PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADExMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 1857. PHILADELPHIA. PRINTED FOR THE ACADEMY 1858. /\5'?i MERBIHEW & TUOJIPaO.N, PRINXEKS. INDEX. Abadie, E. H., U. S. A., don. to mus., V. ; letter from, 179. Abert, Col. J. J., on the mocking bird, 104. American Acad, of Arts and Sciences, don. to lib., vi.* v.* Ashmcad, C. C, don. to mus., ii. iii. Ashmead, S., remarks on presenting algaj, 74 ; don. to museum, ii. iv. vi. Association, Amer., for advancement of Science, don. to lib., ix. Beale, E. F., letter from, 209. Bolton, W. G., don. to mus., iv. Boston, city of, don. to lib., xii. Blanding, Dr. \V., death of, 203. Binney, W. G., description of American land shells, 17 ; notes on American land shells, 183; don. to lib., iii; don. to mus., vi. Riddle, Thos., death of, 151. Bailey, Prof. J. W., death of, 73. Bonaparte, Prince Chas. L., death of, 175. Baird, S. F., M. D., don. to lib., i. is. Brenner, Dr. J., don. to lib., iii. Briinnow, Dr. F., don. to lib., vi. Bronn, H. G., don. to lib., vii. x. Barclay, Rev. Dr., don. to mus., ii. Bennet, D. R., don. to mus. ii. iv. Blackwood, Dr., don. to mus., iii. Biddle, John, letter from, 151 ; don. to mus., iv. Blandy, J. F., don. to mus., iv. Barclay, J. Judson, letter from, 177; don. to mus. v. Blake, Charles W., don. to mus., viii. Bates, Wm. J., don. to mus., iv. Burtt, Dr. J. L., don. to mus., vii. Burtt, R. J., don. to mus. vii. Bertholet, Dr. Peter P., don. to mus., vii. Belhomme, M., on a carmine from Mo- narda didyma, 203. Oassin, John ; catalogue of birds col- lected on the river Muni, W. Africa, by Mr. I . B. DuChaillu, with descrip- tions of new species, 1 ; resolutions by, 73 ; remarks on death of John A. Guex, 75 ; announcement of death of Lieut. J. C. Strain, Cor., 150 ; a reso- lution by, 151 ; notes on the Ameri- can species of Archibuteo and La- nius, and description of a new spe- cies of Toucan, of the genus Sele- nidera, 194 ; don. to mus., v. 1857.] Cassin, W. L., don. to mus., v. vii. Caldwell, Dr. H. Clay, U. S. N., don. to mus., iv. Cleburne, Wm., don. to mus., i. ii. Coleman, Dr. J. P., don. to mus. ii. Cuming, Mr., exchange with, iii. Chandler, W. P., don. to mus., iv. vii. Canfield, F., don. to mus., v. Curtis, Rev. M. A., don. to mus., vii. Curioni, G., don. to lib., v.* Conrad, T. A., description of two new genera of Shells, and rectification of some of the generic names of Ameri- can Tertiary Fossils, 149 ; descrip- tion of a new species of Myacites, description of a new genus of the family Driessenidae, 150 ; observa- tions on a new group of Fossil Shells found in Tippah Co., Miss.j with de- scriptions of fifty-five new species, 205 ; don. to lib. v ;* don. to mus., iii. V. Cook, Geo. H. don. to lib., vii. Cressou, Dr. C. M., don to lib., ix. Committees on scientific papers : on catalogue of the species of Bembi- dium in U. States and contiguous northern regions, by Dr. John L. Le Conte, 1 ; on index to the Bupres- tidse of the U. States, described by Laporte and Gory, with notes, ib., 1 ; on description of several new mam- mals from Western Africa, by Maj. John Le Conte, 1 ; on Aluminium, &c., by W. J. Taylor, 1 ; on catalogue of Birds collected by P. B. DuChail- lu, on the river Muni in Western Af- rica, with descriptions of new spe- cies, by John Cassin, 1 ; on descrip- tions of American land shells, by W. G. Binney, 17 ; on Prodromus descrip- tionis Animalium evertebratorum, quae in expeditione ad Oceanum Pa- cificum Septentrionalem a Republica federata missa Joli. Rogers duce, ob- serv. et descrip. W. Stimpson, 17; on the crania of the Ancient Britons, with remarks on the people them- selves, by Joseph Barnard Davis, 17 ; on notice of a collection of reptiles made by Dr. Hen. A. Ford in the Gaboon country, W. Africa, by Ed- ward Hallowell, M. D., 18 ; on des- cription of thirteen new species of Uniones from Georgia, by Isaac Lea, 18 ; on contributions (No. 1) to the IV. INDEX. Neuropterology of the U. States, by Phil. R. Uhler, 73 ; on descriptions of twelve new species of Naiades, by Isaac Lea, 73 ; on the Caducibranchi- ate Urodele Batrachians, by Edward Hallowell, M.D., 75 ; onTrigonophrys i-ugiceps, ib. 73 ; on synopsis of the species Cliyina and allied genera in the U. States, by John L. Le Conte, M. D., 75 ; on investigation of the Rock Guano of the islands in the Caribbean Sea, by J. W. Taylor, 75 ; on description of six new species of Unio from Alabama, by Isaac Lea, 75 ; on description of eight new spe- cies of Naiades from various parts of the TJ. States, ib., 75 ; on description of three new exotic species of Nai- ades, ib., 75 ; on list of extinct Ver- tebrata, from the region of the Mis- souri, with remarks upon their geo- logical age, by Joseph Leidy, M. D., 75 ; on description of six new spe- cies of fresh water and land shells, by Isaac Lea, 101 ; on examination of a nickel meteorite from Oktibbeha county. Miss., by W. J. Taylor, 101 ; on a supposed new species of mock- ing bird, by Col. J. J. Abert, 104; on explorations under the War Depart- ment ; descriptions of new Creta- ceous and Tertiary Fossils, collected by Dr. F. V. Hayden in Nebraska, with some remarks on the geology of the Upper Missouri country, by F. B. Meek and F. V. Hayden, M. D., 104 ; on notes explanatory of a map and section illustrating the geolo- gical structure of the country bor- dering on the Missouri River, from the mouth of Platte River to Fort Benton, in lat. 47° 30' N., long. 110° 30' W., by F. V. Hayden, M. D., 107 ; on the larva of Thyreus Abbotii, by J. P. Kirtland, M. D., 107; on notes on the geology of the Mauvaises Ter- res of White River, Nebraska, by F. V. Hayden, M. D., 149; on prodro- mus descriptionis animalium everte- bratorum, qu^e in Expedition! ad Oceanum Pacificum Septentrionalem a Ropublica Federata missa^Cadwal. Ringgold et Job. Rogers ducibus, observ. et descrip. W. Stimpson, 149 ; on description of two new genera of Shells, and rectification of some of the generic names of American Ter- tiary Fossils, by T. A. Conrad, 149; on notices of the remains of Extinct Fishes, by J. Leidy, M. D., 150 ; on description of a new species of Mya- cites, by T. A. Conrad, 150 ; on des- cription of a new genus of the family DreissenidEe, ib., 150 ; on examina- tion of Enargite, from New Grenada, by W. J. Taylor, 150; on descrip- tions of twenty-seven new species of Uniones from Georgia, by Isaac Lea, 151 ; on three new species of Vesper- tilionidse, by Maj. John Le Conte, 173 ; on observations on the Wild Turkey, ib., 173; on descriptions of some new Reptiles, collected by the U. S. Exploring Expedition under command of Capt. Charles Wilkes, U. S. N., 3d part, by Chas. Girard, 175 ; on rectification of the references of certain of the extinct mammalian genera of Nebraska, by J. Leidy, M. D., 175; on notes on American Land Shells, No. 2, by W. G. Binney, 183 ; on descriptions of some new Reptiles collected by the U. S. Ex- ploring Expedition under the com- mand of Capt. C. Wilkes, U. S. N., by Chas. Girard, 194 ; on notices of new genera and species of marine and fresh water Fishes from Western North America, by Chas. Girard, 194 ; on description of a new species of Cypselus, collected in the N. W. Boundary Survey, A. Campbell, Com- mis., by C. B. R. Kennerly, 194 ; on notes on the American species of Archibuteo and Lanius, and descrip- tion of a new species of Toucan, of the genus Selenidera, by John Cas- sin, 194; on description of several new North American Reptiles, by E. Hallowell, M. D., 203 ; on descrip- tions of Exotic Genera and species of the family Unionidae, by Isaac Lea, LL. D., 203 ; on prodromus des- criptionis Animalium Invertebrato- rum quEe in Expeditione ad Oceanum Pacificum Septentrionalem a Repub- lica federata missa Cadwal. Ring- gold et Joh. Rodgers ducibus, observ. et descrip. W. Stimpson, Pars tertia, 205 ; observations on a group of Fossil Shells found in Tippah Co., Miss., with descriptions of fifty-five new species, by T. A. Conrad, 205. Committees : on memorial to Congress, by Dr. Leidy, 1 ; to make arrange- ments relative to funeral of Dr. E. K. Kane, 73. Committees, election of Standing, 2. Correspondents elected : Brig. Gen. Harney, U. S. A., Capt. Alfred Plea- souton,'228. Corse, Dr. B. M., remarks on the de- [1857. INDEX. velopement of the spawn of the Frog, 173. Davis, Joseph Barnard, on the crania of the Ancient Britons, with remariis on the people themselves, 17 ; don. to lib., vi. Dunn, Dr. Theo. C, don. to mus., vii. viii. Davis, "W. H., don. to mus., viii. Davidson, George R., don to mus. viii. iii. Durand, E., report on Herbarium, 225 ; don. to lib., v. ; don. to mus., v. Dowler, Bennett, M. D., don. to lib., vii.* Dumeril, Dr. Auguste, don. to lib., vii.* Dunglison, Dr. Robley, don. to mus., i. iv., don. to lib., v.* Du Chaillu, P. B., Letter from, 194. Denckla, H., don. to mus., vi. De Vesej, L., don. to mus., ii. iv. Election, Standing Committees, 2 ; an- nual of officers, 227 ; of members and correspondents, 228. Editors Am. Journ. Sci. and Arts, don. to lib., iii. iv. vii. vi.* x. Editor Charleston Medical Journ. and Review, don. to lib., iii. v. vi.* si. Editor Amer. Notes and Queries, don. to lib., iv. Editor Canadian Naturalist and Geolo- gist, don. to lib., iv. vi. v.* vii.* xiv. Editor Canadian Journal Ind. Sci. and Art, don. to lib., iii. vi. v.* vii.* ix. xiv. Editors Nat. His. Review, don. to lib., viii. vii.* x. Editor Journ. Indian Archipelago and East. Asia, don. to lib., v.* iii. Editor New Orleans Med. and Surg. Journ., don. to lib., vi.* x. Executors of Dr. A. Binney, don. to lib., viii. Elliot, Mr. J. B., don. to mus., v. vii. Emmons, Ebenezer, don. to lib.,i. Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica, don. to lib., viii. Foulke, Wm. Parker, reply to observa- tions of Hugh Miller, 104; don. to mus., vi. Ford, Dr. Henry A., don. to mus., i. Flint, C. J., don. to lib., v.* Foster, J. W., don. to mus., iii. Front, J. C, M. D., don. to mus., vi. Gillou, C, don. to mus., ii. Gould, A. A., don. to lib., viii. Gibbes, R. W., don. to mus., viii. 1857.] Girard, Chas., M. D., description of some new Reptiles collected by U. S. Ex- plor. Exped., &c., part 3d, 175; part 4th, 194 ; notice on new genera and species of marine and fresh- water fishes of North America, 194. Gucx, John A., death of, 75. Gillis, Lieut., J. M., don. to lib., iv. Gliddon, G. R., death of 203; don. to lib. vii. Garrigues, Dr. S. S., don. to lib., xi. Golding, R. D., don. to mus., iii. Hallowell, Edw., notice of a collec- tion of Reptiles made by Dr. Hen. A. Ford, Gaboon, W. Africa, IS ; on the Caducibranchiate Urodele Batrachi- ans, 73 ; on Trigonophrys rugiccps, 73 ; description of several new North American Reptiles, 203 ; don. to mus , iii. ; remarks on Proteus, 173. Hammond, Dr. W. A., U. S. A., special vote of thanks to, 183 ; don. to mus., i. ii. iv. vi. vii. viii. ; don. to lib., xi. Hayden, F. V.,M. D., notes explanatory of a Map and Section illustrative of the geological structure of the coun- try bordering on the Missouri river, &c., 107 ; notes on the geology of the Mauvaises Terres of White river, Ne- braska, 149. Harris, Edward, remarks on speci- mens of cotton wood and chips cut by beavers, 107 ; don. to mus., iii. viii. Hayes, Dr. I. I., don. to mus., i. iii. vi. Herring, Chas., don. to mus., iii. Holmes, Prof. F. S., don. to mus., v. Hoopes, B., don. to mus., v. Harper, S., LL. D., don. to lib., ix. Hazard, Samuel, don. to mus., vi. Hoy, P. R., don. to mus., i. Harvey, Prof., remarks of, on Caulerpa Ashmeadii, 74. Hartshorne, H., M. D., don. to lib., i. Haldeman, S. S., don. to lib., i. Jeanes, Jos., don. to mus., v. Jordan, A., don. to lib., viii. King, Prof. A. W., don. to mus., vii; Kennerly, C. P. R., description of a new species of Cypselus collected in the N. W. Boundary Survey, 194. Kennicott, Robt., don. to mus., ii. Kirtland, Dr. J. P., on the larva of Tby- reus Abbottii, 107 ; don. to mus., v. Krider, Mr. J., don. to mus. v. Kennedy, Dr. A. L., don. to lib., i. Kane, Dr. E. K., U. S. N., notice of death of, 73 ; don. to mus., i. VI. INDEX. Kittoe, Dr. E, D., don. to mus., iii. I Lea, Isaac, LL. D., Vice President, re- marks on the visual organs of certain species of the Genus Unio, 17 ; de- scription of thirteen new species of Uniones from Georgia, 18 ; descrip- tion of twelve new species of Naiades, 13 ; description of six new species of Unio from Alabama, 75 ; description of eight new species of Naiades, from various parts of the United States, 75 ; description of three new exotic species of Naiades, 75 ; description of six new species of fresh water and land shells, 101 ; remarks on Unio spinosus, 101 ; change of name of Unio umbrosus and Unio Wheatleyi, to U. umbrans and U. Catawbensis, 104; remarks on two specimens from the dark slates of the Red sandstone of Phoenixville, Pa., 149 ; descriptions of twenty-seven new species of Uni- ones from Georgia, 151 ; observa- tions on the geology of the Red sand- stone near Gwynnedd, 173 ; descrip- tions of Exotic Genera and species of the family Unionidas, 203 ; remarks on plates of fresh water Naiades from Siam, 205 ; remarks on Trilobites found at Braintree, Mass., 205 ; don. to mus., i. iv. Le Conte, Maj. John, description of several new mammals from Western Africa, 1 ; on three new species of Vespertilionidffi, 173; observations on the Wild Turkey, 173 ; don. to mus., iii. Le Conte, Dr. J. L., catalogua of the species of Bembidium found in the U. States, 1 ; Index to theBuprestidae of the U. States, described by Laporte and Gory, with notes, 1 ; synopsis of the species of Clivina and allied genera inhabiting the U. States, 75 ; don. to mus., ii. iv. vii. v. Leidy, Joseph, M. D., memorial to Con- gress, 1 ; observations on Entozoa found in the Naiades, 18 ; list of Ex- tinct Vertebrata found in the region of the Missouri, with remarks upon their geological age ; 75 ; observa- tions on coprolites and shales with Posidoniae, 149 ; observations on new Red Sandstone fossils from the Gwyn- nedd Tunnel, North Penna. R. Road, 150 ; rectification of the references of certain of the extinct Mammalian genera of Nebraska, 175 ; remarks on dentition of the Mososaurus, 176 ; on Oceanthus, 177 ; resolutions on death of G. R. Gliddon, 203 ; remarks on a large species of Gordius, 204; remarks on larva of Oestrus or bot- fly, 204 ; remarks on a curious Ani- malcule on stones and dead plants in the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers, 204 ; observations on the introduc- tion of the Camel into North Ameri- ca, 210 ; don. to lib., v. vi. ;* don. to mus. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. viii. Lesley, J. P., remarks on specimen of lead, 173. Laughlin, D. M., don. to mus., iv. Lambert, J., don. to mus., iii. Lehman, E., don. to mus., vi. Lesquereux, Leo., don. to mus., vL Luther, S. M., don. to mus., vi. Lapham, J. A., don. to lib., iv. Latour, L. A. Huguet, don. to lib. v. v.* Lowe, Rev. E. J., letter from, 17. Letters 1, 2, 3, 4, of correspondence. Meek, F. B., explorations under the War Department : descriptions of new cretaceous and tertiary fossils collected by Dr. F. V. Hayden in Ne- braska, &c., with some remarks on the geology of the Upper Missouri, by F. B. Meek and F. V. Hayden, M. D., 104. Morris, J. C, M. D., remarks on fishes kept in vases without change of water, 150 ; remarks on fishes brought from Panama, 178 ; don. to mus., i. iv, Morton, Thos., M. D., don. to mus., i. Mactier, Wm. L., don. to mus., i. McClane, Wm., don. to mus. ii. Morris, G. C, don. to mus., ii. Mitchell, R. W., don. to mus., iii. vi. Miller, S. F., don. to mus., v. McKown, Capt. J. P., U. S. N., don. to mus., vi. viii. McClellan, Dr. J. H. B., don. to mus. vi. vii. Michener, Ezra, don. to mus., vii. Mitchell, S. Weir, M. D., don. to mus., viii. McCartee, Dr. don. to mus., viii. ix. Minturn, Dr. Edward, don. to mus., viii. Marcou, Jules, don. to lib., i. Motschulsky, V. de, don. to lib., x. Maximilian, Prince de Wied, don. to lib., vi.* ; don. to mus., iv. McEuen, Chas., death of, 204. Nott, J. C, don. to lib., vii. Ord, George, Prcst., don. to lib., v. Osten Sacken, Baron R., exchange with lib. vi. [1857. INDEX. TIJ. Owen, David Dale, don. to lib. vii. Olmsted, D. don. to lib., x. Poey, Felipe, don. to lib., i. Patent Office, don. to lib. ii. x. xii. Prime, P., don. to lib. vi. Powel, J. H., don. to mus., Tii. Powel, S., don. to mus., vii. viii. Pease, Mr., don. to mus. viii. Pennsylvania Hospital, don. to lib., xii. Pratten, H. J., death of, 175. Plympton, E. B., letter from, 203. Quetelet, A., don. to lib., ix. Roy. Lit. University of Havana, don. to lib., i. Rodgers, J., don. to lib., v. Riise, A. H., don. to lib., viii. Rhees, Wm. J., don. to lib., vi.* Redfield, W. C, don. to lib., vii.* Ruschenberger, Dr. W. S. W., U. S. N., don. to mus., i. ii. iii. v. vii. Rand, Wm. H., Dr., don. to mus., iv. Report of Committee on papers of J. L. LeConte, M. D., 2 ; on paper of Maj. J. Le Coute, 10 ; on W. J. Taylor's paper on Aluminium, 11 ; on Mr. Lea's paper, 31 ; on W. G. Binney's paper, 18; on John Cassin's paper, 33 ; on paper of Joseph Bernard Davis, 40 ; on paper of Edward Hallowell, M. D., 48 ; on papers of Edward Hallowell, M. D., for the Journal. 75 ; on paper of John L. Le Conte, M. D., 75 ; on paper of Isaac Lea, LL. D., 83 ; on paper of Isaac Lea, LL. D., 84 ; on paper of Isaac Lea, LL. D., 85 ; on paper of P. R. Uhler, 87 ; on paper of Joseph Leidy, M. D., 89 ; on paper of Wm. J. Taylor, 91 ; on paper of Isaac Lea, LL. D., 101 ; on paper of Wm. J. Taylor, 102 ; on paper of F. V. Hayden, M. D., 109 ; on paper of F. B. Meek and F. V. Hayden, M. D., 117 ; on paper of J. P. Kirtland, M. D., 148 ; on paper of F. V. Hayden, 157 ; on paper of W. Stimpson, 159; on paper of T. A. Conard, 165 ; on paper of T. A. Conrad, 166; on paper of T. A. Conrad, 167 ; on paper of Joseph Leidy, M. D., 167 ; on paper of Wm. J. Taylor, 168 ; on paper of Isaac Lea, LL. D., 169 ; on paper of Maj. J. Le Conte, 174 ; on paper of Dr. Joseph Leidy, 175 ; on paper of Maj. J. Le Conte, 179; on paper of Chas. Girard, M. D., 181 ; on paper of W. G. Binney, 183; on paper of Col. J. J. Abert, 195 ; on paper of Chas. Girard, M. D., 195; on paper of ]857.] Chas. Girard, M. D., 200 ; on pape* of C. B. R. Hennerly, M. D., 202 ; on paper of John Cassin, 211 ; on paper of Edward Hallowell, M. D., 215 ; on paper of Wra. Stimpson, 216 ; on paper of T. A. Conrad, 2 1 1 ; on paper of Isaac Lea, LL. D., 211. Report of Recording Sec, Annual, 221. Report of Librarian, Annual, 223. Report of Treasurer, 224. Report of Curators for 1857, 224. Rogers, W. Frederick, death of, 226. Resolutions of Mr. Cassin on death of E. K. Kane, 73 ; of Dr. Le Conte as to Dr. B. Vreeland, U. S. N., 101 ; of Mr. Cassin as to J. H. Slack, 151 ; of Dr. Leidy as to Dr. W. A. Hammond, 183 ; of Dr. Leidv on death of Geo. R. Gliddon, 203. ' Ross, Mrs. David, don. to mus., iv. Stimpson, W., Prodromus descriptionis animalium evertebratorum, quaj in Expeditioni ad Oceanam Pacificum Septentrionalem a Rep. fed. missa, C. Ringgold et J. Rodgers ducibus, 149; Prodromus, &c. &c., Pars tertia, 205, don. to lib., vii.* don. to mus. i. Saussure, H. de, don. to lib. i. iii. t. vii.* X. Schlossberger, J. E., don. to lib., iii. Survey, Geological, of India, don. to lib., vii.* Steiner, Dr. S. H., don. to lib., ix. Smithsonian Institute, don. to lib., ix. don. to mus. vi. Sec. of War, don. to lib., ix. x. School of Mines, don. to lib., iii. iv. vii.* X. Slack, Dr. J. H., thanks to, 151 ; re- marks of, 193; don. to lib., xi. ; don. to mus., iv. V. vi. viii. Souder, Edward A., don. to mus., i. Snowden, James Ross, don. to mus., i. Sheafer, P. W., don. to. mus., ii. SplUman, Dr. Wm., don. to mus., iii. Swift, Mr. R., don. to mus. iii. vi. Struthers, Wm., don. to mus., iii. Smith, A. H., don. to mus., iv. Sharpless, Eugene, don. to mus., v. Society for encouraging Arts, London, don, to lib., x. Squier, E. G., don. to mus., vii. Sergeant, J. Dickinson, don. to mus., viii. Suckley, Geo., M. D., don. to mus., viii. Society Nat. Hist, of Boston, don. to lib., i. iii. iv. t. viii. vii.* ix. xiv. i Society, Elliott, don. to lib., i. ix. Society, Nat. Hist., of Montreal, don. to 1 lib., i. INDEX. Society, American Antiquarian, don. to lib., ii. xiv. Society of Arts, London, don. to lib., ii. V. vi.* vii.* X. xii. Society, American Philosophical, don. to lib., iii. v.* x. Society, Linnean, of London, don. to lib., V. Society, Imp. Zoological, of Acclimata- tion, don. to lib., iv. v. vii.* ix. Society, Academy of Sci., St. Louis, don. to lib., vi. Sclater, P. L., don. to lib., vi. xi. xii. Shumard, B. F., M. D., don. to lib., vi. Society, Danish, of Sciences, don. to lib., ii. Society. Imp., of Naturalists, of Mos- cow, don. to lib., viii. Society, Bavarian, Acad, of Sci., don. to lib., viii. Society, Royal, of Sciences of Upsal, don. to lib , viii. Society, Geological, of London, don. to lib., viii. xi. Society, Royal Imp. Geological, of Vien- na, don. to lib., v.* vi. Society, Royal, of Gottingen, don. to lib., vii. iii. Society, Royal, Academy of Sciences, &c., Belgium, don. to lib., ix. Society of Natural Sciences, Neuchatel, don. to lib., x. Society, British Ass., for advancement of Science, don. to lib., xi. Society of Science, Agriculture and Arts of Lille, don. to lib., xiv. Society, Royal, of Edinburgh, don. to lib., xiv. Society, Royal, Leopold. Carolin. Acad. Vienna, iii., don. to lib., x. Society, Royal Mineralogical, St. Peters- burg, iii., don. to lib., viii. Society, Natural Hist., Frankfurt a M., don. to lib., vi. Society, Nat. Hist., Leipzig, don. to lib., vi. vii. Society, Royal Danish, Nat. Hist., don. to lib., vii. Society, Nat. Hist., of Marburg, don. to lib., vii. Society, Nat. Hist., Basel, don. to lib., vii. Society, Royal Gardeners, Berlin, don. to lib., vii. I Society, Royal Bohemian Nat. Hist., don. to lib., viii. Society, WurttembergNat. Hist., don. to lib., viii. Society, Royal Acad, of Naturalists, don. to lib., viii. Society, Nat. Hist., of Westphalia, don. to lib., viii. x. Society, Nat. Hist., of Emden, don. to lib., viii. X. Society, Lombardy Institute, don. to lib., v.* Society of Nat. Hist., Zurich, don. to lib., v.* vii. Society of Nat. Hist., Duchy of Nassau, don. to lib., v.* Society, Entomological, Stettin, don. to lib., v.* Society, Nat. Hist., Netherland India, lib., vii.* Society, Nat. Hist., Danzig, don. to lib., viii. Society, Nat. Hist., Hamburg, don. to lib., X. Strain, Lieut. J. C, death of, 150. Taliaferro, Dr., don. to mus., i. Tarbe, Prosper, don. to mus., i. Taylor, Wm. J., Aluminium, the pro- gress in its manipulation, 1 ; investi- gation of the Rock Guano of the islands of the Carribbean Sea, 75 ; examination of a Nickel Meteorite, 101; examination of Enargite, 1-50; don. to mus., ii. Thornton, S. C.. don. to mus., viii. Tiffany, Mr., don. to mus., vi. Torrey, Prof. John, don. to mus., iv. Totten, Col. G. M., don. to mus., viii. Troschel, Dr., don. to lib., vii.* Turner, Dr. Thos. J., don. to mus., v. Tyson, J. R., don. to lib., i. vi. Uhler, Philip R., contributions to the Neuropterology of the U. States, 73. Uhler, Dr.W. H., don. to mus., i. ii. iv. vi. Van Leeuwen, J., don. to lib., viii. Vaux, Wm. S., don. to lib., xiv. ; don. to mus., iii. Vreeland, Dr. B., don. to mus., ii. Watson, Joseph, don. to mus., viii. Wayne, Major, U. S. A., remarks oa camels in U. States, 206. Weitenweber, Dr.W. R., don. to lib. viii. Wheatley, C. M., don. to mus., iii. Wilson, Dr. T. B., don. to lib., i. ii. iii. iv. V. vi. vii. v.* vi.* vii.* viii.* ix. X. xi. xii. xiii. xiv. ; don. to mus., i. ii. iv. V. vi. Wilson, Jr., Dr. Jos., U. S. N., don. to mus., iv. vi. Willis, B. B., don. to mus., vi. Woodhouse, Dr. S. W., don. to mus., ii. iii. iv. vi. Wood, Wm. S., don. to mus., ii. Wood, C., don. to mus., iv. Wood, W. W., don. to mus., vi. Yardley, F. W., don. to mus., viii. [1857. PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. t 1857. January 2S)th. Col. M'Call in the Chair. Communications intended for publication in the Proceedings were presented, entitled : Catalogue of the species of Bembidium found in the United States and contiguous northern regions. By John L, LeConte, M. D. Index to the Buprestidse of the United States, described in the work of Laporte and Gory, with notes. By John L. LeConte, M. D. Description of several new Mammals, from WcBtern Africa. By John LeConte. Aluminium ; the progress in its manipulation, W. J. Taylor. Catalogue of birds collected by P. B. Du Chaillu, on the river Muni, Western Africa, with descriptions of new species. By John Cassin. Which were severally referred to Committees. On leave granted. Dr. Leidy introduced a memorial to Congress, praying that a report be ordered to be prepared on the collections of Natural History, recently made by the North Pacific Exploring Ex- pedition, under Com. Rodgers; which was referred to a Committee with power to act. January 27th, Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. The Annual Report of the Publication Committee was read and adopted. In accordance with the By-laws, an election for members of the standing Committees for the present year was held, with the following result :— 1 2 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Ethnology. J.'Aitken Meigs, S. S. Haldeman, T. Gr. Morton. Comparative Anatomy and General Zoology. Joseph Leidy, Jas. M. Corse, W. H. Gobrecht. Mammalogy. Geo. A. M'Call, Wm. Camac. Ornithology . Geo. A. M'Call, S. W. Woodhouse. HerpetoJogy and Ichthyology . R. Bridges, J. C. Morris. Conchology. T. B. Wilson, W. G. Binney. Entomology and Crustacea. John A. Guex, F. Scliaf hirt. Botany. S. S. Garrigues, Geology. Chas. E. Smith, Mineralogy. S/Ashmead, Palaeontology. Joseph Leidy, Physics. Fairman Rogers, Library. R. Pearsall, Proceedings. Joseph Leidy, John LeConte, John Cassin, Edw. Hallowell; T. A. Conrad, R. Bridges, E. Durand, Isaac Lea, W. S. Vaux, T. B. Wilson. B. H. Rand, W. S. V^ux, J. Aitkin Meigs, A. J. Brasier. John L. LeConte. F. A. Genth. T. A. Conrad. W. M. Uhler. Joseph Jeanes. Geo. A. M'Call. The following papers, on report of the Committees to which they had been referred, were ordered to be published in the Proceedings. Catalogue of the species of BEMBIDITIM found in the United States and contiguous Northern Kegions. BY JOHN L. LECONTE, M. D. On revising recently my collection of the species of the genus named above, I regretted to find, that in former years I had been led to describe as distinct species, many which a more practiced eye now leads me to consider as varieties. The number, also, of well-defined species, being very great, I have thought it important to attempt to separate them into definite groups, which, by contain- ing a comparatively small number of species, would facilitate the subsequent labors of the student endeavoring to identify his specimens. [Jan. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 3 With this object in view, I sought the divisions established by Jacquelin Du Val, in his admirable treatise " De Bevibidiis Europacis"* among our own species, but was much disappointed to find them not at all applicable. After repeated trials to reduce a system on the characters of Du Val, which should present a natural series when applied to the species before me, I was at length com- pelled to adopt another method of division, the result of which is presented below. But first with regard to the limits of Ochthedromus Lee. and its claims to re- gard as a natural genus. European entomologists have thus far refused to place it in their system, adhering to the view that the subulipalpate Carabica, with few exceptions, (Anillus is received by all, Thalassobius and Tachypus by a few) form but one great genus Bembidium. From this view I ventured to dissent many years ago, but more distinctly in ray notes on the classification of the CarabidiB of the United States,* where the Trechi and Berabidia were widely separated on a difference in the mesothoracic parapleurae ; these in the former are divided by a suture near the posterior margin, and in the latter by a diagonal suture. I also found that in the Trechi the marginal stria of the elytra was interrupted at the middle, while in the Bembidia it was entire. Renewed observation has confirmed the result then obtained, and has induced me still farther to enlarge the group of Trechi, by adding to it not only Tachys, but also Anillus, the form recognized by me as Blemus, (which is probably not genuine Blemus), and Lymnaeum, which has been found on the coast of Cali- fornia, at San Diego. Thus of the genera in my table (loc. cit. 39'7) there remains only Pericomp- sus, Bembidium, Octhedromus, Hydrium,''and Patrobus. The last named genus must form a group by itself, or at least separate from Bembidium, and more nearly allied to Pterostichus, or Platynus. Hydrium does not appear to be suf- ficiently definite to be retained. Of the three genera thus retained, Pericompsus is known by the antf.rior tarsi of the male being hardly or not at all dilated, by the anterior tibiae being obliquely truncate at tip, and by the elytra being without scutellar strije : the mentum tooth is small and acute. Bembidium and Ochthedromus differ from Pericompsus only by the male having two joints of the anterior tarsi dilated, by the anterior tibise being somewhat rounded at tip, and by the elytra having a short scutellar stria. They differ among themselves by the comparative size of the middle portion of the mentum, which in the species with impressed square spots is longer and broader than in the others, and also in the comparatively larger size of the first dilated joint of the anterior tarsi in the same species. Nevertheless, taking into account the great variations in character, especially of the mentum, in other groups, it seems to me more natural again to unite them into one genus, to be called Bembidium. And with a view of shewing the re- lations between the different groups, the following table may be made use of. BEMBIDIUM Latr. Legio Ima. Elytra humeris subangulatis, stria 8va a margineremota, inter- stitio 3io punctigero. A. Mentum dente brevi bicuspi ; elytra striis abbreviatis. I. Elytra interstitiis seriatim parce punctatis, setiferis. {Ilydrmm Lee.) II. Elytra glabra, interstitio 3io bipunctato. {Eudromus Kirby.) B. Mentum dente magno, integro : elytra striis integerrimis. III. Elytra interstitio 3io bipunctato et foveis quadratis impresso. (^Bembidium Lee.) IV. Elytra interstitio 3io bipunctato, baud foveato. * Annales de la Soc. Entom. de France, 2nd Ser. 9, 462. t Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. vol. x, STD. 1857.] 4 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Legio 2nda. Elytrorum stria 3ia bipunctata : A. Stria 8va ad marginem modice approximata. V. Elytra humeris subaugulatis, stria 5ta ad apicem extensa. Elytra humeris rotundatis, striis antice fortiter punctatis, 5ta vel 7ma ad apicem extensa : VI. Subdepressa, elytrorum striis integris vel postice parum obliteratis. VIL Convexa, elytrorum striis postice valde obliteratis. B. Stria 8va ad marginem valde approximata ; humeris rotundatis. VIII. Thorax planus trapezoideus, utrinque ad basin bifoveatus ; elytra tenuiter striata ; antennse et pedes nigri. IX. Thorax planus trapezoideus, ad basin late foveatus (vel vix bifoveatus), fovea externa minuta ; elytra striis profundis saepe abbreviatis ; anten- narum basis et pedes testacei. (Peryplms p.) X. Thorax convexus subcordatus, fovea basali externa breviore ; elytra striis profundis saepe abbreviatis ; antennarum basis et pedes prsecipue tes- tacei, raro nigri. {PerypJius p.) Legio 3ia. Elytra humeris rotundatis, interstitio 3io punctigero. A. Linea humerali hand hamata. a. Striae frontales norraales ; striae elytrorum nonuUae integrse, (8va ad marginem approximata). XI. Elytra interstitio 3io tripunctato. XII. Elytra interstitio 3io bipunctato.