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By Joun Wixuams, Assistant-Secretary. (Read Oct. 8th, 1862.) In the introduction to my description of the Martin micro- scope, read at one of the meetings of the Society during the last session, I gave some particulars of the.life of Benjamin Martin, the constructor of that beautiful instrument. I was, however, unable to give any account of his early life. Since that time I have met with some additional information respecting that remarkable man which, although very scanty, may still be considered of interest by the Society, as supplying a deficiency in the former account. I have, therefore, with your permission, to call your attention to “A few words more on Benjamin Martin.” Since my last communication I have ascertained that Benjamin Martin was born of poor but well-conducted parents, at Worplesdon, a small town or village between Guildford and Woking, in Surrey, in the year 1704. He commenced his career in that neighbourhood at a very early age, as a ploughboy. Having a strong desire to acquire knowledge, and being gifted with extraordinary perseverance, he succeeded, by unremitting application, in teaching himself reading, writing, and arithmetic, and acquired such profi- ciency that he was able to undertake the instruction of others in those useful and necessary arts. Having also a strong inclination towards mathematical and philosophical specula- tions, after a while he abandoned husbandry, and, devoting himself to more congenial pursuits, persevered in such a course of reading and study as, in a great measure, compen- sated for the want of original education. How he supported himself during this time is not clear, but it was pos- sibly by teaching, and he appears to have first employed him- self in this way at Guildford. About 1735 he settled, as a VOL, XI. a 2 Witurams, on Benjamin Martin. schoolmaster, at Chichester; and there, about 1740, as appears from the advertisement quoted in my former account, he constructed his pocket reflecting microscope. His first literary production was the ‘ Philosophical Gram- mar,’ published without date, before 1735, which was succeeded by a number of useful introductory works, at the time they were published of great value to the student. He appears also, in one part of his career, to have read lectures in London on various branches of natural and experimental philosophy, which are said to have been well attended, and to have given much satisfaction. I have taken some pains to ascertain the various works published by Martin, and have appended to this account as complete a list as I could make out. In the course of the necessary investigations for that purpose I have met with several curious particulars connected with them, and relating either to the author or to their publication, which may, per- haps, be of some interest. They are chiefly from incidental notices or advertisements in the works themselves. Thus, in the ‘Young Man’s Memorial Book,’ published in 1736, at the end are two separate announcements of ‘‘ Books published for J. Noon.” In the first of these, which is of an earlier date than that of the book it is appended to, we read, “ Just pub- lished, the ‘ Philosophical Grammar,’ &c., &. By Benjamin Martin.” ‘This was his first work. This announcement is succeeded by the following :—‘‘ November 20, 1735. Next week will be published, ‘A New and Complete System or Body of Decimal Arithmetic,’ &c., &. By Benjamin Martin,” thus giving almost the very day of the publication of that work, and also proving that the ‘ Philosophical Grammar’ had not long preceded that date, viz., 1735. In the second - announcement, which is evidently of the date 1736 (that of the work in which it occurs), we find, “In the press, and next February will be published, in two volumes, ‘The Young Trigonometer’s Complete Guide, &c., &. By Benjamin Martin.” In the ‘Description of both the Globes,’ &c. (with- out date, but evidently published after Martin had opened his shop in London), we find an advertisement or notice, to which I call attention, as showing how widely spread was the renown that Martin had acquired as an optician. It is as follows :— ““N.B.—Whereas the Jews, pedlars, &c., in all parts of England, sell visual glasses with the initials of my name (B.M.) upon them, and pretend on that account that they are of my make and were bought of me, I thought it neces- sary to undeceive the public, by assuring them that I never sold any to those who hawk goods about the country, they Witzrams, on Benjamin Martin. 3 dealing in a sort of glass too bad for any but themselves to recommend, or for any one to buy who knows anything of optical glass, or has more regard to the safety of his eyes and the preservation of his sight than the saving of his money.” In the same work is given “ A Catalogne of Philosophical, Optical, and Mathematical Instruments, made and sold by Benjamin Martin, at his shop, the sign of Hadley’s Quadrant and Visual Glasses, near Crown Court, Fleet Street.”” The prices are mentioned, and among them we find, “ Large parlour compound microscope, £3 13s. 6d.; ditto, in brass, £5 5s.; solar microscope, £5 5s.; Wilson’s ditto, with appa- ratus, £2 12s. 6d.; ditto, small, £1 7s.; Dr. Lieberkuhn’s opaque microscope, £2 12s. 6d.; ditto sto, £3 13s. 6d.; aquatic microscope, £2 12s. 6d.; ; universal compound micro- scope, £5 5s.; pocket compound ditto, £2 2s.” This list is curious, as showing the cost of various microscopes at that time. Martin also published a few prints, of which a list is given: They were—‘ Synopsis of Celestial Science,’ 1s. 6d. ; ‘ Orbit of Comet of 1682 and 1759,’ 1s. 6d.; ‘Wonders of Cometary World Displayed,’ 2s. 6d.; ‘New Map of the World,’ 1s. 6d.; ‘Map of 460 Miles round London,’ 6d.; ‘Map of 20 Miles round London,’ 6d.; Transit of Venus over the Sun, J ips rr 6th, 1761,’ ls. 6d. In conclusion, I append a list of works published by M Ban between 1733 and 1773, a period of forty years, which I have endeavoured to render as complete as possible. They amount to forty, and are:—‘ Philosophical Grammar’ (the first of his works); ‘ Elements of Geometry,’ 1733 ; ‘Spelling-Book of the Arts and Sciences, for the use of Schools ;’ ‘ Decimal Arithmetic,’ 1735 ; ‘Young Student’s Memorial Book,’ 1735; ‘ Description of the Globes,’ 2 vols., 1736; ‘ Memoirs of the Academy of Paris,’ 1740; ‘Panegyric of the Newtonian Philosophy,’ 1734; ‘On the New Construction of the Globes,’ 1755; ‘System of the Newtonian Philosophy, 1759; ‘New Elements of Optics,’ 1759; ‘ Mathematical Institutes,’ 1759- 64; ‘The Natural History of England,’ 1759; ‘ Biographia Philosophica,’ 1764; ‘Introduction to the Newtonian Phi- losophy,’ 1765; ‘ Institutions of Astronomical Calculations,’ 1765; ‘Description and Use of the Air-pump,’ 1766; ‘ De- scription of the Torricellian Barometer,’ 1760; ‘ Appendix to Description of the Globes,’ 1766; ‘ Philosophia Britannica,’ 3 vols., 1773; ‘Philosophical Magazine and Miscellaneous Correspondence,’ 14 vyols.; ‘New Principles of Geography and Navigation,’ 1758; ‘Familiar Introduction to Experi- mental Philosophy ;’ ‘The Transit of Venus Explained ;’ 4. TuLK, on Cleaning and Preparing Diatoms. ‘The Theory and Use of Hadley’s Quadrant Explained ;’ ‘The Nature and Construction of Solar Eclipses ;’ ‘ Optical Essays on Curious Subjects ;? ‘The New Art of Surveying by the Goniometer;’ ‘The Principles of Pumpwork Ex- plained ;? ‘The Young Gentleman and Lady’s Philosophy,’ 1759; ‘A New Treatise on Perspective ; ‘ System of Optics,’ 1740 ; ‘Logarithmologia,’ 1740; ‘Philology and Philosophical Geography, 1759; ‘Philological Library;’ ‘ Philological Grammar ;’ Description of both Globes, the Armillary Sphere,’ &c.; ‘Description of his newly invented Pocket Reflecting Microscope ;’ ‘ Bibliotheca Technologica.’ This list is taken partly from the works themselves, in which there are frequent advertisements of his publications, and partly from summaries in various biographical accounts of Benjamin Martin. On Creanine and Preparine Diatoms. By J. A. Tuxk. Berievine that a short description of the method of ‘Cleaning and Preparing Diatoms for Preservation,” which I have found advantageous, may be of some service to those who are unacquainted with and about to commence the practice of that art, I am induced to record it; and if it be found to lighten their labours, and to produce the satisfactory results I anticipate, my object will have been accomplished. _ It is unnecessary to state where to look for diatoms, as that has been sufficiently pointed out by Professor Smith, in his work on the ‘ British Diatomacez,’ by Dr. Arthur 8. Donkin, in the sixth volume, ‘Trans. Mic. Soc. ;’ by the editors of the ‘Micrographic Dictionary;? by Mr. Ralph, in the fourth edition of ‘Prichard’s Infusoria;? by Mr. Roper, in the ‘Trans. Mic. Soc.,’ vol. ii; by Mr. Tomkins, in ‘ Recreative Science,’ vol. ii; by Mr. Tuffen West, in ‘ Recreative Science,’ vol.i; and by many other experienced writers, who, to- gether with the above-mentioned gentlemen, have nearly ex- hausted the subject. I will, therefore, commence with describing, as briefly as T am able, a plan for collecting, cleaning, and mounting a fresh-water gathering, taken from off the mud of a road-side ditch; and I may remark that any other description of gathering, guanoes and fossil deposits, may be cleaned and Tux, on Cleaning and Preparing Diatoms. 5 mounted in the same manner, of course omitting such of the detailed operations as are evidently unnecessary. Diatoms are readily collected from the mud when the latter has only a few inches or no water at all over it, pro- vided only it is i a moist state; and the plan I adopt, and which was suggested to me by my friend Mr. Currie, of Addlestone, is gently and lightly to detach the diatomaceous stratum lying upon the surface of the mud by the aid of a small, thin, old, silver salt-spoon, having its bowl-edge in the same plane as its shank ; thus, the lighter and smaller the spoon is the more valuable it will be found to be. If carefully per- formed, by this operation a small portion of the diatomaceous stratum, in some cases entirely, in others almost entirely, free from siliceous particles, will be lifted, and may be trans- ferred into the collecting bottle. It is as well to have in the bottle some water, into which the spoon can be immersed, when the forms will readily diffuse themselves in the fluid. Or if the mud from which the collecting is to be made has no water over it, but yet is moist, another method of gather- ing the forms may be adopted, namely, to roll over the diatomaceous stratum a rather large camel-hair brush, when the frustules will become entangled in the hairs of the brush, and may be separated from them by immersion in the water in the collecting bottle. Having by either of these means obtained a sufficient quantity of the material, and suppose it to consist of forms not quite clean, the next operation is to strain it through a piece of thin silk gauze, by which means any large pieces of vegetable matter are got rid of. It should then be placed in a small, unglazed saucer, with about +” of water above it, and exposed for a few hours to the influence of the sunlight, which in many instances will cause the diatoms, which may be known by their brown colour, to rise to the surface of the impurities ; and they may then be separated by means of a camel-hair brush rolled over them in the manner already described. Also in this case the diatoms may frequently be obtained absolutely pure, and requiring no further preparation than boiling in nitric acid and washing in clean water. However, it may be found that they have not risen to the surface of the impurities, or if they have, they cannot be collected by the brush free from silica, in either of which cases the whole of the gathering in the saucer may be transferred into a large, wide-mouthed bottle, six inches high and two and a quarter inches diameter inside, a few drops of nitric acid added to kill the forms, and the bottle two thirds filled with clean, it need not be distilled, water, and the whole well shaken. The mass is then allowed 6 Tuk, on Cleaning and Preparing Diatoms. to subside, and the discoloured water poured off. This wash- ing operation ought to be successively performed until the supernatant water remains colourless, for by this means a great deal of very minute matter is advantageously got rid of. If itis thought advisable, the washed mass may now be subjected to the action of boiling sulphuric acid and chlo- rate of potash, according to the method described by Mr. Arthur M. Edward, in ‘ Jour. Mic. Soc.,’ vol. vii; or if not, it may at once be transferred, if of considerabie bulk, into a Florence flask ; but if of only small amount, into a test-tube six inches long and one inch diameter, allowed to settle— the supernatant water being poured off as close as possible— covered by a quantity of strong nitric acid, sp. gr. 1:5, equal to its own bulk, and boiled for five or ten minutes. It is then poured into the large six-inch bottle, which should be about one half filled with clean water, with which it is well shaken, allowed to settle for twelve hours, when the acid water is poured from off it, and a similar amount of clean water again added to it. Again the fluid is violently shaken for upwards of five minutes, for the purpose of breaking down and getting rid of the flocculent siliceous matter or mucus with which the diatomaceous frustules are generally connected, and from which they can be completely separated by no other means that I am acquainted with, and for the knowledge of which fact | am indebted to the kindness of Dr. Greville, who communicated it to me. The mass is again allowed to settle, until the superimeum- bent water appears tinged only with a slight milkiness; the water is then poured off. This operation of washing is suc- cessively repeated until the water, after standing for half an hour above the settlings and examined under a microscope, is seen to contain in suspension no very minute siliceous particles. Any larger particles which may be present will have subsided along with the forms, and will be got rid of in the next, the most important, operation. The mass is now placed in a small, thin, flat-bottomed, porcelain evaporating basin, say of two and three-quarter inches diameter and half an inch deep, with so much water as will half fill the basin; the latter is put upon a table, and its contents allowed to subside, but not quietly, for during the subsidence a very gentle whirling or gyrating action is given to the water, similar to that by which the gold-washer separate; the gold from the gravel in his round, iron washing-vessel. The diatomaceous frustules beimg comparatively light and of large superficial area, are more readily acted upon by the moving water than the solid, small masses of siliceous matter Tux, on Cleaning and Preparing Diatoms. * are, which, in proportion to their weight, are of small super- ficial area; the consequence is, if the whirling motion is gradually reduced in force until it is altogether discontinued, it will be found that the mass has arranged itself about the centre of the basin, the siliceous particles being below, and the diatoms lying as a stratum upon them. The latter may now easily be separated. Again the slight whirling motion is given to the vessel, when immediately a cloud of diatoms is seen to rise up from the mass into the centre of the water. Into this cloud the capil- lary end of a small dipping-tube, three and a half inches long and a quarter inch diameter inside, is inserted, at an inclined angle, when at once a portion of the pure diatoms will enter it, and from this they may be blown into a small bottle. By successively performing this operation a very large proportion of the diatoms may be obtained in a pure state, and fit for mounting. However, there are certain heavy, compact forms, which will not readily rise in the whirling process, such, for example, as Amphitetras antediluviana, Triceratium Favus, Biddulphia turgida, &c., &c., which will be found at the bottom of the vessel along with the silica. These may be advantageously picked out with a fine needle under a simple microscope. By a little practice and dexterity in the whirling process, so as to produce a less or greater amount of motion of the water, the lighter forms may be collected separate from those more dense, for the former will rise on a very gentle action being given, whilst the latter will require rather more motion to stir them. The forms thus collected may then be washed in the small bottle two or three times with distilled water, when they will be in a satisfactory state for mounting. It is requisite so to apportion the water in the bottle to the quantity of forms, as that when the latter are laid on the cover they appear to be neither too abundant nor too scant. The slide and the cover about to be used should be made scrupulously clean, and this is best done by placing on them a small quantity of a solution of Ward’s washing powder (a packet of which can be procured at any grocer’s shop for one penny, and which will be found most useful for removing balsam or grease from slides), well rubbing them with the finger, and drying them with a clean cloth. Any filaments from the cloth should be picked off with a needle under the microscope. The cover should then be made to adhere to a slide, by 8 Tux, on Cleaning and Preparing Diatoms. first breathing on the latter, and then pressing the cover down upon it with a needle-point. The bottle contaming the forms is now well shaken, and the small dipping-tube is immersed into the fiuid to such a point that the liquid ascends into the tube about half an inch. The capillary opening of the tube is then made to touch the middle of the cover, when at once the liquid will diffuse itself over the latter, but will not overflow its edges. It is then dried very slowly under a large glass shade, otherwise the forms will segregate together, after which it is ready for mounting, either dry or in balsam. I will describe how the latter