be decided. He also has discovered the anus in Bodo grandis, Prorocentrum micans, Cyclidium Glaucoma, whereby the family of Pseudopoda only would remain without an alimentary canal. But he has also seen in a Navicula (undulata) among the Bacillaria group, a convoluted canal, which he considers as the alimentary tube, filled with infusoria. Most interesting are the represen- tations (Dr. Werneck’s) of many varieties of intestinal canal with their sacculi or globular pouches or recesses, which present ex- actly the same appearances as those laid before the Academy in 1830, but lately denied by Prof. Rymer Jones and Meyen after imperfect examinations.” I shall now make some observations on the various state- ments I have enumerated, and pomt out in what particulars they disagree with my own experiments. In the first place, as regards our not being able to see the alimentary tube, this I cannot imagine to be any impediment or ground for our disbe- lieving its existence. Doubtless the whole substance of the ge- latinous bodies of these minute beings is very elastic, and the walls of the tubes in which the alimentary matters are conveyed are always in apposition except when alimentary matters separate them. ‘The outline of the intestine in many of the Infusoria de- picted by Ehrenberg has been, without doubt, drawn from the course which that illustrious observer has noticed the granules of colouring matter and food to take. In fact, he says, “ In many this direct observation is impossible, although the result, viz. the colouring of the filled stomachs, is evident+.”’ The solid particles cannot arrive at the sacs in which they are contained and accu- * Bericht iiber die zur ce pre geeigneten Verhandlungen der Kénigl, Preuss. Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin, im Monat Februar 1841. + Die Infusionsthierchen als vollkommene Organismen, page 2, 2G2 444 Dr. Griffith on the Saccult of the Polygastrica. mulated without passing through some communicating canal ; this canal is part of the intestinal tube. The minute alimentary particles which arrive in the sacs entire could not be conveyed in that state by solution and imbibition. Moreover we cannot, I think, wonder at our not being able to detect the walls of the tube; first, because, as | have previously mentioned, the elasticity of the substance of the animalcule would keep the walls in con- tact except where actually distended; and secondly, the minute size of such a canal, and our being obliged to view it through the substance of the animalcule which intervenes between the sacculi and the upper surface of their bodies as lying under the field of the microscope, is well calculated to prevent this. Could we make a delicate transverse section of their bodies, we might then perhaps be able to perceive the tube. M. Dujardin’s objection to the ex- istence of an intestine in Infusoria, “that no fibres remain when the animal is decomposed by diffluence,” is undoubtedly futile ; it must indeed require a subtle imagination to expect we can see or even contemplate the size of the fibres of the intestine of the Polygastrica, whose diameter, did they exist, must be almost be- yond the power of calculation, much more of vision. That the masses of colouring matter which have been received into the sac- culi revolve or circulate, as it has been called, is a truth which is very readily proved. Currents are established by the oral cilia ; particles floating or suspended in these currents are drawn into the mouth of the minute creature, these then enter the body one at a time, and apparently accumulate in one of the sacs (7. e. really accumulate in the upper portion of the alimentary tube) ; this then moves down one side of the animalcule; others are filled in the same manner. The circulation, as it has been called, of these alimentary boluses may then, after having been distinctly followed down one side, be seen returning im an ascending direction. In some cases when these masses have arrived near the oral extre- mity they can be detected approximating the depression by which they entered, until at last their contents are gradually ejected ; when the masses are solid, this ejection often takes place par- ticle by particle; when in the liquid or semifluid state, in a fine stream; the sac can be seen emptying itself of its con- tents; it then disappears. In some of the animalcules this movement of particles may be very readily detected ; it is very tardy in others, and seldom visible at all times. The addition of reagents to the liquid in which they live produces effects some- what similar to vomiting or purging ; the motion of the alimentary boluses is increased, and their ejection is easily viewed ; weak so- lutions of potash or ether produce this effect. Now in all these cases of movement I am convinced that it is not the sacculi or stomachs which move: we must recollect the sacs are made visible Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polygastrica. 445— to us by their contents, and in many cases there are no stomachs visible when they are empty, and it is their contents which we see circulating or moving in their proper canal or alimentary tube, and not the sacculi themselves. The motions of these masses may not inaptly be compared, but merely for the sake of illus- tration, to those of the alimentary masses in our own intestines ; the revolution of these (if viewed under similar circumstances) would produce the appearance of circulation; when the masses have arrived at the termination of the canal they are ejected, but here the portion of tube or stomach is not ejected. This compa- rison exemplifies to my mind the true nature of the sacs in the Infusorial Polygastrica. We certainly cannot admit, as in the explanation of Prof. Ehrenberg, that the rotation of the globules or balls of aliment- ary matter takes place in a cavity formed from a distended por- tion of the alimentary tube. We see this rotation when the testinal tube is very slightly distended and when the balls of food are very small; but I believe it to be capable of expla- nation in the manner I have stated; the appearance of one of the sacculi when really distended is so readily recognised that it could hardly be mistaken ; but the stomachs (i. e. their contents) have been seen to rotate, by observers, when neither the animal- cule nor its stomachs are at all distended ; and undoubtedly this is a real rotation, not an optical illusion from any peristaltic action. Moreover the rotation of these bodies is so constant as to be considered as their ordinary state; whereas, did it arise only in distended states of a stomach or the alimentary tube, it would be rare, or at least only to be seen when the animalcule takes in a large portion of aliment; and I think that any one who has distinctly seen (as I often have) various floating alimentary particles taken in at the oral orifice separately, then accumu- lating into a small ball, and this ball descending in the body of the animalcule, and “ circulating” as I have described, will be convinced that this explanation is correct. I cannot believe they are recesses from acommon tube; I have never been able to detect a horizontal or retrograde course which would be pursued by the boluses, were such the case. The alimentary canal is most commonly in a convoluted form, or coiled; and there is doubtless a difference in the extent and arrangement of the tube in those which feed upon other animal- cules and those on vegetable matter. The fact of the portions of food contained in their sacculi being gradually approximated to the surface of the depression, and there being separately emptied, is, I think, a clear conviction that there can be no single stomachal cavity, and also, that the rotation of particles does not take place in a single dilated tube. Moreover it must be recol- 446 Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polygastrica, lected that the different portions of the mtestinal tube or sacculi are not stained, they are coloured from their cavitary contents, their walls are colourless. M. Meyen’s opinion concerning the cilia I have not been able to. verify; but the rolling up of the alimentary matters, whereby these masses rotate on their axes, is never to be seen. The account given by Mr. Addison con- cerning the action of liq. potasse is, as has been observed, very remarkable. The best mode for the observer to perceive the true effects of potassa on the Polygastrica is to use it slightly diluted, for when used of the strength of the ordinary liquor potasse, the effect takes place so suddenly as to lead to the in- accurate interpretation of the appearances that gentleman has given. The effect of the addition of this reagent, is solution of the external covering of the animalcule, whereby the internal elastic parts of the body, being liberated from the compression of the external tunic, at first rush out, but are soon dissolved in the same manner, when the alimentary matters remain. This phee- nomenon is the result of the chemical action of the potash on the substance of the highly elastic animalcule, most certainly not of any imbibition or endosmosis. What are the conditions of the fluids requisite for the production of this physical pheeno- menon? Difference in their density; the liquid im the cavity towards which the fluid flows must be the most dense. The cavity of the body, supposing such to exist, must contain a fluid of greater density than that m which it floats or is suspended ; in most of these Infusoria it is so at all times, and their medium * bemg of extremely low specific gravity, almost equal to that of distilled water, the most favourable conditions for the action of imbibition are combined ; yet no endosmosis and consequent bursting takes place. But we are told that when solution of potash, a liquid of much greater density than that of the medium in which these minute atoms are immersed, is added to their ocean, imbibition does take place, their bodies burst; whereas we have added the conditions requisite for the opposite effect, viz. that of exosmose, and that this does not occur, the “bursting” of the body of the animalcules proves. I believe the greater part of the confusion which has existed on this subject has arisen from considering the alimentary matters in different portions of the intestinal canal as the dilated portions of that canal them- selves. That these particles (stomachs) are cells which float in the fluid of the body and elaborate the materials for its nutri- tion, in the same manner as do those of the chyle and blood of higher animals, may certainly be correct, but we have not the slightest evidence of any analogy between them. The globules of the blood and lymph are contained in those fluids, from whose * T allude to the water in which they ordinarily exist. oS Vit Hest VAN PV ap tit Ut nd st ms! et > a &, Gea CH Qene CIS * PERE Desrmiaia. ro LL T Diatormaced. Lkalfs del. _ AT .— o— Rinn o—, “omni ea (MiLik (Le | mit i. ety si oe eon fers TTL ana PUrTaae yy evnca yey ts PepeTey la a TTT PHONE EEE Ch ren pt Grtrny) verde Ue Pr Tae DO a ad he TT Lae OM = = or a a ee «I Ralf del, — Strratella arcuata. i MT qytbuad Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacez. 447 liquid parts doubtless the whole fabric of the body is renewed or nourished. Now if the sacculi of the Polygastrica perform the same func- tions, as regards the fluid in which they are suspended, as do the suspended particles in the chyle and blood, where is the fluid in which these sacculi are suspended? It has certainly never been demonstrated ; and the only experiment upon which such a view can have been based, is that of the action of imbibition, and which is undoubtedly an error. Moreover, were this view cor- rect, the cavity of the animalcule would be that in which the blood, so to speak, of the animalcules is contained ; and what a re« markable anomaly would be the introduction of a large animaleule into the cavity in which the blood is contained, as would undoubt- edly be the case in the carnivorous Infusoria, were such a view correct! Again, foreign alimentary solids have been traced into and detected in the sacculi; but solid alimentary matters have never been traced into, or detected within, the blood or chyle globules. In conclusion we must remark, that all the phenomena relating to the digestion and circulation of the Polygastrica may be ex- plained—1. By the existence of an internal convoluted aliment- ary canal, whose existence is made known to us by its con- tents and the course they take. 2. These contents, sometimes solid, sometimes fluid, or semifluid, distending different parts of the canal, in which they are detained, produce the appearance of vesicles or sacs, which have been denominated, and probably perform the real office of stomachs. 8. That the portions in which the contents are delayed are not blind pouches leading from a common tube seems positive, from the circular direction assumed by these contents, which indicate its direction. 4. There is, without doubt, a difference in the length and direction of the alimentary tube in the Polygastrica as well as im other animal beings, depending upon variations in the nature of their food. 5. When solution of potash is added to the liquid in which these atoms exist, it dissolves the external tunic, and liberates for a short time its contents; these are next partly dissolved, when nothing is left but the alimentary matter. eye LXII.—On the Diatomacee. By Joun Ratrs, Esq., M.R.C.S., Penzance*. . [ With Plates. ] On commencing the study of the Diatomacee I experienced con- siderable difficulty in determining several of my plants from the descriptions in our British works, and soon found that in this * Read before the Botanical Society of Edinburgh. 448 Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacez. division of the Algee (except in the Schizonemata, to which genus Mrs. Griffiths and Mr. Harvey have more particularly directed their attention,) we had latterly made much less progress than in the others, and indeed that we were now far behind the conti- nental observers. Having during the last two years paid much attention to the subject, and examined specimens from as many habitats as pos- sible, I conceive that I have acquired some useful information respecting this interesting tribe, and intend from time to time to draw up my observations on such genera and species as have fallen under my notice. But I must preface what I have to say re- specting them, by mentioning the names of those friends who have in various ways assisted me in this pursuit. I wish to take this and every opportunity of acknowledging the invaluable assistance I have at all times received from Mr. Borrer, and without which I should not have been able to have studied these microscopic plants with any success. To the Rev. M. J. Berkeley I have been indebted for his obser- vations on many species, and also for portions of specimens taken from the collections of dried Algze published by Jurgens and Des- maziéres. Not having access to Ehrenberg’s work on the Infusoria, my thanks are due to Mr. Dalrymple for numerous extracts and co- pies of many of the figures, as well as his assistance in identifying several of his species. The Diatomacee (Bacillaria, Ehrenb. ) form one of the four great series into which the Algz are divided, and comprise plants be- longing to two very distinct families, Desmidiee (Desmidiacea, Khrenb.) and Cymbellee (Naviculacea, Ehrenb.) *. The Desmidiee have a membranous covering destitute of silica, and their form is consequently altered in drying. When in per- fection they are generally of an herbaceous green colour, and most frequently have the frustules divided into two portions, resem- bling each other in form but sometimes differmg much in size. This division is marked in Desmidium mucosum merely by a shal- low groove passing round the joint, and in Desmidium Swartzii by notches in the angles, by which it is rendered still more appa- rent ; whilst in Ewastrum (Eutomia, Harv.) the two portions are connected only by a central chord. To this family belong the following genera, so far as regards our British flora: Desmidium, Staurastrum, Pentasterias, Tessar- thra, Xanthidium, Scenedesmus, Micrasterias and Euastrumt. * See Pritchard’s History of the Infusoria, p. 173. + If Closterium be considered to belong to the vegetable kingdom it may find a place in this family ; for my own part, I think the view taken by Meyen is the correct one. For some interesting observations by him on this subject, see Pritchard’s ‘ History of the Infusoria,’ p. 179. Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacee. 449 The Cymbellee have a siliceous covering, their form therefore is not altered in drying, nor are they destroyed by fire. When in perfection they are generally brownish, and not unfrequently become greenish when dry. ‘They are. usually either of a qua- drilateral or a prismatic form, and often marked with striz and uncta. : The strize are useful in forming the generic and specific cha- racters, and are best examined by subjecting a portion of the spe- cimen to a red heat, which, by destroying the internal colouring matter in all, as well as the mucous connecting portion in Diatoma and its allies, and the covering in Schizonema, renders the figure and markings of the frustule more evident. The method of examination here described has been advan- tageously employed by Ehrenberg and other naturalists in the comparison of fossil with recent species, since it deprives the latter of all but the siliceous covering ; but I am not aware that it has been used by any British algologists in the investigation of recent specimens*. As the presence of silica is an invariable characteristic of the Cymbellee, its absence in Hydrurus justifies Mr. Harvey’s removal of it from the Diatomacee, but we must on the same account ex- clude some plants placed among them in his ‘ Manual of British Algve.’ All the genera placed by Mr. Harvey in his ‘Manual’ under Dia- tomacee will be included. in Cymbellee, with the exception only of Desmidium. Diatoma, 4g. (Bacttuaria, Ehrenb.) Filaments flat or compressed, free; frustules quadrangular, par- tially separating and cohermg by the angles, generally by the alternate ones. This genus is distinguished from Ewtlaria, Striatella, Achnan- thes and Isthmia by its unattached filaments, from Biddulphia by the angles not being produced, and from Fragilaria by the con- nexion of the frustules at their angles in a zigzag chain. The second section (Tabellaria) appears to be distinguished from Ehrenberg’s genus Tessella by a transverse canal interrupting the stri. The corrections in the nomenclature are made on the authority of Mr. Shuttleworth. In this as well as other genera of the Diatomacee sufticient at- tention has not been paid by British botanists to the lateral view, which not only assists in ascertaining the shape of the frustule, but often affords good specific distinctions. * In this, as well as in other instances, my residence at a distance from the sources of information must excuse my omission of references, 450 “Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacee. The different use of the terms length and breadth by botanists serves to perplex the student ; for when they are applied to Dia- toma and to Fragilaria they have exactly opposite meanings, al- though the only difference between the genera is, that in Fragi- laria the separation of the frustules is complete, whilst in Diatoma they still adhere at their angles. Those naturalists who regard the Diatomacee as belonging to the animal kingdom have been more consistent ; they consider each frustule as an individual, and apply the same terms to the same parts in Fragilaria as in ‘Diatoma. In the following remarks I shall employ the terms length and breadth in the sense in which they are used in our British works and in Agardh. Thus the length of the frustule will be the breadth of the filament, and its breadth a portion of the length of the latter. The ends of the frustule will form part of the margin of the fila- ment, and its sides will be those surfaces which were in contact before any separation: thus in Plate VIII. fig. 5, where a repre- sents the ends, 6 the sides, and c the front. The British species of this genus form two very distinct groups, considered by Mr. Shuttleworth, and I believe rightly, to belong to distinct genera, which are called by him Diatoma and Tabellaria. Ist, Diatoma.—In this group no striz are seen on the front surface, and there is no transverse canal*, whilst the lateral sur- faces have transverse strie, the ends of which appear along the margins of the frustules when these are in their usual position. Pl. VIII. fig. 6. 2nd, Tabellaria.—In this group two or more longitudinal striz, interrupted in the centre by a canal, are seen on the front surface, but there are no striz on the lateral surfaces. Pl. VIII. fig. 7. The figures in Dillwyn’s ‘ Conf.’ t. 28. fig. B. and D, and in Berkeley’s ‘ Alg.’ t. 6, which have been supposed to represent changes of form, seem to be rather oblique views of the sides of the frustules united in chains. I am happy to find that Mr. Borrer and Mr. Shuttleworth have arrived at the same conclusion, and still more that in a letter re- ceived from Mr. Berkeley in April last, he expresses his own belief that these changes are merely various views of the thread. * Inner or lateral surface striated, without a transverse canal, and destitute of strie on its front surface. (Diatoma.) 1. D. vulgare, Bory. Frustules convex, three or four times as long as broad. D. vulgare, Kutz. in Linnea 1833, p. 582. f. 66. D. tenue, Grev. Crypt. Fl. t. 354; Berk. Brit. Alg. t. 6!; Hook. Br. Fi. v.li.p.406 ; Harv.Man. of Br. Alg. p.202, D. tenue, a.moniliforme * T here gladly adopt Mr. Shuttleworth’s term cana/ in preference to rib, by which I had previously designated it in my correspondence. Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomaceze. 451 (young), Kutz. in Linnea 1833, p. 580. f. 60? D. tenue, B. in- termedium, Kutz. p.580. f.61? D. flocculosum, Ag. Consp. Crit, Diatom. p. 58. exc. syn. Dillw. Bacillaria vulgaris, Eh. p. 197. pl. 15. f.2; Pritchard’s Hist. of Infusoria, p. 217. f. 168. Prats VIII. fig. 8. a, front view; 0, side view. Pools and streams. King’s Cliff, Northamptonshire, Rev. M. J. Berkeley; Henfield, Sussex, Mr. Borrer; Shoreham, Kent, and several stations about Lewes and Tunbridge Wells, Mr. Jenner; Shrews- bury, Mr. Leighton; Oswestry, Shropshire, Rev. T. Salwey ; Ches- hunt, Herts, Mr. A. H. Hassall; Treland, Mr. D. Moore. This species is distinguished from D. tenue by the greater breadth ihe frustules, by their convexity, and by the lateral striz being more apparent along the margin. The frustules have two puncta at each end, and the margin between them is slightly rounded. These puncta are wanting, or much less distinct in the other species. As the frustules are thicker than in the other species, it is more easy to obtain a view of the lateral surfaces. These are also con- vex, so that the strize, even before the separation of the frustules, appear to occupy part of the front surface. It is brownish when recent and turns green in drying. 2, D. tenue, Ag. Frustules plane, four times or more longer than broad ; sides mostly parallel. D. tenue, Ag. Consp. Diatom. p.52. D. Sanat Bs normale, Kutz. in Linnea 1833, p. 580. t. 17. f. 63. D. elongatum, Berk. Brit. Alg.t. 6; Hook. Br. Fl. p. 406; Harv. Brit. Alg. p. 202. D. sulphurascens, Ag. Consp. Diatom. p.53? Conf. ‘tdeodioo: Dillw. Br. Conf. t.28.f.C? Bacillaria pectinalis, Eh. Infusoria, p. 198. pl. 15. f.4; Pritchard’s Infusoria, p. 218. Puate IX. fig. 1. a, front view ; 0, side view. Pools and streams. Near Tunbridge Wells, Mr. Jenner; Shrews- bury, Mr. Leighton; Cheshunt, Mr. A. H. Hassail ; Bangor and Dolgelley, N. Wales; Penzance: Aberdeen, Dr. Dickie ; ; Steven- ston, Ayrshire, Rev. D. Landsborough. This is a very protean species. Sometimes the frustules are thrown quite back until the ends touch, so as apparently to form a filament, the width of which is much less than the length of the frustules. In this state it forms the D. elongatum of Berkeley’s ‘ Brit. Alge,’ and the D. tenue of Agardh’s ‘ Consp. Crit. Diatom.’ Indeed Agardh in his ‘ Conspectus’ forms a section of Diatoma upon this very circumstance of the frustules being longer than the breadth of the filament. Sometimes the frustules are thrown back in pairs, and. then ap- pear like filaments united longitudinally ; but with a little atten- tion the observer will understand this arrangement, and he will derive assistance in tracing it from the connected angles haying 452 Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacez. a kind of mucous hinge which is easily seen in this state of the lant. 2 Having submitted my observations to Mr. Berkeley, I had the pleasure of finding that he concurred in my views, and that he has long considered the longitudinally connected species as very doubtful. The frustules are sometimes, on the contrary, broader and not thrown back. This state I believe is the Diatoma sulphurascens of Agardh’s ‘ Conspectus.’ It differs from Diatoma elongatum in having the sides straight, and thus before the frustules separate they are in contact along their entire length. Different however as .D. elongatum appears to be, I am doubtful whether it may not be a form of this species. 3. D. elongatum, Ag. Frustules plane, several times longer than broad ; front surface with the ends dilated. D. elongatum, Ag. Syst.p.4; Kutz. in Linnea 1833, p. 582.t.17.f.65. Bacillaria elongata, Eh. Infusoria, p. 198. pl. 15. f.5; Pritchard’s Infusoria, p. 218. f. 169. I notice this very doubtful British species chiefly in order to call attention to it, and because it has been confounded with the last, of which I am by no means certain that it is not a variety. I have seen no authentic specimens, and am only acquainted with it from the descriptions and figures in Kutzing and Pritchard. Mr. Borrer informs me that he believes he saw a few scattered frustules of it among other Algz gathered at Henfield, Sussex ; and in a mass of Diatomaceous plants sent me from Shropshire by Mr. Leighton, I observed what I supposed might be fragments of this species. As the frustules are narrowest in the centre and dilated at the ends, and before separation are in contact only at the angles, this would seem to be a sufficient distinction, but I have received some specimens of D. tenue which lead me to doubt whether the frus- tules do not become dilated at the ends in the same way as often occurs in Frustulia Ulna. Ina specimen of D. tenue gathered near Tunbridge Wells by Mr. Jenner, I found mixed up with the com- mon state a few threads with somewhat longer frustules, some of which had the sides parallel, and others in the same chain exactly resembled the figures of D. elongatum, Pl. IX. fig. 2. I observed the same appearances in a less degree in a plant found by myself near Bangor, N. Wales, and considered by Mr. Shuttle- worth to be the D. tenue of Agardh. A specimen sent me by Mr. Hassall, gathered in Scotland by the Rev. D. Landsborough, presented still more curious forms. Although most of it seemed to be the true D. tenue, a few frus- tules not only presented the form described above, but some of them were dilated at one end only ; and the next frustule was either Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacee. 453 of the normal form or dilated at the opposite end. In one chain I perceived in union four frustules thus formed, which answers to the description of Bacillaria cuneata, Kh., but the frustules were longer than in Pritchard, f. 170, or in Kutzing. I subjoin Ehrenberg’s specific character of Bacillaria cuneata:— “Bacillaria striata, testula pyramidali cuneata, truncata subqua- drata, alternis apicibus dilatatis, intus lete flavo-viridis, p.198. pl. 15. f. 6. Diatoma tenue, y. cuneatum, Kutz. in Linnea 1833, p. 580. t. 17. f. 62.”’ I am also informed by Mr. Dalrymple that Ehrenberg states that “this characteristic little form is apt to be overlooked, and not unfrequently taken for Bacillaria pectinalis (Diatoma tenue).” ** The front surface with two or more strie, interrupted in the centre by a canal ; lateral surfaces without striae. (Tabellaria.) 4. D. flocculosum, Ag. Frustules varying from square to twice as long as broad ; striz three to seven; canal inflated. Diatoma floc- culosum, Ag. Syst. p.4; Kutz. in Linnea 1833, p. 584. t. 17. f.67; Hook. Br. Fl. v. ii. p. 406; Harv. Br. Alg. p. 202. Conf. flocculosa, Dillw. Conf. t. 28.; Eng. Bot.t.1761. Bacillaria tabel- laris, Ehrenb. Infusoria, p. 199. pl..15.f. 7; Pritch. Infusoria, p. 218. Puate IX. fig. 3. a, common form; 8, side view ; ¢c, end view. Common in pools, rivulets, &c. Frustules generally a little longer than broad, often nearly equal in length and breadth, sometimes twice as long as broad. The strie are generally five or six, m the narrower specimens only three. The inflated canal is much broader than the incrassated ends. It is brown when recent, whitish when Mr. Borrer considers the plant figured in ‘ Eng. Bot.’ as di- stinct from that figured by Dillwyn. The chief difference appears to be, that in the front view the inflated canal and incrassated ends are more strongly marked in the latter. I have gathered near Swansea specimens exactly resembling Mr. Dillwyn’s fig., but I am unable to find any good specific difference between them and the ‘ Eng. Bot.’ plant, and after they were dried I could perceive no distinction. 5. D. fenestratum, Lyngb. Frustules four times or more longer than broad; canal inflated; strie two. D. fenestratum, Lyngb. Hydr. Dan. t. 61. E.3; Ag. Consp. Diatom. p.53; Hook. Br. Fl. v. ii. p- 406; Harv. Br. Alg. p. 202. Prare IX. fig. 4. a, front view; 4, side view. Pools and rivulets. Sussex, Mr. Jenner; Cheshunt, Mr. Hassall; Barmouth, N. Wales, Rev. T. Salwey ; Dolgelley and near Pont-Aber- glas-lyn, N. Wales, and Penzance, Cornwall. This species varies much in the length of its frustules. The 454 Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacezx. longer specimens, when the striz are obscured by the endochrome, somewhat resemble D. tenue ; but in this species the frustules are generally broader m proportion to their length, and the lateral strize which give a punctated appearance to the margins of D. tenue are wanting. The shorter frustules are very similar to D. flocculosum; there are however not more than two striz on each side, and the canal, which is much less inflated, is but little broader than the incras- sated ends. This species, like D. tenuwe, is often found with the frustules thrown quite back. In this state it is figured by Lyngbye and by Agardh placed in the same section as D. tenue. It is brown when recent, and becomes paler when dried. 6. D. marinum, Lyngb. Frustules varying from nearly square to six times as long as broad; canal not inflated; strie two. D. mari- num, Kutz. in Linnea 1833, p. 584; Ag. Consp. Diatom. p. 53; Hook. Br. Fl. vol. ii. p. 405 ; Harv. Br. Alg. p. 201. D. tenieforme, Ag. Consp. p. 54. D. brachygonum, Hook. Br. Fl. p. 406. Con- Serva tenieformis, Eng. Bot.t. 1883! Tessellainterrupta, Ehrenb. Infusoria, p. 202? Pritch. Infusoria, p. 220? Puate IX. fig. 5. a, front view; 6, side view. Common on marine alge. Dark brown when recent, greenish when dry, gradually becoming paler. This species is very variable in the length and breadth of its frustules ; they are generally two or three times longer than broad ; but most specimens contain some frustules nearly square, and others from four to six times longer than broad. The lateral view shows the frustules nearly plane, sometimes slightly convex, and the canal not inflated. The colouring matter is darker, and the granules are larger than in the other British species, so that the strize can scarcely be seen when.the plant is recent. The mucous substance which forms the connecting medium be- tween the angles of the frustules 1s more developed im this than in the other species ; it is consequently more difficult to obtain them in a state of separation so as to observe them laterally. The best method of separating them is to submit a portion to a red heat, which destroys both the connecting hinge and also the internal colourmg matter, and thus has the further advantage of rendering the striz more perceptible. On a front view the longer frustules resemble those of D. fene- stratum ; but D. marinum, besides its much deeper colour, is more rigid; its frustules are broader; its strize also are nearer the margin, and most frequently have a bend towards it near the end of the frustule. : I am indebted to Mr, Borrer for a specimen of Conf. tenieformis, Mr, J. Ralfs on the Diatomacez. 455 " and can find in it nothing different from the common form. I have seen no specimen of D. brachygonum, Carm., but there is nothing in the description to distinguish it from D. marinum. Analysis, Frustules with two or more striz on their front surfaces, 1 interrupted in the centre by a canal .........00000 seosee 4 Frustules without strize on their front surfaces.........+ 2 9. f Frustules convex, thickest in the centre .......sseseere008 vulgare. * \ Frustules plane, the ends the thickest ...... .. Ce erendscees 3 Frustules linear ......... dodibied occ cdsbunes cadad sbbbwdnials ns w» tenue. 3.4 Frustules before separation in contact only at the angles OF the. dilated, CROs: i..cscveonconesssnanniescapenneteprensete elongatum, 4 Marine ; canal not inflated..........ssecsesessens cities sosee Marinum. " | Aquatic; canal inflated ..........sssesseeees Hitsuesinepnsdnces 5 Frustules not more than twice as long as broad; strize 5 several on each Side, | .....cecseeserevensenvsbactssaneseecscs floeculosum., ‘| Frustules four times (or more) longer than broad ; strize CWO. GN OCH S106»... sscecsenscccevesacenstiles sen eeeneneeenees Senestratum, I shall place for the present in an appendix a recently disco- vered plant, the characters of which, on account of its minuteness, I have not yet been able to determine with any certainty. 