grey et beg Wy ia, nel Oe Sal ame Sea eee Roe Spree Sem e ye FAA eR ete -, 3 we . nape ‘i Pte at 3. : : = | = =e ro a nap 4 4 = re : Cte See" Paes Nth ei ae - Zs | : nd : re a ee SANG oa ane ne ee mgingin = Em es oe ce ecco j i rae . ed —_—* Nor nes ree tad Be tt AR OI no EI o> peta ~_ ‘ age On ° a ae i a ee ee a cE few Lane MEMOIRS OF THE WERNERIAN NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, FOR THE YEARS 1826-31. VOL. VI. WITH SIX ENGRAVINGS. EDINBURGH ADAM BLACK, NORTH BRIDGE, EDINBURGH; AND LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN & GREEN, LONDON. MDCCCXXXII. 518 TS EDINB ADVERTISEMENT. In laying its Memoirs before the Public, this Society does not hold itself responsible for the facts or opinions which may be advanced on the various topics of Natural History that are discussed. ‘These, accordingly, must be distinctly understood as resting entirely on the individual authority of the respective Writers who have favoured the Society with communications. | CONTENTS. I.—A Monograph of the Genus Allium. By Mr Grorcr Don, A. L. S. - - - - - - - i].—On the Saphan of the Hebrew Scriptures. By the Rev. Davin Scot, M. D., Minister of Corstorphine, - Tiil.—On the Structure of the Eye of the Swordfish (Xiphias gladius, Linn.) By Ropert EpMonpD GRANT, M. D., F.R.S. E., &e. - - - - - - IV.—Notice regarding a Vein of Asphaltum, or Slagey Mineral Pitch, found imbedded in Gneiss, in the Hill of Castle Leod, near Dingwall, in Ross-shire. By Henry Wirnam, Hsq. of Lartington, F. B.S. E. and M. W.S. - - a ue = E = - V.—Description of a New Species of Ornithorynchus. By Mr Witiiam Maceriuiveay, M. W.S. - - - ViI.— Observations on the Anatomy of the Paca of Brazil (Cologenus, F. Cuv.) By Rozsert Epmonp Grant, 113 123 127 M. D., F.R.S.E., &e. - - - - - - 133 VII.—Sketches of the Comparative Anatomy of the Organ of Hearing, founded chiefly on the Ear of the Squalus. By Tuomas Bucuanan, C. M., M. W.S. - - VIIL—On the Fossil Remains of Quadrupeds, &c. dis- covered in the Cavern at Kirkdale, in Yorkshire, and im other Cavities or Seams in Limestone Rocks. By the Rev. Gzorge Younc, A. M.,M.W.S. _ - - 144 ret 1V CONTENTS. IX.— Observations on the Anatomy of the Perameles na- suia, from New Holland. By Roszerr Epmonp Grant, M. D., Professor of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy in the University of London, &c. - - IX*.—Meteorological Journal from the Mouth of the Rio de la Plata to the Coast of Chili, 1822; with a Chart. By Wiuiiam Jameson, Esq. Surgeon, - - - X.—Memoir on the Geology of the Snowdon Range of Mountains, as connected with its Scenery, Soil, and Productions. By Jamus Sruart Menrearn, Esq. Xi.—A Commentary on the Second Book of the Herba- rium Amboinense. By Francis Hamixton, M. D. XIIT.—On the Anatomical Peculiarities of the Sturgeon (Acipenser Sturio, L.) By Davin Cratcizn, M. D., _ Extraordinary Member, and formerly President, of the Royal Medical Society, Edinburgh, - - - XI11.— Observations on the Aranea geometrica, obtextrix, do- mestica, and other Spiders; and particularly on the power they possess of fixing their threads horizontally, or at any degree of inclination, to two perpendicular bodies at a considerable distance from each other, so as to suspend the circular part of their web in an open space: Also some remarks on the Food of Spiders, &c. By Marx Wart, Esq. M. W.S. - - 2 X1IV.—Description of a Silurus, known in Demerara by the name of Gilbacke, more properly Geelbuik. By Dr T. S. Traruy of Liverpool. - - : z XV.—Description of a New Species of Cephalus, which it is proposed to name Cephalus Cocherani, Cochrane's Sunfish. By Dr T. S. Trarxy of Liverpool. - XVI.—Remarks on the Genus Scissurella of M. D’Orbigny, with a Description of a recent British Species. By Joon Fiemine, D. D., F. R.S. EK. &e. : - XVIL—Account of an Optical Ilusion called the Fairy Islands, seen on the North Coast of Ireland. In a Let- ter from Mr Samurn Tuomas Gree te Mr Srewarrt, 184 203 209 268 334 O77 381 384 388 CONTENTS. Vv Page XVITT.—On the Question, whether Domestic Poultry were bred among the Ancient Jews. By the Rev. Davip Scot, M. D., - - . - - 391 XIX.—On the Origin of Domestic Poultry. By James Wixson, Esq. F. R.S. E. &e. - - - 402 XX.—On the Okrub of the Ancient Hebrews, and Scor- pion of the English Bible. By the Rev. Davin Scot, M. D., - - - - - 417 XX1—Description of a bocetes of Arvicola common in Aberdeenshire. By Mr W. Maceiuurvray, M.W.S. 424 XXIT.—On the Mustard Plant mentioned in the Gospels. By the Rev. Davip Scot, M.D.,_ - - - 430 XXITI—A Catalogue of Coleopterous Insects found in _ the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, with occasional re- ference to their localities. By Mr James Duncan, 443 XXIV.—Remarks on the Phenogamic Vegetation of the River Dee, in Aberdeenshire. By Winuram Maceir- LIVRAY, A. M. - - - ~ - 539 APPENDIX. History of the Society, - - - - 557 List of Office-Bearers for 1831, . - 582 List of Members, continued from Vol. V. : ° 583 Index, : : : : : = gee LIST OF PLATES IN VOL. VI. Puates I. and II. Illustrative of Mr Thomas Buchanan’s Comparative Anatomy of the Organ of Hear- _ ing, founded chiefly on the ear of the Squalus, III. Chart by Mr William Jameson from the Rio de la Plata to the Coast of Chili, sal - TV. Illustrative of Dr Craigie’s essay on the Ana- tomical Peculiarities of the Sturgeon, _ - V. Illustrative of Mr Watt’s paper on the Hori- zontal Threads of Spiders, = Z VI. Figures of the Silurus Parkeri, Cephalus Coche- Page 169 337 365 rani, and Scissurella crispata, - 380-387 MEMOIRS, &c. A Monograph of the Genus Attivum. By Mr Grorce Don, A.L.S. (Read 22d April 1826.) —=<=>———_ Tue genus Allium can only be studied satisfactorily from living specimens ; for, in Herbaria, the species of this genus, like other liliaceous plants, are seldom found to re- tain their characters, so as to be recognised with certainty. It fortunately happens that the number of species in our gardens is very considerable. The Botanic Garden at Chel- sea contains by far the most extensive collection I have seen, Mr Anderson having been fortunate in raising from seed a great number of new ones, chiefly derived from Russia. Some years have elapsed since I first directed my atten- tion to the investigation of this difficult genus of plants, the results of which I have now the honour of laying be- fore the Wernerian Society. In the prosecution of this object I have met with considerable obstacles, arising from VOL. VI. A 2, MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. the difficulty of determining the species already dscribed, and the general intricacy of the whole genus ; for, although many of the species afford good and permanent marks of distinction, it must be admitted the limits of others are not so easily determined. Although the genus Allium is very extensive, I have thought it best to retain it entire, considering it truly na- tural. In order to facilitate the arrangement of the species, I have divided the genus into divisions and sections, which are severally characterised in their proper places. Some authors have regarded several of these divisions as sufficient to constitute distinct genera. | The Allia are exclusively confined to the temperate zones, with the exception of a very few species, which are found in elevated regions within the tropics; and the greatest proportion of them are found in Europe, and the Asiatic provinces of the Russian empire. In Allium, the flowers are disposed either in an umbei or a globular head, and the pedicels issue from a common centre; while in the neighbourmmg genera, Ornithogalum and Scilla, they are always corymbose, with pedicels arising alternately from the sides of the rachis, which as they ad- vance elongate into racemes. _ In regard to the synonyma, I have been as careful as my opportunities would admit ; and I trust I will be found in many instances to have satisfactorily cleared them up. Much still remains to be done in this intricate genus, notwithstanding the labours of Hatter and Dr TReEvi- raNnus, and I am far from supposing the present essay complete. My object will be attained, if I have been so fortunate as to lessen the difficulty attending the study of this genus. It is only by degress we can arrive at per- fection. MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 3 ALLIUM, “Linn. Juss. Syst. Lin. HEXANDRIA MonoGyNIa. Ord. Nat. ASPHODELEA, Juss. Cuar. Essent. Perianthiwm inferum 6-partitum. Stamina 6. Stig- ma seepius indivisum. Capsula supera, trilocularis, trivalvis ; /o- culis 1- vel 2-spermis, rarissime polyspermis. lores spathacei, um- bellati, pedicellati. Cuar. GENERALIS. Perianthium inferum 6-partitum: laciniz ex- ternz szepissime minores, breviores et acutiores. Stamina 6, perianthii basi inserta, laciniis opposita iisdem breviora vel lon- giora. Filamenta plus minusve compressa, basi dilatata, interdum basi connata, indivisa, vel alterna latiora tricuspidata, rarissime quinquefida. Anthere incumbentes. Ovariwm superum, turbina- tum, trigonum, plerumque 6-striatum. Stylus simplex, teres, erec- tus, interdum angulatus. Stigma obtusiusculum, rarissime trifidum. Capsula supera, trigona, trilocularis, trivalvis; valvis membrana- ceis medio septiferis ; Joculis 1- v. 2-spermis, rarissime polyspermis. Semina subrotunda vel angulata, testa atra arcte vestita. Eimbryo periphericus, curvatus aut spiralis dimidio albuminis longior. Bulbus tunicatus, nunc simplex, nunc compositus, et hinc intra commune involucrum plures bulbillos includens, solitarius vel ag- gregatus, interdum basi rhizomatosus, repens. Caules foliosi, vel nudi, solidi vel fistulosi. Folia plana, semicylindrica vel teretia, seepius fistulosa. Vagine teretes vel ancipites, ore albido membra- naceo. lores spathacei umbellati pedicellati; pedicellis communi centro enatis. Spatha univalvis vel bivalvis, rarius multifida. Bracteolze et bulbilli szepe inter pedicellos. Oss. Herba tota odore fortissimo, praesertim quando manibus contrita, gaudens ; raro (in divisione decima) deest. Ae A MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. PORRUM. Divisto I1.—Umebella bulbifera. Stamina alterna latiora tricuspidata: Appendices laterales plerumque filamen- tosi torti. Caules foliosi. Sect. 1.—Foliis linearibus carinatis ; carinis margini- busque setoso-serrulatis, carinis laciniarum exterio- rum perianthw scabris. 1. Alhum sativum, foliis obscuré carinatis, spatha uni- valvi caducdé, bulbis compositis membrano involutis. Allium sativum, Lin. Sp. Pl. 425.—Mat. Med. 92.—Mill. Dict. No. 1.—Reich. 2. 32.—Lam. Encycl. i. p. 66.—Suppl. p. 266.— Mill. Dict. ed. Mart. No. 12.—Desf. Fl. Atl. i. p. 287.—Woodv. iii. p. 460, t. 168. Willd. Sp. Pl. ii. p. 68. Plenk. icon. 254. Brot. Fl. Lus. p. 541. Pers. Syn. i. p. 456. Lam. et Dec. Fl. Fr. ili. pt. i. No. 1952. Lour. Cochin. p. 201. Willd. enum. i. p. 358. Hort. Kew. ii. p. 234. Trev. All. No.1. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 33. A. caule planifolio bulbifero, bulbo composito, staminibus tricuspida- tis, Hort. Ups. 76. Mat. Med. 55. A. radicis bulbo multipartito, capitulo bulbifero, foliis linearibus, _ Hort. Cliff p. 137. Roy. Ludb. 39. A. staminibus alterne trifidis, foliis gramineis, capite bulbifero, radi- cibus in unum bulbum congruentibus, Hall. All. No. 1. Opuse. p- 331. Monog. No. 1. : A. vulgare vel sativum, Bauh. Hist. ii. p. 554. A. hortense, Fuch. Hist. p. 736. t. 736. A. sativum, Lob. Adv. p. 59. Bauh. pin. 73. Tour. Elemen. p. 304. Rup. Jen. p. 122. Morr. Hist. ii. scet. iv. p. 387. t. 14. f. 9. A. domesticum, Matth. Disc. p. 588. Opera, p. 422. Maath. p. 556. Allium, 'Trag. p. 745. Dodon. pempt. 682. Lob. Obs. 80. icon. 158. Park. par. 613. Chab. Stirp. 201. Dios. Lib. Secund. 271. Mat. Med. 232. Cam. epit. 328. Hort. 171. Ger. emac. 178. A. sativo multifido, Cord. Hist. p. 144. Hab. in Sicilia. Floret Augusto et Septembri. Bulbi compositi, membrano albo involuti. Caulis teres, 2-pedalis, infra medium foliosus. Folia linearia, acuta, supra canaliculata, subtus obscure carinata, marginibus et carinis sursum sub microscopum mi- nutissime serrulatis, pedalem longa } unciam basi lata, disticha, glau- MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 5 cescentia. Vaginis teretibus striatis. Spatha univalvis, calyptreformis, apice cornuta, caduca. Umbella bulbifera; bulbi pediceilique membranis intermixti. Stamina perianthio rubro paulo breviora. Filamenta alterna latiora, tricuspidata: setis longis tortis. Oss. This plant, although common in our gardens, is seldom to be met with in flower. 2. All. Ophioscorodon, caule apice ante anthesin contorto, spatha univalvi caduca, bulbis compositis lateralibus corda- tis membrano vestitis. Allium Scorodoprasum, £ Lin. Sp. Pl. 426. A. Scorodoprasum, F 1. Greec. prod. p. 223. Lam. Encycl. i. p. 66. Brot. Fl. Lus. i. p. 541. A. sativum @ Trev. All. No. 1. A. staminibus alterne trifidis, capite bulbifero, scapo ante maturita- tem contorto, Hall. All. No. 2. opusc. p. 334. Monogr. No. 2. Porrum radice laterali cordata solida, pedunculo revoluto, capite bulbifero, Hort. Cliff. 136. Roy. Ludb. 40. A. sativum alterum, sive Allioprassum caulis summo circumvoluto, Bauh. pin. 73. Morr. ii. sect. 4. p. 387. t. 15. f. 10. Mill. Dict. No. 2. Scorodoprasum alterum, bulboso et convoluto capite, Park. Theat. 873. Rai Hist. p. 1120, No. 4. Allium capite ex multis bulbis conflato et contorto, Bauh. Hist. ii. p- 104. Allii, genus Ophioscorodon dictum quibusdam, Bauh. Hist. ii. p- 559. Chab. Hist. p. 201. Ophioscorodon, Math. Opera, p. 421. Ger. emac. p. 181. Allium sativum secundum, Bauh. pin. 73. A. creticum scorodoprasum, Cam. Hort. p. 9. Scorodoprasum, sive Allioprasum, Lob. Adv. 58.; et conterte, Bauh. Hist. ii. p. 559. Bauh. pin. 74. (Allioporum.) S. secundum, Clus. Hist. 191. Pann. p. 210. Allium sativum amphicarpum, Cord. Hist. p. 144. Hab. in Greecia propria, Creta, &c. Floret Augusto et Septembri. Allium Ophioscorodon is often to be met with in our cu- linary gardens, where it is cultivated under the name of Rocambole. 3. All. contraversum, caule apice ante maturitatem con- voluto, spatha univalvi caduca, staminibus perianthio bre- vioribus, bulbo simplici. 6 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. Allium contraversum, Schrad. in Willd. enum. i. p. 358. A. ophioscorodon, Link. enum. i. p. 318. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 33. A. sativum, var. y, Trev. All. No. 1. A. sativum radice simplici, Bauh. pin. 74. A. mas, Math. ex Bauh. pin. 74. Allio simplici, Cord. Hist. p. 144. A. sativum singulari capite, et A. masculum, Vercell.ex Bauh. pin. 74. A. bulbo simplici, Ger. Gall. Prov. p. 151. Hab. in Egypto, in Gallia, Ger. Floret Augusto. Bulbus simplex ; tunicis externis lete fuscis. Cavlis teres, 2-peda- lis, crassitudine pennee anserinze, foliosus, semper sub flore in annulum flexus. Folia 2 pedis longa, linearia, acuta, carina marginibusque setoso-serrulatis, glaucescens ; vaginis compressiusculis sulcatis vel stria- tis. Spatha univalvis, calyptriformis, apice cornuta, decidua. Umbella bulbifera ; bulbis rotundis fuscis, membranis intermixtis congesta. Pe- diceli filiformes, unciales. Perianthium erectum purpureum, staminibus longius. Filamenta alterne latiora, tricuspidata: setis longis tortis. Oss. I have not seen this plant any where else but in the Botanic Garden at Chelsea. It is a more robust plant than the preceding, and the stems more leafy. It was sup- posed by Gerarp to be the original of AU. sativwm. 4. All. arenarium, vaginis teretibus, umbella multiflora, spatha 2 v. 3-valvi mutica persistente, perianthi laciniis ovato-lanceolatis acutis, staminibus perianthio brevioribus. Allium arenarium, Lin. Sp. Pl. 426. iter Scania, 227. Fl. Suec. ed. 2. p. 104. With. 343. Vill. Delph. ii. p. 254. Lam. Encycl. i. p- 66. Suppl. p. 266. Roth. Germ. i. p. 146; i. p. 381, Mill. Dict. ed. Mart. No. 4. Willd. Sp. Pl. ii. p. 69. Fl. Brit. 556. Eng. Bot. ix. t. 1358. Pers. Syn. i. p. 456. Willd. enum. i. p. 358. Hort. Kew. ii. p. 234. Hook. Scot. 100. Eng. Fl. ii. p. 134. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 33. A. carinatum, Schult. ex Steud. Nomen. A. foliis ciliatis, umbella bulbifera, staminibus alterne trifidis, Hall. Helv. ii. p. 106. No. 1222. A. staminibus alterne trifidis, capite bulbifero foliis gramineis leevi- ter serratis, Hall. All. No. 3. opuse. p. 336. Monogr. No. 3. Porrum planifolium, staminibus alterne trifidis, umbella bulbifera, Rupp. Jen. ed. 3. p. 154. cum icon. 2. Moly pannonicum latifolium primum, Parks. Theat. p. 872. Moly montanum pannonicum bulbiferum primum, Parks. Parad. p. 142. MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. vi Allium ,montanum bicorne latifolium, flore dilute purpurascente, Bauh. pin. 74. Raii Hist. p. 1119. No.1. Rudb. Elys. p. 155. Rupp. FI. Jen. p. 153. A. sylvestre amphicarpon, foliis porraceis, floribus et nucleis purpu- reis, Raii Syn. ed. 2. p. 230. ed. 3. p. 370. Rand. Hort. Cels. p. 9. Mill. Dict. No. 4. A. sylvestre, Chab. Stirp. p. 201. Tab. icon. 486. ob latifolia. A. seu Moly montanum, latifolium primum, Clus. Pann. 213. Hist. i. p. 193. Bauh. Hist. ii. p. 560. Ger. emac. 187. f. 4. Parks. Theat. p. 873. Hab. in Thuringia, Helvetia, Suecia, &c. Floret Augusto et Sep- tembri. Bulbus parvus, ovatus, fuscus, basi bulbillos emittens. Caulis erec- tus, 2 v. 3-pedalis, infra medium foliosus. Folia ad basin semiunciam lata, pedem longa, linearia, acutiuscula; carina marginibusque scabro- serrulatis. Vagine teretes, striatee, interdum obscure bicarinatee. Spa- tha 2 v. 3-valvis mutica obtusa, longitudine pedunculorum inferiorum. Umbella bulbifera, multiflora, membranis intermixta. Pedicelli breves, virides. Perianthium rubrum: laciniis oblongo-lanceolatis, acutis apice paulo recurvis, carinis saturatioribus, exteriorum scabro-setosis. Sta- mina perianthio breviora. Filamenta basi dilatata, purpurea, alterna latiora tricuspidata. Anthere oblonge, purpuree, effoetze nigra: setis longis tortis, polline ochroleuco. Pistilla staminibus subsequalia. Ova- rium rotundatum, viride. Stylus teres. Stigma obtusiusculum. Ozs. Iam not aware of any figure of this plant which can be fully depended upon, except the one in “ English Botany.” Both the figures in “‘ Flora Danica,” which have been so often quoted for Alliwm arenarwwm, are evidently Alliwm scorodoprasum. Allium arenarium of TuunBERc’s ‘“¢ Flora Japonica” is perhaps a distinct species. 5. All. scorodoprasum, vaginis ancipitibus, umbella pau- cifloraé, spatha 2-valvi mucronata persistenti, perianthii la- ciniis ovato-lanceolatis acutiusculis stamina aequantibus. Allium scorodoprasum, Lin. Sp. Pl. 425. Fl. Suec. ed. 2. p. 103. Mill. Dict. No. 2. Fl. Dan. t. 290 et 1455. Scop. Carn. ed. 2. i. p. 236. Reich. 2. 32. Poll. Pal. No. 326. Vill. Delph. ii. p. 253. Hofm. Germ. 116. Roth. Germ. i. p. 1455 ii. p. 381. Mill. Dict. ed. Mart. No. 13. Willd. Sp. Pl. ii. p. 69. Lap. Fl. Pyr. abr. 179. 8 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM Plenk. icon. 256. Pers. Syn. i. p. 426. Lam. et Decand. FI. Fr. iii. pt. i, No. 1953. Willd. enum. i. p. 358. Bess. Fl. Gallic. i. p- 232. Hort. Kew. ii. p. 234. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 33. A. arenarium, Red. Lilia. vii. t. 379. Var. « et @ Trev. All. No. 2. A. caule planifolio bulbifero, foliis crenulatis, vaginis ancipitibus, Hort. Ups. p. 77. Porrum caule folio perforante, Mor. Hist. ii. sect. iv. p. 387. t. 15. f. 4. Allium rubentibus nucleis, Lob. icon. 158. Morr. Hist. ii. p. 387. sect. iv. t. 14. f. 1. Porrum sylvaticum vetigeneum, Ger. emac. 176. Hab. in Clandia, Dania, Pannonia, Germania, Gallia, Suecia, &c. Floret Augusto et Septembri. Bulbus ovatus, fuscus, bulbillos nigros emittens. Caulis sesqui v. 2- pedalis, teres, fere infra medium foliosus. Folia lineari-lanceolata, acu- tiuscula, prope basin } unciam lata fere pedem longa: carina margini- busque setoso-serrulatis. Vagine ancipites. Spatha 2- vel 3-valvis, mu- cronata, bulborum longitudine. Umbeila bulbifera; bulbis ovatis acutis violaceis, membranis intermixtis conferta. Pedicelli pauci, purpurei, fere unciales. Perianthium rubrum, mediocre: lacinie ovato-lanceolate, acutiusculz, apice paulo recurvze, exteriorum carina scabra. Stamina perianthio subzequalia. Filamenta basi dilatata, albida, apice purpurea, alterna latiora tricuspidata. Anthere oblongze fuscze, effoetee nigrze. Ovarium rotundatum viride, apice purpurascens. Stylus teres, albidus. Stigma obtusiusculum. Ozs. This plant may be easily distinguished from the preceding (which it closely resembles) by its two-edged or two-keeled sheaths, and the plant being much more robust. There has evidently much confusion existed between these two species. Sect. 2.—Folts linearibus dorso convexis. 6. All. littoreum, caule basi folioso, foliis obtusis, spatha univalvi caducé, umbellze radiis laxis, staminbus corollam sequantibus. Allium littoreum, Bertol. Fl. Gen. 51. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 33. A. monspesulanum, Willd. enum. Suppl. p. 16. Link. enum, i. p- 318. Hab. in Gallo provin. Narbonia, Italia, &c. MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 9 Caulis teres, infra medium foliosus. Folia linearia, subtus convexa. Oss. A. carinato simillimum, sed differt staminibus tricuspidatis, et umbella minore. Sect. 3.—Folus teretibus fistulosis. 7. All. vineale, caule gracili, foliis striatis asperis, spatha univalvi caduca, capite sphzerico congesto, perianthii laci- — niis obtusis, stamina duplo brevioribus. Allium vineale, Lin. Sp. Pl. 428. Reich. 2. 36. Poll. pal. No. 329. Huds. Ang. 139. Lam. Encycl. i. p. 67. Suppl. p. 267. Krok. FI. Silesia, t. 44. Vill. Delp. ii. p. 256. Hoffm. Germ. 117. Roth. Germ. i. p. 146; ii. p. 383. Schrad. Spic. Fl. Germ. ii. p. 84. Mill. Dict. ed. Mart. No. 23. With. 343. Willd. Sp. Pl. ii. p. 78. Lap. Fl. Pyr. abr. p. 181. FI. Brit. ii. p. 359. Eng. Bot. xxviii. t. 1974. Brot. Fl. Lus. p. 543. Pers. Syn. i. p. 456. Lam. et Decand. Fl. Fr. iii. pt. i. No. 1976. Willd. enum. i. p. 359. Hort. Kew. ii. p. 236. Eng. FI. ii. p. 137. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 33. A. radice multiplici, foliis fistulosis, capite spheerico bulbifero, sta- minibus alterne trifidis, Hall. Helv. ii. No. 1221. A. staminibus alterne trifidis, foliis fistulosis, capite bulbifero sphee- rico, radice multiplici, Hall. All. No. 4. Opusce. p. 338. Monogr. No. 4. Scorodoprasum montanum, juncifolium, nucleis capitulorum ciceris magnitudine plerumque crinitu et purpurascentibus, floribus con- coloribus, Michel. Gen. p. 25. Allium caninum, Trag. 750. A. sylvestre campestre purpurascens, Rudb. Elys. ii. p. 153. Rupp. Jen. p. 155. Bauh. pin. 74. A. campestre juncifolium purpurascens capitatum majus et minus, Bauh. pin. 74. Rudb. Elys. ii. p. 153. f. 11 et 12. Porrum sylvestre vinearum, Bauh. pin. 74. Mag. Bot. p. 22. Cepa juncifolio minor purpurascens, Rand. Hort. Chels. p. 47. Allium sylvestre, Raii Syn. p. 369. Hist. p. 1117. No. 4. Ger. emac. 179. Park. Theat. p. 171. A. sylvestre tenuifolium, Dod. Pempt. 683. Lob. icon. 156. f. 2. Adver. p. 59. A. cervinum, Trag. p. 750. A. sylvestre primum, Fuchs. Hist. 737. Hab. in Anglia, Germania, Lusitania, Gallia, Silesia, &c. Floret Augusto et Septembri. Bulbus parvus, ovatus, albus. Caulis gracilis, teres, striatus, l- v. 2- pedalis, fere infra medium foliosus. Folia cylindrica, fistulosa, sulcata, aspera, glaucescentia supra canaliculata, fere pedem longa, sub flores-. centiam emarcida. Spatha univalvis, caduca, apice longe cornuta, ra- rius in bivalvibus fissa. Umbella bulbifera; bulbi ovati, virides, con- 1 10 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. gesti, acuti, vel acuminati, membranis intermixti. Pedunculi pauci, purpurei, fere unciam longi,, apice incrassati. Perianthium mediocre pallidi-roseum ; Jacinee oblongeze, obtusz, lineis viridibus carinate. Stamina perianthio duplo longiora. Filamenta basi dilatata, alba, apice pallide purpurea, alterna latiora, tricuspidata: setis longis tortis. An- there oblongee, purpureze, effcetze nigrze: polline ochroleuco. Pistilla staminibus plerumque multo breviora. Ovariwm oblongum, turbina- tum, viride, sexangulatum. Stylus brevissimus, teres, albus. Stigma obtusiusculum. Var. 6 majus, capite bulbifero confertissimo plerumque geminato, spatha univalvi caduca, apice abrupte acuminata. Allium compactum, Thuil. Fl. Par. p. 167. Pers. Syn. i. p. 456. A. campestre, Schleich. Cat. Pl. Helv. A. sylvestre gemino capite, Rudb. Elys. ii. p. 144. Rand. Hort. Chel. p- 9. Porrum sylvestre capite gemino, Bauh. pin. 74. Morr. Hist. ii. sect. iv. p. 391. t. 15. f 3. Ampeloprasum, sive Porrum sylvestre, Lob. icon. 155. Ger. emac. p- 176. ffab. in Gallia, Helvetia. 8. All. Purshat, caule gracili, foliis asperis, umbella con- ferta irregulari prolifera, spatha univalvi caduca, perianthii laciniis lanceolatis obtusis, staminibus perianthio duplo lon- gioribus. Allium vineale, Pursh. Fl. Amer. Septen. i. p. 222. Torrey, FI. i. p- 340. A. Canadense, Hortula. Hab. in Canada. Floret Augusto. Bulbus parvus, rotundatus, albus, gregarius. Cavlis gracilis teres, 2-pedalis, crassitudine penne corvine, infra medium foliosus. Folia tere- tia, angustissima, fistulosa, acuta, striata, aspera, supra canaliculata, sub florescentiam sicca; vagine long, teretes, striate vel sulcatze. Spatha univalvis, apice cornuta, caduca. Umbella bulbifera, prolifera; bulbis ovatis obovatisque, mucronatis, interdum apice foliosis, membranis in- termixtis conferta. Pedicelli plures, teretes, irregulares, purpurei, semi v. sesquiunciales ; alteris umbelluliferis. Spathe umbellularum bivalves. Perianthium parvum, atropurpureum ; /acinie zequales, lanceolatze, obtu- see ; carina fere nigra. Stamina inzequalia, perianthio fere duplo longiora. Filamenta basi dilatata leete purpurea, apice albida, alterna latiora, lon- MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 11 giora, tricuspidata ; setis longis tortis. Anthere purpureee, effoetee nigree; polline ochroleuco. Pistilla staminibus breviora, raro longiora. Ova- rium ovatum, viride, trigonum. Stylus teres, purpureus. Stigma album, obtusiusculum. Capsula trigona: Joculis 2-spermis. Oss. Messrs Loppicrs of Hackney received this plant from Canada under the name of Alliwm Canadense. I have little doubt but it is Alliwm vineale of Pursu. Sect. 4.—Caule foliisque inflato-fistulosis. 9. All. proliferum, caule basi folioso, umbella prolifera, _ spatha bivalvi, staminibus perianthio longioribus: dentibus brevibus obtusis, perianthii laciniis oblongis obtusis. Allium proliferum , Schrad. Cat. Hort. Goet. 1812. Willd. enum. i. p- 358. Link. enum. p. 320. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 33. A. cepa, Var. 6 Bot. Mag. No. 1469. Hab. in Canada? vel Hgypto? Floret Julio. _ Bulbus rotundatus, solitarius, depressiusculus ; twnicis externis fusco- rubentibus. Folia disticha, cylindrica, fistulosa, inflata, acuta. Caulis basi foliosus, sesquipedalis, inflato-fistulosus, foliis longior. Spatha bi- valvis; valvis ovatis acuminatis longitudine bulborum. Umbella bulbi- fera, prolifera; bu/bi rotundati, rubentes, viridi-striati, pedicellis mem- branis ramisque intermixti. Perianthium album, expansum: lacinize oblongze, obtusze, subcrenulatze, dorso lineolis viridibus. Stamina zequa- lia, perianthio longiora. Filamenta plana, alba, alterna basi latiora tri- fida; dentibus lateralibus brevibus obtusis, basi membranaceo conni- ventibus. Anthere luteo-virides. Pistilia staminibus breviora. Ovarium rotundatum, album, trigonum. Sfylus teres, albus. Stigma acutius- culum. Ozs. This species is cultivated in our gardens, not un- commonly, under the name of 'Tree-onion. 12 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. Divisio 11.—Umbella capsulifera. Stamina alterna la- tiora tricuspidata: appendices laterales filamentosi, torti. Caules foliosi. Secr. 1.—Foliis linearibus carinatis ; marginibus cari- naque setosis vel scabris, perianthi laciniarum exteri- orum carina scabris. 10. All. Porrum, spatha univalvi caduca, umbella sphee- rica, perianthii laciniis oblongis obtusis, staminibus _peri- anthio subaequalibus, bulbo simplici. Allium Porrum, Lin. Sp. Pl. 423. Lam. Encycl. i. p. 64. Suppl. p. 263. Mill. Dict. ed. Mart. No. 2. Desf. Fl. Atl. i. p. 285. Willd. Sp. Pl. ii. p- 64. Plenk. icon. 253. Brot. Fl. Lus. p. 550. Pers. Syn. i. p. 355. Lam. et Dec. FI. Fr. iii. pt. i. No. 1950. Willd. enum. i. p. 357. Hort. Kew. ii. p. 232. Trev. All. No. 7. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 34. A. letum, Salisb. Hort. chap. All. p. 235. Pollini ex Steud. A. radice ambeunte tunicata, foliis gramineis, spica sphzerica, sta- minibus alterne trifidis, Hall. Helv. ii. No. 1217. A. staminibus alterne trifidis, foliis gramineis, floribus spherice con- gestis, radice tunicata, cauli circumnata, Hall. All. No. 7. Opuse. p- 348. Monogr. No. 6. Porrum radice ambiente tunicata, oblonga, solitaria, Lin. Hort. Cliff. 136. Roy. Lugbd. 40. Porrum sativum, Mill. Dict. No. 1. Porrum commune capitatum, Bauh. Bas. p. 20. pin. 72. Morr. Hist. ii. sect. iv. p. 387. t. 15. f. 1. Magn. Chart. p. 183. Math. Disc. p. 581. Black. icon. 421. Rudb. Elys. ii. p. 142. Porrum, Cam. epit. p. 321. Czesalp. p. 407. Bauh. Hist. ii. p. 551. Taber. icon. 484. Dodon. pempt. 688. Raii Hist. p. 1126. No. 1. P. capitatum, Fush. Hist. p. 633. t. 634. Diose. lib. ii. p. 269. Mat. Med. p. 230. Ger. emac. p. 174. P. capitatum vulgare, Cam. Hort. p. 132. P. commune, Matth. p. 551. Opera, p. 417. @ All. caule planifolio umbellifero, staminibus tricuspidatis, radice tunicata, Hort. Ups. p. 77. Mat. Med. p. 55. Porrum sylvestre latifolium, Tab. icon. 486. P. tonsile et capitatum, Lob. Obs. p. 78. P. capitatum et sectile, Lob. Adv. p. 58. P. sectivum, Ruell. 3. p. 523. Dodon. pempt. 688. Fush. Hist. p. 636. t. 635. MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 13 P. sectivum latifolium, Bauh. pin. 72. Morr. ii. sect. iv. p. 390. t. 15. Rudb. Elys. p. 141. Mill. Dict. No. 2. P. sectile, Matth. Disc. p. 550. P. sectivum aut tonsile, Ger. emac. p. 174. Hab. in vineis Helvetize. Floret Julio. Bulbus oblongus, solitarius, albus. Caulis 2-pedalis et ultra, rigidus, teres, levis, glaucus, fere infra medium foliosus. Folia lineari-lanceolata, glauca, basi 2-unciam lata, versus apicem attenuata, acuta, sesquipeda- lem longa; marginibus sursum carinisque scabro-serrulatis, subopposita. Vagine teretes. Spatha univalvis, calyptriformis, apice cornuta caduca. Umbella globosa, confertiflora, regularis. Pedicelli filiformes, teretes, virides, basi purpurei, unciam longi. Perianthium diluté purpurascens semiapertum ; lJacinie oblongee, obtuse, cucullatee, margine albo, medio purpureo, carino viridi, exterioris scabro, pictz. Stamina perianthio paulo longiora. Filamenta alba, basi dilatata, post maturitatem reflexa, alterna, latiora, tricuspidata; setis longis tortis. Anthere oblonge, purpureo-luteze. Pistilla staminibus plerumque breviora, primum bre- vissima. Ovariwm oblongum, viride, obscure trigonum. Stylus teres, albus. Stigma obtusiusculum. Capsula rotunda, obtuse trigona, trilo- cularis ; loculis 2-spermibus. : Ozs. ‘There are numerous varieties of the Leek culti- vated for culinary purposes ; none of these I have thought of sufficient consequence to mention, except var. 8, which has been long enumerated by ancient authors, and is now quoted above as a synonym. 11.- All. ampeloprasum, spatha univalvi caducé, umbella globosa irregulari, perianthii lanciniis ovato-lanceolatis acu- minatis, extus scabris, staminibus perianthio longioribus, radice laterali solido. Allium ampeloprasum, Lin. Sp. Pl. 423. Reich. 2. p. 28. Huds. Angl. 138. Lam. Encycl. i. p. 64. Suppl. p. 263. Hoffm. Germ. 115. Mill. Dict. ed. Mart. i. No. 1. Bot. Mag. No. 1385. With. 342. Willd. Sp. Pl. ii. p. 63. Fl. Brit. 355. Eng. Bot. xxiv. t. 1657. Brot. Fl. Lus. p. 540. Pers. Syn. i. p. 355. Lam. et Dec. FI. Fr. iii. pt. i. No. 1951. Red. Lilia. vii. t. 385. Willd. enum. i. p. 357. Hort. Kew. ii. p. 232. Eng. Fl. ii. p. 133. Spreng. Syst. ii. p. 34. A. montanum majus Anglicum, Newtonii ex Raii Hist. p. 1125. No. 2. 14 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. A. holmense spheerico capite, Raii Syn. ii. p. 229; iii. p. 370. Mill. Dict. No. 6. A. majus, foliis porraceis, sphzerico capite ex multis floribus albis conflato, Morr. ii. sect. iv. p. 387. t. 15. f. 12. A. spheerico capite folio latiore, S. scorodoprassum alterum, Bauh. pin. 74. Rudb. Elys. ii. p. 151. Morr. Hist. ii. sect. iv. p. 387. te 15: f.:12: Scorodoprasum dictum, Bauh. Hist. ii. p. 558. Raii Hist. ii. p. 1121. Parks. Theat. p. 872. Chab. p. 201. Porrum folio latissimo, Bauh. Pin.. 72. Scorodoprasum latifolium spontaneum italicum, floribus dilute pur- pureis odoratis, Mich. Gen. 25. t. 24. f. 5. Ampeloprasum, Dodon. pempt. 689. f: 690. Matth. Disc. 582. Ope- ra, 418. Divscor. lib. secund. 269. Cam. epit. p. 323. Allium Syriacum. Tab- icon. 484. Scorodoprasum primum, Clus. Hist. i. p. 190. et Pann. 208. Lob. icon. p. 157. Ger. emac. 180. Mor. Hist. sect. iv. p- 387. t. 15. f. 11. Scorodoprasum, Cam. epit. p. 331. Hab. in orient. Germania, Gallia, Lusitania, inque Insula Holms Angliz. Floret Julio. Bulbus ovato-rotundatus, gregarius, soboliferus, laterali solido. Cau- lis 5 vel 6-pedalis, teres, glaucus, fere infra medium foliosus. Folia alterna, 2-pedalia, prope basin 2 uncias lata, apicem versus attenuata, acuta, glauca: marginibus denticulatis scabris, carina superne serrulata. Vagina teres. Spatha univalvis, calyptraeformis, apice cornuta, caduca, nunc in valvis 2 fissa, persistens. Umdbella subglobosa, irreguiaris, con- fertiflora. Pedicelli purpurascentes, teretes, sesquiunciam longi. Peri- anthium semi-apertum, dilute purpurascens, ante expansionem acuminas tum; Jdacinie ovato-oblongee, acuminate, extus scabro-setosz; carinis viridibus. Stamina subzequalia perianthio multo longiora. Filamenta alba, basi dilatata, marginibus ciliatis; alterna latiora, tricuspidata, setis longis tortis. Anthere oblongee, luteze. Pistilla staminibus zequalia, vel szepe bre- viora, Ovarium rotundum, trigonum, viride. Stylus teres, albus. Stigma obtusiusculum, interdum obscure bifidum. Capsula obtuse trigonum : loculis 2-spermibus. 12. All. rotundum, spatha univalvi, caduca, perianthii laciniis exterioribus lanceolatis obtusis, interioribus ovato- oblongis obtusis, staminibus perianthio longioribus, bulbis erumosis. Allium rotundum, Lin. Sp. Pl. 423. Reich. ii p. 30. Poll. pal. p. 325. All. pedem. No. 1867. Lam. Dict. i. p. 65. Suppl. p. 264. MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 15 Geert. Fruct. i. p. 56. t. 16. f. 2. Vill. Delph. ii. p. 251. Roth. Germ. i. p. 145; ii. p. 397. Hoff Germ. 115. Mill. Dict. ed. Mart. i. No. 4. Willd. Sp. Pl. ii. p. 65. Pers. Syn. i. p. 355. Lam. et Dec. Fl. Fr. v. No. 1951. Prod. Fl. Gree. i. p. 222. Fl. Taur. Cauc. i. p. 261. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 34. A. ampeloprasum, Var. @, Trev. All. No. 8. A. ampeloprasum, Habl. Taur. 161. A. descendens, Pall. ined. ex Steud. A. radice multiplici, foliis gramineis, spica spheerica, staminibus al- terne trifidis, Hall. Helvet. ii. No. 1219. A. staminibus alterne trifidis, spica sphzerica, foliis gramineis, radice multiplici, Hall. All. No. 8. Opuse. p. 350. Monogr. No. 7. Porrum radice granulata s. grumosa, Rupp. Fl. Jen. p. 154. ed. iil. Allium montanum capite rotundo, Bauh. pin. 75. Morr. Hist. ii. sect. iv. p. 387. t. 14. f 4. Rudb. Elys. ii. p. 157. A. spheericeo, folio angustiore, Bauh. pin. 74. A. sphzerocephalum bifolium, floribus purpureis in ahi congestis, Chab. p. 202. A. s. Moly montanum, 5. Clus. Hist. p. 195. Pann: p- 219 et 220. Scorodoprasum minus, Ger. emae. p. 181. Hab. in Europa Australiori. Floret Julio. Bulbus ovatus grumosus, bulbillis nigris, inter tunicam albam con- gestis. Caulis sesqui vel 2-pedalis, teres, levis, glaucescens, erectus, crassitudine pennze corvinee, inferne foliosus. Folia lineari-lanceolata, basi 4-unciam lata, apicem versus attenuata, fere pedem longa, mar- ginibus carinaque setoso-serrulatis; vagine compressiuscule. Spatha univalvis, mucrone brevi cornuta, caduca. Umbella spheerica, conges- ta. Pedicelli purpurascentes, teretes, filifo1mes, fere unciam longi. Peri- anthium purpureum, ante expansionem globosum ; laciniz exteriores lanceolatze, carina scabris; interiores ovato-oblongze, obtusze paulo lon- giores et latiores, carina viridi-purpureis, levibus. Stamina perianthio longiora. Filamenta alba, basi dilatata, alterna latiora, tricuspidata, post maturitatem reflexa, setis longis tortis. Anthere purpurascentes ; polline luteo-ochroleuco. Pistilia staminibus plurimum breviora, nunc brevissima. Ovariwm subrotundum, viride. Stylus albus, teres. Stigma obtusiusculum. Capsula rotundata, obtuse trigona: Joculis 2 -sper- mibus. 13. All. Hallerii, spatha univalvi caduca, perianthii la- ciniis externis lanceolatis obtusis, intimis ovato-oblongis obtusis brevioribus, staminibus perianthio longioribus, bul- bis soboliferis laterali solido. Allium gee Penny Fl. Gree. t. 312. Prod. i. p. 221. Trev. All. No. 16 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. A. radice sobolifera, foliis gramineis, spica sphzerica, staminibus al- terne trifidis, Hall. Helv. ii. No. 1218. Monogr. No. 5. _A. staminibus alterne trifidis, foliis gramineis, floribus spheerice con- gestis, radice sobolifera, Hall. All. No. 5. Opuse. p. 344. Hab. in Grecia, Helvetia, &c. Floret Jnlio. Caulis bipedalis ad tripedalis. Folia 3 ad }-unciam lata, fere peda- lem longa. Oxzs. Many other authors, besides those quoted, who have mentioned Allium ampeloprasum, may also mean this plant, but it is now impossible to determine. 14. All. rubicundum, nervis vagine scabris, spatha uni- valvi caduca, umbella globos4, perianthii laciniis exteriori- bus ovato-oblongis, mterioribus ellipticis apice rotundatis, staminibus perianthio zequalibus. = Allium rubicundum, Niven in litteris. - A. ampeloprasum, @ rubicundum, Bot. Mag. No. 1560. A. margaritaceum, Moench ex Steud. Hab. in promontorio Bonz Spei. Floret Julio et Augusto. Bulbus basi multipartitus. Caulis erectus, teres, glaucus, 1 v. ses- quipedalis, fere infra medium foliosus. Folia pauca, linearia versus apicem attenuata, fere pedem longa, glauca, marginibus carinaque setoso-ciliatis. Vagina striata: nervis scabris. Spatha univalvis, cor- nuta, prope basin abrupte truncata, caduca. Umbella globosa, con- fertiflora. Pedicelli centrales perianthio multo longiores. Perian- thium rubro-marmoratum: lacinize zequilongee, externze ovato-oblon- gee, concavee, cum carinis scabris, intime latiores, ellipticz ; apice ro- tundatze. Stamina perianthio zqualia. Filamenta basi dilatata, alba, alterna latiora, tricuspidata, omnia conniventia, post maturitatem re- flexa: setis longis tortis. Ovarium rhombeo-ovatum, sexstriatum. Stylus brevis, teres. Stigma obtusiusculum. Capsula obtuse trigona: loculis 2-spermibus. Oss. This plant was first discovered at the Cape of Good Hope by Mr Nrven. It may be easily distinguished from any of its congeners, by its marbled flower, and the stamens being equal in length with the perianth, and more especial- ly by the nerves of the sheaths being setose. MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 17 15. All. Waldsteinit, spatha univalvi caducé, umbella. globos, perianthii laciniis ovatis acutis, exterioribus paulo brevioribus, staminibus perianthium sequantibus, bulbo bulbillos atro-purpureos emittente. A. ampeloprasum, Walds. et Kit. Pl. rar. Hung. p. 84. t. 82. ffab. in arvis et pratis Smyrnz. Floret Junio et Julio. Bulbus compositus, bulbillos atropurpureos emittens, setis albis te- nuis adfixus., Caulis 1- vel 2-pedalis erectus, infra medium foliosus. Folia linearia, acuta, striata, subcarinata, marginibusque sursum serru- lato-ciliatis. Vagine atropurpures. Spatha univalvis, cornuta, caduca, prope basin abrupte truncata. Umbella globosa, densa. Perianthium mediocre, atropurpureum : lacineze ovate, acute ; externe paulo brevio- res et angustiores, carina scabra. Stamina perianthium equantia. Fi- lamenta alba, basi dilatata, margine ciliata, alterna latiora tricuspidata : setis longis tortis. Anthere pallide purpurea: polline albo. Ovarium trigonum, sexstriatum. Stylus brevis, teres, albus. Stigma obtusiuscu- Jum. Ozs. This plant may also be easily distinguished by its bulbs emitting dark purple offsets, and by its very dark purple flowers. 16. All. exsertum, spatha univalvi decidua, umbella sub- globosa, perianthii laciniis externis ovato-lanceolatis acumi- natis, internis oblongis cucullatis obtusis, staminibus peri- anthio fere triplo longioribus. Hab. in Russia? Floret Julio et Augusto. Bulbus oblongus, solitarius, albus. Cavlis tripedalis, teres, glaucus, crassitudine pennee gallinacese, fere infra medium foliosus. Folia linea- ria, apicem versus attenuata, acuta, pedalia, basi 4 uncize lata, glauca, carina marginibusque sursum setoso-serrulatis. Vagina teres, striata. Spatha univalvis, apice cornuta, decidua. Umbella subglobosa, irregu- laris. Pedicelli teretes, filiformes, pallide rubri, fere unciam longi. Perianthium pallide rubrum ; lacinie eaxteriores ovato-lanceolatze, acumi- VOL. VI. B 18 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. natee, cum carina fusco-purpure’ setosa; interiores oblongee, obtuse, cu- culatze, paulo breviores, dorso lineolis fusco-purpureis notatee. Stamina perianthio fere triplo longiora. Fi/amenta alba, basi dilatata, alterna latiora, tricuspidata: setis longissimis tortis. Anthere oblonge, luteze: - polline ochroleuco. FPistilla staminibus breviora. Ovariwm subrotundum, trigonum, sexstriatum, viride. Stylus teres, albus. Stigma obtusiuscu- lum. Capsula rotunda, obtuse trigona: loculis 2-spermis, nunc altero lo- culo abortiente. Oxzs. The seeds from which this plant was raised, were received by Mr AnpERson of the Chelsea Botanic Garden about five years ago, under the name of All. unica. affine, from Mr Orro of Berlin. 17. All. erectum, foliis obscure carinatis, spatha univalvi eaduca, umbella lax4 subfastigiata, perianthii laciniis ob- longis obtusis, staminibus perianthio zequalibus. Hab. iz Promontorio Bone Spei. Floret Julic. Bulbus solitarius, rotundus, translucens vel hyalinus albus. Caulis strictissimus sesqui- v- bi-pedalis, teres, viridis, infra medium foliosus. Folia semipedalia, et ultra, glaucescentia, linearia, acuta, obscure cari- nata: marginibus sursum serrulato-ciliatis. Vagina teres, striata. Spa- tha univalvis, cornuta, caduca. Umbella laxa, subfastigiata, irregularis. Pedicelli #-uncize longi, teretes, virides, squamis membranaceis inter- mixti. Perianthium album ; lacinize zequilongze, oblongze, obtuse : ca- rinis viridibus, exteriorum cum carinis aspero-setosis. Stamina perian- thio zequalia. Filamenta dilatata, alba, alterna latiora tricuspidata: setis longissimis tortis. Anthere oblongze, luteze: polline luteo. Pistilla sta- minibus multo breviora. Ovarium ovatum, viride. Stylus teres, albus. Stigma obtusiusculum. Capsula obtuse trigona : docudis 2-spermis. Ozs. This plant I met with in Mr Coxvitu’s nursery, where it had been received from the Cape of Good Hope, amongst some other bulbs. MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 19 18. All. acutiflorum, vaginis bicarinatis, spatha univalvi decidua, umbella globosa, perianthii laciniis lanceolatis acu- tis, staminibus conniventibus, perianthio brevioribus, mar- ginibus ciliatis. Allium acutiflorum Lois. Not. p. Bb: Jour. Bot. ii. p. 279. Lam. et Dec. Fl. Fr. v. p. 316. No. 1952. Poir. Encyc. Suppl. p. 1255. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 34. Hab. in Gallia, &c. Floret Junio et Julio. Bulbus ovato-rotundatus, gregarius, fusco-albus. Caulis teres, viridis, trifolius, 2-pedalis, crassitudine penne anserinz. Folia lineari-lanceo- lata, apicem versus attenuata paulo torta, acuta, viridia: carina mar- ginibusque sursum setoso-serrulatis interdum levibus. Vagina striata, bicarinata, viridiuscula. Spatha univalvis, cornuta, caduca. Umbella globosa, confertiflora. Pedicelli teretes, rubescentes, semiunciam longi, squamis membranaceis rubris intermixti. Perianthium pallide rubrum semiapertum, post deflorationem atro-rubrum: lacinis lanceolate, acu- tze; exteriores carina fusco-rubra, setosa. Stamina perianthio breviora. Filamenta conniventia, basi compresso-dilatata; marginibus ciliatis, al- terna latiora longiora, tricuspidata: setis longioribus tortis. Pistilla -staminibus breviora. Capsula obscure trigona, perianthio emarcido in- clusa, trilocularis : Joculis 1-2-spermis, seepe uno abortivo. Ozs. This beautiful species I have seen no where but in the Chelsea Botanic Garden. Sect. 2.—Foltis carinatis levibus. 19. All. Synnotii, spatha univalvi caducé, umbella glo- bosa laxiflora, perianthii laciniis exterioribus ovatis aspero- carinatis, interioribus oblongis obtusis, staminibus perian- thio brevioribus. Hab. in Promontorio Bonz Spei.. Floret Julio. Simile A. erecto, sed marginibus carinisque foliorum lavibus nec setoso-serrulatis discrepans. Bulbus simplex. Caulis sesquipedalis, erassitudine penne corvine. Perianthium lete purpureum : lacinize zquilonge: lineolis dorsalibus fusco-rubris. Filamenta alba, alterna la- BQ 20. MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. tiora tricuspidata. Anthere lute. Ovariuwm ovatum, sexstriatum luteo- viride. Stylus brevis, albus. Oss. This plant was brought home by Mr Synnot, fronr the Cape of Good Hope, in 1825, and flowered in 1826, as well as the following species. 20. All. verrucosum, spatha univalvi caducd, umbella multiflora subfastigiata, perianthii laciniis zquilongis, ex- terioribus ovatis oblongis acutis, verrucoso-carinatis, inte- rioribus paule latioribus, staminibus perianthium sequan- tibus. Hab. in Promontorio Bone Spei. Floret Julio. Simillimum preecedenti, sed perianthii laciniis acutis nec obtusis, et staminibus perianthium eequantibus nec illo brevioribus. 21. All. multifiorum, umbella rotunda confertiflora, peri- anthii laciniis lanceolatis acutis, staminibus perianthio lon- gioribus, spatha seepe 2-valvi decidua. Allium multiflorum, Desf. Fl. Atl. i. p. 288. Poir. Encycl. Suppl. p- 266. Spreng. Sys. il. p. 34. Hab. in Algeria. Floret Julio et Augusto. Bulbus ovatus, albus. Cauiis teres, erectus, leviter striatus, 3- pedalis, infra medium foliosus. Folia linearia carinata, acuta, leevia. Spatha 2-valvis, rarius univalvis, decidua. Umbella globosa, conferti- flora. Pedunculi breves, filiformes. Perianthium violaceum: laciniz lanceolatee, acutze. Stamina perianthio longiora. Filamenta basi dilatata, alterna latiora tricuspidata: setis longissimis filamentosis tortis. Pistilia staminibus zqualia. Capsula obscure trigona: docwlis 2-spermis. Oss. This species is in habit like Allwm spherocepha- lum, but the leaves are flat and deeply keeled. MONOGRAPH GF THE GENUS ALLIUM. @i Srcr. 3.—Folts angustis teretiusculis fistudlosis. 22. All. descendens, foliis supra canaliculatis, subtus sul- ) ae MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 33 Hab. in Altaica. Floret Junio. Bulbus ovatus, elongatus, solitarius; tunicis externis fuscis, obduc- tus. Caulis 2-pedalis et ultra, basi compressiusculus, apice teres, glau- cescens, crassitudine digiti minores, infra medium foliosus. Folia lineari-lanceolata, pedalia, plus minusve torta subtus convexa, subcari- nata, sulcata, versus apicem attenuata, acuta, supra canaliculata. Vagine teretes, fusco-striati; ramis e vaginis teretibus, foliosis. Spatha 2-valvis, brevis. Umbella spheerica, confertiflora. Pedicelli filiformes, flavi, }-un- ciam longi. Perianthiwm parvum, luteo-viride; lacinice lanceolate, for- nicatae, obtusze, apice emarginatee szepe paulo crenulatz, exteriores paulo breviores. Stamina perianthio duplo vel triplo longiora. Fila- menta filiformia, teretia, alba. Anthere oblongee, lutez. Pistilla stami- nibus breviora. Stylus filiformis, albus. Stigma acutinsculum. Capsula obtuse trigona; loculis dispermis. Sect. 4.—Caule folioso; foliis semicylindricis ; stami- nibus filiformibus longe exsertis. 37. All. angustum, foliis angustis, linearibus subtus an- gulatis, umbellé globosa conferta, perianthii laciniis ob- longis obtusis externis minoribus. Hab. in Siberia. Floret Junio et Julio. Bulbus ovatus, elongatus; tunicis externis reticulatis, fuscis vesti- tus. Caulis 1- ad 2-pedalis, teres, infra medium foliosus. Folia anguste linearia semicylindrica, subtus angulata vel sulcata. Spatha 2-valvis, mucronata, brevis. Umbella globosa, confertiflora. Pedicelli tenues, semiunciam longi. Perianthium mediocre, purpureum ; lacinize oblongee, obtusze, externee minores. Stamina perianthio duplo longiora. Jila- menta subulata, filiformia, alterna, basi paulo latiora. Anthere effoetze, nigrze; polline ochroleuco. Capsula obtuse trigona ; loculis dispermis- VOL. VI. e 34 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. Sect. 5.—Caule imferne folioso ; foliis semicylindricis ; staminibus subulatis perianthio brevioribus vel equa- bus. 38. All. cerulescens, foliis anguste linearibus, umbella globos4, perianthii laciniis ovato-lanceolatis acutis stellatim expansis, staminibus basi dilatatis membrana connexis peri- anthio brevioribus. Allium cceruleum, Pallas, itin. ii. app. t. R. et in Herb. Lamb. Hab. in Ruthenia. Pallas. Bulbus rotundus, solitarius, tunica externa fusca obductus. Caulis pedalis et sesquipedalis, teres, infra medium foliosus. Folia linearia angusta, semicylindrica. Spatha 2-valvis, brevis. Umbella globosa. Pedi- celli filiformes, semiunciam longi. Perianthium parvum, ceerulescens, expansum, stellatum; lacinize ovato-lanceolatee, acutze, lineolo dorsali ssaturatiore. Filamenta subulata, basi dilatata, alterna latiora basi mem- brana connexa perianthio breviora. Capsula obtusé trigona: loculis tri- spermis. 39. All. tenue, foliis brevibus angustis semiteretibus, bast connata, umbella globosa, perianthii laciniis oblongo-lanceo- latis obtusiusculis, staminibus perianthio equalibus. Fab. in Ruthenia. Pallas. Bulbus ovatus, solitarius, albus. Cazlis pedalis et ultra, teres, in- ferne foliosus. Folia semiteretia, angusta, brevia. Spatha 2-valvis brevis, basi connata. Umbelia globosa. Pediceili filiformes, } un- ciz longi. Perianthium parvum, rubrum: lacinize lineari-lanceolate, acutiusculee. Stamina perianthio eequalia. F%ilamenta subulata, basi di- latata, alterna latiora. Pistilla staminibus longiora. Stylus teres. Stigma obtusiusculum. Oxs. The description of this plant, and the preceding, have been taken from specimens in the Herbarium of Pro- fessor PaLLas, now in the possession of Mr Lampert. MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 35 40. All. Pallasii, caule basi folioso, foliis filiformibus subteretibus, umbella rotunda multiflora, perianthii laciniis ovato-lanceolatis, staminibus perianthium sequantibus. Allium Pallasii, Murr. Comm. Geet. vi. 1775, p. 32. t. 3. Lin. Sys. 323. Mill. Dict. ed. Mart. No. 25. Willd. ’Sp. PI. ii. p- 71. Pers. Syn. i. p. 356. Lam. Encycl. SapEr p- 272. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 39. Hab. in Siberia. Bulbus parvus, solitarius, rotundus, magnitudine nucis Avellana: Caulis teres, sesquipedalis, gracilis, basi foliosus. Folia semiteretia, longa, acuta, caule breviora, filiformia. Vagine teretes, violaceo-striate. Spatha 2-valvis, longitudine dimidii pedunculorum, ampliata, acuminata. Umbella rotundata, multiflora. Pedicelli unciam longi, supra incrassati, purpurei. Perianthium exiguum purpureum: laciniis ovato-lanceolatis, cum carino profunde coloratis. Stamina perianthio zquantia. Filamenta subulata, purpurea, alterna basi latiora. Anthere oblongee, fuscz: pol- line ochroleuco. Stylus brevissimus. Capsula obtuse trigona. Oxs. This plant comes very near to the preceding. 41. All. pusillum, caule nano plerumque bifolio, foltis filiformibus semicylindricis, umbellé multiflora, perianthii laciniis ellipticis truncatis integerrimis, staminibus perian- thium sequantibus. Allium pusillum, Cyr. Tenore, Cat. Pl. Hort. Neap. ad # 1813. p- 4. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 39. A. obtusiflorum, Poir. Dict. Suppl. i. p. 272. Red. Liliac. ii. t. 118. Hab. in Italia. Floret Julio. Planta minima. Bulbus subrotundus, solitarius. Folia in caule uno vel duo, illo breviora, filiformia, semiteretia, canaliculata, glaberrima. Umbella in planta spontanea, 8-12-flora, in culta 15-20-flora sphee- roida. Pedicelli floribus parum longiores, demum pendulis. Spatha ovata, 2-valvis, longitudine umbellz. Perianthium campanulatum, dilutissime purpurascens: lacinize ellipticae, truncate, integerrime ; lineolis dorsalibus saturatioribus. Stamina perianthium ezequantia. Fi- lamenta subulata. Anthere flavee. Stylus brevissimus. Ovarium apice fuscescens. Ozs. ‘This beautiful little species is the smallest of the genus, except Alliwm chamemoly. C2 36 MONGGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 42. All. rubellum, caule plerumque 1- vel 2-folio, foltis filiformibus subteretibus canaliculatis, umbella fastigiata multiflora, staminibus subulatis perianthii dimidio brevio- ribus, Allium rubellum, Fl. Taur. Cauc. ie p: 264. No. 655. Ejusd. Suppl. p. 260. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 39. Lam. Encycl. Suppl. p. 272-3. Hab. in Siberia, et Caucaso. Floret Julio et Augusto. Bulbus subrotundus, solitarius, magnitudine nucis Avellanee. Caulis teretiusculus. Folia in caule uno vel duo, filifornria, subteretia, canali- culata, carnosula. Spatha 2-valvis, brevis, persistens, (univalvis calyp- triformis, cuspidata, decidua, ex cl. Fischero). Umbella multiflora, medio convexa. Pedunculi teretes, graciles, floribus multo longiores. Peri- anthium magnitudine Allii rotundi, dilute rosei: lacinize erectiuscule, acutee. Stamina perianthio paulo breviora. Filamenta subulata, pallide rosea, alterna latiora. Anthere oblong, badiz. Pistilla staminibus multo breviora. Ovarium albido-virens. Stylus brevissimus, subulatus. Stigma obtusiusculum. ~ 43. All. reticulatum, caule basi folioso, foliis semicylin- dricis linearibus obtusis, umbella fastigiata, perianthii laci- nls ovato-oblongis acuminatis, staminibus subulatis peri- anthio multo brevioribus, bulbis reticulatis. Allium reticulatum, Fraser Cat. A. stellatum, var. 6 Bot. Mag. No. 1840. A. angulosum, Pursh, Fl. Sept. Amer. i. p. 222. Hab. in America Boreali. Floret Junio et Jubo. Bulbus conicus, tunicis fibroso-reticulatis vestitus. Caulis 6-uncias vel pedem altus, plerumque bifolius. Folia linearia, semicylindrica, scapo breviora. Spatha 2-valvis, fere longitudine pedunculorum. Um- bella fastigiata, laxa. Pedicelli teretes, }-unciam longi. Perianthium album, mediocre, expansum: laciniz ovato-oblongee, acuminate vel mucronatz, intimze angustiores et multo longiores; carina purpurea. Stamina perianthio breviora. Filamenta basi dilatata, connexa, alterna latiora. Pistil/a stamina zquantia. Ovariwm sexstriatum, obtuse trigo- num. Stylus teres. Stigma acutiusculum. Capsuéa obtuse trigona: lo- culis dispermis. Var. 6 floribus roseis. MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. ot Oxs. I am not certain whether this is the plant which -Pursu mentions in his “ Flora Septentrionalis Americanee,” under the name of Allium angulosum, but it is not unlike- ly. The flowers of his plant are white; but he copies the description of WitLpDENow, which does not agree with my plant. MACROSPATHA. Divisto [1V.—Umbella bulbifera. Stamina subulata ad basin membrana connexa. Spatha bicornis, elon- gata, foliacea. Caulis foliosus, ante anthesin tortus. Flores penduli, campanulati. Capsule erecte. Sect. 1.—Floribus albidis, stamina aquantibus. 44. All. oxypetalum, foltis linearibus, fistulosis subtus sulcatis, margine aspero, umbella effusé; radiis pendulis, perianthii laciniis lanceolatis acuminatis. Hab. in Europa australi. Floret Augusto. Bulbus solitarius, ovatus, albus. Cavulis sesqui- vel bipedalis, non exacte teres vel paulo compressiusculus, fusco suffusus, glaucescens. Folia anguste linearia, fistulosa, supra canaliculata subtus sulcata; mar- gine aspero, tempore florendi marcescentia. Vagine teretes, striatee. Spatha 2-valvis, basi ovata, apice elongata, foliacea. Umbella bulbifera, effusa, radiis pendulis. Pedicelli teretes, filiformes, 1- ad 2-uncias longi, basi albi, apicem versus virides, incrassati, sub florescentia curvati, demum erecti. Perianthiwm dilutissime purpurascens, fere album, cam- paniforme: Jacinie oblongo-lanceolate, acutze v. acuminate, acumine interdum bifido: /ineolis dorsalibus viridibus. Stamina perianthio bre- viora, seepe eequalia. Filamenta subulata, alba, basi membrana con. nexa. Anthere oblong, lutes; polline ochroleuco. Pisfilla stamina eequalia. Ovariwm luteum, trigonum. Stylus teres, albus. Stigma ob- tusiusculum. Capsula trigona, trilocularis: Joculis 1- vel 2-spermis, intus hirtis. : 38 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. Oxs. This plant I met with in the Nursery of Messrs Loppicgs at Hackney. It comes nearest to Allium pal- lens, but the umbels are bulbiferous, and the lacinie of the perianth acuminate, which renders it easily distin- guished from that species, in which the umbels are with- out bulbs, and the laciniz of the perianth obtuse and trun- cate ; indeed, this is the only species of this section with acuminate lacinise of the perianth. 45. All. intermedium, foliis semiteretibus, supra canali- culatis, umbella pauciflora, perianthii laciniis brevibus trun- catis. Allium intermedium, Lam. et Decand. FI. Fr. v. No. 1971. A. paniculatum, Vill. Delph. ii. p. 354. Bart. Essai, p. 126. Lap. Fl. de Pyr. abr. p. 180. Oxss. In this species, according to Vittars, the lacinize of the perianth are scarcely divided to the middle, and the flowers white; but, according to DEcaNDOLLE, they are red. Sect. 2.—Floribus luridis ; stamimibus perianthio aqualibus. 46 All. oleracewm, foliis linearibus semiteretibus fistulo- sis, mMargine costisque aspere ciliatis, umbella effusa, peri- anthio laciniis oblongo-lanceolatis obtusiusculis, tribus ex- terloribus truncatis. Allium oleraceum, Lin. Sp. Pl. 429. Fl. Suec. 2. ed. p. 104. Gort. Ingr. p. 49. Vill. Delph. ii. p. 256. Lam. Encycl. i. p. 66. Suppl. p- 267. Schrad. Spic. Fl. Germ. p. 39. Hoffm. Germ. 117. Roth. Germ. i. p. 146; ii. p. 383. Mill. Dict. ed. Mart. No. 24. With. i. p. 344. Lap. Fl. de Pyr. abr. p..181. Willd. Sp. Pl. ii. p. 74. FI. Brit. 358. Eng. Bot. vii. t. 488. Pers. Syn. p. 357. Lam. et Decand. Fl. Fr. iii. pt. i No. 1968. Willd. Enum. p. 359. Bess. Fl. Gall. i. p. 233. Hort. Kew. ii. p. 236. Hook. Scot. 101. Eng. FI. ii. p. 136. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 35. A. virescens, Lam. et Dec. Fl. Fr. iii. p. 259. A. virens, Lam. Encycl. i. p. 67. MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 39 _A. parviflorum, Thuill. Fl. Paris. ii. p. 156. A. bulbo simplici, foliis fistulosis, spatha bicorni, umbella bulbifera, Hall. Helv. ii. p. 107. No. 1223. A. umbella bulbifera, vagina bicorni, foliis teretibus, Hall. All. No. 26. Opusce. p. 387. cum icone Monogr. No. 23. A. sylvestre bicorne, flore obsoleto, Bauh. Pin. 74. A. bicorne proliferum flore intus albescente, cum stria purpurascente externe, Bauh. Hist. ii. p. 160. A. sylvestre bicorne flore viridi, Bauh. Hist. ii. p. 561. Chab. Stirp. p- 202. A. caninum alterum, Trag. Hist. p. 748. A. sylvestre bicorne flore ex herbaceo albicante, cum triplici in sin- gulis petalis, stria atropurpurea, Raii Syn. 370. Hist. p. 1119. No. 3. Mill. Dict. No. 5. A. montanum bicorne, flere ex albido, Bauh. Pin. p. 75. Morr. Hist. ii. p. 385. t.iv. £.3. A. montanum bicorne, floribus cinereis, Rudb. Elys. ii. p. 160. f. 18. Morr. Hist. ii. p. 385. sect. vi. t. 14. f. 3. A. 8. moly montanum tertium, Clus. Pann. p. 215. Hist. i. p. 193. A. sylvestre alterum, Fush. Hist. p. 738. Hab. in Anglia, Suecia, Germania, Helvetia, Gallia, &c. Floret Julio et Augusto. Bulbus ovato-oblongus, albus vel leete fuscus, ex latere bulbillos ge- nerat. Caulis 2- v. 3-pedalis, crassitudine penneze corvinz, erectus, te- res, versus vaginam fuscus, ante maturitatem contortus, infra medium foliosus. Folia anguste linearia, fistulosa, semicylindrica, subtus sul- cata, marginibus costisque aspere ciliatis, supra subcanaliculata, apice ob- tusiuscula. Vagine teretes, striate. Spatha 2-valvis, longissima, elon- - gata, foliacea, basi dilatata. Umdbella bulbifera, effusa. Pedicelli pauci ineequales, 1- s. 2-uncias longi, fusci, vel virides, vel subflavescentes, filiformes: 6ulbi conferti, ovati, acuti, nigrescentes, basi viridiusculi. Perianthium pendulum, campaniforme luridum: facinie oblongo-lanceo- late, obtusiuscule, flavo-virides, tribus striis vel pluribus purpureis notatee, tres exteriores truncate. Stamina perianthium zequantia. Filamenta subulata, albida, basi membrana connexa. ——_—_ Divisio VI.—Umbella capsulifera. Stamina subulata, basi membrano angustissimo connexa. Spatha bicor- nis elongata foliacea vel apice mucrone brevi foliaceo. Caulis inferne foliaceus, ante anthesin tortus. ores erectl. Sect. 1.—Floribus roseis ; staminibus exsertis. 58. All. Caucasicum, foliis filiformibus semicylmdricis supra canaliculatis, subtus aspere striatis, spatha 2-valvi elongata, umbella globosé laxa, perianthii laciniis ovato- lanceolatis acutis. : Allium Caucasicum, Fl. Taur. Cauc. Suppl. p. 258. Lam. Encycl. Suppl. p. 273. A. globosum, Red. Liliac. iii. t. 179. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 39. A. paniculatum, Bot. Mag. No. 973. Hab. in Caucasio. Floret Julio et Augusto. Bulbus ovatus, elongatus, aggregatus: ¢wnicis externis fuscis obduc- tus, fibras longas albas emittens. Calis adscendens, teres, atro-viridis, MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. AQ interdum uno latere compressiuscula, pedalis, basi foliosus. Folia di- sticha, angusté semicylindrica, striata asperiuscula. Vagine teretes, pallide, striate. Spatha bivalvis, elongata, foliacea, reflexa; valva altera breviore. Umbella spheerica, laxa. Pedicelli capillares, viridi-albi, semiunciam longi. Perianthiwm roseum, erectum, mediocre: Jacinie ovato-lanceolatze, acute, tres exteriores breviores; omnes lineolis dor- salibus saturatioribus vel viridi-rubris notatee. Stamina perianthium duplo superantia. Filamenta subulata, teretia, rubra. Anthere oblonge, fusco-rubree, effoetze nigree: polline ochroleuco. Pistilla staminibus multo breviora. Ovarium rotundum, rubro-fuscum. Stylus teres, ruber. Stigma obtusiusculum, album. Capsula obtuse trigona: loculis dispermis. 59. All. rupestre, caule basi folioso, foliis teretiusculis striatis, spatha bivalvi elongata, umbella fastigiata, peri- anthii laciniis ovatis obtusiusculis conniventibus, stamini-. bus perianthio saepius paulo longioribus. Allium rupestre, Fl. Taur. Cauc. Suppl. p. 259. Spreng. Sys. ii. p- 40. Hab. in Caucaso. Floret Julio et Augusto. Builbus ovatus, elongatus, aggregatus; ¢unicis externis fuscis obduc- tus. Caulis fere pedalis, basi foliosus. Folia teretiuscula, supra sub- canaliculata, caulem eequantia. Spatha bivalvis, valva altera longissima. Umbella fastigiata, conferta. Pedicelli zquales, teretes, albidi. Perian- thium erectum, roseum: Jacinie ovato-lanceolatee, acutiuscule. Stamina perianthio paulo longiora. Fidamenta subulata, teretia, erubescentia. dn- there oblongze, fusco-rubree. Pistilla staminibus longiora. Ovarium luteo- viride. Stylus teres. Stigma obtusiusculum. Capsula obtuse trigona: loculis dispermis. Oss. This plant differs from the preceding, in having the petals more obtuse, and the stamens scarcely longer than the perianth. Oss. Facies varietatis macilantis atque pauciflore Allii paniculati. Umbella circiter decemflora. Pedicelli flore vix duplo longiores. Spatha valva altera valde elongata, ut in Allio paniculato paulo minus obtusa ; petala carnea seu rosea; carina saturatiore. Stylus corollam quidquam superans.—Bib. Flora Taur. Caus. l. c. VOL. VI. D 50 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM 60. All. globosum, caule folioso, foliis teretibus filiformi- bus, spatha bivalvi elongata, umbella globosa conferta, pe- rianthii laciniis acutis, staminibus perianthium superanti- bus. Allium globosum, Fl. Taur. Cauc. i. p. 262. Suppl. p. 257. Lam. Encycl. Suppl. p. 269. A. Tauricum, Pallas. ined. in Herb. Lamb. A. foliis semicylindricis caulinis, spatha longissima, capitulo globoso, Gmel. Siber. i. p. 51. t. 10. A. genus forte scorodoprasum alterum, Lob. ex Bauh. Hist. ii. p- 564. Hab. in Sibiria, Caucaso. Floret Julio et Augusto. Bulbus elongatus, aggregatus, tunicis externis fuscis vestitus. Caulis inferne foliosus a 3 ad sesquipedalem, erectus. Folia anguste filifor- mia, subsemicylindrica, carnosula, acuta. Sjpatha bivalvis, elongata, foliacea, valva una longitudine umbellee, altera longissima. Umbella glo- bosa, conferta. Pedicelli breves. Perianthium rubrum vel carneum: jacinie ovato-lanceolatee, acuteze, nervo medio saturatiore. Stamina su- bulata, perianthio fere duplo longiora. Ozs. This plant may easily be. known from any of the preceding, by its larger size and closer umbel. The repre- sentation in the “ Flora Sibirica” is good; except that, in the living plants I have seen, the umbels are much more dense. Alliwm Caucastcum comes very near to this plant ; but the umbels are lax, the stems are not leafy from the middle, and it is not half the size. 61. All. staticyforme, caule folioso, foliis recurvis semi- cylindricis fistulosis, spatha bivalvi brevi apice subulata, umbella globosa densa, perianthii laciniis obovato-oblongis obtusis, staminibus perianthio paulo longioribus. as ae Fl. Greec. t. 320. Prod. i. p. 225. Spreng. Sys. A. flexuosum, Urvill. in Mem. Soc. Lin. Paris. i. No. 776. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 38. Hab. in Greecia. Floret Julio. MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. ol Bulbus fere globosus, albidus, bulbillis circumdatus. Cavulis spitha- mvzeus, teres, inferne foliosus, rubicundus, flexuosus. Folia semicylin« drica, recurva, fistulosa. Vagine teretes, leves. Spatha bicornis, de- flexa, apice subulata. Umbella globosa, densa. Perianthium carneum: lacinie obovate, obtusze; nervo medio saturatiore. Stamina subulata, paulo exserta. Anthere lute. Pistilla staminibus breviora. Ovarium turbinatum. Stylus brevis. Stigma acutum. Capsula subrotunda, peri- anthiis emarcidis persistentibus vestita: loculis monospermis. SEcT. 2.—Floribus rosets stamina equantibus. 62. All. montanum, caule folioso, foliis semicylindricis acutis, spatha bivalvi elongata deflexa, umbella subrotunda laxa, perianthii laciniis obovatis. Allium montanum, Fl. Gr. t. 319. Prod. i. p. 225. Spreng. Sys. ii, p- 39. A. montanum, radice oblonga, Bauh. Pin. 75. Hab. in Grecia. Floret Junio et Augusto. Bulbus oblongus seu rotundus; tunicis externis fuscis. Cawlis foliosus, teres, spithameeus. Folia plerumque bina, semicylindrica, acuta, supra canaliculata. Spatha bivalvis, elongata, foliacea. Ume- bella subrotunda, laxa. edicelli eequales, rubicundi. Perianthium mediocre, roseum: Jacinie obovate, nervo medio saturatiore. Stamina subulata longitudine perianthii. Anthere rotund, flave. Ovariwm sex- striatum. Sect. 3.—Floribus cinerets stamina equantibus. 63. All. parviflorum, caule folioso, foliis semiteretibus, spatha bivalvi elongata, umbella globosa conferta, peri- anthii laciniis ellipticis apice bipartitis. : Allium parviflorum, Lin. Sp. Pl. 427. Desf. Fl. Atl. i. p. 290. Lap. Fl. de Pyr. p. 180. Lam. Encycl. i. p: 67. Suppl. p. 266. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 39. Hab. in montibus Africee borealis prope Mascar, Desf.; in Rossia, Pall.; in Europa australi, Lin. pd 532 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. Bulbus ovatus, albus. Caulis tenuis, erectus, pedalis et ultra, infra medium foliosus. Folia subulata, semiteretia, caule breviora, lzevia. Spatha 2-valvis, elongata, foliacea (univalvis decidua in planta Ruthe- nica). Umbella confertiflora, globosa. Pedicelli breves. Perianthiwm parvum, cinereum : /acinie ellipticee, apice bipartite, exteriores brevio- res cum lineolis dorsalibus viridibus. Stamina perianthium subsequan- tia. Filamenta subulata, basi dilatata. Oss. This plant is in habit like All. spherocephalum, but the stamens are all simple, and equal with the perianth, and the spaths two-horned. The flowers are very small. Secr. 4.—Floribus aldidis stamina includentibus. 64. All. circinatum, caule basi folioso, foliis tiliformibus spiraliter tortis vaginisque pilosissimis, spatha diphylla lan- ceolata apice mucronata, umbella subtriflora, perianthii la- ciniis lanceolatis acutis. Allium circinatum, Sieb. Trav. i. p. 239. t. 6. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 39. A. Cupanii, Raff: ex Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 40. Hab. in Sicilia. Buibus oblongus, tunicis externis reticulato-fibrilosis fuscis obduc- tus. Caulis basi foliosus, teres, 3- v. 4-uncialis, pilosus. Folia filiformia, spiraliter torta, vaginisque pilosissima; pilis longis. Spatha diphylla, lanceolata, apice mucronata, umbella breviora. Umbella subtriflora. Perianthium forsan album: Jlacinie lanceolate, acutze. Stamina subulata, perianthio fere dimidio breviora. Ozs. It appears to me that All. Cupanii is the same as All. crcnatum. They agree in every particular, except there is no mention made of hairiness in All. Cupanii. I have not seen the plant. 65. All. moschatum, caule basi folioso, foliis setaceo- subulatis scabriusculis, spatha bivalvi interdum univalvi brevi mucronata, umbella pauciflora laxa, perianthii laciniis ovato-lanceolatis acutis. MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 53 Allium moschatum, ‘Lin. Sp. Pl. 427. Lam. Encycl. i. p. 67. Suppl. p- 267. Mill. Dict. ed. Mart. No. 19. Willd. Sp. Pl. ii. p. 72. Pers. Syn. i. p. 856. Lam. et Dec. FI. Fr. iii. pt. i. No. 1969. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 39. A. setaceum, Walds. et Kit. Pl. rar. Hung. i. p. 70. t. 68. Pers. Syn. i. p. 359. Lam. Encycl. Suppl. p. 271. A. capillare, Willd. Sp. Pl. ii. p. 82. Pers. Syn. i. p. 358. Lam. Encycl. Suppl. p. 272. A. tenuifolium, Habl. Taur. p. 162. A. foliis teretibus caulinis, floribus umbellatis, Hall. All. No. 17. Opusce. p. 367. Monogr. No. 14. A. foliis pencabys capillaribus scapo brevioribus, Cav. icon. p. 4. t. 206. f. 1. A. sylvestre s. Moly moschatum capillaceo folio, Mag. Bot. Monogr. p. Il. Moly moschatinum vel Zebettinum, Monspeliense, Park. Parad. p. 143. Moly moschatum capillaceo folio, Bauh. Prod. p. 28. cum icon. Pin. 76. Raii, Hist. ii. p. 1119. No. 9. Mill. Dict. No. 7. A. sylvestre perpusillum juncifolium moschatum, Lob. Adv. p. 501. Bauh. Hist. ii. p. 565. Morr. Hist. ii. sect. iv. p. 386. t. 14. ff 6. A. sylvestre perpusillum juncifolium, floribus albis, Chab. Stirp. p- 203. Hab. in Italia, Hispania, Tauria, Sibiria, et Hungaria. Floret Ju- nio et Julio. Bulbus ovatus, oblongus, simplex tunicis externis nigro-fuscis reti- culato-fibrillosis obductus. Cavlis 5- v. 6-pollicaris, tenuis, filiformis, foliosus. Folia setacea, subulata, scapum zequantia, supra canaliculata aut planiuscula, subtus sulcata; costis scabriusculis, marginibus cilia- tis. Spatha bivalvis, brevis, mucronata. Umbella 6-10-flora, in planta culta 20 ad 30 flora, erecta, ante anthesin obliqua. Pedicelli semiunciam longi, teretes, filiformes. Perianthium albidum: Jacinie ovato-lanceo- latee, acute, interdum apice marginatze, nervo medio purpurascente, post deflorationem fuscescens. Stamina perianthio breviora. Fiéla- menia subulata, dilatata, basi cohzerentia, alba. Anthere fuscescentes, sub anthesin glauce. Pistilla staminibus breviora. Ovarium ovatum, album, versus apicem purpurascens. Stylus teres, albescens. Stigma acutiusculum. 66. All. tenuissimum, caule basi folioso, foliis subulato- filiformibus fistulosis, spatha bivalvi seepius univalvi brevi mucronata, umbellé laxa pauciflora, perianthii lacintis ovato- oblongis obtusis. 54 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. Allium tenuissimum, Lin. Sys. 324. Willd. Sp. Pl. ii- p. 83. Pers. Syn. i. p. 358. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 40. Lam. Dict. i. p. 70. Suppl. p. 272. : Sei Cepa scapo nudo tereti inani, foliis subulatis filiformibus, capitulis laxis paucifloris, Gmel. Sib. i. p. 61. t. 15. p. 2 et 3. fAfab. in Sibiria. Bulbus tenuis, dilute purpureus, fibras albas longas emittens. Caulis palmaris, teres, tenuissimus. Folia subulata, filiformia, acuta, fistulosa, teretia, longitudine caulis. Spatha univalvis, interdum bivalvis, brevis, mucronata. Umébeila laxa, 6 vel 18 flora. Pedicelli semiunciam longi, teretes, pallide rubentes. Perianthium pallide purpurascens, vel albi- dum, exterius nutans: Jacinie ovato-oblongze, obtusze ; nervo medio sa- turatiore. Stamina perianthio paulo breviora. Filamenta subulata, basi coheerentia. Anthere pallide luteze. Stylus fere longitudine staminum. Sect. 5.—Floribus albidis ; staminibus longeé exsertis. 67. All. Stellerianum, scapo subnudo, foliis semicylin- dricis acutis, spatha bi- vel tri-valvi brevi, umbella laxa multiflora, perianthii laciniis oblongis obtusis. Allium Stellerianum, Willd. Sp. Pl. ii, p. 82. Pers. Syn. i. p. 358. Spreng. Syst. ii. p. 40. Lam. Encycl. Suppl. p. 272. A. radicibus tunicatis, foliis semicylindricis, floribus umbellatis, Hall. Ali. No. 16. Opusce. p. 366. Cepa scapo nudo tereti inani, foliis semicylindraceis, capitulis spissis multifforis, Gmel. Sib. i. p. 63. t. 16. f, 1 et 2. Hab. in Sibiria. Buibus elongatus, aggregatus tunicis externis purpureis obductus, fibras purpureas emittens. Caulis subnudus, teres, } ad pedalem, levis, crassitudine penne corvinee. Folia semicylindrica, setacea, acuta, viri- dia, scapo breviora. Spatha 2- vel interdum 3-valvis, brevis, mucronata. Umbella subfastigiata, laxa, multiflora. Pediceili teretes, plerumque semiunciam longi. Perianthiwm mediocre, viridi-albescens: lacinie ob- longse, obtusze, exteriores paulo minores. Stamina subulata, longe exserta, basi connexa. Bulbus fuscescens, radici transversali lignosze adnatus. Scapus fere pedalis, anceps, sed sepe uno angulo prominente, obscure striatus, foliis altior. Folia disticha, anguste linearia, obtusa, basi subtus con- vexa, levia. Spatha bivalvis, ovato-mucronata, longitudine medii pedunculorum. Umiella multiflora, fastigiata, ante expansionem nutans. Pedicelli subteretes, semiunciam longi. Perianthium albidum: MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 65 lacinie ovato-lanceolatee, concaviusculee, obtusiuscule, plerumque apice emarginate, exteriores breviores, nervo rubicundo carinate. Sta- mina perianthio paulo longiora, szepe sequalia. Filamenta subu- lata, pallide purpurascentia, alterna latiora. Anthere oblonge, lu- tex. Pistilla stamina equantia. Stylus teres, pallidus. Stigma obtusius- culum. Capsula obtuse trigona: Jocwlis dispermis, seepe uno loculo abortivo. Ozs. The seed from which this plant was raised, was received by Mr AnprErson, under the name of Allium saxatile of BirBERSTEIN; but that plant does not belong to this section. . Sect. 5.—Scapis foliisque semiteretibus. 84. All, rubens, scapo nudo teretiusculo, foliis angustis- simis, spatha bivalvi, umbella laxa subfastigiata, perianthii laciniis oblongis obtusis crenulatis, staminibus subulatis al- ternis latioribus perianthio subzequalibus. Allium rubens, Schrad. in Willd. Enum. i. p. 360. Link. Enum. p- 320. Trev. All. No. 15. A. bisulcum, Red. Liliac. v. t. 286. Bot. Mag. No. 138]. Spreng. | Sys. ii. p. 38. Hab. in Germania et Europa australi. Floret Maio et Junio. Bulbus fuscus, radici transversali lignosze adnatus, fibras longas vio- laceas emittens. Scapus teres vel uno latere compresso, semipedalis, crassitudine pennee corvinee, leevis, viridis. Folia disticha, semiteretia, ssepe subtus 2-angulata, hinc subquadrangularia, acuta, leevia, viridia, scapo fere zqualia. Spatha bivalvis, brevis, vix longitudine pedunculo- rum. Umbella laxa, expansa, multiflora ante anthesin nutans. Peri- anthium violaceum exterius pendulum: Jacinie oblongee, obtusze, con- caviuscule, interiores secus marginem crenulatz, exteriores bre- viores, apice crenulatee, nervo rubro-viridi carinatze. Stamina perian- thio zequalia, vel paulo breviora. Filamenta subulata, infra medium rubra, alterna latiora, omnia basi connexa. Anthere oblongze, pallide rubre: polline ochroleuco. Pistilla stamina eequantia. Ovarium trigo- num, viride. Stylus teres, albus. Stigma obtusiusculum. Capsula ob- tuse trigona: Joculis dispermis, szepe uno loculo abortivo. VOL. VI. EK 66 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 85. All. prostratuwm, scapo nudo declinato, foliis filifor- mibus, spatha univalvi, umbella fastigiata, perianthii laci- niis oblongis obtusis crenulatis, staminibus alternis latiori- bus perianthio fere duplo longioribus. Allium prostratum, Trev. All. No. 27. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 39. A. deflexum, Fisch. Cat. Hort. Gorenk. (nec Willd.) Hab. in Sibiria. Floret Junio. Bulbi ovati violacei, radici transversali lignescenti adnati, fibras longas numerosas violaceas emittentes. Scapus 4 v. 5 uncias altus, teres, striatus, interdum uno latere compressiusculo viridis. Folia dis- ticha, filiformia, semicylindrica, subtus tamen biangulata, et hinc fere tetraquetra, supra basin versus canaliculata, scapo breviora. Spatha univalvis, brevis longitudine medii pedunculorum. Umbella fastigiata, multiflora, ante expansionem nutans. Pedicelli }-unciam longi, teretes. Perianthium dilute purpurascens semiapertum: Jacinig oblonge, obtusze, interiores secus marginem crenatze, exteriores breviores concave, ner- vo dorsali rubro carinatze, apice crenulatze. Stamina perianthio duplo longiora. Filamenta violacea, subulata, basi dilatata, alterna latiora. Anthere oblongze, luteze. Pistilla staminibus subzequalia. Stylus teres, violaceus. Stigma obtusiusculum. Capsula obtuse trigona; Joculis di- spermis. Semina rugosa, opaca. 86. Ail. congestum, scapo nudo subtereti, foliis filifor- mibus, spatha tri- vel quadrivalvi mucronata, umbella con- ferta fastigiaté, perianthii laciniis lanceolatis obtusis, sta- minibus subulatis, basi dilatatis, alternis latioribus basi ala- tis perianthio subsequalibus. Hab. in Sibiria. Floret Junio et Julio. Flores purpurei. Scapus 4 v. 5-uncialis, foliis filiformibus, semicylin- dricis, subsequalis. MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 67 Sect. 7.—Stamina uniformia, inclusa. 87. All. Pedemontanum, scapis ancipitibus angulatis sub- nudis, foliis linearibus subtus carinatis obtusis, spatha bi- valvi brevi, umbella pauciflora, perianthii laciniis oblongis obtusis, cum acumine reflexo, staminibus uniformibus pe- rianthio dimidio brevioribus. Allium Pedemontanum, Willd. Sp. Pl. ii. p. 77. Pers. Syn. i. p. 357. Lam. et Dec. Fl. Fr. iii. pt. i. No. 1961. Lam. Encycl. Suppl. p- 269. A. narcissiflorum, var. « majus, floribus minoribus, Trev. All. 16. A. nigrum, Allion. Pedem. No. 1881. t. 25. f: 1. A. narcissifolium, Lam. Encycl. i. p. 68. Hab. in Gallia australi, et in Alpibus Pedemontanis. _Floret Julio et Augusto. Radix ut in Allio senescenti. Scapus pedalis anceps, angulatus, basi folio vaginatus, interdum nudus. Folia linearia, subtus carinata, apice obtusa, viridia. Spatha bivalvis, ovata, acuta, pedicellis brevior-. Umbelia laxa, pauciflora zstivatione cernua. Perianthium magnum, ro- seum, campaniforme: Jaciniis lanceolatis, obtusis, mucrone reflexo, margine interdum dentatis. Stamina subulata, uniformia, perianthii fere dimidio breviora. 88. All. narcissiflorum, scape nudo tereti, foltis lineari- bus obtusis, spatha bivalvi pedunculis breviore, umbella pauciflora inclinata, perianthii ellipticis acutis, staminibus uniformibus perianthii fere dimidio brevioribus. Allium narcissiflorum, Vill. Delph. ii. p. 258. t. 6. Willd. Sp. Pl ii. p.77. Pers. Syn. i. p. 357. Lap. Fl. de Pyr. abr. p. 181. Spreng Sys. ii. p. 37. A. grandiflorum, Lam. Encycl. i. p. 68. Suppl. p. 268. Lam. et Decand. FI. Fr. iii. pt. i. No. 1960. A. narcissiflorum, var. 6 minus, floribus majoribus, Trev. All. No. 26. Hab. in Italia, et in Delphinatu. Floret Julio et Augusto. Bulbus ovatus, basi radicans, ut in Allio senescenti. Scapus nudus, Ee 08 MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. teretiusculus pedalis. Jolia disticha, linearia, subtus convexa, apice ob- tusa, scapo breviora. Spatha bivalvis longitudine pedunculorum. Um- bella pauciflora, zestivatione cernua. Perianthium magnum, campaniforme,. roseum:: Jaciniis ovato-lanceolatis, acutis. Stamina subulata, unifexmia, perianthii fere dimidio breviora. Capsula obtuse trigona: loculis di- spermis. Ozs. The two preceding plants are nearly allied, but the comparative size of the flowers with that of the plants, are sufficient to distinguish them. Allium narcissiflorum has not yet flowered in this country that I am aware of. Sect. 8.—Stamina unzformia exserta- 89. All. suaveolens, scapo subnudo tereti, foliis lineari- bus subtus carinatis acutis glaucis, spatha bivalvi, umbellé globosa conferta, perianthii laciniis lanceolatis obtusis, sta- minibus filiformibus perianthio duplo longioribus. Allium suaveolens, Jacq. Icon. rar. ii. t. 364. Collec. ii. p. 305. Pers. Syn. i. p. 355. Berg. Fl. Bassan. Pyr. ii. p. 156. Trev. All. No. 17- Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 37. Poir. Encycl. Suppl. p. 264. A. ambiguum, Lam. et Dec. Fl. Fr. v. No. 1955. Poir. Encycl. Suppl. p. 264. A. serotinum, Lap. Fl. de Pyr. abr. p. 179. A. graminifolium, Pers. Syn. i. p. 456. A. ericetorum, Thore. Land. p. 123. Bert. Ameen. Ital. p. 352. A. graminifolium, staminibus eminentibus, umbella conglobata vari- colore, Hall. All. No. 15. Opuse. p. 365. A. radice simplici, foliis gramineis, umbella spheerica bicolore, ejusd. in Comm. Geett. 1752, p. 338. t. 10. A. aquaticum, Bauh. Pin. 74. Rupp. Jen. p. 154. Hab. in Gallia. Floret Septembri et Octobri. Buibus radici transversali lignoso adnatus. Seapus subnudus pedalis v. sesquipedalis teretiusculus, basi folio vaginatus. Folia linearia, acuta, glauca, supra plana, basin versus canaliculata, subtus angulata, carinata, pedalia et ultra. Spatha bivalvis, acuta, brevis. Umdbella globosa, zsti- vatione cernua. Perianthium suaveolens, varicolor: /aciniis lanceolatis, obtusis, interioribus albis, exterioribus purpureis, hinc umbellis ex albo et purpurascenti eleganter variis. Stamina perianthio duplo longiora. Filamenta filiformia, uniformia. Anthere flayee. Capsuda obtuse trigona : Joculis dispermis. KIONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 69 Var. 2 apvendiculatum, (floribus forsan albis), petalis internis basi -auriculatis. Allium appendiculatum, Ramond. ined. Pers. Syn. i. p. 456. A» ambiguum, var. 6, Poir. Encycl. Suppl. p. 264, 90. All. ochroleucum, scapo subnudo tereti, foliis lineari- bus obtusis subtus convexis nervosis, spatha bivalvi, um- bella globosa confertiflora, perianthii laciniis ellipticis ob- tusis, staminibus filiformibus perianthio duplo longioribus. Allium ochroleucum, Walds. et Kit. Pl. rar. Hung. ii. p. 204. t. 186. Willd. Enum. p. 362. Link. Enum. i. p. 320. Trev. All. No. 18. Spreng. Sys. ii. p. 38. Poir. Encycl. Suppl. p. 265. Hab. in Hungaria. Floret Junio et Julio. Bulbi rudimentis emarcidis foliorum tecti, radici transversali lig- nescenti adnatus. Scapus teres, cum angulo obscuro, spithamzeus, levis, folio basi vaginatus. Folia pauca (3) disticha erecta subtus convexa, 5 v. 6-nervia basin versus angustata. Spatha bivalvis acu- minata, brevis. Umbella globosa, zestivatione cernua. Perianthium erectum, ochroleucum: éaciniis ellipticis, obtusis, exterioribus breviori- bus, nervo dorsali viridi'carinatis, apice fornicatis. Stamina perianthio duplo longiora. Jilamenta setacea, ochroleuco. Hab. in Anglia, Germania, Dania, Gallia, Tauria, Helvetia, Suecia, et Oriente. Floret Aprili et Maio. Bulbus tenuis, albus, (setis obvolutus). Scapus nudus, acute trique- ter, nune semicylindricus, laevis, foliis paulo brevior. Folia dua, el- liptico-lanceolata, acuta, viridia, 5 vel 6 uncias longa, sesquiunciam MONOGRAPH OF THE GENUS ALLIUM. 95 lata, petiolata, nervo medio valido, lateralibus reticulatis; petiolis lon- gis, subsemicylindricis vel compressiusculis, sub terra vaginantibus. Spatha bivalvis fere longitudine pedicellorum. Pedicelli fere unciam longi, triquetri. Umbella fastigiata, multiflora, laxa. Perianthium album, expansum : Jacinie lineari-lanceolatze, obtusiusculee. Stamina perianthio multo breviora. Filamenta subulata, teretia, alba, alterna supra basi perianthii inserta. Anthere oblonge, lutez. FPistilla staminibus bre- viora. Ovarium turbinatum, trilobum. Stylus teres, albus. Stigma acu- tum. Capsula obtuse trilobum : Joculis dispermis. 132. All. suicatum, foliis ellipticis subplicatis, spatha univalvi cyathiformi, umbella fastigiaté confertiflora, peri- anthii laciniis ovalibus obtusis stamina duplo superantibus. Allium sulcatum, Red. Liliac. viii. t. 482. UGG. Cie ove ee Builbus ovato-rotundatus, tunicis fuseis obductus. Scapus fere peda- lis, saepius semipedalis, triqueter ; angulo sulcato. Folia elliptica, acuta, subplicata, subtus subangulata, 6 uncias longa, sub terra vaginantia, interdum scapo zqualia. Spatha univalvis cyathiformis, in lobis 2 vel 3, seepe divisa. Umbella fastigiata, muitifiora, conferta. Perianthium al- bum, expansum: Jaciniis ovalibus, obtusis. Stamina perianthio bre- viora. Filamenta subulata, alba. ; 3 e Be 3 7 i . : { fe i + x ee ae, TO OR ee et ee ee en ee Wern. Soc. Mem. Vol.V.p.169. 7 HTM < IN THE GENUS SQUALUS. 169 young animal, in order to preserve the parts from being injured by the frequent application of strong vibrations. In order to have a full view of the beauties of this extra- ordinary substance, let a portion of it be taken from the young animal, and carefully dried, and then placed in the focus of the rays emitted by a candle, during the day, so as to cause the parts to assume a slight reddish tinge, and examined in this position. ‘The appearance of the parts is delightful, beyond expression; the sight is truly enchant- ing. ‘The most elegant specimen of crystallization that I have seen, appears paltry when compared to the magnificent termination of the sabulous nerve. Indeed nothing can sur- pass the golden hue of these transparent crystals. The fairy scenes of Alladin’s far-famed cave appear depicted in all their glowing splendour and luxuriant riches. Myriads of the most beautiful crystals lie piled in heaps, and form a boundless range of ‘wild irregular groups, whose varied forms baffle description, but on which the eye dwells with delight. PLATE I. References to Figs. 1. and 2. of which the former is the external, the latter the internal view ofa cast of the Labyrinth of Squalus caninus. A, the posterior cartilaginous canal. B, the anterior do. do: C, the external do. do. a, Cavity for the reception ofthe spherical sac. b, The ampulle. | c, Exit of the portio dura. d, Situation of the Angorian appendage. e, Septem. | f, Situation of the sabulous plexus. 170 ON THE ORGAN OF HEARING, &c. D, Part of the cavity of the vestibules, formerly cecupied by the reticulated membranous substance. E, The auditory nerve ; part of the meatus internus cut away. F, The anterior and posterior cartilaginous semicircular canals. G, The membranous horizontal canal. H, The ampulla of the anterior membranous canal. I, The fossa angore, containing the cornu angore and ango- rian appendage of the great sac. The parts appear more elevated than in their natural position, in order to comprehend as extensive a view as possible. PLATE II. Fig. 1. A view of the spherical plexus of the Squalus canini— four times the natural size. A, The spherical branch of the auditory nerve. B, The plexus embracing the inner and posterior parts of the spherical sac. C, The termination of the short filaments of the spherical branch seen through the sac. D, The united filaments making a kind of half-turn, and perforating the ampulla of the horizontal canal. Fig. 2. View of the distribution of the branches forming the sabu- lous plexus—four times the natural size. A, The sabulous nerve, the branches of which form the plexus. Sometimes the nerve is awanting; in these instances the posterior nerve gives off bran- ches to form the plexus. B, The nervus communicans. C, The fossa angorz, the dark shaded parts below the communicating nerve is the depression covered by the membrane that lines the vestibule. D, The horizontal canal. Fig. 3. The appearance of a portion of the Sabulous Body of the Squalus canini, as seen through the compound micro- scope—parts coloured agreeable to nature. Wern. Soc.Mem. Vol.V.p 170. -- = x N Zz ; = XN \ Z 2 = so a ee Z ———. = SSS S A ZEB ee ——— SNS Se Se a = = —— iii BS ie y = Z ‘ L.A cE Fe Mere A WH } \\ | HA HE Ey a 14h I 1) ' i Hil iH i! ATW) UE HANVWLIRIRAAUPPSUGRELN TAD RSPRE LEAL a (ET | WATT = a 6 27EH) VIET.—On the Fossil Remains of Quadrupeds, &e. discovered in the Cavern at Kirkdale, in York- shire, and in other Cavities or Seams in Lime- stone Rocks. 3 By the Rev. Gzorce Younc, A.M. Corresponding Member of the Wernerian Natural History Society. (Read 30th November 1822.) PART IT. Tw a former paper, communicated to the Society in May last *, I gave an account of a remarkable collection of bones and teeth, belonging to the elephant, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, hyzena, stag, and other animals, found in a cavern, in the oolite-limestone, at Kirkdale, in Yorkshire; and noticed, at the same time, a few similar collections of animal remains discovered. in limestone. In that paper, I confined myself to a simple detail of facts and appearances, proposing to inquire, in a future paper, how such collec- tions of relics may have been formed. ‘This design I have been much longer in fulfilling than was intended; partly from the hope of availing myself of any additional light which might be thrown on the subject by new discoveries, of which there was some prospect; and partly with a view * Memoirs of the Society, vol, iv. p. 262. 172 FOSSIL REMAINS OF QUADRUPEDS, &c. to compare my sentiments on the subject with those of others, particularly with those of the Reverend Professor Buckland, whose interesting account of the Kirkdale Ca- vern, and its contents, has been published in the Philoso- phical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Knowing, from my correspondence with the learned Pro- fessor, that his sentiments were at variance with mine, I wished, before writing my second paper, to have a full view of his statements and reasonings—that his hypothesis and mine might be compared with more advantage. The Reverend and Learned Professor is decidedly of opinion, that Kirkdale Cavern must have been, at the De- luge, and for ages before it, a den of hyzenas, whose re- mains form so large a proportion of its contents; and that the other relics entombed there belonged to animals, or portions of animals, which the hyznas had dragged into the cavern to devour or to gnaw. He supposes that the Deluge, to which he seems to ascribe only a very partial change of the earth’s surface, closed up the cave, with the bones contained in it, after depositing over the latter a thick sediment of mud, which he conceives to have been the means of their preservation. ‘The opinion which I hold, in opposition to this theory, and which is already published in the Geological Survey of the Yorkshire Coast, is, that, as immense numbers of animals of all descriptions were drowned by the Deluge, vast masses of animal matter must have been floated or drifted about in all directions, and quantities of this matter descending to the bottom, while the diluvian waters yet covered the present strata, might be drifted into such chasms or fissures of rocks as were then open, great part of which might be subsequently covered up by the deposition of the alluvial beds at the final retiring of the waters; and that, as the bones and flesh of the animals, by being long tossed about, would be DISCOVERED AT KIRKDALE. 173 broken, mangled, and mixed in wild confusion, the accu- mulation of such mixed relics as were found in Kirkdale Cavern may thus be accounted for. In some things the Professor and I are pretty well agreed, particularly in thinking that the bones have been preserved in the cavern since the era of the Deluge; and that the different kinds of animals to which they have be- longed, might all have lived in this quarter of the globe previous to the Deluge,—though many of them, in conse- quence of the changes produced by the flood, are now pe- culiar to the tropical regions. In our descriptions of facts and appearances, there is also no material difference. He has made mistakes, in a few instances, through inadvert- ence; as, in naming the deck, or rivulet of Kirkdale, in one place Rical Beck, instead of Hodge Beck; and in- stating that the elevation of the Cave above the bed of that stream exceeds 100 feet, where he has obviously sub- stituted the distance for the elevaiion, the perpendicular height of the mouth of the Cave above the level of the _ beck being only about 36 feet, and the whole height of the bank, at that spot, scarcely exceeding 60 feet. The most considerable difference between our statements is, that the Professor roundly asserts, that, “In the interior of the cave there was not a single rolled pebble, nor one bone, or fragment of bone, that bears the slightest mark of having been rolled by the action of water ;” whereas I have af- firmed, that many of the bones are decidedly water-worn. Here, however, Mr Buckland’s account does not vary from mine in the statement of the fact, so much as in assigning ‘the cause of it; for, in another passage of his essay, he observes, that many of the bones are worn and polished, at least on one side; but, instead of allowing them to be water-worn, he supposes them to have received their polish by bemg trampled on by the hyzenas in the bottom of the 174 FOSSIL REMAINS OF QUADRUPEDS, We. den. It is stated in the Geological Survey, that ‘ the bones had scarcely any appearance of being water-worn ;” and this is true of most of those that were found at or near the entrance of the cave: but the bones from the in- terior, and especially from the extremities, of the cavern, bore more decisive marks of friction; and in a large collec- tion, which I saw after the publication of the Survey, and which had been brought out from the remote branches of the cave, I could scarcely observe one specimen that was not obviously worn. This circumstance may go a great way towards deciding the cause of their being worn; for, on the supposition of their bemg water-worn, it is natural to expect, that the bones which were projected farthest into the cavern, being most rubbed against the sides, and against one another, would be most rounded and polished; where- as, had they been worn smooth by the feet of the hyzenas, those which lay in the first part of the cave, the grand thoroughfare to all its chambers and branches, would have acquired the highest polish, or been most worn. In supporting his hypothesis, the learned Professor lays much stress on a fact which he observed, that several of the bones are polished on one side, and not on the other ; which is the case, particularly with the jaw-bones and other curved bones, the convex side being smooth, while the con- cave side is rough: but, whether we consider them as worn by being trampled on, or by being rolled and drifted about by water, the convex side, being most exposed, would ne- cessarily be most worn. Mr Buckland alleges, that the ends of such bones are not rounded, but remain sharp. To a certain extent this may be admitted; yet in hundreds of specimens which I have examined, the ends are obvious- ly worn and blunted; though, where the bone terminates in a fracture, we cannot expect the same degree of polish at the ends, as where the bone is entire, and naturally pre- { DISCOVERED AT KIRKDALE. 175 sents a smooth surface ; especially as these sharp ends would be liable to repeated fractures, in striking against the rocks. Besides, it is not easy to see how the ends of the bones should be sharp and untouched, if they were polished by the hyeenas, for they would be kicked about in the bottom of the den in all directions. Mr Buckland, indeed, speaks of their getting fixed, like the stones of a pavement, by being pressed down into some soft substance on the floor of the den; but, by his own hypothesis, the mud was not introduced till the Deluge, when the process of polishing ceased ;—and what other soft substance did he find, in which these polished bones were fixed and imbedded ? A misconception as to the situation in which the bones were found in the mud, seems to have made the Professor overlook what appears to me the true cause why some _ bones are polished on one side, and rough on the other. He speaks as if the bones were all lying on the floor, covered by the mud, the latter forming a stratum over them, which behoved to be removed before the bones were seen, and which he conceives to have been the means of preserving them. Now, the fact is, that the bones and mud were found mixed together ; some of the bones being wholly covered with mud, some partially covered, and some not covered at all. So far was the mud from being the means of preserving the bones, that those which lay above it were, in most instances, the best preserved; and where a bone was found lying flat on the surface, the up- per side retained its freshness and its polish ; while the un- der side that touched the mud, was partially decomposed and rough, having lost whatever polish it may have had when deposited. ‘This circumstance I can state, not only . from my own observations, but from those of William Sal- mond, Esq. of York, a gentleman who spent several weeks in exploring the branches of the cavern. Among his last 176 FOSSIL REMAINS OF QUADRUPEDS, &c. discoveries was the skull of a hyana, the only skull known to have been obtained; and he found it lying on the sur- face of the mud, and noticed particularly, that the under side, which touched the mud, was partially decomposed and discoloured, while the exposed part was fresh and smooth. I have several specimens illustrating the same fact, among which is the well-preserved shank-bone, figured in the Geological Survey, Plate XVII. N° 4.3 one side of which is smooth, and retains its natural colour; while the _ other, the flattest side, is rough, cracked, and discoloured.