operation should be performed. A drop of Canada balsam, taken out of the balsam bottle on the head of a common pin which has been immersed into it, is transferred to the centre of the slide, and the cover, one end of which has first been made to rest on the slide, gently laid over it, when, by capillary attraction, the balsam will diffuse itself through the forms and under the whole of the cover, and yet without extending beyond its limits. There are these advantages attending this plan: the forms being next to the glass cover, no considerable thickness of balsam has to be looked through when they are seen under the microscope, and by the use of the pin’s head the quantity of balsam used may be so gauged as to necessitate no after-cleaning of the slide from superfluous balsam. The slide is then placed on its edge half an hour or an hour, when any air-bubbles which may have been entangled by the forms will have found their way out of the fluid balsam by the edges of the cover, after which the slide may be put aside to harden the balsam gradually, or it may be exposed to "heat not greater than the finger can pleasantly bear, when the balsam will harden more rapidly. The preservation of diatoms in a dry state is performed in the usual manner. A ring of gold size is made on a slide by means of the whirling table, and over this a ring of asphalt when the former is dry. When the asphalt is dry, or nearly so, the shde is heated until the asphalt becomes soft, when the cover with the forms on it, as above described, is quickly placed upon it, and its edges pressed with a needle-point, so that they adhere to the asphalt at every part. The mounting may then be finished by placing another ring of asphalt round the edge of the cover. By this plan the asphalt will not run under the cover and spoil the preparation. On the Poorocraruic DELINEATION of Microscopic OBJECTS. By R. L. Mappox, M.D. (Read Nov. 12th, 1862.) On the construction of the microscope, its appendages and uses, much has been written; still it is to be marked, and with regret, that the page devoted to its conjoined applica- tion with photography bears so insignificant a proportion, when we see that the tendency of the present day is to employ each for the purpose of scientific observation and illustration. In a degree, this may have arisen from the trouble or difficulty peculiar to the study, and the paucity of attempts to reduce the art to a position calculated to advance its use. Doubtless, each individual has adopted methods peculiar to himself, which he has employed for some supposed, if not real, advantage; therefore, if only these, so far as they have been made known, were briefly enumerated, it would considerably guide others, and greatly tend to facilitate its use. Yet it seems likely, without aid from opticians, that we shall be subject to perpetual vibrations, “ without important additions ;”” nevertheless, it cannot be desired that we yield to our exigencies by assigning “‘a limit to the discoveries of future ages,’ prescribe to science her boundaries, restrain the active and insatiable curiosity of man within the circle of his present acquirements, and thus rather accommodate his wants to the narrow spirit of prejudice, neglect, and disap- pointment, than strive to participate in the common advance- ment of applied photography. Unfortunately there is little encouragement given to ad- vocate its use, even when its usefulness is acknowledged, and the common remark, that “its employment must be very limited, for, unless the object to be represented lies in one plane, you cannot, by the microscope, obtain definition over its entire surface,’ at once prejudices the question, and consigns us to still chiefly rely on woodcuts, with their errors, omissions, and the “distinct folds of their accustomed drapery.’ It should be remembered we are not in a position to limit its use, nor assign, without experiment or trial, the number of diameters an object, whether primarily or secondarily, can be enlarged, before the eye detects any offending error; rather would it be in harmony with the basis upon which the science of experiment has been reared to first acknowledge the want, then encourage the effort, 10 Manpox, on the Delineation of Microscopic Objects. and, no doubt, as in the parts now considered necessary appurtenances to the microscope, we should, ere long, find the deficiency supplied. Again, much objection has been taken to the application of photography for obtaining drawings of microscopic objects, not simply, as stated, in an optical point of view, but also from the reason that we are accustomed to learn all we can of any object under observation by every means placed at our disposal, these being gathered, as it were, by the draughts- man, and combined by his skill to represent that which he has separately observed; whilst in the employment of pho- tography we must rest content, if in one drawing, with what we consider the best general view of the object, or some parti- cular part. Here, however, we have this advantage, there are no notable mistakes of relative magnitude, distance, or separation of parts, upon the strict correctness of which much in scientific observation depends; also, parts incapable of being easily, if at all, rendered by the hand can by its use be traced in more than mere outline; for it is possible, in very many cases, though needing considerable patience, to obtain some shadows and markings in objects which are commonly, if not entirely, ignored by the artist, even with the advantage of continued examination. Whatever may be his legitimate omissions, all must admire his great skill in beautiful delineation, and appreciate his work—work which will, no doubt, increase with the employment of photography for the purpose here advocated. The general application of Mr. Wenham’s excellent arrangement for giving sterecopicity to objects by means of the binocular microscope will, probably, tend to greatly alter the ordinary methods of rendering engravings or draw- ings of microscopic subjects, especially when viewed as opaque bodies, and we shall then, perhaps, be more ready to appre- ciate their photographic representation. If we divide the advantages of photomicrography into their twofold character, we shall find the one derived from the facility with which an object can be rendered in its chief or general aspect, thus affording considerable assistance for its recognition by others, retaining in its freshness much in- tact, even in its minutiz, which often becomes greatly altered when preserved in any of the usual media; whilst the other tends to an opposite direction, and points at once to the difficulty experienced when we attempt the photo- graph of portions or entire surfaces of minute objects with their details ; the opprobrium and perplexity here combine. The correctness of the position assumed will, I trust, Manpox, on ihe Delineation of Microscopic Objects. 11 be in part somewhat verified by the prints for your obser- vation that accompany this paper. Untouched, unpressed, prepared with little care, they are simply intended to show the general and the partial application of photomicrography, and, however feebly they may represent either, the infancy of the art must be remembered, and the failings forgotten in the effort to render them more acceptable. The midge, sand-hopper, Entomostraca, section of the pith of Hydrangea, of scalariform duct of Macca or Racca, the seaweeds, Fragilaria and Zygnema, will sufficiently illustrate its first application, and the prints of the several diatoms will show its employment in its second character ; the former being casually mounted without preparation, the latter as commonly prepared by microscopists. The apparatus may briefly be stated as a microscope attached by means of telescope tubes to an expanding camera, the whole fixed on a stout board, four feet six inches long, supported by double triangle legs ; the illumina- tion is either by a plane or concave mirror, or Abraham’s achromatic prism, preference being given to the latter; the condensing lens, a Coddington of small angular aperture. Strong sunlight, if possible, is employed in all cases; a slow collodion, iron developer, and the ordinary means used to strengthen the negative, if, on examination by a lens, the details be seen sufficiently perfect. Slght obliquity of the light has generally been attempted, especially when the surface of the object was not flat. The long eye-piece has been occasionally used, and I think, gives what 1s commonly called “ depth of focus,” but certainly at a little loss of defi- nition. The main difficulty lies, not in obtaining a negative, but one that, when nicely printed, gives something of the character of the object when seen by a weak, reflected light ; for the prints may be said to scarcely resemble objects seen by transmitted light. In fact, we are hardly yet familiar with the representation of microscopic objects by its means, and therefore we rather at once unjustly revert to the illustra- tion by engraving for a comparison. ‘There is a considerable danger of producing a weak negative from over-exposure where the field is not well filled by the object, and especially if we seek to render the details when the object itself is coloured. Success appears to me much to rest, ceteris paribus, in the illumination of the object, im the plans for which there is a wide field, from ordinary daylight to con- centrated sunlight, from the mirror to the prism, from the achromatic to the simple condenser, from direct to oblique transmitted light, from concentrated to obliquely 12. Manpvox, on the Delineation of Microscopic Objects. reflected light, to which may be added polarized and artificial illumination and the employment of coloured media. Finding how much the appearance of an object may be altered by the direction of the illuminating pencils, as will be recognised in some of the photographs of the Coscinodiscus, &c., where the focus remained unaltered, the plan of deter- mining the constant focus for a certain objective and object has been seldom attended to, but in most cases trials have been repeated until the appearance of the negative seemed satisfactory, due regard being made for the common ** over-correction’’? where necessary. As the objects are focussed in sunlight, it must be remembered there is a chance, without some care, of softening the cementing medium of the lenses of the object-glasses or of “ firmg” the object. The advantage of the prism was noticed more than three years since, and consists in the readiness with which the centring of the object-glass and condenser can be recognised on its surface, and a trifling alteration given to the course of the rays entering them. A few stereophotographs have been taken by the plan sug- gested by Professor Wheatstone, also by the method pro- posed by Mr. Smith; the best negative was fractured by a fall, but its definition was barely satisfactory. That of the animal (parasite?) found on the Brittle Star was by the plan of masking the alternate half of the front lens of the objective, as also of the Brittle Star, seen by transmitted light. The print of the former appears rough, as the object was mounted without other preparation than gentle washing, its edges being covered by Diatomaceze. No particular scale has been adopted as regards the magnitude of the image, it being generally preferred to render the object about the size usually chosen by microscopists; still many of the negatives will bear considerable amplification, if required. However inadequately this subject is now placed before you, it possesses in itself a sufficient charm and interest to claim your attention to the extended variety of a “ beau- teous garniture’ that can be‘made to unfold its exquisite tracery by the simple means advocated, enable us “ to imitate, in some faint degree, and to admire, at least, where we cannot imitate, the perfection” that adorns even Creation’s lowhest forms. 18 Descriptions of New and Rare Diatroms. Series VIII. By R. K. Grevintz, LL.D., F.R.S.E., &e. (Communicated by F. C. 8. Roper, F.R.S.) PLAGIOGRAMMA. Plagiogramma Robertsianum, un. sp., Grev.—Valve lanceo- late, obtuse; costz 2, centrical; striz very fine, about 30 in "001". Length -0018” to 00380”. (Pl. I, figs. 1, 2.) Hab. Port Stephen, New South Wales; Dr. Roberts. Unquestionably distinct, with finer strie than in any species previously described. Indeed, under a moderately magnifying power, they are invisible. The frustules vary, to some extent, in shape and size; the more minute examples being somewhat elliptical, the larger ones narrower in pro- portion to their length, and, generally, slightly constricted below the apices, where a few very minute, raised points are situated. These come out most distinctly in the front view, but even then require careful adjustment. CAMPYLODISCUS. Campylodiscus ornatus, n. sp., Grev.— Valve uearly circular, much bent, with two bands of radiating canaliculi, the mar- ginal one narrow, the inner one much broader, the canaliculi distant, with two rows of puncta between them ; central space filled with faint, obscurely moniliform, radiating lines, and bor- dered with a row of oblong granules. Diameter ‘0056’. (Fig. 3.) Hab. On Tridacna, West Indies; F. Kitton, Esq. An exquisitely beautiful diatom, having some relation to Campylodiscus Horologium, in its circular form, distant cana- liculi, and intercanalicular puncta; but differing from it in the much-bent valve and in the double band of canaliculi, besides various minor points. In the inner band, which is about twice the breadth of the outer one, the long canaliculi alternate with very short, imperfect ones, while in the outer band they are all equal, and correspond in number with the perfect and imperfect canaliculi, taken together, of the inner band. Campylodiscus Wallichianus, n. sp., Grev.—Valve circular, with a defined, broadly linear, central space ; canaliculi about 48, concentric, with extremities very slender, and armed with minute spines. Diameter -0040". (Fig. 4.) Hab. Dredged off St. Helena by Dr. Wallich, in from fifteen to forty fathoms. Harvey Bay, Queensland, and Port of France, New Caledonia, Dr. Roberts. 14 GREVILLE, on New Diatoms. This most graceful species in some respects closely re- sembles my Campylodiscus Normanianus. The form of the central space is precisely similar, and the number of the canaliculi is about the same. It is, however, a much more delicate species. The canaliculi are far more slender ; indeed, the sharpness and fineness of the lines are most striking at the first glance. Dr. Wallich correctly remarks, in his notes upon his St. Helena dredgings, which he has most kindly placed in my hands, that the canaliculi, when seen in a favor- able point of view, exhibit themselves as the angular edge of elevated ridges. In an accurate sketch by him, now before me, the canaliculi pass quite across the central space, closely and very minutely beset with spinule; I have also seen a similar specimen from New Caledonia, but it is an excep- tional case, as they rarely traverse more than a third of the distance, and often not so much. ‘The irregularity, however, of the central markings in this genus are now too well known to have any influence over specific diagnosis. Campylodiscus Robertsianus, nu. sp., Grev.—Valve circular, with an oval central space and prominent radiating coste of equal length, the ridge of which is composed of minute, oblong cellules, in pairs. Diameter ‘0050. (Fig. 5.) Hab. Harvey Bay, Queensland; Dr. Roberts. One of the most exquisite species of this charming genus. The valve is bent and concave. The costz or canaliculi re- semble sharply prominent ribs, along the crest of which are disposed longitudinally numerous minute, oblong cellules, in pairs, which in some lights might be hastily taken for short lines. The nearest ally of this remarkable species is unques- tionably C. diplostichus, also a native of the Australian seas, where it was obtained from the stomachs of Ascidians by Dr. Macdonald. I am indebted to the kindness of Dr. Roberts, of Sydney, for a series of gatherings from the Southern Pacific, which, having very recently arrived, are mostly un- examined. I rejoice, however, in having an early opportunity of dedicating so well-marked a species to Dr. Roberts, who, from want of leisure, has been prevented from carrying out his intention of investigating the Diatomacez of the Southern Ocean. Campylodiscus crebrecostatus, n. sp., Grev.—Valve nearly circular ; canaliculi imperfectly radiating, very numerous, 6 in 001", forming a broad, marginal band, the outer portion being bent back, so as to form a ridge along the middle of the band; central space elliptical, closely filled with fine transverse coste, interrupted by a narrow median line of blank space. Longest diameter ‘0037". (Fig. 6.) GREVILLE, on New Diatoms. 15 Hab. Port Jackson, New South Wales; Dr. Roberts. In a mounted slide presented to me by Dr. Roberts I find the beautiful Campylodiscus now described. In the dry pre- paration the valve is of a dark-blue colour. The canaliculi are fine and sharp, and the separation between the marginal band and the central space is marked by a very narrow blank line. The ridge which runs along the middle of the band of canaliculi is so prominent that, at first sight, there appears to be a solution in the continuity of the canaliculi, which, how- ever, is not the case. The costz in the centre are not in the slightest degree moniliform. It is a robust species for its size. Navicula Lewisiana, un. sp., Grev.