7. D. minimum, Frustules very minute, about twice as long as broad, nearly colourless. Tetraspila minima, Shuttleworth in lit. On Conferva uncialis, Penzance. This species is certainly distinct from any of those described above. I can find no striz on either surface ; but, if these exist, its pale colour and small size well distinguish it from Diatoma ma- rinum, the only other marine species I am acquainted with. STRIATELLA, Ag. (Ehrenb.) Filaments attached bya stipes; frustules cohering by the angles, longitudinally striated. This genus differs from Achnanthes by its frustules cohering at their angles and having longitudinal striz. Its character ap- proaches closely to that of Tessel/a, Eh., from which it differs only in the stipitate filaments. Filaments attached by a stipes at one of the lower angles of the basal frustule. 1, S. arcuata, Ag. Stipes shorter than the frustules ; filaments elon- gated ; frustules with seven or more longitudinal series of short transverse strie. Ag. Consp. Diatom. p. 61; Harv. Br. Alg. p.199; Eh. Die Infus. p. 229. t. 20. f. 6; Pritch. Infus. p. 223. f. 208. Diatoma striatulum, Grev. in Br. Fl. ii. p. 405. Achnanthes arcuata, Kutz. Syn. Diatom. p.574. Ach. unipunctata, Berk. Br. Alg. p. 39. t.15.f.1. Conf. striatula, Eng. Bot. t. 1928. Fragilaria striatula, Ag. Syst. p. 7: Pirate IX, fig. 6. a, front view; 6 and ec, lateral views. 456 My. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacez. On marine alge: not uncommon. Ardrossan, Ayrshire, Rev. D. Landsborough. Ireland, Mr. D. Moore and Mr.W. Thompson. Devon- shire, Mrs. Griffiths ; Sussex, Mr. Jenner; Aberystwith, Penzance. Filaments, when recent of a dark olive-brown, become greener in drying ; they are rigid, thick, elongated, very fragile, and do not adhere to paper ; the frustules irregularly separate, and co- here by their angles. Stipes very short and thick. Frustules vary from nearly equal in length and breadth to twice as broad as long, with numerous longitudinal series of short transverse striz, which are fainter towards the ends of the frus- tules. The lateral surfaces are linear-elliptic with close transverse strize, and are divided by a line passing down the centre, a small space at each end being destitute of strize. The endochrome some- times forms a central spot. 2. S.unipunctata, Ag. Stipes slender, much longer than the frustule, which has several longitudinal striz. Ag. Consp. Diatom. p. 61 ; Harv. Br. Alg. p. 199. Achnanthes unipunctata, Grey. Cryp. F. t. 287; Kutz. Syn. Diatom. in Linnea 1833, p. 573. Diatoma unipunctatum, Ag. Syst. Alg. p.6; Grev. in Br. Fl. vol. ii. p. 405. ‘On marine alge: autumn. Ireland, Mr. D. Moore. Torquay, Mrs. Griffiths ; Little Hampton, Mr. Borrer ; Penzance. Filaments minute, pale yellowish brown, consisting of but few frustules, which cohere at the alternate angles. Stipes slender, long ; frustules generally rather longer than broad; the angles slightly truncated, with two series of longitudinal strie, one series occupying the middle and the other the ends; the latter is more strongly marked and its strize are of different lengths, longer in the centre and shorter towards the lateral margins of the frustule, and all are terminated by puncta, which in consequence of the different lengths of the striz are arranged in a curve. En- dochrome pale, generally collected into a central spot of a deeper colour. Lateral surfaces lanceolate, without strie. P.S. Since my description of Diatoma marinum was written, I have received from Mrs. Griffiths some interesting varieties of that plant. In some specimens longitudinal series of transverse striee were more or less evident on the central portion of the frus- tules. Mixed with this variety I found another, in which the lon- gitudinal strie, extending from the ends towards the middle, are serpentine. I find this species generally attached at the angle of the basal frustule hy a short stipes. As therefore it differs in no respect from Striatella, it should be removed to that genus ; and as all the species of Striatella are marine, its old specific name tenieformis, which has a prior claim, might be conveniently restored. Bibliographical Notices. 457 The different states of this species may be characterized as fol- lows :— Striatella tenieformis. a. Frustules without transverse striz. 8. striata. Frustules with longitudinal series of. transverse striz ; the two longitudinal striz on each side have a single curve near the base. Pl. IX. fig. 5. . y. serpentina. Frustules with longitudinal series of transverse strive, the longitudinal striz on each side undulated. Pl. IX. fig. 5. y. a. Common. 3. Torquay, Mrs. Griffiths. y. Torquay, Mrs. Griffiths ; Hastings, Mr. Jenner. In the variety y. there is also in general a narrow longitudinal space without any markings, and appearing like a white band oc- cupying the centre. In the remarks on Striatella unipunctata I observed that there were two series of striz. I have since examined this subject more minutely, and find the same structure in Tabellaria, Striatella, Lessella and Tetracyclus. The appearance of longitudinal strive is in fact produced by siliceous plates arising internally from the margins of the filament, and extending towards but not reach- ing the centre. The interior is thus divided into chambers open- ing into a central space. When viewed laterally, this central space has the appearance of a canal, especially as the inner edge of each plate has a concave outline. This appearance is more striking in Tabellaria, Striatella tenieformis and Tetracyclus lacustris, where all the plates are nearly equal; but in Striatella arcuata, S. uni- punctata and Tessella catena they are shortest near the angles, and gradually longer as they approach the middle. In the latter the outlines of two plates are frequently seen at one time when viewed laterally, in consequence of the unequal size of the plates. Plate IX. fig. 6. ¢. [To be continued. ] BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Sulphur, under the Command of Capt. Sir Edward Belcher, R.N. &¢., during the years 1836-42. Published under the authority &c. Edited and superintended by Richard Brinsley Hinds, Esq., Surgeon R.N. attached to the Expedition.— Mammalia, by John Edward Gray, Esq., F.R.S. No. I. London, Smith, Elder and Co., 4to. 1843. By the attention of the author or publishers, we have now before us the first part of the “‘ Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Sulphur.” This is one of the series of zoological works arising from our Voyages of Discovery, published under the patronage of ‘‘ the Lords Commis- sioners of the Admiralty :’’ as such we wish it success, and as public Ann, & Mag. N. Hist. Vol, xi. 2H 458 Bibliographical Notices. property we feel ourselves at liberty to speak freely of it. Long before the British Government gave assistance to works of this kind, we were of opinion that it ought to have been granted: we had the example before us of many continental works sumptuously published at an expense which few private individuals could have defrayed, while in this country our splendid examples were all completed at the risk either of wealthy gentlemen, or by the enterprise of publishers to whom a limited patronage had been secured, but frequently resulting in inconvenience to both parties. ‘The beautiful volumes of the Northern Zoology were, we believe, the first to which a Government grant was given in this country, and the work was singularly fortunate in having men employed on it who were not only naturalists of the highest standing, but were also artists, or capable of judging of art. The more recent grants have been given to the publications of Smith, Elder and Co., the publishers employed to bring out the results of one or two of the later voyages, and they are now continued with that for the work before us. The plan in all these later works has been, we believe, to delegate the different departments to men who have made them their particular study; the publishers having the control of the expense and risk, and we presume the benefit of the Government grant, and for this the public receive the work at a price said to be cheaper than that at which it otherwise could have been published. We have always considered that the Government should maintain a greater control over these works, or should give a portion at least of their grant in a sub- scription for a certain number of copies; the public are comparatively little benefited by the small reduction of the price of the Numbers, for we do not consider ten shillings for nine plates (one of them uncoloured) and a very limited letter-press so great a bargain. The present work will, when completed, cost at least six pounds sterling unbound, and can only be expected to be found in the possession of a few interested in the subjects, or in one or two of our principal libraries ; while by the Government giving their grant in the furm of a subscription, and sending their copies to provincial libraries whose funds would not allow them to devote so much to one work in a single branch of science, the extension of a taste for natural history would be spread, the knowledge of it diffused, and the public would at the same time receive some value for their grant. There are many pub- lishers both in England and in Scotland who would at once take the risk, and bring out these works in the first style of art, were the sale of one hundred or one hundred and fifty copies guaranteed to them by Government *. The voyage of the Sulphur embraced a range so extensive, that many interesting objects might be expected to have been dis- covered ; accordingly in the first Number, devoted to Mammalia, and under the direction of J. E. Gray, Esq., we have figures of Brachy- * We do not know the amount of the grant for the present work, but to the former publications of Smith, Elder and Co., we believe the liberal sum of 30001. was given. A subscription for 150 copies of the present work would not exceed the amount of a proportional grant. Bibliographical Notices. 459 teles frontatus, from the shores of the harbour of Culebra; Pithecia leucocephala and pogonias contrasted on the same plate, the latter considered as new; and P. irrorata, allied to the P. hirsuta of Spix ; Lemur coronatus from Madagascar, differing from L. rufifrons, Benn., in having the black streak on the head expanded between the eyes and continued to the end of the nose, the under part of the base of the tail being also black; Phyllophora megalotis and nigra, previously not figured, from tropical America; Phyllostoma elongatum, from tropical America, also not before figured; Carollia verrucata, from tropical America—all these are described. But we have also figures of Sturnira Spectrum, Neosia nigrescens, Centurio Senex from Amboina ; and Diclidurus Freyreissii, of which we pre- sume the descriptions will appear in the following numbers. The plates in this number are well executed, superior to some of the modern works in drawing, at the same time inferior to others as artistical pictures; the colouring is also careful, but wants harmony: where trees or foliage are introduced, the slightest wash or tint, without an attempt to finish, would harmonize with the colouring of the animals and take off the rawness incident to the severe contrast of the white paper, in the same way that the tint of the sky has assisted to do in several of the plates. In plate 2 we see no reason why the head looking round the tree should have the sole benefit of the blue ; a tint upon the branch and other parts would have improved the picture. Let Mr. Hawkins, in the next number, insist that justice be done to his careful lithographs. —The same remarks apply to the other plates except 7 and 8, where nothing pictorial is at- tempted, and where the figures should stand as exact representations without other assistance. A History of the Molluscous Animals of the counties of Aberdeen, Kin- cardine and Banff ; to which is appended an account of the Cirripedal Animals of the same District. By William Macgillivray, A.M., Professor of Natural History in the University of Marischal Col- lege, Aberdeen, &c. Lond. 1843. Duod. pp. 372. we We are not going to review this volume, but we are anxious to in- troduce it to the notice of our readers. The name and reputation of the author led us to expect a work of interest and originality—not fashioned on a mould that others had cast and approved—but bear- ing the impress of a mind that could track a course of its own, and much more willing to follow it than walk at greater ease in a beaten path. And we have not been disappointed, for indeed we have rarely spent a pleasanter hour than the one which we last night devoted to the perusal of this little manual. It is the work of a good work- man—the best local fauna in our language—a sure and pleasant guide to the naturalists of the counties illustrated—with many a fact that concerns all those who are interested in the study of the’ British Mollusca. It boots little to us that it contains descriptions of some thirty new species—two or three of them really fine additions to our native list, and which we greet heartily—but we admire these new descriptions of many an old friend and acquaintance, and these ad- 2H 2 " ‘ } ; 460 Bibliographical Notices. ditional traits of their habits and structural peculiarities. Mr. Macgil- livray has observed much, and what he has observed he has told well. There is, perhaps, a claim made to a greater degree of originality in these than a critical survey would altogether allow in equity; but what is not new has been elaborated and kneaded together by one whom personal experience had taught to know the genuineness of the materials he was handling. Let any one examine the family and generic characters of the book with care, and we think the justice of our remark will be allowed: they are excellently well done. We are, however, inclined to blame some unnecessary innovations in nomenclature ; to differ from our talented author in the application of some few names ; to wish that the sources whence the characters of the genera were taken had been more often and precisely quoted ; and to smile good-naturedly (are we not fathers ?) on the paternal storgé which pullulates forth with rather a too frequent and rash growth in the mention of all and every the leetle Macgillivrays— God bless them—Miss and Marion, Isabella and Anne, ‘“‘ my son” John, and not forgetting Paul-Howard and the rest of the family. We end as we began—by our hearty recommendation of the book to our readers. ‘To all who concern themselves in making a ‘ popu- lation return’ of the molluscan natives the work is indispensable ; and for the value of six shillings they have here matter which some ped- dling dilettanti might have been excused had he published as much for a guinea sterling. Annales des Sciences Naturelles:—Zoologie, M. Milne Edwards. Botanique, MM. Ad. Brongniart et Guillemin. Paris: Fortin, Masson and Co. Jan. 1843.—Zoology.—Some Observations on the Onguline, by M. Deshayes. M. Duvernoy, in his account of the animal of Ongulina, proposed the removal of that genus from the neighbourhood of the Lucine to that of the Mytilacee. M. Deshayes, in this paper, ap- proves such a change, pointing out that M. Duvernoy’s animal is a true Lucina, and that the structure of its branchiz, separated at their an- terior margin and united elsewhere, is after all rather a specific than a generic anatomical distinction. M. Deshayes’ arguments are sound throughout this paper.—On the Ravages of Scolytus pygmeus among Ash and Oak Trees, and on the proposed Remedies, by M. Robert. The author proposes two antidotes to the destruction caused by this pestiferous insect: 1st, to varnish the bark of trees affected; and 2nd, to make longitudinal and oblique incisions at regular distances in the bark.—M. Poiseulle on the Flux of Liquids in the Living Capil- laries.—On the habits, development and metamorphoses of Caridina Desmarestii, with reflections on the metamorphoses of Decapodous Crustacea generally, by M. Joly (commencement). Botany.—On the Temperature of Plants, by Professor Rameaux. A summary of what has been done on this subject, with an account of the author’s own observations, and elaborate tables. —M. Decaisne on Drymispermum, Pseudais, and Gyrinopsis.—Count Jaubert and Ed. Spach on the Argyrolobie of the Northern Hemisphere.—The Linnean Society. 461 Ninth and Tenth Decades of the Third Century of New Exotic Cellular Plants, by Dr. Montagne. The portion of these valuable papers in this Number is occupied by descriptions of the Lichens of Guiana. Works just PusiisHep. Arcana Entomologica ; or, Illustrations of New, Rare, and Interesting Insects. By J. O. Westwood, F.L.S., Sec. Ent. Soc. London, &c. The first volume, containing 48 coloured plates, of this work, which was established with the view of describing and figuring some of the many interesting and splendid novelties with which our entomolo- gical collections have, within the last few years, been so greatly en- riched, is now completed. The plates comprise 176 coloured figures, of which nearly 160 are representatives of insects now for the first time given to the scientific world, or of which no previous figures existed. ‘The work is to be continued in each alternate month. Manual of British Botany. By Charles C. Babington, M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S, &c. Containing generic and specific characters of British plants, in one volume, 12mo, as a travelling companion. PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES. LINNAAN SOCIETY. December 20, 1842.—E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. A. H. Hassall, Esq., exhibited an Apple in which decay had been artificially induced by inoculating it with decayed matter from another apple containing filaments of Entophytal Fungi. ““ Some further Observations on the Nature of the Ergot of Grasses.” By Edwin John Quekett, Esq., F.L.S. This paper contains the results of experiments made by the author with the view of determining the mode in which the sporidia of the fungus which he regards as the cause of Ergot are introduced into the infected grass. In March 1840 twelve healthy grains of rye, of wheat and of bar- ley were placed in a shallow glass vessel containing a sufficient quantity of distilled water to moisten them, and covered with a glass shade. When germination commenced an ergot of wheat of the pre- ceding year was immersed in the water, the sporidia on its surface were detached, and the ergot itself was then removed. The same experiment was performed with sporidia obtained from an ergot of Elymus sabulosus. Several days afterwards, when the leaves had attained a length of three or four inches, the young plants were conveyed into the country and planted side by side in a garden. At the period of harvest there remained alive only four plants of the rye (one of which had been infected from the ergot of Elymus, and the 462 Linnean Society. remaining three from that of wheat), three of the barley and four of the wheat. Of the rye scarcely a single ear produced healthy grains, the palez being generally quite empty ; but nine of the ears contained ergots, some furnishing only a single specimen, and others as many as six. The ears of the barley were filled with healthy grains, and only one apparently diseased grain was detected; while in the wheat the ears were full and without disease. As in these experiments no grains from the same sample were sown which had not been subjected to the influence of the sporidia of the fungus, Mr. Quekett made in the following autumn another experiment with the view of supplying this deficiency. Twelve grains of rye, of wheat and of barley were again made to germinate under similar circumstances to the last, and the sporidia obtained from the surface of one of the ergots of rye produced in the first ex- periment were diffused in the water in which they grew. These were planted in October on the same estate, but not within half a mile of the former spot; and twelve healthy grains of each kind which had been carefully kept apart from the others were planted in the same locality. Very few of the plants arrived at maturity, and in August last there remained of the infected plants only two of rye, two of wheat, and one of barley ; and of the uninfected plants one of each kind. On each of the plants of rye which had been subjected to the influence of the sporidia an ergot was discovered, and the ears as be- fore were almost entirely devoid of healthy grains ; while the plants of wheat and barley subjected to the same influence produced perfect ears and healthy grains. ‘The three plants of rye, wheat and barley planted at the same time without exposure to the sporidia of the fungus presented no unhealthy appearance. Mr. Quekett argues that all the grains of rye subjected during germination to the influence of the sporidia of the fungus in both sets of experiments having produced plants infected with ergot, while the plants derived from grains not so subjected escaped disease, a convincing proof is afforded that their infection could not have been the effect of chance, but must have resulted from the artificial intro- duction of the sporidia; and that the infection of the rye only, while the wheat and barley escaped, is to be attributed to the greater sus- ceptibility of the rye to infection, as proved by the much greater fre- quency of the production of ergots in that species of grain. January 17, 1843.—E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. William Taylor, Esq., F.L.S., presented specimens of the seeds, oil, and oil-cake of Camelina sativa, Crantz, accompanied by some observations strongly recommending its cultivation in preference to that of flax for the production of oil. February 7.—E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. The Rey. William Hincks, F.L.S., exhibited a specimen believed to belong to Neottia gemmipara, Smith. The specimen, which was from the collection of Dr. Wood of Cork, was obtained by him from - Linnean Society. 463 very near the original locality named by Mr. Drummond. Mr, Hincks stated that he had taken some pains in comparing the specimen, not only with the description, but also with the original sketch made by Mr. James Drummond on a blank leaf of the pocket-book in which he noted down the occurrences of the tour upon which he made the discovery of this curious plant. The specimen now exhibited was marked by Dr. Wood when fresh, and he had no doubt of its identity ; and the result of Mr. Hincks’s examination was a confirmation of this opinion. | Read an ‘‘ Essay on the Distribution, Vitality, Structure, Modes of Growth and Reproduction, and Uses of the Freshwater Conferve.” By Arthur Hill Hassall. The principal part of Mr. Hassall’s observations on the growth of Conferve have been already published in various Numbers of the * Annals and Magazine of Natural History.’ ’ At the period of their publication he was not aware of the ob- servations of M. Morren, M. Dumortier and M. Mohl on the growth of Conferve by the subdivision of their cells; but he states that his views of the mode in which this subdivision is effected differ consi- derably from those of M. Morren. He does not believe that when the endochrome of a cell has become separated into two masses, leaving a transparent space between them, this space is occupied by a formative intercellular matter such as M. Morren describes. On the contrary, he states that the first indication of the partitions which are to divide the parent cell into two consists of a solution of the continuity of a portion of the periphery of the cell, the divided edges of which become inflected and gradually approach the centre, where ‘they coalesce. March 7.—The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. J. O. Westwood, Esq., F.L.S., presented specimens of the aérial processes of the roots of Sonneratia acida, L., sent by Mr. Templeton from Ceylon, and described by him as affording a wood of an ex- ‘tremely light and close texture, admirably adapted for lining insect- boxes, on account of the facility with which it admits, and the tena- city with which it retains, the finest pins. March 21.—The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. J. Janson, Esq., F.L.S., exhibited living flowering plants of the ‘‘hungry rice” of Sierra Leone, Paspalum ewile, Kipp., described at p. 235, raised from seeds brought from Sierra Leone by Robert Clarke, Esq. Read a memoir “On Pectinura, a new genus of Ophiuride, and on the species of Ophiura inhabiting the Eastern Mediterranean.” By Edward Forbes, Esq., F.L.8., Professor of Botany in King’s Col- lege, London. Professor Forbes states that in his late researches in the AUgean Sea he found ten species of Starfishes of the order Ophiuride, several of which are undescribed. In the present memoir he confines him- 464 Linnean Society. self to those belonging to the genus Ophiura, and to an allied genus, hitherto uncharacterized, to which he gives the name of Pectinura. This genus is founded on a small starfish brought up by the dredge from the depth of 100 fathoms on the coast of Lycia, and is charac- terized as follows :— PECTINURA. Corpus orbiculare, squamosum, granulosum, ad peripheriam radiatum; radiis simplicibus, squamosis, in corporis discum subprolongatis; squamis radiorum lateralibus adpressis, in marginibus superioribus spiniferis ; ossiculis ovarialibus binis in corporis lobos non productis. P. vestiTA, disco orbiculari, radiis convexiusculis; squamis superioribus rotundatis : lateralibus 8 spiniferis.—Lat. disci 4 unc. Professor Forbes states that he should scarcely have ventured to establish a genus on the single specimen of this species which he possesses, and which is somewhat imperfect in the rays, had he not had an opportunity of examining a large foreign species, which shows it to be a well-marked genus, having a rather closer affinity with Ophiura than with Ophiocoma. It differs from the former in having the disc clothed with granules, in the absence of the pectinated scales embracing the origins of the rays, and in the ovarian plates (not soldered into one as in Ophiura) not encroaching on the body ; and from Ophiocoma by the lateral ray-plates overlapping each other and the posterior ray-plates as in Ophiura, and instead of having the spines on a transverse ridge or keel having them articulated to their superior margins, so that when the animal is dead they lie close to the rays and do not bristle out as in Ophiocoma. Of Ophiura Professor Forbes found three species, O. texturata, O. albida, and a new species to which he gives the name of O. abyssicola, on account of its being found in deeper water than any recorded starfish, at the depth namely of from 150 to 200 fathoms. A com- parison of the characters of this new species with those of its de- scribed allies, has enabled him to revise the characters of the genus Ophiura as follows :— Opurura, Lam., Agass. Corpus orbiculare, squamosum, leve, ad peripheriam radiatum ; radiis simplicibus, squamosis, in corporis discum prolongatis, ad origines squamis pectinatis adpressis; squamis radiorum lateralibus adpressis, in marginibus superioribus spiniferis ; ossiculis marginis ovarialibus simplicibus, in corporis lobos productis. The following are the specific characters of the 7Bgean species :— O. texturata, Lam. Squamis pectinatis ad radiorum origines plus quam 20-dentatis, ossiculis ovarialibus lyratis, radiis carinatis ; squamis supe- rioribus transversé oblongis : lateralibus 7 spiniferis. O. albida, Forbes. Squamis pectinatis ad radiorum origines 16-dentatis, ossiculis ovarialibus scutatis, radiis convexis ; squamis superioribus tri- angularibus: lateralibus 4 vel 5 spiniferis. O. ABYSSICOLA, squamis pectinatis ad radiorum origines binis 5—9-den- tatis, ossiculis ovarialibus pentagonis, radiis carinatis; squamis supe- rioribus quadratis: lateralibus 3 vel 4 spiniferis.—Lat. disci 4%, unc. Entomological Society. 465 ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. July 4, 1842.—W. W. Saunders, Esq., F.L.S., President, in the Chair. Mr. F. Smith exhibited a number of British Vespide, Crabronide and Apide, accompanied by specimens of their nests, &c. Mr. Westwood exhibited a specimen of a new Goliath Beetle from the East Indies (Cyphonocephalus smaragdulus, W., Arc. Ent.), and some rare Papilionideous and Cimicideous insects from the collection of the Bristol Institution, communicated by G. H. K. Thwaites, Esq. Likewise a new and singular genus of Coleoptera, but of doubtful family, from the collection of M. Dupont. Likewise Orchestes Quercus and its parasites reared from mined leaves of oak from Wey- bridge. Mr. S. Stevens exhibited a box of British moths taken in June in the Hammersmith marshes, including the following rare species : Leu- cania obsoleta and Vectis, Nudaria sener, Melia sericea, Chilo gigan- tellus and phragmatellus, &c. The Rev. F. W. Hope exhibited a number of new and rare Co- leoptera from Cape Palmas. Mr. W. W. Saunders exhibited numerous gall-like nidi of an insect upon a twig of Leptospermum from. New Holland. . Likewise specimens of Triphena pronuba stuck upon thorns by the butcher- bird, remarking that this species of moth was the only one selected by the bird at the time they were observed. Mr. Hope however stated that he had occasionally observed Libellule and Geotrupides also similarly affixed. Mr. J. F. Stephens exhibited a specimen of Calosoma sycophanta recently. captured at Herne Bay, Kent. Mrs. North of East Acton exhibited a minute wasp’s nest found in the interior of a hive of bees, which had in consequence been de- serted by the inhabitants. Mr. Ingpen exhibited a fossil wing of a large species of Limnobia obtained by the Rey. P. B. Brodie from the lias near Gloucester, and similar to some found in the Wealden strata of Wiltshire. Mr. Raddon exhibited a specimen of Goliathus Drurii, Westw., taken at Frisa, on the west coast of Africa, 5° 20" lat. N. and 6° west long.: its food was stated by the natives to be the common bamboo canes, in which it lodges for a considerable time, entering at the but and ascending nearly eight feet, when it is generally found in the state of a grub. Mr. Hope read several extracts from a letter received from Mr. Savage at Cape Palmas, by whom a considerable number of Goliath Beetles (G. Drurii, Cacicus, princeps and torquatus) and other rare insects had been transmitted to Mr. Hope. A paper by 8. S. Saunders, Esq., Consul of Albania, containing further observations on Mygale Lonica, was read (since published in the Transactions of the Society). August 1.—The President in the Chair. Mr. W. W. Saunders exhibited various interesting Lepidoptera from Van Diemen’s Land. 466 . Zoological Society. Mr. Westwood noticed the peculiar construction of the scutellum of the large species of Goliath Beetles, which does not allow the elytra to be elevated beyond a very little distance above the back. _ Mr. .F, Smith exhibited a specimen of Macropis labiata 3, taken by Mr. S. Stevens during the excursion to Weybridge in June; also specimens of the male, female and two kinds of neuters of Formica sanguinea. | Mr. S, Stevens exhibited some Egyptian beans greatly eaten by Anobium paniceum, and Mr, Saunders stated that a cargo of the Pady or Divi Divi, a South American legume, had been very greatly in- jured by a species of Bruchus. Mr. Ingpen exhibited some radishes from Battersea fields, the stems of which were greatly swollen in parts, probably resulting from the punctures of some insect. : Mr. Westwood exhibited some Dipterous larve which feed on the heads of lettuce seed. He also read a memoir entitled “ Descriptions of some new Exotic Reduviide of large size:”— Ectrichodia imperialis, W. E. purpurascens, hemelytris atris, abdo- minis marginibus detectis fulvo purpureoque alternatim maculatis ; antennis 6-articulatis, radiculd basali haud computatd.—Long. corp. unc. 13,—Hab. Cape Palmas, Mr. Savage. Mus. Hope. Platymeris ducalis, W. Nigra nitida, hemelytris maculd lateral, femoribus fascid latd subapicali, abdominis maculis lateralibus rufis, pronoto scutelloque spinigerts.—Long, corp, unc.14,—Hab. Cape Palmas, Mr. Savage. Mus. Hope. Ectinoderus,W. Subg. nov. Pronotum maximum anticé supra basin pedum anticorum dilatatum in medio transverse impressum, posti- ceque in lobos duos supra basin hemelytrorum protensum. Pedes antici valde elongati, femoribus crassis tibiisque rectis. Antenne 4-articulate, articulo 1™° longo, tribus ultimis sensim brevioribus et tenuioribus (inter art. 1 et 2 et 2 et 3 articuli minimi apparent), Abdomen subrotundum depressum lateribus detectis. Ectinoderus longimanus, W, Obscure luteus, capite antennis et hemelytrorum membrand nigris, femoribus fascid medid apiceque tibiisque anticis (nisi ad basin) nigricantibus hemelytrorum corio et abdominis lateribus luteo nigroque variis,—Long. corp, unc. 14, —Hab. Singapore? Mus. Westwood. Obs. Mr. Cuming has brought another species of this subgenus from the Philippine Islands. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, June 28, 1842,—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair, A paper by G. B. Sowerby, Esq., containing descriptions of new species of Shells belonging to the genus Cyclostoma, was read. The species described in this paper were collected in the Philip- pine Islands by H. Cuming, Esq., by whom they were exhibited. CycLOSTOMA ACUTIMARGINATUM. Cycl. testd suborbiculari, conied, tenui, levi, subpellucidd, badid, albido-marmoratd, spird subacuminatd, submammillari, anfracti- Zoological Society. 467 bus quatuor, raptim crescentibus, supra infraque rotundatis, mar- gine carinato, acuto, prope suturam marginemque coloribus articu- latis ; aperturd magnd, orbiculari, peritremate reflexo, albo, in- crassato, prope ultimum anfractum subinterrupto, superne produc- tiore, minime reflexo ; umbilico mediocri, profundo. Long. 0°9 ; lat. 1:1 poll. Operculo corneo, multispirali. Hab. supra foliis Palmarum apud Catbalongan Insule Laman Philippinarum. An elegant species, remarkable for the sharpness of its edge (in which it resembles a Carocolla), as well as for the beautiful arrange- ment of the colouring. ~ é Cyrctostoma Luzonicum. Icon, Sowerby, Species Conchyliorum, Pars 24, Cyclostoma, f, 133. Cycl.testd suborbiculari, albidd, castaneo-variegatd, spird depressius- culd, obtusd ; anfractibus quatuor ad quinque, rotundatis, concinneé spiraliter striatis, fascid albidd infra suturam fusco-articulaté ; suturd profundd ; aperturd circulari, peritremate crasso, reflexo ; umbilico maximo. Long. 0:7; lat.1°3 poll. Operculum cor- neum, tenue, anfractuum marginibus lamellosis. The first specimens of ;this species were brought from Lucon by J. K. Smith, Esq. Mr. Cuming has collected the following varie- ties, viz :— a. Shell variegated, with a brown and white articulated band close to the front of the suture, median band variously mottled. Found under decayed leaves on Mount Isarog in the province of South Camarinas, island of Lucon. 