* But the argument which Professor Buckland considers as the most decisive in favour of his hypothesis, is drawn from the discovery of what he considers as album grecum, the fecal remains of the hyzenas. I am not without suspi- cion, that this substance may be nothing more than con- cretions of the comminuted particles of bone, which, by his own account, are very abundant in the mud, and which, in some spots where much water dropped or flowed, might possibly be washed together into small lumps or balls. But, granting that this substance is true album greecum, its presence in the cave does not prove that any hyzenas ever lived there. Matter of this kind would exist in the intestines of the dead hyzenas that were driven about by the waters of the Deluge; and when their carcases, by long tossing about, were parted into pieces, this substance, form- ing a portion of the masses of animal matter, would be as easily drifted into fissures or caves as flesh and bones. Spe- cimens of this substance are far from being plentiful. Some of Mr Buckland’s collateral proofs appear to be the offspring of fancy, rather than the result of accurate observation. Such are his notions about the different ages * This specimen, with many others alluded to, may now (1827) be seen in the Whitby Museum. DISCOVERED AT KIRKDALE. aie of the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave; some of which he supposes to have been formed prior to the occupation of the den by hyenas, some during their residence there, and some after their destruction. He found, indeed, some sta- lagmites on the very floor of the cavern, and other portions spreading over the surface of the mud; but, as in some places the covering of mud was very thin, and, in others, the water, impregnated with calcareous matter, might find its way under the mud, instead of flowing on its surface, he had no right to conclude, that the one kind of stalag- mite was older than the other. Even the discovery of a slender stalactitic tube lying horizontally in the osseous breccia, does not show that there was stalactite in the cavern previous to the introduction of the bones; for, during the subsidences and concussions of the strata, subsequent to the Deluge, a few slender tubes of stalactite might be sha- ken down from the roof, and fall among the bones. The assertion, that many of the bones bear marks of their having been gnawed by the hyenas, is also unsup- ported by any decisive proof. Among the many hundreds of bones from the cavern, which I have examined, I have not observed one vestige of such gnawing, nor any marks of the action of teeth, save only of the teeth of Time. In conversing with Professor Buckland on this subject, when he visited Whitby, I found, that the bones which have curvatures in their fractured edges, are those which he considers as gnawed. But the bones might split and break in curved lines, as well as in straight; and even where a fractured edge was originally straight, curved places might be produced in it, by its being repeatedly dashed against ledges of rock. No less fanciful is the Professor’s idea, that the different states of decay in which the bones were found, indicate that they belonged to a succession of generations, or were de- VOL. VI, M 178 FOSSIL REMAINS OF QUADRUPEDS, &c. posited at different periods. As the masses of animal mat- ter drifted by the waters of the Deluge would contain relics of animals of all descriptions, young and old, weak and strong, sick and healthy; we could not expect, in so large a deposit, to find the whole in the same state of preserva- tion. But the difference observed, is not so much the re- sult of their different states at the time of their lodgment, as of their favourable or unfavourable position in the cave itself; according as they were more or less immersed in the mud, and, especially, according as they were more or less exposed to the action of water. Some of the teeth and bones were much decayed, and almost black, evidently through the effect of water; while others, occupying more favourable positions, were remarkably fresh. It is rather strange, that Mr Buckland should draw one argument to support his theory, from the circumstance, that few of the hollow or marrow bones are unbroken, and that the most entire bones, and parts of bones, are such as are naturally most hard and solid; for this is just what we might expect, whether the bones were broken by dashing against rocks, or by hyzenas’ jaws. Some marrow-bones, however, are quite entire; and others that are broken can- not well be supposed to have been cracked by the hyzenas, to obtain the marrow, for, as they are merely broken across, very little of the marrow could be extracted. The great disproportion of teeth in the collecticn, instead of favouring the den hypothesis, is rather against it; parti- cularly as it regards the teeth of the elephant, rhinoceros, and hippopotamus. ‘The entrance of the cave was too strait to admit the head of one of these animals; and the pachydermata have generally such short and thick necks, that it would be no easy task for hyzenas to behead their carcases. Unless the hyenas were actuated by sentiments of glory, they would be more likely to carry off their legs, DISCOVERED AT KIRKDALE. 179 than to attempt to pull their jaws to pieces, and bear off their ponderous teeth as a kind of spolia opima. The grinder of a large elephant, such as I have seen fragments of from the cave, would be a most unlikely morsel for a hyzena to chew; nay, it appears impossible that an ele- phant’s grinder could be broken into such splinters by the force of a hyzena’s jaws. But, on the supposition that the animal matter was drifted in, detached from some large mass or masses of animal matter, composed of the remains of animals mixed up in a state of great confusion, the dis- proportion of the teeth to the bones, and of the hyenas’ bones to the other relics, creates no difficulty; for chance would principally determine, what quantity of animal mat- ter, and what kind, should form any particular deposit or collection: only we might expect the heaviest matter, such as teeth, to be lodged most plentifully in the lowest situa- tions. The Professor displays great ingenuity in getting over some of the difficulties attending his hypothesis; yet some of them are by no means removed. To account for our not finding any entire skeletons of hyzenas, he not only sup- poses that they fed on one another, but that they kept so good a look-out at the Deluge, that the whole colony es- caped to the mountains, on the rising of the waters. But surely, if the majority of such a large tribe escaped, it 1s not too much to expect in the den the skeletons of some of their young, or of the very old and infirm that were unable to flee. Indeed, it seems more likely that they would take refuge in their den, than seek shelter elsewhere. But there are other difficulties which Mr Buckland has not set aside. Some of the bones or fragments were found on the sides and near the roof of the cavern, incrusted with stalactite. How came they to be lodged there, on the Pro- fessor’s hypothesis ? Did the hyzenas toss up bones by way M2 180 FOSSIL REMAINS OF QUADRUPEDS, &c. of amusement; or lay them purposely on shelves of the rock? If the bones were drifted in, it is easy to account for this phenomenon; for the jerking of the water into the cavern would throw up bones and splinters on ledges of the rock, where some of them would remain, when the waters withdrew. Of the fact I am fully assured, as a gentleman belonging to Whitby knocked off with his own hands, from the upper part of the cave, a specimen of stalactite with a piece of bone imbedded in it. A stronger objection to Professor Buckland’s hypothesis, arises from,the discovery of so many bones of birds, rats, mice, and other small animals. He insinuates, that some of these may have entered the cavern since the Deluge, the eave being not completely shut; for he is not sure whether the entrance was found covered by the common alluvium, or by the debris that had fallen down from the upper part of the bank. On this subject, however, I can speak with the utmost certainty, both from my own observations and those of others. The mouth of the cave, as is stated in the Geological Survey, is closed up by the same alluvial beds which cover the rest of the bank; and the undisturbed state of these beds clearly shewed, that no living creature had entered there since they were deposited. If we should sup- pose that rats, mice, or weasels, could enter by some small crevice or outlet, why were none of their skeletons found ? Why were their bones broken, dispersed, and mixed up with those of the hyzena, the rhinoceros, and the stag? Mr Buckland himself allows many of these minute bones to be of the same antiquity with the larger bones. In noticing this subject, the Professor has overlooked, or but slightly noticed, the grand difficulty arising from the existence of these relics in the cavern, in the state described. The main question is not, How came the hyenas to eat rats, mice, and fowls? but, How came they to tear such 4 DISCOVERED AT KIRKDALRE. 181 small creatures to pieces, break their bones, and scatter them all over the den? Supposing that the hyzenas would make a prey of a mouse as well as of an elephant, and feed on a rat as greedily as on a rhinoceros, Can we imagine that they would take the trouble to convey such minute creatures into their den? Or, if we grant that a hyena might scamper home with a couple of rats or mice in his mouth, Would a creature of such ‘ cmnivorous appetite’ have patience to dissect them, to break their bones, to gnaw them, and to suck out the marrow? Would he not rather snap them up like shrimps, at one morsel; and leave us no chance of finding any of their relics in the den, except as forming a component part of the balls of album gracum ? The great quantity of the bones of these small animals mixed with the mud, warrants us to say, that both the mud and the bones have been introduced together. For receiving the hypothesis which I have advanced, it is not necessary to adopt, to its full extent, the theory pro- posed in the Geological Survey, or, that all the secondary rocks were formed at the time of the Mosaic Deluge. It is sufficient to admit, that, while the diluvian waters covered the present strata, there were open fissures in the limestone, which were afterwards closed up by the deposition of the alluvial covering. This Repothesd has some important advantages over the Den Theory, besides those already noticed ; especially as it explains, in a great measure, all other phenomena of this kind, as well as what have been witnessed at Kirkdale. It accounts for the deposits of such animal remains in the al- luvium,—and for those also which are found in rocks, in situations which no flight of fancy could transform into dens; which collections Professor Buckland himself allows to have been drifted in by water. Even the phenomena. at Pallion Quarry, in the magnesian limestone, may be ex- 182 FOSSIL REMAINS OF QUADRUPEDS, &c. plained on this principle. Though there is no apparent opening there for admitting the mud and animal remains, yet the seams between the beds of limestone may have been in some spots so open, as to allow the waters of the Deluge, in small quantity, to penetrate through them, before the rock was covered with alluvium; especially as the strata might then be less compact than they are now. This water being loaded with mud and sand, mixed with animal re- ° mains, flowing backward and forward through the crevices, they were at length choaked up; the mud filling up the in- terstices between the beds, where we now find it. ‘The shifting of the water through these interstices, in a hori- zontal direction, may serve to account for the numerous, small, rounded, and apparently water-worn, cavities in the stone, occurring at the seams; most of which cavities are filled with mud. ‘The water might enter these horizontal seams, either at vertical cracks or clefts, or at some break in the strata, perhaps at that which formed the bed of the Wear, which flows past the front of Pallion Quarry. The rounded holes on the floor and sides of Kirkdale Cavern indicate, that water has also flowed through it for a considerable time, and with no small violence. If a flux and reflux continued here for some time after the bones were introduced, this would serve to break and wear them rapidly. The bones, or parts of bones, that are least worn, might be protected by having portions of fleshy matter ad- hermg to them, or might be among the last that were drift. ed in. I have some ends of leg-bones, or shank-bones, from the extreme parts of the cave, so rounded and worn as to resemble pebbles. I have also seen a few real pebbles from this cavern; and sand is said to have been found in some of the farthest branches. In the Manor Vale Cavern, at Kirkby Moorside, Mr Bird found both sand, gravel, and decayed vegetable matter. But even the. total absence of DISCOVERED AT KIRKDALE. 183 sand and gravel from the Kirkdale Cavern, could be no valid objection to my hypothesis ; for, in the bottom of the diluvian ocean, as in that of the present ocean, there might be spots where mud alone prevailed, as well as others where sand and gravel predominated. The subject might admit of additional illustration, but I shall. only notice farther, a fact, observed by Professor Buckland, viz. that the bases of the stag’s horns found in the Cave at Kirkdale, appear to indicate that they have been shed from the head, and not broken off by violence ; a fact which, according to the hypothesis advanced in this paper, may be deemed curious, as serving to point out the season of the year when the Mosaic Deluge commenced.* * Since this and the former paper (published in vol. iv.) were com- municated to the Society, the author has seen good reason to exclude the horse from the list of the animals whose remains have, been pre- served in Kirkdale Cave. All the remains of this animal, extracted from the Cave, appear to have been thrown into it by some wags, or rogues, on purpose to increase the amount of the relics. The teeth of sheep and of hogs, as well as those of horses, have thus found their way into collections of Kirkdale bones. A horse tooth, selected from such spurious relics, has the honour of being figured in one of Profes- sor Buckland’s plates. The specimen of jaw-bone with two teeth, noticed in vol. iv. p. 263, as not identified, and of which a model was presented to the Wernerian Society, appears to belong to a small hippopotamus. The grinders of that animal are usually marked with rosettes on their masticating sur- face, and some teeth so marked were found in the cavern; but when the surface is worn down, the grinders correspond exactly with the two teeth in that specimen. ( 184 ) IX.—Observations on the Anatomy of the Pera- meles nasuta, from New Holland. By R. E. Grant, M. D., Professor of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy in the University of London, F.R.S.E., F.L.8., M.W.S., &c. (Read 26th January 1828.) Since that remarkable quadruped the Virginian Opossum, with an open external pouch on the fore part of its belly for the reception and maintenance of its premature young during the period of their lactation, was first observed by navigators on the coasts of the New World, naturalists. have become familiar with the singular appearance and habits of many similar Marsupial animals, by their fre- quent occurrence in different parts of America, in the islands of the South Pacific Ocean, in New Holland, and other parts of the East; and more than fifty species of this new and remarkable order of Mammalia have now been observed and described by authors. But notwithstanding the interesting observations of Barton, Aboville, Bell, Home, Geoffroy, Blainville, and Cuvier, on the structure and economy of these animals, the distinctive characters and living habits of many of the species are still imperfect- Jy known, the anatomy of very few has been examined THE PERAMELES NASUTA. 185 with detail, and the theory of their singular mode of gene- ration is still almost entirely conjectural, It has been long known that the young of these animals are found in a very imperfectly formed state, adhering to the points of the mammze, which are always placed in the external pouch, and that they remain fixed by their mouth to the nipples, till they have acquired a considerable size. Marcgrave, Pison, Valentyn, Beverley, and others, supposed the ex- ternal sac to be the only uterus, and that the young are generated, as well as maintained and suckled, in that cavity. . Home, Barton, and Blainville, have maintained, that the foetus in utero is not connected with the parent by a pla- centa, or umbilical cord; but is suspended loosely in a gelatinous matter, like the young of oviparous animals; while Geoffroy (Ann. des Sc. Nat. tom. 11.) more recently maintains, that the umbilical cord is distinguishable in the uterus during the embryo state of the young. Some na- turalists, as Blainville and Desmarest, suppose that the young pass, in their embryo state, from the uterus directly through the parietes of the abdomen into the external sac ; which M. Blainville thinks is accomplished by means of the round ligaments of the uterus (Bull. des Sc. 1818, p- 28), whose functions, in other mammalia, have not been satisfactorily ascertained : ‘while others believe, that the premature young pass from the uterus into the vagina; which, by projecting in an inverted state, reaches the ab- dominal sac, and deposites them in that cavity, or probably even attaches them to the mamme. The mode of generation of marsupial animals is con- nected with many interesting physiological inquiries; but the apportunities of observation occur so seldom in Europe, that the entire and satisfactory solution of this obscure problem must be looked for from those who enjoy favour- able opportunities in the remote colonies, particularly in 186 OBSERVATIONS ON THE ANATOMY OF New Holland, of watching the progress of this function in different species, and of dissecting the recent animals in every stage of gestation. Geoffroy de St Hilaire has removed much of the confu- sion which formerly existed in the natural history of mar- supial animals, by subdividing and defining the genera, and by pointing out new and interesting anatomical rela- tions among the species; and he has thrown much light on their physiology, by his profound and ingenicus observa- tions on the distribution of the two hypogastric arteries in these animals, and on the consequences which result from that distribution. The genus Perameles was instituted by him in 1804, for the reception of two rare species; one of which has been figured and described in the ‘ Naturalist’s Miscellany,” and in Shaw’s “ General Zoology,” from a specimen in the Hunterian Museum of London, under the name of Didelphis obesula (P. obesula of Geoffroy); the other was a new species, first described by him, and which he named Perameles nasuta, from the lengthened form of the nose. These two species are both from New Holland, and are among the most rare and least known of marsupial animals. They are termed Perameles, from their general resemblance to the badger, and from their possessing a dis- tinct marsupium (from Mng«, a pouch, and meles, a badger). The two species of Perameles belong to the genus Didel- phis of Linnzeus and Shaw, and to the Thylaces of Illiger. There is a specimen of each species preserved in the Mu- seum of Paris; but the descriptions of their external cha- racters are still very imperfect and contradictory, we are still entirely unacquainted with their natural habits, and the internal structure of -neither species has yet been ex- amined. In Mr Shaw’s figure of the Perameles obesula, in the Naturalist’s Miscellany, two toes are represented as united under the common integuments, as far as the roots THE PERAMELES NASUTA. + 7 of the nails, both on the hind and the fore feet. Geoffroy and Desmarest confine this peculiar formation of the toes. to the hind feet alone. Desmarest, in his recent work on the Mammalia, has given five toes to the fore feet, and only four to the hind feet, in both species; while Geoffroy places five toes on all the extremities. This contradiction arises from M. Desmarest’s not enumerating the rudimen- tary toes of the Perameles, which, however, are generally enumerated in cther Mammalia. The specimen of Perameles nasuta, from which the fol- lowing observations were taken, was a full grown female, measuring twenty inches from the point of the nose to the free extremity of the tail, and contained one of its imper- fectly formed young in the external abdominal pouch. It was sent entire, preserved in spirits, from New Holland, by Sir Thomas Brisbane, whose zeal in the promotion of science has greatly enriched the zoological collections of Britain, and afforded the most liberal and valuable assist- ance towards solving many obscure and interesting pro- blems of physiology. As the long action of spirits loosens the fur of quadrupeds from its connection with the skin, and renders specimens so preserved unfit for stuffing, and useful only to the anatomist, Professor J ameson, to whom this specimen was sent, kindly submitted it tome for dis- section, requesting’ me to preserve the skeleton entire for the Royal Museum of this University. Drawings of the entire animal, and of several of its parts, were taken from this specimen immediately after its arrival by Mr William Macgillivray, assistant-keeper of the Museum, and are de- signed to form a part of the ensuing Number of Mr James Wilson’s highly interesting, popular and splendid “ Tlus- trations of Zoology.” Although the dimensions of the specimen, submitted to my examination, were somewhat less than those of the spe- 188 OBSERVATIONS ON THE ANATOMY OF cimen preserved at Paris, and described by Desmarest, it was obvious, from the state of the uterus and mamme, and the existence of one of the young in the marsupium, as well as from the general appearance of the other parts of the body, that it had already arrived at maturity. The dimensions of the specimen measured by Desmarest were the following :-— Total length of the body measured from the point inches. Lines. of the lips to the base of the tail, . : ie ae Length of the head, Satie tail, . : : : anterior extremity, posterior ditto, . osOrS © OW = The external dimensions of my specimen were as fol- lows :— From the point of the nose to the occipital protu- thes. Lines: berance, : : . : é : aaah: et Mn From the occipital protuberance to the anus, . 10 0 Length of the tail, measured from the anus, Gi), 0 Length of the ears, A ; : onli, 3 Breadth of the ears at their base, i eel: ste Circumference of the head above the eyes, 9 0 Circumference of the neck behind the ears, 6,0 _ Circumference of the thorax immediately behind the fore legs, ; 8. 0 Length of the fore legs, eon the tea of the hn. | merus to the point of the Jongest claw, . oo ere Circumference of the abdomen immediately before the hind legs, —. ER a Length of the hind legs, from ‘i ft of ‘be fe- mur to the point of the longest claw, OUTS Length of the longest claw on the fore feet, Quo Length of the longest claw on the hind feet, of AD THE PERAMELES NASUTA. 189 The animal resembles a large brewn rat, in having straight, stiff, dark brown hair; a low stature; a length- ened form of the trunk, which is nearly of equal thickness in the thorax and abdomen; a tapering, long, conical head ; large and nearly naked, membranous ears; a long, thin, and regularly tapering tail. The hair on the upper parts of the head and body, and on the tail and legs, is of a dark, reddish-brown colour, which gradually passes into greyish white on the lower parts of the head, neck, chest, and belly. The fur is pretty compact, and lies flat, pre- senting a smooth, glossy surface; it consists of dark co- loured bristly straight hairs, about an inch in length, and a softer short white woolly hair. ‘The long straight hairs have a singular broad and compressed form in their middle, and taper towards both extremities; they are of a greyish colour at the roots, and become nearly black at their broad parts and free extremities; there are whiskers, consisting of several long straight, dark bristles on the upper lip, imme- diately above each, canine tooth; and similar tufts of long bristles on the cheeks between the angle of the mouth and the eye. M. Desmarest likewise remarked, that the hairs were of a grey colour at their roots, and yellow or black at the points; ‘‘ whence,” he says, “ there results a. general light brown tinge, which has a close resemblance to that of the field-mouse.” Daubenton observed the contrary in the hair of the Opossum, where they were of a shining grey colour at their free extremities. ‘The nose projects half an inch beyond the extremity of the lower jaw; it is naked above for the space of three quarters of an inch from the point, and the prominent part is soft and cartilaginous for more than a quarter of an inch beyond the protuberance of the upper jaw-bone. The external openings of the nos- trils have a curved form, with their convexity directed downwards and backwards, produced by a semicircular 190 OBSERVATIONS ON THE ANATOMY OF lobe projecting from the septum over each nostril, and they are thereby removed considerably from each other, as in the Opossum. The tongue is very long, flat, narrow, ra- ther thin, of equal breadth from its root to near its extre- mity, which has an elliptical form ; it measures three inches from the root to the apex, and is quite free for nearly two inches from the frenum. ‘This freedom of motion of the tongue corresponds with the wide gap of the mouth, and the lengthened form of the jaws, and may indicate the aid required from this organ in seizing or collecting food. The ears are long, broad, elliptical at their apex, thin, soft, and scantily covered with small, dark, very short hairs. The eyes are rather small ; their position lateral, and inclined a little upwards and forwards. ‘The membrana nictitans is large and strong, and can be drawn more than half-way over the cornea. The margins of the eye-lids and the sur- rounding hairs are of a black colour. ‘There are no dis- tinct cilia, nor caruncula lachrymalis, but in the situation of the latter there is a thickened fold of the tunica con- junctiva. ‘The anterior canthus of the eye is very acute, and prolonged forward; the posterior canthus is rounded, and nearly imperceptible, which gives to the eye a pecu- liar expression of cunning. The neck is short, thick, round, and scarcely distinguishable from the head. The body is nearly cylindrical, slightly compressed, equal; be- coming only a few lines thicker in the region of the loins. The fore-legs are two inches shorter than the hind pair, of a tapering form, susceptible of free supination and prona- tion, the radius and ulna being separate and moveable. The flexor muscles of the humerus are remarkably strong, which, with the form and length of the claws, might lead one to suppose that the animal occasionally sought its food by scraping or digging the ground. Length of the hume- rus 1} inch; ulna (from the point of the olacranon), 2 THE PERAMELES NASUTA. 191 inches. Length of the fore-foot, from the carpal joint to the point of the middle claw, 13 ch. The joints of the metacarpus and toes admit of very free motion. The lower surface of the fore-foot naked to the carpal joint, concave, and covered with a soft white cuticle. From the flexibility and extent of motion of the toes, the fore foot can grasp and surround objects smaller than a pea, and only the wrists and points of the claws appear capable of resting on the ground in walking,—a structure which would better adapt the animal for climbing on trees than walking on a flat surface. ‘There are five toes on each of the four feet. The outer and inner toes are only rudimen- tary, without nails, naked, two lines long, extending only half an inch from the carpal joint to their free extremities, and are nearly opposed in their position to the other three toes, which chiefly form the foot. The three middle toes are long, slender, and quite free to the metacarpal bones. The second toe, or imdicator, measures 10 lines; the middle toe, or pudicus, 11 lines; and the fourth toe, or annularis, 7 lines from the metacarpal bone to the point of the claw. ‘The claws are long, slender, slightly curved, compressed laterally, flat on their lower concave surface, arched acutely above, round and depressed at their points ; they form sheaths over the last phalanges or ungual bones, which extend a considerable way into them. They are of a delicate, translucent, horny texture, of a yellowish or amber colour; and, from the fineness and sharpness of the points, they appear to have been very little used in scrap- ing or digging the ground, if ever employed for that pur- pose. Geoffroy, however, conceives, from the structure of the claws, that both species of Perameles are peculiarly formed for burrowing in the earth. The claw of the second toe is 5 lines long; that of the middle toe, 6 lines; and that of the fourth toe, 3 lines. The hind legs are very 192 OBSERVATIONS ON THE ANATOMY OF thick, and muscular as far as the ancles, or tarsal joints, and of nearly twice the length of the fore legs. The femur is 23 inches long; the tibia, 22 inches; and the foot, from the tarsal joint to the point of the longest claw, 22 inches. The hip-jomt admits of little flexion and extension, but of so great abduction, that the two thighs can be separated from each other to a straight line, which must allow the freest access of the young to the abdominal pouch placed between them. The hind feet have a very lengthened form, like those of the Kangaroo, and have five toes like the fore feet (not four, as stated by Desmarest) but of a very different structure. ‘The inner or first toe is only ru- dimentary, naked, about two lines long, without nail, and of an obtuse conical form. It is placed midway between the two extremities of the foot, on its under surface, and is opposed to the other toes. The second and third toes are small, short, and bound together under the skin like a single toe, as far as the roots of the claws, which are quite free and moveable. ‘The fourth toe is the longest, and by much the largest on the hind foot. It extends eight lines beyond the united toes just mentioned, and half an inch beyond the outer or fifth toe, which is the second largest on the foot. ‘The claws of the hind feet are shorter and thicker than those of the fore feet, and are nearly straight. The longest toe on the hind foot measures 14 inch from the metatarsal bone to the point of the claw. The pelvis is very long and narrow, and is prolonged backwards to- wards the root of the tail, considerably beyond the head of the thigh-bones; which gives a conical and somewhat an- cular form to the posterior part of the trunk. The fail is long, slender, conical, very flexible, and covered to its point with short, dark, straight hair, which is shortest and most scanty on the lower surface. Beneath the hair the epider- mis of the tail is rough, and covered with regular trans- THE PERAMELES NASUTA. 193 verse markings, like scales: between which the hairs shoot up, as has been observed in some other quadrupeds. _ The most remarkable external character of this animal is the marsupiwm, or abdominal pouch, for the reception of the premature young, and for the lodgment of the mamme. This sac does not open from above downwards in the Pe- rameles, as it does in most other marsupial animals; but commences almost imperceptibly at a short distance from the anus, about half an inch from the orifice of the vagina, and extends upwards, under a thick fold of the skin, to the point of the sternum. ‘This remarkable form of the sac, which appears not to have been noticed in other marsu- pial animals, greatly favours the opinion ef those who have conceived that the young are deposited in the sac by the protruded vagina. 'The entrance of this inverted sac 1s arched upwards, and is quite open for more than an inch from its lower, or anal, margin. The whole cavity is lined with soft, short, white, woolly hair, and its parietes are remarkably soft and dilatable. The two supplementary. or marsupial bones, 11 lines in length, about 1 in breadth, and not half a line thick, are connected, as usual, with the recti and pyramidal muscles of the abdomen, and have no immediate connexion with the fold of integuments which forms the marsupium. The number of mamme varies considerably in marsupial animals. ‘There are eight nipples ip the pouch of the Perameles, placed in two longitudinal rows; the upper and lower pairs of which are closer toge- ther than the middle pair; the two upper nipples of the left row, and the second upper one on the right side, were more than double the size of the rest, which would lead us to infer that there were three young in the sac when the animal was taken, as the nipple enlarges during lactation, as well as the foetus which clings to it. The nipples had the usual conical form, and round, smooth apex, imperfo- VOL. Vi. N 194 OBSERVATIONS ON THE ANATOMY OF rated in the centre. ‘The three largest nipples measured 34 lines in length, and 1 line in breadth at their base. On pressing the mammary glands, which are two in number, and extend along the back of the two rows of mipples, a thin yellowish fluid was seen to issue from six or seven small orifices of excretory ducts, opening round the apex of each nipple, as in other quadrupeds. ‘These minute ori- fices around the extremities of the nipples were very dis- tinctly seen with a lens, and in the largest nipples they ap- peared open tubes; but there was no orifice of any kind in the smooth centre of the nipple, to indicate any previous organic connection with the foetus. When I received the specimen for examination, there was one foetus in a very imperfectly formed state, lying loose in the sac. It measured only 11 lines from the mouth to the anus; its surface had a smooth, white colour, and had no hairs on any part. ‘The head and chest were the parts of the body most developed, as in the foetus of other quadrupeds; the head was more than a third of the size of the whole foetus. ‘The eyes were proportionally large ; and the eyelids were closed on both eyes. On opening the eyelids, a white opaque surface presented itself, through which neither pupil nor cornea could be distinguished. The ears were distinguishable, though very small and membranous. Both jaws were of the same length, and very broad and short. The mouth was open, and present- ed no appearance of any previous organic connexion with the nipples of the mother. The surface of the belly was quite smooth, and slightly carinated in the region of the umbilicus, but no trace of umbilical cord, or other means of connexion with the parent, could be discovered with the assistance of a lens. On the lower part of the abdomen there were two distinct lateral folds of the skin, forming an imperfect abdominal pouch, opening below like that of the THE PERAMELES NASUTA. 195 mother. This organ has been found also in the males of some other genera; and Daubenton observed the pouch on the young female Opossums still within the marsupium of the mother. Projecting from the fore part of the anus, was seen a slender white penis, about a line in length, and bi- furcated at its extremity, like the glans penis of some other marsupial animals. The tail was a line and a half in length, and like a fine thread. ‘The head, trunk, and extremities were quite soft and flexible, no bones being yet formed in the body. ‘The claws were scarcely perceptible on the points of the toes, which appeared lke buds on the extre- mities. The teeth, which vary more im marsupial animals than in any other Order of quadrupeds, present important cha- racters for the distinction of the species, and help to point out the kind of food on which they naturally subsist. Those of the Perameles nasuta are correctly stated by Geoffroy to be, Incis. 3°; Can. 2; Mol. 7-7; but he has represented them rather larger than natural, particularly the canine teeth, in his figure of this animal (Ann. du Mus. tom. iv. pl. 44.) On each side of the upper jaw there are five small sharp incisors ; one curved, pointed, canine tooth ; and seven grinders. ‘The first four of these incisors are in close contact with each other, and scarcely project half a line from their sockets. The fifth incisor, likewise inserted into the intermaxillary, or incisor bone, is two lines distant from the fourth incisor, and at the same distance from the canine tooth. ‘The canine tooth is double the Jength of the mcisors, projects a line beyond its socket, has a sharp, compressed, conical form, slightly curved backwards, and: is also separated by an empty space of two lines from the first grmder. The first three grinders are compressed like the canine tooth, have a single longitudinal row of three sharp tubercles, the middle tubercle of each tooth being ax. O AY tw 196 OBSERVATIONS ON THE ANATOMY OF more than double the length of the two lateral points. The first of these grinders is a line and a half distant from the second ; the second is half a line distant from the third ; and the base of the third is nearly in contact with the fourth grinder. ‘The four posterior grinders have very broad, and nearly square crowns; they are in close contact with each other, and have each a double row of sharp co- nical points; the outer and inner rows being separated from each other by a deep longitudinal groove; the outer row consists of three sharp and elevated points, and the inner row of two larger tubercles. On each side of the lower jaw there are three very sharp incisors, projecting more than a line from their alveoli, and much inclined out- wards ; one conical, curved, compressed, canine tooth; and seven molares, the first three of which are compressed, and have a single row of cutting points, and the four posterior have square crowns and a double row of tubercles, as in the molares of the upper jaw. ‘The third incisor from the front of the lower jaw is a double tooth, the part above the socket appearing like two small incisors united on the same neck, and is nearly three limes distant from the canine tooth. The canine tooth is-rather smaller and more obtuse than that of the upper jaw,.and is. more than two lines dis- tant from the first molares. ‘The first three molares are shaped like those of the upper jaw, with a long, middle, compressed, cutting tubercle, and a smaller cutting point before and behind. The first molaris is a line distant from the second, the base of the second is nearly in contact with the third, and the base of the third is close to the fourth grinder. The four posterior grinders are in close contact, and have two rows of tubercles separated by a longitudinal groove; but, contrary to what takes place in the upper jaw, the outer row consists only of two large tubercles, and the inner row of three sharp points. The teeth of the THE PERAMELES NASUTA. 197 lower jaw are, in general, larger, and project more from their sockets than those of the upper. They are placed alternately with regard to those of the upper jaw, so that, ‘in closing the mouth, the teeth of one jaw fall into the empty spaces and hollows of the other jaw; and the whole teeth of the lower jaw fall a little within those of the upper jaw. The space occupied by the teeth on both j jaws, from the front incisor to the posterior grinder, is about one inch and eight lines. The upper surface of the tongue is covered with close and extremely minute papilla ; other papillee are seen of a Jarger size, placed at distances of nearly a line from each other, and appear like the ends of small bristles distributed over the whole tongue, and raised about the third of a line above its surface. On the upper surface of the roof of the tongue there are three large papillee, placed in a triangular form, on the surface of which are perceived the orifices of minute ducts. Each of these large papillee is enclosed in a distinct circular sheath, and the root of the tongue is fimbriated on the sides at the place where these large pa- pillee are situate. ‘These three glandular papillae have the same form and arrangement on the tongue cf the Opossum. On the upper surface of the tongue there is a very slight longitudinal groove running along the whole mesial line. On its lower surface there is a corresponding small ridge running in the same direction, and extending from the point to the frenum. ‘There is a small fold of the skin on each side of the mesial ridge on the lower surface, which is raised about a line from the surface, and extends in the same direction, from the apex to the frenum. Below the tongue, on the floor of the mouth, there are likewise twe longitudinal folds, corresponding in size and position with those on the lower surface of the tongue, and having a small longitudinal groove in the middle between them. 198 OBSERVATIONS ON THE ANATOMY OF The roof of the palate is covered with a black cuticle, and is marked with about fourteen elevated transverse vidges, slightly curved forwards, and formed by folds of the membrane lining the mouth. The roughness produced by these elevated ridges must greatly assist the tongue in retaining small moving objects, like insects, endeavouring to escape from the mouth, and in extracting the soft nutri- tious parts from their horny coverings; and it will be shewn hereafter that this is the kind of food on which the Perameles subsists. These folds are likewise found in the ‘Opossum, but in smaller number. ‘The fauces were nar- row; the epiglottis broad and short, as in the Opossum, but with a groove on its free margin, corresponding with the posterior end of the rima of the glottis; the cartilagi- nous rings of the trachea were very soft and thin, and formed complete circles, divided only by a fissure on their posterior side; in this respect the trachea has some resem- blance to that of birds, where the rings are generaily com- plete. The right lung was rather larger than the left, from the heart lying a little to the left side; it was divided by two deep transverse fissures into three lobes, the supe- rior of which was the smallest, and its form was adapted to that of the upper narrow part of the thorax; the middle division of the right lung formed a long, curved, tapering lobe, extending horizontally forward under the apex of the heart, which, in this animal, is placed rather high in the thorax. ‘The inferior lobe was as large as both the pre- ceding, of a triangular form, with its apex pointed down- wards. ‘There was likewise a small divided appendix to this lung, placed on the right side of the mediastinum, and lying behind the apex of the heart. ‘The left lung consist- ed of one undivided lobe, the dorsal margin of which is broad and round ; this lung tapers gradually to its sternal margin, which is very thin and semicircular. Daubenton THE PERAMELES NASUTA. 199 likewise found three lobes on the right side, and two on the left, in the lungs of the Opossum. The esophagus measured 44 inches from the root of the tongue to the cardiac orifice of the stomach. It was about three lines in diameter when moderately inflated, and consisted of pretty strong coats. The internal surface had a red and villous appearance, and was strongly marked with longitudinal striz of muscular fibres to near the car- dia, where it became much thinner, smooth internally, and dilated at its entrance into the stomach. The stomach was comparatively small, largely provided with glands, and with a thick muscular coat. It had a singular, round, ovate form, measuring scarcely 2 inches from right to left, and about 12 inch from above downwards, when moderate- ly inflated. The cesophagus entered near the middle of its upper margin, leaving a large hemispherical shut portion or cul-de-sac, on the left side, the internal surface of which was quite smooth and villous; while the right half of the stomach was entirely covered internally with ruge, run- ning chiefly in a longitudinal direction, and particularly numerous towards the pylorus. The circular fibres form- ing the sphincters were very distinct, both around the car- diac and pyloric orifices of the stomach. Its cavity con- tained no food, but a few hairs and some vegetable fibres, hke fragments of straw or grass, still remained init. Im- mediately beyond the sphincter of the pylorus there is a contracted ring around the commencement of the duode- num, in which small twigs from the hepatic and gastric arteries pass round both sides of the intestine. From the pyloric extremity of the stomach to the caput czecum coli, measured 29 inches; from the caecum to the anus, 9 inches; and the caecum itself was 3 inches long. The coats of the duodenum and jejunum were very thin and delicate; those of the ilium were thicker, and they £00 OBSERVATIONS ON THE ANATOMY OF were strongest in the caecum and colon. The ducts from the liver and pancreas entered the duodenum at the dis- tance of one inch from the pylorus. ‘The duodenum was the widest portion of the small intestine, and measured 5 lines in diameter; the jejunum and ilium were scarcely 4 lines in breadth. ‘No food was found in the duodenum or jejunum, but the ilium contained a considerable quantity of a soft chyme, mixed with fine sand, and very minute fibres. In the upper part of the ilium this chyme had a yellow colour; but in the lower ten inches, the coats of which were thickened and black, the chyme was of a black colour, and more consistent. ‘The whole internal surface of the small intestine was smooth and uniform, without any apparent villi. ‘The black and thickened appearance of the lower portion of the ilium seemed to be the result of a wound received during the life of the animal, as there was an incised wound half an mch long through the coats of the intestine at the upper end of the blackened portion. The parietes of the abdomen had very properly been opened. to allow the spirits to act on the viscera, when the specimen was about te be sent from New Holland. The orifice of the cecum was large, and was only protected by a thickened margin acting as a valve. The cecum resem- bled that of the Opossum; it was short, smooth, and uni- form on its surface, without internal plicee, or external longitudinal bands; it became gradually larger from its valvular orifice to its shut end, and was bound throughout its whole length to the outer surface of the intestinum ilium by a distinct meso-caccum. Its internal surface was strongly marked with longitudinal strize of muscular fibres, and its cavity was filled with the same kind of black fecu- lenggmatter which filled the colon and rectum. The colon and ‘rectum had no internal plicee, nor external longitudi- THE PERAMELES NASUTA. 201 nal muscular bands; their coats were smooth and uniform, and had no perceptible villi. This portion of the intestine was about an inch in diameter, had a distinct meso-colon to near the anus, and was supplied with numerous branches of the mesenteric artery, which, in this animal, was single, as in other marsupial animals. In order to discover the kind of food which had been last taken by the Perameles, I collected the feculent matter from the whole of the large intestine. It had a black and granular appearance, mixed with some hair, vegetable fibres, and an immense number of black, shining scales. It was of a thick consistence, and was not divided into portions, as it is generally in animals which have plicee in their colon. On mixing a portion of it in water, the whole surface of the water became instant- ly covered with the black shining scales, which rose by their specific lightness to the surface of the fluid. The bottom of the vessel I found to be covered with a thick layer of very fine sand, of a light grey colour, together with some tufts of fine woolly hair, and some flat vegetable fibres, like partially digested straw. The black floating scales, when examined through a lens, appeared obviously to be the elytra, or outer horny coverings of the wings, of beetles, and other coleopterous insects; and, on examining with more care, I collected elytra, abdominal rings, entire legs and wings of coleopterous, neuropterous, and other orders of insects. Some very small insects, apparently young ants, had likewise passed thus far through the in- testinal canal, without suffering much injury to their ex- ternal form, although their soft substance had been ex- tracted from their interior. ‘The greater part of the fecu- lent matter was distinctly composed of the horny and indi- gestible parts of insects, and probably the fine hair with which they were mixed, belonged to the same animals ei- 202 OBSERVATIONS, &c. ther in their larva or perfect state. ‘The fine sand and ve- getable fibres may have been taken accidentally along with these creeping objects. ‘The examination of the faeces proved satisfactory with regard to the insectivorous nature of the Perameles, which I had been led, along with others, to suspect, from the sharp pointed tubercles of the molar teeth, the freedom and length of the tongue, and the long slender form of the claws. Bes us a Pia, nie BAC Luh aN PLATE ITIL A Reonception lap! = Paldivia PLA nee Or BCUBNOS PERE S | ja Island Bay of St Blas L282 CNT P Sea. 2. 7 512.0 LAENE | News 50.2. depth 75 futhomsgreensarull ir 5a. t May L2D.RBc——— Se Bir yg 2 IOLD Le Sea. Mey? ar I.Madre de Dios LI 5 f ty! 26D Ser ICED AR) Taland® = CVMAKT) PO SHOW rik TRACT) “or — BOWSD CLPY LORY, 1822. temperature of the Soa was ind dai abnoon. The temperature and luinidiy oS the Atmosphereare deduced Prom the mean ef two observations taker atl moriing The Mgrometer ep ( 203 ) {X.— Meteorological Journal, from the Mouth of the Rxo de la Plata to the Coast of Chili, 1822 ; with a Chart. By Wiitiam JAMESON, Esq. Surgeon. (Read 13th December 1823.) eat Q, Drar SIR, Lima, 5th August, 1822. I wave enclosed a MS. chart of our track round Cape Horn. (See annexed Engraving.) The longitude, which is marked for noon, was generally determined with accuracy by means of three excellent chronometers entrusted to my care, and I have also marked the longitude, as estimated by dead reckoning, where there was any considerable devia- tion. In laying down the track, you will perceive I have adopted the method recommended by Captain Hall. In the passage round Cape Horn, the vicissitudes from heat to cold, and again from cold to heat, are very remark- able. At Rio de Janeiro, in February and March, the thermometer usually stands at 80° or 85°. In three weeks we reached the parallel of the Cape in Lat. 56° S., where, with frequent storms of hail, snow and sleet, we have the temperature of the air reduced to the freezing point. Ha- ving doubled the Cape, we make a direct northerly course, and in another fortnight we again enter a tropical climate. The change of temperature in the sea-water is no less re- markable. I oe the honour to be, &c. WILLIAM JAMESON. To R. JAMESON, Esq. President of the Wernerian Society. 204 METEOROLOGICAL JOURNAL, Hygrometer, |Temp./Lat. 8.} Long. fe RE W. at - | moon. | noon. fo) f 35 23 | 51 20 35 38 | 52 32 36 18 | 53 10 36 38 | 53 20 37 8 | 53 20 38 42 | 53 57 39 20 | 54 13 41 10 | 56 17 42 45 |-58 20 43 35 | 58 50 44 31 | 60 51 45 21 | 59 18 46 20 | 61 52 AY 21 | 62 25 48 50/62 1 49 57 | 62 47 51 8 | 62 49 52 25 | 64 29 54 46 | 63 26 55 44 | 64 20 56 54 | 65 45 56 57 | 63 30 56 59 | 64 13 57 26 | 64 31 57 57 164 43 58 00 | 65 41 58 36 |67 57 57 40 | 71 21 56 24 | 72 46 56 21 | 72 53 56 28 | 73 55 56 41 | 74 57 5Y 2175 45 5754/75 8 58 52 | 76 21 58 21176 41 57 30 | 77 43 57 22 | 79 53 5619 |81 30 5 25 | 80 56 5453 | 81 18 5414 | 81 23 SW. Squally. WSwW. WNW. Do. Calm. W. by N. Calm. SSE. to SW. S. byW. Squally WSW. | 41.0 41.0 SSW. Squally. W.byS. cau SW. DURING A VOYAGE ROUND CAPE HORN. 205 Date. | Thermometer, Temp, Hygrom. Lat. S.| Long. : b d —| at Se at W. Winds. 1829,| 10 | 10 {Daily} at | 10 | 10 | at imorn.} even. range noon. jmorn.| even.} noon. | noon. May | O 4 o 4 1 | 43.0 | 42.5 5 | 44.0] 7.5] 6.0}53 53}80 57} NW. Calm. 2 | 43.0] 44.0] 1.0 | 46.0 119.0] 11.0]51 31/82 30] SE. Fresh. 3 146.0} 48.0] 2.0 | 48.47 9.5] 3.5749 15/83 32| SW. Rain. 4 151.0} 52.0} 1.0] 50.0] 6.0} 85/46 56/83 55} SW. Cloudy. 5 | 52.0] 50.5] 1.5 | 53.0 112.0] ..0/44 11/84 31S. Cloudy. 6 453.0] 54.0] 1.0] 56.0 | 7.0] 16.5]41 27|83 12]S. with rain. T | 56.0] 56.0] 0.0 | 59.0 | 14.0] 16.5139 43/83 23] SSE. 8 | 57.0] 56.0} 1.0 | 60.0 | 33.0 | 31.0138 34/83 341 WNW. 9 | 58.0] 60.0} 2.0 | 61.0 | 34.0] 33.5137 1/83 17] Do. 10 | 63.0 | 62.5| 0.5 | 63.0 | 32.0] 19.0135 11|83 16] Do. 11 | 63.0 | 63.0] 0.0 | 65.0 | 11.0| 16.5 |33 16 12 | 63.0/ 63.8] 0.8] 65.0 | 16.0] 15.0132 4178 54] SE. 13 | 63.0] 61.5] 1.5] 64.5 | 19.0| 17.0130 42]78 18] Do. 14 |64.0| 61.8] 2.2 | 65.5 | 29.51 15.0 |29 32|77 18] Do. very light. 15 163.0] 61.0] 2.0 | 64.7 | 28.5 | 28.0128 22|76 4] Variable. 