—Valve elongated, linear oblong; strize very fine, parallel; median line terminating considerably within the apices in a linear, elongated nodule, the base of which rests in a socket. Length -0076" to -0122”. (Fig. 7.) Navicula, n. sp.? or sporangium of N. rhomboides? Lewis, ‘ Notes of Diatom. of the U.S. Seaboard,’ p. 6, pl. u, fig. 3. Navicula, n. sp.? or sporangium of N. rhombaides? or N. fossilis, Enr. Lewis, in ‘Mic. Journ.,’ n. ser., vol. ii, p. 161. Hab. India (Sunderbunds); Dr. Wallich. Mud from oysters, St. Mary’s River, U.S.; tidal mud from Savannah River, U.S.; marsh at Fernandina, Florida; Dr. F. W. Lewis. Mouth of the River Berbice; Dr. Abercrombie. Sierra Leone, in gathering communicated by Frederick Kitton, Esq. Of this diatom Dr. Lewis remarks that “‘it is nearly allied to Nav. rhomboides and crassinervia, more particularly to var. B of the first named, and, perhaps, notwithstanding its marine habitat, ought to be regarded as a variety of one or other of these species.” Dr. Lewis, however, at the same time re- gisters it as a doubtful new species, and I am myself certainly disposed to consider it as really distinct. With regard to mere figure, the frustules of both Nav. rhomboides and crassi- nervia are decidedly lanceolate, whereas those of the diatom now before us have the sides nearly parallel at the middle, and although gradually narrowing as they approach the apex, are still, at that part, broadly rounded. And I am not aware that we have any authority for assuming that the sporangial condition would cause so radical a change in the frustular form. In the absence of any such evidence, it appears to be a safer proceeding to treat it asnew. But the differ- ence in form is, indeed, the least argument in favour of such a conclusion. ‘The terminal nodules alone constitute an essential peculiarity. They are situated at a considerable distance from the apices, are elongated, apparently cylindrical, and are, besides, connected in so curious a manner with the 16 GREVILLE, on New Diatoms. median line, as to render an observation on that organ expe- dient before proceeding with my description. The term central or median line is, at present, used with great latitude, and seems to be held to include, not only the truly simple central line, which extends longitudinally throughout the valve, but also, in various instances, two additional lines which run close to and parallel with it. In the present case it becomes necessary to distinguish between them, and, until a better name be suggested, I shall call these additional lines the extra-median lines. In N. Lewisiana the true median line, which is very slender, passes to the base, and, as it were, supports the terminal nodule. The extra-median lines are very much stronger, incrassated, and somewhat convex oppo- site the central nodule, and on reaching the terminal nodules suddenly expand, increase in bulk, and embrace the lower part of the nodule exactly as a porte-crayon holds a pencil— a comparison which I perceive, from Dr. Wallich’s notes, we have both made independently of each other. The frustule is diaphanous, even under considerable magnifying power, and the striz strictly transverse and parallel, and so fine that they cannot be exhibited by the engraver. According to Dr. Lewis, they are 50 to 60 in ‘001”, while Dr. Wallich makes them 85 in ‘001”. I confess that I have been unable to estimate them satisfactorily. In the ‘ Microscopical Journal’ (vol. ii, p. 155, n. ser.) is a partial reprint of Dr. Lewis’s original pamphlet, in which this species is referred, with a question, to N. fossilis, Ehr., as well as to N. rhomboides, a suggestion which does not occur in the original pamphlet itself. That diatom, however, has, I believe, never been described, and we only know it by the figures in ‘ Mikro- geologie’ (pl. 10 I, fig. 6). Judging from these figures, it is a minute species, with the striz visible and highly oblique, « few radiating ones being very conspicuous opposite the central nodule. It seems quite clear, therefore, that it has no affinity with the very fine and curious diatom under con- sideration. I have attempted in vain to render the frustule of N. Lewisiana stationary under examination, in order to obtain a drawing of the front view. That, however, given by Dr. Lewis, “ linear and slightly inflated,” appears to be correct. In one or two immaterial points this species is subject to irregularity. The terminal nodules vary in length, and the forceps-like receptacle is sometimes closed upon the nodule, while at others it slightly expands. The size of the frustule is also uncertain. The specimens from Sierra Leone are the largest I have seen, one in my possession being nearly a GREVILLE, on New Diatoms. 17 third longer than the individual figured. Those kindly com- municated by my friend, Dr. Abercrombie, of Cheltenham, from Berbice, are generally small, and occur along with fine varieties of N. permagna of Bailey, which I hope to illustrate in a future paper. In the same gathering is also a long Pleurosigma, apparently intermediate between P. Baliicum and P. longinum. (Brightwell, ‘Mic. Journ.,’ vol. vii, p. 180, plate ix, fig. 7.) Navicula Johnsoniana, n. sp., Grev.—Valve somewhat con- vex, elliptical-oblong, with slightly produced, obtuse extremi- ties, and a transversely rounded, stauros-like blank space in the centre ; strize very oblique, conspicuously lineato-punctate. Length 0034” to 0040". (Fig. 8.) Hab. New Zealand; C. Johnson, Esq. Harvey Bay, Queensland, in a dredging communicated by Dr. Roberts. Again I have the pleasure of recording one of the many discoveries of my esteemed and venerable friend, Mr. John- son, of Lancaster. It is only recently that he detected the present diatom in his New Zealand slides, and kindly pre- sented me with one containing several specimens. I had, however, scarcely prepared my description before I recog- nised the same thing in an Australian dredging transmitted by Dr. Roberts, in which it appears to be exceedingly rare. It is a somewhat remarkable species, being intermediate be- tween the genera Navicula and Stauroneis, and I have been mainly induced to place it in the former, on account of the nodule being sufficiently definite apart from the rounded blank space into which it expands on each side, and because this blank space is unequal, being always larger on one side than the other, asin many Pinnularie. The most striking feature in the valve is the conspicuous, remote, oblong puncta, and the very oblique striz into which they are dis- posed. The median line is prominent, and there is a straight parallel row of puncta on each side. A difference exists between the New Zealand and the Australian examples. In the former the frustules are oblong, the puncta larger, and the striz 16 in ‘001."” In the latter the frustules are elliptical-oblong, the puncta much smaller, and the striz 22 in ‘001’. ‘This is certainly a considerable discrepancy, but_ the recent study of these wonderful little vegetables has led to the conclusion that far too much importance was formerly attached to number in the markings, and that it would be desirable to establish characters, if possible, upon other grounds. I had prepared drawings of both forms; but not having room in the plate for both, I have given the Austra- lian, on account of the more highly developed central-nodular VOL. XI. b 18 GREVILLE, on New Diatoms. blank space. In the New Zealand frustules it is very con- siderably smaller. . Navicula notabilis, n. sp., Grev.—Valve oval, with extra- median lines, and near them a parallel uninterrupted line of minute granules on each side, and with a band of marginal granules, composed of three or four longitudinal contiguous series, the intermediate wide blank space obscurely striated. Length :0020” to :0030”. (Fig. 9.) Hab. Cook’s Reef, Torres Straits; G. Norman, Esq. A singularly rich and delicate species, totally distinct from all that I am acquainted with. The whole valve seems to be made up of microscopic strings of beads. Even the extra- median lines which run close to the true median hne are very minutely punctate. Then comes another straight line of fine granules on each side, scarcely more distant from the extra-median lines than they are from each other, not con- tracted in the slightest degree opposite the central nodule, and converging just before reaching the ends. Between these lines and the margin the space is divided into two equal parts, the one being blank, or at least only obscurely transversely striated, the other filled up with about four rows of granules, following the curve of the margin. The two inner of these rows are distinctly defined ; the others are more or less confluent. The only variation I have observed is in size and in the tendency of the smaller specimens to approach a circular form. Navicula luxuriosa, n. sp., Grev.—Valve elliptical, some- what obtuse; strize composed of distinct oblong puncta, so arranged as to form longitudinal lines contracted opposite the nodule; the margin, as well as an intra-marginal line or ridge, also; composed of close puncta. Length -0030” to 0038.” (Figs. 10, 11.) Hab. Port Stephen, New South Wales, in a dredging com- municated by Dr. Roberts. It is utterly impossible for the pencil to convey any idea of the exceeding beauty of this little object. Under a mode- rately magnifying power the delicate striation is scarcely perceived ; but the intra-marginal line at once strikes the _ eye, as well as the indication of wavy longitudinal lines. Under a higher power the surface of the valve is seen to be undulated ; the intra-marginal line, especially, forming a pro- minent ridge, leaving a sort of channel between it and the margin. The median is accompanied by parallel extra- median lines, straight at the sides and converging towards the ends. Then follow three longitudinal, convex lines of puncta, contracted opposite the nodule, at which point they GREVILLE, 0n New Diatoms. 19 occupy a space of about half the distance from the nodule to the margin. ‘The only species which appears by description to approach this diatom is N. costata; but on consulting the figure given by Kiitzing (‘Bacill.,’ plate in, fig. 56), it is evident that there is no connection whatever between them. The latter has no extra-median lines, and although the valve is said to be “ longitudinaliter punctato-costata,” the punc- tate character arises, not from puncta in the direction of the transverse striation, but from circular puncta arranged at in- tervals along either one or two longitudinal lines. The remarkable intra-marginal line of puncta so conspicuous in N. luxuriosa is wholly wanting. Navicula? Cistella, n. sp., Grev.—Valve quadrangular, about twice as long as broad, the angles rounded and some- what dilated ; surface marked with delicately punctate, longi- tudinal lines; transverse striz very fine, parallel. Length, 0015” to 0025”. (Figs. 12—14.) Cocconeis ? quadrata; Roper, MS. Hab. Dredged off Lyme Regis, in eight fathoms’ water by the Rev. J. Guillemard, 1855; F. C. 8. Roper, Esq. Harvey Bay, Queensland, in a dredging communicated by Dr. Ro- berts, of Sydney; not unfrequent. It is not a little imteresting that after I had described this . ambiguous, minute diatom from the antipodes, I should be informed by my most obliging friend, Mr. Roper, that it was actually discovered some years ago on our own shores. The very accurate drawings made by himself in 1855, and now lying before me, leave no doubt to be entertained on this point. But the real nature of the frustule seems to have been doubtful from the first. Mr. Roper regarded it as possibly a Cocconeis. The late Professor Smith, to whom specimens were submitted, could make nothing of it, and would not venture to refer it to any genus. In now publishing it as a doubtful Navicula, my object is to attract such attention to- wards it as may lead to its generic settlement. Looking at the side view, it is certainly as much like a Cocconeis as a Navicula; but the front view, which Mr. Roper had not seen, seems to point more towards the latter. After all, that acute diatomist may be correct in his conjecture (in Jitt.), that it may belong to an unknown filamentous form. And, indeed, before I had communicated with him, I had myself remarked in my MS., —$So little, indeed, does the frustule resemble a Navicula, that in hastily passing the slide across the field of view it might be taken to belong to one of the Melosiree.” It must be understood, therefore, that its present position is simply 20 GREVILLE, 0n New Diatoms. provisional. The valve is somewhat opaque, and varies con- siderably in size and in relative length and breadth; the ends are very slightly convex, rounded and inflated at the corners, and the sides generally more or less convex opposite the cen- tral nodule, very rarely straight. The longitudinal lines are curved outwards opposite the nodule, in number about 21 in ‘001’, and most exquisitely punctate. The transverse striz are fine, and require careful manipulation for their resolution. The front view has straight sides and ends, the angles rounded. The whole frustule is very solid and compact. AMPHIPRORA. Amphiprora oblonga, n. sp., Grev.—Large; front view ob- long; wings not deeply constricted; greatest breadth at a point about half way between the constriction and the ends; curve of the lateral plates reaching the constriction. Length 0060” to -0085”. (Fig. 15.) Hab. Harvey Bay, Queensland; Dr. Roberts. Here is a large Amphiprora, which I cannot refer to any described species, and yet it may be found eventually to be merely an extreme aberrant form. Unfortunately, although I have seen many examples, I have been unable to fix upon any side view as indubitably identified with it. If I knew any described species to which I could trace it, even as a remote variety, I would gladly do so; but the very circum- stance of this perplexity renders a figure desirable, and I give it a provisional name, which may be cancelled whenever its ‘relations shall have been conclusively established. Speci- mens occur much larger than the one figured, and, conse- quently, greatly exceeding in size A. maxima of Gregory, with which I was at first mduced to compare it. But that diatom is very much more broadly truncate, the widest part being near the ends and the constriction very deep, whereas, in the present species, the widest part is halfway between the end and the constriction, and the latter comparatively quite shallow. The character of the marginal curve im the two species appears to me to be essentially distinct. It would — require a careful examination, however, of a long series of examples of the different species in order to ascertain finally how much dependence may be placed on the character to be derived from the curve of the lobes. My own impression is that a peculiarity exists in the curve of most of the species, GREVILLE, on New Diatoms. 21 especially when taken in connection with the constriction, which may be recognised throughout all the variations of each species. This, however, is only an impression produced on my own mind after, it must be confessed, a too limited suite of observations. I find that Dr. Wallich obtained an Amphiprora at St. Helena, which he also compared with A. maxima; but he remarks in his notes, written at the time (accompanied by a very careful sketch), that the curve of the lobes is different. They appear, indeed, to differ both from those of A. maxima and the subject of the present notice. TRANSACTIONS. MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY. ANNUAL MEETING. Report of Council. According to custom the Council have to make their annual report on the progress and state of the Society during the past year. The number of members reported at the last anniversary was 317. During the past year 383i members have been elected, making a total of 348. This, however, must be re- duced by 11 resigned, making a final total of 337. It is with much satisfaction the Council have to state that no deaths have been reported during the past year. The reports of the auditors, and of the library, the cabinet, and instrument committees, will give the necessary informa- tion as regards the finances, the additions to the library and cabinet, and the state of the instruments at present belonging to the Society. The Journal has as usual been published regularly, and circulated among the members. Report of Committee for investigating the condition and performance of the Society’s Microscopes. We have to state that the object-glasses belonging to the Society are all in serviceable condition, and the best of their date. Their performance is equally creditable to their respec- tive makers. But as such improvements have since been made that they must be considered inferior to what most of the members are now in the habit of employing—these improve- ments consisting of increased aperture, more perfect flatness VOL. XI. ¢ 24. Report of Library Committee. of field, and superior definition—we recommend that a set of object-glasses, up to + inclusive, be purchased by the Society for the instruments now in their possession by the respective makers, and also achromatic condensers; those belonging to the Society being very imperfect. In addition to this there is great need for a parabolic condenser, or some approved form of dark field illumination. Mr. Ross has made a most munificent offer through Mr. Reade, stating that, on returning his old instrument, now in our possession, he will present the Society with d new one, having the binocular arrangement and all accessories, with a set of new objectives up to 1th. We have accepted this offer on behalf of the Society. Names of Committee, C. BRooKeE. EK. G. Loss. Dr. MILueR. Rev. J. B. READE. F. H. Wenuam. Report of the Library Committee to the Council of the Micro- scopical Society. The large additions made to the Library in 1861 have rendered unnecessary any purchases during the past year, but your Committee have to report an accession of thirteen volumes and seventy-nine pamphlets, &c., presented to the Library since our last anniversary—the number of works lately acquired being more than the present book-case can well accommodate. Your Committee, with the sanction of the Council, are about to procure another, which they trust will make the entire Library more available for the members. They also wish again to draw the attention of the members to the fact, that the three volumes of ‘Original Transactions,’ with many interesting plates, may still be had at the reduced price of One Guinea. Jno. Miiyar. F. W. Rover. 