6, Shell variegated, upper or posterior part of the two last volu- tions with four or five rather prominent elevated strie. Found under decayed leaves in the island of Masbate. ce. Upper part of the volutions of a pale colour, with a brown and white articulated band next to the suture; median line articulated with brown and white, in front of which the shell is dark brown, becoming paler toward the umbilicus. Found under decayed leaves at St. Jaun in the province of Cagayan, island of Lucon. d. Shell dark chestnut-brown, articulated with white in front of the suture ; median line brown and white mottled; umbilicus and peritreme white. Found under decayed wood at Calauang in the province of Laguna, island of Lucon. e. Shell brownish, with an articulated band next to the suture, and two median bands, the posterior of which is white and the an- terior dark brown; spire more elevated than in the former varieties. Found in earth under decayed leaves at Sinait in the province of South Ilocos, island of Lucon. f. Shell rather smaller and with a more elevated spire than in varieties a. to d, variously mottled. Found under decayed leaves in the woods at Dolores in the province of Pampanga, island of Lucon. g. Shell rather paler coloured than most of the varieties, but ha- 468 Zoological Society. ving the inside of the aperture of an orange-brown. Found under decayed leaves on Mount Isarog, with var. a. h. Similar to var. e, but altogether paler, and from the same locality. CycLosTOMA CANALIFERUM. Icon. Sowerby, Species Conchyliorum, Pars 24, Cyclostoma, f. 195, 196. Cycl. tesid orbiculari, subdepressd, crassiusculd, albicante, brunneo- marmoratd, spird depressd, obtusd; anfractibus quatuor, rotun- datis, spiraliter striatis et superné cariniferis, prope suturam brunneo albidoque articulatis et cingulo centrali brunneo ornatis ; suturd canaliculatd, margine canalis elevato ; aperturd circulari, peritremate incrassato, reflexo, umbilicum patulum versus lamelloso- patente. Long. 0°8; lat. 1°4 poll. Operculum corneum, anfrac- tuum margine lamellari, levatiusculo. This species bears a general resemblance to the last; it may be distinguished by the flexuose lamella proceeding from the peritreme and overlying the umbilicus, so as nearly to cover it when adult ; and also by the narrow channel at the suture. I received the first spe- cimens of this shell from J. K. Smith, Esq. Mr. Cuming has col- lected two different varieties. a. Shell depressed, pale in colour, J. K. Smith, Esq. 6. Shell with a more prominent spire and much darker colours. Found under decayed leaves on the island of Burias, H. Cuming, Esq. c. Shell with the spire prominent as the last; of a rich dark brown, with a white median line and angular flashes of white on the upper side. Found under decayed leaves in the province of Tayabas, island of Lucgon, H. Cuming, Esq. CycLOSTOMA VALIDUM. Cycl. testd orbiculari, crassiusculd, pallidd, brunneo-variegatd, spird elevatiusculd, anfractibus quinque rotundatis, spiraliter striatis, et nonnunquam obtuse quatuor- ad quinque-carinatis ; suturd distinctd ; aperiurd circulari, peritremate incrassato, reflexo, umbilicum versus patente; umbilico mediocri. Long. 1°5; lat. 1°8 poll. Operculum corneum, tenuiculum, margine anfractuum lamellari. The young shell of this species appears to have been of compara- tively large size at its first development from the egg, the edge of its aperture being usually distinguished by a broad and dark brown oblique band at about the middle of the third volution from the apex. Mr. Cuming has brought several varieties, as follows :— a. This is the largest and coarsest variety, and its colours are the least brilliant; the lower part, near to the aperture, appears to be constantly worn away, probably from age; the peritreme also is ex- tended far beyond its first formed edge. It is found on the leaves of trees at ‘Tanauan, in the island of Leyte. b. Shell of a dark brown, with sometimes angular flashes of nearly white over the upper part of the shell; the median edge is obtusely Zoological Society. 469 keeled. It is found under decayed leaves in the province of Taya- bas, island of Lu¢on. c. Shell of a light brown colour, variously mottled with very dark brown. Found under decayed leaves in dense woods at Cat- balonga, and at Basay, in the island of Samar. d. Smaller than the last, and generally paler in colour, with less of the dark brown. Found under decayed leaves at Cagayan in the province of Misamis, Island of Mindanao. CycLostoma STAINFORTHII. Cycl. testé tenui, albicante, pyramidali, carinatd ; spird acuminati- usculd, anfractibus quinque ad sex, lateribus subventricosis, ultimo longe maximo, margine mediano carinato, lineis spiralibus fuscis quatuor ad sex ornato; suturd subobsoletd ; aperturd magnd, sub- orbiculari, latere columellari rectiusculo ; peritremate albo, subin- crassato, reflexo, supra anfractum penultimum subinterrupto, um- bilico mediocri. Long. 0°7; lat. 0°8 poll. Operculum corneum, tenue, marginibus anfractuum lamellosis, levatiusculis. A very elegant species, which I have the pleasure of dedicating to my kind and liberal friend, the Rev. F. J. Stainforth. Mr. Cuming has brought the following varieties :— a. Shell nearly white, variegated with brown mottlings and from four to six dark brown spiral lines. Found upon the leaves of trees on the island of Ticao. b. Shell smaller, and altogether paler. Found on leaves of trees on the island of Masbate. c. Shell of a pale rosy brown colour. On leaves of bushes on the island of Siquijor. d. Shell of a pale colour, mottled with dark brown. On leaves of bushes in the island of Siquijor. e. Shell nearly white. From the same locality as c. and d. Ff. Shell larger than var. e. and nearly white. On leaves of trees in the island of Panay. Cycrosroma Tusa. Cycl. testé suborbiculari, depressiusculd, tenui, levi, albicante ru- Sescente-fusco-variegatd et nubeculaté; spird brevi, subdepressd, acuminatd, anfractibus quinque, planiusculis, primis carinatis, ul- timo maximo, rotundato; aperturd maximd, circulari, expansd, albicante ; peritremate albicante, tenui, lato, revoluto, supra an- Sractum penultimum interrupto ; umbilico magno. Alt. 1°5; lat. 2°3 poll. Hab. sub foliis putridis prope Montem Ophir, Malacce. This species is remarkable for the extent of the reflected lip of the aperture. Mr, Cuming has brought two varieties, differing only in size. CycLosToMA PHILIPPINARUM, Sowerby, Species Conchyliorum, Pars 2°, fig. 180 to 183. Cycl. testd globoso-conicd, pallida, fusco-marmoratd, spird subacumi- natd, anfractibus quinque subrotundatis, superne longitudinaliter 470 Zoological Society. sulcatis, ultimo infra levigato ; apertura subrotundé, peritremate obtuso, reflexo, superne producto, latere umbilict subsinuato ; um- bilico parvo. Alt. 0°6; lat. 0°5 poll. Operculum tenue, corneum, leve. : Of this species, which is very variable in size and colouring, the first specimens I met with were brought from Manilla by J. K. Smith, Esq. Mr. Cuming has collected the follawing varieties, viz. a. Shell small, light brown, elegantly marbled with dark chestnut- brown. Found in the earth at the roots of plants at Puerto-galero, in the island of Mindoro. 6. Shell rather larger than a, of a pale colour, with very slight dark brown mottlings; apex rosy. From Bai, in the isle of Negros. c. Nearly similar to 6, but the apex scarcely rosy, Found under decayed leaves at Piddig, in the province of North Ilocos, island of Lucon. d. Shell larger, with a pale band round the circumference, and a dark one beneath. Found under detayed leaves at Simait, and in earth at Bolinao. e. Shell very darkly coloured, size of d. On leaves of bushes at Calauang, and on leaves of trees at St. Christoval, in the province of Batangas. Ff. Shell smoother and paler than the other varieties ; apex black- ish. Found on leaves of bushes at Daleguete, island of Zebu. g. Shell larger than the other varieties, dark brown, with a white and brown articulated band close to the suture, and a nearly white circumferential band. Found on leaves of bushes at the island of Luban. CycLosTOMA ALTUM, Cycl. testé acuminato-turritd, crassiusculd, fuscd, lavi, tenuissime striatd, apice obtusiusculo, anfractibus 7 ad 8 rotundatis ; suturd distinctd, tenui; aperturd circulari, labio subincrassato, reflexo- patente, duplici, margine externo magis, interno minus expanso, intis canali parvd ad basin columellarem munito ; umbilico medi- ocri extis carind obtusd marginato ; operculo corneo, tenui, multi- spirali. Long. 1°; lat. 0°3 poll. Hab. supra truncos arborum in montibus insule Negros, Philip- pinarum. This species is remarkable for having a double lip, the inner or newer portion of which is not quite so much expanded as the outer. It may be regarded as the first link of affinity, connecting Cyclosto- ma with Pupina by the intervention of the next species, C. Pupini- forme. Cyrciostoma PuPiniroRME. Cycl. testa subcylindrico-turritd, crassiusculd, obscurd, fuscd, levi, tenuissime striatd, apice subabrupté acuminato, anfractibus senis, rotundatis, suturd validd ; aperturd circulart, peritremate discon- tinuo ; labio externo subincrassato, revoluto, flavido, ad basin colu- mellarem canali angustissimd spirali interrupto ; deindé superne latiori, demdm supra ultimum anfractum teviter expanso, canali Zoological Society. 471 angustd tenuique inter anfractum ultimum et partem posticam labii positd; umbilico parvo, carind obtusd marginato, hdcce carind eaternam partem canalis angustissime basis columellaris effor- mante. Long. 0°7; lat. 0°25. Hab. supra truncos arborum apud S. Juan provinciz Cagayan in- sulz Lucon, Philippinarum. This species, which is related to the last and to Cycl. tortuosum of Gray, approaches very nearly to the genus Pupina, appearing to differ only in having a dull unpolished external surface, while that of Pupina is extremely brilliant. It proves the genera Cyclostoma and Pupina to belong to the same family. The next communication is from Dr. L. Pfeiffer, and contains the following descriptions of shells belonging to the genera Helix and Bulimus, also collected by H. Cuming, Esq. in the Philippine Islands. Hewix zonirera, Sow. Hel. T. imperforatd, subglobosd, tenui, Sulvd, zonis variis opacis lutescenti-albidis ornatd, obsolet? angu- latd ; anfractibus 4 convexis, supremis depressis ; columelld pland, rectd, elongatd ; aperturd lunato-rotundatd, intus nitidd ; peristo~ mate simplici, expanso, albo, cum callo columellari angulatim juncto. Diam. 1°60; alt. 1°10 poll. Hab. ins. Leyte. B. T. tenuissimd, luteo-virente, basi unicolore, ad peripheriam fascid latd nigricante et angustiore albidd, supern? fasciis pluribus albidis interruptis ornatd. Hab. ins. Leyte. y. T. rufo-nigricante, fasciis variis sordide albidis. Hab. ins. Samar. 6. T. crassiusculd, cinnamomed, fasciis lutescenti-albidis, Hab. ins. Samar. Differt ab H. pulcherrimd, cui valde affinis, spiré depressa, anfractu ultimo minus inflato, et columella neque excavata neque dentata. Heurx Norrisiu, Sow. Hel. T. imperforatd, globoso-depressd, so- lidd, glabrd, fulvo-citrind, zonis opacis candidis et infra suturam maculis irregularibus albis notata ; spird semiglobosd ; anfractibus 43 convexis, ultimo ad columellam subexcavato; columella latd, albo-callosd, arcuatim prolongatd ; aperturd fere orbiculari, intis lacted ; peristomate crasso, latissime expanso, Diam. 1°80; alt. 1°15 poll. Hab. insula Lucon, ad Montem Triga. Species intermedia inter H. pulcherrimam et zoniferam, ab illd spira depressa et columella arcuata, ab altera columella excavata, nec angulata diversa. Hexrx tuzonica, Sow. Hel. T. imperforatd, conico-globosd, cras- siusculd, oblique striatd, rufd, apice sanguined, epidermide liberd Sere omnino tectd, medio fascid latd albidd ornato ; spird conoideéd ; anfractibus 5—54 convewiusculis ; columella obliqud, dilatatd, tuberculosd ; aperturd lunato-orbiculari, intis lacted ; peristomate incrassato, laté reflexo, albo vel purpureo late limbato. 472 Zoological Society. Diam. 1°60; lat. 1°15 poll. Hab. Provincia Cagayan insule Lucon. Differt ab H. pulcherrimd testa crassé, conoided, anfractibus plu- ribus et sensim accrescentibus, columella vix excavata et labro in- crassato. Hewix Minpanaensis, Sow. Hel. T.imperforatd, globoso-conicd, solidd, oblique rugoso-striatd, apice obtuso, pallidd, luteo-fuscd, opacd, maculis variis rufis pellucidis ornatd ; spird conoided ; an- fractibus 4£ conveviusculis, ultimo medio obtuse angulato, infra angulum fascia laté, hydrophand, albidd signato ; columellé lividd, subrecté descendente, medio subintortd ; apertura tetragono-ovatd, intis plumbed ; peristomate subincrassato, pariim reflexo, livido- Susco, margine supero arcuatim dilatato. Diam. 2°20; alt. 1°65 poll. Hab. insula Mindanao. Forma et magnitudo sicut H. Pan. Differt anfractu ultimo angu- lato, colore et forma columelle et aperture. Ab H. Harfordii differt forma conicé, maculis non hydrophanis, sed in ipsa testa positis, et margine dextro aperture sinuato. Heuix carponaria, Sow. Hel.T. imperforatd, subtrochiformi, levi, purpureo-nigricante, epidermide fuscd, hydrophand, oblique strigatd, apice rubrd vel violaced ; suturd lineari ; anfractibus 5 planiusculis, ultimo carinato, basi plano; columelld subrectd, dilatatd, fusci- duld ; aperturd subtetragond, intis lividd ; peristomate simplici, via incrassato. Diam. 1°20; altit. 0°95 poll. Hab. Insula Zebu. ‘ Daleguete.’ Variat carina obtusiore, basi convexiore. He rx (Carocoiza) Panarensis, Brod. Hel. T. imperforatd, de- pressd, orbiculari, carinatd, crassiusculd, superné griseo-fuscd, mi- nutissime granulatd, basi radiatim striatd, nitidissimd, olivaced ; spird depresso-conoided ; anfractibus 6 planulatis, ultimo non de- flexo ; aperturd angulato-lunari, intis albidd ; peristomate superneé simplici, basi incrassato, ad columellam expansiusculo. Diam. 1°60; altit. 0°85 poll. Hab. Insula Panay. ‘ Dingle.’ Var. (Cagayan ins. Lucon). Spird elatiore, anfractibus ultimis tu- midis, superné saturate rufa, basi nigricans, deorsim pallescens. Heuix Moricannp1, Sow. Hel. T. umbilicatd, semiglobosd, basi pla- niusculd, nitidd, albido-flava, fasciis rufis 2-3-cinctd ; anfractibus 5% convewxis, ultimo margine dextro subitd deflexo ; umbilico an- gusto, pervio; aperturd transverse pyriformi, basi parallel ; pe- ristomate connexo, margine superiore expanso, basali late reflexo, ad basin dente unico crasso instructo. Diam. 1°35; altit. 0°70 poll. Hab. Insula Bohol. ‘ Jacna.’ Differt ab H. zonali, Fér., cui persimilis, basi plana, aperture parte suprema deflexé, indé horizontali, et marginibus peristomatis junctis. Zoological Society. 473 Hewrx sacirrirera, Pfr.an Nanina? Hel. T. subperforatd, tenui, pellucidd, oblique striatd et obsolete rugosa, fulvd, maculis seriatis sagittiformibus et ad carinam obsoletam fascia unicd rufé ornatd ; suturd impressd, ad anfractum ultimum subcanaliculatad ; anfrac- tibus 44 planiusculis, ultimo inflato ; aperturd perobliqud, lunato- ovata, intis lacteéd; peristomate simplici, ad columellam sub- incrassato, vix reflexro, margine superiore deflexo. Diam. 2; altit. 1°10 poll. Hab. Sinait insule Lucon. Affinis H, Lamarckiane, Lea. Differt forma minus depressa, an- fractibus spirz lente crescentibus, ultimo vix carinato, et colore. Varietas: testa distincté carinaté, superné intensé rufa, infra carinam fascia nigricante diluta circumdata, basi olivaceo-fulva, maculis sagittiformibus obsoletis.—Bolinao insule Lucon. Hewix rutvipa, Pfr.an Nanina? Hel. T. subperforatd, subglobosd, tenui, pellucida, pallid fulvescente, superné confertissime et mi- nutissime granulosa, basi glabrd, nitidd ; spird elaté ; anfractibus 54, supremis planis, 14 ultimis rotundatis ; aperturd lunari ; pe- ristomate simplici, margine columellari subincrassato, ad perfora- tionem obsoletam reflexo. Diam. 1°25; altit. 0°85 poll. Hab. Insula Mindanao. Hexrx Janus, Chemn. xi. 3016. 17.—Helicella, Fér. pr. 233.—An Nanina? Hel. T. sinistrorsd, perforatd, orbiculari, tenui, dia- phand, oblique regulariter et confertim striatd, superne fusca, basi converd, rufa, nitidiusculd ; spird laté depresso-conoided ; anfrac- tibus 7 planulatis, ultimo carinato ; apertura lunari ; peristomate tenui, acuto, margine columellari reflexiusculo. Diam. 1°30 ; altit. 0°80 poll. Hab. in-monte Ophir, peninsule Malaccan. H. Mackensiana, Saul in Revue Zool. 1841, p. 347, eadem esse videtur. Hewix porpuyria, Pfr. an Nanina? Hel. T. perforatd, depressd, solidd, oblique rugoso-striatd, rufd, maculis et strigis creberrimis, flavido-albidis subprominulis marmoratd, carinatd, infra carinam rufo-fasciatd, basi olivaceo-fulvd, nitidiore ; anfractibus 44 pla- nulatis, regulariter crescentibus, ultimo circa perforationem aper- tam excavato; aperturd subrhombed ; peristomate simplici, tenui, margine columellari arcuatim reflexo. Diam. 1°80; altit. 1:00 poll. Hab. Insula Burias. Hexrx Samarensis, Pfr. Hel.T. umbilicatd, depresso-conoided, tenui, oblique striatuld, fulvido-albd, fasciis rufis ornatd ; basi planulaté ; suturd lineari ; anfractibus 44 planiusculis, ultimo basi subcari- nato; umbilico angusto, pervio ; aperturd horizontali, ellipticd ; peristomate simplici, margine supero expanso, basali laté reflexo, edentulo. Diam. 0°90; altit. 0°50 poll. Hab. Insula Samar. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 21 474 Zoological Society. Hexrx Buriert, Pfr. Hel. T. imperforatd, globosd, tenui, levi, apice obtuso albd; spird semiglobosd ; suturd mediocri ; anfrac- tibus 44 planiusculis, ultimo inflato, pallide lutescente, insie par- vis confertis, crispulis vel interruptis ornatd ; columella subrectd, lata, profunde intrante ; apertura rotundato-lunatd ; peristomate simplici, viv expanso. Diam. 1°25; altit. 1-00 poll. Hab. Mountains of the Igorrotes.—Forma affinis H. versicolori Bornii. He.rx Becxiana, Pfr. Hel. T. sabllena orbiculari, tenut, oblique striata, fuscd, vix nitiduld ; spird pariim elatd ; suturd lineari ; anfractibus 6 planiusculis, ultimo deflero, ad peripheriam angu- lato; angulo ad aperturam obsoleto ; basi planiusculd ; umbilico mediocri, pervio ; aperturd fere horizontali, subtrapezoidali ; pe- ristomate simplici, margine columellari brevi, basali reflexo, quasi in tuberculum incrassato. Diam. 0°85 ; altit. 0°40 poll—_Nueva Ecija. Hexix Cumineu, Pfr. Hel. T. imperforatd, depressd, obtuse subca- rinatd, apice violaceo, obtusd, oblique striatd, nigricanti-rufd, epi- dermide rufd, supern® maculis irregularibus, basi fasciis multis stramineo-cinereis ornatd ; anfractibus 4, supremis planiusculis, ultimo subinflato ; columella rect? descendente, late callosd ; aper- turd latd, subquadrangulari; peristomate laté expanso, margine inferiore incrassato. Diam. 1°60; altit. 0°90 poll. Hab. Insula Cebu. —Affinis H. Zebuensi, Brod. Hex scropicunata, Pfr. Hel. T. umbilicatd, lenticulari, tenui, ob- lique rugosd, fulvido-albidd, fusco-zonatd, carinatd ; spird parim elatd, apice obtuso nitidd, glabrd ; suturd lineari ; anfractibus 44 convexiusculis, ultimo deflewo ; carind subacutd ; umbilico angusto, pervio ; ; aperturd transverse pyriformi ; peristomate simplici, continuo, superne expanso, basi laté reflexo, tunidentato ¢ ; dente ob- tuso, extus scrobiculum formante. Diam. 1:15; altit. 0°45 poll. Hab. Insula Bohol. Affinis H. rote, spira elatiore, carina simplici, subacuta, et costis deficientibus diversa. Buuimus BrEvicutus, Pfr. Bul. T. imperforatd, ovatd, apice obtuso, oblique obsolete striatd, nitidd, albd, epidermide lutescente decidua obductd ; anfractibus 6 angustis, convexiusculis ; columella sub- rectd, in laminam tenuem expansd; aperturd perobdliqud, trans- verse semiovali ; peristomate simplict, expanso. Long. 1°15 ; diam. 0°75 poll. Hab. Insula Romblon. Affinis Bulimo stabili, Sow., forma abbreviata, anfractibus con- vexiusculis et apertura diversis. Buximus Cumrinau, Pfr. Bul. T. imperforatd, ovatd, tenuissimd, oblique striatuld, pellucidd, albido-virente, ad suturam lined rufd Zoological Society. 475 circumdatd ; anfractibus 44 convewiusculis, ultimo obsolete angu- lato, spiram pauld superante ; columelld pland, subexcavatd, fusca ; apertura lunato-ovali ; peristomate simplici, margine dextro late expanso, basali subreflexo. Long. 1°35; diam. 0°95 poll. Hab. Insula Camiguing. Butimvs tienarivs, Pfr. Bul. T. imperforatd, conoideo-globosd, so- lida, oblique striata, subepidermide lignarid nitide nigricante, sur sim pallescente, apice obtusiusculo, nitide fulvo ; spird conoided ; anfractibus 5 convexis, ultimo spird pauld breviore ; columelld subrectd, extrorsim late expansd, fusco-plumbed ; aperturd lunato- ovali, intis nitide cerulescente ; peristomate simplici, reflexo, saturate plumbeo, margine dextro valde arcuato. Long. 3°05; diam. 2°20 poll. Hab. Provincia Cagayan insule Lucon. a. Fere unicolor, epidermide pallidé, saturatius strigatd, fascia unicd angustd, nigrd supra, latiore albidd infra medium anfractus ultimi. {. Epidermide albo-strigatd, fasciis pluribus angustis nigricanti- rufis, unicd latiore albidd infra medium anfractus ultimi. y. Minor, spira subelongata ; color sicut in a. Buuimus suexans, Pfr. Bul. T. imperforata, elongato-globosd, apice obtuso, solidiusculd, obliqué distincte striatd, unicolore, rufa ; an- Sractibus 5 convevis, ultimo spiram equante ; columellé latd, albd, introrsim arcuatim prominente ; aperturd magnd, irregulariter subovali, ad basin columelle sinuatd, intis pallide livida ; peristo- mate vir reflexo, rufo-marginato. _- Long. 2°20; diam. 1°50 poll. Hab. ‘ Mountains of Igorrotes.’ Buuimus Nympua, Pfr. (Achatina?) Bul. T. ovato-turritd, solidius- culd, levi, sulphured, epidermide hydrophand, ligned crebre et late strigatd, lined suturali rufd et ared columellari nigricante ornatd; apice obtuso, nitide roseo; anfractibus 6 vix convexiusculis, ultimo 3, longitudinis equante, obsolete angulato ; columelld recta, pland, vix truncatuld ; aperturd magna, ovali, intis albd; peristomate subsimplici, albo, margine dextro valde arcuato. Long. 2°00; diam. 0°95 poll. Hab. Insula Lugon, ‘San Miguel.’ Var. Testa rufa, sursiim pallescente, apice roseo; epidermide al- bida, peristomate rufo. Mt. Triga. Differt a Bulimo (Achatina) Boholensi forma ventricosiore, anfractu ultimo brevi, apertura lata, peristomate non expanso. July 12.—William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair. The following ‘‘ Descriptions of two new species of Oniscia, a genus of pectinibranchiate Mollusks,’”’ communicated by Mr. Lovell Reeve, was read. Oniscra Dennisoni. Onisc. testd trigono-ovatd, decussatim costatd, costis tuberculo squamdve ad juncturas instructis ; anfractibus su- 212 476 Zoological Society. perne angulatis, superficie albd, fusco-maculosd, leviter striatd ; labro columellari rutilo, albo-granuloso, latissim? effuso ; labro ex- terno valde incrassato, interne denticulis albis irregulariter ornato. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 253. f. 5 and 6, Hab. ? Long. 2; lat. 144, poll. In dedicating this very chaste and beautiful shell to its fortunate possessor, J. Dennison, Esq., we memorize the name of a gentleman whose collection is perhaps unequalled in excellency and preserva- tion, The very rare and valuable specimen before us is closely allied to the Oniscia cancellata (Cassidaria cancellata, Lamarck), so much so indeed that we at first hesitated to consider it a distinct species ; the rich and rosy appearance of the columellar lip is, however, re- markable, and as this part of the shell exhibits its chief generic cha- racter, may not so decided a variation of it be considered of specific importance ? Oniscia StromsBirormis. Onisec. testd trigono-pyriformi, albd, transversim irregulariter costatd et nodosa; anfractibus superne angulatis, angulis valde nodosis ; labro columellari albo, granuloso, leviter effuso ; labro externo denticulato. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 253. f. 1. Hab. ? Mus. Cuming. Long. 7; lat. £ poll. An interesting small species, figured in ‘Conch. Syst.’ together with the former, and which appears to be very distinct from any hitherto described. A series of birds’ skins, being the remaining portion of the collec- tion presented by Walter Ewer, Esq., part of which was exhibited at the previous meeting, was laid on the table. ‘These birds were col- lected in the north-western province of the Bengal presidency, in north latitude 29° to 31°, and east longitude 77° to 80°, and are chiefly inhabitants of the plain. Mr. Ewer, however, observes, that there are perhaps also a few from the Himalaya mountains in the collection. The following is a list of the species :— Neophron percnopterus, Temm. Haliaétus Mace. Ponticerianus. Circaétus brachydactylus, Vieill. Aquila Vindhiana, Frankl. Morphnus cristatellus. Astur Hyder, Sykes. Accipiter nisus. Falco Chicquera, Lath. Circus rufus, Briss. pallidus, Sykes. Elanus melanopterus, Leach. Milvus Cheele. Ketupa Leschenaulti, Less. Merops Philippinus, Linn. viridis, Linn. | Hirundo filifera, Steph. riparia? Linn. Halcyon Smyrnensis, Linn. Alcedo rudis, Linn. Bengalensis. Graucalus Papuensis, Cuv. Collurio erythronotus, Vig. Lahtora, Sykes. Phenicornis peregrina, Vig. brevirostris, Vig. rubeculoides, Vig. Turdus albicollis. Zoological Society. Turdus pecilopterus, Vig. saularis, Auct. Oriolus Galbula. Malacocercus striatus, Sw. Hypsipetes psaroides, Vig. Izos cafer. leucotis, Gould. Tanthocincla albogularis, Gould. leucocephala, Gould. erythrocephala, Gould. Enicurus maculatus, Vig. Myophonus Temminckhi, Vig. Megalurus palustris, Sykes? Anthus Chendoola, Frankl. Pyrrhulauda cruciger. Sazicola bicolor, Sykes. Phenicura ruticilla, Sw. Motacilla alba, Prinia inornata, Sykes.’ Timalia hypoleuca, Frankl. Parus atriceps, Horsf. Emberiza cristata, Vig. Pyrgita domestica, Cuv. Fringilla leuconota, ‘Temm. Ploceus Philippinus, Cuv. Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. Pastor Galla. Lamprotornis spilopterus, Vig. Dendrocitta Sinensis, Vig. vagabunda, Vig. Garrulus bispecularis, Vig. lanceolatus, Vig. striatus, Vig. Pica erythrorhyncha, Vig. Nucifraga hemispila, Vig. Fregilus Graculus, Cuv. Corvus culminatus, Sykes. Eudynamys orientalis, V. & H. Centropus Philippensis, Cuv. Cirkeer, Gray. Paleornis torquatus, Vig. flavicollaris, Frankl. 477 Picus oceipitalis, Vig. Mahrattensis, Lath. Bueco caniceps, Frankl. Philippinensis, Auct. Yunx Torquilla, Linn. Sitta castaneoventris, Frankl. Pomatorhinus erythrogenys, Vig. Phasianus albocristatus, Vig. Perdix Chukar, Vig. Francolinus Pondicerianus. vulgaris. — Coturnix Cambaiensis. Pterocles exustus. Cursorius Coromandelicus. CEdicnemus crepitans, 'Temm. Vanellus Goensis, Auct. cristatus, Meyer. Keptuschka, Temm. Gallinago stenurus. Tringa pugnax, Linn. Temmincki, Leisler. Totanus glottoides, Vig. Herodias Gazetta. Botaurus stellaris, Steph. Anas pecilorhyncha, Gmel. Dafila acuta, Leach. Mareca Penelope, Selby. Fuligula rufina, Steph. cristata, Steph. Nyroca leucophthalma, Flem. Rhynchaspis clypeata, Steph. Chauliodes strepera, Sw. Querquedula Crecca. Tadorna rutila, Steph. Anser. Indicus, Steph. Mergus albellus, Linn. merganser, Linn. Podiceps minor, Lath. Sterna aurantia, Gray. Plotus Levaillanti, 'Temm. Phalacrocorax Javanica. Cormoranus, ‘Temm. An abstract of a letter from E. Blyth, Esq., curator to the mu- seum at Calcutta, was then read. It contains the following list of birds, with observations upon them, which are found both in India and Europe :— Aquila chrysaétos, Vig. Falco peregrinus, Gmel. Inhabits the mountains. Inhabits the mountains. 478 Zoological Society. Falco Tinnunculus, Linn. Common. Pernis apivorus, Auct. Moderately common. Circus rufus, Auct. Moderately common. cyaneus, Auct, Moderately common. cineraceus, Auct. Moderately common. Otus brachyotus, Flem. Not rare. Strix flammea, Linn. Common. Hirundo rustica, Linn. Found in the Himalayas. riparia, Linn. Inhabits the Himalayas. Sazicola Rubetra, Temm. Not uncommon. rubicola, Temm. Not uncommon. Sylvia Hippolais, Lath. Not uncommon, Suecica, Lath. Not uncommon, Turdus viscivorus, Linn. Inhabits the Himalayas. Pyrgita domestica, Auct. Very common. montana, Auct. Inhabits the Himalayas; is foend also at Chusan on the east, and Affghanistan on the west, in both places re- presenting the house-sparrow. Corvus pica, Linn. Is found, according to report, in Affghanistan. I have seen the true British species from Chusan. There is a distinct but nearly allied species at Bootan, which may also be that of Aff- ghanistan, Corvus Coraz, Linn. Inhabits the mountains, but not the plains ; it is there replaced by a smaller species*, often mistaken for the common raven. Fregilus Graculus, Selby. Abounds in the Himalayas. Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. Is seen commonly in the bird-shops at Calcutta, being brought from the hills. Cuculus canorus, Linn. Rare; but the nearly allied species, Cuculus micropterus of Gould, is less so. Yunex Torquilla, Linn. Not rare. Charadrius minor, Meyer. Very common. Cidicnemus crepitans, Temm, Inhabits the peninsula of India. Ardea. All the European species of Heron are to be met with. Botaurus stellaris, Linn. Ciconia alba, Ray. Rare. nigra, Ray. Rare. Platalea Leucorodia, Linn. Very common. Ibis Falcinellus, Temm. Very common. Numenius arquata, Lath. Common; but the Numenius pheopus (Lath.) is not found here. Totanus fuscus, Leisl. Common. calidris, Bechst. Common. ochropus,'Temm. Not very common. —— glareola,’Temm. Excessively abundant. —— hypoleucos, Temm. Not very common. Recurvirostra Avocetia, Linn. Not very common. Himantopus melanopterus,'Temm. Very common. * Mr. Blyth probably alludes to the species to which Col. Sykes gave the name culminatus. ? Geological Society. 479 Limosa melanura, Leisl. Very common; but the Limosa rufa (Briss.) is not found here. Scolopax Rusticola, Linn. Abounds in the hills. Gallinago, Linn, Not rare, ~—— Gallinula, Linn. Not rare. Tringa pugnax, Linn. Common, subarquata, Temm. ‘'Tolerably common. —— Temmincki, Leisl. Very common. minuta, Leisl. Very common. Phalaropus platyrhynchus,'Temm. Rare. Tadorna rutila, Steph. Common, Bellonii, Steph. Very rare. Anas clypeata, Linn. Moderately common. Chauliodus Strepera, Swains. Moderately common. Dajfila acuta, Linn, Common, Querquedula circea, Very common. —— Crecca. Very common. Mareca Penelope, Selb, Not common. Fuligula rufina, Steph, Very common. —— Nyroca, Steph. Very common. —— cristata, Steph. Not common, —— ferina, Steph. Not common, GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. June 15,1842,-A communication was made by Dr. Grant, F.G.S., “On the Structure and History of the Mastodontoid Animals of North America.” The chief object of this communication was to point out the structural differences and zoological distinctions of the Mastodons and Tetracaulodons of North America ; and the inquiries were in- stituted in consequence of the favourable opportunity afforded by the temporary exhibition, in this metropolis, of Mr. Koch's large collec- tion of organic remains from the State of Missouri, consisting prin- cipally of the relics of these two genera. After pointing out the important applications of the study of these remains, and the geological relations of Mastodontoid animals, and the discordant opinions of zoologists as to their specific distinctions, Dr. Grant entered into extended details regarding the general struc- ture and the peculiarities of the skeleton in the three principal Mastodontoid genera, Mastodon, Tetracaulodon, and Deinotherium, which are compared with those of the elephant and other allied ge- nera, The fifth section of the memoir is occupied with the descrip- tion of the development, forms, structure and changes of the dental system of Mastodontoid animals ; and each tooth and tusk of the three principal genera are described and compared, and the principal modifications they exhibit according to difference of age, sex, and species. After pointing out the necessity of including the entire se- ries of successive teeth, in the dental formule of genera, where the teeth are constantly displacing and succeeding each other through 480. Geological Society. the whole of life, the author announces the dental formule of the four Proboscidian genera of Pachyderma to be Elephas, Inc. a can, a mol, eas = 34; Mastodon, Inc. =, can. =, mol. a = 26. Tetracaulodon, Inc. can, a mol. = 3-28. Deinotherium, Inc. Lm can. oa mol. vas ce oe. For the determination of the dental formule of Mastodon and Te- tracaulodon, Dr. Grant relied entirely on the splendid collection of jaws, crania, and teeth in Mr. Koch’s possession, which afford ample means for the solution of that problem. For the dental formula of Deinotherium he has been indebted solely to the casts and fragments of that genus in the British Museum. After explaining the uncer- tainties and fallacies to which naturalists have been exposed in the identification of species, from not having ascertained the entire dental series in any Mastodon, the sixth section of the memoir describes the distinctive characters and the distribution of the Mastodon angusti- dens, M. latidens, M. Elephantoides, M. minutum, M. Tapiroides, M. Andium, M. Borsoni, M. Humboldtii, M. Turicense, M. Avernense, M. giganteum, M. Cuvieri, and M. Jeffersoni. The seventh section of the memoir is devoted to the examination and description of the generic characters of Tetracaulodon, as established by Dr. Godman, and as founded onthe number and form of the teeth, the peculiarities of their microscopic structure, the form of the jaws, the tusks, the alveoli of the tusks, the intermaxillary fossa, the infra-orbitary fora- mina, and other influential characters. The eighth and last section of this paper is occupied with an account of the distinctive characters and the distribution of the known species of this genus ; viz. Tetra- caulodon Godmani, T. Collinsii, T. Tapiroides, T. Kochii, T. Haysii, and T. Bucklandi. June 29.