16 | 65.8] 64.0] 1.8 | 63.7 | 32.0] 27.0127 53/75 35| SSW. 17 |64.5|64.0| 0.5 | 64.0 | 23.5 | 22.0]26 53|74 27] ESE. 18 164.0] 64.0] 0.0] 66.5 | 20.5] 16.5 | 24 47|73 36] Do. , |, The coast of | ee | eae } chili in sight} 206 METEOROLOGICAL JOURNAL, MADE / Account of the State of the Thermometer, and of Leslie’s Hlygrometer, observed at the Ports of Callao and Pisco, during the months of February, March, April, May, and June, 1823. PISCO—Lat. 13° 40’ S. Long. 76° 10’ W. ‘ February 1823. THERMOM. HYGROM. Mean of 10 A. M. 2.0... 69°.59 rece. 14°.46 LOW. Mn. Scce. 68) .o1 > 2.3 11 .97 Mean of 10 and 10, ... 69 .05 ...... 13 .21 Maximum, Feb. 27. ... 75 .0 27th, 37 .0 Minimum, Feb. 14 ... 65 .6 18th, 4 .5 CALLAO—RLat. 12° 2’S. Long. 76° 58’ W. March 1823. THERMOM. HY GROM. Mean of 10 a. M. .....- 690.94 ce: 14°.32 10 P. Me ..coss 67 .36 : Sa... 7.93 10 and 10, ... 68.65 ...... 10.92 Maximum, te ve fo 0 f 15th, \ 23 .5 19th, { 16th, Minimum, 9th, ... 65.8 16th,... 1.5 at 10 Pp. um. April 1823. THERMOM. HYGROM. Mean of 10 a. m. ...... 69°.31 ...... 15°.81 LO P.M. eee GO AO Mice nne 8 .22 10 and 105°.32 67, .75 _....,. 12*01 Maximum, 26th, ...... 73.0 26th, 23 0 aM 5th Minimum, 9th, ...... 61.3 lise 4.0 DURING A VOYAGE ROUND CAPE HORN. 207 Date. | THERMOM.| HYGROM. | 1823. M OG CrP & 0 = f=) xe 10 10 10 10 morn.| even.|/morn.| even.| — en) ua iemenn ines Weeleneeememanee 67.5 66.8 69.5 66.5 67.4 67.0 67.0 66.7 65.9 68.0 66.0 65.8 66.4 67.5 66.2 64.4: 65.5 66.0 65.4 65.4 | 67.0 62.9 | 63.0 67.3 64.8 67.1 65.8 65.7 66.2 66.3 65.5 | 22.0 | 10.6|Clear. Wind SSE. Evening clear. 64.7 | 18.0 | 12.0 | Do. do. Evening very clear. 64.8 | 24.0| 8.5 | Rather cloudy. Wind SE. Even. clear & calm. 65.0 | 16.0) 11.0 | Clear. Wind NNW. Even. very clear & calm. 65.4 | 16.0 | 10.0 |Clear. Wind S. Evening cloudy and calm. {| 64.8 | 21.0; 7.0}|Calm and clear; evening cloudy. 65.6 | 9.5| 7.5|Clear. Wind 8. Evening a little cloudy. 65.5] 12.5| 6.5 |Clear. Wind SSE. Evening clear. 65.0} 13.5 | 9.0 |Clear. Wind NN W. Even. clear. Wind SSE.} 64.3 | 20.0} 8.0 |Cloudy. Wind SSE. Evening clear. 64.7 | 13.5 | 9.0 |Clear. Wind 8S. Evening very clear & calm.} 63.9} 13.5 | 7.5 |Clear. Wind SSE. Evening very clear. | 64.5 | 14.0 | 11.0 |Clear. Wind SSE. Evening rather cloudy. } 65.3 | 15.0] 9.5 | Clear & nearly calm. Even. clear. Wind SSE. 64.6 | 17.0| 6.0 |Clear. Wind SSE. Evening very clear. 3136 4.0 | ... | Hazy. Wind SSE. 60.6 | ... 6.5 | Evening clear and calm. 58.7 | 15.5] 6.5 |Cloudy. Wind NNW. Even. clear & calm. | 62.7 | 14.5] 8.0 1Clear. Wind NNW. Even. clear. Wind SSE, 62.9] 14.5| 7.0|Cloudy. Wind S. Evening clear. 62.2 | 20.0 | 10.5 | Clear. Wind SSE. Evening clear. | 60.0 | 27.0 | 10.0 | Clear. Wind SSE. Evening clear and calm. } 62.6 | 11.5 | 11.0 | Cloudy. Wind SSE. Evening clear. 62.2}12.5| 7.5}Clear. Wind SSE. Evening clear. 63.4| 18.0] 5.5|Clear. Wind SSE. Evening clear. 61.4 | 11.5 | 10.0 | Cloudy. Wind SSE. Evening clear and calm, 62.6] 19.0| 85 |Clear. Wind SSE. Evening clear. 62.0] 17.0 | 9.0|Clear. Wind SSE. Evening very clear. 61.5 | 18.0 | 6.5 |Cloudy. Wind SSE. Evening cloudy andcalm.} Cloudy. Wind NNW. Steady breeze all 62.7 | 15.0 | 13.0 | day, wind from the same quarter. Even-} ing wind still NNW. ; steady breeze. | (Cloudy. Wind NNW. Steady breeze all Oe a Miata . day, and NNW. Evening clear and calm} THERMOM. HYGROM. Mean of 10 a. M. ...... 66.23 ..... 15.83 TO" Ps Me seas 63.31 ...... 8.78 10 and 10, ... 64.77 ...... 12.30 Maxine Sd; esl 69.5 22d, 27.0 REMARKS. Minimum, 18th, .,.... 58.7 25th, 5.5 9308 METEOROLOGICAL JOURNAL. | Date. | THERMOM.| HYGROM. REMARKS, Clear. Wind SSE. Even. clear; light breeze.) rae and almost calm. Evening cloudy. Wind SSE. Cloudy. Wind SSE. Even. very clear & calm. Cloudy and calm. Even. cloudy. Wind SSE.) Cloudy. Wind SSE. Evening cloudy. Cloudy. WindNNW. Evening loaily a cals. Clear. Wind SSE. Even. very clear & calm. | Cloudy. Wind SE. Evening cloudy and calm,} Cloudy & nearly calm. Ev. very clear & calm.| Clear. Wind SSE. Evening clear. Cloudy.WindNNW. Midday clear. Ev.cloudy.| Cloudy. Wind SSE. Evening cloudy. Clear. Wind NW. Even. cloudy. Wind SSE,; § Cloudy. Wind NNW. _ Evening cloudy. | @ Wind SSE. Cloudy. Wind NNW. with very light rain, Evening cloudy. j Cloudy. Wind NW. Evening cloudy. ( Wind SSE. with rain. Cloudy. Wind SSE. Even. calm and cloudy. Cloudy. Wind NNW. Evening cloudy. Wind SSE. Clear. Wind SSE. Evening cloudy. Clear. Wind SSW. Even. cloudy. Wind SSE. Cloudy. Wind S. Even. cloudy. Wind NNW. Cloudy. WindSSE. Even.cleudy. Wind NW, Cloudy. Wind NW. ; steady breeze. Even- ing cloudy and calm. gene Wind NNW. Even. cloudy & calm} Cloudy and nearly calm. Evening cloudy. Wind SSE. Cloudy. Wind NW.; light breeze. Even- ing clear. f Cloudy. Wind SW.; light breeze. Even- (ing cloudy. THERMOM. HYGROM. Mean of 10 a. M. ...... GALGEGIy Besos ivAe! LO; BM. the south, we find, as we might expect from its high , the birch, the alder, and the mountain-ash. But elevatio.., : ang by the extensi.”° plantations within these few years made SNOWDON RANGE OF MOUNTAINS. Q17 on the estate of Lord Gwydir, in addition to the above woods, the larch has been added. And as the slaty rock on which they are growing somewhat corresponds to the , nature of the primitive mountains of the Swiss Alps, where that tree grows naturally, and attains great age and dimensions, we may expect the same will happen in this district. Though many of them have not been more than eight years planted, yet they exceed twenty feet in height, and evince great vigour. At Betteos, and at Gwydir-house, the oak and the Spanish chesnut (of the last of which, one at Gwydir girths 13 feet) thrive as well as in the lower parts of the basin. ‘This may be much owing to their having the shelter of the Snowdon chain to protect them from the frequent blasts of the south-west. 'To complete our sketch of the appearance of the Con- way basin, it may not be amiss rapidly to glance at the Denbigh side. A very cursory observation will soon dis- cover features considerably different from the Carnarvon side of this district. While the western presents a bold, peaked outline of mountains, rising to a considerable ele- - vation, the eastern, or Denbigh portion, has characters of a very different nature. Though its hills, composed of a very decomposable slate, are low, and rounded in their sum- mits, yet, being clothed in wood, they offer a pleasing pic- ture for the eye to contemplate ; and cultivation being carried in many places to the most elevated poimts of the ridge, and the gently sloping declivities being adorned with neat farm-houses, villas, villages, and towns, the Denbigh side of this basin is rendered highly attractive and beautiful. Among the towns of this side, Llanroost, delightfully situate on the eastern bank of the Conway, with its venerable church, ahd Inigo Jones’ bridge, may be considered as one of the most interesting. 918 ON THE GEOLOGY OF THE If the Conway basin be thus interesting to the lover of scenery and the agriculturist, it is no less so to the practi- cal mineralogist. It possesses in different ‘places valuable mineral treasures of great importance in the arts. Of these, slate may be considered as the most abundant. The general nature of this rock, however, not being very hard, no great quantity of it is found fit for roofing-slate. The best for that purpose is what is raised on the banks of the Lledar, above Dolwyddelan Castle, and to the east of Snowdon. It may be remarked, that the slaty rocks being here very hard, good roofing-slate is accordingly raised. It is conveyed in carts upwards of twelve miles, and, being shipped at Trefriew, forms a considerable ar- ticle of export. Many thousand tons are annually shipped. But the colour of the slate being reddish, is by some con- sidered objectionable, and from this prejudice a less quan- tity is sold than might be expected. No cther slate, fitted for architectural purposes, is elsewhere worked, except near Trefriew; and its sale is very limited, being not so good as the Lledar slate, and very inferior to what we shall afterwards find on the other side of the Snowdon range. The slate is frequently penetrated on the western side of the basin by dikes of whinstone, of no great thickness ; and it is invariably found where these occur, that the slate in immediate contact with them becomes harder and tougher. This trap-rock being so conveniently dispersed, is employed as the common material for road-metal. Of quartz, or buhrstone, a considerable quantity is found within a mile, and to the west, of the town of Conway. The quartzy buhrstone has occasionally been employed as a millstone, but 1s not found to answer so well as that which comes from France. It 1s imbedded in a soapy aluminous stone, and forms the eastern point of Penmaen Bach. ‘The SNOWDON RANGE OF MOUNTAINS. 219 aluminous soap rock, being burned, becomes of a beautiful white colour ; and being sent into the Staffordshire pottery districts, there becomes one of the ingredients of porcelain. At the northern end of the basin of Conway, in the pro- montory of Orme’s Head, limestone abounds. It consti- tutes, with small intervening strata of ochery, yellowish soft sandstone, the predominant rock of this end of the district. It is quarried, burnt, and in considerable quan- tities exported for building and agricultural purposes. it may be observed, that the north-western extremity of the Orme’s Head, rising to a great height, forms a strong bul- wark against the sea: and that its steep inaccessible front, on that quarter, is the retreat and breeding-place of im- mense flocks of water-fowl; and among them is the pere- grine falcon, so famous in the days of eivalsy t for the sport it afforded in falconry. It may also be remarked, in passing, that the southern side of the Orme’s Head abounds in several rare plants, among which are the Mespilus Cotoneaster, or Medlar, no- where else in Britain found growing; Anthericum scroti- num, Pulmonaria maritima, and many other scarce plants. Not only along the shore of the Orme’s Head peninsula, but also very generally on the Carnarvonshire coast, the _ Crambe maritima, or Sea-kale, grows luxuriantly.. Of metals, the most important, and which is found in greater abundance than any other, is lead. At Pont Glyn Bridge, half-way between Capel Curig Inn and Betteos y Coed, cn the banks of the Llugury, it is found; and from some appearances here, as well as in other parts of this basin, it would seem that this metal was probably known to the Romans, and worked by them. But it abounds in greater quantities at Booleh Heim, a tract of country, in- cluding nearly three square miles, situate about two miles to the west of Gwydir-house. From time immemorial ex- 92.0 ON THE GEOLOGY OF THE cavations have been carrying on here. And a race of men has sprung up, following the occupation of mining, from father to son, for many generations. . The lead-veins are found in the slaty mountain rocks. The matrix of the ore is a quartzy calcareous spar. The pits are numerous and shallow, seldom more than twelve feet below the surface. The veins run east and west, and are crossed by others from north to south; they have scarcely any dip, running nearly horizontal, but rise a little as they enter the hill to the east and south. The breadth of the vein is narrow, seldom exceeding eighteen inches. Calamine is also found. here, but not in similar quantity to the lead. When it is separated from its extraneous matters, it is exported solely to Bristol. In the limestone, on the south-west side of the great Orme’s Head, copper is found in considerable abundance, principally the malachite, or green carbonate of copper. It is found in the limestone strata, between beds of coarse yellowish sandstone. ‘The shafts penetrate to a consider- able depth. Many hundred tons are every year raised. After the extraneous matters have been separated, by breaking the ore into small pieces, and washing away other impurities, it is put into bags, and sent away to Swansea ; and there, from the abundance of coal, is smelted, and pre- pared for useful purposes. Though there be no coal, peat is found in several places, but in no considerable quantity, except in the great marsh formed at Trefriew, on the banks of the Conway, where is an abundant formation of it. The nature of the rocks of the mountains, their steep declivities, and the drainage of those parts of them fitted either for pasture or tillage, ad- mit of little space for the accumulation of this vegetable production. The margins of the mountain lakes, generally SNOWDON RANGE OF MOUNTAINS. 991 of little extent, and occasionally hollows in the mountains, . are the spots where peat oftenest occurs. Though we have seen that nature furnishes a consider- able quantity of useful materials in this narrow space, it does not appear that sufficient advantage has been taken of its circumstances, in regard to the arts. And though, no doubt, wool has been from time immemorial manufac- tured into flannel, the great staple of the country, yet nei- ther this, nor any other manufacture, has been carried to the extent it might. This basin is near to the great sea-port of Liverpool ; has a river navigable for many miles, which admits of having coal and other heavy articles easily conveyed ; it is from the nature of its soil healthy; and what is of still more importance, there are few places more fitted, from its geological structure, to afford an easy command of water- power. Almost every stream, as has already been stated, has in its course a lake of greater or less extent, which would supply water at almost all seasons of the year; or, in some cases, a slight embankment at the mouth of these lakes would be all that would be necessary to ensure an ample supply of water for every kind of machinery. It is not easy to conceive why a situation possessing such advantages should not have been selected as a station for manufactures. Though not strictly connected with the object of this paper, which is more particularly intended to describe the natural features, the geological structure, and the resources which these afford, we cannot omit stating, that this roman- tic valley is not without interest to the lover of ancient architecture. In the venerable mansions of Gwydir, Bodysgallen, and Gloddarth, the latter noted for its fine old baronial hall, and valuable library of books and Welsh manuscripts, we Q29 ON THE GEOLOGY OF THE have good specimens of the style of building in the reigns of Henry Seventh, Henry Eighth, and Elizabeth. And within the embattled walls of Conway, more like an east- ern fort than an European town, are several splendid old buildings, of as beautiful architecture, and of equal or greater antiquity. It cannot be doubted, from the spacious halls with which these old houses are all furnished, that hospitality, in former times, extensively prevailed in this district. This charming vale has also to boast of designs in archi- tecture executed by one of our greatest artists, the cele- brated Inigo Jones. This ornament of his country, while he was erecting monuments to his architectural fame all over the island, did not forget to adorn Llanroost, gene- rally believed to be the place of his nativity. Here he erected a beautiful chapel, connected with the parish church; and constructed a bridge, in 1630, over the Con- way; memorials of his affection for the town that gave him birth. The last, and perhaps the most interesting of all the architectural objects of this basin, is the Castle of Conway. This is the work of Edward the First, who, to secure his entrance into this country, fixed on this spot as the site of a stronghold. This building has long been deservedly admired, for grandeur and symmetry of outline, and ele- gance of architecture ; and, like the Castles of Dumbar- ton and Edinburgh, stands on a basaltic rock ; which is, however, much inferior to either of these in elevation. SNOWDON RANGE OF MOUNTAINS. 223 MENATI BASIN. Havine pointed out, in the sketch just given of the Conway basin, those external appearances, objects and productions, which cannot fail to attract the attention of the traveller as he attentively surveys this delightful vale, we shall now pass into the basin of the Menai, where we shall find a more extensive field of observation. That we may have at one glance a clear general idea of the extént, boundaries, and external appearance, of this district, it will be necessary to ascend Penmaen Maur, which rises to the height of nearly 1400 feet above the level of the sea. In looking from this point to the south-west, we shall have before us, on the left hand, the whole chain of the Snowdon mountains, ranging im that direction nearly forty miles; and, on the right, appears the whole island of Anglesea, which, except at north-west, is comparatively flat, or broken into slight elevations. In that quarter, and in part of the east, a steep rocky mountainous shore, though by no means to be compared in height to the Snowdon chain, rises to protect this portion of the island from the violence of the winds which blow in that direc- tion. ‘ As we found, in examining the basin of the Conway, that it was less perplexing to examine regularly one side of the basin before passing to the other, we propose following the same method with that into which we have now en- tered,—and accordingly begin our remarks with the Car- narvon side. In casting the eye alone the Snowdon range, we shall observe several lofty summits, the highest of which is the 9A ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS peak of Snowdon, being 3561 feet above the level of the sea. Towards each extremity of the chain the mountains gradually decrease in height. The Rivels, on the south- western termination, are 1866 feet, and Penmaen Maur, on the north-east boundary, is 1400 feet above the sea. These mountains present a noble, alpine group, conically peaked, craggy, and rugged in their outline; and when their summits are gilded by the rays either of a rising or a setting sun, they afford one of the grandest, objects of contemplation in England. The surface of this side of the basin is varied and broken into many inequalities. Little of it is level. The little vale of Ugivulchy, situate between Penmaen Maur and Penmaen Bach, is one of the levellest tracts of land of this side of the basin. ‘There are other spots along the Car- narvon shore also tolerably flat, such as near the mouths of the Aber and the Ogwen; and another tract, the largest between Carnarvon and Clynog, may be adduced as the levellest portions of the basin. For a considerable distance, in the vicinity of the Snowdon chain, great blocks of rock, immense boulders, quantities of large stones and gravel, strew and cover the ground, particularly where the Seiont issues from the ravine in which the lakes of Llanberris are situate. Scarcely so many streams have their sources on the western side of this chain, as those we have already de- scribed on the eastern. Among the largest are the Ugi- vulchy, the Aber, the Ogwen, the Cegin, the Seiont, the Goorfai, and the Nantle. The course of the Ugivulchy, which waters one of the sweetest vales of the Menai basin, is but very limited. The Aber proceeds from a deep wooded ravine, and, after passing the mouldering walls of Prince Llewellyn’s e OF THE MENAI BASIN. 995 Castle and the little town of Aber, enters Beaumaris Bay, three miles to the south of Penmaen Maur. The Ogwen, presenting more of the characters of a rapid mountain-torrent than any of the streams of this basin, being impeded continually in its descent by vast frag- ments of rock, issues from the dark gloomy Lake of Og- wen. It then passes through the romantic vale of Nant Francon, or the Vale of the Beaver; and, having on the south bank the Dolawen slate-quarry iron-railway, and the new Holyhead road, it passes into the Bay of Beaumaris, half a mile to the south of -Port Penryn. For more than five miles of the lower part of its course, the banks of the Ogwen are most beautifully fringed with natural wood. The Cegin, an inconsiderable stream, after putting in motion some machinery, enters the bay at Port Penryn; and forms the quay whence the Dolawen slate is shipped to all quarters of the globe. Next in order, but much superior in size, is the Seiont, which has its source in the two charming lakes of Llan- berris.. From the quantity of water it receives from the many small rivulets which furrow the face of the lofty Snowdon, the Seiont may be considered the largest river of the basin of the Menai. Except where it passes the woods of Llandenon, this river has its banks naked and woodless. After washing the walls-of the Castle of Car- narvon, and forming a harbour for shipping, it enters the Menai Strait. | The Goorfai rises in the smali but pretty lake of Quet- lyn, and in its descent runs through some fine meadow- ground ; and within two miles of its mouth, near Poolhelly- road, affords delightful scenery. The last river of any note of this basin, is the Nantle, which, taking its rise from the two lakes of Llanlyfne and VOL, VI. Pp 296 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS Nantle, enters the sea nearly three miles to the north of Clynog. Except the Lake of Bala, in Merionethshire, no district of North Wales affords larger and more beautiful lakes than this chain of Snowdon. Those of Llanberris, Ogwen, Nantle, and Llanlyfne, are the finest. But in grand, bold, rocky mountain scenery, the two lakes of Llanberris sur- pass them all. ‘These, and some others, are interesting to the angler, as well as the lover of scenery, as they abound in char, trout, and salmon. From appearances so varied, from a chain of mountains rising so far above the plain, deeply furrowed by the storm, conical in their outline, and excavated by numerous tor- rents into deep hollows or glens, almost invariably filled with lakes, and, from the less elevated parts bemg inter- sected by several rivers, with banks affording a bold, rich, and varied scenery, the landscape cannot fail to be highly interesting. As the rocks of the Carnarvon side of the Menai basin are so very hard as almost to resist the action of the wea- ther, the soil on the declivities of the mountains is thin, scanty, and gravelly. ‘Towards the interior of this side, although deeper, it is of a very light texture. In the vale of Ugivulchy, the soil is more abundant, and of a leamy nature, owing to the softer texture of the rocks which en- close it on the south. Along the shores of Beaumaris Bay, it is deeper, and more argillaceous. 'To the north of Car- narvon, for three or four miles along the Menai Strait, the soil covering the secondary rocks, limestone and small clayey strata, is rich and productive. Also between Car- narvon and Clynog it is generally good, partaking in some places of a sandy loam, admirably fitted for turnip hus- bandry. It is surprising that, in this country, where rainy weather is so prevalent, peat-soil 1s so rarely to be met OF THE MENAI BASIN. OW with. But the steepness of the mountain acclivities, and the undecomposable nature of the rocks, may, in some de- gree, account for the scarcity of this vegetable formation. And, as we have already remarked, in consequence of al- most every hollow being filled with water to a great depth, little space is left for the formation of it. It is generally to be found along the swampy margin of the mountain lakes. In respect of climate, this eastern side of the basin suf- fers severely. ‘The mountainous parts of Anglesea, being of inconsiderable elevation, expose the Carnarvon side to the fury of the south-westerly wind; and after a severe storm from that quarter, it is not an unusual occurrence to observe the windows, many miles inland, encrusted with a saline spray. It is chiefly owing to these blasts from the Atlantic, that the trees alorig the western coast of this island, subjected to their pernicious influence, are so stinted In growth. Although these south-westerly winds are unfavourable to plants and trees when exposed to them, yet the climate of this district 1s very conducive to health and longevity. Of those who received parochial relief, in 1810, in the town of Carnarvon, the inhabitants of which amount to 6000, nineteen were from 80 to 90 years age, twenty-eight from 70 to 80, forty-two from 68 to 77, and thirty-nine from 50 to 60. We even find from the uniform general temperature, produced by its vicinity to the ocean, that, during the winter months, certain delicate shrubs and plants, incapable of enduring exposure in that season in the more inland districts of England, are here enabled, with little or no protection, to exist in great vigour. We allude to such plants as the hydrangia, the arbutus, the sweet-scented bay, the mulberry, and the: myrtle, which, in some spots Pp2 296 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS Nantle, enters the sea nearly three miles to the north of Clynog. Except the Lake of Bala, in Merionethshire, no district of North Wales affords larger and more beautiful lakes than this chain of Snowdon. Those of Llanberris, Ogwen, Nantle, and Llanlyfne, are the finest. But in grand, bold, rocky mountain scenery, the two lakes of Llanberris sur- pass them all. ‘These, and some others, are interesting to the angler, as well as the lover of scenery, as they abound in char, trout, and salmon. : From appearances so varied, from a chain of mountains rising so far above the plain, deeply furrowed by the storm, conical in their outline, and excavated by numerous tor- rents into deep hollows or glens, almost invariably filled with lakes, and, from the less elevated parts being inter- sected by several rivers, with banks affording a bold, rich, and varied scenery, the landscape cannot fail to be highly interesting. As the rocks of the Carnarvon side of the Menai basin are so very hard as almost to resist the action of the wea- ther, the soil on the declivities of the mountains is thin, scanty, and gravelly. ‘Towards the interior of this side, although deeper, it is of a very light texture. In the vale of Ugivulchy, the soil is more abundant, and of a lcamy nature, owing to the softer texture of the rocks which en- close it on the south. Along the shores of Beaumaris Bay, it is deeper, and more argillaceous. 'To the north of Car- narvon, for three or four miles along the Menai Strait, the soil covering the secondary rocks, limestone and small clayey strata, is rich and productive. Also between Car- narvon and Clynog it is generally good, partaking in some places of a sandy loam, admirably fitted for turnip hus- bandry. It is surprising that, in this country, where rainy weather is so prevalent, peat-soil is so rarely to be met OF THE MENAI BASIN. OG with. But the steepness of the mountain acclivities, and the undecomposable nature of the rocks, may, in some de- gree, account for the scarcity of this vegetable formation. And, as we have already remarked, in consequence of al- most every hollow being filled with water to a great depth, little space is left for the formation of it. It is generally to be found along the swampy margin of the mountain lakes. In respect of climate, this eastern side of the basin suf- fers severely. ‘The mountainous parts of Anglesea, being of inconsiderable elevation, expose the Carnarvon side to the fury of the south-westerly wind; and after a severe storm from that quarter, it is not an unusual occurrence to observe the windows, many miles inland, encrusted with a saline spray. It is chiefly owing to these blasts from the Atlantic, that the trees along the western coast of this island, subjected to their pernicious influence, are so stinted in growth. Although these south-westerly winds are unfavourable to plants and trees when exposed to them, yet the climate of this district 1s very conducive to health and longevity. Of those who received parochial relief, in 1810, in the town of Carnarvon, the inhabitants of which amount to 6000, nineteen were from 80 to 90 years age, twenty-eight from 70 to 80, forty-two from 68 to 77, and thirty-nine from 50 to 60. We even find from the uniform general temperature, produced by its vicinity to the ocean, that, during the winter months, certain delicate shrubs and plants, incapable of enduring exposure in that season in the more inland districts of England, are here enabled, with little or no protection, to exist in great vigour. We allude to such plants as the hydrangia, the arbutus, the sweet-scented bay, the mulberry, and the: myrtle, which, in some spots rPp@2 298 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS along the shores of the Carnarvon side of the basin, are reared in great perfection. Though the climate of the Carnarvenshire coast is mild, notwithstanding the severity of the south-westerly ‘gales, yet, from the scantiness of its soil, it is neither rich in pas- ture, nor favourable to the growth of grain. The immense fall of rain, and its consequent evaporation, produces much moisture in its atmosphere. But its numerous population, created by the preparation for market of its various mine- ral treasures, have been disregardful of these natural ob- stacles, and drawn as much as possible from the land. Little of the soil, formed principally of particles of quartz, of the softer slate rocks, and of a great mixture of large and small rounded pebbles, with little of a rich loamy nature, is fitted for a vigorous vegetation. In such cir- cumstances it is not to be expected that vegetable produc- tions should be abundant. The lovers of botany will, no doubt, find specimens of many rare plants nestled among the rocks of this alpine tract, but it is only in a few spots along the shore and m the valleys that rich crops of any kind are produced. The slopes of the ridge, being generally very steep, are culti- vated only a short way up. The higher parts support but a scanty vegetation. Wheat, however, is cultivated rather extensively, much to the impoverishment of the land. The sweet vale of Ugivulchy, a tract of a light loamy soil, near the mouth cf the Aber, and some places along the shore between Carnarvon and Clynnog, appear best calculated for the production of this grain. From the light composition of the greater part of the soil of this portion of the Menai basin, barley is the grain that ought to be principally raised; and, being the chief food of the labourer, its production is highly important to be more extended. On the higher grounds, where the de- OF THE MENAI BASIN. 999 clivities of the mountain are covered with soil, oats are raised. In describing the culture of the soil of the Conway side of the Snowdon chain, we had occasion to remark that little er no turnip was raised, though all the tillage land of that basin was well fitted for the raising of that root. The same remark may be made in reference to this side of the Snowdon mountains. Except on the home-farms of Mr D. Pennant and Lord Newborough, scarce a field is to be Seen elsewhere. Perhaps, besides the erroneous prejudice entertained against the cultivation of this most valuable plant by the Carnarvonshire farmer, an additional obstacle may arise from the small extent of his farm, which seldom exceeds 100 acres; oftener not more than 50, and even less; and held at will, as leases are scarcely ever granted. As there is a great demand for potatoes, the farmer devotes his manure to the raising of that useful crop. But as the greatest part of that crop is*sold, his land is annually de- prived of much of its fertility by having no green crop, yielding much manure, to balance the loss thus occasioned by carrying the potatoes off the farm. As milk, butter, and butter-milk, are articles of great demand, in this district, among the labourers, it might be expected that great attention would be given to turn to useful purposes the abundance of water its rivers supply, for irrigation. But we do not find that as yet that has been done. Scarcely any good artificial water meadows have been formed. ‘The management of the upland mea- dow-ground is also defective. If, from the geological struc- ture, the soil be so deficient, and vegetation so scanty, and consequently the food of the cattle and sheep necessarily not abundant, every means that art can supply ought to be employed, to raise larger quantities of grass and hay. Irrigation, accordingly, judiciously conducted, would afford 930 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS an ample increase of food for the winter-famished flock. From the overstocking of the commons, which occupy the heights and sides of the Snowdon chain, the sheep, averag- ing little more than 7 fb a quarter, are small, barely clad with wool, which, though fine, seldom exceeds 4 fb in a fleece; and are not in that well fed condition to bear the deprivations of a winter storm. Consequently, from the sheep-farmer having no green food or hay to spare for his flocks during that season of the year, numbers annually perish. ? The cattle, from want of adequate food, are small; but being fed with a little hay in winter, do not suffer so much as the sheep. As one of the articles of food at this season, and during the early part of spring, it may be remarked, that the furze, or large French whin, is raised in consider- able quantities, and is employed as food for the horse and cow. It is prepared by bruizing it in small water-mills, erected for that purpose. The water-wheel is made to turn an axle, on which are fixed, at right angles to it, several iron spikes ten inches long, and these are made to revolve within a large circular wooden cover, twelve inches in dia- meter, similarly fitted up with spikes; and these spikes of the axle, in their revolution, pass between those of the cir- cular wooden cover. A small hopper is attached to the top of the circular cover, which, holding the furze, it 1s in this way brought into contact with these iron teeth, and is soon crushed into a state fit for the food of animals. This side of the Menai basin is scantily furnished with wood. ‘The thin soil covering the western declivity of the Snowdon chain, and the violence of the frequent south- westerly winds, render this district very unfavourable to the growth of it. Tradition says, that the Snowdon range was formerly covered with wood; and the name which it received, after Edward the First’s entrance into North OF THE MENAI BASIN. 931 Wales, of the Forest of Snowdon, seems to have favoured the above belief. We can, however, with difficulty believe that it extended to the higher parts, as Giraldus Cambren- sis, Leland, and others of the older writers, would not have omitted so important a fact. The shores of the lakes of Llanberris, since the introduction of goats, sheep, and cattle, have been almost robbed of their wood, though, in the reign of Elizabeth, these low tracts seem to have been well clothed, and abounded in deer. Should the pro- prietors of the banks of these beautifully romantic lakes wish to see them again adorned with natural copse-wood and timber, evidence can be adduced to prove, that it is only necessary to protect them from the ravages of cattle and sheep. On the east side of the lower lake of Llan- berris, nearly opposite the ruined castle of Dolbadern, a considerable extent of that shore has been walled in, and is now spontaneously covering itself with oak and smaller brushwood. As not unconnected with this subject, it may be re- marked, that, in a particular spot of this district, Ame- rican plants thrive most luxuriantly. At Penissar-Naut, on the Ogwen, the beautiful wooded romantic dairy-farm of the late Lady Penryn, a rhododendron, growing from one stem, may be seen covering a circumference of thirty- two yards. It is not from the productive nature of its soil that this rugged tract derives its wealth, but from its minerals. The person unacquainted with the geology of the Car- narvon side of the Menai basin, might be led to consider it as having few sources of wealth. The geologist, how- ever, on the contrary, explores countries and districts, not to examine the surface alone, but, with enlarged views, to explore 4] the mineral and metallic deposites, in order to ascertain how far they have been, and may still be, the 232 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS means of creating wealth and industry in a country. Such a one will find this district abounding in minerals and me- tals of a highly important kind. We have already observed, in describing, generally, the mountain chain of Snowdon, that the rocks of which it is composed have for the most part a slaty vertical structure; and, except on the eastern and southern faces of Snowdon itself, and in a few other places of this range, where some- what of a columnar basaltic formation appears, the slaty vertical structure, more or less, may be said to characterize the whole chain of Snowdon. Though such great masses of slaty rocks everywhere abound, they are not always of a quality fit for use. The best is found in a line north and south, between the south bank of the Ogwen, where it issues from the wild and rocky glen of Nant Francon, and the eastern bank of the lakes of Llanberris; and in another line, in the same di- rection, but at some distance from the first, stretching from the western bank of the lower lake of Llanberris, viz. at Glyn te Nantle and Llanlyfne lakes. Between these two lines are several parallel slate veins wrought at present. But in many other places in the Snowdon range, as perceived in sections exposed to view by the streams running through the deep dingles they have formed, other similar parallel veins of slate crossing them are traceable. These veins are found frequently to alternate with very hard rocks, approaching in appearance to the hardest ba- salt and greywacke; at other times, again, with very hard darkish black and light coloured quartzy rock, which as- sumes the same vertical structure as slate;—and the best workable slate is always found to be that which is enclosed m such a hard rock. OF THE MENAIL BASIN. 933 Carnarvon Slate. One of the finest and most extensive slate-quarries of this range is that at Dolawen, belonging to Mr D. Pennant, on the south bank of the river Ogwen, about six miles from Bangor. The quarry is situate on the face of a lofty hill. The vein ranges from south-west to north-east, as do all the slate veins of this district; and its dip is nearly vertical to the horizon. [It is included in a hard blackish greywacke sort of rock. ‘The breadth of the quarry, now working, and which has been opened considerably more than forty years, is no less than 300 yards, and about 100 in depth. In colour it is blue, reddish, and green; but these varie- ties occur gencrally in separate veins, though occasionally passing into each other. ‘The blue, which predominates, is excelled in hardness and durability *by no other slate anywhere found. It splits readily and easily into the thin- nest lamin or plates, and may be obtained of any size; and almost any kind of architectural article can be made of it, as roofing-slate, flooring-flags, window and door jambs, chimney-pieces, tombstones, and various other articles. This great vein of slate is penetrated about the middle, from south to north, by a hard quartzy vein, having occa- sional traces of sulphuret of lead. ‘The slate in immediate contact with this dike or vein of quartz is much inferior in quality, as it splits less readily. The slate of this quarry cannot be raised without the assistance of gunpowder. ‘Though great quantities are thus separated and brought down, much is shattered and rendered useless by the explosion. Being removed from the quarry, and prepared for architectural purposes, it is then, by means of an iron-railway, upwards of six-miles in B34 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS length, transported to Port Penryn, within a mile of Ban- gor, where it is shipped for all quarters of the globe. At this quarry a useful piece of machinery, put in mo- tion by water, is employed for sawing and cutting slate into tombstones, jambs, and such like. Near Port Penryn is a writing-slate manufactory. _ Of the refuse slabs of slate very good fences are made; some that are long enough are fastened together with iron-nails, like post and rails, and in that form look well, and answer a good purpose. The returns from this quarry in the course of a year are immense, many thousand tons being sold and exported. Nearly a thousand men are daily to be seen at work; and from the interesting appearance of the various workings of the Dolawen slate-quarry, and the great extent of the ope- rations, few places can afford a higher treat to the practical mineralogist. Were instances wanting to exemplify the vast advantage ircn-railways confer in prosecuting great works, at less ex- pense, and with greater expedition, over common roads, repaired and engineered on the best principles, the iron- railway at Dolawen slate-quarry may be adduced. It is said, that, before the present one was laid down, nearly 400 horses were required to convey the slates from the quarry to Port Penryn; but with the assistance of the railway, 20 horses can do all the carriage. The next slate-quarry worthy of examination is that of Alt Dhu, belonging to Mr A. Smith, situate on the east- ern bank of the lower lake of Llanberris, on the steep de- clivity of a mountain rising not much less than 2000 feet above the level of the sea. This slate-vein, which is evi- dently the continuation to the south-west of Dolawen vein, on the Ogwen, first described, passes along the Alt Dhu mountain. In thickness it is 300 yards, and in height not much less. It consists, like that of Dolawen, of three OF THE MENAI BASIN. 235 kinds, the blue, the red, and the green. The blue, being most preferred, is the most valuable to the proprietor, though the other two are equally durable. 'These veins are includ- ed between hard dark-coloured greywacke rocks, and are penetrated through, from the north to south, by a sparry vein containing pieces of galena, and now and then sul- phuret of copper. This dike deranges the structure of the slate near it, and renders it unfit for splitting. This quarry surpasses all others in convenience of re- moval of rubbish. Placed on a high steep face of a hill, the refuse is easily got rid of, and all obstruction in the working of it is prevented. Ona railway of iron, seven miles long, extending to the Menai Strait, the slate is con- veyed to the shipping. In this quarry of Alt Dhu 800 workmen are generally employed. 3 The situation of these quarrymen is often exceedingly perilous. In the course of boring and blasting the slate- rock, they have to descend by ropes perpendicularly 100 feet or more; and, in this position, suspended in the air, they fearlessly proceed in their operations. —“ How fearful And dizzy ’tis to cast one’s eyes so low! The crows and choughs that wing the midway air Show scarce so gross as beetles: half way down Hangs one that gathers samphire; dreadful trade! Methinks he seems no bigger than his head.” SHAKSPEARE. Two ropes are employed by these men; the one they coil round their body and one of their thighs; and the other rope they hold in their hands, and with wonderful dex- terity, raise or lower themselves at pleasure. Good workable slate is raised also in considerable quan- tities at Clogwyn, on the western bank of the lake of Llanberris, nearly opposite to that of Alt Dhu, and on the . 236 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS north side of Nantle and Llanlyfne lakes. From the latter place an iron-railway has just been completed, nine miles in length, to connect these quarries with the port of Car- narvon. The colour of these slates is reddish, and they are not equal in quality to those of Dolawen and Alt Dhu. ‘The veins of slate being entered from the surface, and sunk ito a great depth, considerable more expense in machinery is necessarily incurred in draining and. freeing the work- ings of rubbish in these quarries, than in the two first de- scribed. Before passing to the consideration of the other minerals of this side of the Menai basin, it may not be uninteresting to remark, that no less a quantity than 200,000 tons of slate is annually shipped from the above described quarries. And when to this we add their value, not much less than £400,000 a-year being paid for them, thus enriching the proprietor, and affording, at the same time, a comfortable livelihood to a population of 20,000 people, including wives and children, some idea may be formed of the immense im- portance of slate to the county of Carnarvon *. The other transition-rocks which are found in this per- tion of the Menai basin, are more curious than valuable. Around the eastern and northern faces of Snowdon, as seen from the pass of Llanberris, hornblende, porphyry, basalt, * We cannot here refrain from observing, that these quarrymen, though civil and industrious, do not possess the same information and intelli- gence that the miners of Leadhills and of Wanlockhead, in Scotland, have. While the latter have extensive libraries to instruct them, the slate quarrymen and miners of North Wales are entirely without these valuable sources of mental improvement. It may be remarked, that the miners of Leadhills have a library of 1200 volumes; and those of Wanlockhead, another of 700 volumes. All which books are more tho- roughly read, and more anxiously sought after by the industrious miner, than the numerous and splendid collections in many of the li- braries in the low country; hence these people are comparatively well informed. ' OF THE MENAIL BASIN. 937 greywacke, quartz, and micaceous rocks, are observed, as well as on the sides of some others of the higher mountains of' this range. The rocks in these places have less of the slaty vertical structure, which is so predominant elsewhere. They often assume, when the basalt prevails, a columnar form. Near the summit of Snowdon, in the hard grey- wacke, impressions of shells are found, proving, in the clear- est manner, that all the rocks of this chain belong to the transition-formation. In cutting a new road along the western side of the lower Llanberris lake, fine sections of the hard rocks are exposed to view. We can there trace veins of asbestus, from an inch to three or four in thickness, passing through a tough asbestine greenish slate rock ; and in other places of this road, in the sections so formed, are great blocks of amygdaloid, and coarse conglomerate puddingstone rock, which, from the extreme hardness of the cementing matter, and from the beauty of some of the imbedded pebbles, might probably be sawed and polished into ornamental slabs for tables. : Two fine examples of immense masses of basalt are af- forded in the hills of Penmaen Bach and Penmaen Maur. The cap or summit of the latter in appearance resembles much a volcanic crater. It 1s curious to observe, that the north-west front of this last hill is the favourite resort of multitudes of the common house-swallow, whose clayey nest covers in many places the rock ; —‘* This guest of summer, The temple-haunting Martlet, does approve, By his loved mansionry, that the heaven’s breath Smells wooingly here: no jutty frieze, Buttress, nor coigne of vantage, but this bird Hath made his pendent bed and procreant cradle. Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed, The air is delicate.” SHAKSPEARE. 938 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS In no other part of this side of the Menai basin are the secondary rocks observed, except lining the eastern shore of the Menai Strait, between Bangor and Carnarvon. In this direction they occupy but a narrow space, not exceed- ing a quarter of a mile in breadth. ‘They overlie the transi- tion rocks, and have their dip to the south-west, at a less angle than 45° with the horizon. Among these secondary rocks all the varieties of sand- stone may be seen. ‘The old red is the lowest, and in con- tact with transition slaty rock; and between it and the new red sandstone, the other series of sandstone, mountain limestone, and the coal measures. An interesting section of all these rocks, for the geologist, is offered in the quarry that was opened for materials to construct the masonry of the Menai iron-bridge. This quarry is about a mile to the north of that bridge, and is contiguous to the Menai Strait. The whole of the Snowdon chain may be said to abound in the metals, but, as we found to be the case with work- able slate, their quantities are greatest in those parts of this range where the rocks are hardest, and least given to de- composition. Of all the metals met with in these mountains, copper is the most abundant. ‘The richest mine of this metal is in Snowdon mountain, which is traversed from south to west by several traceable copper-veins; but only two of them are worked; though in several other places, as to south- west of Penmaen Bach, on the banks of the Ogwen at Coitmore, in a ravine between the Bethgelert road and Nantle lake, it is found, but in smaller quantities, and in less purity, than that of Snowdon. In the mountain of Snowdon, we have just mentioned that two different veins of copper are now wrought. The richest metal is that which is got in the vein situate near 1 OF THE MENAI BASIN. 