25 Auditors’ Report. “MOdd CUVHOTH “dOTSIH “M OY} JO MAY} Ur doUL[eq oy pur “pg “sZT GoggF Suroq ‘syuoQ sod oaayy, poyeprosuoy Ul Yo}g JO yunoure yy, ~4001.109 oq 0} OWNS OT]} PUNOJ PUL ‘sLdTONOA pUL S]HOUNIOP oY} Y}TA ‘syUNODL SAoMSvOTT, OY} POULMILXS DAVY “ponSisiopun oY} AA JOINSVAAT, JO Spuvly UI soUeTeEg ; ‘oR “IQ duery sosuodxng Aq,0q roy L1eyos99g WUL\SISSy SUOTJALLOSGNG JO WOTYDOTTOR WO WOTSsTUUOD IL & 986 Oerl Sal © : OF Sle - ° z hee Vee. O20 Cle 5 Ne US GL ya = 0 I1é 0.6 6&1 OL GL F% a 0) 31 6t Ot AL P Ord: ae” ‘ 9 8T 981 ay: 9 61 OT i 2) 02 (0b Bie. ; 0.0 Wie : ) de te * Karo0g Ley uoydrusqng 2 : * gyoogy t ‘ * Surya — ory ‘Kron0yeyg “ouyULy ‘ : SPCLOWYSOTJOYY j * sey pue sourygiiy —'Z1A ‘aaatog jo sasuadxiy ; : quay * — opytp 07 Lr9aTacy pure 9Seqysog : ves * yeumor feoidoosororyy , 9} JO SLOJIPHT 5 1oyeny Kxeyaro0g yueysissy Jo Arepeg oy, “SENTWAYV SPT SGTF Sutoq Lyo190g IL & 9&hG 0 4 65% 0 0 0 0 0 0 OL 9 ST © 0 OL F6 * 8 M08; ul Sbs 2.7 & MBNROONR1 ‘LUOULU SUOLICAV. Lp * ae): ae iS OLT S Mond ss bs 08° : Dis. 2" oll 0 sa zj . . 6S8I “ (74 a * gggT avok oy} 10,7 —uorjdiosqng jenu1y S[OSUOL) “PS “SST GG9F WO Spuoprarcy ; : * suorysodw0g SIOGWOTY MOU GZ JO Soaq Worsstupy : qwo snomoid wor oourjeg, fg *SLATGOMY 26 The President’s Address. The President then delivered the following Address: The Prestpent’s Appress for the year 1863. By R. J. Farrants, Esq. GENTLEMEN,—This is the twenty-third anniversary of the Society. In the usual retrospect of our affairs for the past year, the subject which, on this occasion, properly has prece- dence is the proceedings (and their result) of the Committee appointed at the last annual meeting to confer with the Council on ‘the publication of our ‘'Transactions,’ and the supply to the members of the ‘ Quarterly Journal of Micro- scopical Science.” Your Committee, having inquired into the matter referred to them, made a report to the Council, which led to a conference between that Committee and a Committee of the Council appointed for the purpose. The whole subject was fully considered at the conference, and a course of action recommended to the Council, in conformity to which they resolved to rescind the agreement then in force. This having been done, proposals were offered by the editors of the ‘ Journal,’ to which the Council assented, and a new arrangement was settled, to take effect from the commence- ment of the present year. This arrangement the Council believe to be a fair one, and trust it will be mutually advan- tageous to the parties interested in it. While it continues in force the members of the Society will be supplied with a copy of the ‘Journal,’ together with the ‘Transactions,’ as has been usual of late years, and our finances be considerably benefited. The reports which have been read show a satisfactory state both as regards members and finances. It is gratifying to find that the number of members suffers no diminution, not- withstanding the establishment of numerous provincial socie- ties with similar objects to our own. The existence, in full activity, of the Microscopical Societies of Bradford, Hull, Manchester, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and Southampton, is known to us by their proceedings published in the ‘ Microscopical Journal. I hope, however, the Metropolitan Society will still continue a centre of union to many, if not to all engaged in microscopical observations. That this hope is not ground- less is proved by the steady increase of the number of mem- bers shown by the annual reports of the last ten years. ee ee”) |! a The President's Address. 27 In 1853 the total number of members was 207 5» 1854 zs , 298 » 1856 53 fs 241 5. 1858 6 ie 267 » 1860 B ss 985 5» 1862 > 4 317 We now have 337 members contributing to our funds, many of them contributing also to our ‘Transactions,’ and, still more, regularly attending our meetings, and taking part in the proceedings. This increase is not accidental, it is con- tinuous and regular, and may be fairly referred to the opera- tion of a cause connected with the constitution and character of the Society. Happily there are no neon notices; at least, I am not aware of the death of any member during the year. I am pleased at being able to speak favorably of the pro- gress made in the improvement of our collection of objects, so long an opprobrium to us. In 1858 the cabinet contained only . 351 slides. », 1860 the number had increased to 663 _,, » 1862 the number was... . 882 ,, And now, by presentations during the year, and some pur- chases which, for the first time, the Council have been able to make from the Society’s funds, the number is raised to 1100. I am also now able to tell you that the Council have de- termined to appropriate a portion of the balance at their command to improving the microscopes of the Society. A committee has been appointed to examine the instruments, objectives, &c., to settle what is most urgently required, and to advise the Council as to the best mode of procedure. The deficiencies at present are confessedly very great, but we hope soon to have sets of objectives of the best construction, with the latest improvements, of the eminent makers of the respective instruments, so that the glasses accompanying them may again be, what they originally were, the best attain- able, and examples of what the science and skill of our leading opticians enable them to accomplish. And now I have much pleasure in communicating to you a most generous act of Mr. Ross. When spoken to on this subject, he spontaneously, liberally offered to present to the Society one of his best microscopes, with objectives and ap- paratus complete, to replace the old but excellent instrument made for the Society in 1841 by the late Mr. A. Ross, his father. I am authorised to state that an instrument for this purpose is now in hand, and, when completed, will be pre- sented to the Society. 298 The President’s Address. Messrs. Powell and Lealand, and Messrs. Smith, Beck, and Beck will supply any objectives required of them, at prices which will leave them no gainers by the transaction, and will barely cover the cost of production. Messrs. Smith, Beck, and Beck also write me as follows :—‘‘ Having been informed that Mr. Ross has promised to present to the Society one of his best microscopes, complete in every respect, we have con- sidered whether we should, on our part, make any gratuitous addition to the above offer (which refers to the hberal terms on which they will supply any glasses ordered from them) ; and we have determined not to do so at present. The exist- ing arrangements of the Society admit of so few and of such short opportunities for the use of the microscopes by the mem- bers, that any increase in the present number of instruments would confer no real benefit in any way. Whenever the So- ciety may provide fit accommodation for the proper use of good serviceable microscopes, as well as the means of frequent access to them, the gratuitous contributions then from most, if not from all of the makers, will, no doubt, be very con- siderable. We are quite prepared to do our part ; but probably a present of more than one stand, or some arrangement of instruments adapted to the particular wants of the members generally, would be of more service to the Society than merely another complete microscope, many of the accessories to which would probably never be used. That the future of the Society may be so prosperous as to test this promise of ours to the utmost, and at no distant period, is the sincere wish of yours very truly, “ Smitu, Beck, anp BrEcK.” Last year, on this occasion, I was fortunate in having to announce the gift to the Society, by Mr. Peters, of his instru- ment for microscopic writing. Soon after it was known that this instrument was in the possession of the Society, intima- tions were given to the Council that it would be an acceptable addition to the collection of wonderful objects then being prepared at South Kensington. The Council were led to believe they would not be justified in withholding from public inspection an instrument so ingeniously contrived, and by the use of which such marvellous results had been attained. Finally, the Council determined on sending it to the Inter- national Exhibition. It was admitted to the building on Monday, May 5th; on Wednesday, 7th, a notice of it ap- peared in the ‘ Times,’ which at once directed public attention to it; and it continued to excite much interest during the whole of the time the Exhibition was open to the public.. The simplicity and completeness of its arrangements were highly commended by those, foreigners or countrymen, best able : E . ; ; The President’s Address. 29 to appreciate the difficulties to be overcome, and the admirable manner in which the task was accomplished. I have much satisfaction in adding that a medal was awarded to Mr, Peters, as the award states, for ingenuity of construction. The in- strument is now, by permission of the Council of King’s College, in their museum. The International Exhibition afforded an opportunity of comparing the microscope stands and glasses of English and foreign makers. In this competitive examination the English opticians fully maintained the supremacy which, by general repute, was assigned to them; indeed, anything nearer to perfection than a first-class microscope, as supplied by the principal London houses engaged in the manufacture of these instruments, can scarcely be expected. The makers, however, are not content to remain without striving still further to improve both stand and glasses. Messrs. Powel and Lealand now regularly supply a =,” ob- jective, remarkable for clearness of definition, of large but not extravagant aperture. The demand for these glasses, I am informed, far exceeds the expectations of the makers: this I believe is, in great measure, owing to the fact that the com- bination allows sufficient space between it and the covering glass to render its use comparatively easy and agreeable, instead of merely possible. Mr. Ross has greatly improved his microscope stand by various additions and alterations. The rotatig stage is now only one third of its former thickness, and being well chamfered on its under side, there is a large increase of working room for all the illuminating apparatus used beneath the stage; the mechanical stage has been also reduced one third of its former thickness. By the use of the same diameter of tube as that adopted by Messrs. Smith, Beck, and Beck, the whole of the sub-stage, with the apparatus fitting into it, has been very much diminished in bulk. This is also one more step towards uniformity of size in the fittings of first-class microscopes by the various English makers. Both the circular part of the main stage and also that of the sub-stage are graduated ; the former enables the instrument to be used as a goniometer, and the latter will be found very useful in investigations with polarized light. To the mirror has been added a double arm, for the more efficient resolution of lined objects by simple oblique light. The whole instrument has been reduced more than one third in weight, and as this has been accomplished by a simpli- fication of the construction, and reduction of unnecessary thickness in the upper and moying parts, its steadiness has thereby not been impaired, . 30 The Presideni’s Address. Such is a description of the instrument intended for the Society, which, by the kindness of Mr. Ross, I have had an opportunity of inspecting and examining. Mr. Ross has also constructed a new achromatic con- denser, giving a large field with great intensity, intended for use with both high and low powers : it adapts to the diaphragm plate of the microscope, for the modification of the illumi- nating pencil, and, in combination with the polarizing prism, will be found a great advantage, as in polarization one half of the light is thrown away. The “ Kelner’s Orthoscopic Eyepieces,” though not new, have this year met witha very greatly increased demand, due to the recognition of the advantage which their very extended field gives for purposes of exhibition. An improved compressor consists of a base plate, across which is fitted a dovetailed slide, carrying the lower glass. At one end of the base plate is another short, vertical, dove- tailed slide, moved by a milled head and screw; and again on to this, parallel to the base plate, a frame, which holds the upper glass. Both glasses can be removed for cleaning with great facility ; the pressure appliec is completely under control, and as the glasses remain parallel whatever the separation, the object under manipulation is not slid about by unequal pressure. Messrs. Smith, Beck, and Beck remark, ‘‘ The most notice- able feature of the past year has been, that microscopists are returning to the use of object-glasses of moderate aperture, but with the corrections made as perfect as possible.” This they think ‘‘ may be attributable to the introduction of the binocular principle, which opens up a new field of observa- tion amongst general objects which mostly require illumina- tion from above.’”’ Very few of the better class of instru- ments, I am told, are now made with a single body, and great numbers have been returned to the makers, to have binocular adaptation. From memoranda kindly furnished by the three firms above-mentioned, I am able to state that the demand for microscopes has continued to increase, ‘in spite of the bad state of trade generally, and the entire stoppage of any supply to America.” ‘The number of microscopes sold by these three houses during the year is considerably above 600; “the sale of instruments of the very highest class maintains its full proportion of increase ;” the number ex- ceeds 100. One of these houses alone has supplied to the public during the last year 360 object-glasses of the very highest character. The demand for mounted objects for the microscope is, I The Presidenit’s Address. Ba! learn, proportionate to the demand for instruments; so great indeed is it, that it is with difficulty the supply keeps pace with it. We have had the usual number of ordinary meetings, with the usual annual soirée, the full attendance at which may be accepted as additional evidence of the interest taken by a large portion of the public in microscopical pursuits. Our members have not failed to furnish material for con- sideration and discussion at the ordinary meetings. On one evening only the Council were not provided with a written communication to submit to the meeting, and on that occa- sion the unusual and unexpected deficiency was amply com- pensated by the valuable observations and interesting discus- sion elicited on subjects extemporally introduced by the Rev. J. B. Reade and Mr. H. Deane, which I shall presently have to notice. We have had several communications on methods of pre- paring objects for examination with the microscope :— 1. The first of these was “ On the Preservation and Mount- ing of Microscopic Objects in Minute Tubes.” By Dr. Guy. (Read March 12th; published in ‘ Trans. Mic. Soe.’ vol. x, N.S:; -p. 77.) The mode of preparing the tube, introducing the object, and securing it, by sealing both ends of the tube, are fully and clearly explained, and the classes of objects to which the method is especially adapted are indicated. Such are chemical sublimates, as of arsenious acid, antimony ; some volatile chemical substances, as camphor, iodine, sul- phur, &c.; small seeds, pollen, and starch, and’small “ cylin- drical objects, as the antenne of insects, and the stamens and pistils of most plants.” Minute insects, also, may be well preserved in this way. The advantages of the plan, when appropriate, are, the objects are preserved from pres- sure or distortion, and the necessity of using any preservative medium is superseded, as the exclusion of air and moisture, by sealing the tubes at both ends, answers every purpose of preservation. Specimens of objects thus mounted were ex- hibited. One particularly remarkable was a stamen of the rhododendron, which had been enclosed in the tube more than nine months, and was then as fresh and clear as when first introduced. 2. “On a Revolving Disc-holder for Opaque Objects.” By Mr. Richard Beck. (Read June 11th; published in ‘Trans. Mic. Soc.,’ vol. x, N.S., p. 101). The author gave a short description of the apparatus which is designed to facilitate the examination of objects under 82 The President’s Address. Lieberkuhn illumination, and the instrument was exhibited. It affords ready means of bringing into view any part of the object under examination: it has many advantages over the usual forceps attached to the stage, for which it is a con- venient substitute. The author states that, by the use of this little instrument, he has “ ascertamed many facts which he never could satisfactorily determine before.” A. 8. A paper “On Cleaning and Preparing Diatoms,” by J. A. Tulk,”” communicated by Dr. Millar, was read October 8th., published ‘Trans. Mic. Soc.,’ vol. xi, N.S., JA, 2 The author gives directions for collecting the diatoms, so that from the first the gathering may be as free as possible from foreign admixture. He then explains how all inpurities unavoidably present may be removed. Finally, he gives full details of the manner of mounting the prepared specimens either in Canada balsam, or in.the dry way. Many a micro- scopist, without doubt, will gratefully acknowledge his obli- gations to the author for these practical hints. At our last meeting, when there was no paper, the Rev. J. B. Reade communicated a method of separating Desmidiz, which he had practised with great success. It consists in taking advantage of the endowments of the living organisms, whence it results that they become firmly attached to ap- propriate surfaces, while any impurities that may be mixed with them may be readily diffused through the water which contains them. Putting the gathering into a wide shallow vessel, as a common soup plate, and covering it completely with water, the whole is set aside for ten or twelve hours, by which time the living organisms will have become fixed to the surface of the plate; then, by slightly tilting the plate, and gently agitating the water, the foreign substances will be diffused through the liquid, and by pouring off the water, will be re- moved with it; this may be repeated, if necessary, without detaching the Desmids. Finally, having added a little clean water, the Desmids may he gently separated and easily trans- ferred to the receiving bottle perfectly clean and free from all foreign matter. Two papers were read ‘‘ On the Application of Photography to the representation of Microscopie Objects as seen through the Microscope.” 