—* Notice on the Discovery of Insects in the Wealden of the Vale of Aylesbury, Bucks, with some observations on the distri- bution of these and other Fossils in the Vale of Wardour, Wiltshire.” By the Rev. P. B. Brodie, F.G.S. In a former notice Mr. Brodie announced the discovery of insects as well as a new genus of Isopods in the Wealden beds of the Vale of Wardour, and in this communication he gives an account of ad- ditional localities in the same Vale, where he has found both the in- sects and crustaceans, and of the strata belonging to the Wealden se- ries, in which he has obtained fossil insects, in the Vale of Aylesbury. Vale of Wardour.—The precise spot noticed in the former paper is a quarry at Dallards, and the first point to which the author now calls attention, is situated about two miles to the south-east of it. The fol- lowing section is given of the beds at the new locality, the dip being slightly to the south :— Geological Society. 481 1. Top. Debris of rounded fragments of greensand and Portland stone, with their usual fossils, a few inches thick. 2. Chert, full of Cyclas; it also contains occasionally Bulonites: «: | wmsmo |" 32 Te os =. @ 7 8 <4 A 3 “Urey “pura, *I9JOMOULIOY J, *19JOULOIV > rs ro “RANWUQ ‘asunpy younpung 7H “uoysno[D *d “Ady 247 49 pun {TUIHS-saTUIWAG ‘asunpy yuniaddy yo ‘sequag * AA *Aey 277, £9 {NOLSOg 70 “Ive ATI 49 fuopuo'T tvau ‘x0IMSIHD yo Ajatz0g younynarysopy 243 fo uapavyy ayz 4D ‘uosdwony, ay 49 ‘ uoqaqoy “ry “Aunjauvag qunjsissp az hg ‘NOGNO'T ‘Ajatug yohoy ay3 fo sjuampundy ay2 30 apou suoywasasgo JonSojoLoajayy THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. SUPPLEMENT TO VOL. XI. JULY 1848. PALAAASA LXIII.—Contributions to the Ichthyology of Australia. By Joun Ricnarpson, M.D., F.R.S., &c., Inspector of Hospitals, Haslar. [Concluded from p. 428.] Levuciscus (PryCHOLEPIS) SALMONEUS wee salmoneus, J. R, Forster, MS. iv. 14. apud Schneid. ‘e Forster, 0. 237 Mugil lavaretoides, Solander, Pisc. Austr. p. 15.? No. 29. Mr. Gilbert’s list. Tus fish is stated to be in general an inhabitant of deep water, and rarely seen within the harbour of Port Essington, though the natives occasionally spear it close in shore. Mr. Gilbert’s specimen was obtained at Point Smith. The exist- ence of this fish in the collection is important, as it serves to rectify a mistake in the ‘ Régne Animal,’ ii. p. 324, respecting a species discovered at the island of Tanna by the Forsters. Cuvier’s expression is, “ L’Elops de la mer des Indes est P Argentina machnata de Forskal, et le Mugil salmoneus de Forster, Bl. Schn. 121, quoiqu il ne lui donne que quatre rayons branchiaux, je m’en suis assuré par sa figure. C’est aussi le inagow, Russell, 179, &c.” Forster’s figure measures a foot and a half, within an inch of the length of our speci- men, which it exactly represents, with the single exception of the caudal fin being a trifle smaller. The four gill-rays are correctly drawn, and show that the fish cannot be ranked in the Clupeoid family; and in fact neither the figure nor the specimen has, even excluding the great dissimilarity of the number of the gill-rays, more than a distant resemblance to the Elops jinagow of Russell. The following brief notice of a New Zealand fish occurs in the ‘ Pisces Australie ’:—‘‘ Mugil lavaretoides. Piscis dorso e ceruleo- virescens (uti in Harengo), inferne argenteus. In occipite supra et paulo pone oculos area magna ex argenteo sordide virescens, quasi subpellucida. Iris ex argenteo-flava; pupilla parva nigra. Pinne ex albido-cinerascentes. Habitat Tolaga.” (p. 15.) Though there is nothing in this extract to point out the genus of the fish it alludes to, yet, as both the specific appellation of davaretoides and the tints Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol.xi. Suppl. 2K 490 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to of colour spoken of agree well with the Port Essington fish, it is possible enough that Solander may have had before him an example of the same or of a nearly allied species. He may have given an equal latitude to the generic term Mugil, as the Forsters afterwards did; and indeed as is done vulgarly by the English residents on the Indian coasts, who apply the term ‘mullet’ to several Leucisci as well as to the true Mugiles. M. Valenciennes says, “Il y a dans les manuscrits de ce méme naturaliste (Solander), un Mugil lavare- toides qu’il est difficile de caractériser par le peu de mots qu’il en dit; mais nous avons cependant quelques raisons de soupconner que e’est de l’Elops dont il s’agit ici,” (C. & V. xi. p. 118.) Mr. J. McClelland, who has contributed so largely to our knowledge of the Indian Cyprinide, writes, ‘‘ Nor is anything whatever known, as far as I am aware, of the existence of Cyprins in New Holland, or any of the Polynesian islands.” (Annals of Nat. History for Nov. 1841, p- 198.) And after carefully examining the South-Sea drawings of Parkinson and George Forster, and all the collections of New Zea- land, Australian, and Polynesian fish that have come in my way, the Leuciscus salmoneus is the only Cyprinoid that I have found among them*. , Two of Russell’s Cyprini, the tooleloo (No. 208) and the palah- bontah (No, 207), agree with L, salmoneus in possessing four gill- rays, as well as in a portion or the whole of the scales being closely furrowed, producing numerous narrow delicate ridges which termi- nate on the free edge of the scale in acute projecting points or teeth. For these, as a subgenus or minor diyision of Leuciscus, I propose the designation Ptycholepis, In the palah-bontah the scales above the lateral line only are striated; the tooleloo agrees with salmoneus in the striated structure being common to all the scales of the body. Both of Russell’s species receive the name of ‘* mullet”’ from the En- glish residents on the Coromandel coast, the palah-bontah being di- stinguished as the “ milk mullet,” and the tooleloo, which is caught in the river at Madepollam only when the freshes come down and never in the sea, as the ‘‘ mountain mullet.” In shape and general aspect this fish strongly resembles a Core- gonus. ‘The head is small and forms only a fifth part of the total length, excluding the lobes of the caudal. ‘The profile is a narrow ellipse, the back and belly being bounded by equal curves, which rise regularly from the mouth to midway between the gill-openings and ventrals, where the body is highest. The posterior curves are flatter and one-third longer, and the body tapers gradually to the base of the caudal, where the height is only one-third of that before the ventrals. The head is covered with a smooth nacry skin which is continued * Mr. McClelland, in pointing out the analogical relations which exist between the Rasorial birds and the Cyprinide, says, that “ while there is no instance of Rasorial birds possessed of aquatic habits, so no species of Cypri- nide is known to belong to the sea; in India they are exclusively confined to fresh water, mostly keeping beyond the influence of the tides.” The Ptycholepis salmoneus is an exception, - the Ichthyology of Australia, 491 evenly over the cheeks and gill-covers, so that the opercular bones can scarcely be distinguished from each other even in the dried spe- cimen. The under border alone of the preoperculum is marked out by a slight fold of the skin, and the membrane, which is stretched from the fore-part of the interoperculum to the under lip, is not at- tached to the integument which covers the limb of the hyoid bone over which it passes, a kind of pocket opening downwards being thus formed. The posterior part of the interoperculum and rest of the opercular pieces form one continuous surface with the gill-mem- branes. The top of the head is flattish, and narrows gradually from the nape to the snout. In the dried fish the flat space is bounded laterally by a slightly elevated line which extends from the nostrils to the nape. The upper edge of the orbit is promment and rounded, and a scarcely raised line is continued from it to the upper angle of the gill-cover. The eye is large, and is only half the length of the orbit from the orifice of the mouth, but twice as far from the gill- opening. The mouth is small, but the true shape of its orifice can- not be ascertained from the specimen, the under lip having been injured. The maxillary widens gradually towards its lower end, which is rounded away: it forms half the upper lip, which is arched, and is received a short way under the bulging edge of the preorbitar. The upper lip has no soft parts beyond the thin integument covering the bone. There are no yestiges whatever of teeth either on the jaws or roof of the mouth. A mucous canal with short branchlets traverses the surface of the preorbitar, and closely skirts the orbit beneath and behind. The gill-rays are strap-shaped, very thin and flat. _ There are no scales on any part of the head. The scales of the body are of moderate size, there being eighty-five rows and some small ones between the gill-opening and caudal fin, on which the scales terminate by an obtusely oval outline, and cover the central rays more than half-way. ‘The lateral line, with the exception of a short inclination at its commencement, keeps a perfectly straight course a little above mid-height from the gill-opening to the end of the scales. ‘The texture of the scales is thin and their form subor- bicular. The basal half is divided by a notch into two, rounded lobes, and shows no other impressions than the very fine concentric lines of structure. The uncovered portion is marked by about twenty- six slightly divergent furrows, producing an equal number of rounded ridges which terminate on the edge in acute points. Rays :—B.4; D.15; A.11; ©C.198; P.17; V. 11. The pectoral is small and situated low down; it is composed of seyenteen rays and ashort incumbent one, and there is a long pointed scale beneath it. ‘The acute point of the fin reaches nearly half-way from the gill-opening to the ventrals. ‘The dorsal fin commences exactly midway between the mouth and base of the central caudal rays: its margin is lunate with acute points, and the anterior point is thrice as high as the posterior one. ‘The first three rays are sim- ple without visible joints, short and closely incumbent ; the rest are 2K2 492 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to more or less divided at their tips. The fourth and fifth are the tall- est, and form the anterior tip of the fin. The bases of the rays are covered by a scaly fillet, which runs toa point posteriorly and rises a little from the back. The ventrals stand opposite to the middle of the dorsal, or midway between the mouth and tips of the central caudal rays. There are eleven rays, the outer one being strong, flat and bony, but divided at the tip, the others becoming gradually smaller as they are more and more interior. There is a long acute scale above the fin, and a scaly plate between the fins. The anal is small, with a wide notch in its edge, and is composed of eleven rays, in- cluding three short, graduated, incumbent ones. A scaly fillet rising obliquely from the base of the anterior rays nearly covers the poste- rior half of the fin. The caudal fin is very deeply forked, its acute and widely separated lobes being five times the length of the central rays. ‘The divergence of the points exceeds the height of the body, and nearly equals the distance between the tips of the dorsal and ventrals ; it consists of nineteen rays, with nine shorter, graduated, incumbent ones above and eight below. The exterior simple ray which reaches to the point of the lobe above and below is broad and bony, and is crossed at regular distances by oblique lines, which are nearly obsolete on the bases of the more interior branched rays, and are less conspicuous on the exterior short incumbent ones. There are no distinct traces of colour remaining, except some dark shades along the back. The sides and belly have a bright silvery lustre, and the sides of the head a somewhat golden hue. DIMENSIONS. _ inches. Jines. Length from intermaxillary to tip of upper lobe of caudal.... 19 0 tips of central rays ......seeee 15 1 base Of ditto......cscscseseeeeees 14 6 beginning of anal .......+068 11 6 Ventrals veccscsescsedeseceevasion 8 0 DOPED sii co sseeans tisiiiunda Gh 5 pectorals ........008- dren's oh haatih 3 5 tip of gill-cover ........+06 ap Oo | 8. Length of orbit ...cccccsesccccsccccecsccecccstesesocsscesscessooases 0, Ad Distance between angle of orbit and orifice of mouth ..... sree @ 7 Height Of DOdY .<.i2.scescsneccneseseeneeopses Jenducbhouidesfeetnoed en 0 ———— dorsal fin.....csccscceeeees Nidues cd4bh ebueealety kine eee ines re Length of ditto ............006 Sein iiventse 2 atebess Satuedevachgasees 2 2 pectoral rays ...... veeevceerocccecccseceoescs Perrin 2 2 ventral rays ...ceccese biebeanveresiee Wisevinaeen seis peek oie 1 8 Oa) fd haseesis cddsodersvpveniedesdwecesk dev oceveseveds ye 5 DOPED DE CIB 5 nas vb snaepate oinessvicdane wach) sets eusamegedeasads 0 94 Length of caudal lobes ...........secessseveoscvccesseseres many es 7 oO 6 Divergence of points Of ditto .......scscccssseresceenesesesesencaces 5 6 Depth'of caudal fork’ ii. iis ices cccccsste snnecdsesebesccodesscepecs’ 3 6 Obs. This subgenus and many of the other species described in this paper have already been named by me in a Report on the Ich- thyology of New Zealand, read at the Meeting of the British Asso- ciation in June 1842, and in the Appendix to Dr. Dieffenbach’s ac- count of New Zealand. the Ichthyology of Australia. 493 MEGALOPS SETIPINNIS, Forster’s Megalops. Clupea setipinna, Forster, fig. 242. Banks. Biblioth. (A reference to Clu- pea cyprinoides, Brouss., is added to the fig. by Dryander.) No. 3, Mr. Gilbert’s list. Mr. Gilbert informs us that this fish is named the “ fresh- water herring” by the settlers at Port Essington, and “ or- roree” by the natives. It inhabits all the freshwater streams, swamps and lakes of Cobourg Peninsula, and may be taken readily with a hook and line. In the latter end of the dry season, when the waters have become shallow, it is caught in great numbers in clap-nets by the Aborigines ; and when the swamps have altogether dried up, this fish is found living in the mud at the depth of several feet, where it remains until the ponds fill again; then it reappears in multitudes and of full size, although the mud may be covered merely by « few inches of water. It is an indifferent acquisition to the table, being not only full of bones like the English herring, but soft as if putrid, however early it may be cooked after it is caught. The Banksian library contains a pencil sketch made by Forster of a fish taken by him in a freshwater pond on the island of Tanna in August 1774, which is a tolerable represen- tation of the form of our fish*. Broussonnet confounds For- ster’s fish with Bloch’s Clupea cyprinoides, a native of the Caribbean Sea, noticing however the difference of the fin-rays in Forster’s and Bloch’s specimens. He mentions the habit the fish has of burying itself in the mud. The Atlantic and the Pacific species are again confounded in Schneider’s posthumous edition of Bloch under the name of Clupea thrissoides (p. 424), and in quoting the numbers of the rays from Broussonnet, Forster’s name is transposed and placed against the rays of Bloch’s species. The Megalope filamenteux (Lacep. v. pl. 13. f. 3, Russell, 203), which is stated in the ‘Régne Animal’ to have sixteen rays in the dorsal, has a smaller eye with a larger space between it and the edge of the intermaxillaries, and also larger fins, especially pectorals, than setipinnis. Although the term setipinnis refers more to a generic character than to a specific distinction, I do not think myself authorized to change it. The profile of Mr. Gilbert’s specimen is a pretty regular and ele- gant ellipse, whose vertical diameter at the ventrals is equal to one- fourth of the axis from the snout to the extremity of the central caudal rays. ‘The caudal is deeply forked. The length of the head, measured to the extreme edge of the gill-cover, is exactly equal to * The size of the eye and shortness of the snout correspond with Mr. Gil- bert’s specimen, but the dorsal is placed too far forward, probably from in- advertence. A494 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to the vertical axis of the body. The belly is rounded, and not serrated like Chatoéssus. ‘The under jaw exceeds the snout in length, so that the mouth opens obliquely upwards when the jaw is moderately de- pressed. The maxillary bone is large and strong, and consists of three pieces ;. a long and slightly arched one, which carries the teeth on its anterior edge, and receives the two shorter pieces into its posterior arc, so that the form of the whole bone is a long oval, whose tip reaches backwards beyond the middle of the eye. The intermaxillaries, maxillaries, and lower jaw are atmed on their thin edges only with very narrow bands of minute teeth, which have more resemblance to the asperities of a fine file than to the pile of shorn velvet. The whole surface of the palate-bone is rough, and when examined with a lens appears like shagreeh, or as if densely pow- dered with very fine sand. The eye is large, and is situated the breadth of itself from the scales on the nape; and half that distance from the end of the snout, and a diameter and a half from the extreme edge of the gill-cover. It just touches the profile of the forehead, but is nearly its own height above the inferior outline of the head. The crest of the preoperculum is defined in the dried specimen by an arc of irregular pits, from whence fine furrows radiate over the broad and delicately thin limb of the bone. Similar streaks are visible on the suborbitars, and are con- nected with a chain of pores which surround the orbit. The scales are large, there being only forty in a longitudinal row, exclusive of one or two small ones on the base of the caudal, and there are nine in a vertical row between the dorsal and ventrals. The lateral line runs straight along the middle of the side, and each of its scales, which are of the same size with the rest, is marked by six or seven slightly undulating and mostly forked furrows, which radiate from an irregular eminence at the back of the uncovered surface. The area of the scales resembles frosted silver with a thin, narrow margin imitating the polished metal, and yielding silvery, greenish and purplish reflexions. The top of the head and summit of the back retain a dark olive tint, which gradually fades away above the lateral line. The belly appears to have been white. The head is nacry with metallic lustre, and yields golden reflexions. The vertical fins are dark gray; thickly powdered with minute dark dots, as was the case with Forster’s fish. The colours are described from the specimen after being washed and while still wet: Rays:—I1st spec. B. 21; D.19; A. 25; V.10; P.15; C. 204. 2nd do. ge: » ¥8: 253 Oy) &B4 204. Forster’s spec. 22; 17; 25; 10; 15; 202(Brous.) The first specimen is the left side of a fish, and the second one the right. A difference of one ray in the branchiostegous membrane of the right and left sides of the same individual is common among the Salmonide, and it is very probable that Forster did not reckon the two very short incumbent rays at the beginning of the dorsal which I have included in my enumeration. The dorsal, standing directly over the ventrals, commences exactly the Ichthyology of Australia. 495 midway between the tip of the snout and base of the anal ; its first four rays are graduated and closely incumbent on the base of the fifth, without intervening membrane. ‘The fifth is nearly as long as the sixth and seventh, the more posterior ones again decrease in length till the sixteenth, but the seventeenth and eighteenth are a little longer, and the nineteenth is prolonged and tapers to a point, which, when turned back, falls but little short of the base of the - eaudal. It is about one-fourth longer than the sixth ray, is broader than the rest, and is grooved behind so as to show very clearly its binate structure: it has a short anterior branch, which is not longer than the preceding ray. The anal is placed much further back than the dorsal and has more rays, but is otherwise very simi- larly constructed. Its last ray resembles the last one of the dorsal in form, being forked, with the posterior portion wider, grooved and tapering, but not much prolonged beyond the preceding rays. There is a small fold of the skin above the upper ray of the ventral, pro- ducing an acute ridge about half as long as the fin. No such nee can be perceived at the pectoral. Dimensions. inches, lines, Length from snout to tip of caudal ......... TANT A? HOS IQ ~ base of catidal ...........0.000 TT Tie FMOOg NU Saree ieert istic ri eeri tire eri aes eee 5 0 - beginning of dorsal or Yentrals , és 3 7z edge of gill-cover <..s.0sssso-cepeovnenine 1 9 AIADE «cho bossdecvrccbecccncshagnonedcekves Pee 6 Diameter of eye ...s.scccerseeee M5 AR chanced ends vet reap stchesBiensadtons 0 64 BMDOO OL OIUGL 5 icsy; siitss sev sesiioas co resreree iss oweddsund venen 0 6 Length of caudal lobes iissississsevscssvevscsvavescceevcnvene inva 2 2 catidal cemtral TAYS. ...costcisiecsigesdiessvecshscensecen’ 0 6 — pectorals ..........s000 ebeghane aves chineh el Db Ash sihed eae « 1 5 ——~— ventrals ........ Sa epibeseosedban WETS ssncestssceccvostsasbes 1 1 RHOMBUS LENTIGINOSUS (Nod.). Rh. lentiginosus ; cum pinnis verticalibus ellipticus ; pinna caudz rhomboidali, pinnis ventralibus invicem et a pinna anali discretis ; oculis approximatis sinistris; squamis apice ciliatis, singulis macula lunata verticali notatis ; linea laterali super pinnam pectoralem cur- vata, dein recta. Rav.—Br. 7; D.73; A. 59; C. 153; No. 35. Mr. Gilbert’s list. This fish, which as far as I can ascertain is hitherto unde- scribed, inhabits all parts of the harbour of Port Essington, and the whole coast of Cobourg Peninsula. The Aborigines name it “ wooneerung.’ Its profile, excluding the vertical fins and extremely short trunk of ‘496 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to the tail, is an ellipse, whose axis is twice the length of its vertical diameter. The ellipse is not however quite regular, being more taper in its posterior half. This is compensated by the greater, though graduated length of the dorsal and anal rays bordering that part of the fish, so that instead of the rhomboidal outline usual in the genus, these fins produce an ellipse more regular than that of the body, and having a vertical diameter equal to the entire length from the end of the snout to the tip of the rhomboidal caudal. The tolerably large orifice of the mouth is in the anterior apex of the ellipse, and runs backwards and downwards with a moderate curve: when it is shut, the oblique end of the lower jaw projects a little beyond the intermaxillaries. The whole edge of the lower jaw and the upper jaw near the symphysis are armed by short awl-shaped teeth set rather remotely ina single row. On the lateral parts of the upper jaw the teeth are minute, short and crowded, but also in a single row. The roof of the mouth is toothless. The perfectly smooth chevron of the vomer projects considerably, while the arti- cular heads of the maxillaries are but just visible within the mouth. On the lower dilated and truncated end of the left maxillary there is a small cluster of scales. The right maxillary is scaleless. Each limb of the lower jaw is traversed by two furrows divided from each other by an acute ridge, and the uppermost furrow on the coloured side is lined by a row of small ciliated scales, which do not exist on the other side. The head is flattened on the pale side, and the nostrils of that sid are much nearer the dorsal or mesial line than the left ones are. The eyes are on the left side close to each other, and not much out of the same vertical line, the upper one being but a very little poste- rior to the under one. The orbits are bordered posteriorly at a little distance by a line of slightly raised tubes with porous mouths, the line belonging to the under eye being a semicircular one, while the upper one encloses an acutely triangular area whose apex terminates in a slight but evident ridge, which runs to the occiput and is covered with scales like the adjoining parts. The disc of the lower limb of the preoperculum is roughened by irregular tubular elevations, co- vered with epidermis and a very few interspersed scales ; the upper limb is smooth, the rest of the opercular pieces and the whole cheek is densely scaly. The interoperculum has an oval form, and is longer and wider than the suboperculum. ‘The edges of all the pieces of the gill-cover are smooth. A flexible cartilaginous tip extends from the suboperculum under the operculum to the membranous edge of the gill-cover, as is usual in most acanthopterygian genera. Rays :—Br. 7; D. 73; A.59; P. 111; C. 152; V.6—6. The (left) pectoral is obliquely rounded; its second articulated ray is the longest, and but just exceeds the first and third; the under ones are regularly graduated to the lowest, which is half the length of the uppermost ones. ‘There is a short, slender spine incumbent on the base of the upper ray. The membrane is very delicate and perfectly scaleless. ‘The dorsal commences over the posterior nasal orifices, and the membranous edge of its first ray turns towards the the Ichthyology of Australia. 497 right side, and originates at the margin of the nostril. The rays between the thirty-fifth and fifty-fifth are equal to each other and longer than the rest, which shorten very gradually each way; the first being about half the length of these, and the last only about one-third of their length. The tips of ten or twelve of the most an- terior rays are more tapering and theirmembrane more notched. A single row of scales reclines against the fore-side of each ray, on both sides of the fin. The anal* is formed like the dorsal. The trunk of the tail, included between the caudal and these fins, is very short, and consists of little more than the swelling base of the caudal. The ventrals are not connected with the anal, and are not even in the same plane with it, but are attached one on each side of the edge of the belly. The outline of the fin is rounded ; all its rays are jointed, its outer one is bound down nearly to its tip; the membrane is scaleless and is notched between the rays. ‘The caudal is rhom- boidal, its central ray is the longest, and all its rays are scaly. The scales of the head and body are of moderate size. A longi- tudinal line between the gill-cover and caudal contains seventy, and a vertical line at the broadest part of the fish forty-four. Each scale is bordered on its exterior tip by a small elliptical disc, which appears under the microscope to be thickly tiled with subulate teeth, the ex- terior ones being the largest and forming a rough fringe; next the rough disc there is a semilunate spot, which in the dried specimen contrasts strongly with the shining greenish epidermis of the rest of the exposed disc, and was most probably more gaily coloured in the recent fish. ‘The concealed basal half of the scale shows many of the usual fan-like furrows with corresponding shallow crenatures on the margin. ‘The lateral line is boldly curved over the pectoral fin, and perfectly straight from thence to the tip of the caudal. A curved line of similar construction proceeds from the posterior end of the cranial ridge upwards to the base of the tenth dorsal ray. All the colourless side of the specimen, posterior to the jaws, has been re- moved in the preparation of it. | DIMENSIONS. inches. lines, Length from tip of upper jaw to extremity of caudal .......... 9 5 Dane Of ditto: ...0ssseasseasatees ZN HO ANUS —arevesvvcceseccesscccecs oe 2 0 POCHOERE 3) ececeui cet. cWaatastes 2 13 VOW cevascvipsidwarceses vi 1 7 anterior angle of lower eye . 0 54 uppereye. 0 6 Length from tip of pectorals .......+06 Ce pacnarrefenpedh cectwesencs 1 5 Verntrals cscceesdaceeses vaviecidbe eesebosedvedscs 0 6 CAUGRL ocncpesveveciesnsnatanesenodapansvd chi he 04% 2 8 highest dorsal or anal rays ......... sseeee,” OS 10 Vertical diamibter of body 2... sccecicaecwoteabvineonnevenas Abbe cdot 3 6 Diameter of eye ......sseeee Copesescees dbeerecdencesseccecedgeceeeses OSs * This fin has been injured in Mr, Gilbert’s specimen while the fish was alive, four or five of the middle rays having been destroyed, though the membrane remains. 498 Mr. G. Newport on some new Genera of Myriapoda. KCHENEIS NAUCRATES (Linn, Auct.), Ship-master Echeneis, No. 7. Mr. Gilbert’s list. : This species is named “ munnémullergo” by the natives of, Port Essington, who take it occasionally in the harbour. Schneider’s account of the fish is in many respects erroneous, the caudal fin being stated to be rounded instead of lunate on the margin, and the numbers of the rays, probably from ty- pographical error, are wrongly noted. The Port Essington specimen agrees in every respect with one from the West Indies, preserved in the Haslar Museum. The rays are as follows :— Br. 9—9; discal plates (1st dors.?) 24; D.37; A. 37; C. 163; P.21; V. 7. Artedi and Cuvier mention twenty-two as the usual number of discal plates. LXIV.—On some new Genera of the Class Myriapoda. By G. Newrort, Esq.* Tue family Geophilide of Leach, composed of those little, gliding, wormlike Myriapodes so abundant in our gardens, and yet so imper- fectly known to the scientific naturalist, includes at least two distinct of the joints of the antenne. These divisions, with the same di- stinguishing characters, have been retained by M. Gervais, who in 1837 published a monograph on the whole class, and added a thitd section to the genus Geophilus, composed of two species, one of which, Geophilus ferrugineus, had been described by Koch; and the other, Geophilus mazillaris, was then first described by M. Gervais as a new species. It is this division, added by M. Gervais, the Geophili maxillares, which I now propose to establish as a separate genus, under the name of Mecistocephalus, the characters of which, derived from the peculiarly elongated form of the head, are as distinctly marked as in any genus of this order. | In a collection of Myriapoda, from the magnificent cabinet of the Kev. F. W. Hope, which that gentleman many months ago, in the most handsome manner, placed entirely at my control for the pur- pose of describing, I discovered a third species, brought to this country by the late Rev. Lansdowne Guilding, from the island of St. Vincent, which I immediately recognized as a new genus; and - on examining the unarranged specimens of Myriapoda in the collec- tions of the British Museum, which the head of the zoological depart- * From the Proceedings of the Zoological Society for Dec. 18, 1842. Mr. G. Newport on some new Genera of Myriapoda. 499 ment, J. E. Gray, Esq., has kindly permitted me to describe and arrange, I have since found two other species, both new to science, one of which was brought from India by — Elliot, Esq., but the lo- cality of the other is unknown. The genus I am now about to pro- pose will thus include five species, agreeing most accurately in their generic characters. They are all of them foreign to this country. The only native species which at all approaches to Mecistocephalus is the Geophilus longicornis of Leach, supposed by M. Gervais to be Scolopendra electrica of Linnzeus, which constitutes Leach’s second section of Geophilus. This I propose to separate as a distinct sub- genus, by the name of Necrophicophagus, although its characters are not so distinctly marked as in the preceding. The name proposed for it is derived from its being mostly found under rotten wood, or under the rotten bark of trees. Before I proceed to characterize these genera, it may be well to remark, that the construction of the head in these, as compared with the other Geophili and the Scolopendre, seems to throw much light on the number of parts which are included in this division of the body in the higher Articu/ata, and on the manner in which these parts are united; and although I do not intend on the present occas sion to enter on the consideration of these structures, which I pro- pose to do hereafter; it is necessary to state that I regard the head of the Chilopoda as formed of two compound moveable portions, the anterior of which, bearing the antenne, I shall designate the frontal segment ; and the posterior, which gives attachment to the large forci- pated foot-jaws, which I regard as the analogues of the mandibles of insects, I shall call the basilar segment. Posterior to these there is a third part, which, although perfectly distinct in all the Geophilide, is united to the basilar in the Scolopendre and higher genera of this order, forming a kind of cephalo-thorax or cephalo-prothorax. This I shall consider the second or sub-basilar segment. It is on characters derived from these parts that I now propose to establish the genera. Class MYRIAPODA. Order 1. CurtLoropa, Family Gzoruiziva, Leach. Section A. Geophili maxillares, Gervais. Genus Mecistocephalus*, Newport. Characters—Frontal segment very narrow, elongated, four-sided, more than twice as long as broad, antenne inserted on the frontal margin, subapproximated, three times as long as the frontal segment ; joints obconic, rather elongated, slightly hairy ; basilar segment qua- drate, very short, and much narrower than the frontal, almost atro- phied on the dorsal surface ; /abium and inferior surface of the basilar segment very large, quadrate, extending backwards beneath the sub- basilar segment, with its anterior margin slightly excavated; mandi- bles enlarged, straightened, and projecting, but curved and pointed * From aqxworos, longest, and xepery, head. 500 Mr. G. Newport on some new Genera of Myriapoda. at their apex, with the internal margin acute and denticulated, and the basilar joint encroaching on the dorsal surface of the basilar segment. Sub-basilar segment large, transverse, with the anterior margin straight, and the posterior and angles rounded. Body gra- dually tapering; legs from forty-five to seventy pairs ; posterior pair. styliform. Species 1. Mecistocephalus ferrugineus, Koch. 2. Mecistocephalus mavzillaris, Gervais. 