939 its summit; and on its north-east side, it there exists as sulphuret and sulphate of copper. The other vein is at the foot of Snowdon, on the west bank of the upper lake of Llanberris, and within half a mile of the village of the same name. It occurs also in this, in the state of sulphate and sulphuret. : These veins of copper are followed in galleries cut hori- zontally into the heart of Snowdon, passing through hard basalt and slaty hornblende, which form the walls of the veins. ‘The matrix of the copper is quartz. From the ir- resistible nature of the enclosing rocks, much gunpowder is required. When the metal is thus raised, it is broken with hammers into small pieces, and, by means of a stamping- mill, moved by water, which is brought nearly a mile in a wooden aqueduct, it is reduced into a fine powder, and well washed. ‘The metallic copper-ore thus prepared is packed up in bags, and is put on board small boats, sent down the two lakes, and afterwards carted to Carnarvon, whence it is exported to the founderies at Swansea. Somewhat connected with the last described metal, we find on the south bank of the Ogwen, above a mile from Dolawen slate-quarry, and more than seven from Bangor, the arseniate of copper. It is included between hard rocks of slate. It was not long ago that it was raised, roasted, and by process of sublimation pure oxide of arsenic was obtained. But the preparation requiring much chemical skill, was not properly conducted, and it has lately been abandoned. There remains only to be considered, iron, manganese, lead, and calamine, all which are found im this side of the Menai basin, but in very inconsiderable quantities, and hardly deserving observation. In the secondary rock along the Carnarvon side of the 240 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS Menai Strait, within two miles of Carnarvon, and to the north of that town, some small beds of iron are observed. As yet they have been applied to no useful purpose. It is probable, from occasional springs now and then met with of chalybeate waters, issuing from the Snowdon chain, that small beds of iron exist, imbedded in the transition-rocks. Manganese occurs in a thin vein, in Alt Dhu slate-quarry. Being mixed up with oil, it forms a tolerable brown paint. At Dolawen and Alt Dhu, in a sparry quartzy vein which crosses those slate-quarries, occasional traces of galena, or sulphuret of lead, are observed. Near Capel Curig, about twelve miles from Bangor, on the Holyhead road, calamine, or carbonate of zinc, occurs. It is sent to Trefriew, and then shipped off for the founderies at Bristol. Though the coal measures shew themselves on the Car- *narvon side of the Menai basin, no workable seam has hi- therto been discovered. Peat 1s not found in any consider- able quantity, the nature of the rocks, the sudden slopes of their declivities, and the hollows being generally filled with watering to a great depth, preventing the formation of this article of fuel, which would be so useful in a country devoid of workable coal. It may be mentioned, that, from the scar- city of wood, peat is employed to heat the oven for baking fer- mented wheaten and barley bread. The smoke of the peat being consumed in the process of combustion, no smell or offensive taste is given the bread thus baked. MENAI BASIN, ANGLESEA. Havine taken a rapid survey of the more striking vege- table and mineralogical productions of the Carnarvon por- tion of the Menai basin, we shall now cross over the strait OF THE MENAI BASIN. IAL of the Menai, and endeavour to take an equally rapid sur- vey of those of the Anglesea side of the basin. Even the most superficial observer cannot fail to notice several discriminating differences between this and the side we have just quitted. The rocks are, for the most part, of the same general nature, viz. of the transition formation, and are slaty in their structure, but less vertical, and much lower, rising only to the north-west and east end of the island, forming a barrier to the violence of the ocean; but not of sufficient altitude altogether to prevent the in- fluence of the west and south-west gales. ‘The streams generally shape their course to the south-west, and never attain to any magnitude. ‘The scenery is far less interest- ing than that of the other side of the basin. ‘Though the surface of the island presents slight elevations, and occa- sionally affords pleasing scenes, it is wholly without those bold, grand, romantic features which delight the beholder of the Carnarvon side of the Menai Strait. What gives the greatest interest to Anglesea, is its being the best station whence the long extending peaked outline of the Snowdon chain can be commanded, and taken in by the eye. As Anglesea contains rocks of the siliceous, calcareous, and argillaceous classes, and as soil is made up of a greater or less portion of these rocks, in combination with animal and vegetable matters, much of a good quality is met with in this island. ‘The rocks belonging to the transition for- mation found here, yield with much more readiness to de- composition than those of the Carnarvon side of the Menai basin, and consequently afford in abundance materials for the formation of soil ; and the island of Anglesea being without great mountains to produce steep declivities, the particles of soil soon and readily accumulate. Along the banks of the Anglesea side of the Menai Strait, around Llanidan, which faces Llanfair, two miles to north VOL. VI. Q 949 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS of Carnarvon, is the deepest and richest soil. It is of a reddish colour. But the greater part of this island is of a lighter soil, which consists of a sandy loam, mixed with small rounded pebbles. In the great marsh of Maltraith (now drained), in the southern corner of this island, near Newborough, contain- ing 3000 acres, a great body of peat is accumulated. The principal rivers are the Llinon, the Alaw, the Wina, the Ceint, the Breint, the Torryd, and the Dulas. But since Anglesea is a county generally with a gently undu- lating surface, having few mountains, and those not lofty, the banks of the streams do not abound in wild, wooded, romantic scenery. I have already noticed that, though the mountains of Anglesea, on the north-west, protect it from the violence of the sea, yet they are not sufficiently elevated to moderate the fury of the gales which blow so frequently from that quarter ; and as there is a great scarcity of timber, and few fences of the hedge-plants, these winds sweep with irresis- tible impetuosity over the island. Notwithstanding the destructive effects of these ecornhe the climate of this island appears, on the whole, favourable to health, and we find people attaining an advanced age in several parts of it. The only exception to this was the great marsh of Maltraith, situate on the southern shore of Anglesea; the exhalations from it occasioned feverish agues, but since it has been drained that disease is less prevalent. Wherever shelter can be obtained from the south-westerly gale, as along the shores of the Menai, par- ticularly to the south of Beaumaris, and in some of the gardens of that town, not a few of the less hardy plants, as the myrtle and hydrangia, live and thrive. The nature of the rocks, composed partly of a soft as- bestine slate, yielding readily to decomposition, of calcare- OF THE MENAI BASIN. | 9A ous and argillaceous matter, produce a soil well fitted for the growth of grass and grain crops; and from time immeme- rial the island of Anglesea has been considered the granary of North Wales. In the south, west, and east ends of me island, the land being of a stronger loamy composition, heavy crops of wheat are raised. But that grain is cultivated im other parts too extensively, and often on soils too light, to bring it to per- fection. : The soil of the island may be considered generally better adapted for the turnip course of husbandry, alternating with crops of oats and barley. ‘Though the soil, however, be well calculated for the production of the turnip, little is raised. And the manure of the farm, for the most part, is given to the potato, which is here cultivated extensively. More attention is paid, in Anglesea, to upland meadow- land, than in the Carnarvon side of the Menai basin. ‘The island abounding in calcareous matters, as shell-sand, mar], or limestone, one or other of these is used for top-dressing ; and the beneficial effects of such management is seen in the thriving stock of all kinds. The same facilities for meadow-irrigation do not exist on this, as on the Carnarvon side. The streams, in Anglesea, descending in their course from lands little elevated, the supply of water for the flooding of grass-lands is very li- mited ; ‘still, however, the employment of water, where it can be readily obtained, ought not to be overlooked in this island, in augmenting the supplies of food for the cattle and sheep, by means of irrigation. Not as on the Carnarvon side, where the sheep and cattle are diminutive and ‘ill fed, we find in Angiesea these ant- mals attaming to great size and weight. Great numbers of cattle are bred for and exported to the English markets. It is said that the number of 8000 head 4 944 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS are annually sent away. ‘The sheep are also numerous. They are of such a size as, at two or three years old, to average from 10 to 16 ib the quarter; and when clipped, which happens twice annually, to prevent the scab, as is imagined, they yield from 1% to 23 Ib of wool. As many of these animals as 7000 are annually driven to England. So indifferent are the fences of this island generally, that it is a common practice to fasten the fore and hind legs of these sheep, on each side together, with a straw-band, to prevent them leaping the fences. This custom, indeed, is almost universally adopted in North Wales with the sheep, which are as nimble as deer, and, when no way fettered, will clear any ordinary wall. Anglesea appears to have been formerly covered with wood. According to Tacitus *, when the Roman general Suetonius Paulinus invaded it, to destroy the Druidical superstition, it was covered with forests of oak. It is also said that the King of Man was supplied with ship-timber from this island. But the increase of population, and the extension of cultivation, have effaced all traces of these an- cient tracts of forest-land. Along the shores of the Menai Strait, between Beaumaris and Llanidan, protected by a slight ridge rising to the west, from the south-west gales, wood of all kinds grows well. In every other place it is rarely met with. Anglesea, from the variety of the rocks of the transition and secondary classes, opens a wide and interesting field for the mineralogist, and particularly as it contains one of the largest metallic deposites in Great Britain. Though Anglesea does not possess, like the Carnarvon side of the basin, from the softer character of its component rocks, slate sufficiently durable for roofing, it is compen- * —“ Excisique luci, seevis superstitionibus sacri.” OF THE MENAI BASIN. FA5 sated for by other mineral productions of equal or greater value. The prevailing rock of the island seems to be the green asbestine slate. Good sections of it are exposed to view by the road cut along the shore of the Menai Strait, between the Iron Suspension-bridge and Beaumaris. It is here pe- netrated, from east to west, by frequent narrow veins of basalt. Two or three great veins of porphyry, steatite, and horn- blende, can be traced across the island, taking the direction of east and west. Two of these are well seen to south of Amlooch, and within a mile of that town. Near Llanerchymead granite occurs, the only place in the Menai basin where it is observed. Of the secondary rocks we find a great number in the island of Anglesea. : | This class, important for the builder and agriculturist, is pretty generally diffused through the island. The lime- stone first appears on the eastern shore, at Red Wharf Bay, where it occurs in great strata, and appears to be the car- boniferous limestone that underlies the coal measures. In order properly to distinguish it from a reddish va- riety oecurring at Plas Newydd, we shall call it the upper, and the other the under, and above these two will be found the coal measures. It ranges from this place northwards along the coast, with more or less interruption, to Cemaes, the most northerly point of Anglesea. In some places, however, along this line of shore it is not seen. It overlies the green asbestine slate. From Red Wharf Bay, beds or veins of this limestone are often observed, pushing them- selves through this slate rock, a considerable distance into the interior, as seen from Lluguy to Llanfinnan and Llan- gefne. 'To the south-east of Red Wharf Bay, this lime- stone is ‘found at Penmon, nearly opposite to Penmaen FA6 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS Maur. And along the Menai Strait, as at Plas Newydd and Llanidan, a reddish dun-coloured limestone, which we have named the Under, appears, which seems to be the mountain limestone that underlies the upper formation of the limestone of Red Wharf Bay. At Plas Newydd, three miles to the south of the Iron Suspension-bridge over the Menai, the under limestone, containing a quantity of the oxide of iron in its composition, makes a good water-cement, not unlike ‘Terras limestone. Some kinds of the upper limestone, near Red Wharf Bay, are so hard, that they are polished, and worked into ornamental slabs. Such a kind occurs at Llangwyfan. Under this upper limestone of Red Wharf Bay rest various strata of different coloured sandstones. ‘The finest for building is found on the southern side of Anglesea. As connected with the calcareous formation, great abund- ance of shell-sand is found on the coasts of Anglesea. ‘That which is richest 1s brought from Red Wharf Bay, in the north-east side of the island. It contains from two-thirds to four-fifths of decayed shells. The mussel is the most abundant shell, but the smaller cockle 1s also mixed up with the sand. Marl is found in considerable abundance in Anglesea, and is of three sorts; the red, grey, and white. The white, when applied in too large quantities to tillage lands, is considered to be hurtful. The white occurs at Lland- dyfnan. When marl is burned, like lime, it is found here, when applied as top-dressing to grass, to bring up grasses not seen before in the ground, as the white honeysuckle- grass, the red meadow-trefoil, and the tufted vetch; and it augments greatly the cut of hay. While describmg marl as a manure employed in husbandry in Anglesea, we can- not omit mentioning, that, on many parts of the shores of this island, the larger Fuci are found pretty abundantly, OF THE MENAI BASIN. IAT and are similarly used. Before the manufacture of the Scotch kelp, a much superior article in the arts, the sea- weeds of Anglesea were burned and prepared for market. Coal is found in Anglesea, though not abundantly. It fills a small narrow basin, crossing the island from south- west to north-east, which seldom exceeds four miles in breadth. It is found to the north of the river Ceint, and between it and the river Breint. It ranges from the mouth of the Maltraith Marsh to Red Wharf Bay, and appears to be deposited upon the limestone of the latter place. The strata at the sides of this coal basin are sometimes observed to lie edgeways, or perpendicularly inclined, to the horizon. The interior of this basin to a considerable distance is over- laid with a thick peat covering, forming Maltraith Marsh. The strata that is sunk through in arriving at the coal, are the following :— ; i sation. 8S & feet. 2. Sandstone,. . . 66 3. Black shale, . . 6 4. Good coal,. . . 34 5. Indurated clay, . 2 6. Sandstone, to a great unknown depth. In all the pits the workmen suffer much from water, which would require more powerful engines than they now employ, to keep the working free of it. The most valuable, however, of all the productions of Anglesea are its mines of copper. ‘They exist in the Paris Mountain, which is divided between two proprietors. The Marquis of Anglesea possesses the Mona mine, Colonel Hughes the Paris; but they form only one mine, being contiguous to each other. They were discovered in 1768, and have ever since been wrought. 948 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS The copper is enclosed between a hard blackish coloured slaty quartzy rock. It is not raised here, as in other places, by mining, shafts, and levels, but is quarried out, so as to leave a great open excavation. The ores found are, the sulphuret of copper, the mala- chite or green and blue carbonate of copper, native copper in small quantities, and sulphate of copper. The first operation in preparing the metal is, to roast the sulphuret of copper in kilns constructed for the pur- pose; and, by condensing the fumes, sulphur is collected in great. quantities. It requires six months to complete this operation. ‘The sulphur taken out of the chambers where it has been condensed, is melted, cast into moulds, and then sent off to the manufactories of gunpowder. During the action of roasting, the copper-ore, in the state of the bisulphuret of copper, loses an atom of its sulphur, and becomes the protosulphuret, or, as the workmen cail it, the regule. It gathers from all parts, of any given lump of ore, into a sort of nucleus, its particles, of course, having actually changed their place. ‘This may be considered as rather a remarkable fact, that, at a heat below fluidity, the particles of the metal diffused through the rocky substance should change their place. The purest copper-ore, however, is the sulphate, con- taining 50 per cent. of pure metal. It is found in solution at the bottom of the mine, and is obtained by precipitating the metal from a solution of sulphate of copper by means of iron. From the exhaustion of the rich copper-ore in the Paris Mountain mine, recourse is now had to extract that metal from much of the ore which used formerly to be thrown away. ‘This waste copper-ore is the protosulphuret of cop- per, containing a large portion of sulphuret of iron, which, from the affinity of the latter for sulphur, it becomes a diffi- OF THE MENAI BASIN. 249 cult and expensive operation to separate. But an ingenious gentleman, Mr Joseph Jones of Amlooch, has discovered a way to accomplish, at little expense, the separation of the two metals. To separate it from this very poor ore of protosulphuret of copper, or from a slag, he adds a fur- ther quantity of protosulphuret, or some substance contain- ing it, and thereby gets out not only the portion added, but the small quantity not obtainable by common means. This operation of separation of copper from poor ores re- quires four smeltings before it is accomplished. The sul- phur is last burnt off, by throwing wood into the melted sulphuret of copper, and in this way pure copper is ob- tained. | The greatest depth of the mine is about 300 feet. The excavation has much the appearance of an egg-form, and corresponds to the idea which the celebrated Werner threw out several years ago, that metallic deposites often are found collected into masses of an egg-like figure. Not many years ago 1500 men were employed in the Paris Mountain copper-mines. But now so much have they declined, that perhaps scarcely 500 men find employ- ment. In 1799, these mines, at an average, annually produced 30,000 tons of copper-ore; now, perhaps, not a sixth of that quantity. The mine seems now nearly exhausted. Occasionally sulphate of lead and calamine are found mixed. with the copper-ore of Paris Mountain, 950 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS CARDIGAN BAY BASIN. _ Havine, as briefly as we could, pointed out some of the interesting peculiarities of the Menai Basin, as respects its general appearance, productions, animal, vegetable, and mineral, we now propose to hasten into the third, and re- maining basin, that of Cardigan Bay, which we observed, from the summit of Snowdon, to stretch toward the south- west; and, in order to enter it, we must cross over the south-west extremity of the Snowdon chain, by a pass two miles to the east of the Rivels, which, it will be recollected, are the termination of it to the south-west. In entering the Cardigan Bay Basin, we shall find, from the small portion occupied by the Carnarvon side of it, that little will remain for us to make the subject of observation ; as we shall find, in proceeding to the north-east end of the Carnarvonshire portion of the basin, which is formed by the hardest kinds of the slaty transition rock, that many of the remarks we made elsewhere on the effects they produce, are quite ap- plicable here. The south-west end of this side of the basin alone will require some little attention in its examination. The basin of Cardigan Bay, being much covered in its interior with the sea, the extent of land making up the re- mainder is necessarily limited. On its northern side, we have that portion of Carnarvonshire lying to the south of the Snowdon range; on the east, a small range of moun- tains connecting the Snowdon chain with that of the Ber- wyn; on the south, the Berwyn chain, a parallel one to that of Snowdon, commencing at Chirk Castle, in Denbigh- shire, and terminating at Sarny Booch, about ten miles to the south of Barmouth. ‘They observe the same direction as the Snowdon chain, viz. from south-west to north-east, OF THE CARDIGAN BASIN. 951 and extend fifty-four miles in length; and, lastly, on the west, the basin opens into St George’s Channel. That we may more readily describe this portion of the Cardigan Bay Basin, we shall employ the names of Efionydd and Lleyn, which have been given to the two districts into which this part of Carnarvonshire has been divided. 'The district of Lleyn occupies the south-western end, and that of Evionydd the remainder, or north-east portion. Kvionydd, at its eastern end, is enclosed by the southern front of the Snowdon chain; and from the hard, indestruc- tible character of the rocks in this direction, the country is wild, rugged, and rocky. ‘The surface is rendered uneven by frequent small hills; and in addition to these imequali- ties, it is often strewed with great boulders covering the ground. Lleyn presents characters very different. Being enclosed on the north-west by a low ridge of hills, a branch of the Rivels, or western extremity of the Snowdon range, is open to the sea on the south-west. As the rocks are decompos- able, a great portion of this district 1s covered with good soil; and the surface, less broken into inequalities, and with little or no obstruction from the rocks lying on the ground, is well adapted for tillage. The rivers which flow into Cardigan Bay from the Car- narvonshire side of the basin, are, with one or two excep- tions, (though numerous, small streams, descend from the higher grounds), of no great magnitude. The principal are the Llanystunduy, and the Glassin or Colwyn. | The first enters the bay two miles to the south-west of Criceaeth Castle. Its banks are richly clothed in fine oak- timber. The other, the Glassin, after a course of above twelve miles, pours its waters into Traeth Maur marsh, and there 952, ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS jos the sea. Few rivers nm North Wales afford more in- teresting grand scenery than this. It takes its rise out of the Lake of Gwynant, which adorns the southern face of Snowdon; next passes through another lake, Dinos, and, after tumbling over a ledge of rocks twelve feet high, forming the celebrated Salmon-leap of Pont Aberglassin, finishes its course at the Traeth Maur marsh. Nothing can be more opposite in appearance than the districts of Kvionydd and Lleyn, ‘The latter presents a surface broken into gentle inequalities, the hills that bound it to the north being low, and with easy sloping sides, ge- nerally clothed in vegetation, and along the shores of Car- digan Bay, towards Bardsey Island, distant a mile from the shore to the south-west, affording sweet beautiful sce- nery. On the contrary, Evionydd is enclosed on the north and east by the lofty Snowdon chain, having their declivi- ties almost perpendicular, rough, rugged and craggy ; and, though clothed in many places with beautiful copse-wood and thriving plantations, the general character of its scenery is bold, and highly romantic. What we have observed elsewhere, while considering the character of the soil as depending upon the nature of the rocks, whether it be good or bad, scanty or abundant, worthless or productive, is applicable, in considering this subject, in the districts of Llyen and Evionydd. Accordingly we find in Lleyn, where the rocks are of a soft and yielding transition-slate, that the soil is occasion- ally loam, but oftener of a light, argillaceous, sandy, and gravelly composition. In Evionydd, again, from the un- decomposing rocks upon which it rests, the soil is scanty, light, gravelly, with little argillaceous matter to give it ad- hesiveness. Not being so much exposed to the south-west winds as the Menai basin, the climate is on the whole milder. At o OF THE CARDIGAN BASIN. 253 Poolhelly, a small neat town on the sea-shore of Cardigan Bay, the climate is particularly salubrious, and is much re- sorted to by invalids for sea-bathing. . The more delicate plants, as hydrangia, the myrtle, the mulberry, the arbutus, and the sweet-scented bay, grow in great luxuriance in the vicinity of this place. The difference in the agriculture of these two districts varies in consequence of the different composition and na- ture of the soil which constitutes each. In Lleyn all the varieties of the grain crops are success- fully raised. Though there are situations which yield wheat, yet barley and oats are more suitable for the soil. A great observable resemblance in soil is apparent between Lleyn and parts of Anglesea. The turnip husbandry, though introduced by some of the land-owners, has not yet extended itself over much of the district. Lleyn, not abounding in limestone or marl, like Anglesea, is necessarily subjected to more expense in top-dressing grass lands; and from that circumstance, it is more necessary that the many rivulets, crossing it in all directions, should be turned to irrigate their meadows; and, though their stock of all kinds is reputed the best in Carnarvonshire, 1t might by this means, not only be raised to greater size, but augmented in number, by means of ir- rigation. In Evionydd cultivation is much contracted, by the un- productive nature of the soil. We here see raised all the grain crops, but far from being brought to perfection. The cattle resemble in all respects, though not quite so large, those of Anglesea; and sheep are larger in size, and better formed, than those we described as bred on the Carnarvon side of the Menai basin. Above 5000 black cattle are annually sent to England from these two districts of Evionydd and Lleyn. 956- ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS wood on the Merioneth side of the basin. But in the beau- tiful little basin formed by the Mauddach, between Dol- gelly and Barmouth, the shores are adorned with rich na- tural copse-wood ; and among it the larch has been planted, and is thriving most luxuriantly. On the Carnarvon side of the Cardigan basin no work- able slate is found. At the north-east, as we approach the south front of Snowdon, where the rocks are similar to those found on the side of the Menai basin, hornblende, porphyry, basalt, quartz, asbestine slate, and hard clay- slate, occur. No limestone or marl have yet been discovered in the Carnarvonshire side of Cardigan Bay basin. In this quarter are several veins of copper. ‘The only one that is wrought is on the banks of the Glassin, three miles to the east of Bethgelest. «Copper was within these few years extensively raised in a mine close to Pont Aberglassin ; and about three miles to the south-west of Tremadoc, copper is also found, but not wrought. As we approach the south-west, or district of Lleyn, where the softer rocks abound, copper is no longer seen; but m a hard rock, called Penryn Du, adjoining St Tudwal’s Islands, to the south of Poolhelly, lead occurs. ‘This mine belongs to the Marquis of Anglesea; and has, in one year, yielded considerably more than 1000 tons of lead. It is found in a state of galena, or sulphuret. In addition to the mineral products of this basin, the ocean yields a rich treasure in its fish. A great variety of the best kinds of flat,-and other sorts, are caught, and brought to market. In their season, great shoals of her- rings and mackarel visit the Bay, and plenty of salmon is also taken. As we remarked, before leaving the basin of Conway, that, in addition to the beauty of its scenery, and the va- riety of its productions, it could boast of much in the way OF NORTH WALES. 957 of architectural interest, and, though not strictly connected with a geological paper, we could not pass it over. If we indulged ourselves on that occasion in slightly emamerating a few of the more remarkable buildings, we propose in the same manner, before leaving the Basis of Cardigan Bay and of the Menai, to notice any thing that seems interest- ing in the way of ancient and modern architecture. The same Edward I. who left at Conway a memorial of his ambitious designs, in the’castle he erected to facilitate his mroads into the counties of Carnarvon and Merioneth, with the same views, and to retain possession of these dis- tricts, built the castles of Harlech, Criccaeth, Carnarvon, and Beaumaris. Of these, Carnarvon stands unrivalled, in magnitude and beauty of architecture. While examin- ing this ancient pile, nowhere can the mineralogist have a better opportunity of studying the variety of rocks with which these districts abound; for he will perceive that al- most every kind of rock of the country has been laid un- der contribution to construct the walls of this castle. Of later architecture, though not castellated, but of great antiquity, are the ancient houses of Corsegeddar Plas Hen and Coitmore. And no less interesting is the remarkable church of Clynog, a model of the best style of Gothic architecture, and formerly the Loretto of North Wales, being the shrine of St Beuno. And, as the works of pre- sent times, we cannot omit the two wonderful Iron Suspen- sion Bridges, the one over the Menai Strait, and the other over the mouth of the Conway. But the latter, though a stupendous work, yet, when contrasted with that over the Menai, sinks into insignificance. , The Menai Iron Bridge has been so often described, and is so well known, that it is unnecessary to enlarge upon it. Suffice it to say, it is 100 feet above high-water-mark ; and the length of the chain, which crosses the Strait, is 1714 VOL. VI. : R 958 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS feet. It was constructed by Mr Telford, whose name de- serves to be handed down to posterity, rather than that of Edward I.;—so much more ought fame to be perpetuated by useful works, than by ambition. Having thus gone over regularly the three basins, which we observed from the summit of Snowdon, and in a hasty manner observed what of interest each contained, we can- not have failed of discovering considerable varieties in each. In Conway Basin we found the mountains on the west side lofty, conically peaked in their outline, their sides rugged and steep, particularly to the southern end of the basin ; and we also observed, according as the rock was of a harder texture, the slate to be more fitted for useful purposes. In the same way, likewise, according as the rock yielded to the weather, more or less soil was found on the declivities of the mountains, affording mould for the growth of vegetation and trees. In proceeding from the southern end of this basin, all this was pointed out; and as we ap- proached the town of Conway, where the accumulation of soil was greater over the slopes, we there found abundant soil, rich vegetation, no scarcity of timber, and plenty of depth of mould for the working of the plough. No copper is wrought in the basin of Conway, except at Llandudno, in Orme’s Head ; but lead is rather extensively wrought. The Conway river being navigable a third of its course, thereby affords an easy means of transport for the productions of the basin,—and was found that the whole of the basin was copiously supplied with numerous streams of water, well fitted for irrigation, or for moving machinery ; and the number of small lakes along the base of the Snow- don range, demonstrated the difficult decomposition of the rocks, and gave a characteristic feature to this side of the OF NORTH WALES. 259 basin. At the northern extremity, as at Orme’s Head, we saw that there was a great store of limestone; and that though there was no coal, peat was found in several places; that, near Conway, a mile to the south-west, chirt, and a sort of stone resembling French buhr-stone, was found. That the larch, in the upper portions of the basin, was found to grow well; and the Spanish chesnut at Gwydir. In the basin of the Menai we found the sides of the Snowdon chain much steeper, more rugged, and more rocky, than those of the Conway basin; that, consequently, there was less vegetation, and that, from exposure to the violence of the south-west storms, even in places where there was soil, trees did not grow ;—that the soil formed out of these hard undecaying rocks was generally poor, light, gravelly, with little argillaceous matters to give it adhesion ;—that several rivers issued from this side of the range, and though some larger lakes were found along and among these mountains, yet that they did not equal in number those on the other side. That the best and most workable slate, enclosed in veins between the harder transition rocks, was found in this basin, and was the great source of wealth to the Carnarvon portion of it. ‘That copper was also raised in considerable quantities in several places, but that the best and richest was found only in the hardest of the slate transition rocks. That arsenic was found; but very slight traces of lead ; of calamine more abundantly. Along the shores of the Menai Strait most of the second- ary rocks were met with, limestone, and marl; but no coal. Peat was rather generaily diffused, though in no great quantities. That the cattle, and particularly the sheep, were small, and ill-fed; that the cultivation consequently was not the best. R 2 960 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS Too much of the potato raised, and too little of the turmip. And scarcely any attention given to direct the streams by irrigation over their grass-lands. In the Anglesea portion of the Menai Basin we met with some striking contrasts to that of the Carnarvon side. In Anglesea, the great body of rocks, being of a softer, more yielding transition-slate, afforded soil in abundance; and we therefore had a richer vegetation, better grain crops, a larger and heavier breed of cattle and sheep. That, though the climate of-the whole basin of the Menai be subject to frequent gales from the south-west, yet it is far from being a cold climate. In winter, the con- tiguity of the sea moderates the cold, and from that cause very seldom is an intense frost experienced. Wherever shelter can be afforded, we found that many delicate plants would live and thrive well. And the longevity of the people, in almost all parts of the basin, proved the ge- ‘neral salubrity of the climate. That in Anglesea we had one of the primitive rocks, granite ; and most of those of the transition; and had even many of the secondary, accompanied by an upper and lower strata of limestone,—the one, the lowest, the moun- tain,—the other, the upper, the carboniferous; and over these we had workable beds of coal. Peat also we observed to abound in Anglesea, and mar! of all kinds. But the most valuable of all the mimeral productions, as no workable slate was found, was copper, which for many years was a great source of wealth to the proprietors, and of employment for the miners. .. That the: shores of this island yielded the Alga marina, which, before the Scotch kelp was used, was burned and prepared for market. 2 OF NORTH WALES. | 261° After passing into the basin of Cardigan Bay, we had | those observations relating to the effects of hardness of | rock upon soil, vegetation, and animals, still further con- firmed. In Lleyn, on the south-west portion of the Car- narvonshire side of the basin, we found the slate transition rocks so soft and so decomposable, as to yield an asundant and productive mculd. At the other extremity of the basin, on the same side as in the district of vionydd, on the contrary, from the rocks partaking of the same charac- ters as those on the Carnarvon side of the Menai Basin, we had a poor, meagre, gravelly sou ; vegetation scanty on the declivities of the mountains ;—and that, from the good soil of the south-west end, or district of Lleyn, the cattle and sheep were nearly as good as those in Anglesea; that the rearing of swine in great numbers for the English market was peculiar to this part of Carnarvonshire. That no workable slate was found in this side of Cardi- gan Bay basin; that lead was found only at the south-west end of the Carnarvon side of the basin; and that copper abounded in the hard rocks of the north-east extremity. That the whole Bay of Cardigan abounded im fish of ail sorts ; shoals of mackerel, and herring in their season ; flat fish, turbot and sole, crab and lobster. On the Merioneth side of the Cardigan Bay basin, we had it bounded to the south by a chain of mountains called the Berwyn, parallel to that of Snowdon, and stretch- ing from south-west to north-east. That these moun- tains, though composed of transition slate, were much less vertical in their strata, less peaked in their outline, and their rocks, yielding more readily to the action of the weather, produced more soi! for plants than the Snowdon chain ; accordingly we found them more covered with al- pine plants and grasses. That copper was much rarer than lead in this range; 262, ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS that on their sides, and sometimes penetrating them in the form of veins, an argillaceous limestone was often seen, which was burned and applied to agricultural purposes. That no coal had been found, but abundance of peat along the shores of the Bay of Cardigan ; and that the best was inundated by the sea, but left bare at low water. That the ocean had made great encroachments on the coast of Merionethshire, as proved by that great stretch of embankment at Larn Badrig. Though at first sight this might appear a country fitted only to delight the lover of romantic scenery, yet we have found, in the short and hasty sketch which we have given, that few parts of the empire, of the same extent, contribute more to the common stock. Anglesea, as we have seen, besides the abundant agricultural produce it affords, has long supplied great stores of one of the metals most useful in the various arts. And Carnarvon, if we estimate the whole of its produce, will not suffer by a comparison with the best cultivated districts of England. Few districts can perhaps be more fitted to shew how much every part of a country is influenced by the state of manners and modes of life, than the one we have just en- deavoured to describe. If it be viewed as when under the dominion of the Bri- tons, we find it covered with forests, which afforded a shel- ter to the dark and bloody superstition of the Druids. The means of subsistence for man must have been limited and precarious; and no advantage seems to have been taken of the valuable internal resources which Nature has so amply provided for supplying the wants of the inhabi- tants. .The principal remains that exist as indications of the state of the arts among this rude people, are the Druidical circles of stones to be seen in many places, but OF NORTH WALES. 963 more particularly in Anglesea, where they performed their cruel religious rites, offering, as we are told, human victims on their altars *. Such appears to have been the state of North Wales when invaded by the Romans, under whom this district must soon have assumed a different appearance. And though they substituted their own Pagan forms of wor- ship, yet being free from human sacrifices, it was better cal- culated to soften and civilize the native Briton, accustomed, from the scenes of blood he witnessed in the exercise of his superstitious services, to cruelty and bloodshed. Besides ameliorating the manners and feelings of the natives, the Romans introduced agriculture, and the arts that contribute to the happiness and.comforts of life; and there appears to be little doubt that the seats of some of the useful metals were not only known to them, but that the ores were raised and prepared for use. The country was also in a great measure cleared of its forests; lands were brought into cultivation; roads were formed, to communicate between the different military sta- tions ; and towns, to secure their conquests. By these means a savage and unproductive waste assumed a civilized, cul- tivated, and smiling aspect. It is probable that, after these foreign invaders had quitted this country, the inhabitants. would never relapse into their former barbarous condition; and though not making for many ages much progress in the improvements and comforts of life, yet would never become what they once were. There is every reason, however, to believe, that, long before the invasion of Edward I., their frequent struggles with the English princes must have taught them some of “ —“ Nam cruore captivo adolere aras, et hominum fibris consulere deos fas habebant.”—-Tacitus. 2 26 4 ON THE GEOLOGY AND STATISTICS their improved modes of life. From the resistance they offered to Edward I., numerous forts and castles were erected by that sovereign in various parts of this district, so that it assumed the appearance of a province of England, kept down by an armed force, In this state it continued, until it was gradually assimilated to the kingdom to which it had been annexed. ' As the arts of refinement made progress in the em- pire, it was found that this sequestered district could con- tribute in no small degree its share of materials for the general improvement of the nation at large; and as its mineral resources were brought ito use for the general good, they tended gradually to change the face of the dis- trict itself. Instead of the impenetrable forests of the Druids, or the frowning castles of the conqueror, thriving and populous villages and towns have arisen in the neigh- bourhood of the mines with which this part of Wales abounds. Some of the Grasses and Plants most common in the Pastures, most of them to be met with in both Coun- ives of Carnarvon and Anglesea. *: Veronica officinalis Phalaris arundinacea chameedrys Alopecurus pratensis agrostis * ya geniculatus arvensis Agrostis canina Pinguicula vulgaris vulgaris Anthoxanthum odoratum alba Valeriana locusta Aira ceespitosa Eleocharis palustris flexuosa Scirpus csespitosus preaecox Rriophorum polystachion caryophyllea ansustifolium Holcus lanatus vaginatum mollis Nardus stricta avenaceus OF NORTH WALES. Melica coerulea Poa trivialis pratensis annua Triodia decumbens Briza media Dactylus glomerata Cynosurus cristatus Festuca ovina vivipara duriuscula bromoides pratensis Bromus mollis Avena fatua pubescens flavescens Lolium perenne Triticum repens caninum Scabiosa succisa arvensis Sherardia arvensis Galium saxatile verum Plantago major lanceolata maritima coronopus Alchemilla arvensis vulgaris Myosotis Scorpioides Primula vulgaris veris Anagallis arvensis Campanula rotundifolia Jasione montana Viola canina tricolor Chenopodium album Hydrocotyle vulgaris Bunium flexuosum Heracleum Sphondylium Cheerophyllum sylvestre Narthecium ossifragum Junci, about 15 species Erica vulgaris Stellaria media holostea graminea Fragaria vesca sterilis Tormentilla officinalis Caltha palustris Ajuga reptans _ Glechoma hederacea Betonica officinalis Thymus serpyllum — Prunella vulgaris Rhinanthus Crista-Galli Huphrasia officinalis Radiola palustris Cardamine hirsuta pratensis Polygala vulgaris Ononis arvensis Ulex europzeus nanus Vicia sativa Ornithopus perpusillus Trifolium repens pratense procumbens minus Lotus corniculatus Medicago lupulina Leontodon Taraxacum Tieraceum Pilosella Tussilago Farfara Senecio vulgaris Bellis perennis Achillea Millefolium Carex, about 30 species. 265 266 ON THE GEOLOGY AND BOTANY List of Snowdon Plants, by Witt1am Wixson of Warrington, Esq. August 1828. PLANT RARISSIME. Anthericum serotinum, near Twll Du. Arabis hispida, Clogwyn Du’r Ar- ah, Saxifraga czspitosa, near Twll Du. Woodsia ilvensis, near Llyn y Cwn Hyperborea, Clogwyn y Garnedd. Cyathea (now Cistea) regia, Clog- wyn Du’r Ardhu. Ferns. FLANTZ FREQUENTIORES. Saxifraga nivalis, Wyddva summit, and near Twll Du. Cerastium latifolium, Clogwyn y Garacold. Aspidium Lonchitis. Serratula alpina. Salix herbacea. Fpipactis orgifolia. Orchis albida, near Llanberris, be- low Ffyanon Frech. Juncus triglumis. Sedum Fosterianum. Saxifraga oppositifolia. Juniperus nanus, Glyder Fawr. Subularia aquatica, Lleyn Ogwen. Isoetes lacustris, Ffyanon Frech. ‘Chara gracilis, Lleyn Idwal. Alisma natans, between the lakes at Llanberris. Lobelia Dortmanna, Llanberris Lakes, Lleyn Idwal. Potentilla alpestris, Clogwyn y Gar- cold. ; Asplenium viride, near Twll Du. septentrionale. Epilobium alsinifolium, Cwm Gaseg, below Garned Llenelyn, and by Aber Waterfall. Rubus saxatilis, near Twll Du, also at Fachwere. Papaver Cambricum, near Llanber- ris. Thalictrum minus, Clogwyn Du’r, Ardhu, and Twll Du. —— alpinum, do., and near Twill Du. Poa alpina, do., and Clogwyn y Gar- nedd. —— glauca, near Twll Du. Epilobium angustifolium, by Lleyn y Cwm. Carex rigida, Wyddfa summit. ——- atrata, below Ffynnon Frech. Draba incana, do. Galium boreale, do., and near Twill Du. Arenaria verna, do. do. Rosa villosa, near Llanberris. Hieracium alpinum, near Lleyn y Cwm. Asplenium septentrionale, Hyperborea, and Hieracium al- pinum, are so excessively scarce in Carnarvonshire, indeed almost extinct, that there is little probability’ of obtaining them: they are more plentiful in Scotland. The first of these is found chiefly on Arthur's Seat. OF NORTH WALES. 267 The following are common on the mountains :— Rhodiola rosea. Saxifraga hirta, platypetala. Silene acaulis. Gnaphalium dioicum. Saxifraga stellaris. Trollius Europzeus. Asplenium trichomanes, Cistea fragilis, Polypodium Dryopteris, —— Phegopteris, Ferns. Hieracium maculatum, near Twll - Du. Lycopodium alpinum. selaginoides. —— Selago. Hymenophyllum Tunbridgense. Vaccinium Vitis-Idzea. Rubus Chamemorus is hardly to be found in Carnarvon- shire. It is said to be common upon the Berwyn mountains, on the peaty bogs near the summits. ( 268 ) XL—A Commentary on the Second Book of the Herbarium Amboinense. By Francis Hamixton, M. D. (Read 22d January 1825.) See Vol. V. p. 307, et seq. CAP. I. II. CARYOPHYLLUM Tomi secundi, p. 1. t. 1. Ty the Hortus Cliffortianus, Linnzeus, in imitation of Tournefort, considered this as forming a peculiar genus, Caryophyllus ; and in the Species Plantarum this kind ob- tained the specific name aromaticus, (Burm. Fl. Ind. 122); but it was erroneously placed in the class Polyandria. M. Jussieu (Gen. Plant. 360) gave it a proper situation _ next to the Eugenia, from which it is only distinguished by the more elongated form of the calyx ; but this M. La- marek seems to think sufficient to distinguish it from the Eugenia (Enc. Meth. i. 712), pointing out, however, some errors in the generic character given by Linnzeus, which, if it had been correct, would have made the distinction more necessary. Willdenow, following 'Thunberg, joins this ge- nus with the Eugenia, and gives it the specific name caryo- phyllata. With equal propriety he might have called the apple-tree Pyrus malata. If we set aside the form of the calyx, as insufficient for distinguishing the genus Caryo- OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. 269 phyllus, although adopted by the greatest luminaries of the science, it should be placed with the Calyptranthes ; for the petala fall off united, forming a little ball, which, as Rumphius expresses it, “‘ ad unum latus vergit,” leaving the stamina to form the flower. The elder Burman is quite correct in the synonyma added in his observation. To the Caryophyllus aromaticus the younger Burman (I. c.) joins, as a variety, the Caryo- phyllus Malabaricus (as he calls it) of Plukenet (Phyt. t. 274, f. 2), which is the Calyptranthes Jambolana or caryophyllifolia of Willdenow.—See Commentary on the Jambosa Ceramica (H. A. 1. 130), and Jambolana (H. A. i. 131), an error that escaped my notice in a former com- mentary. RAVENSARA, p. 10. Rumphius seems to have mistaken this for a kind of Caryophyllum, and gives an account from Dapper. Sub- sequent botanists have, however, ascertained that the plants have no affinity, and M. Sonnerat at first called it Raven- sara aromatica, a name that should be retained, as far pre- ferable to Agatophyllum, or Agathophyllum, which he after- wards adopted, although this has been followed by Jussieu (Gen. Plant. 4°71), Poiret (Enc. Meth. vi. 81), Willdenow (Sp. Pl. ii. 842), and Lamarck (Ill. Gen. t. 825); and al- though the latter (1. c. t. 404) had previously, by mistake, published a figure under the name E'vodia, given to it by Geertner (De Sem. ii. 100, t. 103, f. 2). But this could not be retained, as having been previously given by the younger Linnaeus to a quite different genus. 970 A COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK CAP. ITI. CARYOPHYLLUM REGIuM, p. 10, t. 2. Rumphius seems perfectly correct in considering this as a mere accidental variety, and not a different species. Ac- cordingly M. Lamarck (Enc. Meth. 11. 712) calls it Caryo- phyllus aromaticus 8 ; and various authors, who have treat- ed of it, are mentioned by Burman in his observation. CAP. IV. CARYOPHYLLUM SILVESTRE, p. 12, t. 3. Burman, in the annexed observation, is totally wrong in referring this to the Caryophyllus languescente vi aroma- ticus, Malabaricus, folio et fructu majori of Plukenet (Phyt. t. 274, f. 2), which is the Jambolana of Rumphius (H. A. i. 181); while the Caryophyllum silvestre, from the form of the calyx, evidently belongs to the genus Caryo- phyllus ; and from its inflorescence seems a distinct species, not noticed by late authors. CAP. V, VI, VII. Nvux Myristica, p. 14, t. 4. Rumphius here describes not only the most perfect and common nutmeg tree, which he calls Nux Myristica feemi- na; but also several varieties, namely, N. M. mas, N. M. Pala Bacambar, N. M. Pala Kendekende, N. M. Pents- joere, N. M. Pala Radja, N. M. Pala Hollanda, and N. M. Pala Domine. 'The male and female plants of Rum- phius are not, as M. Lamarck justly remarks (Enc. Meth. OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. 