4. The first of these, On Micro-Stereography,” by Mr. J. Smith, was read May 14th. The plan adopted by the author to obtain match pictures was to cover in succession the right and left half of the The President’s Address. 33 objective, and to take a picture in each state. By this, method he succeeded in getting pairs, which, combined, gave good stereoscopic effects. 5. The second of these papers, “On the Photographic Delineation of Microscopic Objects,” by R. L. Maddox, M.D., was communicated by Mr. Shadbolt. (Read November 12th ; published ‘ Trans. Mic. Soc.,’ vol xi, N.8., p. 9.) The author, admitting the difficulties attending the attempt to produce well-defined and useful representations of objects as seen through the microscope, and that pictures so obtained can at best only give a general view of an object or of some particular part, still regards the process as advantageous, because in the pictures there can be “no notable mistakes of relative magnitude, distance, or separation of parts, upon the strict correctness of which much in scientific observation depends; also parts incapable of being easily, if at all, ren- dered by the hand can by its use be traced in more than mere outline.” Strong sunlight, if possible, is used on all oc- casions, though this is attended with the risk of softening the cementing medium of the lenses of the object-glass. In the discussion which followed the reading of the paper, the Rev. J. B. Reade remarked, that the injury of the object- glass might be avoided by the dispersion of the heat rays, which could be effected by an arrangement he had long ago used for that purpose; and Mr Highley suggested that the heat rays could be intercepted if the illuminating pencil were made to pass through a solution of alum. 6. A paper “On the Scales of some Species of thysa- noura,” by Mr. Richard Beck, was read March 12; pub. in ‘Trans. Mic. Soc.,’ vol x, N.S., p. 83. The author considers the scales of some of these insects as test objects of great value, as affording the means of determining the exact condition of a combination as to the centring of its component lenses, and its corrections for aberration and dispersion. The proper scales (known gene- rally as Podura scales) are really obtained from a species of Lepidocyrtus ; but the precise species is not yet certainly de- termined. The author mentions the difficulty of finding the insects, gives the results of his experience in searching for them, adds instructions for capturing them when their haunts are ascertained, and for transferring their scales to the glass which thenceforth is to bear them. He tells us there is danger of the insects hopping away and effecting their escape before the transfer is completed, but assures us this may be secured by a moderate dose of chloroform, which he administers by dropping a little near them upon the paper 34. The President’s Address. which has been used to receive them. The vexed question of the structure of the scales is fully considered, particularly whether the wedge-shaped markings possess individuality as little scales, or are mere inequalities on the surface of the membrane. The opinion of the author is that the markings are more or less elevations or corrugations on the surface, which answer the simple purpose of giving strength to a very delicate membrane. Seven shies illustrating the paper were presented as an addition to the Society’s collection of objects. 7. “A Description of a New Parasite in the Heart of the Edible Turtle,” by Dr. A. Leared, was read May 14, and is pub. in ‘ Quar. Jour. Mic. Soc., vol. ii, N. S., p. 168. This parasite, an undescribed species of Distoma, which the author provisionally names constrictum, was found in great numbers in the cavities of the heart of the turtle. The development and migrations of the Entozoa is a subject of great interest which has not received in this country the attention it deserves. The parasites met with by Dr. Leared were undoubtedly immature animals; their larval condition and the situation where they were found, in the full current of the blood, suggest the idea that they were in the act of migrating, for we can hardly suppose the cavities of the heart to have been their permanent abode. If this conjecture be correct, it is the only instance (as far as I am aware) where the animals have been caught on their journey to the place where they were ultimately to be developed. 8. A paper “On the Generation of Acari ina Nitrate of Silver Bath,” by R. L. Maddox, M.D., communicated by Mr, Shadbolt, was read May 14, pub. in ‘ Trans. Mie. Soc.,’ Vol tac DLS:, op.96. The facts narrated I think scarcely support the title. All that is clearly made out is, that the msects were found in considerable numbers on the surface of the solution. 9. A second paper on the same subject, also communicated by Mr. Shadbolt, was read Nov. 11. In this it is stated that the insects were covered with a secretion which appeared to protect them from the action of the nitrate of silver. How the insects obtained admission under the circumstances mentioned is not easy to understand; but remembering how extensively these little animals are diffused, and the difficulty of finding any situation entirely free from them, we can scarcely infer, in the absence of all evidence as to their origin, that they were propagated and developed in the solution on the surface of which they were found. The President’s Address. 35 10. “ Descriptions of New and Rare Diatoms’” (series vi). By R. K. Greville, LL.D. (Communicated by Mr. Roper, was read May 14th; published in ‘Trans. Mic. Soc.,’ vol. x, WN..S., p..89). 11. “ Description of New and rare Diatoms” (series viii). By Dr. Greville. (Also communicated by Mr. Roper, was read Noy. 10th; published in ‘ Trans. Mic. Soc.,’ vol. xi, N.S., p. 13.) Note.—No. vii of this series was not communicated to this Society. It is published in ‘ Quart. Journ. Mic. Soc., vol. un, N.S., p. 231. 12. “On some New Species of Diatomacee.”’ By J. Staunton, Esq. (Read June llth.) Twelve slides illus- trating the paper were at the same time presented, and are added to the collection of objects. 13. “On Fungus Destruction of Lozenges in a dry At- mosphere.” By F. M. Rimmington, was communicated by Mr. Tuffen West. (Read June 11th; published in ‘Trans. Mic. Soc.,’ vol. x, N.S., p. 103.) The point of interest, as remarked by Mr. West, is the great amount of deliquescence caused by the fungus in a perfectly dry atmosphere. B. Vibrio Tritict.—Some interesting facts in connection with these animals were mentioned to the Society at the last meeting, by Mr. H. Deane. The long time they maintain their vitality is well known; how long is not determined. Mr. Deane has had some diseased wheat for ten years, in which, when last examined, a year ago, the animals were found alive and in full activity. He also mentioned a remarkable fact known to him, viz., that on a particular piece of land, whenever wheat is grown, it is always infested with vibrio, no matter what the length of time since the previous wheat crop, or what crops have been grown in the mean- time. Having completed this retrospect of the year, and given a short account of the thirteen papers which have been read at our ordinary meetings, it only remains for me to congra- tulate you on the present state of the Society, and its pro- spects for the future, and to thank you for the kind support and assistance uniformly afforded me during the two years I have occupied the chair I am shortly to resign to the gentle- man appointed to succeed me,—one whose thorough ac- quaintance with the mechanical and optical properties of the microscope, whose familiarity with all the details of microsco- pical investigation, and whose scientific and general attain- ments, eminently fit him for the office of President. 36 A Monoerara of the genus Auuiscus. By R. K. Grevitiz, LL.D., F.R.S.E., &e. (Communicated by F. C. S. Rorrr, F.L.S., &c., and read March 11th.) Ir is impossible to be engaged in the study of natural science at the present time, and especially im the more prac- tical departments, without being perpetually involved in the questio vexata, What is a species? Evenin working out the following monograph of the small genus Auliscus, I have found myself beset with difficulties; and without doubt some of my conclusions will be challenged by labourers in the same field, who hold (with perfect right) what they assume to be the most orthodox views. But who is to decide between conflicting opinions? And so the question again recurs, What is a species? It is singular that what appears at first sight to be so clear in theory, should be found practically in the direst confusion. Naturalists of the greatest reputation are not agreed on even the first step. Thus, Professor J. G. Agardh, in his ‘Theoria Systematis Plantarum,’ after quoting various eminent naturalists, re- marks— “Ex his, que breviter attulimus, satis, credo, apparet, tres nostre etatis vel excellentissimos nature inves- tigatores in illa, quam proposuimus, queestione dijudicanda, inter se dissentire. Schleidenius sola individua, Lindley species, Friesius species et genera a natura vult constituta, majores omnes ordines ab arte inventos esse.” “ A species,’ says Professor Walker-Arnott, “im the Lin- nean sense of the word .... is formed by our Maker, as essentially distinct from all other species, as man is from the brute creation: ‘Species tot numeramus, quot diverse forme in principio sunt create,’ Linn. It ought neither for convenience to be united with others, nor be split into several on account of newly detected diversities of form ; but the difficulty is to ascertain what is such a primitive or natural species, and how to characterise it so as to include those numerous varieties and individuals now existing on the surface of the globe which have sprung from it, but of which none may bear greater resemblance to the original or typical form than they now do to each other.”* This is sufficiently disheartening ; and Bentham, than whom a higher authority can scarcely be quoted, is not more encouraging. ‘ The species,” he remarks, “ in the ordinary traditional accepta- * ¢ British Flora,’ ‘ Introduction,” j : GREVILLE, on the genus Auliscus. 37 tion of the word, designates the whole of the individuals supposed to be descended from one original plant or pair of plants. But this definition is practically useless; for we have no means of ascertaining the hereditary history of individual plants. .. . Believing, however, as I do, that there exist in nature a certain number of “groups of individuals the limits to whose powers of variation are, under present circumstances, fixed and permanent, I have been in the habit of practically defining the species as the whole of the individual plants which resemble each other sufficiently to make us conclude that they are all, or MAY HAVE BEEN all, descended from a common parent.”* Here, it will be per- ceived, everything ultimately depends upon the judgment of the observer. Agassiz speaks with the utmost confidence, and apparently sees no difficulties at all. “It was a great step,” he says, “in the progress of science, when it was ascertained that species have fixed characters, and that they do not change in the course of time..... Geology only shows that at dif. ferent periods there have existed different species; but no transition from those of a preceding into those of the follow- ing epoch has ever been noticed anywhere... . nothing fur- nishes the slightest argument in favour of their mutability. On the contrary, every modern investigation has gone only to confirm the results first obtained by Cuvier, and his views, that species are fixed.’’+ In amusing contrast to Agassiz, we have the astounding deductions of Mr. Darwin, who writes—‘“ I can entertain no doubt, after the most deliberate study and dispassionate judg- ment of which I am capable, that the view which most natu- ralists entertain, and which I formerly entertained, namely, that each species has been independently created, is erroneous. I am fully convinced that species are not immutable.... I believe that all animals have descended from at most only four or five progenitors, and plants from an equal or lesser number. . «. Probably ail the organic beings which have ever lived on the earth have descended from some one primordial form, into which life was at first breathed.” Alas! for the fixity of species ! The shades of Linnzus and Cuvier are not to rest in peace. Dr. Joseph Hooker, in his most valuable and interesting “ Introductory Essay ”’ to the ‘ Flora of New Zealand,’ adheres to what may be called the popular view of the question, in assuming that “ all the individuals of a species (as I attempt to confine the term) have proceeded from one parent (or * ‘Nat. Hist. Review,’ vol. i, p. 133. + ‘Essay on Classification,’ pp. 75—78. 38 GReEvILLE, on the genus Auliscus. pair), and that they retain their distinctive (specific) cha- racters.” And he also assumes that “species vary more than is generally admitted to be the case.””* In adopting these assumptions, for they express my own convictions, we still have to acquire a practical insight into the laws which govern the limitation of species and the range of variation. So involved in obscurity are those laws, that one of the most cautious and philosophical naturalists in America does not hesitate to say—“It is by no means difficult to believe that varieties are incipient or possible species, when we see what trouble naturalists, especially botanists, have to distinguish between them,—one regarding as a true species what another regards as a variety, when the progress of knowledge continually increases rather than diminishes the number of doubtful instances; and when there is less agreement than ever among naturalists as to what is the basis in nature upon which our idea of species reposes, or how the word is to be defined.” + This is strikingly illustrated in the most recent works devoted to the Flora of our own country. Scarcely two of our leading botanists take the same view of what constitutes (in practice) a rigid diagnosis. In five of the British genera of flowering plants (admittedly difficult and testing examples), the following differences occur in two Floras. According to Professor Babington there are 24 species of Ranunculus, 45 of Rubus, 17 of Rosa, 32 of Hieracium, and 70 of Carex. According to Mr. Bentham there are 13 species of Ranunculus, 5 of Rubus, 5 of Rosa, 7 of Hieracium, and 47 of Carex; being a dif- ference in only five genera of one hundred and eleven species. This extraordinary contrast might possibly be attributed to certain extreme views entertained by the authors of these Floras. This may be the case, and parties who differ from them both will no doubt say so; but who is to decide? The matter is infinitely complicated by other and equally dis- tinguished botanists holding not exactly an immediate posi- tion, but oscillating in a most irregular manner between the extremes. Sir W. J. Hooker and Professor Walker-Arnott describe in their British Flora 4 species of Ranunculus fewer than Babington, and 7 more than Bentham; of Rubus, 34 species fewer than Babington, and 6 more than Bentham; of Rosa, 2 more than Babington, and 14 more than Bentham ; of Hieracium, the same number as Babington (32—one extreme being here reached), and 25 more than Bentham; of Carex, * ‘Flora of New Zealand,’ “ Introductory Essay,” p. viii. + Professor Asa Gray, ‘Nat. Selection not inconsistent with Nat. Theology,’ p. 5. a } | GREVILLE, on the genus Auliscus. 39 3 fewer than Babington, and 20 more than Bentham! Well may the humble student fall back upon the old proverb, “Who shall decide when doctors disagree’? On the one side is a war-cry against too many species; on the other an alleged tendency in the opposite direction. ‘ The time may ere long arrive,” says Professor Walker-Arnott, ‘‘ when what are now called genera or subgenera will alone be considered species, and another Linnzus be requisite to reduce the chaos to order.’’