3. Mecistocephalus punctifrons, Newport. Frontal segment and mandibles deeply punctured, with the basilar segment and labium dark chestnut; body testaceous, mandibles each with two large acute teeth ; legs forty-nine pairs. Length two inches three-tenths. India: — Elliot, Esq. In the collection at the British Museum. Frontal segment polished, with small scattered punctures; man- dibles very strong, polished, and deeply punctured on the superior surface, with the internal margin acute, with two large sharp teeth; labium flattened, polished, with a longitudinal depression, and a few minute, scattered punctures ; body gradually tapering, but broad and strong anteriorly ; legs forty-nine pairs, broad, strong. I am uncertain whether this specimen had arrived at its full growth, the number of legs being less than in the other species. It may nevertheless have acquired its proper number since the species described by M. Gervais has but forty-six pairs, and I have ascertained most satisfactorily that the whole of the Chilopoda acquire very nearly their full complement of legs before they have attained to one half of their adult size. 4. Mecistocephalus Guildingii, Newport. Frontal segment polished, with a few scattered punctures; sides and posterior angles rounded, ferruginous ; mandibles quadridentated ; basilar segment and labium polished, ferruginous, with a broad, lon- gitudinal sulcus and deep punctures on the latter; body yellowish, testaceous ; legs forty-nine pairs. Length one inch and a half. Island of St. Vincent. Rev. Lansdowne Guilding. In the cabinet of the Rev. F. W. Hope. There are five specimens of this species, varying considerably in size, but agreeing most accurately in the number of their legs. 5. Mecistocephalus punctilabium, Newport. Head, mandibles, labium and sub-basilar segment ferruginous ; mandibles tridentated ; body brownish-green, with the two posterior segments antenne and legs ochraceous. Frontal segment and la- bium flattened, the latter deeply, and thickly punctured. Legs sixty- one pairs. Length two inches. Country? In the collection of the British Museum. The frontal segment of this species is flattened and punctured, with the posterior margin straight, and the anterior somewhat rounded ; the mandibles are smooth, polished, rather straightened, and rounded, with the internal margin less acute, with two or three very small teeth; labium flattened, polished, with large, numerous Mr. G. Newport on some new Genera of Myriapoda. 501 and deeply inipressed punctures, and a longitudinal median sulcus, with a slight emargination; dorsal surface of the body with three longitudinal sulci; anal styles five-jointed ; second and third joint short, but the fourth and fifth longer. The characters of this species are less strongly marked than in others of this genus, and they seem to form a transition to those of the next genus. The anal styles are still very distinctly organs of locomotion, in which respect they resemble those of Scolopendra and Cryptops. Subgenus Necrophleophagus*, Newport. Geophilus**, Leach. Geophili longicornes, Gervais. Characters.—Frontal segment quadrate, a little longer than broad, with the angles obtuse ; antennz inserted on the front, sub-approxi- mated, more than three times as long as the frontal segment, with the joints twice as long as broad, conic; basilar segment short, with the posterior margin much wider than the frontal; mandibles short, strong, with the internal margin rounded, toothless ; /abium broad, almost quadrate, with the border emarginated; body somewhat ta- pering; legs more than fifty pairs; preanal segment narrow, styles short. Species Necrophlwophagus longicornis, Leach. Yellow, with the segments of the head, mandibles and labium dark ferruginous ; antenne hairy, four times as long as the frontal segment, with the three or four terminal joints smaller than the others ; labium smooth, with minute punctures, subconic ; anteriorly wide and almost straight, posteriorly rounded ; legs yellow, fifty-five pairs, anal styles small, slightly hairy. Length two and a half to three inches. Europe: very common. I have retained Dr. Leach’s original name to this species, which has been supposed by M. Gervais to be the Scolopendra electrica of Linnzeus. But Linnzeus’s species is described as “‘ pedibus utringue 70;” while Leach’s species, of which there are four specimens in the ca- binet at the British Museum, besides ten collected by other persons, has at most only fifty-five. Genus Gonibregmatus}+, Newport. Characters.—Frontal segment short, transverse, anteriorly pointed ; basilar segment very short, wider than the frontal; antenne monili- form, approximated at their base, joints very short, with the terminal one slightly elongated; eyes absent; mandibles very slender, long, pointed, arcuate, toothless, compressed and twisted near their base ; labium very short, transverse, with the anterior border slightly pro- duced and emarginated ; /abium internum projecting, thick, folded, and formed for sucking ; palpi with the terminal joints slender and acute ; sub-basilar segment short, but larger than the basilar; body elon- gated, segments more than 160; legs inserted into little foveole in * From vexeos, dead; Pacis, bark; and Qaya, to eat. + From yavie, angle, and Betyue, the fore part of the head. 502 | Geological Society. the lateral ventral plates ; the two or three posterior segments of the body enlarged and tuberose; anal styles small, not used in walking, 1. Gonibregmaius Cumingii,,. Newport. Greyish ash-colour ; frontal segment very convex, rounded poste- riorly ; mandibles blackish; labium smooth; all the segments of the body very short, convex ; dorsal surface with numerous irregular lon- gitudinal sulci ; antepenultimate segment with the dorsal and ventral plates atrophied; anal styles slender, with their basilar internal mar- gin carinated; anal scale convex, subcordate, posteriorly rounded with two thin marginal plates; legs 161 pairs, naked, claws black. Length 43 to 5 inches. | From the Philippine Islands. Mr. Cuming. In the collection at the British Museum. I have never seen the Geophilus Walckeneri of Gervais, but from the description given of that species I strongly suspect that it ought to be included in this genus. PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES. GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. May 4, 1842.—-Read “ A Postscript to the Memoir on the occur- rence of the Bristol Bone-Bed in the neighbourhood of Tewkes- bury,” by Hugh Edwin Strickland, Esq., F.G.8. Since the reading of the former communication (vol. x. p. 147), Mr. Strickland has ascertained that the bone-bed occurs at least ten miles further north, or at Defford Common, in Worcestershire, making a total range of 104 miles. At this locality are some old salt- works belonging to the Earl of Coventry, and the shaft, which was sunk about seventy years ago to the depth of 175 feet, was emptied a few months since of the brine with which it is wont to overflow. At the bottom of the shaft, which descends through the lias into the grey marl of the triassic series, but without reaching the red marl], is a tunnel that follows the dip of the strata for about 160 yards. The shaft, Mr. Strickland says, consequently intersects the horizon of ‘the bone-bed,” and among the rubbish thrown out, he found considerable quantities of the peculiar white sandstone with bivalves (Posidonomya), shown in his former paper to repre- sent in Worcestershire the bone-bed of Aust and Axmouth; but he also found specimens of the sandstone charged with the same description of teeth, scales and coprolites so abundant at Coomb Hill and the localities just mentioned. The occurrence of an abundance of pure salt water within the area of lias, Mr. Strickland says, is an interesting phenomenon, and for a solution of it, he refers to Mr. Murchison’s Account of the Geology of Cheltenham, p. 30. June 29.—‘* On the minute Structure of the Tusks of extinct Mastodontoid Animals,” By Alexander Nasmyth, Esq., F.G.S. The author, at the commencement of his memoir, acknowledges his obligations to Dr, Grant for having first called his attention to the Geological Society. 503 minute anatomical structure of the tusks of Mastedontoid animals; and for having placed at his disposal a copy of the Swedish edition of Retzius’s demonstration of the typical structure of the dental or- gans of animals. . Availing himself of the able tuition afforded by the Swedish Pro- fessor, Mr. Nasmyth says, he has prosecuted the subjeet, and that these inquiries, besides explaining to him the structure of that portion not completely investigated by Retzius, have unfolded to .him some observations which are now generally acknowledged to be truths in the valuable but intricate department of animal development. He further says, that he has been led to results differing somewhat from those of Retzius, so far as the physiology of the cellular tissues is concerned ; yet the general appearanees exhibited and the manner of displaying them will remain, he adds, lasting memorials of the ta- lents and ingenuity of the Swedish Professor, : The specimens to which Mr. Nasmyth’s attention has been directed form part of the collection of Mr, Koeh, and they were delivered to him as belonging to Mastodon giganteum, Tetracaulodon Godmani, T. Kochii, T. Tapiroides, and the Missourium. In the analysis of each specimen he considers— Ist, The constituent structures of the tusk, 2nd, The comparative extent of each of the constituent structures, as far as it can be ascertained. 3rd. Each constituent structure regarded separately in its minute and individual elements. ; 4th. The eonclusions derived fram the premises as to the place which the animal should occupy in zoological classifications, The principle upon which this mode of analysis is based, is that of the infinite yariety which nature affects from limited materials, while the constaney of each variety throughout the same species is perfect, This constancy extends, Mr, Nasmyth obseryes, not only to the con- stituent structures of each tooth, but to the extent of each constituent, as well as to the peculiar arrangement of the minute elements of which each of these structures is composed, The examination of each tusk evinces so marked and peculiar a structure, that a cursory inspection will, the author thinks, sufficiently demonstrate specific distinctions, which he supposes must have been accompanied by concomitant peculiarities of organization subser- vient to separate and distinct habits, In the following deseriptions the word corpuseule is used to desig- nate those appearances constituting the characteristic of bene, but denominated hy Retzius cells, because the author is persuaded that those appearances are truly of a corpuscular character ; and the word cell is used to designate the structure of the interfibrous material which was left almost entirely out of account by Retgius, and de- scribed by others as structureless, but demonstrated by the author to be most characteristically organized in the different groups of ani- mals. The term fibres is used, moreoyer, to define those appearances which Retzius considers due to a tabular structure, because the au- thor has been unable to find anything which confirms this theoretical 504 Geological Society. appellation founded on the existence of a series of continuous rami- fying tubes. This question therefore he Jeaves in abeyance. Mastodon giganteum.—The constituent structures of the upper tusks are only two, crusta petrosa and ivory. The crusta petrosa, in the specimens examined, is comparatively thin, or about half a line ; but the extent of the investigation being necessarily limited, the au- thor considers that the observations on this head are incomplete. The corpuscules of the crusia petrosa are scattered irregularly ; but they are numerous and give off radiating branched fibres, tending generally either from the surface or to the surface of the tusk. There are hardly any independent fibres. The cellular structure of the in- terspaces is clearly marked. The junction of the ivory with the crusta petrosa is well defined by a clear line, succeeded by a plumose appearance arising from a con- geries of very minute ramifying fibres. This appearance looks, Mr. Nasmyth says, as if it arose out of, and formed the termination of, the main fibres which join the layer undivided. The compartments of which the main fibres are made up are par- allelograms resembling those of the Elephant, and are most easily observed in vertical sections, while the cellular structure of the interfibral spaces is clearest in transverse sections. Minute corpus- cular appearances are scattered over the substance, and soaggregated as to form at intervals concentric layers. The characteristic differ- ences between the structure of the tusks of the Elephant and Masto- don, Mr. Nasmyth observes, consist principally in the presence of transverse fibres in the crusta petrosa of the Elephant, and the greater number and regularity of its corpuscules in the Mastodon, as well as in the peculiar disposition to a transverse direction of its radiating fibres. In the ivory the most striking peculiarity consists in the nu- merous bands of corpuscular-looking bodies in its substance. These appearances, so frequently observed in ivory, Mr. Nasmyth is of opi- nion, depend, as pointed out by him, on the thickness of the animal matter of the interfibral cells. Tetracaulodon Godmani.—The author says there is a great dissi- milarity in the constituent structures of tusks of this Pachyderm and those of the Mastodon, while on a cursory examination of the mi- nute organization of these structures there is an apparent similarity. The crown of both the upper and under tusk is coated with enamel extending below the level of the alveolar process, with crusia pe- trosa external to it, the body of the tusk being composed of ivory. The alveolar process of the upper tusks is large and deep, greatly exceeding that of every other tusk which the author has examined, and showing, he says, that the actions in which these organs assisted, must have been very powerful. The habits essentially necessary to the exigencies of an animal being, Mr. Nasmyth observes, the same in youth as in adult age, the organization of the individual tissues is the same at both periods, though certain modifications of instruments are exacted at successive stages of existence. Thus, in early youth, when the frame is not powerful, every efficiency is given to the cutting edges of the dental Geological Society. 505 apparatus ; and the author states a fact he believes never before re- marked, though long noticed by himself, that the tusks of the young Elephant and Walrus are tipped with a very thin layer of enamel. The head of the Tetracaulodon Godmani examined by Mr, Nas- myth is shown to have been that of an animal in which two of the adolescent teeth are well developed. The crusta petrosa of the tusk was about half a line thick, and extended over the whole of the visible surface, The corpuscules were irregularly disposed, but closely ag- gregated, and exhibited in the transverse section an irregularly circu- lar shape with occasionally angular points. The radiating fibres were numerous, ranging in all directions ; and the independent transverse fibres were also numerous, traversing with a curved course the whole substance. The cells of the interspaces were visible. The enamel on the upper tusk was a line thick. The parallel rows of constituent cells throughout the external half ranged in straight lines, but throughout the internal half they were curved diagonally. There was no clear space between the enamel and ivory, but the line of junction was well defined. A plumose layer of fibres, apparently the peripheral termination of the main undivided fibres of the ivory, suc- ceeded to the enamel. The component bulbs of the fibre were round, but not often visible, and were best seen in the longitudinal section, The fibres were placed at about the distance of two interfibral spaces, and curved in the transverse section as well as in the vertical, but in the latter direction slightly. A minute corpuscular appearance was scattered over the substance, and the cells of the interfibral material were visible, The crusta petrosa, enamel and ivory of the under tusk were similar to those of the upper, except that the constituents were so transpa- rent as hardly to betray any characteristic. The parietes of the cells of the enamel are more defined in the under tusk. Besides the important characteristic of the thick coating of enamel, the tusk of the T.Godmani presents manifest differences from that of the other species, in the elements of each of the constituents. The radiating fibres of the corpuscules differ from those of Mastodon gi- ganteum in being given off equally in all directions : in the M. gigan- teum the numerous independent fibres of the 7. Godmani are also absent, and the zones or belts of minute corpuscules in the ivory of the M. giganteum are wanting in that of the 7. Godmani. Tetracaulodon Kochii.—The tusks of this Pachyderm have only two constituents, crusta petrosa and ivory. The crusta petrosa varies in thickness, equalling in some parts an inch. In the vertical section the corpuscules are irregularly oval and irregularly disposed at the di- stance of three or four corpuscular diameters, and they give off occa- sionally many fine radiating fibres. Numerous independent trans- verse fibres pass in a curved direction also throughout the substance, their beaded or minute corpuscular appearance being very visible, and they are of an irregularly twisted oval form. The cells of the interspaces are likewise visible. The ivory of the upper tusks consists of very slightly undulating, undivided fibres, with the cells of the interfibrous substance well Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. Suppl. 2L 506 Geological Society. marked, but semi-transparent. The fibres of the under tusk slightly undulate, and present occasionally an appearance of thorny projec- tions. ‘The compartments of the fibres are easily seen, and are irre- gular in size, but rounded. Tetracaulodon Tapiroides—The tusks consist also of only crusta petrosa and ivory, and the resemblance in the microscopic structure of this species with that of T. Kochii is great. The thickness of the crusta petrosa is considerable. The very irregularly-shaped corpus- cules, placed at intervals of two or three corpuscular diameters, are semi-transparent, and without radiating fibres in the external half; but those situated in the internal half are of the usual opacity, and give off numerous radiating fibres. Transverse, irregularly beaded, independent fibres traverse the substance, making one distinct curve in their passage across it. The cells of the interspaces are slightly visible. ; The ivory is so translucent and homogeneous as to exhibit generally very little character. The fibres undulate but do not divide, forming an abrupt line of junction with the crusta petrosa. The form of the beaded compartments of the fibre is oblong, not rounded, as in 7, Kochii, and they do not exhibit thorny projections. These are the only marked differences in the two species. The cells of the semi-transparent interfibral space are generally visible. Missourium.—The constituents of the tusks are likewise crusta pe- trosa and ivory; but their intimate structure, Mr. Nasmyth says, is more peculiar, so far as his examination has extended, than that of the tusks of the preceding animals. The crusta petrosa, in the section which the author was permitted to make, was more than three-eighths of an inch thick. The corpus- cules were very numerous, and generally within the distance of one diameter. The granulated compartments of which the corpuscules were composed, were very visible, and often without radiating fibres, but where these occurred they were of a coarse structure. The transverse independent fibres were beaded in coarse, somewhat tor- tuous, ovoid compartments, and ranged very close to one another, with interfibral spaces of about only two fibral diameters, and followed a straight, perpendicular and parallel course to the surface. The cells of the semi-transparent interfibral space were generally visible. The appearances presented by the ivory at its junction with the crusta petrosa, Mr. Nasmyth was unable to ascertain; but in the substance of the ivory the fibres undulated, and their beaded com- partments had a rounded shape: these fibres were frequently in- vested with an irregular congeries of granules distinct from the inter- fibral cells. Towards the central portion of the ivory the compart- ments forming the fibre were frequently so disposed as to give the fibre a peculiar tortuous appearance. The peculiarities of the tusk of the Missourium are given by Mr. Nasmyth as follows ; and, he says, they would certainly indicate a di- stinct species of Mastodontoid animal :— 1. The great extent of the crusta petrosa, 2. The close aggre- Geological Society. 507 gation of its corpuscules. 3. The granulated structure of these cor- puscules. 4. The coarse granulated structure of the compartments of the radiating fibres. 5. The close parallel perpendicular arrange- ment of the fibres of the crusta petrosa. 6. The irregular congeries of granules surrounding the fibres of the ivory. 7. The peculiar tor- tuous appearance occasionally exhibited by these fibres. On the whole, Mr. Nasmyth observes, the several species of ani- mals noticed in his paper seem to be nearly allied, and fitted to exist under nearly similar conditions; and though the early eras to which these Pachyderms must be-referred, present, he says, consider- able uniformity of circumstance, yet they must have demanded some variety of detail in the animal organization. Finally, the characteristics in the minute structure of the tusks of all the five animals betray, the author observes, greater varieties than are found to exist even betwixt some genera possessed of tusks ; and if it be established that specific differences positively do exist among all these animals, then the value of this kind of observation is great; but if the five animals are all to be grouped in one category, then this mode of observation is of no value in paleontological researches. Nov. 16.—‘‘ On some remarkable Concretions in the Tertiary beds of the Isle of Man.” By H.E. Strickland, M.A., F.G.S. The north extremity of the Isle of Man consists of an arenaceous pleistocene deposit, occupying an area of about eight miles by six, bounded on the west, north and east by the sea, and on the south by the mountains of Cambrian slate which occupy the greater por- tion of the island. The arenaceous formation attains in some parts a height of about 200 feet above the ‘sea, though the undulations of its surface prove that considerable portions of the deposit have been removed by denudation. This district, comprising about fifty square miles, furnishes perhaps the most extensive example in the British Isles of a marine newer pliocene or pleistocene deposit: In the Isle of Man the sea-cliffs on each side of this tertiary district afford a good insight into its structure and composition. On the north of Ramsey the cliffs average about 100 feet in height, and consist prin- cipally of irregularly stratified yellowish sand, sometimes clayey, with interspersed bands of gravel and scattered pebbles. The gravel is chiefly composed of slate-rock, quartz, old red sandstone, granites, porphyries and chalk flints, all of which occur in situ in the island except the two last, which may have been drifted, the former from Scotland, and the latter from the north of Ireland. About four miles north of Ramsey the cliffs attain 150 feet. Here the lowest portion, only visible at intervals, is a brownish elay loam, and the remainder of the cliff is sand and coarse gravel, less distinctly stratified than is the case near Ramsey, and containing rudely rounded boulders, some of which are upwards of a ton in weight. ‘They consist of granite, and occasionally of carboniferous limestone. Organic remains are sparingly diffused in this deposit: Mr. Strick- land enumerates twenty species. Of these five, viz. Crassina mul- ticostata, Natica clausa, Nassa monensis, Nassa pliocena, and Fusus Forbesi are not known in the British seas. Crassina multicostata 2L2 ’ 508 Geological Society. and Natica clausa are found living in the Arctic ocean, but the two species of Nassa and the Fusus are unknown in a recent state*. Between three and four miles north of Ramsey, the beds of this deposit occasionally exhibit a very remarkable concretionary struc- ture. The sand has here been cemented into masses, which are ex- tremely hard, and even sonorous when struck, though the sand in which they are imbedded is perfectly loose. ‘The cementing ingre- dient, which the application of acid proves to be carbonate of lime, seems to have been influenced in its operations partly by the planes of stratification, and partly by the direction in which the sand has * Mr. Strickland gives the following characters of three species of shells found in the newer pliocene beds of the Isle of Man; specimens of which have been examined by several eminent conchologists in Iondon, who all concur in believing them to belong to extinct species. “1. Nassa monensis, Forbes, in Mem. Wern. Soc., vol. viii. p. 62. Small; volutions about six, rounded; suture deep; ribs, nine on the first volution, straight, rather distant, strong, subacute, and slightly oblique. ‘The first volution has thirteen, and the second six, distinct, regular, thread-like, spiral striz, crossing alike the ribs and their interstices. Aperture orbicular-ovate, canal very short and oblique, pillar-lip simple, outer lip with about five slight marginal denticles on the inside, and an external rib slightly more developed than the ordinary ribs. Total length, 7 lines; first volution, 3} lines; breadth, 43 lines; angle of spire, 40°. ** Obs. Resembles the recent NV. macula, but is larger, more ventricose, has fewer ribs, and the terminal rib is less suddenly developed. ‘© 2, Nassa pliocena, Strickland, 1843. Large; volutions about seven, rather flat, with a distinct thread-like suture; ribs, twelve on the first volu- tion, straight, distant, rounded, very slightly oblique; the interstices flat, exceeding the width of the ribs by one-half. ‘The first volution with thir- teen, and the second with about nine fine spiral strize, only visible in the in- terstices, the ribs being smooth ; but this may be due to attrition. Aperture ovate; canal very short and oblique; pillar-lip with about five obscure den- ticles, and a spiral groove immediately behind the canal, continued into the interior of the shell. Outer lip with about eight internal marginal denticles ; no rib at the back. ‘Total length, 1 inch 8 lines; first volution, 8 lines; breadth, 9 lines; angle of spire, 40°. “3. Fusus Forbesi, Strickland, 1843, Fusus nov. sp. Forbes, Malacologia Monensis, pl. 3. f. 1, Middle-sized; volutions about six, slightly rounded, suture distinct; ribs, eleven on first volution, straight, rounded, smooth (perhaps from attrition); interstices concave, and hardly wider than the ribs. First volution with about fifteen, and second with about seven distinct, rather irregular spiral striaz, of which those on the first volution are alter- nately large and small. They are only visible in the interstices of the ribs. Aperture ovate, double the length of the canal, whichis straight, and rather oblique to the left. Pillar-lip smooth, with one obscure denticle at the pos- terior end. Outer lip with about ten small linear denticles within, conti- nued a short way into the mouth, and a well-marked external rib remote from the margin. Total length, 1 inch 3 lines; first volution, 7 lines; breadth, 8 lines; angle of spire, 43°. “ Obs. This species belongs to a group of Fusus which seems closely allied to Nassa. First described by Mr. E. Forbes, from a worn specimen found on the coast of the Isle of Man, and supposed by him to be an existing spe- cies, but the discovery of additional specimens in situ proves it to be a genuine fossil.” Geological Society. 509 been originally drifted by currents. In the former case the concre- tions are in the form of flat tabular masses parallel to the stratifica- tion, often mammillated on their surfaces, or perforated obliquely by tubular cavities. In the latter case they assume a subcylindrical or spear-shaped form, and occur parallel both to the stratification and to each other. A pebble is frequently attached to the larger end of the concretion, which springs from it as from a root, to the length of a foot or more, and gradually terminates in an obtuse flat- tened point. All these varieties are sometimes combined together into vast clusters of several tons weight, resembling masses of sta- lactite, the component portions being nearly parallel to each other. Mr. Strickland supposes that currents of water (or possibly of wind, operating during ebb tide), flowing in a certain direction, may have disposed the sand in ridges parallel to that direction, and the car- bonate of lime may have afterwards been attracted into these ridges in preference to the intermediate portions. ‘This view is confirmed by the fact, that these concretions have frequently a pebble attached to the larger end, as though it had protected a portion of sand from the current, and caused it to accumulate in a ridge on the lee side, a circumstance which may frequently be observed where sand is drifted by the wind or water. | Noy. 30.—‘‘ Notice on the discovery of the Remains of Insects in the Lias of Gloucestershire, with some remarks on the Lower Mem- bers of this Formation.” _ By the Rev. P. B. Brodie, F.G.S. The lower beds of the lias, in which these organic remains occur, are extensively developed in the neighbourhood of Gloucester and Cheltenham, and occupy the greater part of the vale. In the upper part of the lower beds, in a hard blue limestone, was found the ely- tron of a coleopterous insect of the family Buprestide, apparently a species of Ancylocheira of Escholtz. This was the only fossil of the kind met with by Mr. Brodie in this portion of the lias. With this exception, the numerous fossil insects he has obtained occur in the bottom parts of the lower beds near the base of the lias, which are seen at several points in the neighbourhood of Gloucester. At Wainlode Cliff, the lower beds of lias, resting on red marl, form a bold escarpment on the south bank of the Severn, and afford the following section in descending order :— i; Clay: 3 ft. 2. Blue limestone, with Ostrea, &c. (the ‘‘ bottom bed’’): 4 in. 3. Yellow shale with fucoid plants: 6 in. 4. Gray and blue limestone, termed by Mr. Brodie ‘ insect lime- stone’ from its characteristic fossils, passing into yellow shale above, where it is nearly white, and has the aspect of a fresh- water limestone: 3 to 5 in. 5. Marly clay: 5 ft. 3 in. 6. Hard yellow limestone, with small shells like Cyc/as, plants and Cypris: 6 to 8 in. 7. Marly clay: 9 ft. 6 in. 8. Bed with fucoid bodies: 1 in, 9. Shale: 1 ft. 6 in. 10. Pecten bed: 4 in. 510 Geological Society. Nine feet below this is the bone-bed, 20 feet above which is the yel- low Cypris limestone, and 26 feet 2 inches the insect limestone. The total height of the cliff is about 100 feet. The insect remains consist chiefly of elytra belonging to the seve- ral genera of Coleoptera, which are not very rare; and a few wings, not unlike the genus Tipula, which bear a close resemblance to some Mr. Brodie had previously found in the Wealden; the latter are much rarer than the former. The elytra are generally of a light brown colour and small size ; in some cases both the elytra are at- tached. With these were found abdomens of some insects and larva apparently of the gnat tribe. Shells are not common, but Ostrea, Unio, and a small species of Modiola are the most abundant, The fossils from the yellow limestone, No. 4, bear a close resemblance to those from the Wealden. The real genus of the bivalve resembling Cyclas is undetermined. The plants belong to a species of Fucus, apparently an inhabitant of fresh water. At Combe-hill Mr. Brodie also observed both the insect limestone and that containing the small bivalves. To the south-west of this point the insect limestone is well seen, and yielded the greatest number and variety of insect remains. Here the yellow limestone was not traced, and the bone-bed was want- ing. The fossil insects are, as at Wainlode Cliff, for the most part re- mains of small Coleoptera, sometimes tolerably preserved, and in one specimen the eyes were visible. None of the beetles resemble those of the Wealden, but some wings of insects, allied to Tipula, are very similar.. A few imperfect but large wings of Libdellula occur: there are also numerous singular impressions of a doubtful nature, many of which may however owe their origin to the partially decomposed bodies of various insects. With these are numerous small plants, some resembling mosses, but very different from those in the yellow Cypris limestone, a few seed-vessels and leaves of fern. A small spe- cies of Modiola, probably M. minima, is exceedingly abundant. Re- mains of Crustacea occur, one of which resembles the genus Hryon from the Solenhofen slate. Near Gloucester the same strata occur at a much lower level. At Westbury, eight miles below Gloucester, the following section is presented :-— 1. Bottom bed with Ostrea, equivalent to that at Wainlode and other places: 3 in. 2. Insect limestone with numerous small shells (here character- istic): 4 in. 3. Clay: 5 in. 4. Green, yellow and gray sandy stone, in places becoming a limestone, with the small Cyc/as-like bivalve, plants and Cypris, identical with those at Wainlode, about 1 ft, 5. Shale and clay: 10 ft. 6. Hard grit, bone-bed: 3 or 4 ft. A little further to the north the beds below this are more developed and are seen resting upon the red marl. If the Cypris found in these beds be of freshwater origin, it forms a new and highly interesting feature in the history of this deposit ; at any rate the occurrence of the remains of such delicate creatures - Geological Society. 