* § Caput subtilissime granulatum. \\ Caput nitidum laeve. 6. Striae frontales convergentes, vel saepe duplices ; elytrorum omnes dorsales abbreviatse. XIII. Striae frontales duplices integrae vix convergentes ; thorax cordatus tran- catus, angulis posticis carinatis. XIV. Striae frontales duplices obliquae, exteriors interrupta; thorax cordatus truncatus, angulis posticis carinatis. XV. Striae frontales duplices obliquae, exteriore interrupta ; thorax cordatus pedunculatus, angulis posticis minutis baud carinatis. XVI. Striae frontales obliquse antice conniventes ; thorax cordatus truncatus, angulis posticis carinatis. c. Striae frontales normales ; elytrorum omnes abbreviatae. XVII. Thorax cordatus ; elytrorum interstitio 3io bipunctato. XVIII. Thorax cordatus ; elytra interstitiis seriatim punctatis. B. Linea humerali hamata, cum stria 5ta coniuncta, hac Integra. XIX. Thorax trapezoideus, angulis posticis carinatis, elytris iridescentibus. Catalogue of Species. I. 1 . B. 1 ae V i g a t u m Say. II. 2. Eudromus n i t i d u s Kirby. JII. 3. B. punctato-striatum Say; stigmaticum Dej.; ? sigillare Say. 4. B. imp res sum GjlLKirhy; CarabusimpressusFsibv. 5. B. palu- d o s u m Sturm, Lee. ; lacustre Lee. 6. B. inaequale Say ; are- narium Dej. IV. 7. Odontium carinatum Lee. 8. B. coxendix Say ; nitidulum Dej. V. 9. OcA^A. b if o s su latu s Lee. ]G. B. am e r i c a n u m Dej. 11. Ochth. dilatatus Lee. 12. B. antiquum Dej. ; ? honestum Say ; var. Ochth. basalts Lee. 13. B. chalceum Dej. VI. 14. Ochth. salehrsitvLs Lqc; v&T. 0. purpurascensliGC. 15. 0. I'ongu- lus Lee; var. 0. $ubceneus Lee. VIL 16. B. nigrum Say. [Jan. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 5 Vlfl. IT. Oc/(M. pi an at us Lcc. 18. 0. s im pie x Lcc. 19. B. pi a n in s- c u 1 u m Mann. 20. Perijphus c o m p 1 a n u 1 u s Mann. 21. E. i n c e r t u m Mann. ; Nolaphus incertus Motsch. 22. Fenjph. t e t ra - gl y ptu s Mann. IX. 23. Ochth. f u gax Lee. ; 0. planipennis Lee. 24. Peryphus p 1 a n u .^ Hald. 25. 0. p er spicuus Lee. 26. B. trans v e rs al e Dej. ; var. 0. compar Lee. 27. 0. JI a n n e r h e i ra e i Leo. ; B. irans- wrsaZeJMann. 28. B. 1 u g u b r e Lee. (infra). X. § Antennarunk basis et pedes testacei vel rufi. 29. Oc/f^/t. s t r i o 1 a Lee. 30. PeryjoA. b im ac ulatu s Kirby. 31. Oc/t. parumpunctata Mels. 28. B. rusticorum Kirby ; Gory, 4, 117; tab. 20, 115. A species of Ancy- lochira found in Oregon and California, very similar to A. maculiventris. 29. B. maculipennis Gory, 4, 119; tab. 21, 117. This is most probably a variety of Ancyclochira lineata ; it was subsequently described as A. inconstans Mels. 30. B. consularis Gory, 5, 120 ; tab. 21,118. An Ancylochira previously de- scribed as B. N u t a 1 11 Kirby. 31. B. erythropus Gory, 4, 126; tab. 22, 124. Unknown to me; probably from tropical America. POLYCESTA Serville. 1. P. Velasco L. & G. 2, 6 ; tab. 1, 7. Mexican, but recently found in Texas. CHRYSOBOTHRIS Esch. 1. C. ultramarinaJL. & G. 2, 13; tab. 3, 19. Does not in the least resemble B. ultramarina Say, which is an Ancylochira closely allied to B. decora Fabr. The present species must be called C. az ur e a, the name it bears in Dejean's Catalogue. 2. C. thoracica (Fabr.) L. & G. 2, 14; tab. 3, 20. This species is unknown to me, if it is not a variety of the preceding. 3. C. hybernata (Fabr.) L. & G. 2, 16 ; tab. 4, 24, Unknown to me if not a variety of the next. 4. C. viridipunctata L. & G. 2, 21 ; tab. 4, 31. Commonly considered as B. hybernata Fabr., and agrees with the description of that author. 5. C. atabalipa L. & G. 2, 43 ; tab. 8, 60. Mexican, but found abundantly in Texas. 6. C. quadriimpressa L. & G. 2, 48 ; tab. 9, 64. Our most common species, and usually considered B. femorata Fabr. ; C. rugosiceps Mels. is a variety. 7. C. femorata L. & G. 2, 48 ; tab. 9, 65. A large species named C. c a I c a - rata in my collection. 8. C. LesueuriL. & G. 2, 49 ; tab. 9, 66. Cannot be identified with certainty. 9. C. Germari L. & G. 2, 50 ; tab. 9, 67. Perhaps a variety of the next, but cannot be certainly determined. 10. C. ignipes L. & G. 2, 50 ; tab. 9, 68. 11. C. dentipesJL. & G. 2, 52; tab. 9, 70. Not Germar's species, but pro- bably a variety of C. f e m o r a ta (C. quadriimpressa L. & G.) [Jan. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 9 12. C. scabripennis L. & G. 2, 53; tab. 9, 71. 13. C. pusilla L. & G. 2, 53 ; tab. 10, 72. 14. C. Bigritula L. & G. 2, 54; tab. 10, 73. 15. C. posticalis L. & G. 2, 56; tab. 10, 76. IG. 0. planata L. & G. 2, 56 ; tab. 10, 77. Commonly ooneidered as C. d entip e 8 Germ. 17. C. scitula Gory, 4, 160 ; tab. 27, 155. Perhaps a variety of the next. 18. C. chlorocephala Gory, 4, 161 ; tab. 27, 156. B. Harrisii Hentz. 19. C. errans Gory, 4, 172 ; tab. 28, 167. Unknown to me. 20. C. rugosula Gory, 4, 177 ; tab. 30, 172. Unknown to me. 21. C. floricola Gory, 4, 179; tab. 30, 175. 22. C. dissimilis Gory, 4, 181 ; tab. 31, 177. Not identified. 23. C. Alabama Gory, 4, 185 ; tab. 32, 183. A large not uncommon species. AGRILUS Lap. & Gory. 1. A. latebrus L. & G. 2, 38 ; tab, 9, 50. Unknown to me if dififerent from A. acatipennis. 2. A. ruficollis (Fabr.) L. & G. 2, 60; tab. 13, 78. 3. A. difficilis Gory, 4, 224 ; tab. 37, 215. A. occidentalis Uhler, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 416. 4. A. acutipennis Mann. Enum. Buprestides, 109 ; Gory, 4, 225 ; tab. 37, 216. 5. A. anxius Gory, 4, 226 ; tab. 37, 217. 6. A. quadriguttatus Gory, 4, 228 ; tab. 39, 219. 7. A. zemes Gory, 4, 234 ; tab. 39. 225. Unknown to me. 8. A. fuscipennis Gory, 4, 238 ; tab. 39, 230. 9. A. frenatus Gory, 4, 139 ; tab. 40,231. Unknown to me. 10. A. cupricollis Gory, 4, 240 ; tab. 40, 232. 11. A. aurolineatus Gory, 4, 248; tab. 41, 240. A. bilineatus Say. 12. A. subcinetus Gory, 4, 252; tab. 42, 245. 13. A. obsoletoguttatus Gory, 4, 256 ; tab. 43, 249. 14. A. nigricans Gory, 4, 257 ; tab. 43, 250. Unknown to me. 15. A. egenus Gory, 4, 258; tab. 43, 251. 16. A. virens Gory, 4, 259; tab. 43, 252. EUMERUS Lap. & Gory. 1. Eu. ignarus (Fabr.) L. & G. 2, 4 ; tab. 1, 5. Buprestis cogitans Weber. COR^BUS Lap. & Gory. 1. C. caliginosus L. & G. 2, 7 ; tab. 2, 9. Unknown to me. ANTHAXIA Esch. 1. A. viridicornis (Say), L. & G. 2, 19 , tab. 5, 25. 2. A. quercata (Fabr.) L. & G. 2, 21 ; tab. 5, 28. 3. A. iBneogaster L. & G. 2, 32 ; tab. 7, 44. A California species, remarkable for its broad form. 4. A. viridifrons Gory, 4, 284; tab. 47, 277. 5. A. cyanella Gory, 4, 285 ; tab. 47, 278. A. scoriacea Mels. 6. A. cuneiformis Gory, 4, 290 ; tab. 48, 284. 7. A. flavimana Gory, 4, 291 ; tab. 49, 285. 8. A. bivittata Gory, 4, 292; tab. 49, 286. Unknown to me. BRACHYS Solier. 1. B. alboguttata (Mann.) L. & G. 2, 2 ; tab. 1, 1. Buprestis graci lis Say; belongs to Taphrocerus Solier. 2. B. tesselata (Fabr.) L. & G. 2, 3; tab. 1, 2. ? Bupr. ovata Weber. 3. B. terminans (Fabr.) L. & G. 2, 3 ; tab. 1, 3. 4. B. molesta Gory, 4, 332 ; tab. 56, 325. 5. B. aeruginosa Gory, 4, 335 ; tab. 56, 329. 1857.] 10 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF 6. B. americana Gory, 4, 346; tab. 58, 343. Metonius purpureas Say, This and the next species belong to Solier's genus Pachyscelis, but the name given by Say has priority. 7. B, punctata Gory, 4, 347 ; tab. 59, 344. Metonius or at us Say. Becriptions of several new MAMMALS from Western Africa. BY JOHN LECONTE. Among a large collection of birds sent from Africa by M. du Chaillu, were a few species of Mammals, which have been referred to me for examination. The following is the result of my researches. Some of them appear to be new, at least I cannot find any thing like them described in any book in the possession of the Academy. I have hesitated about naming them, as some of them may be well known in Europe, but imperfectly described. Semnopithecus anthracinus. Entirely black, hair rather glossy, from two to three inches in length, over the eyes and on the top of the head coarse and bristly. Tragus broad. Thumb of the fore hands a mere oblong tubercle. Nails, except of the hind thumb, long and narrow. Tail very long, slightly tapering towards the point. Length 2 feet 2 inches ; tail 2 feet 7 inphes ; arms 1 foot 6 inches ; legs 1 foot 9 inches. Seems to resemble the Colobus satanas of Waterhouse, Loud. Mag. for 1838, p. 335, which was brought from the Island of Fernando Po. The length of the hair in the specimen sent to England is stated by the very accurate natu- ralist who describes it to be ten inches, whereas in our animal it rarely in any part exceeds two. Cbrcopithecus buccalis. Above and on the sides, hair deep cinereous, annulate with rufous beneath, and on the inner parts of the thighs grey. Hair of the head black, annulate like that of the back. Cheeks with a large yellow spot which extends even behind the ear ; behind the eye this spot appears to be bounded above by black. Arms and hands black, the hairs more or less tipped with rufous ; beneath, except near the hands, they are grey. Tail for one-third of its length, above the color of the back, beneath grey ; the rest of the tail is both above and beneath bright rufous, increasing in intensity to the end. Nails long, narrow and com- pressed. No callosities on the rump. Length 1 foot 8 inehes ; tail 2 feet 5 inches ; arms 8 inches ; legs 1 foot 2 inches. MiOROCEBUS ELEGANTULUS. Hair soft, dark cinereous, tipped with rufous brown, beneath with grey, the latter color extending somewhat towards the back from the axillae and the groins, and on the forward edge of the legs and thighs; tail longer than the body, cy- lindrical, bushy, the hair tipped with grey, and at its root for about one inch in length with rufous. Nose rather pointed. Ears large, oblong, naked except at the base; lower fore teeth nearly horizontal ; nails of the fore hands round with an acumination ; nail of the hind thumb flat, of the first finger falciform and sharp ; of the other fingers like those on the fore hands. Length 8 inches ; tail 12 inches ; head 1 foot 9 inches ; ears I inch. Vespertilio pusillus. Black, body beneath a little mixed with gray. Head short and small. Upper fore teeth four, distant by pairs, simple ; lower, six, trilobate ; nose not eraarginate. Ears small, oval, orillon lanceolate and rather blunt. Interfemoral membrane naked except at the base; tail projecting a little beyond the membrane. Length 1'3 in. ; ears -24; tail -8 ; naked part -05. Extent 6-9. [Jan- NATURAL SCIENCES OF PniLADELPHIA. 11 SOUBX ODORATUS. Dark cinereous brown above inclining to chestnut, beneath slightly paler. Snout proboscidal, deeply emarginate at the point, and furrowed on the under side. Ears large, naked, with two rather large lobes within, the lower one of which appears to be the antitragus ; tail long, triangular. Length 5 inches ; head 1-G5 ; tail 2-6 ; ears -2. This species has a very strong musky odor. SCIURUS SUBVIRIDESCENS. Above black, the hair tipped with pale brown, in some positions appearing greenish; beneath pale yellowish cinereous; tail longer tban the body, of the same colors above and beneath, and tipped with black, not distichous. Head small. Ears rounded and very short, not tufted. Length 6-7 in. ; tail 1-b in. ; head 1-5 in. ; ears "3. SciURUS LEMNISCATU8. Above on the head, upper part of the back and legs rufous brown, mixed with darker and black. The back with four black stripes from the shoulders to the hinder parts of the body and two stripes of yellowish, Avith one of rufous (this last sometimes quite indistinct) down the middle of the back. Hair of the head annulate with black, of the sides dark cinereous tipped with pale rufous. Under side of the head, body and legs white. Head roundish : nose pointed ; lower fore teeth slender; ears small round. Tail distichous. Varies in having the paler stripes scai'cely apparent. Length 7-5 in. ; tail G-5 in. SCIDRUS RUFOBRACeiATCS. Louis Eraser, Zoologia typica No. 24 ; Waterhouse, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1 842, p. 1 28. This animal is figured in Audubon and Bachman's Quadrupeds of North America, under the name of Spermophilus annulatus. The specimen described by Dr. Bachman was purchased in New York from a dealer in preserved birds. It is by no means a native of our continent. SCIURUS PUMILIO. Hair short and soft, dark cinereous, tipped with reddish brown, on the throat and belly with much paler. Head short roundish ; ears small ; tail shorter than the body, distichous ; hair reddish brown at base and tip, black in the middle, appearing by this disposition of colors to be edged with brown ; four of the toes on each foot equal. Length 5-4 ; head -I . ear -2 ; tail 2-3 ; fore leg -9 ; hind leg 1-5. ALUMINIUM. The progress in its manufacture. BY W. J. TAYLOR. The use of sodium in the reduction of metals from their chlorides, as has been so successfully accomplished within the last two years, may be justly considered a great progressive step in science. Aluminium has been the first in which this process has been perfected. What the other metals are which will be reduced successfully from their chlorides by the use of sodium, the future will determine. Some facts concerning the early history of aluminium, the progress made in its manufacture, and the numerous uses to which it can be applied, will not be uninteresting. Much confusion existed in the minds of the early alchymists regarding the oxide alumina. They knew of an alum which was brought from the East, which they regarded for a long time as sulphuric acid combined with an earth. Stahl and others also mistook this earth for lime. Geoffroy, in 1728, pointed out its existence in clay; Marggraff, in 1754, proved it to be a substance having a sepa- 1857.] 12 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP rate existence and peculiar characters. To Oerstedt belongs the credit of first preparing the chloride of aluminium, from which compound W5hler, in 1827, succeeded in first eliminating the metal. Wohler first obtained aluminium in the form of a grey powder, by heating gradually in a porcelain crucible over a spirit lamp equal volumes of metallic potassium and chloride of aluminium ; other chemists, by slight modifications of this process, have obtained aluminium in the form of the grey powder, as first obtained by Wohler. To M. Sainte Claire Deville belongs the credit for first improving the process, so as to produce aluminium in such quantities that its characters as a metal could be fully investigated. M. Ste. Claire Deville used in his process sodium as a substitute for potassium. (It requires 39 parts of potassium to produce the same reductive effect as 23 parts of sodium.) At the time of his first experi- ments sodium was worth one hundred dollars per pound ; he so improved the process for making this metal as to reduce the price to ninety cents per pound. At this time the chloride of aluminium was regarded witli sodium as a curi- osity of the laboratory ; it was then produced in small quantities by heating alumina mixed with coal, in a porcelain tube, and passing over it a current of dry chlorine gas. M. Ste. Claire Deville made farther improvements in this process, so as to make it in an apparatus as large as a gas retort and in quantities proportional, at a price of twenty-five cents per pound. To produce the reaction of sodium with the chloride of aluminium was the most difficult point of the entire process. M. Ste. Claire Deville used for the reduction the distillation of the chloride of aluminium over the sodium, which was placed in trays of copper enclosed in a tube. The temperature developed by the reaction is very great if the current of the chloride of aluminium be rapid ; by this process it was found that it re- quired at least ten pounds of sodium to produce one pound of aluminium, (part of the aluminium produced being destroyed at its formation by the scorise,) when by theory it required only two and a half pounds. This great loss of sodium and the difficulties in conducting this reaction on a large scale, were very great objections to the process. All the aluminium at the Paris Exhibition was made by this process, and it was from a portion of this that M. Regnault made his investigations, and in which he found copper and iron. The copper came from the trays in which the reduction was made. The presence of these metals in small quantities will account for the peculiar physical properties which he ascribed to aluminium. Circumstances having interrupted M. Ste. Claire Deville in the experiments which he was making on a large scale, the subject rested for a while here. In the meanwhile Heinrich Rose suggested and made experiments with cryolite, (a fluoride of aluminium and sodium,) and gave his views that this mineral was a valuable substance from which to produce aluminium. Wfthler made experiments also with cryolite, and arrived at conclusions somewhat similar to Heinrich Rose. They both succeeded in producing some of the metal, but the results were not entirely satisfactory. M. Ste. Claire Deville again resumed his experiments, but instead of distilling the chloride of aluminium on the metallic sodium, as in his first experiments, he fused in a crucible, in the manner pursued by Rose and Wohler, using, however, with the double chloride of aluminium and sodium and the metallic sodium, the fluoride of calcium, (fluor spar,) or some cryolite as a flux. This experiment of M. Deville was very satisfactory, and the reduction in accordance with the theory. While these experiments were in progress in Europe, similar ones were being made in this country by Mr. Alfred Monnier, in Camden, N. J. ; to him credit is due for having first made aluminium in the United States. Having had oppor- tunities for examining his processes for making the double chloride of aluminium and sodium, metallic sodium, and the modes of reduction, melting and refining the aluminium, the conclusion is satisfactory that the discoveries of science have been successfully applied to render the manufacture of this metal an industrial art. [Jan. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 13 Mr. Monnier in his experiments met with the same diCBculties in the reduction. He found, however, by careful investigation and analysis, that the effect pro- duced was also perfectly in accordance with the theory. When, after great dif- ficulties, sufficient quantities of pure aluminium were obtained, and its proper- ties as a metal carefully studied ; it was found that it was not in the least degree oxidized by fusion with the nitrate of potash. This peculiar property causes a strong contrast between it and any well known metal, and this won- derful fact produced a new phase in the manufacture of aluminium. Owing to this discovery, the efforts which had been made to produce aluminium from perfectly pure material were found unnecessary. By using pure materials for its manufacture, it was necessary to employ ap- paratus which was very costly, as it required that it should be free from any injurious substances. By the facility with which aluminium can be refined, owing to its peculiar properties to resist oxidation, it can be manufactured from impure and crude materials, in apparatus which can be cheaply made of still cheaper material, and without the great care and watchfulness necessary in the manipulations, where pure materials are employed. Since July, 1855, Mr. Monnier has made the double chloride by mixing alumina with salt (chloride of Sv/dium) and coal, and bypassing over this mass (ignited) a current of dry chlorine gas, (kaolin or common clay can be used instead of the alumina.) The double chloride runs out from the condenser in a stream, and is collected in a receiver; it becomes solid when cold. The reaction is so complete that no chlorine is lost. It has already been manufactured at a cost of eight cents per pound, but the operations were car- ried on to a very limited extent. It is, however, clearly (to be) demonstrated that, with works of sufficient size and a proportional economy in manufacture, the double chloride of aluminium and sodium, can be produced at a cost not ex- ceeding four and a half cents per pound. In the manufacture of sodium Mr. Monnier has made considerable improve- ment; it has already been produced at a cost of twenty-five cents per pound. In the manufacture of zinc (by the Belgian process) one retort produces about thirteen pounds of metal in 24 hours. In the manufacture of sodium the reduction is so quick that 52 pounds of this metal can be produced in a retort of the same size in the same space of time. The reduction of zinc costs from two to two and a quarter cents per pound. The amount of ore necessary, being from a half to three-quarter cents per pound. Giving for the cost of one pound of metal about three to three and a quarter cents. The reduction of sodium costs about ... 4 cents per pound. The carbonate of soda, 2^ lbs. at 4 cents, . . 10 " •' Giving for total cost of one pound of sodium, . . 14 " Sodium can be manufactured on as large a scale as zinc, and when the work- men have the same practical experience in the manipulations, the price of reduc- tion will be still farther reduced, so that the difference between it and zinc will be that of the first cost of carbonate of soda and the zinc ore. It has already been shown that the double chloride of aluminium and sodium can be produced at a very low price ; metallic sodium can also be made very cheaply ; the reduction is readily effected in accordance with the theory, but the difficulty in uniting the metallic globules of aluminium when formed, is obviated by stirring at this point with a rod, and the destruction of the metal by the alkaline scoria is prevented by adding to the charge of the double chloride of aluminium and sodium, chloride of sodium and metallic sodium, either fluoride of calcium, (fluor spar,) or cryolite. By these means the greater portion of the metal is united in one mass, the other portion of the metal in small globules remain with the slag, which can be removed mechanically, or by first digesting in water ; there will however remain 1857.] 14 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF about ten per cent, with the slag. This will be explained by the following data. Theoretically: • 250 parts of metallic Sodium produce 100 " " Aluminium; VO parts are obtained in one metallic mass ; 20 " " in metallic globules ; 90 " being the nett produce. 10 " remain with the scoria. Total, 100 The alkaline scoria contains large quantities of the chloride of sodium, that can be easily extracted by water, leaving an insoluble residue from which the fluoride of aluminium can be extracted by volatilization. The scoria containing the fluoride and the metallic aluminium is economically used by introducing it again with a new charge of the double chloride of aluminium and sodium, and metallic sodium, and by that means the loss of the metal is rendered very small. Aluminium, when carefully removed from any slag, is readily fused in a crucible by itself; when in fusion (which is at a lower point than that required to fuse silver) the whole is stirred with a rod, and all the globules of metal are united in one mass with the greatest facility ; at this point nitrate of potash ca,n be added, (the stirring continued.) All other metals are oxidized by this process ; the refining is finished when the metal has a pure white color. It can now be poured into a mould of smy shape. Impure aluminium may be whitened by plunging it into caustic potash or soda, washing it quickly with distilled water, plunging it again into pure nitric acid, again washing quickly and thoroughly. The surface then has the fine white color of pure aluminium, which it retains unless afterwards polished. This operation has for its object to dissolve out the metals which darken the color of aluminium by their presence. Aluminium forms alloys with nearly all the metals, but those which it forms with silver and copper are the most interesting. Five parts of aluminium with one hundred parts of pure silver produce an alloy almost as hard as a silver coin, which contains about one-tenth of copper, so that sufficient hardness can be given to silver, without introducing into it a poisonous or an alterable metal. It has the advantage of being worked like silver in a pure state, possessing, however, greater hardness, and being capable of a higher polish. Ten parts of aluminium and ninety parts of copper produce an alloy of a pale gold color, possessing great hardness and considerable malleability ; its hard- ness is greater than that of bronze, in the proportion of fifty-one to forty-nine. It can be worked when warm, with the same facility as the best soft iron. Twenty parts of aluminium and eighty of copper give to the alloy the color and brilliancy of fine gold, and at the same time sufficient hardness to scratch the alloy of gold employed in coin, without imparing in the slightest degree its malleability. By an increase of the per centage of copper in alloys of aluminium the alloy is rendered brittle, showing that the metal must be either used pure or alloyed in small quantities with the copper. This explains the peculiar properties ascribed to it by M. Regnault in his in- vestigations on the physical properties of the aluminium prepared by M. Deville, exhibited at the Paris exhibition. Numerous experiments have been made (without regard to economy of manu- facture) to obtain the aluminium directly from the oxide alumina, or from the fluoride of aluminium. But the results obtained by the use of this double chloride of aluminium and [Jan. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 15 sodium, have fully demonstrated that it is the most economical mode by which to produce this metal. Theoretically it requires — 3-86 Chlorine, at 6 cents per pound, . . . -23 16-100 1-86 Alumina, at 3 " " 05 58-100 5-68 Carbonate of Soda, at 4 cents per pound, . -22 72-100 Total, -51 46-100 Making for the materials for manufacturing one pound of aluminium, estimated at the market prices, 51^ cents. Practically it requires — 16 lbs. of the double chloride of aluminium and sodium, at 8 cts. per lb., $1 28 2| lbs. metallic sodium, at about 25 cents per lb., .... 70 Flux aud cost of reduction, 2 02 Total, $4 00 By manufacturing on a larger scale, and by using the slag as a flux instead of employing fresh material, the lowest cost will be reduced to the following : 10 lbs. of double chloride of aluminium and sodium, at 4J cents per lb., $0 45 2\ lbs. of sodium, at 14 cents per lb., ....... 35 Cost of reduction, 20 Total, $1 00 It is seen that the actual cost of one pound of aluminium, when manufactured extensively, will be about double the theoretical cost as before estimated, (fifty- one cents.) For the production of aluminium are used clay, salt, sulphur, manganese, lime and fluor spar, materials which are very abundant and cheap ; all that is now required is practical experience, to reduce the price of the metal still nearer to the price of the raw materials, as has been before stated. The history of the useful arts coutains numerous instances that, where skill and perfection of ap- paratus are required, difficulties are speedily overcome. The density of aluminium when moulded is 2-56. The density of aluminium when rolled is 2-67. In equal weight with silver it is four times more volumi- nous. In equal weights with copper, bronze, brass and German silver, it pos- sesses from three to three and a half times greater volume. In equal volumes with the above metals and alloys it possesses greater rigidity. Mention has already been made of a very important property of aluminium when pure ; that is to resist oxidation, a property which it possesses to a greater degree than the other metals. Aluminium is not acted upon by nitric acid, hydrosulphuric acid, or by the or- ganic acids ; slightly by sulphuric acid. It is but little affected by fusion with sulphur ; mustard is found to act upon it slightly. Its true solvent is hydro- chloric acid. When we compare it in these respects with those metals, which are acted upon by most of these acids giving salts, which are more or less poisonous, the comparison is favorable to aluminium, as its salts, if formed, are innocuous. According to M. C. Tissier, aluminium is not changed by a solution of nitrate or sulphate of copper, but it is dissolved by a solution of chloride of copper with the separation of metallic copper. It is attacked, however, by a solution of ni- trate or sulphate of copper when it contains chloride of sodium, and this proves that chloride of copper is formed by the presence of the chloride of sodium. Aluminium is not attacked by an aqueous solution of alum, or by one of chlo- ride of sodium, but a mixture of the two dissolves it with an evolution of hydro- gen, aud this proves that chloride of aluminium is contained in the mixture. Wheatstone long since showed that aluminium was as strongly electro-nega- tive as platinum. Its sonorous qualities are very great, like tlaat of crystal. Various are the uses which can be made of the aluminium and of its alloys with silver and copper. All the purposes for which it could be advantageously em- ployed in virtue of its peculiar properties, of not tarnishing by exposure to at- mospheric agencies, aud its lightness combined with its extraordinary strength, 1857.] 16 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF would be far too tedious to enumerate. A few instances only will suffice of its adaptability for philosophical apparatus, for all articles for table, for service and ornament, for kitchen utensils, for the works of clocks and even watches, for trappings of harness, for plate and door knobs, keys, &c. Its sonorous quali- ties render it valuable for making bells. In the galvano-plastic arts it replaces platinum. Aluminium is most easily soldered with its own alloys. The alloys most con- venient are those with silver, zinc or tin, their point of fusion being below that of aluminium. The soldering may be done by means of a spirit lamp, and with- out any previous cleaning. Pure aluminium can be easily distinguished from impure by its greater white- ness, its indistinct traces of crystallization ; occasionally one or two well- defined hexagons can be recognized on the surface of the ingots. The impure has a bluish tint like zinc, and if the entire surface is not crystalline, the upper surface is always more so than in pure aluminium; the form of the crystals is also quite different. In giving the theoretical proportion of material employed in the manufacture of aluminium, the relative cheapness of its production, its properties and strength when comparing it bulk for bulk with other metals, it is desired to demonstrate its valuable properties and uses, also to guard against the fictitious reports so current of its excessive cheapness. Note. — The experiment of Sir H. Davy should be mentioned in the early pro- duction of this metal ; he endeavored to produce it by passing the vapor of po- tassium over alumina at a white heat ; he obtained only small grey particles interspersed with aluminate of potash. [Jan. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PniLADELPHIA. 17 February 3tZ. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. A letter was read from Rev. E. J. Lowe, dated Observatory, Beeston, near Nottingham, (England,) Jan. 7th, 1857, containing the following passage : — "The late Mr. Lawson, F. R. S., left rae his valuable collection of Meteoro- logical Instruments, amongst which are Dr. Benjamin Franklin's Hygrometer, which is in as good working order as on the day it was made, an Electric Kite belonging to Dr. Franklin, and several letters. Mr. Lawson had a card placed on the hygrometer, with the following inscription, ' Invented by and belonged to Dr. Benjamin Franklin, the Patriot of Philadelphia.' I have mentioned this, thinking that you would feel an interest as American Philosophers in the information respecting the instruments of that glorious philosopher Dr. Frank- lin." Communications were presented for publication in the Proceedings entitled : — 1. Descriptions of American land shells. By W. G. Binney. 