* If such difficulties beset the botanist among the higher orders of vegetation, we need not be surprised to find them multiplied when we descend to.the more obscure and simple forms of organized life. Dr. Carpenter has been unable to discover anything approaching to fixity of species among the Foraminifera. ‘The impracticability,” he remarks, “ of ap- plying the ordinary method of definition to the genera of Foraminifera becomes an absolute impossibility in regard to species. For whether or not there really exist in this group generic assemblages capable of being strictly limited by well- marked boundaries, it may be affirmed with certainty that, among the forms of which such assemblages are composed, it is the exception, not the rule, to find one which is so isolated from the rest by any constant and definite peculiarity, as to have the least claim to rank as a natural species.” + The Diatomacee, while not, perhaps, in quite so hopeless a predicament, are in a very unsatisfactory state, notwithstand- ing the labours of Ehrenberg, Kiitzing, Smith, Ralfs, and others. With regard especially to the determination of species and limits of variation the greatest uncertainty pre- vails. A few years ago I remarked in another place—“ In the present state of our knowledge it would appear that scarcely any one character taken by itself is to be relied on, and that even a combination of characters which may be sufficient for the determination of species in one genus may be unsatisfactory in another; and where groups or sections happen to be what is called exceedingly natural, the difficulty is greatly increased. Indeed, it often becomes a question whether it is best to leave a doubtful variety to embarrass the diagnosis, or to separate it under a provisional character. No law can be laid down on this subject which shall prac- tically be a clear and unerring guide. Among the Diatomacee, the process of self-division, by means of which any deviation from the normal condition of a species becomes stereotyped and perpetuated with inconceivable rapidity, complicates the * © Brit. Flora,’ “ Introduction.” + ‘Introduction to the Study of the Puraminifera,’ p. 56. VOL, XI. 40 GREVILLE, on the genus Auliscus. idea of a species to an extent unknown among the higher orders of vegetables. For example, let a represent a species of diatom. By some unknown cause one of its progeny, B, becomes so changed as to constitute a well-marked variety. Another of its progeny, c, undergoes a different but equally decided change; and possibly the same thing may occur in others. Now these varieties or aberrations from the typical condition may be propagated, according to the late Professor Smith’s calculation, at the rate of a thousand millions in a single month. Then, as there is no reason why B and c should not also have an indefinite number of nonconformist children, all removed in one character or another a second stage from the type, and producing duplicates by thousands of millions, it is manifestly impossible to say where the con- fusion is to end. But thisis notall. By the process of con- jugation, what Mr. Thwaites calls ‘sporangial frustules,’ are produced, which are very much larger than the ordinary size of the parents; and these, it is presumed, multiply equally freely by self-division, and are equally hable, from accidental causes, to have their deviation from the normal type perpe- tuated. Such is the theory; and to arrive at anything like fixed specific distinctions would seem to be almost a hopeless endeavour. Nevertheless, by correcting processes unknown to us, we cannot doubt that the typical characters of real species are preserved.’’* There is, besides, another element to be taken into account connected with the process of conjugation above referred to. Professor Smith remarks, “Cases have fallen under my notice which seem to indicate that the further process of re- production consists in the resolution of the contents of the sporangium into a ‘ brood’ of diatoms having the same form and specific characters as the original frustules which origi- nated the sporangia.”’+ And he adds, in speaking of Cocco- nema Cistula, “forms of every size intermediate between the minutest frustule in the cyst and the ordinary frustules en- gaged in the conjugating process were easily to be detected ; and the conclusion was inevitable, that the cysts and their contents were sporangia of the species with which they were associated, and indicated the several stages of the reproductive process.” Every diatomist must be familiar with similar “broods ” of Cocconeides, looking just like broods of young spiders. Now, the chief point of interest here is, what be- comes of these broods? How do they increase in size? Minute as the individuals are compared with the parents, * «Edin New Phil. Jour.,’ vol. x, new series, p, 26. + ‘Brit. Diat.,’ vol. ii, p. 15. GREVILLE, on the genus Auliscus. 4) they are enveloped in a siliceous case. It cannot be by self- division, as they would then be stationary. We are accustomed to hear of the unsatisfactory state of certain frustules, being attributed to their probably young condition. This may be very convenient, but what is meant by it? Is a frustule which has arrived (by some process or other) at its ordinary size supposed to become more perfect by successive self- division? It is evident that all this uncertainty adds greatly to the labour of determining both species and the range of variation. In addition to all that has been said, the following excellent observations of Professor Asa Gray must not be omitted: “Everywhere,” he says, “‘ we may perceive that Nature secures her ends and makes her distinctions on the whole manifest and real, but everywhere without abrupt breaks. We need not wonder, therefore, that gradations between species and varieties should occur. . . . . From the nature of the case, the classifications of the naturalist abruptly define where Nature more or less blends. Our systems are nothing, if not definite. They are intended to express differences, and perhaps some of the coarser gradations. But this evinces not their perfection, but their imperfection. Even the best of them are to the system of Nature what consecutive patches of the seven colours are to the rainbow.”* Among the Diatomacee particularly, the maxim Natura non agit sal- tatim applies with far greater force than among more highly organized vegetables, rendering the lines of specific separation very hard to find. So that in the very imperfect state of our knowledge of these microscopic forms, it would be rash in the extreme to dogmatise on the subject of species. What is therefore most required is, a more extensive acquaintance with the forms of diatomic life. Materials must be accumu- lated before they can be reduced to order; and, as in all similar cases, this can only be accomplished at the risk of encumbering both genera and species more or less with a pro- visional nomenclature. This has been the inevitable history of every department of progressive science. Some parties,in their wholesome horror of doubtful species, seem disposed to assume that every discovery must be an old friend with a new face ; and to maintain that all new species or supposed new species, should be kept in retentis until every doubtful point in their history and structure is cleared up. This would be to lock up indefinitely a large number of interesting discoveries, and to retard the progress of science in this particular department, which can scarcely be compared with any other. It appears * “Nat. Selection not inconsistent with Nat. Theology,’ p. 25. 42 GREVILLE, on the genus Auliscus. to me that the time has not yet arrived when the introduction of a doubtful species is to be regarded as so serious an intru- sion. Besides, as I have already observed, it requires almost as much caution to call a new form a questionable variety of some known species, as to put it down at once a questionable species. A series of doubtful varieties is exceedingly incon- venient by weakening the original definition, especially when we are only groping our way to what really constitutes specific difference, and consequently a reliable diagnosis in this very peculiar tribe. Avuiscus, Ehr., Bail. Frustules cylindrical or discoid; valve circular or oval, un- dulated, with two (three, or four?) opposite circular, flattened, submarginal processes, and four groups of lines radiating from the centre; two of them converging towards the pro- cesses, and two expanding towards the margin. It is remarkable how much uncertainty appears to exist with reference to the species of this small genus. This has been owing partly to our ignorance in not knowing what part of the structure furnished the most trustworthy characters, and partly to the very small number of examples in collec- tions. So little are the American species of my late lamented correspondent, Professor Bailey, understood, viz., A. radiatus, pruinosus, punctatus, and celatus, that Dr. Lewis remarks— ““They vary much in their markings, and occasionally ap- proach so near each other in general character as to make it very doubtful whether they ought to be kept apart.” ‘This want of confidence in Professor Bailey’s species has induced me to reproduce figures of the whole of them, as those which accompany his original descriptions are extremely vague and deficient in detail. It is true, however, that some of the Aulisci do sometimes resemble each other so closely as to render the task of discrimination exceedingly difficult. Until recently the number of processes was regarded generically as two. A. pruinosus, indeed, not unfrequently occurs with three. Within the last two months, however, not only has another species been discovered with three, but two species with four processes; one of these will be found described as 4. John- sonianus ; the other is not in a sufficiently perfect state for description, although several valves of it have been seen, all of them showing tolerably distinctly the alternate pro- cesses of the subjacent valve; so that the disc is ornamented of ees isk GREVILLE, on the genus Auliscus. 43 with a circle of eight visible processes. It seems doubtful, therefore, whether some species may not actually possess three or four processes. * Radiating lines costate (not punctate). Valve mostly oval, or slightly oval; in the first three species occa- sionally circular. “ Auliscus sculptus (Smith), Ralfs; valve circular or inclining to oval, with indistinct umbilicus, and two lateral rounded depressions ; costz in four sets, radiating from the centre, two of them converging to the processes, and, along with the rounded depressions, forming a well-defined 4-lobed figure or quatrefoil; the costz within the depressions strong, few, un- equal, quite. smooth (no apiculi), and appearing to terminate abruptly within the edge of the cavity; marginal coste strong, distant ; diameter ‘0020” to -0035”. (Pls. II & IIL, figs. 1—3.) Auliscus sculptus, Ralfs in Pritch. Inf., 1861, p. 845, pl. vi, fig. 3. Enpodiscus sculptus, ‘Sm. Brit. Diat., vol. i, p. 25, pl. iv, fig. 42; ‘Mic. Dict.,’ pl. xu, fig. 31. Hab. Poole Bay, 1851; Professor Smith; Barking Creek, on the Thames, F. C. 8. Roper, Esq.; Ipswich, F. Kitton, Esq.; Penzance, J. Ralfs, Esq.; Westport Bay, Ireland, G. M. Browne, Esq. I have been quite unable to discover any strongly definitive character between this, the earliest known species, and the one immediately following; and those naturalists who are influenced by what has been called a “righteous horror’ of uncertain species would, no doubt, be in favour of their union ; but im that case we should have fig. 1 at one end of the series, and fig. 6 at the other, which would surely be an extreme view. ‘The single desire to study these two species, and the singular deficiency of materials, has alone caused a twelve- month’s delay in the preparation of this small monograph. I have at length, however, in addition to an ample series of A. celatus, had an opportunity, through the kindness of Mr. T. G. Rylands, and other friends, of examining a considerable number of the present species; and the result is, on the whole, satisfactory to my own mind, although it may not be equally so to others who have not had the same opportunity of tracing minute differences. It will be at once perceived that there is no difficulty in referring specimens, as they ordi- narily occur, to their respective places. It is only where exceptional frustules approach each other that any embar- rasment is experienced. ‘The principal features in A, sculp- 44. GREVILLE, on the genus Auliscus. tus, as compared with A. celatus, are as follow :—1. The form is usually circular, while in A. celatus it generally tends to oval. 2. The lateral depressions are deeper. 3. The coste within the depressions are strong, unequal, not radiating symmetrically, like a fan, but generally pomting in different directions, and apparently terminating abruptly before reach- ing the outer curved edge of the depressions. 4. A much greater tendency in the costz of the depressions to anasto- mose. 5. The entire absence of apiculi. This character, although a minute one, seems to be of importance. I have examined very many examples of 4. celatus, and never found apiculi wanting, excepting in one instance, which I have given at fig. 7. Occasionally there are, in A. sculptus, a few narrow, transverse cellules, formed by anastomosis, just be- neath the outer curve of the depressions; and sometimes a transverse costa is visible, followmg the line of the ridge below its summit, from which branch off at right angles the strong coste which proceed to the margin. This transverse costa is probably always present, concealed within the margin of the cavity, as the marginal coste are certainly not (all of them, at least) continuations of those within the depressions. Mr. Ralfs, under A. ovalis, in Pritchard, remarks—“ The truncated processes do not, in general, correspond exactly with the longer diameter of the valve, but are placed a little on one side in opposite directions.” This I have ascertained to be the case in all those species which deviate from the circle. If a straight line be drawn through the middle of the valve in its longest diameter, the two processes will in- variably be seen more or less on the opposite sides of the line; and such is the rule with our present species itself, whenever it assumes a slightly oval form. Auliscus celatus, Bail.—Valve slightly imclining to oval (must rarely circular), with indistinct umbilicus ; radiating costee next the margin, strong, distant ; central area 4-lobed, 2 of the lobes composed of finer costz converging to the pro- cesses ; the intermediate lobes depressed, containing radiating, often more or less anastomosing lines, and studded with minute apiculi, which are sometimes confined to the outer edge of the lobes. Diameter :0022” to :0065”. (Figs. 4—7.) Auliscus celatus, Bail.—‘ Notes on New Species of Mice. Organ.’ (‘ Smithson. Contrib.,’ vol. vii), p. 6, figs.3,4; Ralfs, in Pritch., 1861, p. 845. Hab. In sand washed from West India sponge, and in soundings from Mobile Bay, U.S.; Prof. Bailey. Mud from New London Harbour ; Delaware River mud, rare, U.S.; Dr. Lewis. Californian and Ichaboe guanos, C. Johnson, Esq. 3 GREVILLE, on the genus Auliscus. 45 R.K.G. Bolivian guano and Monterey stone, G. M. Browne, Esq. Bass’ Straits, C. Johnson, Esq. ; New Zealand, G. M. Browne, Esq.; Harvey Bay, Queensland, New Caledonia, and Woodlark Island, in dredgings communicated by Dr. Roberts; R.K.G.; Brodick Bay, Island of Arran, R. K. G. Having already referred to this species under the previous article, I am not called upon to enter into many additional details. The most essential character, perhaps, resides in the apiculi, which are sometimes so numerous as to render the whole area of the depressions quite rough, surrounding even the umbilical space; while, in other cases, they are few and scattered, or occur only. on the ridge or outer curve of the depressions. Typical specimens seem to exhibit two or three minute apiculi or tubercles on the coste, following exactly the curve of the depression. In the Arran example (fig. 4), which much resembles A. sculptus, there are very few apiculi, and they are so situated; but, in addition to this character, the radiating costz of the depressions are continued to the margin. The range of size is extraordinary. Those from Ichaboe guano, obtained, I believe, only by Mr. G. M. Browne and myself, are so far beyond the average dimensions, that it is probable they may be sporangial. I am not disposed to place any reliance on the presence or absence of anastomosing lines among the coste of the de- pressions, as they appear to be sometimes nearly, if not quite absent. A few may be occasionally perceived in the neigh- bourhood of the umbilical space; while they are sometimes so numerous as almost to amount to reticulation, only being too irregular to deserve that name. Not unfrequently the depressions, instead of forming semicircular lobes, unite with the umbilical space, and resemble an oblong bar stretched across the valve, scarcely dilated at each end, and rough with apiculi. The depressions are considerably more shallow than in the preceding species, or, in other words, the undulation of the surface is less prominent. No cha- racter of any value can be obtained from the marginal costee, which, although generally distant, are sometimes double the ordinary number. A very fine valve, kindly com- municated by Mr. Brightwell, and obtained from sponge sand, without any specified locality, and named A. sculptus, I take to be the present species. There are, indeed, no apiculi, but the coste within the depressions pass into a perfect anastomosing network, unlike anything I have seen in A. seulptus ; and the marginal cost are very numerous, Auliscus elegans, n. sp., Grev.—Valve circular, with a small, round umbilical space ; radiating coste proceeding to 46 GREVILLE, on the genus Auliscus. the processes, widely converging and forming obcordate groups ; centrical spaces between the umbilicus and the mar- ginal coste, more or less minutely reticulated. Diameter 0032". (Fig. 8.) Hab. Patos Island guano, C. Johnson, Esq.; R. K. G. Surface of the valve much undulated. Processes large, with a broad border. ‘The sets of costee leading to the pro- cesses suddenly converging. The space between the umbi- licus and the costee of the margin, extending so as to partially enclose the converging sets, being filled up with a network of minutely anastomosing lines. Marginal costz less robust than in either of the preceding species. The umbilical space is distinctly defined ; but there is no conspicuous quatrefoil. Auliscus racemosus, n. sp., Ralfs, MS.— Valve nearly circular, with definite umbilicus and row of marginal puncta ; costee converging to the processes delicate, terminating im little clusters of minute granules on each side of and below the processes. Diameter 0024". (Fig. 9.) Hab. Barbadoes deposit, Cambridge estate, C. Johnson, Esq. Communicated by J. Ralfs, Esq.; R. K. G. An interesting little species, of which several specimens exist. It is not improbable that a larger number of ex- amples would show some difference in the amount of the punctation ; for there are indications of puncta within the marginal circle, and the lateral sets of radiating lines which, in the specimens before me, terminately shortly im faint granules, may, in other cases, be more fully developed. But the character derived from the clusters of granules termi- nating the costz, is so distinct and remarkable, as to leave no doubt regarding the validity of the species. Auliscus reticulatus, n. sp., Grev.