511 as insects, many of which are well-preserved, and could not, there- fore, have been long subject to the action of the waves, or have been carried far out into the water, gives a greater probability to the sup- position that this part of the lias may have been formed in an estuary which received the streams of some neighbouring lands, perhaps nu- merous scattered islands, and which brought down the remains of insects, Cypris, and the plants above referred to. The shells usually found in the insect limestone are Modiola and Ostrea, both of which frequently inhabit estuaries, and are capable of living in brackish water as well as in the open sea. ‘The shells, however, so abundant at Westbury in the same stratum are exclusively of marine origin ; the wing of a dragon-fly from Warwickshire is a solitary instance of its kind. Mr. Brodie observes, that such stray specimens had _ pro- bably been carried out to sea, which might also have been the case with a small wing he discovered in the upper lias at Dumbleton near Tewkesbury ; which also proves the existence of insects during the deposition of the upper portions of this formation. Thus it will be seen that the remains of insects are of very rare occurrence in the upper beds, and in the higher portions of the lower ones in the lias, while at the base near its junction with the red marl they are abundantly distributed. The discovery of small elytra of coleopterous insects and portions of the wings of Libellula in the lower division of the lias near Evesham, by Mr. H. E. Strick- land, shows that these fossils are characteristic of the same beds in distant parts of the system. ** On certain impressions on the surface of the Lias bone-bed in Gloucestershire.” By H. E. Strickland, M.A., F.G.S. _ The singular markings described, which the author in a former communication suggested might be caused by the crawling of crus- tacea, but which further opportunities and observations have induced him to refer to a different cause, have been noticed only at Wain- lode Cliff on the Severn. ‘There they occur on the uppermost sur- face of the band of micaceous sandstone which represents the “ bone- bed,” and which appears to have consisted of a fine-grained muddy sand, capable of receiving the most minute impressions, while the pure black clay which forms the superincumbent stratum has pre- served this ancient surface in the most unaltered condition. The ripple-marks produced by currents on the surface of this bed of sand are very interesting, from their perfect preservation, and from often exhibiting two sets of undulations oblique to each other, indicating two successive directions in the currents, such as would result from a change of tide. The impressed markings were evidently produced by living beings, probably by fish or invertebrate animals. ‘To determine their nature Mr. Strickland observed the progression of two species of Littorina among Gasteropodous Mollusca, and of Carcinus Menas among Crus- tacea, but the impressions produced were very different from those under consideration. The fossil impressions are of four kinds :— Ist. Lengthened and nearly straight grooves, about one-tenth of 512 Geological Society. an inch in width, and several inches long, very shallow, with a rounded bottom. These, Mr. Strickland considers as caused by some object striking the surface of the sand with considerable impe- tus. They may often be seen to cut through the ridge of one ripple- mark, and after disappearing in the depressed interval, they are again seen pursuing their former direction across the next ridge. ‘They may have been caused by fish swimming with velocity in a straight direction, and occasionally touching the bottom with the under part of their bodies. 2nd. Small irregular pits averaging one-fourth of an inch wide and one-eighth of an inch deep. These might have been caused by some small animal probing the mud and turning up the surface in quest of food. Mr. Strickland conjectures that some of the numerous species of fish found in the bone-bed may have produced them, the heterocene form of tail common to most of which, Dr. Buckland has suggested, enabled them to assume an inclined position with the mouth close to the ground. 3rd. Narrow deep grooves, about one-twelfth of an inch in width, the sides forming an angle at the bottom, irregularly curved and often making abrupt turns, apparently formed by a body pushed along by a slow and uncertain movement, such as might arise from the crawling of Mollusks. Mr. Strickland refers them to the loco- motion of Acephalous Mollusca, and supposes that the only shell found in this bed, a small bivalve named by him Pullastra arenicola, might have produced them*. 4th. A tortuous or meandering track consisting of a slightly raised ridge about one-tenth of an inch wide, with a fine linear groove on each side. ‘These tracks are analogous to those formed by the crawling of small annelidous worms, as may often be seen on the mud of the sea or fresh water. About eleven feet above the stratum which presents the impres- sions above described, a second ossiferous bed occurs at Wainlode Cliff, which escaped Mr. Strickland’s notice in the section formerly given (Geol. Proc. vol. iii. p. 586). It is a band of hard, grey, slightly calcareous stone, about an inch thick, containing a plicated shell resembling a Cardium, and scales and teeth of Gyrolepis tenui- striatus, Saurichthys apicalis, Hybodus Delabechei, Acrodus minimus, and Nemacanthus monilifer, all of which occur in the true ‘ bone- bed” below. On the upper surface of that bed are numerous im- pressions, termed by Mr. Strickland fucoid, consisting of lengthened wrinkled grooves, variously curved, about three quarters of an inch wide, one-eighth of an inch deep, and of variable length. ‘The bone-bed seems to be a local deposit, not being met with in the other localities examined by the author, and being confined toa * Mr. Strickland describes this species as follows :—‘“ Its form is nearly a perfect oval, depressed, nearly smooth, but with faint concentric striations towards the margin. The apex is about halfway between the middle of the shell and the anterior end. The general outline closely resembles that of the recent Pullastra aurea of Britain. Maximum length 7 lines, breadth 43 lines, but the ordinary size is less.” Geological Society. 518 portion only of Wainlode Cliff, where it constitutes No. 9. in the following corrected section :— Ft. in. 1. Blackish lias clay .....06.eevccceseene 3. 6 2. Limestone, with Ostrea and Modiola 1 mini- ma (the bottom bed).......... Se sate 0 4 3; Yellowish shale. 6/05 age F eS sd wm gie er ea 4. Limestone, with remains of insects ...... O54 5. Marly shale and clay .........2.cce cece 5) es 6. Yellowish limestone nodules, with occasional remains of Cypris ........+ A EAS a 7. Yellowish marly clay ...5.4 6. cies ceses 6 O 8. Black laminated clay ...............-0. 3 66 9. Stone, with scales and bones of fish, and on the upper surface fucoid impressions.... O 1 10. Black laminated clay. 64)00 55.5 ees sane Ts 11. Slaty calcareous stone, with Pectens...... 0 4 12. Black laminated clay ..............-- 6. 9.6 «6 13. Bonsz-sep and white sandstone, with casts of Pullastra arenicola.......0..ee000. 0 3 14. Black laminated clay .......6sse000-s eae NCR | 15. Greenish angular marl ...........+06-. 23. O 16. Red marls with greenish zones ........ io: ee RY Jan. 4, 1843.—** Notice on a Suite of specimens of Ornithoidic- nites, or foot-prints of Birds on the New Red Sandstone of Connec- ticut.”” By Gideon Algernon Mantell, LL.D., F.R.S. These specimens wereaccompanied bya letter from Dr. James Deane of Greenfield, Massachusetts, the original discoverer of the Ornithoi- dicnites, of which more than ‘thirty varieties had been found, bearing a striking resemblance to the foot-prints of birds. In this letter Dr. Deane gives an account of his discovery of the impressions eight or nine years ago, and which he then communicated to Professor Hitch- cock. He remarks, that ‘‘the footsteps are invariably those of a biped, and occur on the upper surface of the stratum, while the cast or counter-impression is upon the lower. In some instances we may follow the progress of the animal over as many as ten successive steps.” He has seen a course of steps twelve inches in length by eight in breadth, extending several rods. The intervening space was uniformly four feet. One impression of a foot was fourteen inches in length. The impressions are accompanied by those of rain-drops. Extract of a Letter from W. C. Redfield, Esq., on newly dis- covered Ichthyolites in the New Red Sandstone of New Jersey. Communicated by Charles Lyell, Esq., V.P.G.S. Mr. Redfield has found two distinct fish-beds in the new red sandstone of New Jersey, both containing ichthyolites of the genus Paleoniscus. In the sandstone between the fish-beds he discovered an Ornithoidicnite, and observed numerous slabs exhibiting impressions 514 Zoological Society. of rain-drops and ripple-marks. The rain-marks appear as if the rain had been driven by a strong wind, and the direction of the impres- sions indicated that the wind blew from the west, a quarter from which violent squalls or thundergusts are still prevalent in these latitudes. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. July 26, 1842.— William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. The following memoirs were read :— “« Observations on the Semen and Seminal Tubes of Mammalia and Birds,” by George Gulliver, F.R.S. It has long been known that the testicles of Birds become much enlarged in the spring, and that the same organs of Mammalia are more or less increased in size at the rutting-season, and in young animals generally as they become capable of reproduction. Professor R. Wagner (‘ Physiology,’ translated by Willis, pp. 23 and 27) has noticed also the enlargement of the seminal tubes of all these animals at the periods above named; but as I am not aware that we possess any observations on this head sufficiently numerous and precise to be useful for reference and comparison, I am induced to submit to the Society a contribution towards this object, particularly as it ap- pears to me that the condition of the semen and testicles at different periods is an interesting inquiry in relation to the habits and economy of animals. During winter the coats of the seminal tubes of Birds are tolerably strong and thick. The increased size of the tubes at the season of procreation arises from the accumulation of semen within them, by which their coats are so much distended and attenuated that they are most easily ruptured, and are much thinner than the correspond- ing parts of Mammalia are at any time. In the following table the measurements are all expressed in vul- gar fractions of an English inch*, and where only one fraction is given it denotes the average size. With the exceptions dated No- vember and December, the animals were all examined during the present year, and, unless noted to the contrary, they were adults. In Birds the left testicle, which is commonly somewhat larger than the right, was generally the subject of observation. Table of Measurements of the Seminal Tubes, and of remarks on the state of the Semen and Testicles at different seasons. Date, Name of Animal. Size of Tubes. State of Testes, &c. Feb. - 4.) Mantz: 086: 22 a vccctscovessacoverss 1-142 to 1-77 |Scarcely any fluid in tes- , tes. Died of pulmo- nary consumption. Nov. ~ “O.fDitto, Bt. SO esicsccecacncccsces .-| 1-150 to 1-73 |Died of chronic pericar- ditis. No spermatozoa. * T take this opportunity of remarking, that all my microscopic measure- ments have been invariably given in vulgar fractions of an Knglish inch, however they may have been set up in type for the sake of convenience. Zoological Society. Table (continued). 515 Date. Name of Animal, Size of Tubes, State of Testes, &e. Nov. Dec. Nov. Nov. Dec. a 11. Pal 14. 1 ~r 1 —) . 25. 30. .|Ditto, et. 60 .|Ditto, at. 86 .|Ditto Man, et. 53 Ditto, zt. 42 SOROS eee eeeaedereeees Ditto, xt. 73 Teteeeseeeeeseteseeee Pee OTe eeeeedereeseee Child, eet, 8 SPCR E EERO eetoeeeeeene Child, et. 18 months ....secsesee Child, ct. 4 months seccsseoess. Child, set. 6 weeks .....sccccveses Child, still-born Coeeeereeseeeeeres Ditto Ditto SOPCEHEHEEOT SOP Hesseseseseos SOCCER OSTEO TELE eeeEeEe Vespertilio Pipistrellus, Geoff. .. .|Erinaceus Europeus, Linn. ... Sorex tetragonurus, Herm. ....+. 1-150 to 1-80 1-133 to 1-86 1-133 to 1-73 1-146 to 1-82 1-160 to 1-100 1-422 1-400 to 1-266 1-308 1-333 to 1-230 1-307 1-363 to 1-210 1-300 to 1-222 1-400 to 1-266 1-200 to 1-171 1-109 to 1-75 1-109 to 1-85 Died of pericarditis, en- larged heart, and old pleuro-pneumonia, A few spermatozoa in epididymis. Died of phthisis. Some spermatozoa in epidi- dymis. Died of phthisis. Tubes filled with dark, round, and very mi- nute particles; these chiefly aggregated to- gether in irregular masses, and occasion- ally in the form of round or oval corpus- cles with delicate cysts. No spermatozoa. Died of phthisis. Semi- nal tubes in the same condition as the pre- ceding. Died of pneumonia. Had fatty matter in liver, lungs, and testes; no spermatozoa ; tubes in the same condition as in the two preceding. Died of pulmonary con- sumption. Child puny and emaci- ated. Died of pneu- monia. Died of tubercles of me- senteric glands. Body much emaciated. Died of pneumonia. Well-nourished fcetus; born at the full period of utero-gestation. Foetus weighed 7 lbs. Foetus weighed 6 lbs. Weight of foetus 54 lbs. Seminal matter contain- ing abundance of mo- lecules, but no sper- matozoa, No animalcules. of disease. ‘Semen and spermatozoa| very abundant. Many male shrews found dead, with marks of! injuries, apparently from fighting ; and in Died Society. Table (continued). Size of Tubes. State of Testes, &c. 516 Zoological Date. Name of Animal. July 16./Canis familiaris, Linn. sseccceee Feb. 15.|Ditto; a still-born puppy ...+.. Dec. 30.|Felis Leo, Linn. (3 years old)... Nov. 6.|Felis domestica, Briss. (nine months Old) .......ecceecenees Oct. 4.|Arctonyx collaris, F. Cuv. sees. Oct. 15.)/Ursus Americanus, Pall. ...... Jan. 6.|Mustela vulgaris, Linn. ...sese. May 20.)Mustela erminea, Linn. ....0000. April 30./Cervus Wapiti, Mitch. ..6.0040. Jan. 12.)Cervus Elaphus, Linn. ..coovees Jan. 12.\Cervus Dama, Linn. cveosececees April 6. Ditto SHCCSEEHESESEHTHSHEETHESSHSEseseeee Jan. 26.|Ditto, foetus 6 inches long ...... March 26.|Ditto, 14 inches long «eecescecees June 22.|Antilope picta, Pall. seccccssseee Dec. 31.|Ditto (died a few hours age birth) @eeteeeeeeeeeeeetesretesee May 28.|Capra Hircus, Linn. (12 weeks } old) SRHTHSHEFC OHH Eee eee EBEEee 1-125 to 1-85 1-250 1-200 to 1-150 1-141 to 1-85 1-100 to 1-60 1-200 to 1-125 1-171 to 1-109 1-120 to 1-80 1-160 to 1-100 1-117 to 1-105 1-160 to 1-100 1-160 to 1-100 1-666 to 1-363 1-333 to 1-285 1-120 to 1-80 1-571 to 1-363 1-266 to 1-171 Spermatozoa abundant ; Semen and spermato Contents of tubes as in Semen containing abun- all these the testes were very turgid. A mongrel. Spermatozoa abundant. Died of disease of the brain. Molecules ab- undant, and a_ few cells containing sper- matozoa. Spermatozoa plentiful. Tubes large. Sperma- tozoa rather plentiful. Some cells and nume- rous molecules. Died in confinement. No spermatozoa. Semi- nal tubes full of dark- coloured pulp, in which were only visible some altered epithelial cells and numerous oily glo- bules. Died in con- finement. Molecules plentiful in se- men ; no spermatozoa. Spermatozoa plentiful; scarcely any molecules. Many perfect spermato- zoa; molecules scanty; animal 24 months old. Died of diseased kid- neys. Perfect spermatozoa very abundant; many in different stages of de- velopment. Perfect spermatozoa very numerous ; many in cells. none in cells. Tubes full of corpuscles about 1-2800th of an inch in diameter: no molecules. Ditto. z0a abundant. other immature ani- mals. dance of molecules, and rudimentary sper- matozoa in cells. Zoological Society. Table (continued). 517 Name of Animal, Size of Tubes. State of Testes, &c. Feb. Nov. Dec. Nov. Jan. Jan. Jan. Nov. Nov. Feb. May March Feb. March April Jan. Feb. March 16. 25. 18. April 27. © 4, .|Ditto .|Ovis Aries, Linn. (just born) ... Camelus Dromedarius, Linn. ... Sciurus vulgaris, Zinn. ......... Lepus cuniculus, Linn. ......... Mus decumanus, Linn. ......... Ditto, two-thirds grown ......,.. Ditto ditto eeeeesoeseesere -|/Mus musculus, Linn. ........000s Ditto, three-fourths grown ...... Ditto (blind sucking young one). Strix flammea, Linn. ....0...+006 Corvus frugilegus, Linn, .....+05+ Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. ......0.- Ditto Philomela luscinia, Sw. .....000. Sylvia Phragmitis, Bechst. ...... .|Fringilla domestica, Linn. ...... Ditto 1-571 1-120 to 1-75 1-120 to 1-60 1-150 to 1-92 1-46 to 1-42 1-120 to 1-109 1-153 to 1-120 1-80 to 1-66 1-120 to 1-86 12 15 1-400 to 1-222 1-230 to 1-138 1-75 to 1-46 1-250 to 1-166 \ 1-80 to 1-50 1-75 to 1-60 1-68 1-333 to 1-222 1-250 to 1-200 1-166 to 1-109 Tubes very small. Died of dropsy. Sperma- tozoa plentiful ; some rudimentary in cells, with corpuscles; mo- lecules scanty. A few spermatozoa. But few spermatozoa. Spermatozoa very abun- dant ; tubes large. No spermatozoa. Ditto. Spermatozoa abundant. A few free spermatozoa ; a great number imma- ture in cells; mole- cules pretty abundant. Died in confinement. Testis one-third of an inch long and one tenth broad. Testis one inch long and three-fourths broad ; semen andanimalcules very abundant; no molecules. Testis black, one-fifth of an inch long and one- eighth broad; no sper- matozoa; molecules very abundant, Testis brownish white, three-fourths of an inch long and four- tenths broad ; sperma- tozoa abundant; no molecules. Testis one-fourth of an inch long and one-fifth broad, containing a little black pigment ; spermatozoa abundant. Spermatozoa abundant; testis same size as the Nightingale’s. Testis one-twelfth of an inch in diameter; no spermatozoa, Testis one-twelfth of an inch in diameter; no spermatozoa; many molecules. Testis one-seventh of an inch long and one- tenth broad; nume- rous cells, about 1- Zoological Society. Table (continued). Name of Animal. Size of Tubes. State of Testes, &c. 518 Date. May 3. Feb. 28 May 4 May 22. Nov. 26. May 31 Dec. 5 May 12. -|\Columba Livia, Briss. Fringilla domestica, Linn. ...... .|Fringilla Coelebs, Linn. seeecsees .|Emberiza Citrinella, Linn. ..6c+ Cuculus canorus, Linn. ...+0000- Picus minor, Linn. Geaeeeateceseoe -|Cypselus Apus, Flem. .......0040 oP Sterna Hirundo, Linn. 1-80 to 1-66 1-90 to 1-71 1-80 to J-60 1-100 to 1-66 1-571 to 1-363 1-150 to 1-100 1-444 to 1-285 1-240 to 1-200 1000th of an inch in diameter ; great abun- dance of molecules; no perfect spermatozoa. Testis one-third of an inch iong and one- fourth broad ; sperma- tozoa plentiful ; mole- cules not abundant. Testis one-tenth of an inch in diameter ; nu- merous cells contain- ing rudimentary sper- matozoa, but none per- fect; molecules very numerous. Testis one-third of an inch long and one- fourth broad, contain- ing a little yellow pig- ment; spermatozoa very numerous; mole- cules not abundant. Testis one-fifth of an inch in diameter, of an in- tense yellow colour; numerous _ staff-like bodies in semen 1- 2666th of an inch long and 1-25,000th broad. Died in confinement. Testis size of a rape- seed; no spermatozoa or molecules. Testis one-third of an inch long and one-fifth broad; spermatozoa numerous; molecules scanty. Testis about as big as a hemp-seed ; no sper- matozoa ; a few mole- cules. Testis one-tenth of an inch in diameter; no spermatozoa; mole- cules plentiful. Molecules of the Semen.—The molecules mentioned in the prece- ding table are minute, smooth, circular particles, much resembling, both in chemical and physical characters, the “ minute oil-like spherules” which I have depicted in the juice of the supra-renal bodies (Appendix to Gerber’s Anatomy, p.103). The ‘‘ minute shi- ning globules and smaller molecules,” described by Professor R. Zoological Society. 519 Wagner in the semen of some Mammalia, and the “ apparently spherical and dense particles” observed by Dr. Davy (Researches, Physiological and Anatomical, vol. i. p. 332) in the fluid of the hu- man testicle, and which particles he conjectures may be the ova of the spermatozoa, are perhaps identical with the molecules of the semen. ‘They are commonly rather smaller than the particles of the supra-renal gland. I have made many measurements of the mole- cules of the semen, and find them generally to be 1-20,000th of an inch in diameter, but almost always varying from 1-35,000th to 1-8000th, and of course not at all approaching in size and other re- spects to the well-known corpuscles and cells of the semen. ‘The - molecules, especially those of larger size, refract the light strongly ; the smaller ones appear dark and opake in the centre when the focus of the object-glass is elongated, and bright and transparent when the focus is shortened; while the smallest of all, like those of the supra-renal gland, often seem quite black or opake, and ex- hibit very lively vibratory motions, particularly when diluted with water or acetic acid. That the molecules are connected with the perfecting of the se- men, would appear from the fact that they are most abundant in birds and reptiles when the testicles begin to enlarge, and either wholly disappear or become scanty as soon as the testicles are per- fectly ripe and the spermatozoa most completely evolved. But very minute vibratory particles are often observable in the seminal tubes of foetal animals. : The figure of the molecules, like that of many other particles equally small, is apparently spherical, and, as already mentioned, they may present either a dark or bright central spot. But, as no- ticed in the Atlas to Gerber’s Anatomy, p. 59, it is difficult to de- termine the exact shape of particles so exceedingly minute; and the elaborate researches of Dr. Barry (Phil. Trans. 1841, part 2) have rendered it probable that some of the particles which I have formerly mentioned (Appendix to Gerber’s Anatomy, and London Medical Gazette for May and November, 1839) as ‘‘ minute spherules” and ‘* spherical molecules,” are in reality discs. Pigment.—In the foregoing table the black and yellow colour of the testicles of certain birds is noticed. I have carefully examined the black matter of the starling’s testicles, and found it to be com- posed of very distinct pigmentary ramifications, made up of most minute particles, many of which, when floating in the field of vision, exhibit exceedingly active motions. In the winter the testicles are quite black, and the pigment, perhaps from the small size of the tubes, seems to be contained within them; but when the testicles are enlarged in the spring, they present a lighter or brownish white colour, from the accumulation of semen, and the pigmentary ramifi- cations are evidently situated in or close to the coats of the tubes, the boundaries of which may be easily seen with a common hand- lens to be marked out by the black pigmentary dots. Spermatozoa of the Cervide and Camelide.—Professor Wagner Physiology, by Willis, p. 34) regards the spermatozoa as essential 520 Zoological Society. elements of the seminal fluid; and that the spermatozoa are essential to prolific semen seems now to be generally allowed. I merely mention the subject in connection with the statement of Sir Everard Home (Lectures on Comp. Anat., vol. v.; well commented on in Dr. Davy’s Researches, vol. i. p. 339), that the seminal animalcules have no real existence, and especially that he and Mr. Bauer had searched for them in vain, and with the best instruments and oppor- tunities, in the seminal fluid of the fallow deer during the season of the rut. I now exhibit to the Society drawings of the spermatozoa of the fallow deer, wapiti, and red deer, and shall be happy to show my preparations of the animalcules to any one who may be curious about them. I have repeatedly had opportunities of examining the spermatozoa of the fallow deer, and though they are most abundant at the time of the rut, they may be found commonly enough at other seasons. After the rut was passed in January and February, I found the spermatozoa plentiful in the red and fallow deer at Windsor. The animalcules were even then in various stages of development ; some coiled up two or three together, in cells, with granular matter ; others were still more rudimentary; many appeared just ready to escape from the cells, while a still greater number were free and lively in the seminal canals. In the body of the spermatozoon of the red deer there is occasionally an appearance of internal granules or vesicles, as shown in the drawing. As the Camelide, like the oviparous Vertebrata, have oval blood- corpuscles, it was interesting to ascertain the form of the sperma- tozoa of this ruminant family. In the dromedary I found that the seminal animalcules were much like those of other Mammalia, and so nearly resembling the animalcules of the Cervide, that there was a difference only of size, the spermatozoa of the dromedary being slightly smaller than those of the deer. Chemical characters of the spermatozoa.—It is remarkable that the spermatozoa of Mammalia are but little or not at all affected by many chemical agents which quickly act on various other animal matters. These spermatozoa preserve their form and appearance when treated severally with nitric, muriatic, acetic, oxalic, tartaric and citric acids ; with concentrated solutions of earthy, alkaline, and metallic salts; and with liquid ammonia. But the spiral spermatozoa of birds are quickly dissolved, destroyed, or reduced to the most minute particles, by the acetic and other vegetable acids, while these animalcules are not much affected by muriatic acid, nor by caustic ammonia and saline solutions. Yet the cylindrical or club-shaped spermatozoa of birds are more nearly allied in chemical characters to the spermatozoa of Mammalia. The seminal animalcules of the common swift (Cypselus Apus), for exam- ple, remain perfectly entire and distinct after having been subjected to the action of citric or acetic acid. It may be incidentally men- tioned that the spermatozoa of the snake (Natrix torquata) are not affected by acetic acid. The matter in the seminal canals of Mammalia and Birds, when it Zoological Society. 521 contains plenty of corpuscles, of which indeed it is almost entirely made up in immature animals, from the embryo upwards, is rendered ropy by alkalies and by saline solutions. This action of these solu- tions, which is very remarkable on all animal fluids containing a great quantity of fresh primary or isolated cells, appears to take place from the effect on them of the reagents, as I have elsewhere described with respect to the lymph-globules (Gerber’s Anatomy, Appendix, pp. 91, 96, and 97). In sume recent experiments, however, these globules were not destroyed, but only a little misshapen or made rather fainter, after having been kept some days in solutions of mu- riate of ammonia and other salts. “Descriptions of new species of Delphinula, a genus of Pectini- branchiate Mollusks (Family Turbinacea),” by Mr. Lovell Reeve. DeELPHINULA TyriA. Delph. testdé subdiscoided, sqyuamed, an- Sractibus argenteo-albis, superné et inferné Tyrio-purpureis, laxé convolutis, umbilicum levem lacco-purpureum formantibus, an- gulatis, sguamis minutis, in seriebus parallelis dispositis, tota- liter tectis ; angulo serie unicé majore funiculato ; spird depresso- plana. Icones Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 211. f. 6. Long. 24; lat. 1?. Mus. Cuming, &c. Hab. Ad oras Nove Hollandiz. This is the first discovered large species of Delphinula that is abso- lutely destitute of spines or nodules. The surface of the shell, which is entirely covered with small scales ranged in parallel series, is of clear silvery white; the upper and lower portions of the whorls are tinged with a rich Tyrian purple, and the umbilicus, which is smooth, is of a lighter lake purple. DELPHINULA IMPERIALIS. Delph. testd subdiscoided spiniferd et squameo-liratd, anfractibus olivaceo-viridibus, ultimo pal- lidé purpureo, laxé convolutis, umbilicum amplum formantibus, subangulatis, angulo spinis gracillimis, squameformibus, nigris, superné inflexis, coronato ; anfractuum parte alterd spinis bre- vioribus, contrarié inflexis, in seriebus dispositis, interstitiis squamis nigris, minutis sigillatim impositis, ornatis; spird depresso-concava. Delphinula melanacantha, Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 211. f. 4. and pl. 212. f. 10. Long. 21; lat. 12 in. Mus. Cuming. Hab, Ad insulam Mindanao, Philippinarum. A magnificent specimen of this remarkable shell was dredged up by Mr. Cuming in fathoms’ water at , one of the Philip- pine Islands, and we need only refer to our figures of it in the ‘ Con- chologia Systematica,’ in addition to the above description, to show how distinct is this species from any other of the genus. ‘The shell is of a palish-green colour towards the apex, but the last whorl is purple and elegantly surmounted with a row of tall, black, slender, scale-like spines, bending over towards the point of the spire. Be- low these are five other distinct rows of black spines; they are, Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol,xi, Suppl. 2M 522 Zoological Society. however, shorter, and bend the contrary way, whilst the entire sur- face of the shell is ornamented with a number of very fine ridges of minute scales. We gladly avail ourselves of the opportunity of re- storing to this shell the name by which it is commonly known amongst collectors, though not hitherto published. DELPHINULA INCISA. Delph. testéd globoso-discoided, liris pur- pureis angustis, subflexuosis, interstitiis albis profunde incisis, totaliter tecta ; anfractibus tuberculis grandibus, complicatis, di- stantibus, in seriebus duabus dispositis, ornatis ; aperturd rotun- dd, margine inferiori lacunatd ; spird depresso-pland. Icon. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 212. f. 11. Long. 1,95; lat. 15 in. Mus. Cuming. Hab. Ad insulam Burias, Philippinarum. This shell, which we believe to be at present unique, in the col- lection of Hugh Cuming, Esq., is well-characterized, by having a double row of large, pinched, stunted tubercles; and the tubercles, as well as the entire surface of the shell, is covered with a number of purple flexuous ridges, the interstices being white and unusually deeply cut. DELPHINULA FORMOSA. Delph. testéd rotundd subdiscoided, le- vitér nodiferd, aureo-ochraced, cocceo-tinctd, anfractibus peran- gulatis, angulo squamis grandibus, triangularibus valdé compres- sis, coronato ; anfractuum parte inferiori sgyuamarum minorum seriebus duabus, squamulisque ochraceo-coccineis minutis in se- riebus parallelis, subflexuosis, dispositis, ornatd ; umbilico amplo purpureo-lacco vivide colorato ; spird plano-convexd. Icon. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 212. f. 9. Long. 1435; lat. 1 in. Mus. Cuming. Hab. Ad insulam Capul Philippinarum. | A very richly-coloured shell, found by Hugh Cuming, Esq., at Capul, one of the Philippine Islands, in seven fathoms’ water. The upper portions of the whorls are clothed with a rich golden yellow colour, deeply tinged with scarlet or crimson; the lower part of the whorls are of a peculiarly soft white, and the umbilicus in all the specimens we have seen is coloured with a deep purple lake, entirely free from any indication of the yellow that ornaments the obverse portion of the shell. DELPHINULA ACULEATA. Delph. testa subdiscoided, aculeatd, albidd, anfractibus perangulatis, angulo spinis sguameformibus flexuosis, dorsim coceineis, coronato, anfractuum parte inferiori spinarum seriebus duabus, aculeolisque squameformibus in seriebus parallelis dispositis, ornatd ; spird depresso-pland. Icon. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 212. f. 8. Long. 1,4,; lat. 9, m. Mus. Cuming. Hab. Ad insulam Ticao Philippinarum. This shell is not much unlike that of the preceding species ; it dif- fers, however, in having the angle of the outer whorl crowned with a row of irregular, thin, flexuous, scale-like spines, the back of each being ornamented with scarlet, the only portion of colour in the Zoological Society. 