271 iv. $84), male and female, in the proper sense understood by late botanists; for both produce fruit: but the female is the most common variety, with round kernels; while those of the N. M. mas are oblong, a mere accidental cir- cumstance, arising from culture. ‘Trees producing such nuts, as Rumphius observes, “ raro occurrunt, et semper solze ab aliis remote arboribus, videturque heec species de- generata esse a vera Nuce moschata.” ‘The same seems evi- dently the case with the other kinds. ‘* Praeter binas hasce species Nux aromatica alias quoque habet varietates, et abortus, qua autem non diversam constituunt speciem.” In this sentence Rumphius uses the terms species and va- rieties in exactly the Linnean acceptation. The names given to this plant by various nations are carefully detailed by Rumphius (16, 17), and the syno- nyma of the older botanists are enumerated by Burman in his observation (18). The tree was not, however, intro- duced into the modern systems of botany, until the younger Linnzus published an erroneous account of it, under the name of Myristica officinalis, by which he no doubt meant to describe the proper nutmeg tree; but there is reason to suspect from Geertner (De Sem. i. 194, t. 141, f. 1), that the Myristica officinalis of Linnezeus is in reality the next tree that Rumphius describes. M. Lamarck, therefore, properly calls the true Nuimeg Myristica aromatica (Ene. Meth. i. 385; Ill. Gen. t. 833, f. 1), erring only in having quoted the M. officinalis among the synonyma, and per- haps in having borrowed some parts of Geertner’s figure of the fruit,—such as his o, f, h, and 2, which seem to be the e, f, i and Z of M. Lamarck, and do not belong to the M. aro- matica. Although, therefore, M. Poiret (Enc. Meth. Sup. iv. 34) may justly blame Willdenow, or rather Thunberg and Houttuyn, for useless innovation, in changing the name officonalis or aromatica into moschata and fragrans, 2872 A COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK M. Lamarck’ s name aromatica stands on a different foun- dation, and should be preserved, although Willdenow has been followed by Roxburgh (Hort. Beng. 73), and Aiton (Hort. Kew. v. 419). is CAP. VIII. Nux Mynisrica mas, p. 24, t. 5. “Ina commentary on the Hortus Malabaricus (iv. 9) I have pointed out some errors, that have arisen from consi- dering the Panam Palca as the same with this. I there- fore think, that all the syhonyma given in the observation by Burman, except that of Valentyn, must be rejected. I shall here give what appears to me to be the true synonyma of this plant, which I have seen in Malabar (Buchanan’s Mysore, ui. 161), and which may be readily distinguished from the Panem Palca, by having a much smaller fruit, but that possessed of Ponsderable aromatic and narcotic powers, as described by Rumphius. Myristica officinalis, Geertn. de Sem. i. 194, t. 41, £ 1, nescio an Linneei filii ? Myristica philippensis, Enc. Meth. iv. $387? Willd. Sp. Pl. iv. $70? Nux Zeylanica, Moschatz rotunde similis, oblonga, Burm. hes. Levi. 172. CAP. IX. PALALA SECUNDA, p. 26, t. 6. PaLaLa CotTriman, p. 26. Whether or not these are mere varieties, or distinct spe- cies, cannot be inferred from what Rumphius says; but there can be no doubt of their belonging to the genus OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. W3 Myristica, and the first is by Willdenow (Sp. Pl. iv. 871), called M. salicifolia ; but he would not appear to have seen specimens, and M. Poiret quotes Rumphius as the only authority (Enc. Meth. Sup. iv. 34). On the hills near Goalpara, by the Brahmaputra river, I have found a species of Myristica, which, on account of the form of the mace, is nearly allied to this; but its leaves are much broader than the figure of Rumphius indicates. It may, however, be the Cotriman, and therefore I shall here describe it. ‘The Bengalese call it Jharaya amara. I have not seen the flower. Arbor altissima. Ramuli cicatricibus nodosi, non pubescentes. Folia alterna elliptica, utrinque acuta, integerrima, glabra, vix costata, venosa. Petiolus brevissimus, compressus, supra marginatus, glaber, non stipu- laceus. Pedunculus fructiferus e parte ramorum nudata racemosus, baccis instructus quinque s. sex pedicellatis, pendulis. ie Bacca ? supera, oblique obovata, compressa, sulco longitudinali e medio unius lateris, ad basin alterius inscripta, carnosa, glabra, unilo- cularis; matura sulco dehiscente leguminiformis. Receptaculum nul- lum. Semen ope arilli ad latus baccze ubi sulcus deficit, adhzerens, uni- cum, oblongum, utrinque obtustiim, nucamentaceum, arillatum. Aril- lus inodorus, carnoso-coriaceus, croceus, monophyllus, bilamellosus, utrinque glaberrimus, semen undique obtegens. Integumenta tria: exterius membranaceum, politum, venosum, tenue, arcte ad medium adhzerens; medium Naucus tenuis, fragilis, castaneus; interius mem- branaceo-crustaceum, subrufescens, ad nucleum arctissime adnatum, et intra ejus substantiam processibus internis-alte demersum. Albumen semine conforme, carnosum, ruminatum, inodorum. Embryon mini- mum, ad unum albuminis latus, medium prope, situs. This genus has a considerable affinity to the Sterculia, from which it differs in wanting stipule, and in a simple fruit. Still, however, it comes nearer to the Stercula than it does to the Laurus. VOL. VI, 8 > 9474 A COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK CAP. X. PALALA TERTIA S. TINGENS, p. 27, t. 7. In the Encyclopedie Methodique (iv. 391) this 1s quoted with doubt for the Myristica uviformis of M. Lamarck, which he described from specimens sent by Sonnerat. Willdenow, who never saw any of the plants, without any hesitation joins it with the two next Palalas, to form a species, which he calls M. microcarpa, thus setting aside the name previously given by M. Lamarck. PALALA QUARTA S. CANARIFORMIS S. DENTARIA, p. 27, t. 8. This Willdenow calls (Sp. Pl. iv. 871) Myristica micro- carpa @, considering it as a mere variety of the preceding, for which I see no good reason. PALALA QUINTA S. GLOBULARIA, p. 29, t. 9. In the Encyclopedie Methodique (iv. 388) this was re- ferred with doubt to the Myristica globularia of M. La- marck, described from specimens sent by Sonnerat. Will- denow without hesitation considers them as the same, and joins them, as variety y, to the MM. microcarpa (Sp. PI. iv. 871), although I see no reason, at any rate, to doubt of M. Lamarck’s accuracy, in having distinguished his J. globularia as a different species from his WM. woiformis. PALALA SEXTA, p. 28. There can be no doubt of this also being a Myristica, _ although it has not yet been introduced into modern sys- tems, I OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. A 5) CAP, XI. XII. XIII. AGALLOCHUM PRIMARIUM 5. CALAMBAC, p. 29. AGALLOCHUM SECUNDARIUM Ss. GARO COINAMENSE, p. 04. Rumphius had not seen the tree that produces either of these substances, and takes his account from the Chinese, who trade for this valuable production with Tonquin (Coi- nam), Cochin China, Chiampa, and Siam; for it is the produce of India beyond the Ganges. These merchants agree, that the Calambac and Garo are the produce of the same tree, and differ in the former being found in the trunk, forming large masses; while the Garo consists of the smaller pieces found in the branches and roots; for it is only some individual trees, which produce in the heart the odorous black substance called Agailochum. 'The Chi- nese, who gave the account to Rumphius, compared. the tree to what he here calls Mycrophyllum, meaning the Va- ringa parvifolia (H. A. iti. 139); but this was a very rude - comparison, depending chiefly on the size and form of the leaves, which are not unlike, and was abandoned by Rum- phius (1. c, 141). The names given to this plant, or rather to the substance produced by it in certain circumstances, may be found in the three chapters of Rumphius, and in the observation of Burman (p. 33); but, although Kempfer and Cunningham had mentioned some true particulars concerning the plant, nothing like a botanical account was given, until M. La- marck (Enc. Meth. i.), gave a description of it from speci- mens and drawings sent by Sonnerat; for Linnzeus, mis- led by Ray, had considered the worthless Agallochum Amboinense as the precious Agallochwm, although he fortu- nately gave it another generic name, E.vccecaria, more suited toits nature. M. Lamarck, however, is evidently in an ~ OD Ss tw O76 A COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK error, in distinguishing the A. prestantissimum and A. officinarum, as two species, for the Chinese speak decidedly on both the Calambac and Garo cownamense being the pro- duce of one tree. This is confirmed by the circumstance, that the Mogul kings of Delhi, the most powerful and splendid monarchs of the East, were supplied with this precious drug (and no doubt they had the best possible), from the eastern mountains of Camrupa, where it is called Agalor Agar, from whence the Agallochum of the ancients is no doubt derived. This tree I have found, and I have sent specimens to the India-House, as the Agallochum of- jicinarum, being, no doubt, the tree procured from Son- nerat, as any one may be convinced by comparing M. La- marck’s description with mine. It is, however, by no means the Agaliochum secundariwm malaccense represented by Rumphius in the tenth plate of this volume, as I shail afterwards show. Some ignorant European traders, from the resemblance of the name Agal to Aquila, Aigic, or Eagle, called the drug by these names in Portuguese, French, and English ; and our botanists have preferred Aquilaria, a name derived from this absurd mistake, to the name Agallochum, known from the earliest times, and probably derived from Aga, the name of the tree, and Lochun, the brains. This was done under pretence of Linnzeus having already bestowed Agallochum on the Arbor exceecans of Rumphius; but the great Swede seems to have had a suspicion that Ray was mistaken, and therefore only used Agallochum as a specific term, leaving it free to others to employ it as the generic name for the true plant, when it should be discovered. On this account I have preferred M. Lamarck’s name, Agal- lochum officinarum to his Aquilaria malaccensis, or to the Aquilaria Agallocha of Roxburgh (Hort. Beng. 33), which is the same plant, and shall be here described. OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. SIT Arboris excelsze rami teretes, glabri; ramuli pubescentes. J olia al- terna oblonga, basi acutiuscula, apice acuminata, margine cartilagineo piloso integerrima, pagina utraque glaberrima, venis transversis minute striata, uninervia. Petiolus brevissimus, pubescens, non stipulaceus. - Pedunculus communis infrafoliaceus, petiolo ssepius longior, aliquan- do vix ullus, apice dilatatus. Pedicelli septem s. octo brevissimi, uni- flori, uno post alterum prodeunte, cicatrices totidem in apice dilatato pedunculi communis relinquentes. Bracteze nullz. Flores virides, odore hircine foetidi. Calyx turbinatus, persistens, decemstriatus, limbo quinquefido pa- tens. Corolla nulla. Urceolus interior non coloratus, calycis fundo adnatus, apice erecto libero decem-lobus, laciniis emarginatis, zequalibus, Filamenta decem ex urceoli incisuris. Anthersze parve. Germen superum, clavatum, maximum, compressum, bisulcum. Stylus vix ullus. Stigma obtusum, sublacerum. Capsula obovata, lignosa, compressa, bivalvis, valvis hinc planis, inde convexiusculis, medio septiferis. Septum valvis connexum, medio so- lubile. Semina solitaria. Kunis umbilicalis ex apice septi enatus ad caudze seminis basin descendens. Semen ovatum, nigrum, pilosum, utrinque mucronatum, testa fragili tenuissima tectum, caudatum. Cauda teres, carnosa, e basi seminis recte ad capsule fundum descendens. Albumen nullum. Cotyledones forma seminis carnosze hermispheericee, hinc convexee, inde plane. MRadicula recta, supera. There can, I think, be little doubt, that the Gyrinops Walla of Geertner (De Sem. ii. 276, t. 140, f. 6) belongs to the same genus, which has a considerable resemblance to the Thymelia, notwithstanding that its fruit opens by re- gular sutures, and contains more than one seed. On this account, it is more nearly allied to the Samyda, as men- tioned by Jussieu (Gen. Plant. 479), and Lamarck (Ene. Meth. ii. 610), and as I have more fully explained in a commentary on the Anavinga (Hort. Mal. iv. 101). Of the circumstances that could induce my accurate friend Sir J. E. Smith, to doubt this affinity (Lin. Trans. xi. 230), and to refer it to the Huphorbie, I am quite ignorant. AGatLocuum IrrHi0on s. SIMPLEX CHINENSIUM, p. 30. This seems to be the produce of the same tree with the 978 = SS) o se} GuaAREA AmMaRIS Amari Bengalensium. Habitat in Camrupeze orientalis rome Arbor magna ramulis fusco tomentosis. Folia alterna cum impare pinnata. Foliola circiter octo parium opposita, oblongo, utrinque obtw-: sa integerrima, glabra, costata, vix venosa. Petiolus non stipulaceus. Rachis compressus. - Paniculee fructiferze axillares et terminales. Capsula pyriformis, carnosa, rubella, supera, absque calycis rudimento pedicel- . lata, 3s. 4-valvis, 3 s. 4-locularis, loculis membrana polita vestitis. Receptaculum centrale, lignosum, ad medium fructus e basi pertingens. Semina nonnullis sze- pius abortivis solitaria, oblonga, non aril- lata, apici receptaculi per medium inserta. Integumentum coriaceum, crassum. Al- bumen nullum. Cotyledones crassze forma seminis, carnosze, hemispheericee, respectu fructus horizontales. Radicula ad unum latus, recopincui versus, inter cotyledones nidulans. OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. 309 CAP. XXX. Cassia Fistuta, p. 83. t. 21. In a Commentary on the Hortus Malabaricus (Lin. Trans. xii. 484.), I have mentioned several circumstances relative to this plant, which, notwithstanding some differen- ces in the figures, I have no doubt is the Conna of Rheede ; nor will it be necessary to enter into any detail concerning the synonyma of a tree so long known, and so widely spread. The remark, however, of Burman, after enumerating the Ssynonyma, requires the full consideration of those who. wish to give the synonyma with accuracy ; for he alleges, that most preceding authors who had figured the Cassia fistula, had taken their drawings from different species. Rumphius considers his Cassia Fistula as originally a native of Africa; but this seems doubtful, for I have found it common in the woods, even of the most remote parts of India, where it grows to a large size, produces a valuable timber, and has an appropriate name in every dialect. An observation of this excellent author deserves more attention: * Cassie FWistule in Oriente multe inve- niuntur species ac varietates; una nempe parvis angustis- que foliis, altera majoribus.”. The latter, which he first described, is the Conna of Rheede, and the Cassia Fistula of Linnzeus. I shall now preceed to consider those with smaller leaves. Cassia FisruLta JAVANICA FLORE RUBRO, p. 86. Commeline, in the Hortus Amstelodamensis, figured a plant, that he called Cassia Fistula Javanica flore carneo. This is the Cassia Javanica of Linneeus (Willd. Sp. PI. 11. 527.), which I should have presumed (for I have not his work) to be that now under consideration, had not M. La- 310 A COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK marck (Enc. Meth. i. 649.) quoted for the Linnean plant the Cassia fistula silvestris of Rumphius, described in the next chapter. M. Lamarck’s accuracy induces me to sup- pose him right; although, when in Ava, I found a beau- tiful tree called Priban.gno gri by the natives, which I think is probably the Cassia Fistula Javanica flore car- neo, although, when I sent specimens to Sir Joseph Banks, I called it Cassia Javanica. I shall here describe it. Arbor mediocris. Ramulisubangulati, pubescentes. Folia alterna, non glandulosa, abrupte pinnata. Pinnze 9-15 parium pedicellatze, ob- longze, obtusze, utrinque emarginatze, integerrimze, venis reticulatze, utrinque pilosze, subtus pallidze, laterum posteriore longiore; anteriore latiore; intermediis longioribus. Petiolus teres, brevis, pubescens. Rachis angulo superiore carinato subtetragonus, ad apicem mucronatus. Pedicelli hreves, pubescentes. Stipule bine, magne, reniformes, per sinum adnate, integerrimse, venosze, glabre. : Racemi axillares, folio breviores, indivisi, stricti, multiflori. Pedun- culus teres, pubescens. Flores sparsi, solitarii, pedicellati, magni, sed flore C. Fistule minores, rubescentes. Bracteze ad singulorum pedicel- lorum basin triphyllee, foliolis ovatis, acuminatis, pubescentibus, pedi- cello brevioribus; intermedia duplo majore: infra flores ad pedunculi communis apicem nonnulle, monophyllz, sagittatze. Calyx coloratus. Petala lanceolata, venosa. Stamina decem, inze- qualia ut in genere. _ Legumen non vidi, sed secundum Rumphium “ siliqua est ut in Cassia Fistula.” CaAssIA JAVANICA FLORE ALBO, 87 Cass1A JAVANICA FLORE PURPUREO, Rumphius says, ‘‘ Utraque hee forte conveniunt cum subsequente silvestri Cassia Fistula,” probably meaning, that their seeds are not surrounded by pulp, which is the only distinguishing circumstance mentioned by him, the colour of the flower excepted, and in this these two plants differ from the C. F. silvestris. f OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. 311 Cassia JAVANICA FLORE LUTEO, p. 87. Concerning this Rumphius says, ‘ Siliqua medicata— cum fistularum pulpa opium adulteratur.” It thus differs from all the others in the following particulars: from the Cassia Fistula, in having small leaves; from the Cassia Fistula Javanica, and the two other Cassie Juvanice, in the colour of the flower; and from the Cassia Fistula sit- vestris, in having its seeds surrounded by pulp. CAP. XXXI. CasstA FisruLa SILVESTRIS ALBA S. FLAVESCENS, ) p. 08. CassIA FisruLA SILVESTRIS RUBRA, t.' 23. There is nothing to indicate to which of the above plants the figure belongs, although it is not probable that they are of the same species; for uncultivated plants seldom vary in the colour of the flower; and even in those which are much cultivated, and produce a variety of colours in their flowers, it is seldom that they vary from red to yellow. M. Lamarck, therefore, who has quoted the Cassia Fistula silvestris (Enc. Meth. 1. 629.), in joining it with the Cassia Fistula Javanica flore carneo of Commeline, to form the Cassia Javanica, should have had the red kind alone in view. If this quotation is correct, the red kind should be the Cassia Javanica, provided Linneeus, under this name, really described an Asiatic plant; but this is doubtful, as besides Commeline’s plants from Java, he includes one from Brazil, now called Cassia mollis ; nor can I ascertain which he really meant. M. Lamarck, even although he rejects this plant of Brazil, introduces into the same spe- cies with the Cassia Fistula silvestris a plant of Peru, with a gland between the lower leaves, and he seems to consider 312 A COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK the variation of red and yellow flowers a mere accidental circumstance, not even constituting what botanists call a variety. His quotation is also rendered doubtful by Bur- man, who, in his observation, quotes as synonymous the Cassia Fistula Indica flore carneo Cl. Jageri of Breynius, which is not the Cassia Javanica of Linneeus, but the Cassia bacillus of Gertner (de Sem. ii. $13.) and Rox- burgh (Hort. Beng. 31.) TI am inclined to think, that I met with the red-flowered kind in the district of Chatigang, where it is called Ban- dur lati (Simie bacillum), and from thence sent it to Dr Roxburgh, who called it Cassia nodosa, on account of the knots on three of the filaments, of which the round bodies in the centre of the flowers, in the figure of Rumphius, may be intended for a representation. If I am right in my conjecture, and if this be the Cassia Fistula Javanica jiore carneo of Commeline, the name nodosa, however ap- plicable, must be abandoned ; but my plant may be the C.F. silvestris flore rubro, without being either Cassia Javanica of Linnezeus, or the C. bacillus of Geertner, nei- ther of whom quoted Rumphius; and in this case the name nodosa should be retained, provided the round bodies in the figure of Rumphius are meant to represent the knots on the filaments. In 1798, I sent to Sir J. Banks speci- mens of this tree, which differs from that figured by Rum- phius, chiefly in having more pointed and larger leaflets. Arbor mediocris. Ramuli subangulati, alterni, bifarii, pubescentes, virides. Folia bifaria, alterna, abrupte pinnata, non glandulosa. Fo- liola 8-10-juga, petiolata, ovato-oblonga, integerrima, acuta, mucronata, supra nitidi, subtus nuda, venosa, plana, superioribus sensim longiori- bus uncias 34 longis, 14 latis. Petiolus communis basi incrassato sub- angulatus, brevissimus, pubescens. Rachis supra subcarinatus, sulca- tus, pubescens, mucrone subulato terminatus. Petioli partiales sub- oppositi, teretes, pubescentes, brevissimi. Stipule laterales gemine, deciduze, lunatee, adnatze, erectee, integerrimae, utrinque acute, parve. OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. 313 Racemi axillares, solitarii, patentes, folio dimidio breviores, simpli- ces, multiflori. Pedunculus teres, pubescens. Flores subterni, cer-: nui, magni, rubicundi, pedicellati. Pedicelli flore longiores, colorati. Bractez ad pedicellorum singulorum basin tres, lanceolatz, acute, in- curve; integerrime, colorate, intermedia multo longiore, denticulo utrinque notate. Calyx coloratus, quinque partitus laciniis oblongis, obtusis, reclina- tis, corolla multo brevioribus. Petala quinque lanceolata, acuta paten- tia, subsessilia venosa, eequalia. Filamenta decem; quorum tria in- feriora longiora, declinata, ad basin erecta, dein reclinata, subulata, sed infra apicem nodo magno ovato aucta; quatuor intermedia utrin= que attenuata, erectiuscula, apicem versus ad angulum acutum deflexa ; duo proxima ad basin crassa erecta, ad apicem filiformia, spiraliter con- voluta; summum brevissimum, utringue attenuatum, erectum. An- there in filamentis tribus inferioribus oblongze, basi emarginatee, supra plane extra convexee, effcetze ; quatuor intermedize clavatee, incumben- tes, ad basin poris duobus dehiscentes; duze proximze oblongze, qua- drisulcze, effoetze ; summa oblonga, quadrisulca, ad apicem poris duobus dehiscens. Germen longitudine staminum longiorum pedicellatum, lineare, incurvum, declinatum. Stigma simplex. Legumen lignosum, teres, pedem unum vel alterum longum, septis transversis multiloculare, vix dehiscens. Semina parva, ovata, emargi- nata, arillo suberose orbiculato plano tecta, Besides the C. Fistula and C. nodosa, Dr Roxburgh has described three other species with a similar fruit, one or other cf which may be either the C. F’. silvestris flore flavescente, or some of the small leaved varieties, but I have not examined any of them. Anpowas, p. 89. This seems undoubtedly another species of the Cassia Fistula, clearly enough marked by a lactescent bark. BILALANGH, p. 89. « This may perhaps be rather a Pterocarpus than a Cassia. Lienum Catupsv, p. 89. This is another valuable wood, the produce of a tree cul- 314 A COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK tivated in Macassar, and perhaps of the same genus with the Bilalangh. Ke ULE s. Casu Uap, p. 89. This is evidently a species of the same genus with the Cassia Fistula silvestris, that is, having round each seed a corky arillus. GAP. XOX. TAMARINDUS, p. 90, t. 23. We have here an excellent account of this well-known tree. Of this, the Tamarindus Americanus, siliqua fere orbiculata monosperma (Phyt. t. 64, f. 4,a), and the T'a- marindus Bisnagaricus, siliqua productiore dispermos, se- nunibus velute isthmointerceptis of Plukenet (2bid. b), seem to be mere accidental variations. CARANDJE 8S. CARANDJANG, p. 93. Rumphius notices, that this had been confounded by Bontius with the Carandas of Garzia, and badly described, in having its leaves compared to those of the Tamarind (bi- pinnata), while, in fact, they are like those of the Lingoa (pinnata). Its legumen contains only one seed, surrounded by a quantity of pulp agreeable to eat. Plukenet (Mant. 177), has fallen into the same error with Bontius, in con- founding this plant with that of Garzia; but the quotations from C. Bauhin and Imperatus probably belong to the Carandje of the Malays here noticed. This is a fruit of which I know nothing ; nor do I find it mentioned in any modern work. It perhaps has some affinity with the Cyno- morium, although its leaves being pinnated implies a differ- ent habit, more like the Connarus. OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. 315 CAP. XXXIITI. Mauum Granatvum, p. 94, t. 24, f. 1. Of this plant, as of all others much cultivated, there are many varieties, but I suspect only one species; the characters by which Willdenow attempts to distinguish the Punica na- na from the P. granatum (Sp. Pl. 11, 981), being quite in- sufficient. In warm climates the latter is always a bush, and its leaves may be called linear. The thorny plants, ~ which Burman in his observation attempts to class with it, have no sort of affinity, being of the order of Rubiaceae, nearly allied to Gardenia. CAP. XXXIV. Limo pECUMANUS PRIMUs, p. 96, t. 24, f. 2. , Limo pEcUMANUS sECUNDUS, p.97. Limo DECUMANUS TERTIUS, p. 98. Limo DECUMANUS QUARTUS, p. 98: Burman properly observes, “ arbores hae—varietates po- tius sunt, quam peculiares species, unde—pro unica tan- tum habendee sunt specie.” I need hardly point out the absurdity of the notion entertained by early botanists, of this being the Forbidden Fruit in paradise ; as itis entirely destitute of the qualities respecting the knowledge of good and evil by which that fruit was distinguished, and which has no doubt vanished from earth with paradise itself. The fruit, however, is so excellent, and has been so long pa- tiently cultivated, that many more varieties than Rumphius enumerates are to be found, both in Asia aud America, to which it has now spread. The varieties of this, indeed, and of the Citrus Medica and C. Aurantium, are so numerous, and run so into each other, that I doubt much if they can be considered as distinct species. 316 A COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK The characters, by which Willdenow attempts to distin- guish these trees from each other, are, I am convinced, quite insufficient, being all often found in the same individual ; nor have I been able to discover any certain character by which the C. medica and C. aurantiwm can be distinguish- ed, if we exclude the taste of their fruit, which seems in fact to have been the distinction actually, although not avowedly, in the contemplation of Linnaeus. Accordingly, M. Poiret (Enc. Meth. iv. 575, 578), called the C. medica, Oranger acide, and the Citrus Aurantium, Oranger douz ; and observes, ‘‘ aussi Je nassure que parmi les varietés que yai citées ale suite de ces deux especes, il ne s’en trouve qu’on puisse rapporter indifferamment 4 Pune aussi bien qu’a lautre.” This should certainly have prevented this author from making two species. The attempt made by Risso, and adopted by Decandolle (Prodr. i. 539), to form five species from the Citrus medica and C. Aurantiwm of Linnzeus, will, I am persuaded, be found abortive, although he admits into his specific charac- ters mere varieties of form and taste in the fruit. What would be said of a botanist, who should attempt to divide the Appletree into a number of species from similar circum- stances. Besides, these botanists attempt to fuund these five species on the various degrees in which the petiolus is winged, and on the leaves being blunt or sharp at the end, circumstances which, as I have said, will be found to vary in the same individual. Besides, what difference is there between a petiolus subalatus and a petiolus subnudus, by which M. Decandolle attempts to distinguish between the Limonium and Aurantium. The only character introduced by these botanists that deserves notice, is the number of stamina. I have not paid sufficient attention to this circum- stance, in the various kinds found in India, to enable me to speak decidedly on the subject ; and, so far as relates to OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. 317 Rumphius, it will be impossible to refer his kinds to Decan- dolle’s species, as he does not mention the number of sta- mina. In fact, this division into five species is an attempt to revive the division by C. Bauhin, being the same with his Malus medica, Malus Limonia acida, Malus aurantia major, and Malus aurantia cortice eduli, to which is added the Limo dulcis, commonly held to be a variety of the se- cond kind. This subdivision may be very well suited to include the varieties commonly cultivated in Europe, but will be found inapplicable to those produced by long cul- ture in Asia. Provided it be thought proper to distinguish the Citrus decumana from the others, it may be done as follows :— 1. Citrus medica (et Aurantium) pulpee in fructu vesiculis concretis. 2. Citrus decumana pulpz in fructu vesiculis discretis. This character, however, although always more or less distinguishable, is not so remarkable in the finer varieties of the C. decumana, such as those which grow at Canton and Batavia; and I doubt the propriety of separating into dif- ferent species trees having such a strong resemblance to each other, on account of various forms, sizes, and qualities of a fruit, that has been long cultivated with the greatest care ; nor does the fruit of any of the varieties of these three Lin- nzean species vary more from each other, than do different kinds of Apple (Malus). The great size of the Pompelmoes is no sort of proof of a distinct species; as both the Santra and Jami of Gangetic: India, which have an acid fruit, consisting of vesicles closely adhering to each other, which generally have a round petiolus, have a fruit fully as large as the Pompelmoes. CAP. XXXV. MALUM CITRIUM SILVESTRE, p. 99, t. 20. Mau cirrium pomEsricum, p. 99. MALUM CITRIUM SILVESTRE ALTERUM, p. 100. 318 A COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK CAP. XXXVI. Limo tusErosvs, p. 101, t. 26, f. 1? Limo ventnricosus, p. 102, t. 26, f. 2? Limo UNGUENTARIUS, p. 103. CAP. XXXVII. Limo acrestis, p. 104, t. 27. Limo Taurinus, p. 105. CAP. XXXVIII. Limo FEeRvs, p. 106, t. 28°? CAP. XXXIX. Limoneuuus, p. 107, t. 29. LImMonELLUS TsJAMBURAGA, p. 108. CAP. XL. LIMONELLUS AURARIUS, p. 109, t. 30. LimonELLus MapureEnsis, p. 110, t. 31. LIMONELLUS ANGULOsUS, p. 110, t. 32. CAP. XLI. AURANTIUM AcIDUM, p. IL], t. 33. Limo crisPus, p. 112. In the commentary on the 34th chapter, I have stated the difficulties attending a division of the plants of this ge- nus into species, and that, in reality, Linneeus was entirely OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. 319 guided in the division by the taste of the fruit. I have, therefore, assembled here all those mentioned by Rumphius which have an acid fruit, and which therefore should come under one or other of the varieties of the Citrus medica. These, in fact, differ from the Malus medica, or first variety, having a very thick spongy skin, while that of the Malus Limonia acida is thin, and more solid. In attempting to reduce the plants mentioned by Rum- phius to these two divisions, I cannot satisfy myself, and shall therefore content myself by making two observations. 1. There is great reason to suspect that the reference to the plates by Burman, the editor, is in several cases erro- neous, the figures and descriptions by no means agreeing. I suspect, therefore, that tab. xxxvi. f. ], represents the Limo unguentarius, f. 2. the Limo tuberosus, f. 3. the Limo Taurinus, table xxxvii. the Limo agrestis, and table xxxviil. the Limo ventricosus, while there is no figure of the Limo Serus. 2. The Limonellus angulosus, from the difference of habit, having stipulary thorns growing by pairs, in place of single axillary thorns, is certainly of a different species, first introduced into the system by Willdenow, as the Citrus angulosa (Sp. Pl. ui. 1426), a species adopted by Poiret (Enc. Meth. sup. iv. 171), and Decandolle (Prodr. 1.540). I cannot rely much on the flowers in the figure being placed singly, and being of so small a size; for the flowers of many of the other species in Rumphius are represented equally small, although I know them to be as large as usual in this genus, and several are represented in terminal racemes, al- though no such inflorescence is known among these plants. These circumstances, therefore, in the figure of the Limo- nellus angulosus, not being mentioned in the description, may be fairly imputed ¢o the error of the draughtsman ; but the description of the fruit appcars to poimt out that this 320 A COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK plant does not belong to the genus Citrws,—* Sub tenui cortice quatuor vel quinque plana ossicula seminalia recon- duntur in cellulis repletis viscoso succo instar visci.” Now, in the genus Citrus there are more than one seed in each cell, and the cells are filled with a pulp contained in vesicu- le. On the whole, it seems more nearly allied to the Limo- mia or Scolopia than to the Citrus. » CAP. «XLII. AURANTIUM SINENSE MAJUS \ p. 113. t. 34 AURANTIUM SINENSE MINUS CAP. XLITI. AURANTIUM VERRUCOsUM, p. 115, t. 35. Limon PouLERon, p. 116. : AURANTIUM PUMILUM MaApURENSE, p. 116. These are all the varieties of this fine tree, excluding the Pompelmoes or Citrus Decumanus, that in the eastern islands produce a sweet fruit. No doubt a vast number might be accumulated, were we to include all those of the different countries in which they grow; but, so far as I have seen, they may be reduced to the two kinds here men- tioned by Rumphius; one with the rind easily separable from the pulp, and the other with these two parts closely united. Of the Malus aurantia cortice eduli of C. Bauhin, | which forms Willdenow’s variety 6 of the Citrus Auran- tium, I know nothing. The orange seems to be a very capricious plant, requir- ing something peculiar in the soil or situation to bring it to perfection. The tree thrives in every part of India; but, so far as I know, it produces good fruit in only four places ; OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. 321 Nepal, Silhet or Srihata on the eastern extremity of Ben- gal, Chandpur on the Brahmaputra, and Satgar at the foot of the Ghat Mountains west from Madras. What are the circumstances that render the fruit there so excellent, I cannot say ; but no situations can be apparently more dis- similar. On the whole, I am persuaded, that the five first species of Citrus enumerated by Decandolle, are only varieties of one tree ; and I am doubtful, if even the Ctrus decumana. ean be properly considered as sufficiently distinct. CAP. XLIV. Mauvum 1npicum maJus, p. 117. t. 36: - MaLvumM INDICUM MINUS, p. 118. Vipara Putt, p. 118. These are to be considered as mere varieties of a plant eften cultivated with care, and often growing spontaneous- ly. Inacommentary onthe Perim T'oddali (Hort. Mal’ iv. 85.), I have said all that seems necessary on the sub- ject; only the synonyma, given in his observation by the editor Burman, require some more explanation. He here corrects the error adopted in the Thesaurus Zeylanicus (131, t. 61), in referring the Perim Toddali to his Jujuba aculeata, nervosis folits, infra sericeis, flavis, which 1s the Zizyphus cenoplia of Willdenow (Sp.. Pl. i. 1105), and the Z. scandens of Dr Roxburgh (Hort. Beng. '7.), who was probably deterred from quoting Burman, of recognizing the plant as the Z. wnoplta by every one of Burman’s synonyma belonging to. the Z. yajuba. VOL. VI. x 322 «4 COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK CAP. XLV. VIDARA LITTroREA, p. 129, t. 37. When Burman in his observation on the last. chapter, corrected some errors, into which he had fallen in the The- saurus Zeylanicus, he here fell into still greater. First he quotes as the same the Jujuba indica spinosa folio et fructu longiore of the Thesaurus Zeylanicus, and of Plukenet (Alm. 199), which belongs to the Malum Indicum; and next he quotes for it the Prunus Zeylanica, spinosa, longiore folio viridi, fructus ossiculo orbiculart scrobiculs referto of Plukenet (Phyt. t. 216, f. 6), which is no doubt a Zizyphus, but is the Arbor spinosa Zeylanica foliis tribus nervis notata of the Thesaurus Zeylanicus (29.) ‘This is the real Rhamnus Napeca of Linnzeus (Willd. Sp. Pl. 1. 1104), as we learn from the Flora Zeylanica (87) ; although subsequent authors, copying Burman, confounded it with Plukenet’s Jujuba Indica spinosa folio et fructu longiore. To complete the error, Willdenow, imitating the younger Burman (F}. Ind. 60), quotes table 216, f. 6, by this last name. ‘This error was first pointed out by M. Lamarck (Enc. Meth. iii. 319), who abandons altogether the Rham- nus Napeca of Linnzeus, and describes (p. 320) a Zizyphus Napeca, a native of Egypt and Arabia, and called Nadia by the older botanists, from whence Linnzeus no doubt de- rived the name Napeca. ‘This change leads to confusion, as no doubt the Arbor spinosa Zeylanica foliis tribus nervis notatd had been called Napeca by Linnezeus, and is the only authority quoted in the Flora Zeylanica, although it probably is the same with that figured by Plukenet, t. 216, f. 6. OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. 323 At any rate, however, we must exclude from the synony- ma of both the Napecas, all those given by Burman in his Flora Indica, and by Willdenow, and especially the Vidara littorea, of which we are now treating. M. Lamarck in- deed quotes it with doubt for his Zizyphus Napeca ; but I cannot think that it belongs even to the same genus. Its leaves, in place of having longitudinal nerves, have trans- verse ribs, and according to Rumphius, “ capitula qualia prima sunt caryophyllorum rudimenta sese in flosculos ape- riunt—ex quatuor albis et oblongis petalis constantes ex- trorsum reflexis, interne molli lanugine obvolutis instar serici, stamina queedam in centro gerentes.” Neither does the description of the fruit agree well with the hard thick shell of the nut, and small seed of the Zizyphus. «¢ Pau- cam gerunt carnem—includentes nucleum magnum ovifor- mem in lignoso qui fragili putamine continetur, estque al- bus—sapore et substantia Corylorum.” On the whole I suspect, that it is more nearly allied to the Elwagnus ori- entalis (Willd. Sp. Pl. i. 689) than to the Zizyphus. VIDARA LITTOREA MITIS, p. 120. This probably belongs to the same genus with the pre- ceding, whatever that may be. eee CAP. XLVI. Lignum CoLusrinum Timorensgs, p. 121, t. 38? The first thing here to be remarked is, that the figure by no means can be reconciled with the description: for, first, it appears from the latter, that the leaves are regularly opposite, which is by no means the case in the figure. Next the fruit, according to the description, is smooth, end- ing above in a short but hard point ; but in the figure short x 2 324 A COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK spines are scattered ever the whole surface, nor is there any appearance of a terminal point like the remains of the stylus. Finally the description says, “‘ ramuli sine ullis spinis uti et tota arbor mitis est ;” but in the figure there are spines in the forks of the smaller branches. The next circumstance to be observed is, that Rum- phius declares his plant to be quite different from three kinds of Lignum Colubrinum growing in Ceylon, from three kinds described by Christ. a Costa, and from some others described by Clusius, all of which farther are dif- ferent from each other. Burman in the annexed observa- tion, in a great measure, confirms this opinion ; and after enumerating many plants, to which the name Lignum Colubrinum has been applied, and among others the Ca- niram of Rheede (Hort. Mal. i. t. 37), he considers, that the Nuw vomica major officinarum of Herman in his Materia Medica, is the produce of the same tree with that here de- seribed by Rumphius. Notwithstanding this, he quotes the Nux vomica major of Paradisi Batavi Prodromus as _be- ing the same with the Caniram, and with the Modira Caniram (Hort. Mal. viii, t. 24). The Prodromus Para- disi Batavi, according to Linneus (Flor. Zeyl.), is only sup- posed to be the work of Herman, and therefore the Nu« vomica major et officinarum. of this work, and of Herman’s Materia Medica, may be different; so that Burman may be right in both cases; but little dependence can be placed on his accuracy, as, in the Thesaurus Zeylanicus, as above mentioned, he quotes the Modira Caniram, as the same with the Caniram, the one a large tree, and the other a climbing plant. In treating of the TV'sjeru Katu Valli Caniram (Hott. Mal. vii. 10. t. 15.), and Modira Caniram (Ibid. vii. t. 24), I have pointed out an error in Willdenow and Poiret, in quoting the figure of the first, under the latter name, OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. 320 for the Strycknos Colubrina; but Willdenow erred still farther, in quoting for this the Lignum Colubrinum of Rumphius, for both these Canirams are climbing plants, and Rheede calls the Moditra Caniram, which is no doubt that meant by Linneus, an herb; but Rumphius says of his Lignum Colubrinum, “ arbor he vulgo altitudinem et crassitiem habet Limonit Nipis, in quibusdam vero locis instar Limonii Itam, quee truncum gerit nempe crassitie hominis, vulgares vero non ultra crus sunt crasse. Rami in minores et firmos dividuntur laterales ramulos.” This clearly shows, that the Lignum Colubrinum is totally dif- ferent from the Strychnos colubrina, although Poiret con- tinues to quote it with doubt (Enc. Meth. viii. 695. The only doubt seems to be, whether or not it be a Strychnos. Its great bitterness, its opposite leaves with three longitudi- nal nerves, and the description of the fruit, lead to the supposition of its being a Strychnos ; but the figure of the seed, consisting of two cotyledones without an albumen, contradict this opinion. I have however already said, that the figure seems to represent some other plant ; and we may therefore conclude, that the Lignum colubrinum of Rum- phius and the Nux vomica major of Herman are the same tree, not yet introduced into the botanical system. _AxaR Lussa Ranga, p. 123. Actuar. p. 27. Axark Lussa Ranga crassior, p. 123. These may be of the same genus with the Lignum colu- brinwm, or perhaps one of them may be the plant -repre- sented in Plate 38 ? 396 A COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK CAP. XLVII. Rapix Derpar#® Mauaccensis, p. 124. t. 39. Burman, in his annexed observation, considered this as a Rhamnus; nor has any subsequent author quoted it ; but I understood that Dr Roxburgh considered it as his Gme- lina villosa (Hort. Beng. 46), although it is not quoted, and although in the G. villosa, which I saw in the Botani- cal Garden at Calcutta, from whence I have sent speci- mens to the India-House, I observed no leaves lobed, as some of those in the figure are. In other respects, how- ever, it agrees sufficiently, and, coming from the vicinity of Malacca, is probably the same. There can, I think, be no doubt, at any rate, of the Radia Deipare being a Gmelina. Rapix Derparz& CEeLeBica Lowara picta, p. 125. From the large size and hardness of the wood in this tree, it is probably the Gmelina arborea (Hort. Beng. 46) or Cumbulu of Rheede (Hort. Mal. 1. 75, Lin. Trans. xiii. 511.), specimens of which I have sent to the India-House. Ravix DEIPARZ SILVESTRIS, p. 126. This is probably the same species with the plant of Ma- lacca, that is the Gmelina villosa, but has no extraordi- nary virtues ascribed to it, as it grows in places not reckon- ed holy. CAP. XLVIII. Raprx DEIPARm sPuRIA, p. 127. tom. i. t. 40. In the Commentary on the Jambosa silvestris parvifolia (H. A. i. p. 129.), I have already mentioned the mistakes OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. 327 occasioned; by a transposition of plates, t. 40. of this vo- lume, having been interchanged for the 40th plate of the Ist volume, which accordingly represents the Radia Dei- pare spuria, and has been properly quoted by Willde- now for the Gmelina asiatica (Sp. Pl. ni. 313.), although by a wrong name. Puzzled by this transposition, Burman, in his explana- tion of the plate given in this volume, considers the Radia Deipure spuria as belonging to no known genus, although he himself had noticed the plant (Thes. Zeyl. 197) calling it Prunus Indica sylvestris, fructu flavo pyriformi, De- matha Zeylonensibus. Respecting this plant, indeed, he was very unfortunate, as he confounded it with the T'anz of Rheede (Hort. Mal. iv. t. 10.) This error was pointed out by Linnzeus (FI. Zeyl. 230), but he did not recognise the Radix Deipare spuria in the Dematha of the Ceylonese, which had been described by Amman by the name of Michelia. Linnzeus, however, chose to transfer this name to another genus, and gave the name Gmelina to the Dematha. At the same time he quoted as the same two plants, considered by Plukenet as different from each other, the Lyciwm Maderaspatanum Indict Alpino puta emulum foliis, minoribus, biyjugis et grandioribus, aculeis horridum (Alm. 234.; Phyt. t. 97. f. 2.), and Idem foliis majoribus (Phyt. t. 305, erroneously called 303. by Linnezeus, f. 3.) The latter seems to me more like an Ardouina or Carissa than a Gmelina; and the former, if it be a Gmelina, is rather the G. parvifolia of Roxburgh (Hort. Beng. 46), than the Dematha now called G. asiatica (Burm. FI. Ind. 132), provided these two speciés are sufficiently distinct. Nothing, indeed, be. longing to one genus, can be more different in appearance than certain individuals of the two kinds; but the form and size of the leaves, and even the growth of the stem, 328 A COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK differs so much in different individuals, known by culture to be of the same species (as may be seen in the specimens sent by me to the India-House), that I doubt the pro- priety of distinguishmg them, unless Dr Roxburgh has pointed out some essential difference in the more important parts, which I did not notice. One thing certain is, that neither is a tree, as Linneeus asserted. Rumphius says, ‘“‘ frutex stipitosus, qui sese sursum explicat in longos et flagellosos ramos.” M. Lamarck was the first to refer the Radix Detpare spuria to the Gmelina asiatica (Enc. Meth. ti. 739.), but he did it in the same erroneous man- ner with Willdenow, only he says plainly, that he refers to the figure (H. A.1. t. 40) alone, the description of the Jambosa silvestris parvifolia having no resemblance. CAP. XLIX. Rex Amarortis, p. 129. t. 41. Burman, in his annexed observation, considered this as of the same genus with his Ligustrum foltis ad singula internodia ternis (Thes. Zeyl. 141. t. 64); but nothing can be more different in appearance, and he seems to have been guided entirely by their supposed medical qualities. M. Lamarck (Enc. Meth. 1. 449) was the first to bring this plant into the modern system, calling it Soulamea amara; but, owing either to the imperfection of his de- scription, or to the nature of the plant, Jussieu (Gen. Plant. 469) did not reduce it to any of his natural orders. M. Poiret (Enc. Meth. Sup. v. 191), however, places it among the Polygalec, in which he is followed by Decan- dolle (Prodr. 1. 835), although it seems almost certain that it does not possess the characters by which the latter de- fines this order. OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. 329 CAP. L. Anisum Moxuccanum, p. 132. t. 42. In the annexed observation, Burman considers this as evidently one of the Umbellifere, and as a species of Or- coselinum or Bubon, according to Linneus. In this opi- nion M. Lamarck seems to coincide (Enc. Meth. ii. 715), although he admits that it may be a Panaz, and thus be- long rather to the Aralia than to the Umbellifere. This latter opinion seems the more tenable of the two, as in the figure there is no appearance of a regular umbella; but both seem to be founded on the supposition of their being two seeds in the fruit (ses fruits etant, a ce qu'il paroit, de baies arrondies et dispermes). This, however, seems doubtful. We may indeed suppose that two berries suc- ceed each flower (fructus—bacca est subrotunda minor grano Piperis, gemina sibi opposita, tuberculosa instar mini- morum limonellorwm), and he adds “ Maturi vero hi fruc- tus—sub tenui pellicula semen gerunt nigrum instar Cori- andri.” Now, I consider this as referring merely to the size of Coriander seed, and not to its structure. What, however, in my opinion, is decisive against the Aniswm Molluccanum, belonging either to the Umbellifere or Ara- lie is, that the germen would appear to be above the calyx or corolla; ‘ flosculi pentapetali albicantes parumque ex- cavati instar Lila Convallit, quiin centro gerunt pistillum, quod in fructum excrescit.” It is to be observed also, that Rumphius does not notice any stamina, which, so far as we can depend on his care, implies the flowers being dioe- cious. On these accounts, as well as on the habit of the plant, I am inclined to think it one of the Rutacc@, and probably a Zanthorylum, as defined by M. Decandolle (Prodr. i. 330 A COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK 425). Indeed, it may possibly be his Z. armatwm (ib. 727), for which he quotes the Hortus Bengalensis (72); but the only Zanthoxylum mentioned there is called alatum. The plants are, however, probably the same, the difference of name having arisen from some error in writing or reading the tickets annexed to a specimen. I know nothing, how- ever, of either plant, and judge merely from the specific character given by M. Decandolle. Boa Bauanean, p. 133. t. 43. This plant, Burman, in his observation annexed, called Anisifoltum, and by this name it is usually quoted, al. though the term was unknown to Rumphius. In a Com- mentary on the Isjerow Katou Naregam (Hort. Mal. iv. $1), I have explained fully my ideas concerning it, and I have only now to remark, that, having since obtained M. Decandolle’s mest valuable Prodromus, I find him (tom. i. 536) following the error introduced by Koenig, and calling this the Lemonia acidissima, although he retains the #e- ronia elephantum (Prodr. i. 532). Koenig was probably led into the error, of considering his Crateva Balangas (Feronia elephantum, Correa, Lin. Trans. v. 224) as dif- ferent from the Anisifoliwm, by the small size of the fruit, i the figure given by Rumphius; but this is evidently an error of the draughtsman, as Rumphuus says that the fruit is as large as that of the Balac Tellor ( Aigle marmelos ) ; and the very name Balangas ought to have satisfied him that his plant was the Boa Balangan of Rumphius. CAP. LI. SAPONARIA, p. id4. In a Commentary on the Poerinsit (Hort. Mal. iv. 43), 1 have explained my ideas concerning this plant, which I OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. 