2. Prodromus descriptionis Animalium evertebratorum, qu?e in es- peditione ad Oceanum Pacificum Septentrionalera a Republica Federata missa, Joh. Rodgcrs duce, observ. et descripit W. Stimpson. 3. On the Crania of the Ancient Britons, with remarks on the people themselves. By Joseph Barnard Davis. Which were severally referred to Committees. Mr. Lea made the following remarks on the visual organs of certain species of the genus Unio : He 'stated that he had at various times paid a good deal of attention to the habits and organs of the Naiades of our own country, and for that purpose frequently had them for long periods in a living state under his observation. Their condition as to special sense has been of great interest, and particularly those of touch, hearing and sight. In the course of these investigations, it be- came evident to him that some species of Unio were sensitive to light, and he found one species ( Unio radiatus) very eminently so. He stated that he was not aware of its ever having been suggested that any of the family were possessed of organs of sight, even in a young state, as in the case of the young of Mytilus edulis. It is well known that some of the Molluscs have large and perfect eyes, while some others have imperfect ones, but generally they are altogether devoid of the optic nerve. The Sirombidce are said to possess an eye highly organised, but in most of the Gasteropoda it is of a more simple structure, and perhaps only possesses sensibility of light without the power of distinct vision. The terres- trial Gasteropoda have usually a distinct eyeball on the extremity of the superior tentacula, which Dr. Leidy has shown, in some of our species of Helices, to possess a crystalline lens and choroidea, with clear, consistent, vitreous humor. Cuvier and Lamarck considered the whole class of Conchifera to be devoid of eyes, but Poll has shown that in Fecten varius, Lin., the margin of the mantle is furnished with numerous eyes. These, according to Carpenter, are protected by a sclerotic coat with a transparent cornea in front, a layer of pigment, a crystalline lens and vitreous body, and a retinal expansion proceeding from an optic nerve. In the course of his observations, Mr. Lea became satisfied that the closing of the siphonal tubes, on his approach to the specimens he had in his vivarium, was not altogether occasioned by the vibration caused by his ap- proach, and he accordingly arranged numerous individuals of several species with a view carefully to observe them. In the course of these e.xaminations repeatedly made, he found several species of Unio quite sensitive to his passing his hand between them and the light, while the Margaritana margarttifera, and 1857.] 2 18 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF Anodonta undulata and A. lacustris, Lea, showed no signs of sensitiveness. Unio ■inflalus exhibited but little motion, while numerous specimens of U. radiatus in- variably gave more or less sign when the interruption of light took place. Some individuals were more sensitive than others, and the females exhibited this power much more than the males, often withdrawing, not only their siphons, but their mantle within the valves. It is difficult to say with certainty how far their visual organs are developed, as well also as to number and exact position. The fringes of the branchial and and anal siphons are, in the Uniones, formed of small, subconical tentacula. These are larger in the branchial siphon of Unio, while they do not exist at all in the anal opening of Anodonta;. With a good lens the terminal point of the tentacula may be observed to be rounded and furnished with at least the ap- pearance of an eye, and that it will prove to be a true eye, however imperfect, there can be but little doubt. Mr. Lea did not intend to pursue the minute ana- tomy of this organ ; he left it to Dr. Leidy, who had done so much in the histo- logy of the terrestrial Gasteropods, believing that he would be able to make out the complete anatomy of the eye in the U7iio. February 17 tJi. Vice-President Lea in the Chair. Communications for publication in the Proceedings were read, en- titled :— 1. Notice of a collection of Reptiles made by Dr. Henry A. Ford in the Gaboon country, West Africa, by Edward Hallowell, M. D. 2. Description of thirteen new species of Uniones from Georgia, by Isaac Lea. Which were referred as usual to Committees. Dr. Leidy made the following observations on entozoa found in the Naiades. He had observed a curious parasite allied to Aspidogaster conchicola, infesting Anodonta fiuviatilis and Anodonta lacustris, within the cleft of the upper bran- chial cavity, adhering to the outer surface of the renal organ and the con- tiguous margin of the foot. The new parasite, for which the name of Cotylaspis insignis was proposed, is from ^ aline to 1 line long, curved funnel shaped, with the base forming an oval ventral disk provided with an outer circle and an inner row of acetabula 29 in number. The animal is provided with distinct eyes, while Aspidogaster, in accordance with its being imprisoned in the pericardium of the Naiades, is blind. February 2At7i. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. The following communications, on report of the Committees to which they had been referred, were ordered to be published in the Proceed- ings. Descriptions of Americau L and Shells. BY W. G. BINNEY. Helix intercisa. Testa solidissima, luteo-ciuerea, apicc rufa, globoso-conica ; epira brevis, sutura impressa ; anfr. quinque convexiusculi, lineis parallelis, vol- ventibas, yalde demissis, strias incrementales distiactas intercidentibus ; anfractue [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 19 nltimus globosus, supra perphcriam fascia unica, rufa, obscurissima ornatus ; apertura maxime obliqua, forma equicalcei, rotundata; labrum albo-cinercum, incrassatum, siibtus reflcxiusculum, subunidentatum, umbilicum occultans ; margiaibus approximatis, callo iuterjunctis. Diam. maj. 22 ; min. 19; alt. 15 mill. Habitat in provincia Oregon. Figurata est sub nomine //. Nickliniana, Lea, var. tabula vi. patris mihi Amos Binney, Doctoris, (Terrestrial Mollusks, iii. t. vi. fig. 1, icon in medio posita, vol. ii. p. 120). Sed differt ab hac specie ct ab II. Californiense, Lea, forma testa solidiori, apertura, et sculpturae indentatae et gramilatae absentia. Ab aliis Californias et Oregon speciebus hodie cognitis, lineis profundis volven- tibus facile noscitur. SucciNE.\ LiNEATA. Tcsta oblongo-ovata solidiori, albida, vel cinerea ; spira elevata, acuta sutura impressa, anfr. ternis convexis, lineis crassis paral- lelis inter rugas incrementalcs volventibus ornata ; apertura oviformis, partem testae dimidiam aequante ; columella plicata, pariete callo albo induta. Diam. 6, alt. 12 miU. In provincia Nebraska, ad flumen ' Yellowstone' prope Fort Union specimina plurima collegit Dr. F. v^. Hajden. Similis sh calvarium, found in 1855 at a depth of 10 feet in Suffolk street in Dublin; of course the term ancient in this place must be taken conditionally, as applying probably to medieval and not to pnmeval times. The internal capacity of this calvarium is notless than 123-5 cubic inches, or very nearly 10 cubic inches more than that of the Dutchman of noble birth in the i\[ortonian Collection. An assertion is frequently made by the advocates of the progressive develop- ment and improvement of all races, which it may not be improper to allude to here. They maintain that the influence of what is denominated civilization is able to develope the brain of any race materially in the course of ages, and con- sequently its osseous case. This doctrine of development is distinct from that which affirms that different races of men are distinguished by crania of different capacities ; on the contrary, it supposes that all races may, by a process of civilization and development attain to a large capacity of the skull and corres- ponding great brain. As far as the observations of ancient British. crania we have previously mentioned, they do not give any countenance to this theory of development. And, we may add, that our further observations, although neither so numerous nor so extensive as they ought to be, and as we hope to make them, on ancient Roman and on Anglo-Saxon skulls, are equally far from rendering this doctrine support. Of the hitherto few skulls already engraved in the " Crania Britannica," we may refer to one ancient Roman skull derived from the city of York, the Roman "Eburacum." The internal capacity of this cranium amounts to no less than 104-7 cubic inches. Another fine cranium of an Anglo- Saxon derived from an ancient cemetery in Cambridgeshire, has an internal capacity of no less than 109-6 cubic inches. As far, therefore, as these data go, they give no countenance to the assumption that, as races proceed in their ad- vancement from the state of barbarism upwards, their brains gradually expand. With the capability of all races to make this advance, another assumption that is usually associated with the former, we have nothing to do at present. It would be quite unnecessary to remark upon the permanency of cranial forms before an Academy presided over by Morton, any more than to dwell upon primitive diversity, which has already been alluded to. But the series of sknlls to which the attention of the Academy has been solicited, afford additional evi- dence which bears upon these points. And an attentive consideration of ancient skulls will develope a series of remarkable diversities. Professor Morton, in his elaborate and well-reasoned work, " Crania ^gyp- tica," which stands in so near a relationship to this Academy, has pointed out in the most masterly manner the characteristics of the cranium of the ancient Egyptians. That delicate cranial form was proper to them, whom Morton ulti- mately concluded to be indigenous to the valley of the Nile, and strictly abo- rignes. It was we, believe, deserving of the epithet idiogeneous, or especially proper to the race, and had a relation to them alone, and to no other race, an- cient or modern. There is a peculiarity in the generality of the mummified 1857.] 46 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP heads of the ancient Egyptians, well seen in the skulls also, ■which Morton has not expressly mentioned, but which always strikes us at the first glance. Like all ocular impressions, it is more readily perceived than described. But it arises from the particular outlines by which the profile of the cranium is circumscribed. The base line, the most essential feature, runs along the whole of the base of the lower jaw from the tip of the pointed chin, and passing thence directly to and along all the external centre of the occipital bone as far as its tuberosity. This base line may be seen to be totally at variance with the line which bounds the ancient British skull in the same direction from the profiles before the Academy. "We believe it is only found in crania of an African lineage, and in none so level and uniform as in those of the ancient Egyptians. If we let down upon this base a facial line, which shall run along the forehead, and, with only a slight deviation, till it runs also along the forepart of the pointed chin, we thus bound the cranium in these two directions by right lines, which meet at a more acute angle than in any other race. They are strictly Egyptian in their character, for in the negro races this facial line has no proper commencement from the re- ceding forehead, and is seriously interrupted by the prognathous jaws and teeth. It is the form we have thus endeavored to analyse and describe which imparts to the ancient Egyptian skull its delicate and elegant character. How diverse is the robust erect form of the ancient British skull, marked by great depressions of the facial surfsice, and instead of the graceful long nasal bones, abrupt and short ones, standing immediately below the frowning frontal protuberance, with the intervening hiatus. All which features impress the mind with feelings of a much less complacent kind, and inevitably lead to the conviction that we have before us the representation of a bold uncivilized nature — full of power, and not deficient in capacity, but quite incapable of refinement and the graces of cultivation. These Egyptian and British cranial forms are strikingly at variance, although probably owning an equal antiquity — indeed we see no good reason whatever, why these different people may not have been primeval contemporaries ; and yet the marks of diversity they present are as clear and sharp as any that can be adduced among any modern people. They point, therefore, in an irresistible manner to a primordial difference. The ancient Britons themselves, it is probable, may be regarded as an idio- geneoiis race, i. e., taken as a whole proper in their characters, physical and moral, and distinct from all others. Whether the ancient Gauls resembled them in all particulars, seems very doubtful. They admit of comparison with other people of ancient and modern times, but we are inclined to think, were we able to realize a faithful and complete picture of them, it would present irreconcila- ble discrepancies with other races. They had many marks of agreement with the Indian Tribes of North Amei'ica. They dwelt in a temperate region, where animal and vegetable life was abundant, and devoted themselves to the chase, in which they were assisted by the aborignal hounds of Britain. Claudian, in his allusion to these dogs, represents them as capable of overcoming bulls. hfe pedibus celeres : has nare sagaces. Hirsutaeque fremunt Cressffi, tenuesque Lacaenae, Magnaque taurorum fracturas colla Britannae. The Britons were equally possessed of the small indigenous horse of the coun- try. They also found in the native forests animals of chase of equal, nay great- er, magnitude than that of the Buifalo of the prairie, and, we have reason to think, were as successful as the Indians of the northern part of this continent in their pursuit of them. A Barrow opened in the parish of Cherhill near Calne in Wiltshire, in 1833, revealed a number of bones, and among them were the enormous horns of an ox, the horn-cores of which had a circumference of 15J inches at the root, and in their widest expansion, a diameter of 33 inches. Be- sides this collossal ox they had other bovine cattle, and deer, of the hunting of which with hounds the Romano-British pottery aS'ords numerous pictures, as it seems to have been a favorite subject with the artists for the Samian ware. It appears at first view an astonishing circumstance that the weapons of chase, [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 47 the arms and implements of the ancient Britons should be almost identical with those of the ancient race of Indians of this continent. The same siiear-heads, arrow-heads, axes, &c., of the earlier North American Indians are of the same forms as those of the ancient Britains, and they differ only in material. Instead of the constantly occurring flint of the Britons, the North American tribes have used flint more sparingly, and a series of other hard and beautiful stones, sueh as chalcedony, jasper, crystal, &c., for the production of these weapons. To the kinduess of Mr. Franklin Peale, a highly esteemed Member of this Academy, the writer is indebted for a very fine collection of the stone implements and weapons of the North American Indians, Avhich excited surprise to find them so closely approximating to those of the ancient Britons. The truth is the resem- blance now alluded to seems to be confined by no limits of latitude or longitude. The stone weapons and implements from Japan in SiebokVs Museum at Leyden we found to be scarcely distinguishable from the British ; and we have also seen flint spear-heads from New Zealand, not only closely api>roximating the ancient British ones, but actually fashioned with the same number of strokes, given in the self same direction. In accordance with the prevailing views on the origin and distribution of man, this extraordinary similarity in the stone weapons and other utensils of such widely distributed races has been ascribed to the distribution of the makers, and the communication of the art. An hypothesis, we believe, out of the limits of possibility by any natural means of difl'usion. Whereas, the simple circumstance that these weapons are all produced by beings of similar jiowers and capacities, having similar wants, and similar objects wherewith to satisfy those wants, is an adequate explanation of the phenomenon ; and according to all right principles of philosophy should be admitted at once. That the ancient Britons adopted the flexed or crouching posture in the in- terment of the dead, just as the Indian races of America, we have abundant evi- dence. This again is a practice generally diffused among all uncivilized races, the aborigines of Australia adopting it, as well as others. There need be no question also, that it is to be referred to some common cause operating on all alike ; very probably to a desire to imitate that posture which is both easy and agreeable to them, in the hut or around the fire, and associated in their minds with the most pleasing recollections of life ; therefore fittest in which to renew life, and to begin again the social intercourse and delights of another world be- yond the tomb. For it should never be forgotten that savages, as we call them, are not brutes, but richly endowed with all the sentiments of the human mind, and animated by its highest aspirations. How far the ancient Britons advanced in that general development which we call civilization, it is difficult to ascertain. That the more southern tribes, es- pecially, received from the Phoenician traders, implements and weapons of bronze, and learned the art of manufacturing such themselves, is now pretty satisfac- torily determined ; although it is very questionable whether these superseded the earlier stone ones wholly anywhere, but especially in the remote districts of the country. Their fate was by a succession of imperial armies to be kept in check, to be subjected to a succession of conquests, and ultimately to be in large part reduced to -slavery, whether in their native regions, or in Italy and in the other dependencies of the empire. Those who can lay claim by descent to the nearest relation to the aborigines of the British Islands are still a peculiar people, marked in every feature of their characters by traits which distinguish them from the races of other blood with whom they have been for so many ages in contact. Thus proving that the lineaments of nature cannot be effaced by all the chances and changes of time. We have now gone over the subject proposed to be discussed — perhaps in a somewhat too long and discursive manner, with a view of rendering it more easy to be understood by those to whom it is probably not very familiar — as fiir as it seems desirable at the present time. And it only remains for the writer to express his appreciation of the mark of honor conferred upon him by this learned Academy in allowing him to address them, and more especially in per- 1857.] 48 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP mitting him to do so in the character of a Corresponding Member. However inadequate to make a due return for such a distinction, it will always be his pleasure and his ambition to place his poor attainments at the service of the Academy. Notice of a collection of Reptiles from the Gaboon country, "West Africa, recently presented to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, by Dr. Henry A, Ford. BY EDWARD HALLO WELL, M. D. Ord. SAURII. Fam. GECKONES. Hemidactylus ANGtJLATUS, Hallowell. Proc. Acad. N. S., vol. vi. p. 63. Six specimens. Fam. LACERTIANS. (Sub-fam. Autosaures eselodontes, D. & B.) Tachydromus Fordii, nob. Char. A small plate between the fronto-nasal ; back with six complete carinae and two incomplete ; abdomen strongly carinated ; femoral pores oblong, oval, numerous; color bronze above with metallic reflections, greenish below. Description. Nostril in a single plate, thenaso-rostral; immediately behind it a small plate, the naso-frenal ; two frenals, an anterior and posterior, the latter much the larger of the two ; one freno-orbitar on the right side, two on the left ; that on the right oblong, quadrilateral ; rostral broad, pentangular, in contact with the naso-rostral ; internasal large, in contact posteriorly with the fronto- nasal and the small intermediate plate between them ; laterally with the naso- rostral and the first frenal ; the frontal plate is long, hexagonal, slightly exca- vated at its sides ; the supra-orbitar consists of two plates as in Lacerta ; there are two fronto-parietals, two large parietals, an inter-parietal somewhat urceo- late in shape, and a small occipital ; six plates margin the upper jaw, the fifth, which is beneath the eye, by far the largest ; four plates on each side of the jaw beneath the infra-labials, the three first quadrangular, the last less distinctly so, but much larger than the others; auricular openings oval; no palatine teeth; posterior maxillary teeth tricuspid, the anterior conical ; tongue slender, bifid in front, chevronee ; body slender, covered with large hexagonal plates upon the back, each with a carina running along the middle, constituting six longitudinal complete rows ; besides these there are two others, which terminate about half way down the body. Upon the abdomen six rows of plates strongly carinated ; flanks covered with small plates ; extremities strongly carinated ; fourth finger and toe the longest ; from 11 to 13 ohlong femoral pores on each side ; tail very long, verticillate, strongly carinated both above and below. A large scale in front of the anus with two small ones externally. Coloration. Head black above; sides bluish, body bronze with metallic reflec- tions ; tail and extremities bronze above ; throat, abdomen, under part of extremi- ties and tail greenish, mingled with yellow. Dimensions. Length of head 6 lines ; greatest breadth 3 ; length of neck and body to vent 1 inch 5 lines ; tail 2 inch 11 lines; (mutilated) of arm 3; of fore- arm 3 ; of head to extremity of longest finger 4 lines , of thigh 4 lines ; of leg 4 ; of sole to extremity «f longest toe 6. Habitat. Gaboon contry, W. Africa, one specimen in Mus. Acad, presented by Dr. Henry A. Ford. Gen. Remarks. This is the first time that the genus Tachydromus has been recognized to exist on the African continent, sexlineatus being found in China, Cochin China and Java ; and Japonicus in Japan. This genus is also found in [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 49 the Loo Choo islands. The African genus differs in no respect from the Asiatic, except in the presence of the small plate imbedded between the inter-nasal and frontal and the two fronto-nasals. Fam. CHALCIDIANS or CYCLOSAURIANS. (Sub-fam. Ptycliopleuri.) There are two specimens of Gcrrhosnurus in the collection of Dr. Ford, one much smaller than the other and jjrobably the young. The Larger one resem- bles in its coloration Gerrhosaurus Bibronii, of S. Africa, but the measurements differ both from those of that species and of typicus. Inches. Lines. Length from nose to base of tail 3 6 Of tail 7 9 From nose to meatus externus 9 From nose to base of anterior extremities 1 4 Distance between fore and hinder extremities 2 These dimensions more nearly correspond with those of flavigularis, but in that there are ten rows of ventral scutes. G. validus is a much larger species, and sepiformia and subtessellatus do not in the least resemble it, (vide Smith, Illustrations of the Zoology of S. Africa.) We therefore consider these two specimens as belonging to a new and un- described species, with the following characters: — Gerrhosaurus nigro-lineatus. Char. Eight rows of ventral scutes; six superior labials ; body slender; tail long, two yellowish vittae, one on each side of the back, commencing at the occiput and lost upon the tail; within each vitta a black band running the whole length of the back ; the interspace marked with black spots assuming more or less the form of longitudinal lines well marked upon the tail ; flanks, in the young white spotted, under parts yellowish. Description. The body is slender, covered above and upon the sides with twenty-five longitudinal rows of carinated scales; the interspace between these and the ventral scutes occupied with six rows of granulations ; tail long and tapering, cyclo-tetragonal at base ; the rostral plate presents an acute angle above, and articulates on either side with the first labial and the naso-rostral ; the nostril opens between three plates, the naso-rostral, the naso-frenal and the first labial ; the naso-rostral are well developed, in contact, with a convex an- terior margin, the internal quite short, the posterior concave, where they articu- late with the inter-nasal ; the naso-frenal are in contact inferiorly with the first supra-labial, above with the inter-nasal ; the inter-nasal is a large plate, more extended laterally than longitudinally, its inferior and lateral margin in contact with the first frenal ; the fronto-nasals are tw'o in number and in contact ; the frontal is hexagonal, longer than broad, more narrow posteriorly, its lateral margins excavated ; there are two fronto-parietals, a little larger than the fronto- nasals, and like them pentagonal ; there are two large parietals, with a small inter-parietal, broader anteriorly; the second frenal is much larger than the first ; there are two small freno-orbitars, the first longer than the second ; there are four supra-orbitars, with a longitudinal row of as many plates beneath them, and there are six supra-labials ; the posterior geneials are considerably larger than the anterior ; the mental is broader than long ; there are eight longi- tudinal rows of quadrangular ventral scutes, more or less striated, and fourteen anal pores on each side ; the preanal scales are five in number, the lateral ones the most developed ; scales upon outer surface of thighs, legs and forearms strongly carinated ; there are thirteen transverse rows of scales between the occiput and the anterior extremity; the total number between the occiput and the posterior extremity fifty-one; one hundred and eleven verlicillas upon the tail ; auricular opening triangular, with a large scale in front; eight scales upon right temple, nine on left, in three rows, the posterior of the middle row the largest. 1857.] 4 50 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Coloration. Head oli\'e colored above, spotted with black ; two yellow stripes, one on each side of the back commencing at the occiput, and lost nearly mid- way upon the tail, bordered with a band of black internally ; interspace olive, black spotted, having the appearance of lines upon the tail ; extremities olive colored above, posterior part of thighs yellow spotted ; abdomen ccerulean blue ; the remainder of the under surface yellowish. Young white spotted upou the sides upon a bluish ground, and a double row of white spots along the back between the black colored bands ; sides of tail white or yellow spotted. Dimemions. Length of head 10 lines ; greatest breadth 6 ; of head and body to vent 2 inch. 10 lines. Total length including tail 11 inch. 5 lines. Habitat. Gaboon. Two specimens, adult and young. (Sub-fain. Cyclosaures glyptodermeS; D. & B.) Phractogonus galeatds, nob. Proceed. Acad. N. S., vol. vi. p. 62. The length of this specimen is 1 ft. 2} inches ; of tail 1 inch 4 lines. A very singular looking animal. The contrast between the narrow mosaic looking quadrangular scutes upon the back, and the two longitudinal rows of broader ones is quite striking; the tail is short and rounded at its posterior extremity, which is protected by a circular mamme- lonated shield. The figure of the plate in the wood-cut of the nostrils in the volume of the Proceedings referred to, does not appear to be accurate, this plate being more extended longitudinally, reaching to the extreme end of the rostral, where it is quite narrow terminating almost in a point. The single lateral pore on each side of the preanal scutes is very distinct and is no doubt a constant character. This species appears to be allied to the Cephalopeltis Cuvierii of Miiller, which has two plates upon the top of the head, (Zeitschriftfur Physiologie, von F. Tiedemann, G. R. & L. C. Treviranus, Vierter Band. Erstes Heft. 1831, Taf. xxii, iig. 5, a, b, c. Dr. Smith in speaking of Monopeltis capensis observes, that although I have put forward this species as a type of the group, I doubt if its more extended observation will justify the proceeding. It may prove to be only a very aberrant species of Lepidosternon, and if so Cephalopeltis Cuvieri, Miiller, will be a species of the same group, only a degree less removed from the typical form. The most marked difference between the species in question and Lepi- dosternon macrocephalum, Wagl., consists in the covering of the head ; in the latter it is formed of many plates, in Cephalopeltis of two only, and in Mono- peltis of one. (Illustrations of S. African Zoology, Reptiles, pi. xvii.) Fam. SCINCOIDIANS. EoPREPES Blandingii, nob. Proc. Acad. N. S., vol. ii. p. 5S. Six specimens, (four adult,) (one immature,) (one quite young.) In a specimen from Liberia, the white stripe extends about half way along the side of the body, but it is more extended on the opposite side, and in all the specimens from the Gaboon there are two white vittae on each side, the lower one commencing in front of the eye and terminating at the posterior extremity ; the upper one beginning at the occiput and reaching as far as the root of the tail, the lower band the broader of the two ; four narrow black lines along the back, two on each side, becoming lost upon the root of the tail where they as- sume more the form of spots ; the row of white spots passing along the side of the neck and body as far as the extremity of the tail mentioned in the former description, is no doubt identical with the upper lateral vitta; under surface immaculate. I do not observe that the inter-parietal is larger than either of the fronto-parietals in any of the specimens; in the one from Liberia it is longer. In all the Gaboon specimens the fronto-nasal are separate; in the one from Liberia they are almost in contact. Edprepes frenatds, nob, Sp. Char. Fronto-nasals in contact ; frenals remarkable for their great de- [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 51 velopment, especially the second frenal ; scales upon back broader than in Blandingii ; color olive above, black spotted without any distinct dorsal or lateral vittae ; abdomen greenish with a tinge of yellow, immaculate ; the green much more marked upon the sides ; 33 rows of scales, tricarinate upon back and sides; total length 5 inch. 4 lines; from extremity of snout to anterior extremity 1 inch ; between anterior and posterior extremities 1 inch 4 lines ; of tail 3 inches ; (renewed) of anterior extremity to extremity of longest finger 10 lines ; of posterior to extremity of longest toe 1 inch 1 line. Habitat. Liberia. One specimen presented by Dr. "William Blanding, per- haps a variety of Blandingii. EUPREPES ALBILAHKIS, nob. Char. Supero-nasals not contiguous, inter-nasal much broader than long, fronto-nasals in contact, more extended laterally than longitudinally; fronto- parietal very narrow anteriorly ; scales 3-keeled ; color olive, black spotted, a black irregular band passing from behind the eye along the sides, margined in- feriorly with white; upper lip white; under parts bluish mingled with green upon the abdomen ; chin yellowish. Description. This specimen is much smaller than any of those of Blandingii, and differs from them all, even the young, in a marked manner, both in the shape of the cephalic plates and in the coloration. The rostral plate presents nothing remarkable, the supero-nasals are narrow, situated obliquely, a short distance apart; the inter-nasal is hexagonal, much broader than long, with an obtuse angle posteriorly, its lateral margins quite short; the fronto-nasal are closely in contact (separate in Blandingii), and are shorter and more ex- tended transversely than ia the latter species ; the frontal is quite narrow pos- teriorly, presenting an obtuse angle in front ; the fronto-parietal differ much in appearance from those of Blandingii, theiranteriorextremitiesbeing very narrow and their lateral margin longer ; the inter-parietal is quite slender posteriorly, with a moderately acute angle posteriorly ; there are eight supra-labials, the sixth long and quadrangular (fifth in Blandingii), and situated immediately be- neath the eye ; twelve transverse rows upon the back counting from one white lateral margin to that on the opposite side. Coloration. Bronze or olive above, with irregular black spots ; a black band from posterior margin of orbit, broad and well defined upon temples, more narrow upon sides where it appears to be lost near the middle, with an irregular margin superiorly, bordered with white inferiorly ; upper lips white ; under parts bluish mingled •with green upon the abdomen ; chin with a tinge of orange. Dimensions. Length of head 9 lines ; greatest breadth 3 ; length from head to vent 13J lines; between anterior and posterior extremities 8}; from snout to anterior extremity 6} ; arm 2 lines ; forearm 2 ; palm to tip of longest finger 3 ; of thigh 2^; of leg 2; of sole to extremity of longest finger, 4^ lines, (tail mutilated.) Habitat. Gaboon. One individual presented by Ford. A single specimen of a Scincoid described in Vol. VI. of the Proceedings of the Academy, p. 64, under the name Acontias elegans, biit much larger, and which evidently belongs to a genus distinct from Acontias. This specimen measures 8 inches and 8 lines in extent, the tail 2 inches 10 lines, circumference 1 inch 3 lines. There are twenty-two transverse rows of scales, and one hun- dred and seventy-three longitudinal, including fifty-six upon the tail ; there are no eyelids, but the eye may be distinguished situated near the middle of a scale at its anterior margin. The Typhline of Cuvier, from the Cape of Good Hope, the only species of Typhline described by Dumeril and Bibron and by Mr. Gray, is represented by the former to be without other cephalic plates than that which encloses the whole face, as in a sort of case, (etui,) Mr. Gray, however, mentions 1857]. 