523 shell; the surface is remarkable in being covered with a number of sharp prickles, particularly within and around the umbilicus. Mr. Reeve also described a new species of the genus Murew. Murex Stainrortuu. Mur. testd subsolidd, globoso-ovatd via fusiformi, multivaricosd, superficie pallido-aurantid, epidermide tenui indutd, transversim liratd, liris fusco-lineatis ; spird bre- viusculd, apice subobtuso ; anfractibus quinque, suturis indistine- tis; anfractu ultimo varicibus octo ornato, ceteris, varicibus decorticatis, feré obsoletis ; varicibus per totam longitudinem den- sissimé frondosis, frondibus acutissimis, recurvis ; canali brevi, latiusculo ; aperturd rotunda, fauce crenulatd, polita, utrinque vivide aurantia. Long. 2;';; lat. 1j in. Mus. Inwood. Hab. ? | The very beautiful and characteristic shell above described has been handed to us by its fortunate possessor, Henry Inwood, Esq., accompanied with a request that it be named in honour of one of our most assiduous collectors, the Rev. Mr. Stainforth, And it is with no little pleasure that we have executed the task; for a shell more chaste in its colour and development, or more striking in its specific character, we do not remember to have seen. It is of a solid and somewhat globose structure, and is profusely ornamented with va- rices; there are eight distinct varices on the last whorl, and the re- mains of a similar number are visible on each of the former; but in the specimen before us, and which we believe to be unique, they are so decorticated as to have become almost obsolete. Each varix ap- pears to have been formed by the sudden development of a number of coatings laid successively one upon the other. The edge of each of these coatings is then ornamented with a row of fine prickly branches, recurved back over the shell, and they only remain perfect to the last coating in consequence of those of the previous or under coatings having been necessarily in part removed or absorbed ; unless indeed the under coatings are too rapidly developed, the one over the other, to allow of their marginal branches attaining the regularity and beauty of the last. The varix altogether has thus the appear- ance of being thickly studded from top to bottom with these delicate prickles ; so delicately indeed are they formed, that it is only on the last or marginal varix of the shell that they remain in perfect order ; in tracing them back round the body whorl, they may be observed to have become gradually more and more eroded. Should a speci- men of this shell be found with all the varices in the same beautiful order as the marginal varix in this, it would indeed be “ fair to look upon.” The canal is rather short; the outer lip is strongly crenu- lated, and the crenule extend within the mouth of the shell, the whole of them, together with the broad columella, being covered with a highly polished orange enamel. A letter from George Robert Gray, Esq., addressed to the Curator, was next read. This letter refers to the members of J. E.Gray’s genus Tetraogallus, or Mountain Partridge, a rare species of which is at 2M 2 524 Zoological Society. present in the Society’s menagerie, having been brought from North- ern Persia, and presented to the Society by E. W. Bonham, Esq., H.B.M. Consul at Tabrez. Mr. G. R. Gray is of opinion that there exist three species of the genus Tetraogallus, each peculiar to one of the three following localities, viz. Caucasus, the Himalayan and the Altai Mountains. The bird in the Society’s menagerie, Mr. G.R.Gray observes, is well figured in plate 76 of Jardine and Selby’s ‘Jllustrations,’ and the specimen figured is, like that belonging to the Zoological Society, from Persia. It is peculiar in having the head, neck and breast of a slate colour, passing into pale reddish brown on the upper part of the back; a dingy white streak extends from the nostril to the an- terior angle of the eye; the chin and throat, as well as an oblong patch on the side of the neck, are white; the breast is of a dark slate colour, and has short wavy black lines, especially just below the white of the throat. The figure referred to represents the typical Lophophorus Nigelli, which is most probably identical with the Tetrao Caucasica of Pallas; and if this supposition be correct, the earlier specific name given by the author just mentioned should be retained, as Tetraogallus Caucasicus. Mr. G. R. Gray also believes the Chourtka alpina of Victor to be the same species as the bird under consideration. In plate 141 of Messrs. Jardine and Selby’s ‘ Illustrations,’ a Te- traogallus is represented, which the authors suppose to be the male of the bird figured in plate 76 ; this is also delineated under the name of Tetraogallus Nigelli by Mr. J. E. Gray in the ‘ Indian Zoology.’ This bird Mr. G. R. Gray, however, considers a distinct species, which is peculiar to the Himalaya Mountains, whence he has seen many specimens, all agreeing in colour. For this species the name Tetraogallus Himalayensis is proposed. It is distinguishable by its silky white neck and breast; a deep chestnut-brown line runs down, and partly surrounds the base of the neck, and the breast is variegated in front with black, each plume having a transverse band on the middle, which partly appears below the white tips of the other feathers. The third species, Perdizx altaica of M. Gebler, the distinctness of which there can be no doubt of, has the breast-feathers grey-black at the base; and this colour extends along the shafts, and forms an arched spot on each side of each feather: the under tail-coverts are white. It shculd be named Tetraogallus altaicus. August 9.—Richard Owen, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. The following paper, ‘‘ On the Blood-Corpuscles of the Ibex,’’ by George Gulliver, Esq., F.R.S., was read. Before my discovery of the singularly minute size of the blood- corpuscles of the Musk Deer*, those of the Goat were the smallest known. I have since found that the corpuscles of the Ibex are slightly smaller than those of the Goat, and therefore intermediate in size to the corpuscles of the Goat and those of the Musk Deer, * See Annals of Nat. History, Dec. 1839. Zoological Society. 525 as will be shown by the following measurements, which are given in vulgar fractions of an English inch; the average size of those of the Ibex from Candia (Capra Caucasica, Guld.), = 1-7020 inch, and of the pale globules of the blood, = 1-3200 inch ; of the Common Goat (Capra Hircus, Linn.), = 1-6366 inch, and of the pale globules of the blood, = 1-3032 inch; and of the Napu Musk Deer (Moschus Java- nicus, Pallas), = 1-12325 inch, and of the pale globules of the blood, = 1-3200 inch. I may add that Mr. Siddall, who has lately at my request mea- sured the blood-corpuscles of the Ibex and of the Goat, has obtained almost exactly the same results as those above specified. Mr. Gulliver also communicated a paper ‘‘ On the Blood-Corpus- cles of the British Ophidian Reptiles.” To this communication are added some observations on the figure of the blood-corpuscles of other oviparous Vertebrata. ‘* The observations were made on perfectly fresh blood, and the corpuscles measured as they floated in the serum. “Though the blood-discs of Birds and Reptiles preserve their shape very clearly when rapidly dried on a slip of glass, they generally appear in this state slightly but distinctly smaller than when sus- pended in the serum of recent blood; whereas, when the blood-discs of Mammalia are dried in precisely the same way they are commonly slightly larger than in the wet state, as I have noticed more particu- larly in the ‘ Philosophical Magazine’ for January and February 1840, pp. 25 and 105.” “In Mammalia the envelope of the corpuscle is more delicate, more susceptible of contraction and of modifications of form, and apparent- ly softer, than in Birds and Reptiles ; so that the corpuscles of Mam- mals are more liable to shrink a little soon after removal from the circulating channels, than the corpuscles of Birds and Reptiles; and it may be that this softness of the blood-disc of Mammals allows it to spread out in some degree, even when dried ever so quickly. But it is more probable that the corpuscles preserve their usual size and form when dried almost instantaneously, and that the shrinking or modifications of shape which the corpuscles may undergo in liquid, coagulating, or slowly-dried blood, may be influenced as much by changes in the surrounding fibrine as by a contractility inherent in the corpuscles. The envelope of the blood-disc of Fishes is much more delicate and evanescent than the same part in Birds and Rep- tiles ; hence in the blood of Fishes, even soon after death, the nuclei will be observed in great abundance, while the envelopes have par- tially or entirely disappeared ; and the form of the entire corpuscles is not so easily preserved by drying as in the other oviparous verte- brate animals.” The following average dimensions of the blood-corpuscles of the Slow Worm, Snake, and Viper, deduced from measurements of the small, large, and common-sized discs, are all expressed in vulgar fractions of an English inch. L.D. stands for Long Diameter, and 8.D. for Short Diameter. March 19, 1842.—Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis, Linn.) : L.D. = 526 Zoological Society. 1-1178 inch, 8.D. = 1-2666 inch; and of the pale globules of the blood (abundant) = 1-2626 inch. Sept. 9, 1841.—Common Snake (Natrix torquata, Ray): L.D. = 1-1371 inch; S.D. = 1-2157 inch; thickness = 1-8341 inch; nu- clei, exposed by dilute acetic acid, L.D. = 1-3835 inch; $.D.= 1-6817 inch; and of the pale globules of the blood (tolerably nume- rous) = 1-2322 inch. “The pale globules were generally granular and opake, though some of them were thin and transparent at the edges, as if growing into discs. In the blood there were many circular discs of a deep red colour, and generally 1-2666th of an inch in diameter. The regular discs were rounded at the edges, and almost all flat; but a very careful search might occasionally detect one or two with slight gibbosity of the surfaces opposite to the nucleus. March 24, 1842.—Viper (Coluber Berus, Linn.) ; L.D. = 1-1274 inch ; §.D. = 1-1800 inch; and nuclei, exposed by acetic acid, L.D. == 1-3227 inch; 8.D, = 1-4986 inch. “‘The discs were clearly gibbous on the surfaces opposite to the nucleus. ‘The pale globules were very numerous, and their common diameter was 1-2666th of an inch. ** Figure of the Corpuscles.—From the preceding measurements it results, that although the blood-discs of the Viper and Snake pre- sent the form of an ellipse rather less than twice as long as it is broad, in the Slow Worm the elliptical figure of the discs is more elongated, since its length is considerably more than twice its breadth. «As M. Mandl states, all observers had agreed that the long dia- meter of the oval blood-corpuscles of vertebrate animals was never more than one and a half or twice the short diameter, when he de- scribed the corpuscles of the Crocodilide as forming a singular ex- ception to this rule; because he found that the long diameter of the blood-discs of Crocodilus Lucius was between two and three times as much as the short diameter. I am not aware whether M. Mandl had examined any other species of this family ; but, as described in the ‘ Proceedings of the Zoological Society,’ Nov. 10, 1840, I found that in Crocodilus acutus and in Champsa fissipes the corpuscles had the most common oval form, the length being rather less than twice the breadth*. «In the ‘ Proceedings of the Zoological Society,’ June 9, 1840, I showed that the blood-corpuscles of some birds differ greatly in figure from the corpuscles of other congenerous species. ‘The cor- puscles of the Snowy Owl (Syrnia nyctea), for example, are singu- larly elongated ellipses, while the corpuscles of the Common Brown Owl have the usual oval form; and a similar peculiarity, though in a less degree, was observed in comparing the corpuscles of the Pas- senger Pigeon (Columba migratoria) with those of other allied species. * Tn an alligator, the species of which was not determined, I found the blood-corpuscles of the same shape. The animal came from Tampico Bay, Vera Cruz, and died at the gardens of the Society in the beginning of Oc- tober 1842. Zoological Society. 527 “ Subsequently I have mentioned, in the ‘ Appendix to Gerber’s Anatomy,’ that the corpuscles of Birds may present, comparatively, either the figure of a very broad or of a very narrow ellipse. Of the latter shape, examples may be found in the corpuscles of the Great Butcher Bird (Lanius excubitor), Nightingale (Philomela luscinia), Snow Bunting (Plectrophanes nivalis); and of the former shape in the corpuscles of the Java Sparrow (Lowia Javensis), and several other granivorous birds. “ The nucleus of the blood-corpuscles of Birds, when exposed by acetic acid, has almost always a more elongated form than the un- changed envelope, as mentioned in the book just quoted, But to this rule I have since found a few remarkable exceptions. In the Common Fowl (Gallus domesticus), for instance, the nucleus is a very short ellipse, and even sometimes nearly or quite circular. For the difference between the shape of the nucleus, when exposed by acetic acid, or by soaking the corpuscles in water, a figure mn be consulted which I have given to illustrate this subject in my ‘ Con- tributions to Minute Anatomy,’ Lond. and Edin, Phil. Mag., August 1842, page 109,” A paper was then sak from Mr. Gould, in which he gives the characters of two new genera of Birds, one belonging to the family Sylviade and the other to the Psittacide. ‘** Having observed,” says Mr. Gould, ‘‘ during my late visit to Australia, much difference to exist in the habits of the birds usually placed in the genus Platycercus, I was naturally led to investigate the matter as fully as circumstances would admit, and on examina- tion of the two birds known as Pl. erythropterus and Pl. scapulatus, I found that the difference of their habits from those of the typical Platycerci was accompanied by a sufficient difference in their ana- tomy to warrant their separation into a distinct genus. Indepen- dently of the variations indicated in the generic characters given below, these birds are remarkable for possessing a tolerably well- developed os furcatorium, which bone is entirely wanting in the true Platycerci and Euphemi ; in their habits they approach nearer to the Lories, are of a dull and sullen disposition, and do not readily become tame and familiar like the Platycerci ; they are also essentially arbo- real, procuring their food among the branches of the trees; while the Platycerci resort to the ground and feed principally upon grass seeds,” These two birds he therefore proposed to erect into a new genus, under the appellation of APROSMICTUS. Gen. Char, ut in Platycerco.—Rostrum attamen debilius, ceromate plumis tenuibus instar pilorum nares adumbrantibus instructo. Ale longiores et mints concave. Cauda magis quadrata. Tarsi breviores. Digiti longiores. Types.—Platycercus scapulatus and erythropterus, which will now stand as Aprosmictus scapulatus and A. erythropterus. The other birds which Mr. Gould proposed to form into a new 528 Zoological Society. genus are the Petroica rhodinogaster of Messrs. Jardine and Selby, and the Petroica rosea of himself. These birds are much more ar- boreal in their habits than the true Petroicas, which are expressly adapted for the ground, while these are equally so to the thick brushwood, to the deepest gullies among which they usually resort. For this group he proposed the designation of ERYTHRODRYAS. Gen. Char. fere ut in Petroicd.—Rostrum attamen brevius, ad basim magis depressum, et vibrissis tenuibus anticé ductis naresque ad- umbrantibus instructum. Ale breviores, magis rotundatz; pri- mariis primo et secundo brevissimis, quinto longissimo. Tarsi breviores. Digiti longiores ; externi inter se feré zequales. Ungues acutiores et magis incurvati. Type.—Erythrodryas rhodinogaster (Petroica rhodinogaster, Jard. and elb.). To this genus also belongs the species characterized by him in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society for 1839, p. 142, under the name of Petroica rosea, which will now stand as Hrythrodryas rosea. August 23.—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. Mr. Prince exhibited, on the part of Mr. Gould, two new species of Australian Birds. These Mr. Gould characterizes as follows :— Astur crurentus. Ast. capite et occipite plumbeis ; torque nuchali castaneo dorso, alis, cauddque eplumbeo-fuscis ; fusco colore apud dorsum magis prevalente, plumbeo apud ceteras partes ; remigum primorum pogoniis internis ad basim albescentibus et plumbeo- fasciatis ; corpore inferiore ferrugineo, fasciis crebris, angustis et semicircularibus ornato. Male.—Crown of the head and occiput dark slate-colour ; sides of the face grey ; at the back of the neck a collar of chestnut-red ; back, wings and tail slaty brown, the brown hue predominating on the back and the slate-colour upon the other parts; inner webs of the primaries fading into white at the base, and crossed by bars of slate-_ colour; the interspaces freckled with buff; inner webs of the tail- feathers marked in a precisely similar manner; chin buffy white ; all the under surface rust-red, crossed by numerous narrow semicircular bands of white; irides bright yellow; cere dull yellow; bill black at the tip, blue at the base ; legs and feet pale yellow; claws black. Total length, 142 inches; bill, 3; wing, 7; tail, 6; tarsi, 23. Hab. Western Australia. This species is intermediate in size between Astur approximans and Accipiter torquatus, but is of a more grey or blue colour on the back, and has the transverse lines on the breast narrower and more rufous. LoBIVANELLUS PERSONATUS. Lob. vertice et occipite nigerrimis ; faciei lateribus nuchd, uropygio, et corpore inferiore albis ; dorso et plumis scapularibus pallide fuscescenti-cinereis ; paleis penden- Zooloyical Society. 529 tibus flavis ; rostro ad basim flavis ad apicem nigris ; pedibus e carneo-rubris. | Crown of the head and occiput jet-black ; sides of the face, back of the neck, rump, and all the under surface pure white; back and scapularies light brownish grey ; wing-coverts grey ; primaries deep black ; secondaries white at the base on their inner webs, cinnamon- grey on their outer webs, and largely tipped with black ; the extreme ends of the feathers being cinnamon-grey, particularly the two cen- tral ones ; irides primrose-yellow ; wattles lemon-yellow ; bill lemon- yellow at the base, black at the tip; legs and feet carmine-red; the scales in front blackish green. Total length, 12 inches; bill, 12; wing, 83; tail, 4; tarsi, 23. Hab. North coast of Australia. This species is of the same size, but more elegantly formed than the Lob. lobatus, the fleshy wattles more extensively developed, the crown of the head only black, and not the back and sides of the neck, as in that species. Mr. Waterhouse exhibited several species of Mammals, collected in Borneo by the Society’s Corresponding Member, James Brooke, Esq., and recently forwarded to England by that gentleman. Among these specimens was a fine example of the Paradorurus Derbianus, Gray, an animal which has also received the names Paradoxurus Zebra, Hemigalea Zebra, and Viverra Boiei. Two specimens of Gymnura, a specimen of the Prionodon gracilis, and two species of Squirrel, also formed part of the collection. The Gymnuri differ much in colouring from the G. Rafflesii. In- stead of having the fur black, and with longer interspersed white hairs, the Bornean specimens are entirely of a yellowish white colour, with the exception of the long bristly hairs interspersed with the ordinary fur, which are some of them black. In other respects the Sumatran and Bornean specimens of Gymnura agree so closely that Mr. Waterhouse did not regard the difference in colouring as indi- cative of specific distinction. The existence of the Prionodon gracilis in Borneo is noticed by Miiller, who applies to the animal the name Linsang gracilis. Be- lieving the skull of this animal had never been described or figured, Mr. Waterhouse called attention to the peculiarities in its structure. In some of its external characters, especially in the structure of its feet, with their truly retractile claws, the Prionodon evinces an affinity to the Cats, which would lead the naturalist to seek for some corresponding points of resemblance in the skull; this, however, presents all the characteristics of the Viverride: it is of the same elongated form ; the lower jaw is long and slender, and the rami are curved, so that the angular portion and symphysis are raised. Com- pared with other Viverride, the Prionodon skull is remarkable for the thinness of the bones and the very slight development of the muscular ridges. In general form it approximates more nearly to Paradoxurus than to Viverra or Genetta. ‘The zygomatic arch, which is slender, is thrown more boldly outwards than in the last two mentioned genera, and the posterior portion of the cranium does not 530 Zoological Society. exhibit the sudden contraction immediately behind the posterior root of the zygomatic arch which we observe in the Viverras and Genets. The post-orbital process of the temporal bone is but little prominent, being in the form of an obtuse angle; the skull differing in this respect from that of Paradorurus, as well as in having the palate continued considerably beyond the line of the posterior mo- lars. The muzzle is much compressed. The temporal ridges are rather widely separated and but slightly marked, though, judging from the dentition, the animal was adult. The ant-orbital opening is larger than in Genetia and less advanced, and hence the branch of the superior maxillary which forms its upper boundary is narrower, as in Paradovurus. In the form of the lower jaw there is a close ap- proximation to Paradozurus ; the only important difference consists in the smaller antero-posterior extent of the coronoid process. The teeth in Prionodon differ much from those of Paradoxurus ; indeed, were the dentition alone to be considered, these two genera would be placed at opposite extremes of the Viverrine group, the last-mentioned genus evincing the nearest approach to an omnivo- rous diet, whilst the Prionodon possesses teeth the most unfitted for mastication, The incisors are arranged closely together, and in a straight line ; the incisor on each side of both jaws, nearest the canines, is rather larger than the others, which are slightly notched at the extremity. The canines are rather long, very slender, and moderately curved. The false molars, which are a are much compressed, high, and sharply pointed. The foremost false molar, both of upper and lower jaws, is small, and has a small tubercle on the hinder part of the principal cusp. The second and third false molars of the upper jaw have each two small notches, and a corresponding number of small tubercles on the posterior margin and at the base of the principal cusp; and there is an indistinct tubercle in front, near the base: the second, third, and fourth false molars of the lower jaw have also the double notch behind, but differ in having a distinct, though small, anterior cusp. The first and second false molars of both jaws are separated from the other teeth and from each other by interspaces, of which the broadest is that which separates the second and third of these teeth in the upper jaw, the space here being nearly a line in width. The carnassier of the upper jaw very nearly resembles that of the Cat, but the central cusp is higher, and the inner tubercle is proportionally smaller. The carnassier of the lower jaw may be best described by comparing it with the corresponding tooth in the Genet, from which it differs only in having the cutting edges rather more produced, in being more compressed; the inner tubercle is more pointed, and the heel proportionately smaller. As regards the true molars, the present animal differs from other Viverride in possessing but one of these teeth on each side of the upper jaw; its |.— true molars are therefore yes immaturity in the animal. The form of this tooth closely resembles me, and this certainly does not arise from Zoological Society. 531 that of the foremost of the two upper true molars in Genetta, but is proportionately rather smaller and the tubercles are somewhat more developed. ‘The true molar of the lower jaw is a mere rudimentary tooth, and differs from that of Genetta and other Viverride, not only in its small size, but in being of a compressed form: its cutting edge is divided by notches into three parts. In the possession of but one true molar in the upper jaw, Priono- don would appear to approach the Felide; but the structure of this tooth, it must be observed, is essentially the same as in the Viver- ride, and it is combined with a small true molar in the lower jaw, which is never found in the Cats. On the whole, Prionodon approaches most nearly to the Genets as regards its dentition; but in the general structure of the skull, Mr. Waterhouse observed, it evinced an affinity with the Paradovuri, to which group it appeared to be linked by the Paradorurus Derbianus, or Hemigalea Zebra. Links are nevertheless wanting to prove that Prionodon should be regarded as an offset from the Paradoxurine roup. One of the two Squirrels alluded to is the Sciurus ephippium, de- scribed in Dr. Miiller’s great work on the Zoology of the Dutch Pos- ‘sessions in the Indian Archipelago. The other closely resembles the Sc. Prevostii or Rafflesiit, and may be a variety of that species; it differs in being smaller; the cheeks are freely pencilled with rusty red, instead of being grey as in Raffesii, and the sides of the muzzle are of the same reddish hue, not having the white patch which is observable in Sir 8. Raffles’s Sumatran specimen; the outer side of the thighs has a grey tint, produced by the admixture of black and white; the hairs being of the former colour, but white or yellowish white at the point. In the type of Rafflesii the same part is furnished with uniform white hairs, excepting the hinder part of the thigh, which is black. The tail is uniform black in that animal, but the Bornean specimen has the hairs tipped with white in such a way as to produce rings; these rings, however, do not extend to the apical portion of the tail, about two inches of which is uniform black, The hairs covering the ears are partly black, but chiefly of the same rich rusty red as are all the under parts of the animal, The Sumatran animal has black ears. Dr. Miiller, in the work before quoted, de- scribes specimens of a squirrel from Borneo, which he regards as a variety of Sc. Rafflesti, and which agree closely with the specimen from Mr. Brooke’s collection; this, however, has the hairs on the upper parts of the body of an uniform glossy black colour; Dr. Miil- ler observes they are generally terminated with yellowish points in the specimens he met with. Sept 13.—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. The first paper read was from J. O. Westwood, Esq. It contains descriptions of some Coleopterous Insects from tropical Africa, be- longing to the section Heteromera, and is the continuation of a paper on the same subject, communicated to the Society August 24th, 1841, an abstract of which will be found in the ‘ Proceedings’ of that date. 532 Zoological Society. Genus CALosTEciA. Corpus magnum oblongum. Caput mediocre, clypeo margine an- tico recto, angulis anticis valdé porrectis basin labri recipientibus. Antenne crasse breves, articulis 7-10 precedentibus majoribus, ulti- mo majori apice subacuto. Mandibule ad apicem bidentate dente- que altero majori in vel versus medium marginis interni armatz. Mazille \obo interno in dentem corneum obtusum hamatum termi- nato. Palpi mazillares articulo ultimo securiformi. Mentum latum lateribus rotundatis, basi valde constrictum. Labium quadratum. Palpi labiales articulo ultimo ovali. Prothorar subquadratus anticé paulld latior, lateribus versus angulos anticos serratis. lytra oblongo-ovalia levia metalli-colorata. Pedes crassi, femoribus om- nibus ante apicem bispinosis; tibiis intus, ante et pone medium sinuatis. CALOSTEGIA PURPURIPENNIS. Cal. nigra subopaca levis, elytris purpureis sub lente tenuissime striato-punctatis. Long. corp. lin. 17; lat. elytror. feré lin. 6. Hab. in Ashantee. Mus. D. Hope. NycrToBaTEs M@RENS. Nyct. niger subnitidus, capite thoraceque sub lente tenuissime punctatis, elytrisque tenuissime striato-punctatis, pedibus longis, tibiis subincurvis, thoracis angulis posticis acutis. Long. corp. lin. 83; lat. elytr. pone medium lin. 33. Hab. in Guinea. In mus. nost. communic. D. Raddon. Totus niger partm nitidus. Caput margine antico (clypeo incluso) subsemicirculari, clypei utrinque incisione parva in lined obliqua im- press desinente distinguendo; linedque altera impress4 longitudi- nali utrinque ad marginem internum oculorum. Superficies capitis regulariter punctata punctis parvis. Antenne articulo primo crasso longitudine 44, 24° minuto, 3%° longo, ceteris longitudine feré squa- libus at sensim latioribus, 5 ultimis compressis setosis, ultimo oyali, basi truncato, apice rotundato. Mandibule subtrigone apice acute, intus edentatz sed spatio mediano membranaceo. Mazille lobo in- terno in uncum corneum terminato. Palpi mazillares articulo ultimo securiformi. Mentum subquadratum anticé paullo latius, anticé carina curvata instructum: labium breve transversum ciliatum. Palpi labiales breves articulo ultimo dilatato-ovali apice truncato. Prothorazv ca- pite multo latior, margine antico truncato, lateribus rotundatis, an- gulis posticis acutis; marginatus, margine antico tamen in medio interrupto; superficies tota crebre punctata, punctis minutis et non approximatis. Elytra basi thorace latiora, humeris rotundatis ; sensim latiora, apice utrinque partim sinuata; dorso gibboso super- ficies sub lente quasi coriacea; singulo striis 9 e punctis minutis formatis oculo nudo vix conspicuis, stridé interna propé scutellum abbreviata. Pedes longi, graciles, femoribus anticis crassioribus ; omnibus apice inermibus; tibiis anticis pone medium partim intus curvatis, apice externe intus setoso, extus oblique truncato, tibiis 4 posticis subrectis, medio vix subincurvato, apiceque subinflexis ; calcaribus omnibus minutissimis. Nycrosates conrusus. Nyct. niger levis subnitidus, elytris lati- oribus, pronoti lateribus in medio sinuatis et sanguineo-marginatis. Zoological Society. 533 Long. corp. lin. 1 ; lat. elytr. pone med. lin. 5. Hab. in Africd equinoxiali. Mus. Soc. Linn. Lond. D. Banks. Caput nigrum, sub lente tenuissime punctatum carina longitudinali utrinque versus marginem internum oculorum. Antenne articulis apicalibus latioribus. Pronotum transverse quadratum, angulis an- ticis obliqué truncatis et parim rotundatis, lateribus in medio sinu- atis tenuissime marginatis, angulis posticis acutis feré rectangulis ; sub lente tenuissime punctatum ; lateribus laté et obscuré sanguineis, colore sanguineo ante medium intus acuté producto, dorso nigro ; margine postico in medio versus scutellum partm producto. lytra nigra nitida levia, latiora quam in congenericis, preesertim pone me- dium, apicem versus attenuata ; sub lente seriebus 8 longitudinalibus punctorum minutorum. Pedes longitudine mediocres, graciles, tibiis simplicibus feré rectis. Individuum in mus. D. Hope vidi lineas 94 tantum habens, statu- rAique parim minus robusta ; vix tamen species distincta. Nycrosates puncratus. Nyct. niger obscurus, prothoracis angulis anticis rotundatis, lateribus in medio incisis angulisque posticis acutis, elytris punctato-striatis, antennis sensim dilatatis. Long. corp. lin. 92; lat. elytr. pone med. lin. feré 4. Hab. in Guineé. In mus. D. Hope, comm. D. Westermann. Syn. Helops punctatus, Fabr., Syst. Eleuth. i. 161. Caput obscurum sub lente tenue punctatum; clypeo posticé im- pressione transversé e vertice separato, carinadque utrinque ad mar- ginem oculorum. Antenne mediocres sensim ad apicem incrassate compresse, linea tenui media impressa postica. Prothorax subqua- dratus angulis anticis rotundatis, lateribus in medio sinuatis, tenue marginatis, angulis posticis acutis et parm extus productis; margine postico versus scutellum posticé producto. lytra thorace haud multo latiora pone medium partim latiora, singulo seriebus 8 longi- tudinalibus punctorum impressorum magnitudine irregularium, strid- que alterd abbreviata versus scutellum; striis 1 et 2 ad basin con- nexis; strive 5 et 6 longe ante apicem conjunguntur; strie 3 et 4 | propiores, 2 et 7, et 1 cum 8va connexis. Pedes longitudine me- diocres, tibiis simplicibus et feré rectis. Mesosternum anticé biden- tatum, prosterni apicem acutum recipiens. I give the insect here described as the true H. punctatus, Fab., on the authority of a specimen received by the Rev. F. W. Hope from Copenhagen, from M. Westermann, who has such excellent oppor- tunities of determining those Fabrician species which were described from the cabinets of Lund and Sehestedt, as was the case with the present species. This is the more important, as the Fabrician de- scription is so slight as to be applicable to scores of species of He- teromerous insects. Nycrosates Hyvocrira. Nyct. niger subobscurus tenuissime punc- tatus, prothoracis lateribus subrotundatis integris angulis anticis acutis, antennis longioribus apice parim latioribus. Long. corp. lin. 83; lat. elytr. pone med. lin. 34. Had. in Guinea. In Mus. D. Hope, comm, D, Westermann. 534 Zoological Society. Syn. Iphthinus Hypocrita, De., Cat. sine descr.; Iphthinus Gui- neensis, Westermann, MSS. Niger subobscurus. Caput (preesertim in clypeo) et prothorax punctata ; clypeus- e vertice linea i impressa curvata vix separata, ca- rina utrinque partm elevata ad marginem internum oculorum. An- tenneé graciles articulis 3 vel 4 ultimis partm latioribus compressis. Prothorax subquadratus, lateribus subrotundatis marginatis integris angulis posticis acutis ; margine postico feré recto tenué marginato. Klytra partim convexiora quam in reliquis; singulo sulcis 8 profun- dis longitudinalibus et punctatis, inter se connexis ut in specie pree- cedenti; pone medium paullo latiora et posticé acuminata. Pedes longiores, simplices, tibiis partm curvatis. NycToBATES TRANSVERSALIS. Nyct. niger subobscurus subpunc- tatus, capite parvo, oculis magnis, antennis apice haud incrassatis, prothorace transverso angulis anticis rotundatis, lateribus integris, elytris striato-punctatis. Long. corp. lin. 94; lat. elytr. lin. 4. Hab. apud Sierram Leonam. In mus. D. Hope et Waterhouse. Caput sub lente punctatum, preesertim in clypeo magno transverso- ovato, e vertice lined forti impressd semicirculari diviso; oculi magni, angulis internis intus productis, spatio parvo intermedio tan- tum relicto ; carinz due interoculares subobsolete. Antenne breves subdepresse, articulis 7 ultimis subzequalibus apicem versus haud incrassatis. Prothoraz latior quam longus lateribus tenué margina- tis subrotundatis integris angulis posticis vix acutis ; margine postico feré recto; dorso tenué punctato. /ytra feré parallela, thorace la- tiora, angulis humeralibus obliqué truncatis longitudinaliter sulcatis, sulcis sub lente punctatis, stridque altera abbreviaté versus scutellum. Pedes graciles simplices, tibiis feré rectis. NycToBATEs BREVICORNIS. Nyct. niger, capite et pronoto tenuis- sime punctatis, antennis brevibus, prothorace quadrato lateribus parallelis, elytris punctato-striatis, pedibus brevibus. Long. corp. lin. 11; lat. elytr. lin, 44. Hab. in mus. D. Hope. Caput sub lente tenuissime punctatum, clypeo e vertice vix sepa- rato, carinisque interocularibus obsoletis, oculi margine interno ro- tundato. Antenne vix capite longiores articulis 6 apicalibus com- pressis subeequalibus. Prothorax quadratus lateribus feré rectis et parallelis angulis anticis rotundatis, posticis vero acutis margine postico in medio paullé rotundato-producto ; disco tenuissime punc- tato lined tenuissima punctorum mediana. lytra subparallela elongata, prothorace partim latiora, singulis seriebus 8 punctorum profundé impressorum, stridque basali interrupta punctaté versus scutellum. Pedes breves simplices, tibiis feré rectis. NycropaTes rotunpicouiis. Nyct. niger subopacus, capite pone oculos utrinque sulcato, thorace rotundato varioloso-punctato, ely- tris profunde punctato-striatis. Long. corp. lin. 7; lat. elytr. lin. 23. Hab. in Sierré Leona. In mus. D. Hope et Waterhouse. Zoological Society. 