— Valve broadly oval, with indistinct umbilicus; marginal radiating coste forming a rather narrow border, within which the whole area is divided into 4 lobes; the lateral ones very large, and filled with a reticulation of anastomosing lines; converging lines also often anastomosing. Diameter ‘0035. (Fig. 10.) Hab. Cape of Good Hope, G. M. Browne, Esq. From Melobesia, on Haliotis tuberculata, Peru, F. C. S. Roper, Esq. In the large proportion which the internal 4-lobed space bears, to the entire valve this species differs from all the pre- ceding, and in the very large comparative size of the lateral lobes, it differs most remarkably from its nearest allies, certain extreme varieties of A. celatus. The marginal coste form a narrow band, often narrower than in the individual represented in the plate; and the line of separation between GREVILLE, on the genus Auliscus. 47 this band and the depressed lateral lobes is sharply defined ; the transition from the strong, simple, somewhat distant coste to the network of anastomosing lines being quite abrupt. The processes are small, and situated very near to the margin. .In afrustule from the Cape of Good Hope the reticulation is confined to the side lobes of the quatrefoil ; but in the beautiful Peruvian specimen figured, which belongs to my friend Mr. Roper’s cabinet, it extends to the lobes connected with the processes, in which, however, the con- verging cost preserve their distinctness; the reticulation being produced by sharp lines anastomosing transversely at different angles. Auliscus mirabilis, n. sp., Grev.—Valve broadly oval, with large, definite umbilical space, and marginal border of oblong cellules, each cellule penetrated at the base by a short line ; area within the border, with the exception of the converging coste, more or less filled with a reticulation of anastomosing lines. Diameter :0040". (Fig. 11.) Hab. Monterey stone; G. Norman, Esq., G. M. Browne, Esq., R. K. G. An exquisitely beautiful diatom, and rare as beautiful. It was first brought under my notice by Mr. Norman, but his specimen had unfortunately sustained some superficial injury. That subsequently supplied by Mr. Browne leaves nothing to be desired. My own specimen is a fragment. The general effect of the ornamentation of the valve is exceedingly rich, and resembles a lace pattern; indeed the whole might be transferred with little modification to lace manufacture. The processes are large, very conspicuous, irregularly circular, with a very broad unequal border. The umbilical space de- fined, and oval in the direction of the processes. The costz which converge to the processes very clear and sharp; those which radiate towards the margin anastomosing, so as to fill the lateral space even to the sides of the processes with an irregular network. The structure immediately within the margin is quite peculiar, being composed of a close row of large oblong cellules, penetrated by a small line or spine, which reaches past the middle of each cellule. Auliscus ovalis, Arn.—Valve oblong-oval; cost all deli- cate, several of the lateral ones opposite the umbilicus crested near the margin with minute apiculi. Long diameter -0040”. (Fig. 12.) _ Auliscus ovalis, Avrn.—Ralfs, in Pritch. Inf., 1861, p. 846. Hab. Algoa Bay and Peruvian guanos; Ralfs, F. Kitton, Esq., Prof. Walker-Arnott, G. Norman, Esq., R. K. G. The form of this species is alone sufficient to distinguish 48 GREVILLE, on the genus Auliscus. it from all others. The radiating cost are all slender and somewhat faint; those passing from the umbilicus to the processes widely converging ; some of the lateral ones rough for a short distance from the margin, with very minute api- culi. Umbilicus rather indistinct. Processes-generally very large, not truly circular, but often tending to a very obtusely triangular figure, sometimes very broadly ovate. ** Radiating lines punctate or scabrous. Valve strictly circular (except in A. punctatus, which is nearly so). Auliscus pruinosus, Bail—vValve circular, with a large, smooth umbilicus ; radiating lines all minutely scabrous, be- coming close and numerous towards the margin. Diameter "0055". (Fig. 13.) Auliscus pruinosus, Bail.‘ Notes on New Sp. of Mic. Organ.’ (‘Smithson. Contrib.,’ vol. vii), p. 5, figs. 5—8. Ralfs, in Pritch. Inf., 1861, p. 845. (PI. vi, fig. 1.) (Bad.) Hab. In estuaries, &c., from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico; Prof. Bailey. At Black Rock, Long Island ; Dr. Lewis. Var. with three processes in Savannah River mud; Dr. Lewis. Georgia; F. Kitton, Esq. A most charming diatom, scarcely to be recognised by the published figures. In none of the specimens which I have seen is there any trace of the bevelled edge described by Professor Bailey, and which in his figure has the appearance of a broad border. Nor are the processes so very remote from the margin; but this I apprehend to be a variable character in several of the species. The most graphic idea I can give of the general appearance of the valve, arising from the numerous plumose, rough lines, is that conveyed by the term frosted—a disc of the most exquisite and sym- metrical frost-work. The umbilicus is a clear, circular, blank space, from which the lines radiate, at first rather widely, but soon approximating from the addition of intermediate lines, like the lamellae in many Agarici, become fine and extremely numerous as they approach the margin. When closely examined they are seen not to be punctate, but rather resemble delicate scratches on glass, the roughness of the edges causing the frosted appearance. The processes are large and handsome, with a broad border. I have availed myself of Mr. Kitton’s kindness, and given a representation of the three-process variety from a splendid example in his cabinet. Auliscus radiatus, Bail. ?—Valve circular, with obsolete um- bilicus, and striated marginal border ; lines all regularly and conspicuously punctate, those converging to the processes GREVILLE, on the genus Auliscus. 49 forming a narrow, obovate group, those radiating to the margin straight. Diameter 0045". (Fig. 14.) Auliscus radiatus, Bail.? ‘Notes on New Sp. of Mic. Organ.’ (‘ Smithson. Contrib., vol. vii), p. 6, fig. 13? Hab. In mud, New York harbour, and in the mud of the Hudson River at West Point; Rockaway, Long Island, U.S.; Prof. Bailey. Fossil at Kaighu’s Point, New Jersey ; New London harbour, U.S.; dredged, Dr. Lewis. The diatom described under this name by Professor Bailey is, he says, “‘a minute species, presenting the characteristic mastoid processes of the genus Auliscus, but having no dis- tinct umbilicus, and having only slight indications of the peculiar curved lines of the preceding species” (A. celatus). His figure is also that of a minute species, and exhibits not the very slightest indication of any curved lines at all. It will be perceived, from the specimen which I have figured from Mr. Kitton’s cabinet, that it is anything but minute; that the lines which converge to the processes are quite evi- dent and well-defined, and that there is a remarkably con- spicuous border, which does not appear in Bailey’s figure, nor is it referred to in his description. Under these circumstances I should, perhaps, be justified mm regarding our present diatom as distinct. Mr. Kitton, however, is decidedly of opinion that they form one species, and I therefore leave the question undecided until some information be obtained of Prof. Bailey’s species. In the event of the one before me being ascertained to be truly different, I wish it to bear the name of Baileyi. In Mr. Kitton’s specimens there is no distinct umbilicus, but an indefinite space, irregularly filled up with puncta. All the lines are composed of a single row of minute puncta, the lateral ones not plumose, but straight. The border is very striking, beimg composed of an imner line, and the space between it and the margin crossed with rather distant striz. It seems scarcely credible that if such a border existed in the examples which Prof. Bailey obtained from three localities, he should have overlooked it. Auliscus punctatus, Bail.—Valve nearly circular, with sub- distinct umbilicus; whole surface more or less punctate, but generally so irregularly that it is difficult to trace the radiating lines. Diameter ‘0030’. (Figs. 15, 16.) Auliscus punctatus. Bail. Notes on New Sp. of Mic. Organ.’ (‘Smithson. Contrib.,’ vol. vii), p. 5, fig. 9. Ralfs, in Pritch. Inf., 1861, p. 845. Hab. “ Often associated with A. pruinosus in the stations given for that species,’ Prof. Bailey. Rice-field mud, Savannah river, rare; Dr. Lewis. Patos Island guano; C. Johnson, Esq. Monterey Stone; F. Kitton, Esq. 50 GREVILLE, on the genus Auliscus. This species is in a very unsatisfactory state, and it may be doubted whether specimens have been seen in a really perfect condition. Taving myself had no opportunity of examining many individuals, I can say but little regarding it. In one example now before me, the puncta are so disposed over the entire surface that not the very slightest trace of a line of any kind can be perceived. Inone specimen figured, the radiating lines are partially visible. Ina valve I have from Virginia there are comparatively few puncta, and the characteristic lineation is of course conspicuous. The late Professor Bailey compared A. punctatus with A. pruinosus, and supposed that it might prove to be a variety of that species. He remarks, however, that “ the sparsely punctate basis of the one (pruinosus) with the closely punctate surface of the other (punctatus) appear to offer a sufficient distinction between them.” I apprehend that if these two species are to be compared at all with each other, a better criterion exists in the totally different character of the punctation. Auliscus Peruvianus (Kitton), Grev.— Valve circular, with close radiating lines of very minute puncta, and a row of marginal apiculi; processes very small, each surrounded by a cirelet of minute apiculi. Diameter about 0039”. (Fig. 17.) Auliscus Peruvianus, Grev.—‘ Trans. Mic. Soc.,’ vol. x, p- 25, pl. i, fig. 6 (very coarsely engraved). Eupodiscus? Peruvianus ; Kitton, MS., Ralfs, in Pritch. Inf., 1861, p. 938. Hab. Peruvian and Californian guanos; F. Kitton, Esq., Dr. Macrae, C. Johnson, Esq., R. K. G. As I have already mentioned in the tenth volume of the Society’s ‘Transactions,’ Mr. Ralfs first imdicated the re- semblance of this diatom in certain of its characters to an Auliscus. nA Wyatt’s Fl. Danm., vol. v, No. 234. 3 5 Har., Br. Alg., 1841, p. 206. 5 33 Kiitz., Bac., 1844, t. 12, f. 1,.2, 3, 4 op S 53 .1hcgs De Ale., 1849, p- 113. 45 __, hy. Ger, 1845, p. 108. welitia flabellata, Grev., Sc. Che: Fl, 1897, t. 289. Kehinellu flabellata, Carm. MSS., 1826. 55 Ss Ehr., Infus., "1838, $ail9; fee 55 Bail., Sil. Jour., 1842, <5) Alii me BE Licmophora Meneghiniana, eal Bac., 1844, p: 123. a wil laeie e., Consp., 1830, p. 4d. "6 Ag., SRG: Alg. Kur., 1835, t. 2. _ splendida, W. Smith, Syn., 1853, t. 26, f. 233. ‘i Ralfs in Pritch. ‘Inf., 1861, aes Meridion radians, Ag., Sys. Alg., 1824, p. 2 (in part). Gomphonema flabellatum, Kiitz., Linnea, 1833, p. 571. 5 argentescens, Kiitz., Lin., 1833, p. 571. This is decidedly the most common and best known of the two species or varieties of which the genus is composed, and is generally noticed as the larger plant. Agardh, m 1824, in the earliest notice of it, under the name of Meridion radians, describes it as * frustulis lineari-cuneatis,” and in the ‘Conspectus,’ in 1830, as “ Plantula magnifica.” Dr. Greville, in the ‘Scot. Cryp. Fl.,’ vol v, No. 289 (in describing Ezillaria flabellata), and in Hooker’s ‘Brit. Fl.” p. 408, states the frustules to be linear-wedge-shaped, and stems from one third to half an inch in height. Captain Carmichael, in the MSS. ‘ Algze Appinensis.’ in Sir W. Hooker’s library at Kew, describes the frustules as “ linearis-cuneatis,” and calls it the “ largest and most beautiful of the tribe.” Pro- fessor Harvey, in the ‘ Brit. Alge,’ appears simply to follow Dr. Greville’s description in Hooker’s ‘ Brit. Fl’ Ehrenberg, in the ‘Infusionsthierchen, states the frustules to be “lineari-cuneatis truncatis,” and Kiitzing, in the ‘Bacillarien,’ says, “bacillis gracilibus lineari-cuneatis.” Ralfs, in the last edition of Pritchard’s ‘ Infusoria,’ evidently follows Pro- fessor Smith in naming the species, but in describing his L. splendida, he states it to “ differ from the other species of the genus by its longer and narrower frustules. I, at one time, thought that Agardh’s L. argentescens of the ‘Consp. Crit. Diat,’ p. 41, was identical with Dr. Greville’s splendida, as he states the valves to have “ frustula cuneata ;” but, at the same time, he says, “‘the plant is three to six lines in height,” and from authentic specimens I have had kindly sent me by Dr. Greville, I find it is certainly the same as flabellata, and it was probably only separated, as suggested by Mr. Ralfs, for Roper, on the genus Licmophora. 59 its silvery lustre when dried. Looking at all these previous authorities, it is surprising to find Professor Smith applying Agardh’s name of flabe//ata to the cuneate variety, and uniting in the synonymy, the ZL. radians of Kiitz., which is the true L. splendida of Greville, with the species described by Ag. in the ‘ Conspectus,’ p. 41, and the Evillaria flabellata of Greville, which are identical with the form to which he gives the name of splendida. There appears to be the same confusion in the localities given, as the Torbay specimen of Mrs. Griffiths, and those of Salcombe of Mr. Ralfs, have the linear-cuneate form, which is the true flabellata, Ag., not the L. splendida of Smith. 2. Licmophora splendida, Grev. Frustules cuneate, truncate; F.V. broadly club-shaped ; stipes branched ; tufts usually one to three lines in height. Marine on Small Algz and Zostera. Syn. Licmophora splendida, Grev., Hooker’s Br. Flor., 1838, p. 408. sf 3 Har., Brit. Alg., 184], p. 206. Eichinella ventilubrum, Carm. MSS., 1829. ~Licmophora radians, Kiitz., Bac., 1844, t. 11, f. 4. 5¢ a Kiitz., Spec. Alg., 1849, p. 113. a flabellata, W. Smith, Syn., 1853, t. 26, f. 234, * s £ Ralfs in Pritch. Inf., 1861, p. 771. Meridion radians, Ag., Sys. Alg., 1824, p. 3 (in part). Echinella splendida ? Uhr., Inf., 1838, t. 19, f. 2. This form, whether it be a different species, or merely a variety, does not seem to be so well known as that previously described, but it appears to have been separated by all writers on the genus since the time of Agardh from its smaller size and the decidedly cuneate form of its frustules. Dr. Greville, in the ‘ Brit. Flor.,’ p. 408, says it is “nearly allied to fladel- lata, but smaller and less divided, and frustules more broadly wedge-shaped ; tufts two or three lines in height.” Captain Carmichael describes the frustules as having “‘ terminali latis- simi,” and notices the peculiar arrangement of the endochrome as having the appearance of “ bars or ocelli,” which occurs in some of the gatherings I have, and is shown in tab. xxvi, fig. 234 of the ‘Synopsis.’ Kiitz. describes L. radians as with frustules “ cuneatis, basi acutis, apice latioribus.” Mr. Ralfs copies Professor Smith, but is doubtful if both ought not to be referred to one species; and yet, with these cha- racters by the earliest observers of the form, Professor Smith has applied the name of splendida to the linear-cuneate and 60 Rover, on the genus Licmophora. large variety, and mixed up the true Licmophora flabellata of Kiitz. and Echinella flabellata of Ehr. in his synonymy with the L. splendida of the ‘ British Flora.’ That in many cases there is great difficulty in clearly ascer- taining the species really described by the earlier writers, I am quite ready to admit, as we are almost dependent on short descriptions and imperfectly drawn figures; and even speci- mens named by Kiitz. and Agardh I have found to be erro- neous. I have seen a gathering named Rhipidophora grandis, by Kiitzing, which is the true L. flabellata of Agardh, and of two gatherings by Agardh of L. argentescens ; one was L. fla- bellata, the other a mixture ofa large Synedra with a Rhipido- phora. That Professor Smith’s transposition of the names in this genus has arisen from some similar cause I have little doubt, and that, without looking with sufficient care into the synonymy, he has depended on specimens which have been erroneously named, or of which the names kad been trans- posed. It is hardly possible that so careful an observer as Dr. Greville, after his description of Evillaria flabellata in the ‘Scot. Cryp. Flora,’ and his subsequent account of it as L. flabellata in the ‘ Brit. Flora,’ could have intentionally sent the small and widely cuneate form of which he made the species splendida to Professor Smith, as stated in the ‘Sy- nopsis,’ as the true flabellata of Agardh. But I am still more at a loss to understand how in the ‘ Synopsis’ the locality, “Saltcoats, Dr. Landsborough, from Dr. Greville’s ‘ Her- barium,’ ”’ could be placed under the splendida, as described by Professor Smith, as I have had an opportunity of examin- ing Dr. Landsborough’s gathering, which has the widely cuneate valves of the true sp/endida of the ‘ Brit. Flora,’ and is synonymous with the L. radians of Kiitzing. Dr. Lands- borough, in speaking of this gathering in 1851, two years prior to the appearance of the ‘ Synopsis,’ says, “This plant has not been found by any since its discovery at Appin by Captain Carmichael, till it was got in considerable abundance by D. Landsborough, junr., in September, 1848, at low water- mark, in a creek formed by trap-dykes in the parish of Ar- drossan. Hoping it was the L. splendida I sent it to Dr. Greville, and was gratified by his pronouncing it that rare plant. The fans were spread out, in many cases, so as to form more than a semicircle, the rays numbering ten to twenty-six. Each ray or frustule was wedge-shaped and a little denticulated at the top; the upper part was amber- coloured, and each ray had a lighter-coloured dot in the middle of this portion. These bright dots formed a crescent of sea gems. Under this amber-coloured portion there was a Rover, on the genus Licmophora. 