52 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP an internasal, a frontal, an interparietal and two parietals, but in both descrip- tions the preanal scale is represented as single. The scales upon the head, as given by Mr. Gray, are very different from those of the genus under consideration, the characters of which approach nearest perhaps to those of Feylinia, Gray, Cat. Lizards of British Museum, p. 129, in which the preanal scales are numerous. Feylinia is characterized as having a moderate rostral, no eyes, with scales in front of the vent like those of the belly, and a tapering tail, a description which does not represent our animal. The scales upon the back appear to be somewhat larger than those upon the sides ; those upon the abdomen and under part of tail are very finely striated, upon the back also, but the striations are less distinct. Should no generic name have been previously given to this Scincoid, we would propose that of SpUenorhina. Sphenorhina elegans, nob. Syn. Aconiias elegans^ Hallowell, Proceed. A. N. S. vol. vi., p. 616. Char. Head rather small, depressed ; snout enclosed in a single scale ; nostrils lateral, with a semicircular slit reaching to the posterior margin of the rostral ; three large plates upon the top of the head in a longitudinal line ; the first, which is heptagonal, situated immediately behind two small plates posterior to the rostral ; the second regularly hexagonal ; the third presenting three distinct mar- gins in front, the posterior margin rounded ; eyes concealed by a scale, but quite visible ; body cylindrical, somewhat depressed, covered with twenty-two trans- verse and one hundred and seventy-three longitudinal rows of smooth scales, including fifty-six upon the tail ; the latter of moderate length, of nearly equal thickness throughout, except at the posterior extremity, where it is conical ; four scales in front of the anus, smaller than those which cover the rest of the body. Total length 9 inches 7 lines ; tail 2| inches ; circumference 13 lines. JIabilat. Gaboon. Two specimens in Mus. Acad. N. S. presented by Dr. H. Ford. Order OPHIDII. Fam. SYKCRATERIANS. (Innocui.) Leptophis smaragdinus, Dumeril et Bibron. Syn. Dendroplm smaragdhia, Boie. MS. Schlegel, Essai sur la Physiognomie des Serpens, La Haye, 1837, p. 237, Id. Traill's Translation, p. 156, 1843. Ab. scut. 158; a double preanal; sub-caud. 135, in Dumeril and Bibron's spe- cimen 154 ; 15 rows of carinated scales ; sides of abdomen very angular. Total length 2 feet 6 lines ; of tail 9 inches 4 lines. One specimen, Gaboon ; presented by Dr. H. A Ford. Gen. Remarks. Dendrophis Chenonii, Reinhardt, appears to be a different serpent ; the anterior frontals in the figure of that species (Reinhardt, nye Slan- genarter, fig. 13,)* are quite small ; in L. smaragdinus their internal margin is much larger than that of the posterior, the reverse is the case in D. Chenonii. L. smaragdinus is now one of the best determined species first described in print, and very accurately, by Prof. Schlegel. Among the specimens sent by Dr. Ford is an arboricole serpent, having a general resemblance to Leptophis smaragdinus, but which, on a careful examina- tion, differs so much in its characters from those of Leptophis, that we do not hesitate to make it a distinct genus, and for the following reasons : The head is more robust and not so long, the anterior frontals are smaller comparatively, the vertical is shorter, as are also the occipitals ; indeed, all the plates upon the *Beskrivelse Af Nogle nye Slangenarter ved J. Th. Reinhardt. Kjobenhavn. Trykt L Bianco Lunos Bogtrykkeri. 1843. [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPniA. 53 top of the head, although having a general resemblance, differ in fact from the corresponding plates of smaragdinus ; the nostril, instead of being between two nasal plates, (the naso-rostral and naso-frenal,) is situated between the naso- rostral and the frenal, which, however, may be accidental ; the frenal plate is considerably less narrow ; the eyes, instead of being oval, as in smaragdinus, are round or subround, and much more prominent ; the temporal plates are five in number, in two longitudinal rows, three in the inferior and two above ; in smaragdinus there are four, two below and two above ; in another, younger specimen, four on one side, three on the other, but differently arranged ; the number of superior labials is the same in each, viz., nine, the fifth and sixth immediately beneath the eye; but the shape of these plates diflVrs in the two animals, no two being alike; the posterior and superior angle of tne sixth in smaragdinus is much more prolonr;ed upward and backward, and the seventh is much larger ; the middle labial and the accessory labials differ in form, but the difference most to be remarked is between the posterior geneials, which in smarag- dinus are very long and comparatively slender ; the scales in the one snake are long, narrow, and strongly carinated, in the other perfectly smooth, much less narrow and quadrangular, and there is a difference of three and a half inches in the length of the tail. It may be interesting to compare this serpent with Herpetodryas aestivus and Dryophylax viridissimus, two slender green serpents, the one from Surinam, the other from the United Slates. Herpetodryas astivus and Chlorophis heterodermus are of nearly the same length, there being a differ- ence of about 7 lines ; but the difference between the tails is greater, that of iestivus being, in the specimen examined, 1 inch 81 lines longer ; but how marked is the difference in the shape of the frontal plate ; the nostrils in Herpetodryas open in a single plate, and although in both there are but one preocular and two postoculars, they are altogether different in form ; in the one the eye rests upon the fifth and sixth supra-labials, in the other (Herpetodryas) upon the fourth and fifth. The arrangement and number of the temporal plates is difl'erent; in Dryophylax, which is a much stouter and longer serpent, the frontal plate differs from either of the others, the prefrontals pass down upon the side of the head as far as the supra-labials, the pre- and postoculars, although the same in number, still differ in shape, the position of the nostril is different, being between two plates, the eye rests on the fourth and fifth supra-labial plates, and the size of the eye differs, being smallest in Herpetodryas, largest in Chlorophis. If we compare the supra-labials in the three we shall find them each of a peculiar type ; in Dryophylax the sixth and seventh being remarkable for their large size. The scales upon the body are also different. If we examine the teeth compara- tively, we shall find that in Chlorophis the maxillaries, which are smooih, pre- sent a marked curvature anteriorly, the points inclining backward, the three posterior longer than the other, the two last more especially, which are also much more robust ; neither of the posterior teeth appear to be grooved. In Herpetodryas the teeth are smooth and resemble each other, (Aglyphodontes isodontiens, D. and B.) In Dryophylax the posterior maxillary teeth are longer and channelled, (Opistoglyphe dipsadien, D. and B.) Dryophylax is a South American genus, exclusively, so far as is known, but Herpetodryas. according to Dumeril and Bibron, exists not only in America, but in Madagascar and the Isle of France. The following are the generic characters of Chlorophis : Maxillary teeth recurved, the posterior ones less than the anterior, the three last larger than the others, the two hinder ones especially, which are not chan- nelled; nostrils between anterior nasal, and frenal; frenal remarkable for its large size ; one antocular, two postoculars ; nine superior labials, the eye resting on the 5th and 6th, and a very small part of the founh ; three anterior supra- labials small, the three posterior large ; rostral rather high ; two internasals and two prefrontals, vertical, pentagonal, much broader anteriorly, longer thau broad, excavated laterally, presenting an acute angle behind ; occipitals pent- agonal, well developed; supra-oculars not projecting; eyes round and quite prominent; scales smooth, in 15 rows, quadrangular, about twice as long as broad anteriorly, broader posteriorlv, the inferior row the largest ; a single pre- 1857.] 54 pRocEEDmas or the academy op anal scBte ; tail slender and tapering to a point, of moderate length, not half the length of neck and body. Chlorophis heterodermus, nob. S^). Char. Color green; 15 rows of scales, many of the scales marked -with ■white, more especially upon their external border, sometimes both the internal and external. Total length 1 foot 9^ inches ; abdom. sc. 157, sub-caud. 83. Dimensions. Length of head 7 lines ; breadth 4 ; of tail 5 inches 9 lines. Habitat. Gaboon. One specimen presented by Dr. Henry A. Ford. Gen. Remarks. We at first supposed that this serpent might be identical with the Dendrophis Chenonii, Reinhardt, from Guinea, but the nasal in that species is between two nasal plates, and according to Dumerii and Bibron, the preanal scute is double. They also state that were it not for the difference in the teeth, they would consider it a true Dendrophis; now Dendrophis has a much larger row of scales along the middle line of the back, which Chlorophis has not. Dumerii and Bibron also mention that in Leptophis Chenonii there are 154 urostega — M. Reinhardt, 108 — 126. Fam. LYCODONTIANS. Among the serpents in the collection of Dr. Ford, are three different genera of Lycodontians, three of different ages belonging to the genus Boedon, and two of undescribed genera. We propose to give an account of them, and also a Boedon presented some time ago by Dr. Burtt, U. S. Navy, from the Isle de Los. The family of Lycodontians is characterized by Dumerii and Bibron as "ser- pents with smooth teeth, or unchannelled, always unequal, the anterior longer than those which follow, distributed in numerous series upon the jaws, and without vacant spaces between them. Body cylindrical ; head larger behind than the neck," the essential characters being the existence of smooth teeth (Aglyphodonts) " of unequal force and length in both jaws." Erpet. Gen. tom. vii. p. 357. The Lycodontians are divided into four tribes : 1, Boedonians ; 2, Lycodontians; 3, Eugnathians ; 4, Pareasians. In the Boedonians the palatine teeth are unequal, the submaxillary teeth separated; those above not separated. In the Lycodontians these teeth are distinct, isolated ; the anterior pterjgo-pala- tine teeth not longer than those which follow ; the submaxillary teeth unequal. In the Eugnathians the submaxillary teeth are not separated by a free space, the pterygo-palatine equal; and in the Pareasians, as in the Eugnathians, the mandibular teeth are much longer in front than those which succeed them, but in the former the anterior pterygo-palatine teeth are much longer. The essential characters of the sub-genus Boedon, belonging to the first tribe Boedonians, and the family Lycodontians, the ninth of the Aglyphodont Ophidians, in Dumerii and Bibron's arrangement, consist in having "the four or five superior maxillary teeth longer by half than those which follow, and which are nearly equal among themselves and regularly spaced ; then a free interval ; the four or five first palatine teeth longer ; the five first inferior maxillaries longer and more curved." Bo.lilDON QUADRIVITTATUM, nob. Char. Two white vittffi bordered with fuscous on each side of the head, the inferior commencing behind the eye and extending as far as the angle of the jaw, the superior passing over the eye and upon the temple, expanded inwardly upon the occiput, forming two large white irregular blotches, one on each side, uniting with its fellow on the opposite side, upon the internasals and prefrontals, poste- riorly extending about 1|^ inch upon the neck, where it is lost. Body and tail uniformly brown above, white beneath with dark colored maculations. 27 rows of scales; a single preanal scute. Total length 2 feet 8^ inches. Description.. The head is of moderate size, depressed, covered above with nine plates ; the internasals are considerably smaller than the prefrontals ; the latter are in contact laterally and interiorly with the fren il, posteriorly with the frontal, and by their postero-external margin, which is incurvated, with the [February, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 65 superior antocnlar ; the frontal is long, presenting a nearly straigbt margin an- teriorly, its sides scarcely incurvated, its posterior angle acute, passing a con- siderable distance beyond the supra-oculars ; the supra-oculars are five-sided ; they do not project over the eye ; the nostrils are between two plates, their superior maroin in contact with the internasal, the posterior margin of the second with the frenal, its postero-superior with the prefrontals ; the frenal is obloDg, more or less quadrilateral, or rather pentangular, about twice as long as broad ; there is one large antocnlar of singular shape, five-sided, larger above, the surface by which it is in contact with the prefrontal, convex, the postero- superior by which it is in contact with the supra-ocular and the frontal concave, as well as the anterior and posterior margins ; there are two post-oculars, the first somewhat quadrangular in shape, the inferior five-sided; the rostral is broader than high, its latero-superior margins excavated, with an acute angle above, its inferior margin also excavated, its lateral margins rounded ; there are eight supra-labials, no two of them are precisely alike in shape ; the second is higher than the first, and is quite narrow above ; the third is quite large, four- sided, about as broad as long, the fourth smaller than the third, the firth five- sided, the eye resting upon the upper margin of the fourth and fifth, which are excavated to receive it; the sixth also pentangular, but higher than the fifth; the seventh also pentangular, but in a different manner, and broader than the last ; the eighth also pentangular, but broader than either the sixth or the seventh, with a more obtuse angle above, and its summit lower than that of either of the two last mentioned plates ; the middle labial is long, having an acute angle posteriorly, broad in front ; the accessory labials are also long, and pointed behind, the anterior geneials longer and more developed than the pos- terior; there are seven inferior labials; two parallel rows of large plates upon the temples ; superior maxillary teeth of nearly equal size and moderately curved, except the five anterior, which are longer, more robust, and more strongly incurvated ; anterior inferior maxillary teeth longer than the others; palatine and pterygoid teeth in two long rows, not straight, but slightly curved anteriorly, presenting an ovoid interspace posteriorly ; tongue enclosed in a sheath, with two slender pointed filaments in front ; ne;k not so 'thick as poste- rior part of head ; body moderately robust, becoming more slender toward the tail, which is of moderate length and tapering, but not pointed at its extremity : the flanks present no remarkable angularity ; the scales are smooth, lanceolate and narrow anteriorly, broader posteriorly ; there are 27 rows at the middle of the body, 25 near the neck, 20 near the tail, upon which there are from 6 to 15 rows. Abdom. scut. 235 ; 1 single preanal ; 58 sub-caud. urostega, which are in a double row. Coloration. Uniformly brown above upon the neck, body and tail, with two vittae on each side of the head, as above described; chin, throat and neck white; abdomen and under part of tail white, with dark colored maculse. DimeriHions. Length of head 1 inch ; greatest breadth 7 lines ; length of body 2 feet 2 inches 10 lines ; length of tail 4| inches. Total length 2 feet 8 inches 7 lines ; circumference 1 inch lOi lines. Ilahitat. Isle de Los. One specimen presented by Dr. Burtt, U. S. N. We have in the collection of Dr. Ford three specimens of a serpent formerly described in the Proceedings under the name Caelopeltis virgata, but which is a species of Boedon, and although allied to the species above described, differs from it in the following particulars : The largest of the specimens is considera- bly smaller than quadrivittatum ; the head is shorter and more obtuse ante- riorly ; the temples more protuberant ; the frontal is more narrow ante- riorly, less acute posteriorly ; the superior labials resemble those of quadri- vittatum sufficiently, but there is a difference in t^e form of the frenal and ant- ocular plate ; there is also but a single row of temporals, with a single large one situated between the parietal and the three plates constituting this row; 1857.] 56 PROCEEDINGS OE THE ACADEMY OP the shape of the scales does not differ materially, but the number is less, there being but 23 rows near the middle of the body, from four to 11 rows upon the tail. The two lateral stripes oq each side of the head are of a yellow color and more narrow, and meet at the rostral, the interspace forming an acute angle, whereas in quadrivittatum they meet upon the internasal and prefrontals, dis- playing a quadrangular interspace. BO^DON QUADRIVIRGATDM, nob. Syn. Ccelopcltis virgata, Proceed. A. N. S. Vol. vii. (1854) p. 98. Sp. Char. Head short and thick, more narrow in younger specimens ; snout obtuse; frontal plate of moderate breadth anteriorly, posterior angle somewhat obtuse; 23 rows of scales ; two narrow yellow lines on each side of the head, the superior commencing at the rostral, passing over the eye and upon the temple, extending about three lines upon the side of the neck ; the inferior commencing at the middle of the posterior margin of the orbit, passing obliquely over the inferior post-ocular, the three last superior labials, and crossing the angle of the mouth, extends in an oblique manner a distance of three lines, and terminates at the line of junction between the neck and throat, at a distance of two lines from the superior lateral stripe. Color uniformly brown above; neck and abdomen yellow; beneath, in the middle, the external portions of the gastrostega brown; the intermediate space spotted with brown ; under part of tail brown. Total length 2 feet 2 inches. Abd. scut. 205 ; sub-caud. 45. Description. The scales are somewhat broader than in the last described spe- cies; in the younger specimens the head is more narrow, the temples less pro- jecting, upon which are observed two rows of temporal plates. In each of these specimens there are but 23 rows of scales. In one the internasal and prefrontals are fused together. Gastrostega 202 ; a single preanal ; urostega 47, in 2d 190—55. Dimensions. Length of head 9 lines ; greatest breadth 6 ; length of neck and body 1 feet 11 inches 3 lines; of tail 3 inches 4 lines. Habitat. Gaboon, west coast of Africa. Four specimens in Mus. Acad, N. S., presented by Dr. Henry A. Ford. Sub-Fam. Eugnathians. The first of the two serpents about to be described, belonging to the sub- family or tribe Eugnathians, presents a series of remarkable characters such a3 belong to no serpent with which we are acquainted, and which constitute a genus to which the name Hormonotus may be applied. HORMONOTUS,* nob. Ocn. Char. Head Lycodontiform ; the temples swollen ; the snout rounded ; the eyes prominent, looking upward and outward ; internasals considerably smaller than prefrontals ; vertical long, pentangular ; nostril between two plates ; a frenal ; one antocular, three postoculars ; the eye resting on the fourth and fifth supra-labial ; two of the anterior teeth of the lower jaw quite large, the pos- terior stouter at the base, and longer than the anterior ; two long anterior teeth in the upper jaw preceded b}' several small ones, followed by an interspace with- out teeth, and eight or more maxillaries of nearly equal length ; palatine and pterygoid teeth in two long rows, presenting an ovoid space posteriorly ; scales smooth, with a larger hexagonal row along the median line of the back; tail of moderate length, tapering to a point, with double urostega ; ventral scutes passing up along the sides in a nearly rectangular manner. HORMONOTDS AUDAX. Sp. Char. Uniform light brown or reddish as above, yellow beneath ; 15 rows of smooth scales. * * ogjMs;, a chain, and vona-, back. [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 57 Description. The head is depressed ; the snout rounded ; the temples swollen ; the nostrils, which are large, are situated in a depression between two plates ; the eyes prominent, latero-superior, circular, the pupil ovoid, perpendicular ; the rostral plate is pentangular, much more broad than high ; the internasala are of moderate size, the prefrontals of much greater dimensions, their external and inferior border in contact with the frenal, their posterior with the antocular, the supra-ocular and the frontal plates ; the supra-ocular are pentangular, much more narrow anteriorly ; the frontal is five-sided, its lateral margins scarcely excavated, its posterior angle moderately obtuse, two and a quarter lines in length by about one and a half in breadth ; the parietals are three lines in length by two in breadth, much more narrow posteriorly ; the frenal is rathf r long and of moderate breadth, in contact inferiorly with the second and third supra-la- bials ; the antocular is larger than either of the three postoculars, and is pent- angular in shape ; there are two rows of temporal plates, surmounted by a third, of which the posterior is the largest ; there are nine superior labials, the eye resting on the fourth and fifth ; no two are precisely alike, the first is the smallest, the seventh pentangular, a line in breadth by half a line in height ; there are seven inferior labials, each differing more or less in shape, and of which the fourth is of much greater dimensions than either of the others; the mental is triangular, the accessory labials rather long, the first geneial much larger than the second. The neck is much more narrow than the head, is rather long and slender; the body of very moderate thickness; the tail one-fifth of the total length. There are 15 to 17 rows of smooth scales near the middle of the body, 18 upon the neck, 12 near base of tail ; the scales are short and quad- rangular upon the middle, more narrow upon the neck, broad upon the tail ; the scales constituting the dorsal row are considerably larger than the adjoining rows, and each scale is hexagonal in shape ; this larger row extends upon the tail, but in the specimen examined appears to be interrupted near its root. Ab. scut. 221 ; 1 single preanal ; 81 bifid sub-caud. Dimensions. Length of head 9 lines; greatest breadth .5.V; length of body 1 foot 8 inches 7 lines ; length of tail 5 inches. Total length 2 feet 2 inches 4 lines. Habitat. Gaboon, west coast of Africa. Gen. Remarks. The outline of the head and the general arrangement of the plates, has a certain resemblance to the figure of Lycodon audax (Lycognathus scolopax, D. and B.) in the altas accompanying the Physiognomie des Serpens of Prof. Schlegel, pi. iv. fig. 18, but it is quite a different serpent from the latter, which is found in South America. It has also a certain relation, in the general disposition of the plates upon the head and teeth, with Lycognathus cucuUatas, a North African serpent, but a comparison of the two proves at once that they belong to different genera. The outline of the head, the relative proportions of the internasals and prefrontals, and the form of the frontal plate, are very dif- ferent ; the nostrils are deeply excavated in Hormonotus ; in cucullatus there is no larger dorsal row, and the scales are shorter, &c. It is also a much smaller animal. The species which remains to be described is a quite different looking serpent from the last, presenting a series of generic characters quite remarkable, more especially the form of the frontal plate. Gen. Char. Head cuneiform, eyes small, two small inter-nasals, two large pre- frontals, a frontal about as broad as long, presenting an acute angle posteriorly ; nostril in a single plate at its posterior margin, two nasals, a frenal, one antocular, two postoculars, seven superior labials, the eye resting on the third and fourth ; several small teeth on the upper jaw, followed by a much larger one, after which an interspace, succeeded by a row of small and nearly equal teeth ; maxillaries of lower jaw presenting a corresponding system of dentition ; but the interspace behind the larger teeth do not exist apparently ; body nearly the same thickness as head ; tail short; scutes bifid. 1857.] 58 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP Lycophidion laterale, nob. Sp. Char. Uniformly reddish brown above and olive below, with the exception of two lateral yellow vittEe on each side of the head, the one reaching to the angle of the jaw, the other to the posterior margin of the occiput; 17 rows of smooth scales. Description. Head cuneiform, flat above, shelving forward, the plates exhibiting the appearance of a polished surface ; snout rounded ; rostral plate much broader than high, with an obtuse angle at its summit ; the inter-nasals are quite small compared with the pre-frontals, their external margins in con- tact with the nasal and the first frenal ; the pre-frontals are quite large presenting an acute angle externally, where they are in contact with the first and second frenal and the antocular; the frontal is short and broad, its pos- terior angle acute, its anterior and external corners bevelled, the inter- mediate space undulating; it measures nearly a line and a half in length, by one and a quarter in breadth ; the supra-oculars are quite short, about one-half their usual length, broader posteriorly; the posterior half of their external margin in contact with the superior post-ocular ; the parietals are large, much longer than broad, in contact anteriorly with the supra-ocular; the first post- ocular, and by a very small facet at their anterior and external angle, with the second posterior ocular ; there is one frenal plate, longer than broad, with ♦ an acute angle posteriorly ; it is in contact above with the pre-frontal ; it pre- sents a somewhat obtuse angle, and two surfaces inferiorly, the anterior in contact with the first supra- labial, the posterior with the second ; its anterior and superior border is much broader than its posterior, which is externally narrow ; the antocular is a remarkably large plate, more narrow above, in con- tact inf, ricrly with the second and third supra-nasal, above by an oblique facet with the frontal, anteriorly by a convex margin with the pre-frontal, posteriorly with the eye, and the anterior border of the supra-ocular plate; there are two post-oculars, the inferior the larger of the two ; there are eight superior labials, no two precisely alike, the first the smallest, the sixth, which is pentagonal, the largest, the eye resting on the third and fourth ; the third is separated from the anterior margin of the orbit ; the fourth supra-labial and the antocular inter- vening; the nasal plate is somewhat quadrangular in shape, the nostril being situated in its posterior half, its posterior border in contact with the anterior border of the naso-frenal, which presents an oblique facet without any sinuation whatever; the plates upon the top of the head are all highly polished; the eye is small, the pupil ovoid, rather than round ; there are two rows of temporal plates, three in the inferior, two in the row above, and a large quadrangular plate between these and the parietals; immediately behind the parietals, are two smaller plates than the latter, with a still smaller one between them ; the mental and accessary labials present nothing remarkable ; the anterior geneials are quite broad, larger than the posterior, which are much more narrow ; four small teeth precede the larger one in the upper jaw, then follows an interspace succeeded by nine or more small teeth of nearly equal size ; anterior to the large tooth in the lower jaw are also several smaller ones, succeeded by a row of nine or more small teeth, the anterior a little the largest on the left side, but not in the right; the palatine teeth are in two long rows, and present an ovoid space posteriorly ; the neck is of nearly the same thickness as the head behind, the body thicker, the tail short and robust, rapidly tapering to a point ; the scales are smooth and shining, those upon the neck more narrow, those upon the body broader, with rounded posterior angles ; the inferior row perhaps a litile the largest; there are 15 rows upon the neck, 17 upon the middle of the body, 8 near the root of the tail ; the scales upon the tail appe^ir to be irregular, about three lines from the vent they are homogeneous, but posterior to this space may be observed two parallel rows of hexagonal scales broader than the others, suc- ceeded by siualler ones, and then a single row of four narrow and quite broad hexagonal plates ; the gastrostega are narrow, the sides of the abdomen not angular. [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 59 Coloration. The neck, body and tail are brown above, inferior parts brown with a tinge of olive, presenting a shining and a polished appearance, especially the ventral and sub-caudal scutes; a yellow vitta on each side of the head meeting upon the muzzle, and extending as far as the extremity of the occiput ; a more narrow one extending from the posterior margin of the eye to the angle of the mouth. Dimensions. Length of head H lines ; greatest breadth 3^ ; length of neck and body 1 ft.; of tail 1 inch 11 J lines. Abdom. scuta 176, a single preanal, 44 snb-bifid-caudal. Hahidit. Gaboon country, one specimen presented by Dr. Henry A. Ford. Gen. Remarks. The serpent above described belongs apparently to the genus Lycophidion of Fitzinger, but does not correspond in all respects with the ad- mirable description of the Eugnathians by Dumeril and Bibron, particularly in the size of the eyes, which they represent as " tres grands", and the form of the abdomen which is described in the species observed by them as flat, in our specimen being much rounded.