331 consider as the same. Since writing that Commentary, I have procured the Prodromus of M. Decandolle, and ob- serve, that although many of my opinions respecting the Poerinsti comceide with his; yet that he thinks the Sapo- naria of Rumphius different, and calls it Sapindus Rarak (Prodr. i. 608), distinguishing them by the Rarak having from ten to twelve pair of pinnz in each leaf, while the S. laurifolius has only three pair. I have some doubt how far we can rely on this point, the number of pinnz being liable to great variation in different parts of the same indi- vidual, and in the same individual at different ages: thus, Rumphius says, that in young plants the leaves have twelve or more pairs of pinnz, while old plants have only eight or ten; and I have mentioned in the Commentary already cited, that the leaves of the Poerinsti adjoining to the flowers, are only ternate. I have not, however, taken any note concerning the number of leaflets in parts of the tree at a distance from the flowers, or in young plants. CAP. LII. PHARMACUM SAGUERI LEGITIMUM, p. 136. t. 44. PuHarMacum SaGuERI LIMonicum, p. 137. t. 44. f. B. These seem evidently plants of the same genus; nor is it clear, indeed, from what Rumphius says, that they are dif- ferent species, although, as neither is cultivated, and as they possess different qualities, there is probably in some of their parts an essential difference, which escaped the no- tice of Rumphius. | So far as was known to M. Poiret (Enc. Meth. v. 258) no botanist since the time of Rumphius, has noticed these trees, nor have I any knowledge of them. M. Poiret, I have no doubt, mistakes the meaning of Rumphiuis con- 332 A COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND BOOK cerning their use: a fermented liquor is no more made from the root of the Sesoot, than beer is made from Hops. The fermented liquor is made from the sap of the Sagwe- rus, and the root of the Sesoot is used to regulate the fer- mentation, so as to make the liquor keep, and to give it an agreeable bitter flavour. So far as I can understand Rumphius, the leaves are bipinnated, and therefore the figure represents only one leaf. This supposition is, however, by no means certain, as he compares its foliage to that of the Clove, which has opposite branches and leaves. If the leaves are simple, like those of the Clove, or even pinnated, they must be oppo- site; and were it not for this, from the account by Rum- phius of the fruit, I should have taken the plant to be a Connarus ; but, if the leaves are bipinnate, it is more likely to be an Inga; nor is its quality in regulating the vinous fermentation unknown in plants nearly allied to this genus; for the bark of the Mimosa leucophlea (Roxb. Hort. Beng. 40) is used for this purpose (Buchanan’s My- sore, i. 39); and a clear viscid liquor, such as is described by Rumphius, is contained between the seed and external parietes of the fruit m several species of the Leguminose, belonging to the genus Cesalpinia. CAP. LITII. CAPRARIA, p. 139. There being no figure, nor any account of flower and fruit, it 1s impossible to say what this plant may be, but it has pinnated leaves. OF THE HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE. 333 CAP. LIV. Soneium, p. 140. t. 45. In a Commentary on the Syalita of Rheede (Hort. Mal. iii. 339), I have said. most of what occurred to me on the subject, as I consider the Songiwm to be the same tree. M. Decandolle does not quote the Songiuwm for either Dillenia speciosa or elliptica, but it evidently agrees better with his specific character of the former, than with that of the latter, the only difference between them being in the words foliis elliptico-oblongis applied to the D. speciosa, and elliptico-ovatus applied to the D. elliptica, differences, in my opinion, too trifling to deserve notice. Rumphius mentions three varieties of this tree, which, being a good deal planted near villages, 1s liable to assume various forms ; one has sweet, another sour fruit, and another is sterile, producing no fruit. I have never, however, noticed any tree, that produced male flowers alone, although such may very readily exist. In this case the plant belongs to the Polygamia dioecia. SANGIUS MAS et F@MINA, p. 142. t. 46. Rumphius erroneously referred this. to the Syalita of Rheede, from which, however, it is sufficiently distin- guished by its peduncules having three yellow flowers. That the Songiwm or Syalita is dicecious, I have already stated, is probable; but that the Sangius is so, from the description given by Rumphius, is certain, and nothing seems to be known of the plant, except what he says; yet Thunberg (Lin. Trans. i. 201), by whom it was intro. duced into the modern system by the name of Dillenia serrata, takes: no notice of this circumstance; and M. Poiret (Enc. Meth. vii. 151), and Decandolle (Prodr. i. 76), are equally silent. (needy XIT.—On the Anatomical Pecularities of the Sturgeon ; (Acipenser Sturio, L.) By Davip Craiciz, M. D. Extraordinary Member, and formerly President, of the Royal Medical Society, Edin- burgh. (Read 3d April 1830.) Havine, through the kindness of Professor Jameson, en- joyed an opportunity of dissecting a specimen of the Stur- geon, I have reason to believe that an account of its ana- tomical peculiarities may not be entirely void of interest. This will appear so much more necessary when I state, that, notwithstanding the diligence with which comparative anatomy has been cultivated, no very satisfactory descrip- tion of the anatomy of the order of the finny tribes to which the sturgeon belongs has yet been given ; and the short notices which we find in the writings of the late Dr Monro and Sir Everard Home, are calculated rather to ex- cite than to gratify rational curiosity. The circumstances under which my examination of the animal took place, confined my inquiries chiefly to the ali- mentary canal and the urinary organs ; and to these, there- fore, the present notice shall principally refer. It may not be improper to premise, that the Sturgeon (Acipenser Sturio of the Linnean arrangement), is an inha- bitant of most of the large rivers of Europe and the north of 3 ON THE STURGEON. 335 Asia. Inthe Don, the Wolga, and other rivers of European and Asiatic Russia, it is the object of an extensive commer- cial fishery, for the purpose of manufacturing isinglass and caviare, which last is the preserved roe of the female. In the rivers of this country, though less frequently, it is occasionally met with ; and the animal has been long known among the peasantry of Scotland, and, if I mistake not, of England, under the name of Stoor or Sture. This word, which is said to be of Gothic origin, is perhaps common to several of the ancient northern dialects, is the undoubted parent of the term Séwrio, which was unknown to the bet- ter periods of the Roman language, and may be regarded as one of the few genuine remains of the pure Anglo-Saxon common to the English and Lowland Scottish. It is cer- tain, at all events, that a manifest affinity, or rather iden- tity, may be traced between it and the Stor of the German and Lower Saxon, the Steur of the Dutch, and the Stor of Sweden; all of which seem to be sprung from the Cim- bric adjective Stoz, still extant in the Islandic, and signi- fying large or immense. Among the Roman authors, the sturgeon appears to be distinguished either by the name of Silurus or Acipenser ; and the more barbarous and equi- vocal denomination of Stwrio was adopted by the Latin of the middle ages from some of the Celtic or Gothic nations, to whom the animal was well known. The specimen which formed the subject of my examina- tion had been caught, near the Isle of May, in the Firth of Forth, by some fishermen, in whose nets, cast for catch- ing skate and other fish, it had been involved. The whole length of the animal measured from the snout to the tip of the tail 5 feet 11 inches. Its breadth at the shoulders was fully 14 inches. The length of the adult varies from 10 to 15 feet; and this, therefore, must have been a young: animal. 336 ON THE ANATOMICAL PECULIARITIES The alimentary canal consists, in this animal, of an ceso- phagus, a stomach, or membranous bag with two curvatures, a duodenum, or cylindrical tube with one curvature, and a straight cylimdrical tube answering to the intestine pro- per, or the ileum and colon combined. In dimensions these several parts were nearly as follows: Length. Circumference or Breadth. (Esophagus, . 6 inches 34 inches Stomach, . 254 6-7 Duodenum, . 314 4-34-& Qh Intestinal tube, 24 31-4 The oesophagus is a cylindrical tubular organ, extend- ing from the posterior part of the throat downward, and slightly to the left, about 6 or 7 inches. In diameter it varies from 1} to 2 inches. When cut open by a longitu- dina] incision, the whole breadth of the tube is 34 inches, which may be regarded as equivalent nearly to its average circumference. Its parietes are membranous, varying in thickness from 2 to 3 lines—diminishing, however, when the tube is stretched. The substance of this tube consists of three distinct tissues. ‘The external is a sort of tendi- nous fascia, with longitudinal fibres particularly distinct along the posterior part of the tube. Beneath this is a layer of muscular fibres, disposed in a circular direction round the tube, and constituting with the connecting cel- lular tissue the greater part of its substance. Within this again is placed the proper cesophageal membrane, a firm tenacious substance of pear|-white colour, quite opaque, and half a line thick. The free surface of this latter membrane is projected into numerous conical and pyramidal papille, which rise above its level to the extent of a line, or a line and a half, and a few tubercular eminences, not quite so prominent, but with OF THE STURGEON. 337 the former rendering the inner surface of the cesophagus rough and irregular. ‘The disposition of these pyramidal eminences and tubercles may be said to be both in trans- verse and in longitudinal rows. Of the latter, three are very distinct, and are separated by long furrows, the sur- face of which, as of that of the intervals between the emi- nences, is smooth, and of a more decided opaque pearly colour than the other portions of the membrane. Most of the papillze have acuminated apices, and some are _ bifid. They are firm and semicartilaginous in consistence. (Pl. IV. Fig. 1.) | These papillee are evidently intended to contribute to the mechanical division of the food. The sturgeon is destitute of teeth, and consequently swallows his food entire. The oesophagus contained, in the case of the individual dissected by me, several small fishes of the sand-eel genus (Ammody- tes Tobtanus), which had been swallowed entire, and were destined, in all probability, to undergo a preliminary mecha- nical digestion in the interior of the tube. ‘The thickness of the muscular layer shews that it possesses considerable contractile power ; and it is easy to see that the papille and tubercles of the inner membrane, if forcibly rubbed against articles of food by this powerful agent, must quickly reduce them to fragments fitted to enter the stomach, and undergo the chemical solution of that organ. At the same time, I do not feel myself quite justified in asserting, that this apparatus must divide the food pre- vious to its transmission into the stomach ; for, in the latter organ, amidst much digested and dissolved food, were found also several small fishes, apparently sand-eels, still in a state of great integrity. These conical papille and tubercles, nevertheless, with the opaque pearl-white aspect of the inner membrane, con- stitute the most distinct anatomical character of the ceso- VOL. VI. x 38383 ON THE ANATOMICAL PECULIARITIES phagus. The points at which they cease indicates the ter- mination of the latter tube, and the commencement of the stomach ; and they may, in this respect, be regarded as affording one of those analogical proofs of the cessation of the epidermis at the cardiac extremity of the cesophagus, which the anatomist finds in the animal kingdom at large: For, though the texture and appearance of this membrane are so different in’ the sturgeon and fishes generally, from what we find them in quadrupeds, yet the transition from the pearl-white, opaque, tuberculated membrane of the cesophagus to the fawn-coloured, villo-mucous membrane of the stomach, is so well marked that it cannot escape the most superficial observation. (Fig. 1. C). The upper extremity of the cesophagus, on its posterior surface, is connected by ligamentous slips to two of the lobes of the liver. With this organ, however, there is of course no communication. 'The tube is also fixed to the anterior surface of the vertebrae and incumbent muscles, by means of cellular tissue. ‘The superior or pharyngeal end of the tube communicates with the mouth; the lower or cardiac opens into the stomach. The latter organ, which now comes under examination, is, in the sturgeon, a large musculo-membranous bag, of a shape somewhat fusiform, or hke the oblong spheroidal figure of a distaff. Its entire length, in the specimen before me, measures 25 or 26 inches, but it underwent a curva- ture about 11 or 12 inches from its cardiac or cesophageal end. Narrow at the cardiac and pyloric extremities, it bulges, about an inch or two below the former, into a large sac, with a diameter of at least 5 inches. In this state it descends, and passes a little to the left side of the vertebral column, for about 10, 11, or 12 inches, forming a large and capacious sac, which may be regarded as the cardiac or larger division of the organ in which the first part of the OF THE STURGEON. 339 process of digestion is performed. From this point, after a slight bend upwards, the organ continues obliquely up- wards and towards the right side, crossing completely the mesial plane. At the curvature now mentioned, the organ begins to contract, and continues diminishing till it rises nearly to the level of the cardiac orifice, when it tapers, and, becoming. conical, takes another bend, in order to form the pylorus and its valve. ‘The portion of the organ included between the curvature and the pyloric outlet, may be regarded as the pyloric or second division of the sto- mach. | | | When cut open, the breadth at the orifice of the sound or swimming-bladder, which is about two inches below the cardia, 1s six inches exactly; and, a little below this, it amounts ‘to seven inches, which may be regarded as the greatest breadth of the gastric membrane. From these measurements, however, it is impossible to calculate exactly the capacity of the organ ; for it is evidently very distensi- ble, and had contracted greatly after being laid open ; and, while the circumference now stated gives an average dia- meter of 23 inches only, I think it is likely, from the folds which, in the recent state, the inner membrane presented, that the caliber of the organ is at least four mches, and oc- casionally six or seven. The parietes of the stomach are thinner and more mem- branous than those of the cesophagus; and, while its inte- rior is formed by a thin transparent membrane, correspond- ing to the peritoneum of the mammalia, the middle consists of a layer of circular muscular fibres, lined on its interior by a villous membrane of no great thickness, but firm and tenacious. Of this latter membrane, the most remarkable peculiarity is, that it is gathered into longitudinal folds, ex- tending from the cardia to the pylorus, not dissimilar to those of the Red or fourth stomach of the ruminating tribes. x2 340 ON THE ANATOMICAL PECULIARITIES This membrane is villous in structure and mucous in pro- perties. Its surface is smooth and velvet-like, of a fawn- colour, approaching to Sienna-yellow*, and it is nearly quite opaque; at least it does not allow the muscular coat to be recognised through it, and it cannot be even denominated translucent, chiefly perhaps in consequence of the white opake corion. To the muscular coat it adheres by part only of its attached surface. The unattached parts are those which correspond to the folds, and which are mutually ap- plied without adhering to each other. The free surface is, as I have already stated, formed into several, perhaps a . dozen, of longitudinal folds, which project, but do not hang loose into the cavity of the organ. 'The result of this ar- rangement is, that the mucous membrane is greatly more extensive than the muscular tunic and the peritoneum ; and its free surface presents an extent double, if not treble, of that which it would, if void of these folds. ‘They were _ quite distinct in the recent state; but, since the stomach was divided, they have entirely disappeared, so that the mucous surface is entirely uniform. Though I am averse to the introduction of speculations on the uses of particular arrangements in the description of mere anatomical facts, it may nevertheless not be alto- gether unseasonable to observe, that the provision of plice, or folds, of the gastric mucous membrane, is not only connected with the anatomical fact of increasing the extent of surface, but is probably intended to allow the membrane to undergo a much greater degree of distention, than it could with safety, if void of these duplicatures. The sto- mach is an organ liable at all times, and in all classes, to * Here I may mention once for all, that, in speaking of the colours of parts, I use the nomenclature and distinctions of Werner as modi- fied by Professor Jameson in the useful tract of Mr Patrick Syme of this place. OF THE STURGEON. 3AL great and rather sudden changes of capacity; and, from the voracity of fishes, which gorge, in general, until not only the stomach, but the cesophagus, is actually crammed. to the throat, this viscus is, in these animals, occasionally stretched to a very great degree. When the muscular coat is stretched, if not beyond its bounds, it naturally contracts when the distending cause ceases to operate ; and even the distention, in this case, is not altogether unfa- vourable to its action. The peritoneum also, we know from the phenomena of uterogestation, is both distensible and contractile. With the mucous membrane, however, it appears to be different; and the only mode by which this tissue seems with safety to undergo alternate disten- tion and contraction, is by its bemg provided with greater actual extent, and by the contractile power of the enclosing muscular layer, drawing it into folds of various size and in different directions. 'The reason why these folds are lon- gitudinal in the sturgeon, is, that the muscular layer is ar- ranged in circular fibres round the axis of the stomach. Towards the pyloric end the villous coat becomes firm, and the muscular layer acquires extraordinary thickness and strength, approaching to fully half an inch of solid muscular substance, at one inch from the pyloric termina- tion. At the same time the organ contracts, tapering like the apex of a cone, and, after making a slight bend, forms the pyloric orifice, which terminates in the duodenum by a valvular opening of peculiar figure and structure. This consists in the muscular and mucous tissue being contracted into a tubular opening, so much that the tip of the little finger may be inserted from the gastric end, but cannot be carried through. This opening, indeed, is so small, that it allows only a good sized pencil to be introduced. The pyloric opening is thus formed into an annular tube, which not only, by a further bend, completes the arch partially 342 ON THE ANATOMICAL PECULIARITIES formed by the contracting portion of the organ, but pro- jects like the nozzle of a stop-cock into the next bowel. (Fig. 2. 1). It is almost superfluous to say, that the stomach commu- nicates above with the cesophagus, and below, by the ori- fice now described, with the duodenum. In addition to these ordinary communications, it also opens into another cavity, that of the sound or swimming-bladder. On the left side of the stomach, about two inches below the cardiac orifice, there is a circular or elliptical opening, as large as half-a-crown, proceeding into a cavity, which is that of the sound. ‘The margin of this circular orifice is provided with a row of fringe-like papillee, which consist of mucous membrane enveloping muscular fibres. ‘These papillee do not appear very distinctly on the gastric side of the orifice (Fig. 1. O), which appears rather under the form of a cir- cular hole, with mucous membrane puckered into folds. When examined from the sound they are large and distinct, and are even larger and more prominent on one margin of the aperture than the other (Fig. 4). These apices, which are broad, project into the sound, not into the stomach; and, as they are chiefly muscular in structure, it is not improbable | that they are either in some degree under the will of the animal, or associated with some of the motions of the volun- tary organs. If these papille act as a sphincter valve, which is not improbable, they may allow the entrance or exit of air, while they exclude the food. In the present instance, the swimming bladder contained, with some wa- ter, a little of the pulpy matter which was found in the stomach. It was otherwise flaccid. The stomach is attached above to the vertebral column, to part of the sound, and on the right side to two of the lobes of the liver, and by means of the spleen to the duo- denum. OF THE STURGEON. JAB The next bowel corresponds to the duodenum of the human subject and the mammalia, but cannot be so deno- minated with justice, since it 1s not less than 31 inches long. In anatomical character and physiological proper- ties, however, this bowel corresponds so perfectly with the human duodenum, that it may be adduced as a good ex- ample of the impropriety of naming organs from their di- mensions only. It isa complete ventriculus succenturiatus, or secondary stomach. ‘The characters on which it is en- titled to this distinction are, 1st, its connexion with the pyloric end of the stomach ; 2d, its reception of the biliary duct; 3d, its connexion with the pancreatoid organ, which has generally, but not very properly, been named appendices pylorice ; and, 4th, the peculiar curvature which it takes, something below the middle of its course. In one character only, that of being attached to the spleen, does it differ from the human duodenum ; but this is too trivial a circumstance to be allowed any weight as an ob- jection. (Fig. 2. A A). : This secondary stomach, then, or aneenti: may be described as a cylindrical tube, bent at an acute angle on itself, situated between the pyloric end of the stomach and the upper end of the intestinal tube. From the former | point it proceeds downwards, and towards the left, for the space of 18 inches, when it makes a quick bend, and as- cends obliquely in the opposite direction for 133 inches, when it unites with the intestine proper. Its calibre, be- fore division, scarcely exceeded 1 inch. After being laid open, its average breadth was about 4 inches. At the an- gular bend it was only 34; and, though it widened again below this, it contracted at the inferior extremity, and be- came not more than 23 inches, making the caliber of this part not so much as one inch. 344 ON THE ANATOMICAL PECULIARITIES In structure, this part of the alimentary canal differs considerably from the cesophagus and stomach. The exte- rior membrane, indeed, like that of the latter, is peri- toneum ; and between this and the inner membrane there is interposed a layer of muscular fibres, with circular dis- position, about three lines, or 4 of an inch thick, and giv- ing proportional firmness to the intestine. But the inter- nal membrane is very different in appearance and phy- sical characters; on the first sight it appears like a honey- comb net-work of smooth fibres intersecting each other, and forming large pentagonal meshes, or cells; and this arrangement unquestionably it was which induced the late Dr Monro to denominate this of the sturgeon reticular. It is not worth while to dispute the propriety of this as a general character of the appearance which the mner sur- face of the duodenum presents. I shall rather endeavour, by precise description, to communicate as distinct an idea of it as possible; and, when the arrangement is under- stood, it is of little moment by what name it is denomi- nated. A given space of this surface, when minutely examined, is found to consist of numerous bands of animal matter, about the breadth of derning needles, and round and smooth on the surface, intersecting each other in directions not very definite, but so as to form a series of trapeziums and irregular pentagons. ‘These bands may be considered as primary. ‘The trapezoidal and pentagonal spaces which they enclose, present again surfaces intersected in like manner by much more minute bands, some not exceeding the size of sewing needles, and some as minute as hairs. The interstices of these intersecting or reticular bands, are of various sizes. ‘Those of the primary walls are from 1} to 2 lines in superficial extent ; those of the secondary OF THE STURGEON. 345 bands are so small, that they scarcely admit the point of a silver probe; and some are so minute, that the head of a common needle only can be inserted into them. At my first examination of this structure, I imagined that the large or primary bands might be elevated from the surface of the membrane, by means of a blunt instru- ment inserted beneath. This, however, I find not to be the case. They are tied down, as it were, by minute thread-like bands, similar to the small capillary ones ; and which, like the latter, contribute to the formation of the minute reticular texture. Of the nature of the substance of these intersecting bands, I scarcely feel competent to speak with confidence. Analogy would lead us to suppose, that they are similar in structure to the villo-mucous membranes. I must never- theless say, that they have a redder and more fleshy ap- pearance, as well as a firmer consistence, than any form of villous membrane with which I am acquainted. There is further no appearance of vildi, or piles, such as are found in the intestinal tube of the mammalia, birds, and some rep- tiles.. This tissue is short in the inner surface of the duo- denum of the sturgeon, while dissimilar to that of the duo- denal membrane in other classes of animals, bears a nearer resemblance to that'cf the inner surface of the auricle of the heart, than to any other part of the animal body. The in- dividual bands, or, faseiculi, are perfectly smooth, so that, however irregular the surface may seem, its component parts are highly polished. ‘The bowel was found filled with food in the state of chymous pulp. When this was removed, the interstitial cavities were occupied by a good deal of mucus, which, however, was easily washed off by pure water. The upper or gastric extremity of the duodenum is re- markable for three orifices which open into it. The first 346 ON THE ANATOMICAL PECULIARITIES of these is the pylorus already noticed, and on which, there- fore, I shall not dwell any longer. 'The second is an ex- creting duct, which must be more particularly mentioned. Situate in a sinus or cavity behind, and a little to the right of the pyloric opening, is a small nipple-like process, which projects into the surface of the membrane about 1 line. The extremity of this process contains a minute orifice, which simply admits the point of a common-sized probe. This is the opening of the biliary duct. In the instance before me, though the probe entered, I found it impossible to carry it upwards into the gall-bladder, with- out using more force than I thought expedient; but, when introduced from the gall-bladder, it went without diffi- culty into the duodenum, a circumstance which I ascribe to the transverse folds almost invariably found in the in- ner membrane of the common duct. On the opposite side of the pyloric opening, in a similar sinuous recess, is seen an orifice much larger, sufficiently so, indeed, to admit the tip of the middle finger. This opening leads into the interior of a large triangular- shaped organ, situate on the outer side of the bowel, and having the appearance of a pancreas. ‘This organ it would be improper to describe at present, were it not almost ma- nifest that it performs an important and essential part of the process of digestion. ‘Though differmg from the other parts of the alimentary canal, in not possessing the cylin- drical shape and the tubular disposition, and in having no outlet, yet, as it contained part of the alimentary mass, and as its interior is lined with the same membrane as that which covers the duodenum, I think I am justified in ar- ranging it in the mean time with the latter organ. This body, then, which for want of a better name, I am obliged to term the pancreatoid, is of an irregular trian- gular shape, of a fleshy appearance, and of a bluish colour, OF THE STURGEON. 847 or rather greenish-black, with pansy-purple, interspersed with whitish or white-grey spots. Its consistence is firm and solid, a circumstance to be ascribed to the thickness of its parietes, which are at least half an inch, often more than a wholeone. Its outer free surface is covered, as the other abdominal organs, with peritoneum. ‘The internal, I have already said, is a membrane of the same physical and anatomical characters as that of the duodenum. Be- tween ithe two is interposed a mass of firm fleshy sub- stance, of a greyish-white colour, and which resembles a good deal the substance of the uterus of mammiferous ani- mals. (Fig. 2. P). ‘The internal arrangement of this body is very singular. The orifice which leads to it from the duodenum very soon diverges into several similar orifices; and, when these are exposed by suitable sections, they are found to terminate in spherical and. spheroidal cavities, in which are found simi- lar orifices leading to similar cavities. Though I call these cavities spherical or spheroidal, I mean not to say that their shape is strictly so; and indeed it is difficult ac- curately to determine the form of these cavities, which vary in this respect according as one communicates with few or more of them. Thus, after laying open the organ by a sec- tion directed laterally outward, a pretty large space, of an irregular figure, but containing four or five orifices, is ex- posed. When the section is prolonged into one or more of these openings, their shape is found still to vary according as they present other openings in smaller or greater num- ber. While this organ, in short, possesses no general ca- vity, its interior is moulded into a series of communicating cells, separated by partitions of the substance proper to the organ, and each of which, to the remotest recess, is lined by the honeycomb or reticular membrane, which is continued from the duodenum. 3848 ON THE ANATOMICAL PECULIARITIES A still more remarkable peculiarity is, that these com- municating cells have no outlet or vent, and communicate with the cavity of the intestinal tube by the duodenal open- ing only. In the specimen of the sturgeon dissected by me, they were filled with alimentary matter in a pulpy state, and of the same consistence and physical characters as that in the duodenum. From the arrangement now mentioned, it results that this alimentary matter cannot escape from the cells by any other route than that by which it had entered them. | On the nature and uses of this peculiar organ, it is rea- sonable to make some inquiry ; but hitherto little satisfac- tory information regarding it has been communicated. 'The zootomists by whom the organ has been noticed, have been satisfied either with admiring its peculiarities of structure, or with drawing some vague comparisons between it and the pancreas of warm-blooded animals. The first work, I believe, in which this subject receives any attention, is the Observations of the Amsterdam physicians, ascribed chiefly to Swammerdam, in which they are named Appendices Pylorice, and are supposed to secrete a fluid which exer- cises considerable influence on the process of chylification. The denomination is not very happy ; for though, in some _ fishes, they open at the pylorus, or lower end of the sto- mach, in a much larger proportion they are placed at the beginning of the duodenum, with which they communicate, and hence would merit rather the epithet of Duodenal Ap- pendages. The next work in which this structure is remarked, is that of Samuel Collins, an anatomist who, for diligence in prosecuting the study of zootomy, and recording several curious facts regarding the structure of the lower animals, compared with that of the human subject, deserves to be OF THE STURGEON. 349 more generally known than he is *. ‘This author mentions shortly in his description of the intestinal structure of fishes, parts of the alimentary canal, to which he gives the name of intestina ceca, or blind guts; that is, bowels without vent ; and of these he delineates examples in the perch, the rocket, the eel-pout, the grey mullet, the red mullet, the gurnet, the whiting, and the asellus virescens,—a variety, I believe, of the whiting. In these genera of the finny tribes, the ceca are numerous, varying from 6, 8, or 10, to 1%, 20, or even 100 in some instances. 'They are in the shape of long processes which hang loose from the secondary sto- mach, not unlike fingers; and, when not very numerous, they popularly receive the name of hand or foot, as in the case of the burbot, the Gadus Lota of Linnzeus, the Lota fluviatilis of M. Cuvier and Mr Stark. This may be con- sidered the first form of the part of the alimentary canal at present under consideration. | The same author, in a subsequent part of his work, de- scribes, in the same situation, under the name of Pancreas, an organ, sometimes triangular, sometimes like a battledore, but always containing glandular cavities, and secretory ducts. Collins, at the same time, mentions the fact as ascertained by the Amsterdam anatomists already referred to, that, in some fishes, as the cod, it is possible to enumerate 249 ap- pendages, terminating in 40, and occasionally in ‘70 trunks, * A Systeme of Anatomy, treating of the Body of Man, Beasts, Birds, Fish, Insects, and Plants, illustrated with many schemes, con- sisting of a variety of elegant figures, drawn from the life, and engraved on seventy-four folio copper-plates; and after every part of man’s body hath been anatomically described, its diseases, cases and cures, are con- cisely exhibited. By Samuel Collins, Doctor of Physic, Physician in ordinary to his late Majesty of blessed memory, and Fellow of the King’s most famous College of Physicians in London, and formerly a Fellow of the Royal Foundation of Trinity College in the most flourish- ing University of Cambridge. In the Savoy, printed by Thomas New. combe 1685. ‘Two vols. folio. 350 ON THE ANATOMICAL PECULIARITIES which. discharge pancreatic liquor by six ducts into the in- testinal canal. Waiving entirely the circumstance of dis- charging pancreatic liquor, which is a mere assertion, and may or may not be true, there is no doubt that the c@ca, and the so named pancreas, are really varieties of the same form of organization. ‘That the intestina ceca, or pyloric appen- dages, and the pancreas, or pancreatoid organ, are truly to be referred to the same parts, is proved by the fact, that in no genus of the finny tribes do we find both these forms of or- gans, and that, in those which have the ceca, the pancreas- like organ is wanting ; and conversely, those which are pro- vided with the latter are destitute of the former organ. The triangular cellular organ of the Sturgeon, in short, may be regarded as the second form of this variety of structure. In external appearance, indeed, it bears so close a re- semblance to the pancreas of warm-blooded animals, that Dr Monro the second, who has left a delineation of it and its interior cavities, and Sir Everard Home, who repre- sents it 2 situ, scruple not to give it the denomination; and their example has been more or less generally followed by writers on zootomy. I am averse to innovation, and un- willing to change names which imply no serious error. But I feel that it is requisite to point out the differences be- tween this organ and the genuine pancreas in warm-blooded animals, In the latter classes, the pancreas is a glandular organ of the kind named conglomerate, that is, consisting of lobules, which again are composed of granules named acinz, which are liberally supplied with blood, and to which is assigned the duty of secreting from the blood a fluid not existing in it, and possessed of distinctive and peculiar properties. This organ, like other glands, is provided with an excre- tory duct or canal into which the secreted fluid is poured, and by which it is conveyed into the duodenum. ‘The i OF THE STURGEON. 351 chyme, or alimentary pulp, does not enter this duct; but through it the pancreatic liquor is conveyed to the former. In the sturgeon, and similar fishes, on the contrary, the pancreatoid or cellular organ, though provided with thick fleshy parietes, presents no marks of glandular tissue; nor can any excretory duct be recognised. It contains a series of communicating cells, into which the chyme is conveyed, and from which it is afterwards returned by the same out- let into the intestine. If it secretes a fluid, as is maintained by some observers, it must be from the mucous reticular surface, in the same manner as when the gastric juice is se- creted from the mucous surface of the stomach, and the in- testinal fluid from that of the bowels. There is in truth no reason, unless its external appearance, to regard it as a glandular organ; and it seems chiefly designed for per- forming a more refined and exquisite part of the process of digestion. One purpose of it is pretty obvious, at least if we may reason from what would be the consequence of its absence. I allude to the fact, that the food which is conveyed into the pancreatoid cells, must necessarily be retarded in its transit through the alimentary canal ; and if all the fcod which passes through the latter tube must perform the circular route of these cells previous to passing through the duodenum, it is manifest that it must be much more thoroughly digested than if no such organ existed to retard its conveyance. The use of such an apparatus for delaying the transit of the food, is so much more neces- sary in the finny tribes, in which the intestinal canal is straight and void of convolutions. ‘To conjecture on this subject I am averse; but if this be admissible, in allowing me to advance a step farther in illustrating the use of this organ, I would be disposed, in the mean time, to regard it as intended particularly to retard the motion of the alimen- tary mass, in order more effectually to separate the chyle 352 ON THE ANATOMICAL PECULIARITIES from the chyme previous to the conveyance of the former into the lacteals. The lower, anal, or intestinal extremity of the duode- num, is situate in this specimen about 32 inches from its pyloric end; and after tapering a little, it opens into the straight or tubular intestine by a valvular orifice, very si- milar to that of the pylorus, and which projects into the ca- vity of the latter in the same manner, like the nozzle of a stop-cock. 3 This tube, which is the last part of the alimentary canal, may be described as a straight hollow cylinder, without curvature, of uniform diameter, and tapering toward the lower end, where it opens by an outlet or vent, distinct from that of the urinary organs, and finally terminating at the anus of the animal. In the specimen dissected by me, the length of this tube is twenty-four inches—not more than one-third of the length of the animal. Its diameter is about one inch ; and, when divided, the breadth of its pa- rietes varies from three and a half to four inches. Its pa- rietes are half an inch thick, strong, fleshy, and cut firmly under the knife. In the recent state, their colour was in- termediate between flesh-red and crimson-red, and perhaps a shade of auricula-purple; but at present they have as- sumed a blanched appearance, and approach in colour to cream-yellow. The exterior covering is, as in the others, the peritoneum, which, at the posterior edge, is doubled off to form a me- sentery by which the tube is attached firmly, and so as to prevent free motion, to the vertebral column. Subjacent to this, we find a thick layer of animal matter, which in den- sity and firmness of texture, bore, in the recent state, a strong resemblance to the substance of the human uterus. At present it appears to be muscular, with a large propor- tion of firm, closely condensed cellular tissue. Within this 1 OF THE STURGEON. 3903 . is a structure and arrangement of parts so peculiar, that it cannot be described unless in successive steps. In the first place, then, from the postericr or vertebral margin of the duodenal orifice, proceeds a long band of animal matter down the entire length of the tube, and si- tuate as near as may be in its centre, so as to constitute a true axis to the intestinal cylinder. When the latter is cut open by a longitudinal incision through its whole extent, this longitudinal band, which may be justly named the axis, or central column of the intestine, appears to divide it into two halves; or, to speak more precisely, its plane divides the intestine into two semicylinders. The duodenal orifice is rather to the right of the upper extremity of this pillar ; and it may be said to open in a sinus or hollow, si- tuate between this and a membrane to be noticed pre- sently. (Fig. 3.) About one and a half or two inches from its upper ex- tremity, there extends from the right margin of the fleshy axis to the wall of the intestine, a thin membrane, which then winds obliquely round the former, and proceeds in this manner, attached, on the one hand, to the axis, and in the other, to the inner surface of the intestine the whole way down. ‘The arrangement is similar to that of a cork- screw, with a rod of wood inserted into the cylinder of the worm to represent the axis, or like a spiral staircase, wind- ing round a central modiolus. The effect of this membra- nous slip winding round the axis is, that the tract of the in- testine, instead of being only the length of the tube, is greatly increased. The combination of parts now described, constitutes what is termed the spiral valve,—an arrange- ment peculiar to fishes, and to the object and use of which we shall presently advert. Though long known, it has not been very distinctly described; and I have therefore been VOL. VI. Z 354 ON THE ANATOMICAL PECULIARITIES desirous to communicate as distinct an idea of its configu- ration, as mere verbal description is adequate to convey. The inner surface of this intestine further presents cer- tain peculiarities of structure, which, so far as I am aware, have not been recognised by anatomists. When inspected with care, the portions which are on the right side of the axis, are entirely different im structure from those on the left. In the latter, they are smooth and uniform, like a mucous membrane void of villi, and destined, like that of the respiratory organs in the MAMMALIA, to secrete merely thin serous mucus. On the right side of the axis, the portions of the bowel interposed between the spiral membranous slips present a distinct, though modified form, of the reticular structure exhibited by the duodenum. It is not uninteresting to mark the transition of these two forms of structure into each other ‘The winding slips of the valve divide the tube, as. it were, into a series of sinuo- sities or cells of an irregular elliptical shape. The membranous lining of the first of these cells, on the right side, is, like the beginning of the intestine, smooth and uniform; but as it approaches the slip, it assumes the reticular or honeycomb arrangement. At the margin of the slip, again, and at the plane of the axis, this ceases, and it passes to the other side, in the shape of a smooth, polished, mucous surface. On the opposite side, and at the lower margin of this slip, however, the honeycomb texture again commences, and extends over the whole surface of the siuuosity between the two slips; but on the mesial plane the smooth polished aspect of the membrane is re- sumed. This alternate arrangement of reticular and smooth structure is observed the whole way down the tube. The number of the cells thus formed, is eight, with reticular structure, on the right side of the axis,—and nine, with smooth surfaces, on the left side. It is a remarkable proof OF THE STURGEON. 355 of the carelessness with which this structure has been stu- died, that the only author who delineates it represents the membrane on both sides of the axis as reticular. ‘This over- sight I have attempted to rectify. (Fig. 3.) The avis or central pillar of the valve seems to consist of bloodvessels, enclosed in cellular tissue, and enveloped. in the same smooth uniform membrane which lines. the sinuosities on its left side. ‘The author to whom [I last alluded, the late Dr Monro of this University, in his work on the Structure of Fishes, denominates the avis the me- senteric veins; and the membranous slips proceeding from it to the intestines, branches of these veins. This I cannot help regarding as a most fanciful and erroneous notion, which I can neither explain nor reconcile with the accuracy and zeal with which that able anatomist laboured to extend the bounds of our knowledge of the structure of the animal world. There is in the axis no appearance of venous trunks sufficiently large to constitute the mesenteric veins ; nor do the slips contain any vessel entitled to the epithet of branches of these veins. It is very probable that the Doctor never examined their intericr structure, and upon some loose analogy, or imaginary resemblance, took it for granted that the axis and its spiral membrane was a vas- cular distribution. I examined it by means of longitudinal and oblique incisions, but could find neither to my own satisfaction nor to that of the gentlemen present, any vas- cular arrangement more than that of small vessels, sent, as might be expected, to supply the axis. I regret that the ‘circumstances under which our dissection took place, ren- dered it impossible to inject any part of the animal; but T shall avail myself of the earliest opportunity to supply this defect, and determine the point positively. The use of the spiral valve is sufficiently obvious. The intestinal tube is not, as in the Mammalia and Birds, Zz. 2 356 ON THE ANATOMICAL PECULIARITIES longer than the body of the animal, and convoluted into numerous turnings,—though the whole canal, reckoning from the mouth to the vent, is about the same length; the intestinal tube proper is considerably shorter, and does not exceed one-third of its length. By means of the spiral valve, however, it is divided into a series of cells, which wind round the axis between it and the cylinder, and which thereby lengthen the intestine at least to thrice its direct extent. The food is thus compelled to travel a route great- ly more circuitous, than if it were passing through a simple straight tube; and if it 1s not enabled more certainly to undergo the changes necessary to thorough digestion, it is prevented from escaping through the bowel before the up- per portions have undergone the requisite changes. This is the second instance in the finny tribes of a contrivance to compensate for the short course and the direct tract of the alimentary canal. To complete this account of the alimentary organs of the Sturgeon, I shall add a few words on the liver and spleen. The former is one consisting of five distinct lobes, of glan- dular structure, provided with a duct, a gall-bladder, and common duct. ‘Two of these lobes are connected by a membranous slip, above to the upper extremity of the ceso- phagus on the night side, and below to the stomach by ligamentous matter enclosing the hepatic vessels. Two more lobes are also connected to the stomach, and in the fissure between these is lodged the gall-bladder, the duct of which passes outwards, to enter the duodenum imme- diately below the pyloric orifice by the papillary process formerly noticed. The spleen is peculiar in being attached, not only to the outer surface of the stomach, bnt to that of the duodenum, in its first or descending division. It is a long, narrow, pink-coloured organ, not unlike the tongue of an animal; OF THE STURGEON. $57 and is much firmer, and more consistent, than in the hu- man subject. The vessels of the alimentary canal are found at the posterior surface of the different bowels covered by perito- neum. The urinary organs of the sturgeon consist of two long tubular canals, placed on each side of the intestine with the spiral valve, and resting on the spinal column and its muscles, to which they are attached by cellular membrane. To describe these organs is no easy matter; they resemble neither the kidneys, nor the ureters, nor the bladder of the mammalia or birds, but combine the characters of all these. Their parietes are thin and membranous. Their imner surface, which is red, smooth and mucous, but not distinct- ly villous, presents a series of minute orifices not larger than pin-heads, which correspond to the infundibula of the kidneys of mammiferous animals. The lower extremities of these canals widen, and, suddenly contracting, terminate in a common outlet or vent, which opens behind that of the intestine on the surface at the anal fin. I may add also, that we saw the openings which main- tain the communication with the peritoneal cavity and the surface of the body, and which in these animals are re- quisite for the purposes of reproduction. I am aware that these singular outlets, by which a direct communication is established between the surface and cavity of the perito- neum and the surface of the body of the animal, have been the subject of some controversy ; and by some even their existence has been called in question. In this specimen, however, they were distinct; and as their existence is not confined to the sturgeon, they cannot be denied on the ground of anomaly, as I shall take occasion afterwards t° show. 398 ON THE ANATOMICAL PECULIARITIES Since the foregoing paper was read to the Wernerian Society, I have had an opportunity of dissecting two other specimens of the Sturgeon, and of verifying some state- ments, and completing others which were deficient. The first of these was a small male, measuring from the tip of the snout to that of the caudal fin 30 inches, caught in the Firth of Forth on the 5th of August; the second was a female measuring 3 feet 7 inches, reported to be caught off the mouth of the Esk, below Musselburgh. Though, in the foregoing account, I described the sto- mach of the sturgeon exactly as I found it, 1 was nota little perplexed to find that my description of the direction of the organ, though derived from the parts exactly an situ, by no means corresponded with the delineation given by Sir Everard Home in the Philosophical ‘Transactions, and. subsequently republished in his Lectures on Com- parative Anatomy. In these works the stomach of the sturgeon is represented as descending on the right side of the vertebral column, making a curvature or bend, and as- cending on the left side to its first level, and once more forming a curvature, crossing the mesial plane, and descend- ing a little to constitute the pylorus. In the first speci- men, in which the stomach of the animal was completely crammed with alimentary matter, the first curvature was by no means distinct, or rather it was so indistinct as not to be recognised. In the two latter specimens, especially the third, in which the stomach was empty, and formed a long cylindrical tube, the curvatures were nearly the same as represented by Sir Everard Home. A little below the cardia it bulges into a fusiform swelling, represented at C, (Fig. 5.) then contracts and descends for 3 or 4 inches, makes a round bend, and crossing the mesial plane to the left side of the vertebral column, ascends, makes another round turn OF THE STURGEON. 