61 pellucid band, the lower part of the fan being amber-coloured, like the upper.’”’* With respect to Captain Carmichael’s specimens from Appin, as far as I can gather from his MSS., the LZ. flabel- lata, Ag., was described in 1826, and has the long, linear- cuneate frustules of the true flabellata, not the cuneate form, as would be imagined by the statement of the ‘ Synopsis ;’ whereas the Echinella ventilabrum, which was, I believe, the foundation of the L. splendida of Greville, and has the broadly cuneate valves, appears to have been described in 1829, which accounts for its non-appearance in the ‘ Scott. Cryp. Flora’: of Dr. Greville, which appeared in 1827. With respect to the size of the valves given in the ‘ Synop- sis,’ there is the same discrepancy as in the other points noticed, and I should imagine they were both taken from a mixture of the two forms. Professor Smith gives ‘0033 to 0078 as the length of his splendida, and :0033 to ‘0058 as the length of his flabellata, or ‘0055 and :0045 as the average length of each. I have carefully measured fifteen gatherings of the linear-cuneate variety, from Appin, Cumbrae, and Ayr- shire, in Scotland; Neyland, in South Wales; Torbay, in the south of England; Bantry Bay, in Ireland; from the north and south of France, and Venice; and find they range from 006 to ‘011. And in nine gatherings of the broad cuneate variety, from Appin, Cumbrae, and Saltcoats, in Scotland ; Paignton, Exmouth, and Salcombe, in the south of England; the north of France, and Venice, the valves range from 0035 to ‘0051. The average of all the gatherings of each variety being respectively ‘0073 for the linear frustules and 0048 for the cuneate forms, showing a considerable dif- ference from those before quoted from the ‘Synopsis.? The frustules in the same gathering are generally very persistent in size, but I have one gathering from Dunbar, named L, flabellata by Dr. Landsborough, in which the stipes is gone and most of the valves separated. This contains a mixture of the cuneate and linear-cuneate varieties, but the former all range from *0045 to ‘0050, the latter from ‘0065 to :0070, and there is no evidence to show that they are from the same plant. From a careful consideration of the foregoing particulars I can only arrive at the conclusion, that Professor Smith, in describing the species of Licmophora, by some intermixture of, or examination of wrongly-named specimens, has reversed the true names of the species in the ‘Synopsis ;’ and that both in the measurements, synonymy, and localities given to * Lands. ‘ Pop. Brit. Seaweeds,’ p. 337. 62 Roper, on the genus Licmophora. each, some belong to one and some to the other species; and that the Licmophora splendida of the ‘Synopsis’ is the true L. flabellata of Agardh, and the L. flabellata the true L. splendida of Greville. It is also, I think, clearly proved that the only ground for considering them as true species is that they differ in the size and comparative breadth of the frustule and (on the evidence of several observers) in the size of the plant, but that there is no decided structural peculiarity. As it is highly probable that a more extended examination of living speci- mens may show that this is owing to habitat and the nature of the plant on which they grow—the larger forms growing on those that offer a firm and decided support to the stipes, whilst the smaller may be confined to the weaker and more filiform algee—I consider that, as far as we at present know, they ought to be considered rather as varieties than true species, and that both ought to be classed under the name of Licmophora flabellata, Ag. TRANSACTIONS. Descriptions of New and Rare Diatoms. Series IX. By R. K. Grevittz, LL.D., F.R.S.E., &e. (Communicated by F. C. S. Roper, F.R.S.) (Read May 138th, 1863.) (Pl. IV and V.) Tue species described in this paper were obtained from a sample of Barbadoes earth (Cambridge estate), communicated a few months ago to my veteran friend in diatomic research, Mr. Johnson, of Lancaster. Extensively as this remarkable deposit had been examined, it is most extraordinary that in the small sample referred to, a host of new things—genera as well as species, should have been discovered; while it is equally curious that many forms common in _ previously examined portions of the same deposit should here be absent. Some of the most smgular as well as beautiful of these diatoms are in the hand of my friend and acute fellow- labourer, Mr. Ralfs, and will enrich the supplement to Pritchard’s ‘ History of Infusoria,’ upon which he is at present engaged. Poropiscus, nov. gen., Grev. Frustules free, disciform, composed of two discs, united by an intermediate, ring-like zone; discs very convex, minutely radiato-cellulate or punctate, with a conspicuous central pseudo-opening or pore. This genus is evidently closely allied to Coscinodiscus, differing chiefly in the remarkable pore-like pseudo-opening, which is not a mere blank circular space produced by the absence of cellulation at the apex, but a well-defined, concave, apparent orifice, provided with a thickened margin. All the species hitherto discovered—and they are confined to the Barbadoes deposit—are very convex, with a minute structure of distinctly radiating puncta (cellules under a sufficiently magnifying power). In nearly all the species certain of the VOL. XI. 64 GREVILLE, on New Diatoms. radiating lines are continued from the margin to the apex, and divide the disc into- faint but perceptible compartments. The surface is either plain or armed with variously arranged, minute spines. The first and last of the following species oc- curred to myself some years ago, when I was engaged upon the examination of Barbadoes earth, in working out the remark- able Asterolampre contained in that deposit; but no others had been observed, until my friend, Mr. Johnson, commenced the investigation of the sample of the deposit from Cambridge estate, which has yielded so prolific a harvest of beautiful and curious new diatoms. The species of the present genus not described in this paper will be published by Mr. Ralfs, along with many other new and remarkable objects, in the forthcoming supplement to Pritchard’s valuable work on the ‘ Infusoria.’ Porodiscus elegans, n. sp., Grev.—Disc very convex, un- armed, divided into compartments by pairs of the radiating lines of very minute puncta, extending from the margin to the centre. Diameter ‘0020’ to -0033". (Pl. IV, fig. 1.) Barbadoes deposit, from Cambridge and other localities ; C. Johnson, Esq., R.K.G. This species is distinguished by the disc being divided into numerous compartments, by pairs of radiating lines of puncta, very distinctly seen under a moderately magnifying power, and at the same time being quite destitute of spies. It is the most frequent species, three or four valves sometimes occurring in a single slide. The connecting zone is rarely seen in situ. Porodiscus major, n. sp., Grev.—Disc with a very large pseudo-opening ; the radiating puncta very minute, irregular, and interrupted for some distance round the opening, after- wards becoming regular, with faint, equidistant rays, formed by pairs of the longest lines. Diameter of pseudo-opening 0006”. (Fig. 2.) Hab. Barbadoes deposit from Cambridge estate, in a slide communicated by C. Johnson, Esq. I have not seen an entire valve of this species, but from what remains in the specimen before me it is probably not less than -0040" or ‘0050" in diameter. The margin of the pseudo-opening is somewhat crenate or plicate, in consequence of the lines of puncta being somewhat thickened at their termination. From its large size, it is easily seen that there is no real perforation; and that it is simply concave, and closed by a diaphragm. For a space round the pseudo- opening equal to the diameter of the opening itself the puncta are exceedingly irregular; many of the radiating GREVILLE, on New Diatoms. 65 lines are interrupted, and here and there the puncta are either altogether wanting or look as if they had been shaken out of their places. At present it is impossible to say whether this centrical irregularity is accidental or other- wise. Porodiscus conicus, n. sp., Grev.—Small; disc conical, unarmed, with an obtusely truncate apex; radiating lines of puncta extremely minute. Diameter -0014". (Fig. 3.) Hab. Barbadoes deposit from Cambridge estate ; C. John- son, Esq.; rare. noes The smallest of the species hitherto discovered, and oc- - curring not unfrequently in perfect frustules. The length of the connecting zone is considerable, and that of the entire frustule, when both valves are symmetrical, about :0040". The valve is decidedly conical, but obtusely truncate at the top when seen in profile. It hardly ever happens that the valves are equal in the same specimen; indeed I do not think that I have seen a single example perfectly symmetrical, one valve being almost always considerably shorter than the other. The length of the connecting zone gives the frustule a cylindrical appearance. Porodiscus nitidus, n. sp., Grev.—Dise convex, unarmed, the longest lines of puncta single (not in pairs), alternating with two or three series of shorter ones; puncta distinct, all of them becoming much more minute towards the margin. Diameter °0026”. (Fig. 4.) Hab. Barbadoes deposit, from Cambridge estate; C. John- son, Esq. Dise much less crowded than in the three preceding species, and the puncta larger and more distinct. A certain number of the lines reach from the margin to the centre; a second series very nearly so; a third are considerably shorter, and the last extend but little beyond the margin. It is a scarce species. Porodiscus oblongus, n. sp., Grev.—Disc elliptical-ob- long; pseudo-opening large. Long diameter about 0028”. (Fig. 5.) Hab. Barbadoes deposit. A species by no means rare in some specimens of the deposit which I investigated a few years ago, but it does not seem to occur in those which have recently been so carefully examined from Cambridge estate. The form alone is suffi- cient to identify it. The pseudo-opening is very large, the radiating lines of granules are less crowded, and the granules themselves larger than in any of the preceding species. 66 GREVILLE, on New Diatoms. HETERODICTYON, noy. gen., Grev. Frustules free, disciform; disc with radiate or scattered cellules or puncta in the middle portion, and a circle of large intra-marginal cellules. This genus is allied on the one hand to Coscinodiscus, on the other to Brightwellia. From the former it differs in the circle of very large cellules, from the latter in the absence of the spiral arrangement of the central cellulation. Besides this distinction, the circle of large cellules seems to be more associated with the marginal structure than in Brightwellia, at least such is very decidedly the case in one of our species. In the other there is an approach towards the last-mentioned genus, the circle being further removed from the margin. Perhaps the best character will be found to consist (taken in conjunction with the circle of large cellules) in the absence of the beautiful curved or spiral cellulation which marks the three known species of Brightwellia. Heterodictyon Rylandsianum, nu. sp., Grev.—Dise with minute radiating puncta, and a circle of very large, linear- oblong, marginal cellules. Diameter -0050". (Fig. 6.) Hab. Barbadoes deposit, from Cambridge estate, in a slide communicated by C. Johnson, Esq. An exquisitely beautiful disc, and so well marked as to require no extended description. Viewed apart from the circle of large cellules which occupy nearly a fifth part of the radius, there is no character to distinguish it from Coscino- discus, and the resemblance to various species of that genus is rendered more striking by the presence of a little central cluster of cellules considerably larger than the puncta which radiate from them. The large cellules of the margin are parallel with each other, somewhat arched at their inner ex- tremity, and arranged in groups of three, the middle one being the longest. A narrow band of puncta is situated between the base of these cellules and the margin. Heterodictyon splendidum, un. sp., Grev.—Dise small, the central portion occupied with remotely scattered, large, round cellules, and surrounded with a circle of large hexagonal cellules, having an exterior border of coarse, moniliform striz. Diameter -0023”. (Fig. 7.) Hab. Barbadoes deposit, from Cambridge estate; C. John- son, Esq. A remarkable, ornamental species, and illustrative of the generic name, as no fewer than three conspicuous structures GREVILLE, on New Diatoms. 67 unite in its composition. The central and larger space has round cellules, so remotely and irregularly disposed as to render it unlike a diatomic structure. Then comes the cha- racteristic circle of large, equal, hexagonal cellules, which exhibit the singular peculiarity that the marginal angles of the hexagons are not quite completed. Lastly, between the large cellular circle and the margin the space (equal in breadth to the diameter of the large cellules) is filled up with radiating, robust, moniliform striz, which take the place of the narrow marginal band of puncta seen in the preceding species. It must be confessed that in general appearance the two species differ exceedingly, and it is by no means im- probable that the present one may be ultimately separated. FENESTRELLA, nov. gen., Grev. Frustules free, disciform; disc with a minute, radiant cellulation, interrupted in the middle by linear bands, com- posed of parallel lines of cellules, each band terminating in a fiat ocellus. This genus is composed for the reception of a solitary but most curious diatom, the relations of which it is not easy to define. The groundwork of the disc is very much that of Coscinodiscus, being composed of radiating lines of cellules, with a marginal row of puncta. But a couple of circular ocelli, at little more than half the radius from the centre, although not conspicuous, are sufficiently evident, and show that we must look for affinities elsewhere. These ocelli are not processes, but definite blank spaces in the cellulation, and have therefore no connection with Eupodiscus or Aulacodiscus. Another peculiarity is a broad, linear-oblong band passing across the middle of the disc, and composed of about eight rows of cellules; or perhaps it would be more correct to say that two opposite sets of rows of cellules meet at their bases in the centre, and at the other extremity converge as they terminate in the occelli, with which they are evidently con- nected. There is no umbilicus, the band of cellules intercept- ing, as it were, the meeting of the radiating lines, the only indication of the central point being a slight interruption in the continuity of the cellules, not sufficiently definite to con- stitute a character. The convergence of these lines of cellules towards the ocelli seems to pot to some alliance with dw- liscus, but, on the other hand, there is none between the mastoid processes of that genus and the ocelli of the present one. 68 GREVILLE, on New Diatoms. Fenestrella Barbadensis, n. sp., Grev. (Fig. 8.) Hab. Barbadoes deposit, from Cambridge estate, in a slide communicated by C. Johnson, Esq. The diameter of the disc is ‘0040’. Parallel lines lead- ing to the ocelli, 8 in ‘001’. The most remarkable feature in the disc, composed, as it is, of a radiating cellula- tion, is the absence of a central point, there being neither umbilicus nor centre of radiation, the band above described lying like a bar across it. CRASPEDOPORUS, noy. gen., Grey. Frustules free, disciform ; disc divided into radiating seg- ments, the alternate ones dilated towards the margin, and bearing an intra-marginal ocellus or pseudo-opening. In one species of this most curious genus the structure is distincthy cellulate, but so irregularly as to bear no resem- blance in this respect to Actinoptychus (Khr.) and its allies, the walls of the cellules being thin and cobwebby. In the other species the structure is more dense and opaque, and scarcely any approach to cellulation can be perceived. There are no septa, but the radiating segments or compartments are defined by an undulation, or, perhaps, a slight fold, the ocelliferous segments being very slightly raised above the plane of the intervening spaces. The ocelli or pseudo- openings are large and conspicuous, and appear to be concave or foveate, with a somewhat prominent border, especially on the side next the margin of the valve. In general character, the genus would take its place among the Coscinodisci, but the thickened and somewhat raised border of the ocelli shows more affinity with the Hupodiscee. Craspedoporus Ralfsianus, nu. sp., Grev.—Valve cellulate ; ocelliferous compartments numerous, narrow and linear next the central space, becoming spoon-shaped towards the margin ; ocelli suborbicular. Diameter -0045”. (Fig. 9.) Hab. Barbadoes earth, from Cambridge estate ; John Ralfs, Esq. A fragment, in a slide communicated by C. Johnson, Esq. Structure an irregular network. Central space about a fourth of the diameter of the disc, and somewhat more dense. Ocelliferous rays eight, nearly lear for half their length, then dilating into a spoon-like extremity, in which the pseudo-opening is situated near the margin. The ocelli have a distinct border, which is sometimes so much raised next the margin as to cause it to resemble a little pocket. The GREVILLE, on New Diatoms. 69 fragment in my own cabinet (half a disc) had, when perfect, nine ocelliferous rays. Craspedoporus Johnsonianus, n. sp., Grev.—Valve not visi- bly cellulate, with five ocelliferous compartments; ocelli or pseudo-openings large, transversely oval, close to the margin. Diameter ‘0025’. (Fig. 10.) Hab. Barbadoes deposit, from Cambridge estate ; C. John- son, Esq. In this species the compartments into which the disc is divided are more equal, and it consequently bears some general resemblance to