* In other respects there appears to be a perfect coincidence. But two species are enumerated by them both from South Africa, viz: L. Ilorstockii and L. scmicinctum ; the first is white beneath, the second is brown, but has a series of reddish bands across the back ; both want the lateral yellow vitlae of L. laterale. Sub-Order Opistoglyphs, (venenosi.) OXYBELIS KlRTLANDII. Syn. Leptophis Kirllandii, nob., Proceed. A. N. S. vol. ii. 1844, p. 62. Bryo- phis Kirllandii, Id. Proceed. Acad. N. S. vol. vii. 1854, p. 100 ; Oxijbelis Le- comptei; Dumeril et Bibron, vol. vii. p. 821. These specimens measure 4 ft. 2 inches in length, tail 1 ft. 7 inch. 10 lines. I find 19 rows of scales near the middle, 17 upon the neck, 6 near the root of the tail; the nostril is large and ovoid in a single nasal plate; there are two frenal plates in both specimens on each side of the head, the posterior in the one being much larger than the cor- responding ons in the other, the anterior more narrow than the anterior one of the other in the same side ; on the right side in one they are narrow and oblong, in the other the anterior is much smaller than the posterior; one antocular, two post-oculars on the right side, three on the left in one ; in the other three posterior on the right, three on the left; eight superior labials; the eye resting on the fourth and fifth in both specimens; posterior geneials quite long; the scales are long and slender, the inferior row the largest ; the tail at its extremity almost filiform ; the p'ates upon the top of the head, though not corresponding precisely in the cut, have the same general proportions; 170 gastrostega, a double preanal, 166 urostega, 175 in another, urostega 168. Gen. Remarks. The description of this " Arboricole opistoglyph" by Dumeril and Bibron is very characteristic of its specific relations, and extremely accurate, but they are in error in stating that it had never before been described, the first account of it having been given by us in the second vol. of the Proceedings of the Academy, 1844, p. 62, a fact for which I am indebted to Prof. Aug. Dumeril himself, but who had not previously seen the animal. The collection of Dr. Ford contains a fine specimen of Dipsas Blandingii, Hall., Proceed. Acad. N. S. vol. ii. p. 170, and vol. vii. p. 100. It is, however, not a Dipsas, and we propose for it the generic name Toxicodryas. This remarkable Arboricole serpent measures 5 ft. 7 inch. (Fr.) in length, tail 1 ft. 4 inch. ; 22 rows of scales may be counted at the middle of the body exclusive of the large hexagonal dorsal row, 17 rows more posteriorly. The former description char- * We had proposed for this serpent the generic name Lissophis, but have not well authenticated specimens of Lycophidion to compare with it ; future observa- tion must determine whether the former or latter name shall be retained. 1857.] 60 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF acterizes the external form of the serpent sufficiently well, but it may be added that the supra-labials are for the most part bordered with black, and that 25 large blotches may be counted on each side of the body ; upper part of neck of same color as occiput, probably green during life. There is but a single chan- nelled posterior tooth on each side in these specimens, and therefore they cannot belong to the genus Triglophodon of Dum. and Bibron, which has three ; the posterior geneials are longer than the anterior, but of about equal breadth. TOXICODRYAS, nob. Gen. Char. A single tooth channelled anteriorly in the posterior part of the upper jaw, much longer than the others, and more robust ; the other superior maxillary teeth smooth, of nearly equal length, well developed, and equally spaced but wide apart, the two anterior somewhat shorter; five or six in num- ber; pterygopalatine teeth well developed, the anterior the longest; three anterior teeth in the lower jaw longer than the others, and stouter, the three posterior the smallest, the three intermediate ones smaller than the three anterior, but larger than the three posterior ; unequally spaced ; head covered above with nine plates ; a rostral broader than long, two broad inter-nasals, smaller considerably than the pre-frontals ; a frontal of moderate length, but broader anteriorly; supra-oculars remarkable for their great breadth posteriorly; parietals of moderate size ; nostrils large, lateral, between two plates ; a quad- rangular frenal ; two anterior and two posterior oculars; two rows of plates between the parietals and supra-labials ; eye resting on the fourth, fifth and sixth of the latter; body very long and much compiessed ; scales long, narrow and quadrangular ; a dorsal row much larger, hexagonal ; abdominal scutes extending upon the flanks ; sides of abdomen angular ; tail long with bifid scutes. ToxicoDRTAS Blandingii, nob. Syn. Dipsas Blandingii, vol. ii. p. 170 — vol. vii. p. 100. Sp. Char. 17 to 22 rows of scales ; color greenish olive above; three black spots upon the head ; one at the internal and posterior angle of the supra-ocular, the other near the internal and posterior margin of the parietals ; supra-labials bordered posteriorly with black, one of these spots broader than the rest, reaching up nearly to the eye; body greenish olive above, with 25 large dark colored alternate blotches on either side; upper part of tail marked in a similar manner; chin, throat, abdomen and under part of tail yellow ; ab. scut. 274, 1 bifid preanal ; sub-caudal 137; circumference 3 inches, total length 5 ft. 7 inch. (Fr.) tail 1 ft. 4 inch. Habitat. Liberia and Gaboon. Two specimens, one presented by Dr. Wil- liam Blanding, the other by Dr. Henry A. Ford. Gen. Remarks. We formerly placed this serpent in the genus Dipsas, from its large head, compressed body and the large row of hexagonal scales along the middle line of the back; but a careful examination of the teeth, as well as of the external form, shows that it does not belong to that genus ; it is one of the most remarkable of the Arboricole Opystoglyphs, so characteristic of the her- petological fauna of the western coast of Africa; we had supposed also that this serpent might be identical with the Dipsas cynodon of Schegel, (Opetiodon cy- nodon D. and B.) but in Opetiodon there is but one pre-ocular, the flanks are rounded, pupil oval, &c. The frontal and supra-ocular plates in Toxicodryas are quite different in shape from the corresponding plates in the figure of Dipsas cynodon by Prof Schegel (Abbildungen, pi. xi. fig. 10 and 11,) the supra- oculars being more narrow iu front, the frontal more narrow posteriorly; the two last supra-labials are different in shape and much larger in Toxicodryas than in fig. 11. In 0. cynodon, the pre-oculars are almost contiguous to the frontal, in T. Blandingii they are separated by an interval of about a line, seven or eight temporals instead of five, of which three touch the post-oculars (two in T. Blandingii.) Cynodon is a native of Java and Borneo. The characters [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 61 of the serpent above described, resemble much those of Triglophodon fuscum, also from the Gaboon, (D. and B. vol. vii. p. 1102, Appendix,) but it has three channelled posterior teeth. There can be no doubt that although allied, Toxi- codryas and Trit^^lophodon are distinct genera; compared with a specimen of Tri- glophodon dendrophilum from Java, of which we have a fine specimen in our colleclion, due to the liberality of the administration of the Garden of Plants, through Prof. Dumeril, we find that the scales in T. Blandingii are more narrow, the tail lousrer and more slender, and the plates upon tlie head different ; the vertical in T. Blandingii is much more narrow posteriorly, the rostral not so high, the parietals are much smaller; there are ?m-o pre-oculars, and the in- ferior margin of the orbit is formed by the fourth, fifth and sixth supra-labials ; in Triglophodon by the third, fourth and fifth, &c. Both have a large row of scales along the middle of the back. Toxicodryas is a genus quite distinct from Tarbophis, (Ailurophis, Bonap.) Sub-Old. Proterogli/phs. Among the serpents in the collection of Dr. Ford, is one of the black variety of Naja, six feet 31 inches in length. There is also a younger and much more slender specimen. Besides these we have another and much larger one than either, presented several years ago by Dr. Ford, measuring G ft. 9,] inch. (Fr.) in length. Neither of these correspond with the description or figure of the black variety of Naja haje in Dr. Smith's work on the Reptiles of Southern Africa. The most striking difference consists in the coloration, the South African species being uniformly black below, the variety from the Gaboon hav- ing upon the anterior part of the abdomen a greater or less number of black bands of unequal breadth, the interspaces being yellow, the throat and chin also yellow, (white probably during life). Dumeril and Bibron state that the Mu- seum of Paris possesses three large specimens of the black variety described by Dr. Smith, one from Senegal, one from Morocco, the third from the White Nile, They admit but two species of Naja, the tripudians and haje ; in the first the sixth superior labial is quite small, in the latter very large ; which also wants the spectacle figure upon the neck, and the neck is less dilatable. This difference between the labial plates, however, is presumed to be not an invariable character. In the plate of Naja haje in the great work on Egypt, there are several black bands passing across the abdomen, near its middle, one of them very broad, more so than in any of the Gaboon specimens, which in that variety are also situated much more anteriorly. Dumeril and Bibron state that in the greater part of the specimens they possess from Java, Sumatra, China and difl'erent regions of the East there are several gastrostega of a beautiful black, forming a transverse band more or less broad, followed by other scutes of a white color. Comparing the large Gaboon specimen with A. tripndians, from Bengal, I find a single dark colored band nine lines in breadth, running across the anterior part of the abdomen, quite near to the throat, and as stated by Prof. Schlegel the sixth supra-labial much smaller than the cor- responding one in the African species. In the tripudians this plate is sepa- rated from the post-oculars by a large plate, in N. haje it is in contact with them. There is a difference in the proportional size of the inter-nasals and pre-frontals, but this may be merely the effect of age ; for, although the former are comparatively much smaller than the latter in the adidt W. African speci- mens, they more nearly correspond in the younger individual as they do in that from Bengal. The frontal plate is pentagonal in both, but in the Asiatic specimen it is quite narrow.* In the E. India serpent there are 23 rows of scales near the middle of the body, in the Gaboon but 19. We have not the materials for a thorough study of the two admitted species, but consider those from Gaboon as belonging to a variety of the haje, for which the name melano- * In the plate of the head of the tripudians in Prof. Traill's translation of Schlegel it is represented as quite broad, perhaps the adult. 1857.] 62 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF leuca might be given, with the following characters : Length over seven or eight feel ; color black above and beneath, in much the greater part of its length ; chin white, neck and anterior part of abdomen white, with black transverse bands varjing in breadth, with white interspaces of unequal extent ; sides of head white or yellow, the margins of the labial plates bordered with black ; 19 rows of scales. Ab. sc. 213, sub-caud. 66. Dimensions. Length of head 2 J inches ; greatest breadth 2 ; length of tail 1 ft. \\ inch. Total length 6 ft. 9^^ inch. ; circumference 4| inch. Three specimens in Mus. Acad. N. S., presented by Dr. Henry A. Ford. Gen. Remarks. This is one of the largest and most savage looking of the venomous serpents. Dr. Smith gives from 5 to 6 feet as the length of the South African species. According to him they feed on small quadrupeds, birds and eggs, and climb trees readily to rob nests. The genus Naja belongs to the 4th section or sub-order of Ophidians in Dumeril and Bibron's arrangement, viz : The Proteroglyph or Apistophid serpents (serpents Proteroglyphes dits Apisto- phides,) of which the essential characters given are, — " Serpents in which the anterior teeth are channelled and not perforated at their base," and to the first group into which this section is subdivided, viz : the Conocercal Proteroglyphs, (P. conocerques) having a conical or rounded tail ; the second group, the platycercals, and which live in the water having this organ flat. The family of Conocercals includes nine genera, viz : Elaps, Pseudo- elaps, Furina, Trimersurus, Alecto, Sepedon, Causus, Bungarus, Naja, two- thirds of which exist in our collection. In the largest of the three specimens there are two large and strong anterior channelled teeth, of about equal length on the left side ; on the right side one, having behind it one or two smaller teeth. In the other specimen but a single one is seen on each side; palatine and ptery- goid teeth in two longitudinal rows. 1 Sing. Preanal, sub-caud 66 1 " " 65 1 " " , G4 the tail terminating in a sharp pointed cone. Another of the formidable serpents with which W. Africa abounds is the Echidna nasicornis, Cerastes nasicornis, Wagler, of which Dr. Ford's collection contains one fine specimen. Echidna nasicornis, Merrem. Syn.' Col. nasicornis, Shaw, Misc. 94, Gen. Zool. v, iii. p. 297, pi. 204. Vipera nasicornis, Daudin, Rep., vol. iii. p. 322. Vipera nasicornis, T. Reinhardt, Bescrivelse af Nogle nye Slangenarter, 1843, T. iii. fig. 8, 9, 10. Cerastes nasicornis, Wagler, Amph. p. 150. Echidna nasicorns, Merrem, Tent. p. 178. Clotho nasicornis, Gray, Zool. Mis. 60. Cat. Br. Mus. Rept. p. 25. Vipera hexacera, Dum. et Bib,, T. vii. p. 141G, Atlas pi. 78, bis. fig. 2. We have now three specimens of this deadly but magnificently robed serpent in our collection, two adult and one very young, all from the Gaboon ; the ser- pent formerly figured in the Proceedings (1847, vol. iii. p. 320) having been lost. V/e are ourselves now somewhat in doubt in regard to the animal described and figured in the Proceed. Acad. N. S., vol. iii. p. 320, (1846 — 7.) The description of the Echidna Gabonica, D. & B., given in the Erpetologie generale, corresponds with it perfectly, and no mention is made, nor does the drawing display the narrow headed black mark bordered with yellow, so characteristic ofE, nasicor- nis, and the longitudinal bars upon the middle line of the back are not cut in tri- angle at their extremities, which is the case even in the very young nasicornis. Both specimens referred to have unfortunately been destroyed, the skull of the adult alone remaining, which, however, I am inclined to believe belongs to E. nasicornis. As no detailed account of this remarkable animal appears to have been pub- lished, we propose to give a full account of it. [Feb. Ab. Scut 213 " 221 " 219 NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 63 Sj). Char. Three horny projections on each side of the muzzle, the anterior small, the posterior which is immediately over the nostril quite long. Description. The head is more or less triangular above, covered with scales, very strongly carinated, the carinations so developed as to assume the form of triangular leaf-like projections, giving a sensation of roughness to the latero- superior upper part of the head ; there are three or four scales immediately within the circular row above surrounding the eye, which are larger than the others ; the carinie of these scales are less f )liated than the rest, and re- semble spines ; the eye is of moderate size, ovoid in shape, and somewhat projecting; the nostrils are large, on a line with the eye, three lines from it and ar^not lateral, but look upward and outward; there are three foliated scales upon each side of the muzzle, the posterior 6 lines in length ; the rostral plate is broad and narrow with a convex margin above, concave below, very differ- ent in shape from that of Vipera ammodytes ; there are sixteen supra-labial plates on each side, most of which resemble each other in shape, presenting a serrated margin inferiorly; there are sixteen superior labials which differ from each other, and the anterior are more extended transversely ; the anterior geneials are very large ; the posterior quite narrow ; the pterygo-palatine teeth do not pursue a strictly longitudinal course but diverge posteriorly ; the fangs are enormous and lie entirely concealed in their sheath; the neck is more' narrow than the posterior part of the head, the body quite thick at the middle ; the tail rather shorty terminating in a horn-like pointed projection ; the scales are short and broad, strongly carinated, the inferior row much the largest ; 44 may be counted in a row near the middle of the body ; 18 on each side of the neck, 16 rows at the base of the tail. Ah. scuta 128; sub-caud. 31 ; 1 long preanal. Coloration. A dark jet black arrowheaded blotch upon the top of the head commencing between the posterior horns, its hinder extremities reaching as far as the posterior margin of the head, the middle portion being lost upon the neck ; this blotch has a narrow border of yellow; upper and lateral part of the head brownish, or brownish mingled with yellow ; a narrow stripe of yellow commencing near the middle of the range of scales which margin the orbit below, and terminating at the inferior margin of the twefth supra-labial, less distinct in older specimens ; posterior to this a large dark-colored triangular blotch reaching from the eye to the angle of the jaw ; a small triangular yellow one upon the side of the head close to its anterior margin, its apex reaching to within a line of the eye; the intervening space between it and the narrow yellow stripe, dark colored, as well as that part of the side of the head in front of the eye reaching to the anterior extremity of the muzzle, on aline with the inferior border of the nostril ; upon the middle line of the back and tail a series of oblong yellow blotches, with triangular emarginations anteriorly and posteriorly, imbedded in a black ground ; sides dark brown, in younger individuals mingled with reddish and yellow, black spotted; the lateral extension of the dark col- ored blotches in which the yellow bars are imbedded triangular in shape; a series of yellow spots on each side at the point of juncture with the abdominal scutes; chin and throat orange mottled with black; abdomen and under part of tail yellow, thickly mottled with black. In a very young specimen measuring 10| Inches in length, the coloration of the head is nearly the same, the middle line of the back presenting a longitudinal series of black rhomboids alternating with the lighter colored bars with trian- gular emarginations ; these bars are much shorter upon the anterior part of the body and upon the neck ; the posterior prolongations of the arrowheaded blotch upon the head extend half an inch upon the neck, and present a triangular cut posteriorly ; there is a series of large dark colored spots upon the sides alternating with yellow ; chin and throat dark colored; abdomen thickly maculated with dark subquadrate spots. Dimensions. Length 2 inches 3 lines ; breadth 1 inch 11 ; length of body 2 feet 8 inches (Fr.;) of tail 6 inches 7 lines. Total length 3 feet 4 inches 10 lines; circumference 6 inches. 1857.] 64 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP Habitat. Gaboon and Liberia. Three specimens in Mus. Acad, presented by Dr. Henry A. Ford. Oen. Remarks. Dumeril and Bibron are evidently in error in placing this ani- mal in the genus Vipera. In Vipera the nostrils are lateral, in Echidna latero- superior. la Vipera ammodytes the rostral plate is very high ; the posterior geneials differ much ; ammodytes has a large supra-ocular ; there is but one row of plates between the supra-labials and the rows of scales which surround the eye ; the scales in ammodytes are long, short in nasicornis. The same may be said of Vipera aspis. Compared with Echidna arietans of the Cape, we find absence of the supra-ocular, two rows between the scales beneath the eye and the supra-labials, and the scales short, like those of nasicornis. The difference in the number of rows of scales between the eyes and the supra-labials consti- tutes a good specific character in serpents belonging to the same genus, but the position of the nostrils and the form of the scales are constant and of generie im- portance.* Echidna nasicornis belongs to the 5th section or suborder of Ophidi- ans in Dumeril and Bibron's arrangement, viz., the Solenoglyphs, (serpents Sole- noglyphes dits Thanatophides,) of which the following are the essential charac- ters: " Serpents having teeth in both jaws, of which the anterior supra-maxillariea are alone channelled and perforated by a canal in the length of their base." Ord. BATRACHIANS. In the synoptical table of the genera of Raniforms, in the 8th volume of Du- meril and Bibron's work, (1841,) but two genera of the 16 there determined are mentioned as having no palatine teeth, viz., Oxyglossus and Leiuperus ; the first with a rhomboidal, the second with an oval tongue, in both entire. In Arthro- leptis, Smith, (Illustrations of South African Zoology, 1849,) the toes are with- out webs. la the Batrachian now under consideration, the most remarkable structure is shown in the tongue, which presents a central pedicel, but is bound down in its anterior half along the middle by cellular tissue, as in the genus Heredia, among the Urodeles recently discovered in California. We pro- pose for this remarkable Batrachian, and which, should this conformation be found to exist in other individuals, would, from the connecting link between the Anourous Batrachia, and the Caducibranchiate Urodeles, the name of HETER0GL0S3A. Head nearly as long as the body, and about as long as broad, depressed above, narrow in front ; teeth in the upper jaw small, smaller in front, posteriorly re- curved, sharp-pointed ; nine in the lower jaw ; no palatine teeth; posterior nares Buboval, eustachian foramina small ; tongue suboval, deeply notched posteriorly, attached by a cylindrical pedicel at the centre, entirely free in its posterior half; bound down anteriorly along the middle line by cellular tissue, reaching from the tip to the pedicel, free laterally except at the apex; body short; toes free anteriorly, webbed at their base posteriorly ; tympanum distinct. Heteroglossa. Africana, nob. Sp. Char. Chocolate brown above, abdomen ash colored ; posterior nares small. Description. The head is about as broad as long, triangular in shape, rounded in front, depressed above ; the eyes are of moderate size, not prominent ; the tympanum also of moderate size, quite distinct, is situated immediately over the angle of the jaw ; posterior nares suboval, small ; the fingers are quite free, the first and second of about equal length, the fourth longer than these, the third the longest; sub-articular tubercles distinct; extremities of first and second toes nearly on a line with each other ; third toe longer than second, the fourth much * Since the above was written we have received the December number of Guerin (Revue et Magazin de Zoologie, 185G,) in which I find that Prof. A. Du- meril has himself corrected this error. [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OF rillLADELPIIIA. C5 the longest, the fifih longer than either the first or second ; the toes are webbed at their base, the web extending to about the middle of the antepenultimate phalanx; abdomen perfectly smooth ; skin smooth above; no rows of porea visible. Coloration. General color dark brown, or chocolate above, mingled to a Blight extent with ash ; upper jaw presenting several chocolate colored spots upon a lighter ground ; posterior extremities barred with dark brown approaching to black ; abdomen ash colored ; chin and throat chocolate spotted ; under surface of extremities blackish mingled with ash ; when examined with a magnifier the body appears to be blotched all over with dark brown on a much lighter ground. JJimendons. Length of head and body 1 inch ; length of head 5^ lines ; breadth 5 ; from tip of snout to anterior extremity 5 ; distance between anterior and pos- terior extremities 5 lines ; length of arm 3 lines ; of forearm 2\ ; of hand to ex- tremity of longest finger 3 lines ; of thigh bl lines ; of leg t> lines ; of foot to extremity of longest toe 5.1 lines. Habitat. Gaboon. One specimen in Mus. Acad. N. S. presented by Dr. Henry A. Ford. Hyla. i'0Nctata, nob. A young specimen o^ Hyla punctata, nob., Proceed. Acad. N. S. vol. vii. p. 193. It measures 1 inch 4 lines in length from the extremity of the snout to the posterior extremity of the body; bead large ; body very slender posteriorly ; the color is of a darker brown than in the adult, and a number of darker blotches may be observed over diil'erent parts of the animal; a characteristic mark, and one which does not appear to have been mentioned in the previous description, consists in the presence of an orange-colored undulating line a short distance above the auus, commencing on the posterior part of the thigh about two lines from the latter ; beneath this line the ground color is more obscure. This line exists also iu the adult specimen, but is of a yellow color. PIPAD^lil. DACTYLETHRA, Cuvier. There i.s one specimen of Dactylethra, but this differs from the Dacty- lethra of the Cape, and more especially in the presence of a sharp pointed spur projecting from the cuneiform bone, which is not observed iu Dactylethra capensis. Dactylethra Mullkri, Peters. Sp. Char. Black above, dark brown or chocolate below ; a cutaneous appen- dage beneath each eye; numerous crypts upou the muzzle, chin, and under part of the muzzle ; a series of larger longitudinal glands upon chin ; a sharp pointed spur at base of first toe. Dcscj-iption. The head is small, depressed ; the snout rounded ; the eyes pro- minent; the nostrils near the extremity of the snout a line apart, and three- fourths of a line from the anterior border of the eye; the snout is quite smooth above, but covered as far as midway between the eyes, (the posterior border of which is but three lines from its anterior extremity,) with numerous small ele- vated granules or crypts, the under part also, as well as the chin ; a semicircu- lar row of longitudinal glands, nine or ten in number, Avith open mouths, four or five in each longitudinal row upon the chin ; no tongue or palatine teeth ; numerous small teeth in the upper jaw; ejistachian foramen large, broader than long ; body large, subquadrate, about a line broader posteriorly, where, as Du- meril and Hibron observe, it has the appearance of being truncate; perfectly smooth both above and below ; with a ui:ignifier, however, presenting a minutely granular appearance ; no lateral line of pores visible ; anterior extremities small, posterior very large ; fingers free ; fourth finger stoutest, second longest, third not as long as second, first and fourth of nearly equal length ; thighs aud legs 1857.] 5 66 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP greatly developed ; toes webbed as far as distal extremity of first phalans, the three first provided with a nail, sharp pointed, slightly iiicurvated ; these nails are convex above, but present a ridge along their middle below ; a sharp pointed short spur at the base of the first toe ; second toe longer than first, third longer than second, fourth and fifth of nearly equal length ; no subarticular tubercles visible ; posterior extremities smooth both above and below, no pores upon the xhighs. Coloration, as given in the specific characters. Dimensions. Length from tip of snout to anterior extremity 6 lines ; between anterior and posterior extremities 10 lines ; of arm IJ lines ; of forearm 3 ; of hand to extremity of longest finger 3i lines ; of thigh 6 lines ; of leg 7 ; of foot to extremity of longest toe (the third) 8 lines. Uabilat. Gaboon. One specimen presented by Dr. Henry A. Ford. Gen. Remarks. Dactylethra belongs in Dumeril and Bibron's arrangement, to the second group of the Anourous, or Phrynaglossal Batrachians, (Phryna- glosses) and family of the Pipteformes, being entirely destitute of a tongue, wheieas the 1st gioup, or the f haneroglossal, have this organ " developed in a greater or less degree." The Phrynaglossal Batrachians, including but two genera at present known, viz., Dactylethra and Pipa, have also this very re- markable peculiarity, that instead of two eustachian foramina, there is but one, and that situated at the middle of the posterior part of the palate. In Dactylethra Mdlleti this is very large. We had proposed for this singular Pip^form the name spinosa, from the spur at the base of the first toe, but having received the 12lh number of the Revue de Zoologie for 1856, we find it mentioned and referr'^d to in the interesting and important paper of Prof. Aug. Dameril, with the well known and honored name Miilleri given to it in 1844 by Prof. Peters of Berlin, (Monats Bericht ber Kon. preuss. Acad, zu Berlin, 1844, p. 37) who has found it also in Mozamoique. Having now finished the notice of Dr. Ford's collection, which contains so many animals new to science and of great importance in the study of the geo- graphical distribution of Reptiles, I propose to correct some errors in former papers of mine upon the Reptiles of Western Africa — which either had escaped my attention, or which a better knowledge of the subject, and the aid of my vade mecum in that branch of science, Dumeril and Bibron, have enabled me to point out. Pachydactylus tristis appears to be identical with Platydactylus theconyx, a common West India animal, the label indicating the locality having been erroneous. Tropidolepis Africanus and Calotes versicolor are identical with Agama Oolonorum. Python Liberiensis is identical with Python bivittatus, (Py- thon kSebae, D. & B.) admirably described by Prof. Schlegel and long known. Bo.v LiuERiENSis. Proceed. Acad. N. S , vol. vii. (1854) p. 100. The animal indicated is not identical with Python Liberiensis, (Python biyittatus, Schlegel,) the latter specimen having at the time been mislaid, but ii the young of Epicrates cenchris from S. America. Fam. SYNCRATERIANS, (innocui.) Dendroi'his flavigularis, Proceed. A. N. S. vol. vi. p. 205. The Aboricole serpent described in the Proceedings of the Academy with the above name is not a Dendrophis, but presents characters quite sulficient to consti- tute it a new gentis. It differs from Dendrophis in the following i)articulars : 1st. Dendrophis is an Isodontian, the teeth having equal proportions, the Sj' ncraterians having the posterior longer. 