359 at P, and descends to form at P the pylorus. ‘These va- rieties, in the figure and direction of the stomach, are to be ascribed, I conceive, to the opposite states of plenitude and emptiness. When the organ is empty, as in my last spe- cimen, the curvatures are distinctly exhibited, in conse- quence of the strong contraction of the muscular fibres of the space between the cardiac and pyloric extremities. When it is recently and completely filled, on the contrary, the mechanical distension overcoming for the time the mus- cular force, not only distends the organ, so as to bring the lower and upper curvatures in close approximation, but causes the cardiac portion to revolve backwards on the pyloric, and thereby render indistinct, if not obliterate, the first curvature. But whatever opinion may be entertained as to the cause, no doubt can exist as to the fact that the stomach, when empty, is a long cylindrical tube, incurvated twice on itself in the transverse direction, and enclosing by its incurvations an elliptical space ; and that, when filled, it assumes the appearance of a musculo-membranous sac, with an antero-posterior incurvation below, and a trans- verse one above, and inclosing, instead of an elliptical, an oblong triangular space. The pancreatoid organ has been sufficiently described in the foregoing sketch. I have only to add, that the inner surface of this organ appears to secrete a thin fiuid, which, instead of being conveyed, as in the mammalia, to the food, is insensibly distilled on the food introduced into its cellu- lar compartments, and the chief use of which appears to be to render the alimentary mass more fit for the formation and separation of chyle. The fleshy substance of which it con- sists is liberally supplied with bloodvessels, the chief use of which is to secrete this fluid by vascular not follicular ac- tion. After the food has undergone this process, the mus- cular fibres contract, and propel the food from the cavities 360 ON THE ANATOMICAL PECULIARITIES into the duodenum, in which the absorption of chyle appears chiefly to proceed. With the view of ascertaining the structure of the axis or central pillar of the spiral valve, I injected, in the small specimen, a large vein; and, in the larger one, the arteries of the intestinal canal, at the mesenteric side of the intestine. The injection, which filled the small vessels of the bowel very well, shewed that the axis consists, not of mesenteric trunks, as might be inferred from the statement of Dr Monro secundus, but of minute capillaries distributed through cellular tissue. No large vessels can be recognised, although the mucous surface is reddened by the injection, and the axis appears to be simply very well supplied with minute vascular ramifications. It is further remarkable, that the membrane on the right side of the axis and the valvular slips are in general much better supplied with bloodvessels than the membrane on the left side of the axis. The result of this injection, I conceive, decides the ques- tion of the structure of the axis, In the account of the large sturgeon above given, I have described minutely the ence structure of the in- ner membrane, and have directed attention particularly to the fact of the alternation of this structure with smooth membrane on the right and left side of the axis. In the small specimen before me at this moment (August 7.), the reticular structure is not yet distinctly formed ; and its com- mencement only can be recognised in the shape of minute specks, which are red-coloured from the injection, disse emil- nated over the mucous membrane. In the present specimens also, I had an opportunity of observing distinctly the different orifices at the anal fin, which in the sturgeon are peculiar, and of which, therefore, I have given a representation in the engraving. The space which may be named the outlet, or common OF THE STURGEON. 361 opening, is, in the small specimen, about the size of a six- pence, in the large one about the size of a shilling, elliptical, rather than round, with the large diameter longitudinally. This space presents in this animal four openings. 'The first, which is the largest, is anterior and superior, in the middle, and is the termination of the intestinal tube, or the lower opening of the spiral intestine. This constitutes the anus proper, and is represented at a (Fig. 5.) Behind, and a little below this, is another opening, much smaller, but large enough to admit a blowpipe or a small quill, and forming, by the elevation of its edges, a nipple-like projec- tion (n). This, after passing about half an inch inward, divides into two canals, large and capacious, on each side of the spiral intestine, but behind the peritoneum, and con- sequently without that membrane. ‘These canals extend upward, widening, and becoming capacious, and present at intervals blind cavities, the surface of which is vascular and villous. ‘These cavities, which resemble closely in structure and appearance the small follicular sacs of the mucous membranes in the MAMMALIA, are analogous to the infun- dibula of the kidneys in this class; and the whole canals may be regarded as kidneys, arranged in the longitudinal form, and terminating in a common urethra, immediately behind the anal orifice, as already stated. The small nip- ple-like orifice, therefore, may be regarded as a urethra, or at least a common ureter ; and there is, consequently, in the sturgeon no cloaca or common outlet for the intestinal tube and urinary organs as in other fishes. The lateral openings on each side of the anus are still more curious and important, and merit the particular at- tention of the zootomist. . These openings were recognised by Monro, and are mentioned by others; but many have doubted their existence ; and from none have they received the attention to which their peculiar relations entitle them. 362 ON THE ANATOMICAL PECULIARITIES It is remarked by Cuvier, that though the distribution of the peritoneum in fishes is analogous to that of the same membrane of the Mammaiia, it presents in the family of the Raie a peculiar circumstance of organization. Instead of being a sac, shut on all sides, as in the mammalia and the reptiles, it is perforated in two places, and communicates with the lateral surface of the body by two orifices, one on each side of the anus, leading directly into the cavity of the abdomen. This arrangement is not peculiar to the Ray genus. I have seen it in the dog-fish ; it 1s represented by Sir Eve- rard Home in the shark and lamprey; and it was seen by Dr Grant in the sword-fish. In the sturgeon it is found in remarkable perfection. In the specimen before me these orifices are sufficiently large to admit a good-sized quill, and — lead directly into the cavity of the peritoneum (00, Fig. 6.). Their outer part is formed by a ring of mucous membrane ; their inner is peritoneum ; and it is interesting to remark the transition between the mucous and serous surfaces, which is here distinctly visible. My chief reason for direct- ing attention to them at present, is to show that, singular as this structure appears, and at variance as it may seem with our ideas of the anatomical configuration of the shut sacs, it presents no anomaly which may not be reconciled with the general characters of these membranes, and no deviation from the rank which they hold in the system of organized membranes. I have remarked, in my Elements of General Anatomy (p. 740.), that the peritoneum in the female presents an ex- ception to the character of continuity and non-communica- tion of the outer with the inner surface of serous mem- branes, in being perforated in two points, corresponding to the upper orifice of the Fallopian tubes. I have, at the same time, observed that this is the only spot ‘ at which OF THE STURGEON. 363 the mucous and scrous surfaces communicate directly with each other.” 'This statement is applicable to the whole class of mammiferous animals in which the peritoneum is per- forated in the same manner, and where, consequently, the same communication is established between the serous and mucous surfaces, and, consequently, between the serous surface of the peritoneum and the external or cutaneous surface of the body. Exactly in this predicament are the orifices of the ray, shark, and sturgeon now mentioned. Though at first sight extraordinary that there should be a direct commu- nication between the external surface of the body and the cavity of the peritoneum, on reflection it appears not more extraordinary than the communication between the cuta- - neous and mucous surfaces with the serous in the Mam- mala generally. In the males, indeed, of this class, we have not yet demonstrated this communication. But, if our researches are directed to the period of foetal life, I think it not unreasonable to anticipate such a discovery. In the Sturgeon, YT have already stated my belief that the existence of these orifices is connected with the mode in which the animals propagate their species. The chief rea- son for this opinion is, that in this animal no opening from the ovaries exists into the cloaca, as in others of the finny tribes. So far as can be judged in an animal so young, I regard the smallest specimen as a male, the soft roe or milt being seen on each side of the vertebral column, and urinary bladder. The large one is evidently female. In neither, however, do I find any communication between these parts and the cloaca; and I am therefore inclined to retain the opinion originally stated, that the peritoneal orifices are the outlets for the spawn and ova of the animals. This opinion, I admit, requires confirmation before it be recog- nised as an established principle. In the mean time, it 364 ON THE ANATOMY OF THE STURGEON. may serve to direct the attention of those who have more frequent opportunities of observing the habits of fishes than my other engagements allow me. Most of the objects represented in the engraving, Plate IV., have been explained already in the course of the fore- going account. Fig. 1. represents the wsophagus and sto- mach, the former with its papille, the latter with its cur- vatures; and a more complete view of the direction of these curvatures is given in Fig. 5. Fig. 2. exhibits the pan- creatoid organ, the pylorus, and the duodenum, with the reticular structure of its inner membrane. Fig. 3. shews the intestine with the spiral valve; A A, the axis or central column; 777, the reticular cells on its right side; and 27, the smooth ones on its left. Fig. 4. is the posterior mar- gin of the orifice into the swimming bladder. And in Fig. 6. are seen the four openings, the anus (a) and wre- thra (n), on the mesial plane, and the lateral peritoneal ori- fices (0 0) on each side. SSSSSSS AA i i Hl be ANH) hi I ii | | Hy) | NAY aE an bey) F arly rH a , DVN Aided i ¥ ( 365 ) XIII. — Observations on the Aranea geometrica, obtextrix, domestica, and other Spiders; and particularly on the power they possess of fixing their threads horizontally, or at any degree of inclination, to two perpendicular bodies at a considerable distance from each other, so as to suspend the circular part of their web im an open space: Also some remarks on the Food of Spiders, &c. By Marx Watt, Esq. M. W. 5. (Read 6th February 1830.) Tr was in consequence of observing it stated in the first edition of Kirby and Spence’s Introduction to Entomo- logy, that it was not known how the garden or geometric spider attached the long lines which supported its web to two upright bodies at various distances from each other, and at a considerable elevation above the surface of the ground, that 1 made a number of experiments to ascertain how this was accomplished, and the result of these experi- ments was published in a short paper, in April 1817, in Dr Thomson’s Annals of Philosophy 'The observations I have since made confirm what I then expressed, viz. that it is quite indubitable that the geo- metric spider has the power, either in a room or in the open air, when the atmosphere is calm, of throwing out its 1 366 MR WATT ON THE HORIZONTAL thread with great rapidity to the length of several feet or yards, and in such a manner as to strike against a particu- lar part of any body that may be within the reach of the thread. I have very often observed the geometric spiders in the act of performing this curious operation ; and I can affirm, that the larger individuals seem to be able to hit any spot they intend to attach the end of their thread to, with almost the same precision that the jaculator fish strikes a fly with the drop of water it ejects from its mouth. In- deed, the regular disposition of the threads that radiate from the centre of the web of these spiders, is a proof that they must be capable of directing their lines to a given point, as these threads are often five and six feet long. The method I at first adopted to discover this very in- teresting faculty of the spider, was to place a pretty large stone in the centre of a broad plate, and fill the plate with water, leaving the upper part of the stone dry: then by means of a little clay or putty I placed a slip of wood or a straw, a foot or two high, perpendicularly on the stone; some spiders were then placed on the dry part of the stone, By this method I perceived the spiders, which have an aversion to the water (as they cannot move upon it), make their escape from the confinement, by the upper end of the piece of wood, or the straw. After examining the circumstances of their situation, they uniformly had recourse to one of two methods by which titey made their escape. They either let themselves’ drop down by their lines about two inches from the top of the stick, and, turning their spinners towards the wall of the apartment, they threw out their threads with great ra- pidity till they touched the wall, where they stuck, and the instant they struck the wall, they turned round and fastened the other ends of the threads to the stick, and thus ran across ;—or they ejected a line upwards, which its buoyancy, THREADS OF SPIDERS. 367 if the spider was small, carried up to the roof of the room, or to a high part of the wall. ‘They often did this when made to drop, by a slight shake from the point of the finger ; and I have observed this happen so late in the even- ing, and in such very cloudy weather, either in the still air of an apartment, or in the open air when serene, that I do not consider that the ascent was caused by the rarefac- tion of the lower atmosphere. I have noticed four different species of spiders that have the faculty of emitting their threads in this curious man- ner. 1. The garden spider from the time it emerges from the nidus;—2. A spider of a light brown colour which I have not yet seen described: It is not shaped like the young of the house-spider, nor does it attain to a third of its size, but it is larger than the gossamer spider: It weaves a very thin web ;—3. The gossamer spider ; and 4., a small green-bodied, flat spider, which has not yet, I be- lieve, been properly described. It 1s somewhat of the form of the sheep tick, with short dark brown legs, and is usually - found amongst stones and old walls; it is very fierce, beat- ing off spiders of three times it own size. It is not to be confounded with a green-striped spider, for they are quite distinct; the latter being sluggish and weak, with long white legs. I should also be inclined to think that the Aranea diadema had this power *. There appears still to exist a considerable difference of opinion amongst entomologists, in respect to the power the spider has of directing the thread it ejects to any particular spot to which it is desirous of attaching it; and also as to its capacity of ascending into the air, by the buoyancy of the long line it emits. * Mr White, in his Natural History of Selborne, and Mr Murray of London, in his Experimental Researches, has made several inte- resting observations on the power the gossamer spider possesses of raising itself into the air. 368 MR WATT ON THE HORIZONTAL Mr Blackwall of the Linnean Society, London, in a me- moir read before that Society last year, concludes that the gossamer spider has no power of elevating itself in this manner, except in themorning ; and that its ascent at that time is caused by the rarefaction of the air on the sur- face of the earth; that the gossamers are then carried to great heights by the rarefied air as it ascends; and that the gossamers descend in the evening as the upper atmo- sphere becomes cooled. I have no doubt Mr Blackwall’s cbservations are gene- rally correct as far as relates to the gossamer spider, and as far as regards the season of the year when they are seen flying most plentifully, whichis in the end of October, and beginning of November. But at that season both the spiders and the most part of animated nature, have lost much of their liveliness and power. The gossamer spiders have then ceased to hunt for their usual food; and it is highly probable that an incipient feeling of torpidity may impel them, as it does many of the feathered tribe, to seek by flight for that change of situation, which they actually obtain ; for the western breezes which then often occur must earry them to a great distance. ‘The smallness of the ani. mal is no objection to this idea, as several of the insect classes, particularly amongst the ant, bee, and spider genera, display in the circumscribed sphere allotted to them, as great a variety of instinctive faculties, as any amongst the fea- thered tribes. In the month of June and beginning of August, I have often observed individuals of the gossamer species take their flight from the end of my finger, and ascend, at vari- ous times of the day, even in the afternoon, with a rapidity much greater than I should suppose to arise from the mo- tion of the rarefied air: and this has taken place either in the still air of an apartment, or in the open air when calm. THREADS OF SPIDERS. 369 The diversity of opinions that still remains upon these points, seems to me to arise partly from some naturalists having directed their attention to one species of spider, whilst others, in endeavouring to ascertain the same facts, may have made observations on a different species; and also from their having drawn their conclusions from facts, which, though applicable to the same species, yet do not ap- ply to it at every period of its existence ;—one having in- vestigated the habits of the spider when young, and another at a more advanced season of the year, when the insect is fully grown, and when both its habits and capacities are considerably changed. I have, for example, often observed the garden-spider when young, ascend by emitting a long line at a right angle to that by which it was suspended from any body : but as this spider frequently attains to a great size, it cannot, when it becomes heavier, rise by any such means. The larger the size of this spider, however, (Aranea horticola), the greater is the distance to which it is capable of shooting out its thread in a straight line. When under the influence of a warmer climate, this spider grows to a much greater size than in Britain. In France and Belgium I have often met with them about an inch long, and three-fourths of an inch broad across the abdomen. In the end of September (1817) I had a very favourable opportunity of observing a number of these spiders in the Botanical Gardens of Ghent and Brussels. It was just be- fore winter operations had commenced ; and in the garden at Ghent there were a great many tall plants of the Arbor Vitae, Cedar of Lebanon, and Cypress; and the spaces between them were thickly occupied by the webs of very large geometric spiders. These spaces were sometimes about ten and twelve feet across ; and the circular parts of the webs were apparently about a foot and a-half or two VOL. VI. Aa 370 MR WATT ON THE HORIZONTAL feet in diameter, and many of the spiders could not be less than half an inch broad across the abdomen. The long lines, which supported the centres of the webs, were fixed to the branches of the trees which were opposite to each other, and these lines radiated regularly from the centre of the open spaces, at acute angles to one another. Now, I apprehend that it is impossible to conceive how the spiders disposed the long threads that sustained the central parts of the webs with any degree of regularity, without admitting that they must have the power of directing the lines they eject to a given spot. The manner of forming the ground-work or woof of their nets which I have observed, is this: After having made choice of a place (say between two trees), and in a calm evening, they dart a long thread from their spinners right across, from the tree they rest on, till it strikes the oppo- site tree. They then turn round and fix the other end of the line and run across, strengthening the first thread by drawing out a second line after them. Making this line sufficiently strong by going twice or thrice over it, they take their stand in the centre of it; and from this point, they emit the other threads at acute angles to each other, in a similar way to the first ; fixing each of them near the centre of the first line, by pressing their spinners against it, and running up and down each, as it is formed, they tighten and strengthen it. The method of weaving the circular part of the web or warp has been often accurately described. It is well known that, if the web of the garden-spider is broken by any contingency, it does not attempt to mend it except the air be still, and that it generally chooses the twilight for this operation. If the spider does not mend its web in a calm evening, the country people consider it a 1 We ad eda ey NG care ty COWS tp LE a0 Ha, ae, anf le. WAN Z f PLATE V. 4 4 \ SSN Djs Sy SE I fl ve, tT, so Ss ES Be 616777 ALL Wher MVS IA te Bia hee, Fone. SES C4 AE OLE Lite, Hilo, Do Wirt Le Oe, aes zi OLS te Eee iy Mae ares wets « << lan PUG CMU a Hee WL ZA Ys aces Moo * Ra ive tha | see OE. oy eT Bo ye, GS NOV SEE oS NCE eA LS eer erent Wern, Mem. 1 py SS WE ae Mie Se ese co Ass? f Aly, Pilea Wea f pa Lizars seulp© Vol. Vp, 370. WLI THREADS OF SPIDERS. 371 sign of coming rain; that is, the spider feels the electrical changes of the atmosphere, which indisposed it for working. The most curious and intricate part of this subject has never been as yet discussed by naturalists. It is the con- sideration of the process by which it is possible for a spider to dart out a thread so long, and in a straight line. It is easy to comprehend how threads can be drawn out toa state of extreme exility, considering the glutinous substance of which they are composed ; but I consider it impossible for a spider to emit a thread of five or six feet long in a perfectly straight line, and with such rapidity that it is ac- complished in a few seconds; without admitting that it has the power of ejecting also at the same time, either some gaseous matter, or some fluid resembling the electric ; and this, from what I have remarked, I am inclined to think is the fact. No mechanical force arising from the contraction of the muscles of the abdomen of the insect, could produce this phenomenon, without the assistance of some such fluid. For if a line of such tenuity were lighter than the atmo- spheric air, the end first thrown out would rise and cease to go forward ; if heavier than the air, it would fall ; if of the same weight with the air, still the part first ejected would be opposed by the density of the atmosphere, which would be quite sufficient to stop the progress of a body so light. _I_ have sometimes observed spiders minutely, when the sun was shining clear, in the act of throwing out their lines, emit fourteen or fifteen filaments at once, and whilst these were flying so as to diverge considerably from each other, they evidently sent a stream of some fluid along the fila- ments, which both coalesced them into one line, andrendered that line straight. I have also remarked, that occasionally the geometric spider has thrown out half the length of the line it intended to strike upon some object, and after rest- ing a little, by another effort has lengthened it and sent it Aa® 372 MR WATT ON THE quite across. Now when the first part of the line has ac- tually ceased to move, it could not again set it im motion by ejecting a continuation of the thread behind it, without the assistance of some gas or fluid. Indeed, as the thread of the spider seems, when first emitted, rather lighter than the air, it is impossible that any impulse, without the assist- ance of some such cause as I have alluded to, could give it such a rapid motion forward *. Allauthors, therefore, who treat of this subject, as far as I have noticed, ascribe the extension of the thread to the action of the wind, and the hind legs of the spider, and they do not suppose that the insect has the power of eject- ing its thread when the air is perfectly tranquil. However, it is evident from what has been remarked, and also from a glance at the webs of the largest geometric spiders, that this supposition is incorrect, as the long lines of these webs radi- ate regularly from the centre in all directions; and I never could observe that they used their hind legs in drawing out their threads; they only use one of their hind legs in guid- ing and measuring the distances of the threads when form- ing the circular lines or warp of the web. The surprising rapidity, indeed, with which they shoot out their threads precludes this idea. One clear evening a friend of mine and I both observed a large geometric spider on the post that supported the gate of a park: it turned its back to the opposite post, and in a few seconds shot out a line that struck against it. ‘The instant it struck the opposite post, it turned round, pressed its spinners against the post it stood upon, and thus fastened the thread ; and then ran across it. Many species of spiders that draw out their threads, seem to have no power to shoot out their lines in this manner. * The powers of the Bombardier, the Ink fish, and the Torpedo, are analogous to this property of the spider. FOOD OF SPIDERS. 373 Food of Spiders.—It has been generally believed that the only food of spiders in this country is composed of small flies and other insects. But from what I have ob. served I have reason to conclude that some of the species feed also on other substances. I am aware that the idea would not perhaps be readily received, that the house-spider (Aranea domestica) does not live principally on flies, or in- sects. But the truth is, it weaves its web very commonly in places where flies seldom are seen; and this fact alone would be quite unlike the perfect wisdom which every ani- mal exhibits in all matters connected with the sphere of its existence. Great numbers of the webs of these spiders are to be seen in the corners of dark damp cellars, and between the upper part of the couples of old barns and stables. A vast many webs may be also observed in country houses where the furniture has not been moved for some time, be- ‘hind book-cases, in dark closets, or some such places where flies seldom approach. Their webs, too, are ill formed for catching insects; the plane of the web lies horizontally, whilst those spiders that exist chiefly on flies, place the sur- faces of their webs perpendicularly. ‘They are also too thickly woven, so that when they have received a little dust, with which they must be covered in a few hours, a fly finds little difficulty in alighting upon them and fiying off again. I have no doubt that their webs are intentionally situa- ted so as to catch and retain the finer particles of what is generally termed dust ; but which in the places where the domestic spider weaves her web, is a mixture of the parti- cles of decomposed wood, lime, vegetable substances used as thatch, and the productions of the minute fungi called mould. This will not appear in the least degree contrary to what is known of the economy of nature, when we recol- lect that the larve of the house-moth (Phalena tinea) live often entirely on old fur or feathers, and that the timber 2 374 MR WATT ON THE capricorn (Cerambix violaceus) and the Borer tribe (Pt- nus) subsist on old wood. I enclosed a young spider of the domestica species, some years ago, in a small box with a glass top, and air-holes ; I put nothing beside it but a very little brown sugar and magnesia. I observed that it consumed a considerable quantity of the sugar. I kept it three months on this fare ; and it both grew in size and activity. As the heat was great that season for about a month, in the south of Eng- land, where I then resided (Fahrenheit’s thermometer often standing at 90° in the shade of an apartment), the spider I remarked, drank up with great avidity a small drop of water when presented on the end of a quill. This it frequently did when the temperature was high. The spider had lost one of its legs when I got it; but the first time it cast its skin (which spiders do often whilst growing), a young leg appeared lying along the thorax. It was short and white at first, but soon became dark and as long as the other. I have no doubt that the web of the spider supplies it with drink from the dew it collects. I have remarked also that the garden-spider has taken small pieces of raisins when thrown upon its web, and sucked the saccharine juice. If a piece of paper or other substance was thrown on the webs, the spiders did not touch it, or threw it over the web; whilst they took the small bits of raisin into their lurking places. About the end of last Autumn (1828), a house-spider made its nest on the roof of my dining room, and as I did not allow it to be touched, it remaimed there for six weeks. The animal completed its nest in the form of a ball, and attached it on every side to the roof. During that time no insect ever approached it that I could observe. But the whiting or size of the roof was peeled off to the extent of two inches around the nest, and I have every reason FOOD OF SPIDERS. 379 to believe that the spider subsisted on this matter, as the white size was removed by degrees, and in some spots, a good way off from the place where the nest was fixed. I am aware that spiders can exist for a long time without food, even for two or three months, but then this power of ab- stinence depends on the temperature of the air. In sum- mer they cannot subsist so very long without food, and in winter they remain dormant, at least some of the species do so. If they want food long, they always decrease in size, whilst the spider above mentioned rather increased m size, and span a thick nest of about half an inch dia- meter. In the Annals of Philosophy there is a description of a spider’s having consumed a dram of the sulphate of zinc ina month, which if I recollect, was represented, in a paper which followed, as changed by the process of digestion into the carbonate. | The house-spider draws out a very broad thread com- posed of innumerable filaments, but has no power whatever of shooting out its thread lke the geometric spider. I have noticed these spiders when confined in a glass case, and the breadth of the thread of the larger spiders could not be less than a third of an inch. I put a number of them together, and they seemed to have no disposition to fight like the Horticole. They ap- peared to me to suck the moisture out of bread softened with water, when put beside them ; and in the place where I found them, which was a dark wine cellar below the level of the ground, I am sure a fly would not enter once in a month. I do not mean to say they do not kill and eat flies when they happen to get them, but I believe flies are not their chief subsistence. Their lurking place made in the central corner or apex of the web, appears indeed, as if 376 ON THE FOOD OF SPIDERS. formed for watching the approach of prey, but it is also constructed no less obviously that they may escape being surprised by an enemy, as they can run off either by the upper or lower part of the web; and birds, large beetles, the smaller quadrupeds, and their own species are all their enemies. I have often met with some of the Aranea do- mestica in the Isle of Wight, that measured from the ex- tremity of the longest leg to the extremity of the opposite one, when stretched out, six and a-half inches: whilst the body was comparatively long and thin. As these spiders cannot throw out their threads, they always commence their webs in the corner of an apartment, or where they can find some angle where they can fix their first and shortest threads; and the collection of threads they draw out ap- pears often the breadth of a third of the diameter of the animal’s body. Description of Plate V. 1. The gossamer, or young geometric spider, beginning to ascend into the atmosphere, by the buoyancy of the threads it has emitted. 2. The spider, coalescing by means of some subtile fluid, about a dozen filaments, into one thread, so as to bring all the fila- ments into a straight line, and with it to strike the opposite object. | 3. The manner in which the geometric spider shoots out its thread when about to form its web; so as to fix its first line betwixt two perpendicular bodies, at any distance, and at any elevation. 3 4. The form of the combination of threads which the domestic spider draws out when forming its web. ( 93770: XIV.—Description of a Silurus, known in De- merara by the name of Ginpackr, more pro- perly GEELBUIK. By Dr T. 8. Tratut of Liverpool. (Read 18th December 1824. ) A spxctmen of this silurus was lately examined, and its figure, while recent, drawn by my friend Charles S. Parker, Esq. who has since favoured me with the drawing, and the skin of the fish. It would appear to be a common species in the muddy waters of the rivers of Guyana, where they mingle with the sea; and it is found at a considerable distance from the coast. When taken, it is used as an article of food. Feet. In. This specimen, when recent, measured = 3 4s Its circumference at the first dorsal fin, ed at the ventral fin, - = 0 103 And it weighed 27 pounds. The true Dutch name is undoubtedly Geelbuik, or Yel- low belly. The upper parts are of a fine olivaceous green ; the sides and belly of a rich yellow. ‘The body is thickest at the first dorsal fin ; and its section there would be nearly circular. It tapers quickly, yet equally, towards the tail, where it is slender. ‘The head is broad, flat, and com- pressed. The vertex is defended by a rough bony plate of 378 DESCRIPTION OF A SILURUS. considerable firmness, which sends off two posterior appen- dages toward the upper part of the branchial apertures. The middle of its posterior margin is notched, to receive the apex of a very strong heart-shaped bone, the lobes of which reach the base of the dorsal fin. This shield or plate is rough with bony granulations, of a larger size than those of the armour on the head, and is obtusely carinated to- wards its posterior part. The head is very broad ; the mouth is wide, terminal, and furnished with numerous minute teeth, which are ra- ther intended for holding fast, than biting the prey of the animal. These teeth are thickly planted on the edges of the mouth, in such a manner as to resemble the hairs of a very stiff brush. ‘They are arranged in two groups about half an inch wide, on each jaw, reaching along the whole aperture of the mouth, and are divided in front by a slight furrow. 'T'wo convex, oblong bones of considerable size, and furnished with similar teeth, form the osseous palate of this fish. The eyes are small, placed rather above the line of the mouth, and more than an inch and a half from its angles. There are six tentacula or cirri on the lips. The longest pair are on the upper jaw, very near the angles of the mouth, and measure fuil 8 inches in length. The next pair are more than an inch below the lower jaw-bone, and measure 41 inches. The shorter pair are placed near the middle of the lower jaw, and measure 23 inches. The first ray of pectoral and first dorsal fins consists of a very strong and slightly incurvated bony spine, with a rough granular surface, and a serrated concave edge. The sharp apices of these spines form powerful weapons of offence and defence for the naked body of the fish. The pectoral spine is a little more curved than that of the dor- sal fin. All these spines are moveable, apparently by means of strong muscles. The length of the dorsal spine is 63 DESCRIPTION OF A SILURUS. 379 inches ; that of the pectoral spines nearly 6 inches. Besides its bony spine, there are seven rays in the first dorsal fin; but there are no rays in the second, which is adipose, but not very thick. The number of rays in each pectoral fin, exclusive of the spine, is eleven. The two ventral fins are 3 inches apart, and each of them seems to have six rays. The ventral and anal fins have a deep red colour m the re- cent fish. The latter has 18 rays. The tail is deeply forked, and has 30 rays. The lateral line is slightly waved. The air-bladder les below the heart-shaped bony shield, and is attached to the first vertebra. Its form is best expressed by the accompanying figure (Plate VI. Fig. 1. a.). It is to be regretted that the descriptions of scientific travellers and of naturalists are often too concise to enable us to discriminate with certainty the animals they meet with. The Silurus now under consideration has some affinity to the S'. Felis, S. Catus, S. galeatus, and S. Herz- bergit, as noticed in Shaw’s Zoology, and other works; but its bony casque, and the armature of its fins, seem to discri- minate it sufficiently from the two first. Its size, forked tai], its heart-shaped nuchal plate, and the number of rays in its anal fin, distinguish it from the third species; while its colour, casque, and the position of the adipose fin, pre- vent us from confounding it with the last, unless I am de- ceived by the imperfection of the descriptions of our syste- matic writers. Conceiving it to constitute a new species, I would pro- pose to name it in honour of its discoverer, who, in a short visit to Guyana, undertaken for other objects, has zealously applied himself to illustrate the natural history of that country. It may have the following specific character : 380 DESCRIPTON OF A SILURUS. Siturus Parkeri. PArkeER’s SILURE. Plate VI. Fig. 1. SiLtuRus olivaceus, subtus flavus; capite cataphracto, cirris sex; radio primo pinnarum pectoralium et prime dorsalis, validissimo, serrato ; pinnis imis rubris ; ani radiis 18, cauda furcata. S1LuRE olivaceous above, beneath yellow; with the head galeated; the first ray of the pectoral, and first dorsal fins, very strong and serrated ; the fins on the belly red, and 18 rays in the anal; the tail forked. af re PLATE Vik Wern, Mem, Vol Vip.360 M) Vy : - 7) Z 5 Y Lizars seugo! (gsr) XV.—Description of a New Species of Cepha- lus, which it 1s proposed to name Cepiatus CocuErant, Cochrane’s Sunfish. By Dr T. S. Trarct of Liverpool. (Read 16th April 1825. ) Cuar. Sprecir. Cephalus corpore elongato, truncato subargenteo, spinis vel tuberculis carentt. | | Sunfish with elongated but truncated, sub-argenteous body, desti- tute of spines or tubercles. Tus small species is sufficiently characterized by its form, as a sunfish ; and appears to differ from any described by systematic ichthyologists, so much as to entitle it to bereckon- ed a new species. It was found in the stomach of a Bonito or Albacore *, which was caught on the 17th of May 1822, in Lat. 18° S. Long. 81° W., by a sailor on board of the O'Higgins, Lord Cochrane’s flag-ship. On this account I have proposed the name in honour of that gallant officer. A correct drawing, the exact size of the original, was made by a young Chileno then on board ; and this having been presented to me by a gentleman, then acting as his Lordship’s secretary, it accompanies the description of the fish. See Plate VI. Fig. 2. * Either Scomber Pelamis or Scomber Thynnus. 382 ON A NEW SPECIES OF CEPHALUS. The drawing measures, from the snout to the extremity of _ the caudal fin, 111} inches. It is three inches in depth: the dorsal fin measures 2% inches in length; the anal not quite 2 inches; the pectoral 2 inches; and the caudal fin ths of an inch. The general form of this speciesis more fish-like than that of any other of the genus. The separation of the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins is distinctly marked in the drawing, which seems to have been executed with much care. ‘The habit of the body is said te be less compressed than the sunfish described by Pallas, so that “ a section of it pre- sented a full oval, except towards the tail, where it was con- siderably thinner.” The skin of the body is described to me as having been covered with a sort of indistinct appear- ance of small scales, in size like those of a sole; they were not imbricated, but adhered all round to the skin. 'The head, however, was quite smooth. The general colour of the fish was a dull silvery or plumbeous hue, which becanie nearly white, or of a cream colour on the belly. The eye was large and prominent *; the mouth a small circular hole with horny edges, but without any moveable lips. ‘The top of the head was slightly flattened. A cartilaginous substance extended from the pectcral fin, so as to include the upper and fore part of the head, and returned by an acute angle © inch from the snout toward the breast. The extent and form of this substance, which was, however, covered by the general integument, is well marked in the drawing. My informant had not observed the branchial apertures, from which we may conclude that they were small. The general form of the pectoral, dorsal, and anal fins in the drawing is triangular and pointed. ‘They as well as * In the drawing it measures 0.6 inch in diameter. ON A NEW SPECIES OF CEPHALUS. 383 the caudal are stated to have been placed on whitish carti- laginous substances, as there expressed, which were move- able by appropriate muscles. ‘The upper part of the cau- dal fin projects beyond the lower ; and its general form ap- proaches to the small segment of a circle, 4 or 5 inches in radius. (238404 XVI.—Remarks on the Genus Scissurella of M. DOrbigny, with a description of a recent British Species. : By Jonn Fiemine, D.D. F. R.S.E. &e. (Read 19th May 1827.) Iw the year 1809, I found, among a quantity of sand thrown up by the tide, on the Isle of Noss, Zetland, many of the rarer microscopical shells of the ‘ Testacea Britan- nica.” Among these, one appeared, remarkable for its Argonauta-like aspect. Upon sending specimens to my valued correspondent, the late George Montagu, Esq., I was not a little surprised to find, that he regarded it as no- thing more than the fry of a 'Trochus! The shell being of a small size, I entertained some suspicion that it might be young, and not perfectly formed, and trusted to a future opportunity of obtaining larger specimens. In this, how- ever, I was disappointed, as I never was able to detect the species at any subsequent period. Three years ago, upon communicating specimens to that intelligent naturalist, Mr Dillwyn, he informed me that a genus for the reception of analogous species had been re- Q =) REMARKS ON THE GENUS SCISSUKELLA. 385 cently instituted in France, under the title Scissurella. An abstract of the paper, anncuncing the genus, by M. Alcide Dessalines D’Orbigny, in Memoires de la Societé d’ Histoire Naturelle de Paris, i. 340, is given by Mr G. B. Sowerby in the Zoological Journal, i. 255. M. D’Orbigny’s character of the genus, as translated by Mr Sowerby, stands thus: “ Shell univalve, free, umbili- cated, with a depressed spire, aperture rather rounded, without a canal, its lips without a peristome and disjoined : right lip notched with a deep slit, following the growth of the velutions, obliterated to within a short distance of the margin, and forming a sort of keel upon the back of the shell.” According to M. D’Orbigny, the shell belongs to the family of Trochidz, while Mr Sowerby is inclined to consider it as related to the Fissurellade. ‘The last ob- server supposes that the slit in maturity is obliterated at the margin, leaving the peristome entire; but that imme- diately behind the margin, there is a perforation left by a portion of the slit not being filled up, as in the genus Hali- otis. Though this last circumstance may take place in some species, I may observe, that in the one in my posses- sion, that part of the body whorl on each side the slit is apt to break off, and thus efface the most obvious mark of the genus. Scissurella crispata.—Shell white, and without any ap- parent cuticle. ‘The largest specimen in my possession does not equal the fifteenth of an inch. Whorls three, in- creasing rather rapidly from the slightly elevated apex, and sloping with a gentle convexity from the separating line to the keel. Under side with a central cavity, from which the whorl extends, a little convex, to the keel. The whorls are marked by numerous fine transverse arcuated ribs, narrower than the intervening spaces, crossed by fine longitudinal strize VOL. VI. Bb 3886 REMARKS ON THE GENUS SCISSURELLA. (most conspicuous in the spaces), giving to the shell its pe- culiar reticulated appearance. ‘The ribs on the upper side are coarser than those below. ‘The aperture is suborbicu- lar, slightly depressed ; the outer lip thin, the inner lip slightly reflected over the cavity, spread on the body whorl, and continuous with the outer lip. From the pil- lar cavity a shallow gutter extends anteally, and shortly joins the pillar lip. It is chiefly conspicuous on the larger specimens. ‘The longitudinal slit, in the middle of the outer lip, extends backwards about two-thirds of the dia- meter of the snell, when it joins the narrow groove in the keel of the shell which had formerly been occupied by the slit. ‘The margins of the slit are slightly elevated, as well as the groove, which is seen winding round at the separa- ting line nearly to the apex. The groove itself is slightly ribbed across. : It seems probable, that the slit is situate immediately over the aérating organs of the animal. All the specimens, when found, were destitute of the animal, thus preventing any observations on its forms; but, from the number of shells collected in one spot, it would appear to be gregarious in its habits. The preceding description offers one statement which would seem to forbid the insertion of this shell in the ge- nus § issurella of M. D’Orbigny,—the continuous peri- stome. In the generic character, the lips are represented as disjoined. Whether this may lead to the institution of anew genus, when a greater number of recent species shall have been detected, or when the fossil species, of which Mr Sowerby, we believe, possesses several examples, shall have been described, we do not venture to determine. M. D’Orbigny describes two recent species. The first, Scissurella levigata, is smooth, or marked only by the lines of growth. The second, Scissurella costata, is rib- I REMARKS ON THE GENUS SCISSURELLA. 387 bed, with the lower ones the most prominent and acute, and the pillar cavity surrounded by circular striae. The figures annexed (Plate VI. Fig. 3.) will convey a more correct idea of the sheil than any description. MANSE oF F'LIsk, 26th April 1827. Bb 2 (1888 2) XVII.—Account of an Optical Illusion called the Fairy Islands, seen on the North Coast of Ireland. In a Letter from Mr Samvuet THomas Grece to Mr Stewart. (Read \5th December 1827.) SIR, Hlavine been an eye-witness, with five others, of the fol- lowing optical phenomena, commonly called the Fairy Is- lands, in that part of the country where they are seen by the peasantry, but which I take to be the effects of the mirage, I thought an account of them might be interest- ing to your scientific friends, and I now send the particu- lars, that they may be added to the facts already accumu- lated on this subject. The appearances in question occurred in September, and the morning of the day on which they were seen was so extremely hazy, that the Londonderry steam-packet could not proceed on her voyage till 12 o'clock noon, when the mist cleared off, and the day turned out fine, with a gentle breeze. ‘The wind now changed to the east, and we were informed by the people that these phenomena are only seen when it blows from that quarter. - at ae ee te ee a ” ae OSA AA - = . es alin, om mm De eee ers s maa ae! - te Se "exe . = + - ‘ : im we a a : ‘a ~usiggt? re y ¥ sare = . 4 yp ee + a —- 4 Ms Re =e, 7" i. : ARS: : a a : ™ . s to. ra? we SS < . a AES - ae ‘ 4 ba, alee - poe e "s ‘or aes bi weg ‘ 3 . Gn * . A htren gts) ~ a