535 Caput punctatum, clypeo magno e vertice impressione curvata sepa- rato. Oculi majores, carinis interocularibus obsoletis, sulco utrinque ex angulo interno oculorum ad prothoracem ducto. Antenne breves, articulis 6 ultimis majoribus subequalibus subtriangularibus latis depressis ultimo majori. Prothoraw rotundatus lateribus rotundatis, angulis posticis subobtusis, disco varioloso punctatissimo ; margine postico magis marginato quam laterali, et in medio partm versus scu- tellum rotundato. iytra lateribus feré parallelis, angulis humera- libus rotundatis, singulo striis 9 punctorum profundé impressorum, striis 4 et 5, 3 et 6, 7 et 8, 2 et 9, ad apicem conjunctis. Pedes breves simplices, tibiis rectis, femoribus anticis crassioribus. Genus Nerstioricus. Corpus breve rotundatum valdé gibbosum. Caput mediocre, breve margine antico (clypei) et lateribus (ante oculos) elevatis, vertice - partim concavo. Labrum breve transversum, angulis anticis rotun- datis, ciliatum. Mandibule trigone crasse, extus rotundate, intus sinuate, cavitate parvain medio. Mazille lobo externo majori, sub- articulato, valdé setoso, interno setoso inermi. Palpi mazvillares crassi, articulo ultimo maximo securiformi. Mentum oblongum, anticé paulld latius angulis anticis acuté productis. Labrum subquadratum angulis anticis rotundatis, setosum. Palpi mazillares breves articulo ultimo ovato, apice subtruncato. Antenne prothorace feré longitudine eequales articulo basali detecto, 34° 4% duplo longiori, hoc ad 10%™ latitudine partm crescentibus compressis, longitudine equalibus, articulo 11™° precedenti parim longiori subrotundato. Prothoraxr transversus, anticé angustior, lateribus subrotundatis, angulis pos- ticis acutis. Scutellum triangulare. Hlytra valde convexa ovali- rotundata, thorace feré duplo latiora. Pedes simplices longitudine feré eequales, tibiis rectis, tarsis subtis setosis, marginibus acutis. Mesosternum obtusum paullo porrectum. Venter 5-annulatus. Nesroticus riavorictus. Nes. niger nitidus levis, elytrorum hu- meris apicibusque signaturis flavo-notatis. Long. corp. lin. 8; lat. elytr. lin. 44. Hab. Gold Coast, Africee tropice. In mus. Westw. comm. D. Raddon. Niger nitidus levis sub lente haud punctatus capite excepto. La- ~ brum piceum. Antenne nigre articulo ultimo apice brunneo. Vertex tenuissime punctatus. Thorax lateribus tenuissime marginatis. H/y- tra valdé convexa nitida, singulo lineis 8 punctorum minutorum im- presso ; fascia tenui transversa flava versus basin ad suturam inter- rupta, et cum strigd marginali, alteraque media longitudinali versus basin elytrorum extensd connexd ; singulo elytro etiam versus apicem signaturd tenui subtriangulari ejusdem coloris notato. Genus OGcosoma. Corpus breve latissimum. Caput mediocre carind utrinque e margine antico et interno oculorum feré ad basin mandibularum ducta. Antenne longitudine capitis et prothoracis, graciles, vix ver- sus apicem crassiores, articulo 34° longissimo, 4 et reliquis sub- 536 Zoological Society. zequalibus setosis. Mandibule crassee, extus rotundate, apice sub- bifidee, margine interno feré recto. Labrum transversum emarginatum. Mandibule \obis duobus membranaceis ciliatis. Palpi mazillares articulo ultimo magno securiformi. Mentum obconicum basi trun- catum et angustatum angulis anticis acutis, in medio longitudinaliter carinatum. Labium cordatum. Palpi labiales articulo ultimo ma- jori ovali, apice acuminato. Prothoraz latior quam longus, convexus, lateribus in medio rotundato-angulatis, angulis anticis et posticis acutis. Hlytra prothorace multo latiora, convexa, rotundata, inter- rupto-costata. Pedes mediocres graciles setigeri. OgcosoMA GRANULARE. Ogcos. nigrum sericeum prothorace punc- tis duobus rotundatis discoidalibus, elytris irregulariter et inter- rupto-costatis, antennis pedibusque cinereo-setosis. Long. corp. lin. 6; lat. elytr. lin. 4. Hab. in Gambia. In mus. Westwood. Caput et thorax nigra, sericea, (sc.sub lente) tuberculis minutissimis alterisque majoribus sparsis nitidis obsita; hoc lateribus sub medio angulato-rotundatis, marginatis. Hlytra nigra et magis nitida, mi- nutissime granulata, tuberculisque numerosis majoribus elongatis et irregularibus, costas duas in singulo elytro quodammodo formanti- bus; lateribus marginatis et deflexis latera abdominis cingentibus. Pedes sat breves graciles, tibiis posticis parim curvatis. Genus MreacanTHA. Corpus robustum, crassum, convexum. Caput breve, punctatum, lateribus ante oculos elevato-tuberculatis. Oculi reniformes. La- brum transversum, angulis anticis rotundatis. Mandibule crasse, apice partm bidentate. Mazille lobo interno membranaceo, externo magno valdé setigero. Palpi mavillares articulo ultimo securiformi. Mentum crateriforme. Labium cordatum. Palpi labiales breves, articulo ultimo crasso ovali, apice subtruncato. Antenne sat longe, articulo 3° vix 4 longiori, 7™° ceeteris pariim crassiori, hoc et reli- quis precedentibus paulld latioribus. Prothorar rotundatus anticé et posticé subtruncatus, capite multo latior. Hlytra brevia oblongo- ovalia, thorace latiora, convexa, punctato-striata. Pedes satis elon- gati, femoribus anticis crassis ante apicem interne dente valido cur- vato armatis ; tibiee anticee ante medium paulld extus curvate ; inter- medi intus subserrate ; postice rectee. Foemina differt capite et prothorace paulld minoribus, hoc minus rotundato, pedibus anticis brevioribus et gracilioribus, dente fe- morum anticorum multd minori, tibiisque anticis minus curvatis, tibiisque intermediis haud serrulatis. MEGACANTHA TENEBROSA. Meg. nigra subnitida punctata, elytris striato-punctatis, angulis humeralibus distinctis. Long. corp. lin. 95-104}; lat. elytr. lin. 43. Hab. Ashantee. In mus. D. Hope. Caput nigrum punctatum, clypeus brevis vix e vertice separatus. Oculi intus subapproximati, lunula tenui levi subnitida et subelevata interjecta, tuberculi anteoculares magni, basin antennarum tegentes. Prothorax tenué punctatissimus lateribus rotundatis, angulis anticis Zoological Society. 537 acutis, posticis subacutis. H/ytra sat profundeé 8 striato-punctata ; stridque alterd valdé abbreviataé versus scutellum ; striis 4 et 5, 3 et 6, et 2 et 7, posticé conjunctis. Pedes et corpus infra nigra subni- tida. An Helops dentatus, Fab. ? Mr. Reeve then communicated to the Meeting ‘ Descriptions of four new species of bivalve shells by Mr. Hanley.” Soren acuminatus. Sol. testd albidd, epidermide tenui griseo- viridescente indutd, elongatd, latitudine longitudinem tripliciter superante ; posticé rotundatd ; antic? acuminatd extremitate rotun- datd; marginibus arcuatis, ventrali prope in medio incurvatd ; dentibus in utraque valvdé duobus, angustis, uno valde minore. Long. #; lat. 23 poll. Hab. in flumine Hoogley, Indiarum Orientalium. This shell, which has been found in great abundance at the mouth of the river Hoogley, is somewhat allied to the Solen acutidens of Broderip ; it is well distinguished by its anterior acumination. Psammosia costaTa. Psam. testd subellipticd, antice angulatd ; postice breviore angustatd, extremitate rotundatd ; pallida, radiis angustis roseo-lividis ornatd; transversim irregulariter costatd, costis rudibus, planulatis, antic? subfurcatis ; intus vel purpured, vel aured. Long. 1; lat. 13 poll. Hab. ad oras Novee Zealandiz. The coarse and somewhat prominent ribs render this shell easily distinguishable from the rest of the Psammobie. Cyruerea Errossa. Cyth. testd ovali-subcordiformi, subequilaterali, crassa, nitidd, convexrd, transversim profunde sulcatd ; sulcis sub- remotis, interstitiis planulatis ; albido-lividd, lineis angularibus, saturatioribus, venulatd ; ano impresso, lanceolato; vulvd effossd lateribus candidis, fasciitis spadiceis undulatis, transversim pictd ; disco interno purpureo, marginibus crenatis. Long. #; lat. 12 poll. Mus. Stainforth. Hab. p The very singular manner in which this and the following species are excavated on the anterior side forms their prominent and distin- guishing characteristic. Cyrutrea excavata. Cyth. testd rotundato-ovatd, subequilaterali, postice expansd, antice propter marginis ventralis obliquam curva- tionem angustata ; crassd, levi, nitidd, depresso-converd, pallid fulva, venis lividis angularibus, plus minusve distinctis, marmoratd ; ano lanceolato ; vulvd valde excavatd, lateribus planulatis, candidis, spadiceo leviter venulatis ; disco interno roseo ; marginibus tenuiter crenulatis. Long. 1; lat. 14 poll. Mus. Stainforth. Hab. ? This shell resembles the preceding by its anterior excavation, but differs both in shape and in the absence of the transverse grooves. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. Suppl. 2N 538 INDEX to VOL. XI. ACANTHOPHORUS, descriptions of new species of, 366. Achatina, new species of, 313. Acroperus, description of some species of, 91. Actinocrinide, new species of, 200. Agassiz’s Nomenclator Zoologicus, noticed, 57; Poissons d’Eau douce de I’ Europe centrale, reviewed, 49. Agrypnus, new species of, 365. Alaus, new species of, 365. Alcyonidium glomeratum, remarks on,112. Alge, description of a new genus of, 161. Allman, G.J.,on the occurrence of White’s thrush in Ireland, 78; on a new genus of Algex, 161. Alona, description of the new genus, 92. Ampedus, new species of, 365. Amphacanthus, new species of, 172. Animalcules, A General History of, no- ticed, 140; on the sacculi of, 438. Animals, on the blood-discs in, 95, 278. Annales des Sciences Nattirelles, review of the contents of the, 297, 460. Annelide, on the metamorphosis of an, 43. Anodonta, a new genus of insects, 66. Antennulariaarborescens, remarks on, 111. Apocyrtus, new species of, 247. Aprosmictus, description of the new genus, 527. Apteryx australis, monograph on the, 213. Araneidea, on defective and redundant organization among, 165. Asplenium, new species of, 236. Astacus fluviatilis, on the habits of, 106. Astracrinide, new species of, 205. Astur, new species of, 371, 532. Atherina, new species of, 178. Austin, Messrs., on some new genera and species of Crinoidea, 195. Australia, discovery of the remains of a mastodontoid Pachyderm in, 7, 329; on the ichthyology of, 22, 169, 422,489. Babington, Ch. C., on a new species of Carex, 168; on Fumaria micrantha, Lag., and F. calycina, 258. Bacillaria, on some species of, 449. Bainbridge, F., on the occurrence of Leci- dea Wahlenbergii in Scotland, 485, Baird, Dr, W., on the natural history of the British Entomostraca, 81. Ball, J., on the botany of Sicily, 338; on Saxifraga stellaris and S. leucanthemi- folia, 483. Barry, Dr. M., on the pitted tissue of plants, and on muscle, 278; on fissipa- rous generation, 382. Batrachus, new species of, 352. Bats, on some new genera and species of, Bebeeru tree of British Guiana, account of the, 384. Belemnites, observations on the, 299. Bennett, Dr. J. H., on parasitic vegetable structures in living animals, 126. Bertoloni’s, A., Flora Italica, noticed, 211. Birds, on certain species of Siberian, 113; new species of, 143, 371, 477; Austra- lian, on the nomenclature of some, 189, 333; of Ireland, 283; on the fossil foot-prints of, 322; geographical dis- tribution of some American, 4845; on the semen and seminal tubes of, 514. Bone-bed, on the eccurrence of the Bristol, 502. Botanical excursion in Ross-shire, account of a, 319. Botanical Society of Edinburgh, proceed- ings of the, 319, 402. Botanical Society of London, proceedings of the, 153, 402. Botany of Sicily, notes on the, 338. Bowerbank, J. S., on the structure of the shells of molluscous animals, 155. Blackwall, J., on an ichneumon whose larva is parasitic on spiders, 1; on defective and redundant organization among the Araneidea, 165; on the growth of the salmon, 409. Blood, notice of the occurrence of hema- tozoa in the, 403. Blood and fibre, observations on, 377,378. Blyth, E., on some Indian birds, 477. Brandt, Prof. J. F., on Siberian birds de- scribed by Latham, 113. British Association for the Advancement of Science, notice respecting the, 75. British Entomostraca, natural history of, 80. INDEX. Broderip, W. J., descriptions of new shells, 311. Brodie, Rev. P. B., on the discovery of fossil insects, 480, 509. Brown, J., on fossil remains in Essex, 325. Brown, R., on the relative position of the stigma and parietal placentz in plants, 35. Bryum, new British species of, 208. Bulbochete, description of the genus, 361. Bulimus, new species of, 308, 474. Buprestide, descriptions of new, 317. Burn, A,, on the cotton called “ Nurma,”’ - 404, Byrrhide, characters of new, 319. Caccabis, new species of, 372. Callichroma, new species of, 367. Calostegia, new species of, 536. Calyptrzea, new species of, 309. Camptocercus, description of some species of, 91. Cantharide, new species of, 318. Capros, new species of, 170. Carabide, descriptions of new, 318. Caranx trachurus, description of, 25. Carex, description of a new British, 168. Carpenter, Dr. W. B., on the minute structure of the hard parts of Inverte- brata, 380. Cassia, new species of, 15. Cheetophora tuberculosa, on the fructifich tion of, 484. Chalcidites, descriptions of new, 30, 115, 184, Chameleo, new species of, 46. Chorinemus, new species of, 24. Christison, Prof., on the Assam tea-plant, 74. Chrysomelide of New Holland, descrip - tions of the, 59, 66, 317. Chusan, descriptions of new insects from,62. Chydorus, new species of, 89. Cladocrinites, new species of, 197. Clarke, G., on the Lodoicea Sechellarum, 153; onthe African grain called Fundi, 234. Climate of South Devon, &c., reviewed, 295. Closterocerus, new species of, 185. Coleoptera, descriptions of new genera and species of, 61, 247, 281, 535; fossil, 510. Columbus Palumbus, history and habits of, 283. Combretum Guianense, description of, 12. Conferve, freshwater, descriptions of new British, 428; on the growth, reproduc. tion and species of the branched, 359, 463. Conus, new species of, 256, 313. Corvus frugilegus, history and habits of the, 275. 539 Couch, J., on a fish nearly allied to. the genus Hemiramphus, taken in Corn- wall, 232. Crassatella, monograph of, 302. Craw-fish, on the habits of the, 106. Crinoidea, descriptions of several new genera and species of, 195; observa- tions on the, 129. Crotalaria, new species of, 14, Cruciferee, on the nature of the stigma of, 42. Crustacea of Ireland, 102. Cryptus bellosus, remarks on, 60. Curculionides, new species of, 247. Cyclostoma, new species of, 466. Cyrtandracee, structure of the stigma and placente in the, 38. Cyrtulus, description of the new genus, 256. Delafond, M., on the occurrence of Fila- riz in the blood of a dog, 403. Delphinula, on some new species of, 521. Depressaria Gossypiella, description of, 316. Desmidium, remarks on the species of, 372. Devonshire, notice respecting the indige- nous plants of, 296. Diatomacezx, on the, 447. Dickie, Dr. G., on the presence of iodine in plants, 74. Dicyclus, new species of, 115. Dinotherium australe, observations on, 329. Diphya sagittaria, notice respecting, 406. Draparnaldia, new species of, 428. Drosera obovata, notice respecting, 78. Duck, remarks on the soft-billed, of La- tham, 369. Dujardin, M., on the anatomy of Gordius and Mermis, 297. Echeneis, new species of, 498. Echinocrinus, new species of, 207. Echinodermata, History of British, re- viewed, 127. Ectinoderus, new species of, 466. Ectrichodia, new species of, 466. Edmonstone, E. jun., on the botany of Shetland, 70. Elanus, new species of, 401. Electrical fish, discovery of an, on the American coast, 326. Eleutheria dichotoma, notice respecting, 299. Emblema, description of the new genus, 144, Entedon, new species of, 117, 184. Enteromorpha intestinalis, on the growth and reproduction of, 233. Entomological Society, proceedings of the, 58, 314, 465. Entomostraca, on the natural history of the British, 81. 2N2 540 Epilobium virgatum, occurrence of, 76. Ergot of rye, observations on the, 236, 461. Erythrodryas, description of the new ge- nus, 528. Euporus, new species of, 368. Eurycercus, description of the genus, 88. Falco, new species of, 371. Farcimia spathulosa, remarks on, 112. Felidz, descriptions of new species of, 118. Feroniide, new genera and species of, 281. Flora Italica, noticed, 211. Fibre, observations on, 377, 378, 391. Filariz, occurrence of, in the blood of a dog, 403. Finches, on two new genera of, 144. Fishes, of Australia, 22, 169, 352, 422, 489; new, 232. Fissiparous generation, observations on, 382. Forbes’s, Prof. E., History of British Star- fishes, reviewed, 127; on the occur- rence of Muizathetnnse bifolium, 158 ; on a new British starfish, 280; on Pec- tinura, and on the Mediteranean species of Ophiura, 463. Forster, T., on the permanent varieties of Papaver orientale, 235. Fossils collected in Southern India, on some, 482. Fossil Mammalia, notice respecting some, 5, 7, 78, 325. Fruit, on the production of decay in, 155. Fumaria micrantha, observations on, 258. Fundungi, on the African grain called, 234. Galathea, on the Irish species of, 104. Gasteropod, description of a new, 309. Gastrancistrus, new species of, 186. Geological Society, proceedings of the,147, 322, 479, 502. Geophaps, characters of the new genus, 146. Goniaster, description of a new British species of, 280. Gonibregmatus, description of the new genus, 501. Goodsir, J., on the occurrence of vegetable organisms in the stomach, 125. Gordius aquaticus, on the structure of, 297. Gould’s, J., Birds of Australia, noticed, 58 ; on some new Australian birds, 143,527; on a new species of Perameles, 232 ; on two new species of kangaroo, 885; on two new species of Halcyonide, 394 ; * on a new species of hawk, 401. Graham’s, Prof., account of a botanical ex- cursion in Ross-shire, 319. Grant, Dr., on the structure and history of the mastodontoid animals, 479. Grasses, catalogue of Sicilian, 345; on the nature of the ergot of, 461. Grasses of Scotland, reviewed, 47. INDEX. Gray, J. E., on two new species of reptiles, 46; Figures of Molluscous Animals, reviewed; 56; on the habits of Tarsipes Spensere, 76; on new genera and species of Mammalia, 117. Gray, G. R., on the nomenclature of some Australian birds, 189, 333; on the soft- billed duck of Latham, 369; on some new species of birds, 871; on the mountain-partridge, 523. Gregson, Mr., on the habits of Nyésia zonaria, 68. Griffith, Dr. J. W., on the pitted tissue of plants, and on the blood-discs in animals and the starch particles in ve- getables, 95, 278, 377; on the sacculi of the Polygastrica, 438. Grimmia orbicularis, occurrence of, in Britain, 402. Gruby, M., on the occurrence of Filariz in the blood of a dog, 403. Gulliver, G., on the muscular fibre of vertebrate animals, 391; on the semen and seminal tubes of Mammalia and birds, 514; on the blood-corpuscles of the ibex, 524; of the British ophidian reptiles, 525. Halcyonide, new species of, 394. Hall, C. R., on the structure and mode of action of ‘thet iris, 381. Halmaturus, new species of, 387. Hamaticherus, new species of, 367. Hanley, Mr., on some new species of shells, 537. Haro, Dr. A., on the ergot of rye, and on a new species of Asplenium, 236. Harpalide, descriptions of new, 319. Hassall, A. H., on some new British fresh- water Conferve, 428; on some species of marine zoophytes, 111; on the pro- duction of decay in fruit, 155; on the growth of Conferve, 359, 463; on the growth and reproduction of Enteromor- pha intestinalis, 233. Helix aspersa, on the structure of the shell of, 156. Helix, new species of, 308, 471. Helodimorpha, description of the new ge- nus, 67. Heteromorphide, descriptions of new, 318. Hinds, R. B., on new shells, 16, 255. Holothuriadz, observations on, 134. Homeeocladia anglica, remarks on, 77. Hooker’s, Sir W. J., cones Plantarum, no- ticed, 211; London Journal of Botany, noticed, 300. Hope, Rev. F. W., on coleopterous in- sects from Chusan and Canton, 62; on new species of insects, 317, 364; on new genera and species of Phyllopho- ridz, 394. INDEX. Howell, J. W., on the structure of the stigma of the Papaveracee, 42. Huber, P., on the habits of a Tenthredo, 241, 37 6. Hydaticns; new species of, 364. Hydrous, new species of, 364. Hylzus, notes on the genus, 60. Hymenolaimus, characters of the genus, 370. Ibex, on the blood-corpuscles of the,524. Ichneumon, description of an, parasitic on spiders, 1. Ichthyolites, on some specimens of, 513. Ichthyology of Australia, 22, 169, 422, 489, Icones Plantarum, noticed, 211. Idiocephala, new species of, 317. Ilex Paraguyensis,on the presence of theine in, 237. Insects, new, 317, 364; fossil, on the dis- covery of some, 480, 509. Invertebrata, on the minute structure of the hard parts of, 380. Ionthodes, new species of, 367. Ireland, on the Crustacea of, 102; on the birds of, 283. Iris, on the structure and mode of action of the, 381. Iulus, new British species of, 68, 316.. Jennings, F. M., on a peculiar sensation caused by some mollusca, 326. Jones, T. W., on the corpuscles of the blood, 378. Julis, on some new species of, 422. Juncus diffusus, occurrence of, in Scotland, 78. Jussieua, new species of, 13. Kangaroo, description of two new species of, 385. Kay, J. E. de, Natural History of New York, reviewed, 209. , Kaye, C.,on some fossils collected in South- ern India, 482. Kerivoula, new species of, 117. Kippist, Mr., on a new species of Paspa- lum, 235. Labrus, new species of, 353. Lamellicornida, new genera of, 68, 315. Lamprotatus, new species of, 184, 185. Landsborough, Rev. D., on the history and habits of the rook, 275. Lapemis, new species of, 46. Latham, Dr., on Siberian birds described by, 113, 189. Lecidea Wahlenbergii, occurrence of, in Britain, 485. Lee, J. E., on some saurian dermal plates from the Weald, 5. Leefe’s, Rev. J. E., Salictum Britannicum Exsiccatum, noticed, 301, Leighton, W. A., on a new specific cha- racter in the willows, 21. 541 Leptophyllus, new species of, 400. Leuciscus, new species of, 489. Linnean Society, proceedings of the, 252, 461. Lissopterus, description of the new genus, 281. Lobivanellus, new species of, 532. Lodoicea Sechellarum, observations on the, 153. London Journal of Botany, notice of the contents of the, 300. Longicornes, descriptions of new, 366. Loven, S., on the metamorphosis of an annelide, 43. Lowe, Rev. R. T., on a new dorsibran- chiate gasteropod, 309. Lyda inanita, on the habits of the, 241, 376. Lyell, C., 0 on the fossil foot-prints of birds, 322. Lutra, new species of, 118. Macgillivray’s, Prof. W., History of Mol- luscous Animals, noticed, 459. Maclagan, Dr. D., on the Bebeeru tree of British Guiana, 384. Macrothrix, description of some species of, 87. Maianthemum bifolium, occurrence of, in Britain, 77, 158. Mallodon, new species of, 366. Mammalia, descriptions of new genera and species of, 117; on the semen and seminal tubes of, 514. Mantell, G. A., on some ornithoidicnites, 513. Marsupialia, new ; species of, 306. Martin, W., on the habits of the horned screamer, 141. Mastodontoid animals, on the structure and history of, 479, 502. Matteucci, M., on some experiments on the torpedo, 406. Mecistocephalus, description of the new genus, 499. Megacantha, new species of, 540. Megalops, on some species of, 493. Meloseira, observations on the genus, 437. Melyride, characters of new, 319. - Metascelis, new genus of Lamellicorns, 68. Meteorological observations, 79, 159, 239, 327, 407, 487. Microscopical Society of London, proceed- ings of the, 155. Microspora, a new genus of Conferve, 363. Miquel, Dr. F. A. G., on some plants from Surinam, 12. Missourium, observations on the, 147. Mitra, new species of, 255. Mocha-stones, on substances inclosed in, 415, Mollusca, of Massachusetts, observations on the, 55; on the structure of the shells 542 of, 155; on a peculiar sensation caused by some, 326; ofthe counties of Aber- deen, Kincardine and Banff, noticed, 459. Mougeotia, new species of, 433. Mosia, description of the new genus, 117. Mosquito Shore, Narrative of a Residence on the, reviewed, 53. Mosses, on two new species of British, 208; occurrence of, in agate, 417. Mueller, Dr. K., on substances inclosed in mocha-stones, 415; on the fructifica- tion of Chetophora tuberculosa, 484. Murcott, J. J., on drying plants for the herbarium, 33. Murex, new species of, 523. Musa Cavendisii, on the introduction of the, into the Navigator Islands, 321. Mustela, new species of, 118. Myriapoda, on some new genera of, 498. Nasmyth,A.,on the minute structure of the tusks of the mastodontoid animals, 502. Nassa, on some new fossil species of, 508. Natural History of New York, reviewed, 209. Naturalist’s Library, Mammalia, reviewed, 56. Nautilus, pearly, history and observations on the, 119. Necrophleceophagus, on the genus, 501. Neill, Dr. P., notice respecting, 158. Nesioticus, new species of, 539. Newport; G., on a new British Iulus, 68, 316; on the habits of the Nomadae, 69 ; on some new genera of the class Myria- poda, 498. Nicolucci, G., on the nervous aria circu- lating systems of the aquatic salaman- der, 290. Nomade, on the habits of the, 68. Nomenclature of zoology, observations on the, 259. Nostochinz, on anew genus of, 161. Nyctobates, new species of, 536. Nyssia zonaria, on the habits of, 68. Ochrosopsis, description of the new genus, 59. pe ap characters of the new genus, 146. Odax, on some species of, 426. Ogcosoma, new species of, 539. Omaloderus, new species of, 188. Ongulina, account of the animal of, 460. Oniscia, on two new species of, 475. Ophiura, on the species of, inhabiting the Eastern Mediterranean, 463. Ophiuridz, observations on the, 129. Orbigny, M. d’, on the Belemnites, 299. Ornithoidicnites, on some specimens of, 513. Owen, Prof., on the claims of Tetracaulo- \ INDEX. don to generic distinction, 147; on the Apteryx australis, 213 ; on the remains of a mastodontoid Pachyderm i in Austra lia, 7, 329. Oxynopterus, new species of, 398. Pachyderm, discovery of the remains of a mastodontoid, in Australia, 7, 329. Pachylarthrus, new species of, 116. Pagurus Bernhardus,notice respecting, 102. Prideauxii, notice respecting, 238. Palzemon, on the Irish species of, 110. Palamedea cornuta, on the habits of, 141. Palinurus, on the Irish species of, 105. Papaver orientale, on the permanent va- rieties of, 235. Papaveracez, on the structure of the cap- sule of, 42. Parmophorus, new, 308. Parnell’s, Dr. R., Grasses of Scotland, re- viewed, 47. Paspalum, new species of, 235. Peach, C. W., on the sea-cup, 28. Pearl-oyster of Ceylon, notice respecting the, 325. Pectinura, a new genus of Ophiuride, 463. Pectocera, new species of, 401. Pentacrinide, new species of, 198. Peplidia, new species of, 309. Peracantha, description of species of, 94. Perameles, new species of, 232, 307. Periechocrinites, new species of, 203. Petrogale, new species of, 385. Pfeiffer, Dr. L., on some new species of Helix and Bulimus, 471. Phascogale, new species of, 307. Phaseolus, new species of, 14. Pheasant, history and habits of the, 288. Phos, new species of, 257. Phyllarthrius, a new genus of longicorn insects, 366. PhyHophoride, monograph of the family, 394, Piezophyllus, new species of, 397. Plants, descriptions of new, 12; on the drying of, 33; on the position of the stigma and placente in, 35; on the pre- sence of iodine in, 74; occurrenee of rare British, 76, 77, 78; on the pitted tissues of, 95, 278 ; indigenous in De- vonshire, 296. Platycrinide, new species of, 199. Platygaster, new species of, 188. Platymeris, new species of, 466. Platyterma, new species of, 186. Pleuroxus, a subgenus of Entomostraca, 93. Poéphila, characters of the new genus, 144. Poissons d’Eau douce de |’ Europe cen- trale, par M. Agassiz, reviewed, 49. Pollen granules, on the structure and func- tions of the, 182. INDEX. Polygastrica, on the sacculi of the, 438. Porcellana, on the Irish species of, 103. Poteriocrinide, new species of, 195. Pritchard’s, A, History of Animalcules, notice of, 140. Promeces, new species of, 368. Pselaphide, descriptions of new, 319. Psittacide, on a new genus of, 527. Pteromalus, new species of, 116, 184, 186. Ptilinopus, descriptions of two new species of, 145. Quekett, E. J., on the nature ofthe ergot, 461. Radiata, notice respecting a new genus of, 299. Rainey, Mr., on the cause of the ascent and motion of the sap, 379, 383. Ralfs, J., on Homeeocladia anglica, 77 ; on the species of Desmidium, 372; on the genus Spheroplea, 434; on the Diato- macez, 447. Ranella, new species of, 255. Ray, J., letters from, to Sir Hans Sloane, 485. Redfield, W. C., on some ichthyolites,513. Reduviide, descriptions of new, 466. Reeve, L., on the pearly nautilus, 119; monograph of Crassatella, 302 ; on new shells, 308, 313; on the genus Torna- tella, 387 ; on two new species of Onis- cia, 475; on some new species of Del- | phinula, 521; on a new species of Mu- rex, 523. Report on the Invertebrata of Massachu- setts, reviewed, 54. Reptiles, new species of, 46 ; on the blood- corpuscles of the, 525. Rhipicera, new Australian species of, 66. Rhodocrinites, new species of, 202. Rhombus, new species of, 495. Richardson, J., on the distribution of some American birds, 484; on the ichthyo- logy of Australia, 22, 169, 352, 422, 489. Ring-dove, on the history and habits of the, 283. Rook, on the history and habits of the,275. Ross-shire, account of a botanical excur- sion in, 319. Royal Society, proceedings of the, 378. Royal Society of Edinburgh, proceedings of the, 70, 157, 384. Ryania, new species of, 15. Salamander, aquatic, on the nervous and circulating systems of the, 290. Salictum Britannicum Exsiccatum,noticed, 301. Salmon, on the growth of the, 157, 384, 409. * Salmonidz, embryology of the, 49, 384. Sap, on the cause of the ascent and motion of, 379, 383. 543 Sarcina, description of the new genus, 126. Saunders, W. W., on the Chrysomelide of New Holland, 59, 66; on Depressaria Gossypiella, 316; on new Australian Chrysomelide, 317. Saurian dermal plates, occurrence of, in the Wealden of the Isle of Wight, 5. Saw-fly, observations on the habits of a, 241, 376. Saxifraga stellaris and S. leucanthemifolia, notice respecting, 483. Scomber, new species of, 23. Sea-Cup, observations on the, 28. Sea-Urchin, on the structure of the, 129. Secale cornutum, observations on, 236. Seriola cultrata, description of, 169. Shafter’s, Dr., Climate of South Devon, re- viewed, 295. Shaw, J., on the growth and migration of the sea-trout, 384. Shells, descriptions of new, 16, 255, 308, 311, 313, 466, 537; on the structure of, 155. Shetland, on the botany of, 70. Shuckard, Mr., on the parasitic habits of Nomada, 69. Sicily, notes on the botany of, 338. Silphodes, new species of, 315. Siphonaria, new, 308. Sipunculide, observations on, 134. Sloane, Sir Hans, letters from, to J. Ray, 485. Smith, F., on new British species of Hy- leus, 60; on the habits of the Nomada, 68. Smith’s, Lieut.-Col. C. H., Mammalia, re- viewed, 56. Sowerby, G. B., on new species of Cyclo- stoma, 466. Sphzroplea, observations on the genus, Spiders, on an ichneumon parasitic on, 1 ; on defective and redundant organiza- tion in, 165. Squirrels, new species of, 533. Starfish, on a new British species of, 280. Starfishes, History of British, reviewed, 127. Stenhouse, J., on the presence of theine in Ilex Paraguyensis, 237. Sternodonta, new species of, 368. Stevenson, Mr., on an apparatus for catch- ing insects by lamp-light, 66. Storer, Dr. H., on the discovery ofan elec- trical fish on the American coast, 326, Striatella, on the British species of, 455. Strickland, H. E., on Siberian birds de- scribed by Latham, 113; on the no- menclature of some Australian birds, 333; on some concretions in the ter- tiary bed of the Isle of Man, 507; on Vu 3 Aan tt pri Re Lf 544 the bone-bed of Bristol, 502; on the lias bone-bed of Gloucestershire, 511. Sula melanura, notice respecting, 238. Surinam, descriptions of plants from, 12. Sylviade, on a new genus of, 527. Tarsipes Spensere, on the habits of the,76. Tautoga, new species of, 358. Taylor, Dr. T., on two new species of Bri- tish mosses, 208. Tchitrea, new species of, 371. Tenthredo, on the habits of a, 241, 376. Tetracaulodon, observations on the, 147. Tetralobus, new species of, 395. Tetramerocrinites, new species of, 203. Tetrao medius, notice respecting, 70. Tetraogallus, observations on the genus, 523. Tetrastichus, new species of, 188. __. Theine, on the presence of, in Ilex Para- guyensis, 237. Thompson, W., on the Crustacea of Ire- land, 102; on Pagurus Prideauxii, 238 ; on the birds of Ireland, 283. Thwaites, Mr., on the genus Hyleus and on Cryptus bellosus, 60. Tornatella, monograph of the genus, 387. Torpedo, experiments on the, 406. Trichormus, description of the new genus, 163. Trichostomum, new species of, 208. Triphoris, description of the genus, 16. Triton aquaticus, on the nervous and cir- culating systems of the, 290, Turdus Whitei, notice respecting, 78. Turtle-dove, history and habits of the, 287. Vaucheria, new species of, 429. Vegetable organisms, occurrence of, in the stomach, 125; parasitic in living ani- mals, account of some, 126. Vespertilionida, new genera and species: of, 117. INDEX. Voluta, new species of, 312. Vulpes, description of a new species of, 118, . Walker, F., descriptions of Chalcidites collected by Mr. Darwin, 30, 115, 184. Ward, N. B., on the introduction of the Musa Cavendisii into the Navigator Islands, 321. Waterhouse, G. R., on new species of coleopterous insects, 247, 281 ; on two new species of marsupial animals, 306 ; on some new species of Mammalia, 533. Wernerian Natural History Society, pro- ceedings of the, 69. Westwood, J. O., on a new genus of la- mellicorn beetles, 68, 315; on some exotic genera of the sacred beetles, 61 ; on three new species of Rhipicera, 66; on the habits of Lyda inanita, 376 ; on some new Coleoptera, 535. Whales, capture of bottle-nosed, 238. Willows, on a new specific character of, 20. Wilson, J., on the occurrence of Tetrao medius in Scotland, 70. Wilson, W., on the structure and functions of the pollen granules, 182. Xanthidium, on a new species of, 155. Young’s, T., Narrative of a Residence on the Mosquito Shore, reviewed, 53. Young, J., on the growth of the salmon, 157. Zoological Society, proceedings of the,141, 213, 302, 385, 466, 514. Zoology, propositions for rendering uni- form and permanent the nomenclature of, 259. Zoology of the Voyage of H.MS., Sul- phur, reviewed, 457. Zoophytes, marine, on three speciesof,111. Zornia, new species of, 14. Zygnema, observations on the genus, 430. END OF THE ELEVENTH VOLUME. PRINTED BY RICHARD AND JOHN E. TAYLOR, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. A es SAS MUSE Jaw’ Sad B . x Lee i ? sf Mi 4 heats 4 ov Tp ol URAL WIS =f aes eS puss arenes nae Saag eh AAS So Rope Arist