2d. It wants the larger row of scales alongthe median line of the back, characteristic of Dendrophis. 3rd. The eye in Dendrophis rests on the fifth and sixth supra-labials. 4th. The rostral appears more upon the top of the head, and the internasals are proportionably larger. 5th. In Dendrophis the frontal is more acute posteriorly, and the parietals are longer than broad. Gth. In Dendrophis the frcnal is long and narrow and not quadrate ; there are two post-oculars instead of three, and the temporal plates are more numerous. 7th. The nock is more narrow in Dcndroj)liis, the abdo- uiuu is an<>'ular and the scales are smooth. In llcrpctodryas (Isodontian) the [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OP rillLADELnil A. 67 rostral opens in a ningh plate, tliere is but one post-ocular, tlic parietals are long, the eye rests on the third and fourtli sui)ra-labials, and the shajic of the scales is very dillerent, being lanceolate and not long and quadrangular; the internasals arc smaller in proportion, the rostral docs not extend so far back- ward on tlie top of the head, and the frontal differs in shape ; it approaches more nearly Leptophis (Syncrateriau), a genus also existing on the AV'cst Coast of Africa, but in Leptophis, the internasals are proportionately /ar^cr, the frontal more acute posteriorly, the rostral quite different in shape, the frenal long and narrow, but two post-oculars, the eye resting on the iifth and sixth supra-labials, the latter plate being much prolonged at its posterior and superior angle, and the posterior gencials, or intermediate sub-niaxillary plates, are longer than the anterior and more narrow. In Bucephalus the scutes beneath the tail are bifid for one-fourth of its lengtli, simple in the remainder, and the posterior teeth are channelled (Opistoglyph) ; atc propose therefore for this remarkable Arboricole (Jphidian the generic name T1IRAS0PS.» Gen. Char. Head long, flat above, somewhat ti'uncate anteriorly ; shelving in front ; rostral extending upon the top of the head ; internasals of about same length as pre-frontals ; frontal three and a half lines in length, and about as broad anteriorly, rounded posteriorly ; parietals short and broad, nostril be- tween two plates ; a quadrangular frenal ; one antocular, three post-oculars ; e^'e resting on the fourtli and fifth supra-labials; pupil circular ; j)OSterior geneials broader than the anterior; teeth of the upper maxillaries Syncratorib,n, the posterior twice as long as the anterior, not channelled, but trenchant, the preceding ones sharp pointed, a wide space in front destitute of teeth ; pterygo- palatine teeth small, in two nearly' parallel rows ; mandibular teeth presenting no larger or longer ones anteriorly, the posterior ones a little shorter ; neck nearly as broad as jjosterior part of head, body long, rather stout in the middle, covered with long and quadrangular imbricated and carinated scales of about equal breadth except those of inferior row which are broader and shorter than the others ; scales and scutes presenting a silken appearance ; abdomen angular but not distinctly so, the gastrostega ascending obliquely upon the flanks ; tail long, sub-caudal scutes bifid. Thrasops flavigclaris, nob. Sp. Char. 13 rows of scales ; jet black black above with a silken lustre, mingled with brown upon the head ; lips dove color ; chin and throat white, or light yellow ; neck white or light yellow, black spotted ; abdomen and under part of tail black or yellowish ; length 5 ft. 10|- inch. (Fr.) Habitat. Gaboon ; two specimens in Mus. Acad. N. S. one presented by Dr. Henry A. Ford, the other by Mr. DuChaillu. Gen. Remarks. The description in the 4th vol. of the Proceedings is quite ac- curate, and characterizes this serpent well, except its dentition. Its jet black and silken lustre, and large and somewhat impudent eyes, make, we should think, this reptile one of the most remarkable among the Arboricole Ophidians so numerous in Western Africa. CoroneUa trianyularis, nob. Proceed. Acad. N. S. vol. vii. p. 140. Coluber Icevis, Proceed. A. N. S. Vol. ii. p. 118. This serpent described under the above names, is not a CoroneUa, but belongs to a new genus of Syncrate- rians, for which we propose the name HETERONOTUS. Gen. Char. Dentition of CoroneUa. Head long, temples somewhat swollen, eyes of moderate size, nostrils latero-superior between two plates; a short frenal; one pre-ocular; two post-oculars ; eight superior labials, the eye resting on the fourth only; a broad rostral; two internasals rather long ; two broad pre-fron- *@f>a.'al constitution of things, to search out the laws which determine his well being, and give rise in him to the most profound sentiments of humility and worship of the great (Ji'cator, whose iutclligonte and power at every step excite his wonder and admiration. [Feb. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 73 The death of Dr. E. K. Kane, U. S. N., late a member of the Academy, was then announced; whereupon the following resolutions, offered by Mr. Cassin, were unanimously adopted : — Resolved, That the Academy has heard of the decease of its distin- guished member Elisha Kent Kane, M. D., of the United States Navy, with deep sorrow, and regards it as a loss to the cause of science, and to the country. Resolved, That the great abilities and enterprise of Dr. Kane entitle him to the highest rank among scientific voyagers and explorers, and that his many and valuable contributions to the collections of the Academy, and his constant interest in it, entitle him to special regard. Resolved, That this Academy will attend the funeral of Dr. Kane, and that a special meeting be called for that purpose. Resolved, That a copy of these Kesolutions be transmitted to the family of Dr. Kane, and that the same be published. March Sd. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. Dr. Uhler stated : That on the night of the 10th inst., about 11.} o'clock, he was startled in his residence at Manayunk, by a heavy rumbling noise, and shaking of the house and furniture, and rattling of the windows ; the sound resembled that of a heavy wagon drawn over hard frozen ground. In the course of four or five seconds, the noise and trembling were repeated. Dr. U. raised the window im- mediately, but found everything perfectly quiet ; there was no wind, and he attributed the noise to an earthquake. The sound appeared to come from the north east, and then returned; the whole duration was probably twenty seconds. He had no means of determi- ning the amount or direction of the oscillation. March 10th. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. Communications were presented for publication in the Proceedings, entitled : Contributions to the Neuropterology of the United States, No. 1, by Philip R. Uhler. Descriptions of twelve new species of Naiades, by Isaac Lea. And the following for publication in the Journal : On the Caducibranchiate Urodcle Batrachians, by Edward Hallo- well, M. D. On Trigonophrys rugiceps, by Edward Hallowell, M. D. Which were respectively referred to Committees. Dr. LeConte announced the decease of Prof. J. W. Bailey, of West Point, a correspondent of the Academy. On motion, a Committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Vaui, LeConte, and Foulke, to make arrangements relative to attendance at the funeral of Dr. E. K. Kane, on the 12th lost. 1857.] 6 74 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP March VJth. Mr, AsHMEAD in the Chair. Mr. Ashraead made the following verbal communication regarding specimens of Algae, presented by him this evening and upon a former occasion : In the catalogue of Marine Algae from Key West, which I presented to the Academy last April, there were five undetermined species of the genus Cau- lerpa, and two of Laurencia. These, together with some others, supposed to be new, I referred to Prof. Harvey of Trinity College, Dublin. I received a letter a few days since from that eminent Algologist, giving the true names, which I have attached to the specimens on the table, as follows : Caulerpa mexicana. C. PLUMiGERA Harvey. 0. PASPALOiDES Bory. C. SEDOIDES Ag. C. PLUMAKIS Ag. Laurencia implicata Harvey. L. GEMMiPERA Harvcy. There were also three species in that catalogue which I erroneously named, viz : SciNAiA furcellAta Bivona, I referred to Halymenia ligulata Ag. Ceramium nitens J. Ag., I had supposed to be C. rubrum Ag. — and Cryp- tonemia crenulata J. Ag., I named, (at the suggestion of Prof. Bailey,) Phyl- LOPHORA BROADIiEI. There is a great similarity iji the external habit of these plants, yet they are well distinguished by the internal structure of the frond, to which I had not applied the microscope. In addition to my former catalogue, which is now corrected, I present this evening TuRBjNARiA VULGARIS, var. |3. DECURRENS Boryg. This plant is interesting as an addition to our Marine Flora. It was known to occur in the West Indies, but had not been detected on our shores, until I found it at Key West. Dasya Harvkyi Ashmead. This is a new Dasya ; I obtained it at Key West with both kinds of fruit. Prof. Harvey says, " This species is quite new to me, and I feel much gratified by the compliment you pay me, by naming it D. Harveyi." Choudria attropurpurea Harvey. C. sedifolia Harvey. Laurencia papillosa Greves. L. cervicornis Harvey. Geranium tenuissimum Lyngb. Gracilaria armata J. Ag. ■ Tonaria lobata Ag. Caulerpa Ashmeadii Harvey. In regard to this species. Prof. Harvey makes the following remarks : "As far as I at present know, it is nondescript — but it is not new to me, for I found it myself at Key West, but did not find it growing. It is a very remarkable species, diifering from those of similar habit, in its greater size, and in the ex- treme obtuseness of the pinnje." Of this rare species I found but one plant. It was growing in company with Caulerpa plumaris, under the bridge leading to Fort Taylor, in a shady position, and where it was sheltered from the action of the waves. Its fibrous roots penetrated the coral sand for a* considerable extent, from which a number of fronds sprung up at intervals. I collected every fragment I could find. [March, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 75 March 2ith, Vice President Bridges in the Chair. The following communications were presented for publication in the Proceedings. 1. Synopsis of the species of Clivina and allied genera inhabiting the United States, by John L. LeConte, M. D. 2. Investigation of the Rock Guano of the Islands of the Caribbean Sea, by W. J. Taylor. 3. Description of six new species of Unio from Alabama, by Isaac Lea. 4. Description of eight new species of Naiades, from various parts of the United States, by Isaac Lea. 6. Description of three new exotic species of Naiades, by Isaac Lea. 6. List of Extinct Vertebrata, the remains of which have been dis- covered in the region of the Missouri, with remarks upon their geologi- cal age, by Joseph Leidy, M. D. And were respectively referred to Committees. Mr. Cassin announced the death of Mr. John A. GuEX, late a mem- ber of the Academy, and alluded to the enthusiasm of Mr. Guex as an entomologist, and to his distinguished liberality in adding to the mu- seum of the Academy his magnificent collection of Coleoptera. March Slst. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. The following papers on report of the Committees to which they were referred, were ordered for publication in the Journal. On the Caducibranchiate Urodele Batrachians, by Edward Hallowell, M. D. On Trignophrys rugiceps, by Edward Hallowell, M. D. And the following for publication in the Proceedings. Synopsis of tlie species CLIVINA and allied genera inhabiting the United States BY JOHN L. LECONTE, M. D.* DYSCHIRIUS Bon. A. Elytra stria vel interstitio 3io tripunctato. A. Epistoma bisinuatum ; elytra stria basali integra. a. clypeo tridentato ; •18, Antennis nigris, thorace globoso, elytrorum striis integris 1. tridentatus Lee. b. clypeo dente intermedio obsolete, lateralibus acutis ; •14, Antennis pedibusque nigerrimis 2. patruelis Lee. •13, Antennis basi, pedibusque posterioribus rufis 3. basalis Lee. (•13, Pedibus antennisque brunneis, his basi testaceis, thorace antice angustato, 4. Dejeanii Puiz. * The species which I have not seen are enclosed in a bracket ; in some in- stances I have not been able to discover their characters from the description. 1857.] 76 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP B. Epistoma late emarginatum, bidentatum ; elytra stria basali nulla. c. Frons transversim leviter vel vix impressa ; (elytra striis postice exaratis ;) ■12, Thorace siibtransverso ; pedibus subaigris 5. integer i«c. •12, Thorace minore globoso ; pedibus nigris 6. nigripes Lee. •13, Thorace minore globoso ; elytris striis profundis fortiter punctatis : pedibus nigris 7. consobrinus Lee. •15, Thorace globoso; elytris striis tenuibus parcius punctatis, pone basin impressis 8. gibbipennis Lee. d. Frons transversim sulco impressa ; g. striis elytrorum ad basin extensis, postice obliteratis ; ■15, Thorace globoso ; elytris striis tenuibus, antennis pedibusque nigris 9. aeneolus Lee. •11, Thorace globoso; elytris striis fortioribus, an- tennarum basi pedibusque rufis 10. longulus Lee. •09 — -12, Thorace tranverso, ovato ; antennis pedi- busque rufis 11. globulosus Pm/z. §^. striis elytrorum antice abbreviatis ; antennis pedibus ely- trorumque apice rufis. *. striis postice obliteratis ; •13, Thorace transverse ovato ; elytris striis fortiter punctatis 12. haemorrhoidalis Pttis. •13, Thorace quadrato-globoso ; elytris striis leviter punctatis 13. terminatus Lee. /8. striis integria ; •12, Thorace quadrato-globoso ; elytris striis fortiter punctatis 14. analis Lee. B. Elytra interstitio 3io bipunctato, vel impunctato, ad basin baud mar- ginato. A. Tibiis anticis extrorsum baud vel vix dentatis ; a. JEnei, capite laevi, nitido ; pedibus rufis. § Striis elytrorum integris profundis. •22, Clypeo bisinuato tridentato 15. sphoericoUis Putz. (•28, Clypeo emarginato, bidentato, thorace elongate, antice valde angustato 16. edentulus Putz. §§ Striis elytrorum nonullis antice abbreviatis. •22, Clypeo truncate ; thorace ovate, transverso 17. truncatus Lee. ■20, Clypeo truncate ; thorace ovali, baud transverso 18. erythrecerus Lee. b. Testacei vel rufi, capite rugose, opaco, elytris pallidis macala communi obscura. •18, Clypeo bidentato; thorace rotundato, subtrans- verso 19. sellatus Lee. •14, Clypeo vix bidentato; thorace trapezoideo, ob- longo 20. pallipennis Putz. B. Tibiis anticis extrorsum dentatis ; stria 8va postice exarata. ^ Striis elytrorum profundis integris. (12, Ferrugineus ; tibiis anticis calcari terminali valde curvata 21. curvispinus Puts. §§ Striis elytrorum antice abbreviatis; (nigro-aenei, pedibus rufis.) •14, Valde elongatus ; elytrorum striis postice baud obliteratis ; clypeo acute bidentato 22. filiformia Lee. NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 77 (•12, Thorace oblongo, elytrorum striis postice sub- obliteratis 23. sublaevis Putz. •14, Thorace ovato, elytroruoi striis postice suboblite- ratis ; clypeo paruin deutato 24. dcntiger Lee. •12, Thorace ovato, elytrorum striis postice oblitera- tis ; clypeo acute bideutato 25. aratus Lee. •11, Thorace ovali, elytrorum striis postice oblitera- tis; clypeo truncato 2G. rufiventris Lee. C. Elytra interstitiis 3io, 5to, ct tmo punctis setiferis uniscriatis. •12, Thorace breviter ovato, elytris striis vix impres- sis postice obliteratis 27. setosus Lcc. •14, Thorace globoso, elytris striis impressis, internis subintegris 28. pilosus Lee. Two species from Russian America, D. transraarinus Mann, and D. frigid us Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1853, Nos. 11 and 12, appear quite distinct from suiy above described, but the characters given are not such as enable me to place them in the tabic I. D. convezus Lee. Ann. Lye. 5, ID.*}, is a variety of D. tridentatus with more flattened elytral intervals. 6. Z>. apicalis ||Lec. Agass. Lake Sup. 204, is changed to D. n i g rip e s Lee. Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 396. 10. D. p u m i 1 u s Putz. is perhaps D. 1 o n g u 1 u s Lee, but the description is hardly sufiBcient. II. D. parvus Lee. Agass. Lac. Sup. 204, is merely a small variety of D. glob ulosus. 3. D. basalis, nigro-aeneus, nitidus, clypeo trilobato, lobo medio breviore obtuso, vertice subtilissime cristato, thorace globoso, elytris thorace sublatior- ibus, striis antice punctatis, postice integris, ad apicem exaralis, marginali per basin continuata, interstitio 3io tripunctato, antenuis fuscis, basi pedibusque rufis, tibiis anticis dente inferiore acuto, superiore minuto. Long. -13. Fort Yuma, Colorado River, California. This species has the form, size and sculpture of D. integer ice, from the same locality, but difl'ers by the more globose thorax, and trilobed clypeus ; the anterior thighs of D. integer are also nearly black, while in the present they are dark red. The marginal stria in D. integer ceases at the humerus : in the present it is disti\ictly continued along the base: the dors.al striae do not completely attain the anterior declivity, thej are punctured behind the middle, then smooth to the tip ; although not deep they are entire, and the first, second, seventh and eighth, are deeper at the apex : the eighth is obliterated for the rest of its course as usual. The upper tooth of the anterior tibiae is very small, the second one is prominent, the terminal is as long as the terminal spur, and both are slightly curved. 8. D. g i b b i p e n n i s, elongatus nigro-aeneus pernitidus, clypeo late emar- ginato, angulis prominulis, fronte transversira paulo impressa, et dein plica parva brevissima notata, thorace latitudine baud breviore, globoso, elytris tri- punctatis, pone basin impressis, striis punctatis baud impressis, externis postice exaratis, antennarum basi pedibusque obscure rufis, tibiis anticis bidenticulatis. Long '15. One specimen found at San Diego, California. More robust than D. terminatu?, but more slender than D. globulosus, having about the proportions of D. n i g r i - pes Lcc. Black, more bronzed than usual, and very shining ; head with deep frontal impressions, and a slight transverse line in front of the eyes, which con- nects with an almost imperceptible medial fold: clypeus broadly enmrginate, truncate at the middle, with the angles distinct, not very acute: lateral margin lobed, as usual. Palpi and antennae piceous, the latter obscure rufous at the base. Thorax almost exactlv globose, slightly truncate in front, anterior trans- 1857.] 78 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP verse impression deep, dorsal line very fine. Elytra slightly wider than the thorax, not quite twice as long as their width, convex ; near the suture, toward the base, the surface is more convex, and this convexity is followed by a deep impression near the suture, about the anterior fourth : the strias are punctured but not impressed, they become obsolete at the latter fourth, and impressed at their terminations, but the seventh and eighth are sinuate and impressed behind to the very apex ; the tip of the third is not impressed : the marginal ceases at the humerus : the first, fourth and fifth commence at the declivity of the base , the others are a little shorter ; the intervals are entirely flat and the third is tri- punctate. The legs are very dark rufous ; the anterior tibiae are armed exter- nally with a small denticle, and an acute tooth ; the apical tooth is long and curved, the inferior spur is one-third shorter, and slightly curved. lY. D. truncatus, nigro-aeneus, nitidus, clypeo truncato, vix emarginato, fronte transversim hand profunde impressa, thorace latitudine subbreviore, ovato antrorsum angustato, elytris striis impressis antice punctatis, 3ia hand distincte bipunctata, 8va obsoleta, ad apicem exarata, interstitiis planis, palpis pedibusque ferrugineis, antennis piceis ad basin ferrugineis, tibiis anticis vix denticulatis. Long. •22. One specimen, Illinois, Mr. Wilcox. Of the same size as D. sphaericollis, but more robust, and known at once by the ovate thorax and almost squarely trun- cate clypeus. Blackish bronzed, shining : head with deep frontal impressions, transverse line not profound : clypeus almost truncate with the angles rounded not prominent; sides lobed as usual: antennae rufo-piceous, with the base red. Palpi and mouth reddish. Thorax a little broader than long, ovate, narrowed in front ; dorsal line and transverse anterior impression deep. Elytra not wider than the thorax, less than twice as long as their width, convex : striae impressed and entire, the first, fourth and fifth commence on the declivity of the base, the others area little shorter, the eighth is obsolete and represented by only a few punctures, but is deep at the tip : the punctures are moderately large and extend a little beyond the middle ; the marginal stria ends at the humerus : the interstices are flat, and in contact with the third stria may be seen two hardly distinct dorsal punctures.- The body beneath is black ; the legs are dark red ; the anterior tibiie have hardly a trace of external denticles, the terminal tooth is long and gradually curved, the terminal spur is shorter and slightly curved. 18. D. erythrocerus, elongatus, aeneo-niger, nitidus, clypeo fere trun- cato, vix emarginato, angulis parum prominulis, fronte transversim impressa, thorace latitudine longiere, subovato, elytris striis impressis, ad basin abbre- viatis antice fortiter punctatis, 8va obsoleta ad apicem exarata, interstitiis fere planis, antennis palpis pedibusque rufis, tibiis anticis vix denticulatis. Long. -20. Ohio. Dr. Schaum : Pennsylvania, Haldeman. DiflFers from the preceding by the more slender form, deeper transverse frontal impression, and pale antennse. 19. D. sellatus, piceo-rufus, nitidus, clypeo late emarginato, acute. biden- dato, fronte transversim impresso, capite granulato rugoso, thorace convexo, latitudine paulo breviore, ovato, elytris cylindricis convexis, pallidis, umbra scutellari alteraque communi pone medium obscuratis, antennis pedibusque testaceis. Long. -IS. Found at Atlantic City, on the coast of New Jersey ; allied to D. p a 1 1 i p e n- ni s Putz. (^Clivina pallijjennis Say) but is much larger, and more robust, with a more globose and slightly transverse thorax, and more strongly bidentate clypeus. 22. D. filiformis, feneo-niger, nitidus valde elongatus, clypeo late emarg- inato bidentato, fronte transversim impressa, thorace latitudine baud breviore, quadratim ovato, convexo, antrorsum subangustato, elytris cylindricis, striis antice fortiter punctatis, postice fere integris, ad apicem breviter exaratis, ab- domine postice, antennis pedibusque testaceis, tibiis anticis dente infcriore elongato, superiore minuto. Long. -14. Coney Island, near New York, in salt marsh. Quite as slender as D. t e r - [March, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 79 m i n a t u 3 Zee. shining brassy black. Head with clypeus broadly emarginate, and acutely bidentate, front with a deep transverse line : antennae testaceous, mouth reddish. Thorax not wider than long, subquadrate ovate, sides not con- verging much in front, convex, anterior transverse impression feeble, dorsal line entire, fine. Elytra not Avider than the thorax, twice as long as their width, cylindrical: striae commencing behind the anterior declivity of the base, strong- ly but distantly punctured nearly to the middle, the inner ones are then deep and impunctured nearly to the tip, where they are less deep, but at the extreme tip are again deeply impressed as in many other species : the interstices are convex, the third not punctured : the outer strife are less deep, and the eighth is almost eflfaced : the marginal ceases at the humerus. The abdomen is rufo- testaceous, paler towards the tip : the legs are testaceous, the anterior tibiae are armed externally with two teeth, the upper very small, the lower acute and prominent: th*e terminal tooth is long and slightly curved, the inferior spur is not longer than the tooth, but is more curved. 24. D. d e n t i g e r, elongatus, nigro-ceneus nitidus, clypeo late emarginato angulis prominulis, fronte transversim paulo impresso, thorace latitudine vix breviore, antrorsum angustato, subgloboso, elytris striis punctatis, postice parum obliteratis, inte"uis antice abbreviatis ; stria basali transversa nulla, apicali unica brevi exarata ; antennis pedibusque rufo-testaceis, tibiis anticis dente externo longo armatis. Long. •14. New York and Pennsylvania. More stout than D. terminatus andfili- f or mis, but more elongate than usual. Blackish brassy, shining: head smooth with deep frontal impressions connected between the antennae by a deep trans- verse line : clypeus broadly emarginate, with the angles prominent, but not very acute. Antennae reddish testaceous. Thorax slightly broader than long, nar- rowed in front, subtrapezoidal, very much rounded behind, and convex, dorsal line and anterior transverse impression well marked. Elytra hardly wider than the thorax, about twice as long as the width, cylindrical, convex: striae seven upon each, which are tolerably deep towards the base, but very fine and almost obliterated at the apex : the punctures are large and extend to about the middle : the marginal stria ceases at the shoulder, and the four interior strise do not reach the declivity of the base. The under surface is black, and the legs are ferruginous : the anterior tibiis are armed externally with a strong tooth near the apex, the upper denticle is obsolete, the apical tooth is long and curved : the interior apical spur is still longer and more curved. 26. D. r ufi ven tris, nigro-aeneus, aitidus, clypeo truncato, fronte trans- versim baud impressa, thorace latitudine baud breviore, ovali, antrorsum paulo angustatoj elytris striis antice fortiter punctatis postice exaratis, ore abdom- ineque rufis antennis fuscis ad basin pedibusque testaceis, tibiis anticis dente inferiore acuto armatis. Long. -ll. One specimen from Louisiana given me by Dr. Schaum. In the proportions of the body, and sculpture of the elytra this species resembles D. haemor- r h o i d a 1 i s, but the other characters are very different. The upper denticle of the anterior tibias is very small, the lower one is acute and prominent, the terminal tooth is long and curved, but the inferior spur is yet longer and more curved. The strife of the elytra do not extend upon the anterior declivity ; they are very strongly punctured to the middle, and then become gradually obliter- ated to the tip, when the first, second and seventh are slightly impressed : the eighth stria is obliterated and the marginal ceases at the humerus : the inter- stices are convex, and the third are without punctures. 27. D. setosu s, feneo-niger, nitidus, clypeo emarginato, bidentato, fronte transversim impressa, thorace latitudine breviore, ovato, trapezoideo, elytris convexis, grosse seriatim punctatis, postice laevigatis, interstitiis alternis punctis minutis setiferis uniseriatis notatis, antennis pedibusque testaceis, tibiis anticis dente inferiore acuto, superiore vix distincto. Long. -12. Massachusetts and New York, in salt marsh. A very curious species, more robust than usual and having nearly the proportions of D. globulosus. 1857.] 80' PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP The rows of large punctures on the elyti;a, which represent the striae cease be- hind the middle, and at the tip only the extremity of the seventh stria is exa- rate : the rows of small interstitial punctures are four and extend nearly to the tip: each of them supports a long erect black hair, as in Bembidium 1 ae y ig a t u m, and other long hairs are seen at the margin of the thorax. The anterior tibiae have a scarcely distinct superior denticle, and an acute in- ferior tooth : the apical tooth is long and slightly curved, the spur is nearly as long and curved. 28. D. p i 1 o s u s, aeneo-niger, nitidus, clypeo emarginato, bidentato, fronte transversim impresso, thorace latitudine baud breviore, quadrato-globoso, elytris convexis, striis integris antice profundis et fortiter punctatis, interstitiis Imo, 3io, 5to, tmoque parce uniseriatim punctatis et setosis, ano, ore, antennis pedibusque testaceis, tibiis anticis dente inferiore acuto, superiore vix dis- tincto. Long. -14. New Orleans, Dr. Schaum. Allied to the preceding, but larger and less robust; the thorax is different in form and not at all transverse: the striae of the elytra are impressed, and the inner ones may be traced to the very tip : the outer ones are obliterated, the eighth is entirely wanting : the marginal ceases at the humerus : the seventh is exarate at the tip as in the preceding. The anterior tibiae are as in the preceding. A few long hairs are seen at the margin of the head and thorax, as in D. s e t o s u s. ACEPHORUS Lee. •25, Testaeeus, subnitidus, elytris subtiliter striatis, ma- cula parva communa fusca notatis. 1. msLTians Lee. ARDISTOMIS Putz. A. Elytra striata, glabra. •32, Nigra, antennis, pedibus, elytrorum macula utrinque postica rubris 1. obliquata Futz. •22, Nigra, antennis pedibusque piceis, elytris interstitio 3io 5-punctato 2. Schaumii Lee. B. Elytra seriatim punctata, punctis setiferis. •23, Nigro-viridis, antennis pedibusque rnfis, thorace mar- gine punctato 3. viridis Lee. •23, Nigro-viridis, antennis pedibusque rufis, thorace disco parce punctato 4. puncticollis Putz. 2. A. Schaumii, niger nitidus, capite angusto, thorace ovato, latitudine vix breviore, antrorsum valde angustato, elytris subvirescentibus, striatis, inter- stitiis parum convexis, 3io quinquepunctato, palpis testaceis, antennis pedi- busque obscure rufo-piceis. Long. -22. Louisiana, very rare: given me by my excellent friend Dr. Schaum, to whom it is dedicated. This species has the form and sculpture of A. o b 1 i q u a t a, but is smaller, with less convex elytral intervals, and only five dorsal punctures. 3. Clivina viridis Say ; Clivina rostraia Dej. ; Ardislomis rostrata Putzeys ; Ardistomis vicina Putzeys. ASPIDOGLOSSA Putz. Of this genus is known to me but one species within our territory, A. s u b- aagulata ice, which however varies slightly in the form of the thoraz, so as to account for the list of synonyms, which are as follows: Dyschirius subangulatus Chaud. ; Clivina crenaia\De}. ; Clivina bipvstulataX Say. ; Dyschirius humeralis Chaud. ; Aspidoglossa vicina Putzeys ; Aspidoglossa fraterna Putzeys. [March NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 81 CLIVINA Latr. A. Tibiae intermediae extrorsum versus apicom calcaratae ; clypeus ad latera lobatus; (elytra punctis dorsalibus pluribus.) a. Femora aniica versus apicem dentata ; paronychio valde elon- gato. g. Tibiae anticae longitudinaliter sulcatae ; Thorace plaaiusculo, latitudine fere breviore ; •33, Capite puncto verticali distincto 1. corvina Putz. ;3, Capite puncto verticali obsoleto 2. confusa Lee. •32, Thorace latitudine longiore, cylindrico ; capite puncto verticali nuUo 3. georgiana Zee. (§§. Tibiae anticae baud impresss ; (•30, 4. dentipes Def. (•35j 5. fissipes Putz. b. Femora antica mutica, incrassata ; paronychio elongate. §. Vertex sulcatum ; •26, Capite laevi ; tota rufa 7. impressifrons Lee. •24, Capite punctulato ; thorace laevi; tota rufa, de- pressiuscula 8. planicollis Lee. •21, Capite thoraceque punctulatis ; tota rufa 9. punctulata Lee. •21, Capite thoraceque punctulatis ; picea 10. punctigera Lee. §g. Vertex baud sulcatum ; caput thoraxque laevia ; •21, Vertice foveato ; thorace angulis basalibus den- tigeris ; tota rufa, depressiuscula 11. rubicunda Lee. •20, Vertice hand foveato; thorace angulis basalibus simplicibus ; tota fusco-rufa 12. rufescens Dej. B. Tibiae intermidiae extrorsum baud calcaratae. a. Clypeus ad latera lobatus ; elytra punctis dorsalibus pluribus ; femora antica subtus versus apicem profunde sinuata ; paro- nj'chio elongato ; (frons foveata ;) g. Elytris striis integris subtilius punctulatis; •20, Tota rufa 13. rufa Lee. •21, Rufa, sutura late nigricante 14. Randalli Lee. (•19, Nigra antennis pedibusque testaceis, elytrorum raargine externo suturaque extrema ferru- gineis 15. analis Puiz. •24, Nigra, pedibus rufo-piceis, antennis rufis 16. americana Be;'. §§. Elytris striis postice obliteratis; nigrae, antennis rufis ; ' '18, Thorace quadrato, elytrorum striis postice paulo obliteratis IT. morula Lee. •25 — -SI, Thorace ovato, elytrorum striis postice paulo obliteratis 18. cordata Putz. (•32, Thorace globoso-ovato, elytrorum striis postice valde obliteratis 19. morio Bej. •20, Thorace subquadrato, antice angustato, vage punctulato (paronychio breviusculo) 20. striatopunctata Def. b. Clypeus ad latera rotnndatus ; elytra punctis dorsalibus binis vel nullis ; femora antica incrassata, subtus baud sinuata ; paronychio brevi, vel nullo. g. Vertex longitudinaliter sulcatum ; •21, Rufa, thorace elongato 21. ferrca Lee. 1857.] 82 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP §§. Vertex baud vel vix obsolete sulcatum ; a. Tibiae anticae dente laterali uaico, terminali rectangulariter flexo; •20, Nigra, elytris maculatis ; thorace vage punctu- lato ; paronychio subtilissimo 22. convexa Lee. ji. Tibiae anticae dentibus lateralibus duabus, dente terminali sen- sim curvata ; •23 — '30, Nigra elytris maculatis ; thorace fere laevi ; paronychio nullo 23. bipustulata Dej. (•27, Nigra, elytrorum margine suturaque postica fer- rugineis ; thorace laevi 24. marginipennis Putz. •21, Nigra elytris maculatis; thorace punctato ; pa- ronychio brevi 25. postica Lee. •21, Nigra; sulco frontali transverso profundo ; tho- race vage punctato ; paronychio brevi 26. picea Putz. (•20, Nigra elytris maculatis ; thorace laevi 27. stigmula Putz. The species 1 — 3 are so closely related that they might perhaps be regajr^d, with some Mexican and South American forms, as races of one species ; 4 ^h. 5 perhaps may belong with them, but as Putzeys mentions particularly that the anterior ^tibiae are not longitudinally impressed, I have retained them in the table. 8. C. planicolis. South Carolina, sent me by Dr, Zimmermann. 10. C. punctigera. Found with the preceding. 11. C. rubicunda. Louisiana, Dr. Schaum. 12. C. ruf e s cens Dej. is perhaps C. p alii d a Say, but the color is darker than described by Say ; none of the other species mentioned in the synopsis can be referred to Say's description ; C. rubicunda has the proper color and form, but besides the lateral angle, the basal angles are tooth -like. 13. C. rufa. Illinois, Mr. Willcox. 14. C. Randal li. Clivina elongata^^^&n&aXl. The specimen is very imper- fect, but seems most allied in sculpture to 0. americana. The head is wanting. 16. C. am er i c a n a Dej. ; Clivina acuducta Hald., according to comparison with the type. This and the two species which follow it are very closely allied ; the only differences observed are those mentioned in the table. 21. C. ferrea. Illinois, Mr. Willcox; Catskill, Mr. H. Ulke. 22. C. convexa is probably C. bisignata Putzeys, though the peculiar form of the terminal digitation of the anterior tibiae is not mentioned. 23. C. bipustulata. Scarites quadrimaculatus Beauv. C. picipes Bon.; Putzeys, 105, is probably not found in the United States. It is very different from any above mentioned. Scarites attenuatus Herbst. Kafer, 10, 264, tab. 176, f. 7, is completely irrecog- nizable. SCHIZOGENIUS Putz. A. Mentum edentatum, lobis recte truncatis ; elytra crenato-striata, inter- stitio 5to hand punctato ; •17, Nigro-rufus, cylindricus ; elytris interstitio 3io tripunctato 1. crenulatus Lee. B. Mentum medio dentatum, lobis oblique emarginatis; elytra interstitio 5to punctigero. a. Elytra striis punctatis ; •19, Nigro-rufus, elytris subdepressis, striis dense punctatis 2. lineolatus Lee. •16, Rufus, elytris cylindricis, striis minus profunde punctatis 3. ferrugineus Pntz. [March, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 83 •15, Rufus, elytris valde depressis ; thorace angulis ante basin prominulis 4. amphibius Lee. '16, Obscure rufus, elytris valde depressis; thoracis angulis baud prominulis 5. depressus Lee. b. Elytra striis impunctatis ; •17, Rufo-niger, elytris subdepressis, intcrstitiis al- ternis multipunctatis setigeris 6. pluripanctatus Lee. 2. Clivina lineolata Say ; Schizogenius sulcifrons Putzeys. 3. S. ferruginous Putzeys ; Clivina sulcata Lee. 4. Clivina amphibia Hald. ; Clivina frontalis Lee. 6. S. pluripunctatus Lee. ; S. simplex Lee. Description of Six New Species of TJNIONES from Alabama. BY ISAA,C LEA. Unio PROPiNguns. Testa, subnodulosa, obliqua, subtriangulari, valde inaequi- laterali, ad latere sulcata ; valvulis crassis, antice crassioribus ; natibus erectis, tumidis ; epidermide vel lutea vel viridi, radiata ; dentibus cardinalibus sub- grandibus, in utroque valvule duplicibus ; lateralibus percrassis, crenulatis, curtis subcurvisque ; margarita alba et iridescente. Eab. Florence, Alabama, Rev. G. White and Tuscumbia, Alab., L.B. Thorn- ton, Esq. Unio Flokentinus. Testa Isevi, elliptica, subaequilaterali, ad latere paulisper l)lanulata ; valvulis crassis, antice crassioribus ; natibus tumidis, ad apices undulatis ; epidermide luteo-olivacea, valde radiata; dentibus cardinalibus sub- magnis, conicis, crenulatis, in utroque valvulo duplicibus ; lateralibus curtis, subcurvisque ; margarita alba. Hab. Florence, Alabama. Rev. G. White. Cumberland River, Tenn., Drs. Troostand Edgar, and T. C. Downie, Esq., St. Simon's Island. Unio biemarginatus. Testa Isevi, triangulari, insequilaterali, postice biangu- lata, ad latere sulcata, ad basim et postice emarginata ; valvulis sub-crassis. antice crassioribus ; natibus prominentibus, compressis ; epidermide rufo-fusca. valde radiata ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, valde crenulatis, sub-conicis, in utroque valvulo duplicibus ; lateralibus curtis, crassis rectisque ; margarita alba et iridescente. Hab. Florence, Alab. Rev. G. White. Unio mund.us. Testa laevi, obliqua, tumidii, postice subangulata, valde in- aequilaterali ; valvulis crassis, antice crassioribus ; natibus valde elevatis, tumidis, retrorsis ; epidermide vel lutea vel luteo-fusca, maculata ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, crenulatis, crompresso-conicis ; lateralibus ; sublongis, crassis subcurvisque ; margarita alba et iridescente. Hab. Tuscumbia, Alab. L. B. Thornton, Esq. Unio Thorntonii. Testa laevi, subrotunda tumida, ad latere paulisper planu- lata, ad basim compressa, valde inaequilaterali, antice ot postice rotundata; valvulis crassis ; natibus valde elevatis, tumidis, retrorsis ; epidermide rufo-fusca, maculata ; dentibus cardinalibus crassis crenulatisque ; lateralibus percrassis subcurvisque ; margarita alba et iridiscente. Hhb. Tuscumbia, Alab. L. B. Thornton, Esq. Unio Moore.sianus. Testa laevi, subtriangalari, tumida, ad latere planulata,ad basim compressa, postice subangulata, valde inaequilaterali ; valvulis crassis, antice crassioribus ; natibus valde elevatis, tumidis, retrorsis ; epidermide rufo- fusca, maculata ; dentibus cardinalibus crassis, obtuso-conicis, crenulatis, in utroque valvulo duplicibus; lateralibus crassis subrectisque ; margarita albiet iridescente. Hab. Tuscumbia, Alabama. H. Moores. 1857.] 84 PBOCEEDINaS OP THE ACADEMY OF Description of Eight New Species of NAI&DES from various parts of the United States. BY ISAAC LEA. Unio pinguis. Testa laevi, elliptica, inflata, valde inaequilaterali ; valvulig subcrassis ; natibus prominentibus, retrorsis ; epidermide luted, obscure radiata etpolita; dentibus cardinalibus submagais, duplicis, acuminatis crenulatisque; lateralibus magnis, lamellatislongis curvisque; margarita alba et indescente. Hab. St. Peter's River, Upper Mississippi. B. W. Budd, M.D. Unio Hiqginsii. Testa Isevi, obliqua, ventricosa, valde inaequilaterali, antice rotundata ; valvulis percrassis; natibus valde prominentibus, tumidis iocur- visque; epidermide virido-oliva, polita, valde radiata; dentibus cardinalibus magnis, crassis, erectis, crenulatis, in utroque valvule duplicibus ; lateralibus sublongis, percrassis subrectisque ; margarita vel alba vel salmonis colore tincta. Hab. Muscatine, Iowa. Frank Higgins. Unio Abbevillensis. Testa laevi, oblongS,, subinflata, ad'lateris planulatis, valde inaequilaterali, postice biangulata ; valvulis crassis ; natibus prominulis ; epider- mide brunnea, striata ; dentibus cardinalibus magnis, crassis, in utroque valvule duplicibus ; lateralibus praelongis, lamellatis subcurvisque ; margarita vel alba vel salmonis colore tincta. Hab. Abbeville District, South Carolina. Dr. Barratt. Unio Jamesianos. Testa laevi, elliptica, compressa, valde inaequilaterali, postice valde compressa ad basim emarginata ; valvulis subcrassis ; natibus prominu- lis, ad apicem concentraliter undulata; epidermide lutea, polita; dentibus cardinalibus compressis, crenulatis; lateralibus longis, lamellatis valde cur- visque ; margarita alba et iridescente. Hab. Jackson, Mississippi. U. P. James. Unio Texasiensis. Testa laevi, elliptica, subcompressa, valde inaequilaterali, postice subangulata ; valvulis subtenuibus, antice crassioribus ; natibus pro- minulis, ad apices pereleganter et concentrice undulatis ; epidermide tenebroso- oliva, polita, obsolete radiata ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, compressis, erectis crenulatisque; lateralibus longis, lamellatis subcurvisque ; margarita ccerulea et valde iridescente. Hab. Dewitt County, Texas. W, Newcomb, M. D. Anodonta Lewisii. Testa laevi, elliptica, subventricosa, inaequilaterali, postice obtuse angulata, antice rotundata ; valvulis subtenuibus ; natibus prominulis, ad apices rugoso-undulatis ; epidermide tenebroso-olivacea, eradiata; marga- rita cceruleo-alba et iridescente. Hab. Erie Canal and Mohawk River, Herkimer Co., N. Y. James Lewis, M. D. : and Genesee River, below Rochester. Prof. C. Dewey. Anodonta laodstris. Testa laevi, transversa, subinflata, valde insequilaterali postice subangulata ; valvulis tenuibus ; natibus prominulis, ad apices crebri undulatis; epidermide luteo-olivacea, eradiata, transverse vittata ; margarita vel alba vel crocea et iridescente. Hab. Crooked Lake and Little Lakes, New York. James Lewis, M. D. Anodonta modesta. Testa Itevi, elliptica, subinflata, valde inaequilaterali, aubemarginata, antice obtuse angulata ; valvulis subcrassis, postice crassior- ibus ; natibus subprominentibus, ad apices undulatis ; epidermide olivacea, transverse vittata et obsolete radiata; margarita argentea et valde iridescente. Hab. Pond near Kalamazoo, Mich. J. Lewis M. D. [March NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 85 Description of Three New Exotic species of NAIADES. BY ISAAC LEA. Unio Poetanus. Testa, laevi, transversa, subcylindracea, ad basim subemar- ginata, valde inaequilaterali, ad latere planulala, postice tnincata et subbian- gnlata ; valvulis subcrassis ; natibus prorninul is, ad apices siniplicibus ; epider- mide luteola; dentibus cardinalibus subcompressis, accuminatis crcnulatisque ; lateralibus pra;longis, lamellatis rectisque ; margarita luteola et iridescente. Hab. Rio de las Balsas, near Coyucan, Mexico. Prof. Poey of llavanna. Unio Canadensis. Testa laevi, triangular!, subcompressa, inajquilaterali, pos- tice obtuse angulata ; valvulis subcrassis, antice crassioribus ; natibus sub- prominentibus ; epidermide lutea, postice radiata ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, erectis crcnulatisque ; lateralibus longis, curvis lamellatisque ; margarita alba et iridescente. Hab. St. Lawrence River, near Montreal. M. Carey Lea. Anodonta IIoltonis. Testa bcvi, oblonga, inflata, valde inaequilaterali, e nat- ibus lincatis ; valvulis subcrassis; natibus subprominentibus ; epidermide tenebroso-olivacea, stria'a; margarita coerulea et iridescente. Hab. Near Cauca River, Province of Popayan, S. A. Rev. J. F. Holton. Description of Twelve New Species of NAIADES from North Carolina. BY ISAAC LEA. Unio Wheatleyi. Testa lasvi, quadrata, subinflata, ad latere planulata, sub- emarginata, valde ina>quilaterali ; valvulis subcrassis; natibus prominulis : epidermide tenebroso-fusca ; dentibus cardinalibus curtis, subcrassis, in utroque valvulo duplicibus ; lateralibus subcrassis, praelongis subrectisque ; marginata vel alba vel purpurea et iridescente. Hab. Catawba River, Gaston Co., N. C. C. M. Wheatley. Unio percoarctatds. Testa Isevi, quadrata, valde coarctata ad latere planulata valvulis tenuibus, postice subbiangulata; natibus vix prominetitibus, ad apices undulatis ; epidermide tenebroso-fusca, minute et valde striata ; dentibus car- dinalibus parvis, striatis, in utroque valvulo duplicibus ; lateralibus praelongis, lamellatis rectisque; margarita purpurea, et valde iridescente. Hab. Catawba River, Gaston Co., N. C. C. M. Wheatley and F. A. Gcnth. M. D. Unio gracilentus. Testa laevi, valde transversa, valde compressu, ad latere plan- ulata, valde inajquilaterali, postice obtuse angulata ; valvulis tenuibus ; natibus vix prominentibus, ad apices undulatis ; epidermide tenebroso-fusca, postice ob- solete radiata ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, crenulatis, in utroque valvulo du- plicibus ; lateralibus praelongis, lamellatis rectisque ; margarita coeruleo-albfc et valde iridescente. Hab. Catawba River, Gaston Co., N. C. C. M. Wheatley. Unio micans. Testa laevi, elliptica, subcompressS., valde inEequilaterali, postice angulata ; valvulis subtenuibus, postice crassioribus ; natibus prominulis ; epi- dermide luteo-fusca, valde radiata et valde micante; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, compressis, erectis crcnulatisque ; lateralibus longis, lamellatis rec- tisque; margarita vel alb4 vel salmonis colore tincta et valde iridescente. Hab. Catawba River, Gaston Co., N. C. C. M. Wheatley and F. A. Genth, VL D. Deep River Gulf, N. C. Prof. Emmons. Unio Genthii. Testa laevi, obliqufi,, inflata, injequilaterali, postice obtuse an- gulata; valvulis subcrassis, antice crassioribus; natibus prominentibus ; epider- mide tenebroso-fusca, obsolete radiat& ; dentibus cardinalibus subgrandibns, 1857.] 86 PROCEEDINGS- OP THE ACADEMY OP obtuse conicis crenulatisque ; lateralibus crassis, curtis rectisque ; margaritd alba et iridescente. Hab. Catawba River, Gaston Co., N. C. C. M. Wheatley and F. A. Genth, M. D. Deep River Gulf, N. C. Prof. Emmons. Unio Emmonsii. Tests, Isevi, transversa subcompressa, valde ina3quilaterali, postice subbiangulata, ad latere planulata ; valvulis subcrassis ; natibus vix prominulis, ad apices undulatis, epidermide tenebroso-fusca, radiata, nitida ; dentibus cardinalibus subgrandibus, compressis, crenulatis, in utroque valvule duplicibus ; lateralibus prselongis, lamellatis rectisque ; margarita albS, et iri- descente. Hab. Roanoke River, at Weldon, N. C. Prof. E. Emmons. Unio spadiceus. Testa Isevi, elliptic^,, subcompressa, inaequilaterali, postice subbiangulata subemarginat4 ; Valvulis subtenuibus, antice crassioribus ; nati- bus vix prominulis ; epidermide spadicea, eradiata ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis crenulatisque ; lateralibus sublongis subrectisque ; margarita salmonis colore tinct^ et iridescente. Hab. Deep River, Gulf, N. C. Prof. Emmons : and mountain streams, N. C. Joseph Clark. Unio insulsus. Testa laevi, quadrata, inflata, insequilaterali, postice obtuse angulata, at latere subplanulata ; valvulis subcrassis ; natibus prominulis, ad apices rugoso-undulatis ; epidermide virido-fusca, insulse, striata, obsolete ra- diata; dentibus cardinalibus parviusculis, subcompressis, in utroque vavulo duplicibus ; lateralibus sublongis subcurvisque ; margarita vel alba vel pur- purea et iridescente. Hab. Roanoke River, Weldon, N. C. Prof. Emmons. Unio striatulus. Testa laevi, triangulari, subinflata, subaequilaterali, postice angulata ; valvulis subcrassis, antice crassioribus ; natibus elevatis, accuminatis, ad apices rugoso-undulatis ; epidermide fuscA, minute striata, obsolete radiata ; dentibus cardinalibus parvulis, subcompressis in utroque valvule duplicibus crenulatisque; lateralibus brevibus, subcrassis rectisque; margarita vel albfi, vel crocea et iridescente. Hab. Roanoke River, at Weldon N. C. Prof. Emmons. Unio macer. TestS, alatfi., laevi, obovatS,, compressissim^, valde inaequilaterali, postice biangulata ; vulvulis tenuibus ; natibus parvis, acuminatis, ad apices undulatis ; epidermide fuscfi., nitidd, valde radiate ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, tuberculatis ; lateralibus praelongis, attenuatis, lamellatis subrectisque ; mar- garita purpurea, et iridescente. Hab. Roanoke River, Weldon, N. C. Prof. Emmons. Unio contractus. Testa laevi, elliptica, valde compresssi, valde inaequilaterali; postice rubrotundata ; valvulis tenuibus ; natibus depressis, ad apices undulatis 5 epidermide tenebroso-fusca, obsolete radiata ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, tuberculatis ; lateralibus longis, lamellatis rectisque ; margarita vel alba vel purpurea et iridescente. Hab. Roanoke River, Weldon, N. C. Prof. Emmons. Anodonta virgulata. Testa laevi, elliptica, ventricosa, inaequilaterali, postice obtuse angulata; valvulis subtenuibus ; natibus prominulis, ad apices undulatis ; epidermide vittata, virido-radiata ; margarita cceruleo-alba et iridescente. Hab. Roanoke River, Weldon, N. C. Prof. Emmons : and Washington Co., Georgia. Rev. G. White. [Mareli, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 87 Contributions to the Neuropterology of the United States. No. 1. BY P. R. UHLER. NANNOPHYA Rambur. N. be 11 a. Black, pleura and sides marked with yellow; ■wings with a saturate pale-ferruginous spot at base enclosing a number of round dots of a darker color. Length I inch. Baltimore. June. 9 • Trophi blackish, front white with a large black spot upon the middle, vertex blue, eyes brown, antenucO black : thorax black with a j-^ellow vittaupon the pleura becoming posteriorly confluent with patches of the same color, inter- alary surface maculate with yellow : wings hyaline, a broad, saturate yellowish- ferruginous spot at base occupying about one-third of their surface and enclosing a number of small round dots of a deeper color; pterostigma small, black : legs black, spiny : abdomen black ^nnulated with yellow, caudal tip and appendages also yellow. This beautiful little species, the second only of the genus yet known, differs a little from the type and must be placed in a division which may be charac- terized by having two ranges of discoidal areolets. It is very rare and the male is yet unknown to me. LIBELLULA Lin. 1. L. b i s t i g m a. Lead-blue ; wings with a ferruginous tint upon the costal margin, stigma brown and white. Length 2 inches. Baltimore. June and July. % . Body entirely lead blue ; eyes brown, trophi dusky ; frontal and vertical vesicles dark blue, antennae black, stemmata brownish: thorax medially with a deep longitudinal depression, a sharp carina occupying the middle : wings lacteo-hyaline, costal margins slightly tinged with ferruginous, sometimes extending narrowly upon the tips, stigma bicolored, half brown and half white, membranes narrow, whitish : legs black, anterior ones dusky at base : abdomen trigonal, carinate, tapering towards the tip, cerci subfusiform, sub-acute. The female of this species I have not yet been able to discover, notwithstand- ing it is here very common ; I was tempted to suppose it to be a geographical variety of the species following: however as I have not yet heard that doctrine fully elucidated it seems hardly prudent for me to venture any further sugges- tions upon the subject. 2. L. p 1 u m b e a. Lead color ; pleura with two white spots ; wings with a tinge of ferruginous upon the costal margin. Length 2 inches. Baltimore. July. % . Body plumbeous : labium, base of mandibles, and sides of nasus and front white ; mandibles at tip, labrum, nasus, front and antennae black ; frontal and vertical vesicles dark blue, eyes brown, occiput with two yellow spots be- hind each eye : pleura each with two common white patches, which are divided by black sutures, dorsolum and metapnystega also white, dorsal middle longitu- dinally depressed, but slightly carinated : wings hyaline with a ferruginous tinge upon the costal margin, stigma long, brown : abdomen gradually tapering posteriorly, carinate, iirst and second segments white beneath, caudal segment and appendages black, cerci fusiform, sub-acute. $ . Body pale brown ; head, dorsal line, line between the wings, pleural spots, pectus, sides of tergum and femora, testaceous-yellow; eyes brown, an- tennae black : costal margins and tips of the wings ferruginous : abdomen sub- depressed, tergum with a gradually dilating brown line upon the middle, antepenultimate segment broadly dilated. 3. L. confusa. Fuscous; thorax with two oblique yellow lines upon the pleura, connected with each of which is a pale trigonal spot; wings with a brown basal line, and medial and apical spot. Length 1| iuQhes. Baltimore and Boston. 1857.] 88 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 5 . Fuscous : head, with the frontal vesicles above, labium and spots upon the occiput yellow, antennae and connecting line black, eyes brown : pleura with two oblique yellow lines bounding inferiorly a trigonal pale spot, a pale transverse line between the pairs of wings : wings hyaline, at the base a longitudinal line, a spot upon the anterior middle, and another upon the apex, brown, nervules of the spots and intervening surface yellow, pterostigma black : legs pale at base, black upon the tip of the femora and tibiae : abdomen brown- ish, a little depressed, antepenultimate segment a little dilated, a dark line upon the middle, and one each side bright yellow, venter lined with yellow each side, cerci short, subfusiform, acute, inferior appendage same length as cerci. 5 . Differs but little from the 9 in size and coloring ; it may be distinguish- ed from L. pulchella, Drury, — to which it is very closely allied — in the lateral yellow vitta and much larger size of the § : the male always wants the plum- beous abdomen, which is common to L. pulchella. 4. L. s a t u r a t a. Reddish yellow ; head ; thorax dark yellowish-red, pale beneath and upon the sides ; wings humeral portion saturate reddish-yellow, cubital portion hyaline, nervules red, pterostigma red, margined anteriorly and posteriorly by a black nervule ; legs rufous, pale at base, tibial spines black ; abdomen slightly dilated, carinate, trigonate, lateral edge and denticles black ; cerci subfusiform, acuminate, armed with a row of minute tubercles upon the inferior surface, inferior caudal appendage oval, tapering at tip and emarginate. Length 2 inches. San Diego trip. Dr. T. H. Webb. This species is indicated by a mutilated individual only; the head and a great part of the wings and legs are gone, and those parts remaining are in so bad a condition as to render it almost uncharacterizable. It apparently belongs to a group having five rows of discoidal areolets ; the triangle is crossed by four nervules. 5. L. J u 11 a. Fuscous, pubescent; eyes brown, darker below, tips of mandi- bles, line between the antenntB, antennae and pubescence upon the front black, front and occipital spots yellowish ; thorax with the superior, middle-surface and pleura pale fuscous, humerus with a dark-brown longitudinal line; wings hyaline, posterior pair with a trigonal dark-brown spot at base of each, necks of anterior pair tinged with brown, nervules and pterostigma dark-brown, the latter narrow and a little elongated, membranes narrow whitish ; legs with the coxae, tro- chanters and bases of femorae pale reddish-yellow, tibiae and tarsi blackish ; abdomen sub-depressed, slightly carinate above, line upon the middle of the posterior segments and lateral margin black, caudal appendages yellow, cerci short, subfusiform, minutely, serially, granulate beneath. Length 1^ inches. Fort Steilacoom, W. Territory. Dr. Suckley. A species very closely allied to L. trimaculata De Geer. It possesses three ranges of discoidal areolets, and the triangle is crossed by only one nervule. 6. L. as s i m i 1 a ta. Pale-yellow ; head yellowish-testaceous, a black line cov- ering the antennal suture, tips of mandibles and antennae black, front and vertex closely covered with blackish hair ; thorax densely pubescent, pectus pale-tes- taceous ; wings hyaline, tinted with yellow upon the base and humeral margin, costal nervule dotted with minute, black points, pterostigma yellow, margined anteriorly and posteriorly, by a black nervule ; legs black, coxa;, trochanters and inferior surface of the anterior legs, yellowish ; abdomen, almost transpa- rent, yellowish, cerci . Length 1^ inches. Fort Union, Nebraska. Dr. Suckley The three individuals, the only ones that I have had the opportunity of ex- amining, are in such a mutilated condition as to render it very difficult to characterize them properly ; enough, however, remains to indicate their distinct- ness from all the other species that have yet been noticed. They liave three ranges of discoidal areolets to the primary wings, and the triangle is crossed by a single nervule. The three foregoing insects were kindly placed in my hands by Dr. Chas. GLrard, to whom I would embrace this opportunity of returning my thanks. [March NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. OV List of Extinct VERTEBRATA, the remains of which have been discovered m the region of the Missouri river : with remarks on their Geological Age. BY JOSEPH LEIDY, M. D. I. MAMMALIA. RUMINANTIA. 1. Oreodon CuLBKRTSONii, Leidy : Ancient Fauna of Nebrtiska 45. Synonymes Merycoidodon Culbertsonii, Oreodon priscus, Cotylops speciosa. 2. Oreodon gracilis, L. : Ibid. 53. Syn. Merycoidodon gracilis. 3. Oreodon major, L. : Ibid. 55 ; Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. viii. 164. Syn. Men/- coidodon major. 4. Agriochoerus antiquus, L. : Anc. Fauna Nebr. 24. Syn, 9 Eticrotaphus Jacksoni. 5. AGRI0CH0ERU3 MAJOR, L. : Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. viii. 164. Syn. fHucrotaphus auritus. 6. PoEBROTHERiUM WixsoNi, L. Anc. F. Nebr. 19. 7. Leptomeryx EviNSi, L. : Pr. A. N. S. vi. 394. 8. Leptauchenia decora, L. : Ibid. viii. 88. 9. Leptauchenia major, L. : Ibid, 163. 10. Protomeryx Halli, L. : Ibid. 164. 11. Merycodds necatcs, L. : Ibid, vii. 90. 12. Camelops kansanus, L. ; Jour. A. N. S. iii. 166. MULTUNGULA. 13. Choeropotamus (Hyopotamus) americanus, L : Pr. A. N. S. viii. 59. 14. Entelodon Mortoni, L. : Anc. F. Nebr. 57. Syn. Archceoikerium Morioni A. robustum, Arctodon. 15. Entelodon ingens, L. : Pr. A. N. S. viii. 164. 16. Titanotherium Prodtii, L. : Anc. F. Nebr. 72; Pr. A. N. S. viii. 92. Syn. Falceotherium Cuv. Prout; P? Proutii, Owen, Norwood, and Evans ; Rhino- ceros ? americanus ; Eotherium americanum, and Palceotheriv.m giganteum. Leidy. 17. Palaeochoerus probus, L. : Pr. A. N. S. viii. 164. 18. Leptochoerus spectabilis, L. : Ibid. 88. 19. Rhinoceros occidentalis, L. : Anc. F. Neb. 81. Syn. Aceratherium. . 20. Rhinoceros (Hyracodon) nebrascensis, L. : Pr. A. N. S. viii. 92. Syn. Aceratherium nebrascense. 21. Mastodon ohioticum. Small fragments of molar teeth. SOLIDUNGULA. 22. HipPARiON ocoidentale, L. : Pr. A. N. S. vii. 59. 23. HipPARiON speciosum, L. : Ibid. viii. 311. Syn. 9IIippodon speciosus, VoiA. vi. 90. 24. Anchitherium Bairdii, L. : Anc. F. Nebr. 67. Syn. Paloeofherium Bairdii. 25. Mebychippus insignis, L. : Pr. A. N. S. viii. 311. RODENTIA. 26. Steneofiber nebrascensis, L. : Pr. A. N. S. viii. 89. 27. IscHYROMYS TYPCS, L. : Ibid. 28. Palaeolagus Haydeni, L. : Ibid. 29. EuMYS elegans, L. : Ibid ; 90. 7 90 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF PINNIPEDIA. yO. ISCHTROTHERIUM ANTIQUUM, L. : Pr. A. N. S. Tlii. 89. • CARNIVORA. 31. Hyaenodon horridus, L. : Pr. A. N. S. vi. 393. 32. Hyaenodon cruentus, L. : Ibid. 33. Hyaenodon crucians, L. : Ibid. 34. Amphicyon vetus, L. : Ibid. vii. 151. Syn. Daphcenus veins. 35. Amphicyon gracilis, L. : Ibid. viii. 90. 36. Machairodus primaevus, L. and Owea : Anc. F. Neb. 95. 37. Deinictis pelina, L. : Pr. A. N. S. vii. 121 ; viii. 91. 38. Leptarctus primus, L. : Ibid. viii. 311. II. REPTILIA. CHELONIA. 39. Testudo nebrascensis, L. : Anc. F. Neb. 103. Syn. Stylemys nebrascensis, ?Emys seu Testudo kemispherica, Oweni, Culbertsonii, et lata. 40. Trionyx foveatus, L. : Pr. A. N. Sc viii. 13, 312. 41. CoMPSEMYS viCTUs, L. : Ibid, 312. 42. Emys obscurus, L. : Ibid. SAURIA. 43. MososAURUS MissouRiENSis, Leidy. Syn. Ichthyosaurus missouriensis, Harlan ; Mososaurtcs Maximiliani, Goldfuss ; etc. 44. Megalosaurus ? (Deinodon) horridus, L. : Pr. A. N. S. viii. 12. 45. Palaeoscincus costatus, L. : Ibid. 46. Trachodon mirabilis, L. : Ibid. 47. Troodon formosus, L. : Ibid. 48. ?Crocodilus humilis, L. : Ibid. 73. 49. Thespesius occidentalis, L. : Ibid. 311. III. PISCES. 50. Clupea hcmilis, L.: Pr. A. N. S. viii. 256. 51. Cladocyclus occidentalis, L. : Ibid. 52. Enchodus Shumardi, L. : Ibid. 53. Saurocephalus lanciformis, Harlan : Jour. Ac. Nat. Sc. iii. 337 ; Med. k Phys. Res. 362. 54. Lepidotus occidentalis, L.: Pr. A. N. S. viii. 73. 55. Lepidotus Haydeni, L. : Ibid. 56. Mylognathus PRiscus, L. : Ibid. 312. Of tlie above list of vertebrate remains tliose of Mososaurus, Cladocyclus, En- chodus, and Saurocephalus were obtained from deposits of tlie cretaceous period. The remains of Deinodon, Palccoscincus, Trachodon, Troodon, ?Crocodilus, and Lepidotus, were discovered by Dr. F. V. Ilayden, in a deposit, on the Judith River, which I have suspected to be of equivalent age with the Wealden formation of Europe. The remains of Compsemys, Emys, and Mylognathus, were found at Long Lake, Nebraska, together with those of Trionyx, the same species of which appears also to be common to the deposit just mentioned of the Judith River. Oreodon, Ayriochccrus, PcubrotUeriumj Lcptomeryx, Leptauchenia, Froiomeryx, [March, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 91 Merycodus, Tilanotherium, Leptochcerus, Hyracodon, Merychippus, Ischyromys, Pa- loeolayus, Eumys, Deiniclis, and Leptarctus are peculiar, extinct, mammalian genera, from the tertiary formations of Nebraska, -wliicb have heretofore been generally viewed as belonging to the eocene period, but which from their affinities, from the associated genera, and the absence of others so common in the eocene deposits of Europe, I suspect rather to belong to the miocene period. The first seven genera, above mentioned, are true ruminants, with the teeth con- structed upon the same type as those of living ruminants ; — a type which is not found in the tertiary deposits of Europe and Asia earlier than the miocene period. EtUdodon, Paloeochcerus, Rhinoceros, Eipparion, Sieneofiber, AmpMcyon, and Machairodus, are common to the Nebraska tertiary deposits and to the miocene and later tertiary deposits of Europe ; and they have not been found in the eocene formations of the latter continent. Of the genera Anchitherium, Hyopolamus, and Ilycenodon, species are found common to the Nebraska tertiary deposits and the European eocene and miocene deposits. Remains of Palceotherium, Anoplotherium, and Lophiodon, so common in the eocene formations of Europe, are entirely absent from the Nebraska tertiary formations. Titanoiherium of Nebraska most nearly approaches the miocene Chalicotherium of Europe and Asia. The Nebraska rodents Ischyromys, PalcBolagus, and Eumys most closely ap- proach the Arctomys, Lepus, and J/ms of European miocene and later deposits. Very numerous remains of Testudo are found in association with the Nebraska tertiary mammals ; and extinct species of the same genus belong generally to the miocene and later deposits of Europe. The remains of Mastodon and Camelops mentioned in the the list, I suspect to belong to the post pliocene age of the upper Missouri country. Ischyr other ium appears to be an animal allied to the llanatus. Its remains are stated by Dr. Hayden to have been obtained from a lignite bed (miocene*) near Moreau and Grand rivers ; but I must leave it to this indefatigable explorer to determine whether it belongs to the same age as the numerous extinct terres- trial mammals of Nebraska. Thespcsius I suspect to be a huge dinosaurian. Its remains are stated to be- long to the lowest member of the lignite formations (miocene) of Grand River. The species of Clupea was discovered by Dr. John Evans, in a tertiary deposit on Green River, Missouri ; but the exact age of this formation I have no means of determining. Investigation on the Rock Guano from the Islands of the Caribbean Sea. BY WM. J. TAYLOR. Though much has been written and published on the Columbian Guano of the Caribbean Sea, which is also termed Phosphatic Guano, native Super- Phosphate of Lime, &c., I have considered the subject not entirely exhausted, and have for some time past been paying especial attention to its composition, and have also endeavored to gather all possible information regarding its occur- rence. To Dr. D. Luther, President of the Philadelphia Guano Company, I am particularly indebted, for his kindness in furnishing me with material for the investigation from the various groups of islands, and for information regarding * Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. viii. 268. 1857.] 92 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP its occurrence. To Dr. F. A. Genth I am also indebted for allowing me to make the investigation in his laboratory. The Guano rock is found on Islands N. E. and N. of the coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea, and belonging to that Republic ; the islands form groups or keys composed of one hundred or more small islands, inhabited principally and indeed almost solely, by water fowl, who resort there in immense numbers for laying their eggs. Mr. Cassin informs me that the birds are those commonly known as Gulls, Pelicans, and Cormo- rants ; these have been the instruments by which the immense deposits of Guano have been formed. But what the process has been is a problem not yet fully solved. The Columbian Guano is a hard rock, consisting of two distinct portions : the outer exterior crust, consisting of a white, frequently reniform coat- ing, which in places where it is not decomposed has a polished surface not unlike enamel ; it is composed of concentric layers, each of which is about two or more lines in thickness. The entire outer crust forms but a very small proportion of the whole rock ; a carefully selected portion of this has been analyzed, which had not undergone any apparent decomposition, and upon which the enamelled surface was well preserved. In some portions the reniform surface is distinctly marked, and it resembles to a certain extent in its appearance the menilite from Menil Montant near Paris ; the concentric layers composing it are well marked, and when they are fractured or cut across, an appearance is presented not unlike some varieties of agate. The following is the result of analysis : — (I)- 2.0266 grammes ignited lost 0.1640 grammes gave 13.03 per cent. Ag 0.0274 (I Chlorine 0.44 U 11 CaO, SO3 0.0419 i( Sulphuric acid 1.93 11 11 CaO, SO3 1.9965 (( Lime 40.64 11 u 2MgO, PO5 0.1654 (( Magnesia 2.93 11 1( 2MgO, PO5 1.1T53 K Phosphoric acid 37.15 (1 1( (1 u Residi ne 0.0111 (1 Residue 0.55 11 11 11 11 NaCl 0.1231 1( Soda 3.23 u a Loss by ignition, 13.03 per cent. Oxygen ratio, Chlorine, 0.44 " 11 (1 Sulphuric Acid, 1.93 " It et 1.15 Phosphoric Acid, 37.15 " ii i( 20.82 Lime. 40.64 " It i( 11.55 Magnesia, 2.93 " (1 (VIII.) 2.0904 grams, on ignition lost 0.2361 gram Al2 03 BaO, SO3 '< CaO, CO2 " 2MgO, PO5 " Fe203&Al203 2.2904 .8470 0.0248 grams. " 0.066 " " OA101 " " 0.0406 " " 0.0143 " 0.0506 " 1.0153 " " 0.0926 " " 0.0346 " " 1.2520 1.2142 " contained 0.0089 grams. CO2 1.8570 Alumina, Sulphuric Acid, Lime, Magnesia, Iron and Alumina, Silica, Lime, Magnesia, Alumina and Iron, Phosphoric Acid, Carbonic Acid, Oxygen ratio. 11.29 perct. 1.08 " 2.67 " 31.18 " 1.74 " 1.69 " insoluble, " Silica, 5.97 " " CaO, CO2 " Lime, 30.68 " " 2MgO,P05 " Magnesia, 1.79 « " FeaOs AI2O3 " Alumina and Iron, 1.86 " " 2MgO,P05 " Phosphoric Acid, 41.89 " 0.73 '- Alumina and Iron, 1.86 per cent. Oxygen ratio, 0.86 Sulphuric Acid, 2.67 " " " " 1.59 Carbonic Acid, 0.73 " « " " 0.54 Lime, 31.18 " " " " 8.86 Magnesia, 1.74 " " " " 0.69 Phosphoric Acid, 41.89 " " " " 23.25 1.59 Oxygen of Sulphuric Acid require 0.53 of Oxygen of the lime ; 0.53 of Oxygen of the Carbonic Acid require 0.27 Oxygen of the lime, but if there is added to this remainder the Oxygen of the Magnesia there remains 8. 75 Oxygen of lime, which is to the Oxygen of Phosphoric Acid 23.25, about in the ratio of 1 : 2, particularly as the Oxygen of the Alumina requires Oxygen of the Phosphoric Acid, to form a salt with a formula most probably corresponding to that of Wa- vellite as before mentioned. Mr. Richards brought with him also a specimen of the recent alluvial guano, or bird excrement, as it may be justly termed ; he obtained it from a little nook in the rocks, where it was protected from the intense dry heat of the sun and from the action of water. Mixed through it were several birds feathers. As may readily be imagined it had some odor, though not excessively strong. 7.4921 grams, were ignited in a platinum crucible, andgave a very strong and disagreeable odor like burning hair ; it was moistened with carbonate of am- monia and again gently heated, and gave a loss of 4. 0032 grams. ,=53. 83 per ct. 2.1975 (( 2.236 4.0704 1.9997 (IX.) grams, of the ash showed a trace of Alumina. «' 0-2746 grams. BaO, SO3 gave Sulphuric Acid grams. 1.5150 " CaO, CO2 " Lime " 0.0913 " Sand " grams, ignited gave a loss 1.9171 gram. " Ash 1.3858 grams. CaO, CO2 gave Lime 0.2206 0.2100 1.3178 0.0225 0.0164 BaO, SO3 2MgO, POs 2MgO, PO5 Sand Ag Shlphuric Acid Magnesia Phosphoric Acid Chlorine 3.9652 .9857 .9794 grams, loss by ignition 1.9282 gram. " 0.6892 grams. CaO, C02 gave Lime " 0.0085 '• CO2 " Carbonic Acid " 0.1250 " BaO, SO3 " Sulphuric Acid Lime 38.89 per cent. Phosphoric Acid, 42.21 " Sulphuric Acid, 4.29 « Magnesia, 3.77 «' Oxygen ratio. 4.29 38.02 4.83 47.10 38.89 3.79 3.77 42.21 3.25 0.26 48.62 39.12 0.86 4.28 11.05 23.65 2.57 1.50 March. NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 97 2.57 Oxygen in Sulphuric Acid require 0.85 oxygen in Lime, there remains 10.19 oxygen of lime, which, if added to the oxygen of the magnesia makes 11.69, which stands with the oxygen of the phosphoric acid 23.65 near the ratio 2CaO, PO5. A guano rock has recently been brought from a group of Islands called El Roque, in the Caribbean Sea. In composition it resembles very closely that brought from Monk's Island, the specimens that I have analysed, contain how- ever, a much larger quantity of sulphuric acid than has been found in the latter rock. The appearance of the body of the two rocks is also much alike, bat in the specimens which I have seen from EI Roque the exterior ( rust is very different ; it is rarely more than a slight coating ; in some places it has a slight , appearance of the enamel, when examined with a pocket lens; the surface is very irregular, often containing cavities which are lined with the same white coating. It was impossible to obtain sufEcient of this for analysis : the analy- sis of the black portion of the rock was as follows : (X.) 1.8636 grms.loss by ignition 0.1904 grms. water and organic matter 10.22 perct. 1.4609 " 0.3274 grams. BaO, SO3 gave Sulphuric Acid, 7.70 " «' " 1.0066 " CaO, CO2 " Lime, 38 67 " " " 0.1118 " 2MgO, PO5 " Magnesia, 2.75 " " " 0.0116 " Insoluble 0.78 " " " 0.0058 " Fe203 & AI2O3 Iron & Alumina 0.40 " 1.1680 grams 0.7936 gram. CaO, CO2 gave Lime, 38.12 " " " 0.0879 " 2MgO, PO5 " Magnesia, 2.70 " " " 0.7383 " 2MgO, PO5 " Phosphoric Acid, 40.49 " Organic matter and water, 10.22 per cent. Sulphuric Acid, 7.70 Oxygen Ratio, 4.61 Lime, 38.67 " 10.09 Magnesia, 2.75 " 1.09 Phosphoric Acid, 40.49 " 25.93 Alumina and sesquiox- " ide of Iron, 0.40 " Insoluble, 0.78 4.61 oxygen in Sulphuric Acid require 1.54 oxygen in lime; therefore remains 3.55 oxygen in lime which stands with the oxygen of Phosphoric Add 25.93 in the ratio 1 : 3, showing that the phosphate in this specimen consists principally of 3CaO PO5. A specimen containing no organic matter was examined from Testigoe Island, but the rock was very much disintegrated ; it was very porous, and evidently had been acted upon by some causes which were gradually removing all its com- ponents except the silica. In appearance it was largely a sandstone, as the analy- sis showed. The most compact portion of the specimen was selected, which was readily pulverized ; the results of the analysis differ from all the other speci- mens. The following are the results : (XI.) 1.2910 grams, insoluble silica 0.6722 grams. " 0.0085 CaO, CO2 gave " 0.0206 2MgO " 0.8806 grams. 0.1073 loss by ignition 0.8806 grams, insoluble 0.4600 grams. 1857.] " 0.1158 AI2O3 " gave " 2Fe203, 3PO5 0.0318 " " 2MgO, PO5 0.2394 " " 52.07 per cent. Lime, 0.37 K Magnesia, 0.57 (1 Water, 12.17 ti Silica, 52.27 (( Sulphuric Acid trace. Alumina, 13.03 it Phosp. of Iron 3.61 II Phosp. Acid, 17.41 « 98 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Silica, 52.07 per cent. Lime, 0.37 " Magnesia, 0.57 " Water, _ 12.17 " oxygen ratio, 10.81 Sulphuric acid trace Alumina, 13.03 " 6.12 Phosphate of Iron, 3.61 " Phosphoric Acid, 17.41 " 9.81 The Alumina and Phosphoric Acid seem in this to be in the form of wavellite. The guano rock from the various groups of islands has very varying compo- eition, as has been seen from the foregoing investigations ; it is found in layers, and the surface sometimes covered with an alluvial deposit ; these layers are in places highly inclined, showing that since their deposition dynamic causes have' altered their original position. This same phenomenon is described as occurring at the Chincha islands in the Peruvian guano, where it is found in layers two or three yards in thickness. Various theories have been formed and published as to the origin of the rock guano ; these are doubtless premature, as the accounts as to its occurrence are founded on reports of those not accustomed to noting geological phenomenon. Prof. C. IJ. Shepard has, with his characteristic energy, extended his mine- ralogical species to various portions of this rock, which he severally describes* and designates generally as Pyroguanite minerals, and entirely destitute of am- monia ; but examinations made of an average sample of a cargo from Monk's Island showed one-half per cent, of nitrogen. Every specimen which I have examined, has on ignition given very marked evidence of burning organic matter. How this can be retained in a rock subjected to the agency of heated trap is as difiB- cult to reconcile, as that the composition of minerals existing with and forming a part of its mass, as Prof. Shepard describes,* containing water in their composition. Moreover, how can a rock subjected to the agency of heated trap have as its principal basis a salt with the formula 2CaO, HO, PO5 which is the formula ascribed to it by Drs. Piggot and Beckell, of Baltimore, and which seems to be the proper composition of some portions, as shown by analysis of Monk's Island rock (V), though in the analysis of the specimen from El Roque (X) there is obtained the formula, 3CaO PO5. As I have already mentioned, this Guano rock from Los Monges has been called a native Super-Phosphate of Lime, but no satisfactory proofs are given as to its meriting such a name ; phosphoric acid being found in solution after the guano is treated with water is no proof that it exists in a free state. Phosphate of Lime, when recently precipitated, is soluble to a slight extent in pure water (R. Phillips, Ann. Phil. 22,188). Berzelius long since discovered Phosphates of Lime and Alumina in the water and deposits of hot springs at Carlsbad. f That Phosphates are insoluble and must be rendered free before becoming effi- cacious as fertilizers is an erroneous though a very prevalent opinion. Accord- ing to BrischofJ Phosphate of Lime must be regarded as present in all water running into the sea ; it has already been detected in the waters of the Dee and and of the Don, and it will most likely be found in the waters of all rivers. Phos- phate of Lime and Magnesia have also been found in the waters of an artesian well at Wildegg, in the Canton Argan (Switzerland). Phosphote of Lime has been shown to be present in sea water by Clemm^ and by Forchammer.|| According to Berzelius it is the Z>i-phosphate which is found in the mineral waters,^ which is readily soluble in water saturated with carbonic acid. The Basic-Phosphate of Lime is also readily soluble in water containing carbonic acid ; Bischof gives * Am. J. Sci. 12, xxii. 96. f Gilbert's Annalen, Ixxiv. 136. j Chem and Phys. Geology, vol. 2, p. 27 (Engl. edit). I Journ. fiirprakt. Chemie xxxiv. 185. II Berzelius, Jahresbericht xxvi. 393. f Gmelin, vol. iii. p. 195. [March, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 99 a very interesting table of the degrees of solubility of the various basic-Phos- phates of Lime iu water saturated with carbonic acid gas.'-" It is not only in carbonic acid waters that Phosphate of Lime is soluble ; basic-Phosphate of Lime dissolves in 3.150 parts of water, containing one-twelfth by weight of Chloride of Sodium. The presence of Chloride of Ammonium in- creases the solubility still more.* It is probable, therefore, that the solubility of the Phosphate of Lime Guano rock from Los Monges is owing to the presence of the Chloride of Sodium exist- ing in it. By reference to the analyses (II and III), it will be seen thai the Phosphate of Lime dissolved is in proportion to the Chloride of Sodium in the specimens. This will, however, require more detailed examination. Though the rock from Centinella containing so large a percentage of Phos- phoric Acid combined with Iron and Alumina may seem at first worthless as a fertilizer, no positive opinion should be formed or expressed without a very careful investigation of the subject, which I believe has never yet been made. It is true that Phosphate of Alumina is one of the most sparingly soluble sub- stances known, though it is soluble in water saturated with Carbonic Acid, ac- cording to Bischof in about 6.828.000 parts, though in the water of the Carlsbad springs about double this quantity is held in solution, viz : ' t 3-125000. Though the Phosphate of lime is applied to soils, and, as such, taken up by plants, there is no proof that it remains in that form until the plants have need of it; it enters into new combinations, some of which may be quite as insoluble as this Centinella rock. The Phosphate of Lime dissolved by the carbonated waters always found more or less in soils, J is decomposed by alkaline carbonates : the lime would therefore be converted into a carbonate, and a phosphate of the alkali will be formed.^ Bousingault and Levy, Journ. des Debuts, Dec. 5, 1852, found that the air in the insterstices of arable soils contained as much as 22 to 23 times as much carbonic acid as the atmosphere, and when the soil has been recently moistened 245 times as much. Phosphate of lime lying in such a soil would be dissolved in a comparatively short space of time. Carbonate of Iron is present more or less in every soil, and consequently if in a soil the carbonate of iron and phosphate of lime exist, both held in solution by a carbonate of the alkalies, a mutual decomposition may take place||, consequently we may have vivianite formed in the soil : instances are frequent of vivianite in fossils of the green sand of New Jersey,^ but geological ages are not required to produce these changes. M. Jerome Nickles has recognised its presence in human bones, (Amer. Jour, of Sci. vol. xsi. p. 402.) he found in a cemetery at * Chem. and Phys. Geology, vol. ii% p. 28. f (Chem and Phys. Geol. vol. ii. p. 34. JResearches that have been made by Lassaigne, Journ. Chim. Med. 3 ser. iv. 354 ; and Ann. de Chim. et. de Phys. 3 ser. xxv. 346, show that phosphate of lime is conveyed into the plants organism by water saturated with carbonic acid. Dumas (Comptes Rendus, xxiii 1018,) holds the same opinion. I Bischof, Chem. and Phys. Geology, vol. i. p. 13. No. 19. Phosphate of lime dissolved in carbonated water forms Carbonate of Lime, which is precipitated, and alkaline phosphate which remain in solution. II Phosphate of lime dissolved in carbonated waters and proto-carbonate of iron form a proto-phosphate of iron, which is precipitated, and bi-carbonate of lime which remains in solution. (Bischof vol. i. p. 13, no. 20. ^In the green sand of New Jersey, the decomposition is not owing probably to the carbonate of iron, but to the sulphate resulting from oxydation of the iron pyrities. (Bischof, vol. i. p. 14, no. 21.) Phosphate of iron and proto-sulph- ate of iron form sulphate of lime and proto-phosphate of iron,) Similar changes probably result in this guano rock, as in many specimens we find crystals of gypsum recognizable with a pocket-lense. 1857.J 100 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP Eumont a village ia the department of LaMeurthe, the earth of which was very ferruginous, two arm bones of a female, a cubitus and a radius, having a deep bluish green color. On breaking, the alteration was found to be complete, and a qualitative chemical examination proved it to be phosphate of iron. It is to be regretted that a quantitative analysis was not made, to have determined whether all the bone phosphate had been decomposed and the transformation into phos- phate of iron complete. M. Nickles, on examining the medullary cavity with a lens, found among the sinuosities left by the hardened marrow brilliant points which were distinctly crystals of vivianite. The bones were in a perfect state of preservation, and afforded, when treated with hydrochloric acid, a skeleton of gelatine, proving that gelatine does not resist the absorption of the ferrugin- ous compound. Various theories have been formed and published as to the origin of the rock guano ; these are most likely premature, as the accounts as to its occurrence are founded on reports of those not accustomed to noting geological phenomena. The continued and gradual upheaval of islands in the ocean and their depression is a well established geological fact. The islands of the Caribbean sea are very varied, some are quite low and covered with sand composed of fragments of shells, madrepore and corals, which can readily be distinguished with a pocket lens. These sands are resorted to by myriads of waterfowls for laying their eggs. One of the captains who visited there mentions, that it is necessary to make one's way through them with a stick. Other islands attain heights of 800 feet ; it seems improbable that such heights could be created by accretions of guano and sand, when the islands were subject to a continued action of the waves of the ocean. The in- clination and irregularity of the guano layers renders it not improbable that the dynamic causes which produced this distortion, elevated at the same time the islands. It is most probable that the guano rock from some of the islands has been changed in its composition by reactions of the salts contained in sea water, but before such reactions can be fully explained, accurate analyses must be made of this sea water. It is a remarkable fact, that the composition of the ash from the recent guano from the heights of the Centinellarock composed of phosphates of alumina and iron, should have a composition so very near to that of the guano rock from the Los Monges and El Roque islands. The frequent occurrence of alumina and iron is to be remarked in the guano rocks. The upheaval and subsidence of land is caused not only by earthquakes, (Lyell's Principles of Geology, 8th edit. chap, xxxi.,) but by other changes such as are in progress in Sweden and Norway, and in Greenland. The upheaval of islands in the Caribbean Sea may most likely be ascribed lo volcanic action, some of these are within 150 miles from Gaudaloupe. (Lyell's Principles, 33G,) von Buch inclined to the belief, that the volcanic chain of the Andes was connected with that of the West India or Caribbean Islands. The truth of this conjecture has been almost set at rest by the eruption of the volcano at Zamba, in New Grenada, at the mouth of the river Madalena.* The vicinity of the volcanoes may give additional salts to the sea water. Note. — I have just been informed by Dr. Luther, that from analyses lately made in Baltimore of a cargo of rock guano, that has lately arrived from the island of Testigoes, there has been found from forty to forty-five per cent, of phosphoric acid. *Comptes Rendus, 1849, vol. xxix. p. 531. [March; NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 101 April 1th. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. A communication was presented for publication in the Proceedings, entitled : Description of six new species of fresh water and land shells, by Isaac Lea. Referred to a Committee. On leave granted, Dr. LeConte moved that a special vote of thanks be tendered to Dr. Benjamin Vreeland, U, S. N., for his valuable do- nation of Esquimaux Skulls received this evening. Which motion was unanimously adopted. Ajiril I'ith. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. Mr. Lea called the attention of the Academy to the specimen of Unio Spinosus presented by him this evening The inner face of the valve has an arch leading toward the spine, which is probably hollow ; thus confirming the view of the mode of formation of the spine pre- viously stated by him. April 21st. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. A Communication was received from W. J. Taylor, entitled " Ex- amination of a Nickel Meteorite from Oktibbeha county, Miss.," which was referred to a Committee. April 2Sth. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. The Committees on Mr. Lea's paper, entitled " Description of six new species of fresh water and land Shells," and on Mr. Taylor's " Ex- amination of a Nickel Meteorite, &c.," reported in favor of publication. Description of Six new species of Fresh Water and Land Shells of Texas and Tamanlipas, from the Collection of the Smithsonian Institntion. BY ISAAC LEA. Unio Berlandierii. Testa laevi, subelliptica, inflata, postice subrotundata infequilatcrali ; valvulis crassis, antice crassioribus: natibus grandibus, elevatis, tumidis, ad apices minute undulata; epidermide micans, tenebroso-fuscEl, obso- lete radiata ; dentibus cardinalibus magnis, erectis, subcompressis, valde crenu- latis et in utroque valvule duplicibus ; lateralibus longis, crassis, subcurvis lamellatisque ; margarita vel purpurascente vel salmonis colore tincta et irides- cente. Hab. Matamoras, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Luis Berlandier, M. D.* * The collection made by Dr. Berlandier was purchased by Lieut. D, N. Couch, U. S. A., and liberally presented to the Smithsonian Institution. 1857.] 8 102 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP Unio Popeii. Testa laevi, transversa, compresso-cylindracea, ad basim sub- emarginata, valde inaequilaterali, ad latere planulata, postice truncata ; valvulis subtenuibus, antice crassioribus ; natibus parvis, promiuulis, ad apices granu- latis ; epidermide vel tenebroso-oliva vel fusca, olasolete radiata ; deutibus car- dinalibus compressis, erectis, acuminatis crenulatisque ; lateralibus praelongis, lamellatis subrectisque ; margarita vel alba vel salmonis tincta et iridescente. Hab. Devil's River and Rio Salado, Texas. Capt. Pope, U. S. A. Unio Bairdianus. Testa laevi, elliptica, paulisper inflata, postice compressa, valde inaequilaterali ; valvulis subtenuibus, postice crassioribus ; natibus promi- nulis, ad apices concentrice undulatis ; epidermide tenebroso-fusca, obsolete radiata ; deutibus cardinalibus parvis, erectis, acuminatis crenulatisque ; late- ralibus longis, lamellatis subcurvisque; margarita alba, et valde iridescente. Hab. Devil's River, Texas. Capt. Pope, U. S. A. Anodonta Henryiana. Testa lajvi, oblonga, inflata, ad basim et antice com- pressa, subaequilaterali, postice truncata ; valvulis pertenuibus ; natibus depres- sis, planulatis, ad apices minute et irregulariter undulata ; epidermide nitida, vel lutea vel luteo-viridi, obsolete radiata, et vittata ; margarita coeruleo-alba et valde iridescente. Hab. Matamoras, Tamaulipas, Mexico. L. Berlandier, M. D. Helix (Polygyra) Couchiana. Testa superne paulisper elevata, subplanu- lata, inferne subinflata ; nitida, albida, longitudinaliter et subtiliter striata, minute perforata ; anfractibus quinis ; apertura rotundata, quinquedentata ; labro subacute. Hab. Texas. L. Berlandier, M. D. Helix (Polygyra) Tamaulipasensis. Testa superne paulisper elevata, sub- planulata, inferne subinflata, nitida, albida, longitudinaliter et subtiliter striata, minute perforata ; anfractibus quinis ; apertura lunata, tridentata ; labro spis- sato, reflexo. Eab. Texas. L. Berlandier, M. D. Examination of a Nickel Meteorite, from Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. BY WM. J. TAYLOR. This highly interesting and unique meteorite was found in an Indian mound in which excavations were being made in a search for Indian antiquities, in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. It then weighed five and a quarter ounces ; in shape it resembled a hea's egg. When found, there was a fissure which divided it almost equally into two parts. The person who discovered it seeing this, placed it upon an anvil, and with one blow of a sledge-hammer, divided the meteorite. One half was forged, with the intention of manufacturing it into a cutting instrument of some description ; the other remained in its original state; excepting that its exterior was filed smooth and bright. To Dr. William Spillman, of Columbus, Mississippi, I am indebted for the material for this investigation ; he obtained the meteorite from the man who first found it. The unforged half he brought with him on a recent visit to this city, and a portion of which he has presented to the Academy, on the con- dition that it should be carefully cut, so that the surface which formed one side of the existing fissure above mentioned should be preserved and sent to him. It was proposed to have it cut by a lapidary, but he attempted it without success, usin"" diamond dust on the wheel. On making the first incision, about one- eighth to one-sixteenth of an inch in depth, he found it impossible to proceed, and refused to make farther attempts to cut the meteorite. Mr. John Phillips, a fellow member of the Academy, and an amateur machinist, on hearing of our difficulties, kindly offered to saw the specimen, and succeeded admirably, though it was with very great difticulty. He spoke of its peculiar toughness, (the hard- [April, NATURAL SCIENCES OF rHILADELPHIA. 103 ness not bcinr^ excessive ;) it resisted the saw very miuli, wliich rendered the rutting exceedingly tedious, heating the saw to such a degree as to oblige a discontinuance of the operation every four or five minutes, but it was remarka- ble that it did not dull the blade in the least. The toughness of the iron was clearly shown when, for the purpose of analy- sis, it was attempted to cut off portions of it with a chisel ; the excessive tough- ness of the iron rendered this very difficult, without the aid of the saw. The resistance of this meteorite to the action of acids was most remarkable. Strong nitric acid did not act upon it in the cold. Moderately dilute sulphuric acid did not act upon it. Strong and boiling hydrochloric acid acted upon it very gradu- ally. The above named acids failing to show the slightest trace of the Widmann- stattian figures, a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric was used, boiling ; but even after this operation no trace of them could be distinguished. The action of the aqua regia was gradual and peculiar, producing on the polished surface of the meteorite very small holes, varying in size from a pin's point to those as large as a pin's head. From the appearance of the surface of the meteorite, which formed a side of the fissure before described, I hud hoped to obtain by etching beautiful Wi^'mannstilttian figures, as there is on this portion indistinct traces of that which would at first glance be called a crystalline structure. The color of the metal is a silvery grey with a pinkish tinge. Its hardness is not excessive, yielding readily to the file. The tensibility, as before mentioned, was very great. The passivity was proved by testing it with a neutral solution of the sulphate of copper. The specific gravity at 25° Cels., was found by Dr. F. A. Genth to be 6.854, which is too low, but owing to the numerous fissures through the meteorite filled with liraonite, it was impossible to obtain the exact specific gravity of the metal. I used particular care to obtain a portion free from the flaws, but with- out effect. I take this opportunity to express my thanks to Dr. Genth for allow- ing me the use of his laboratory in making the examination. The following is the re? ult of my analysis : 1.9421 grammes were dissolved in aqua regia. 1.4731 J grams. NiO gave of Nickel 59.69 per cent. 1.0452 FezOs It Iron 37.69 0.0221 CuO (( Copper 0.90 0.0072 AI2O3 (( Aluminium 0.20 0.0105 CogOv (( Cobalt 0.40 0.0048 SiOs a Silicium 0.12 0.0069 2MgO, PO5 li Phosphorus 0.10 0.0059 CaO, CO2 C( Calcium 0.09 99.19 The slight loss of eight- tenths of one per cent. I think is owing to some small portions of limonite existing in the minute fissures already mentioned. The 0.10 per cent, of phosphorus correspond to 0.64 per cent, of schribersite, (P. Ni2 Fe4 .) It was first attempted to dissolve in hydrochloric acid, but the action of the acid, even when boiling, was so very gradual that nitric acid was added. I endeavored to separate the nickel and cobalt by Liebig's new method, viz., by precipitating the nickel as a sesqui-oxide, by passing chlorine through an alkaline solution of the two metals in hydrocyanic acid and potash, but it was found not to answer ; the separation was made by his former method by oxide of mercury. The composition of this remarkable meteorite is in itself sufficiently interest- ing for mineralogists, without any attempts to account for its origin, either ter- restrial or celestial. We must remain in doubt as to the exact locality where it was originally found, as it may have been carried by the Indians from a dis- tance to be entombed in this mound, and it may have been considered by them 1857.] 104 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF to have a special value, and possibly to possess peculiar virtues, from its being discovered in such a place. May hill. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. Communications were received from Col. J. J. Abert, dated Wash- ington, April 28, 1857, referring to a species of mocking-bird, supposed by him to be new ; and from F. B. Meek and F. V. Hayden, M. D., entitled '' Explorations under the War Department : Descriptions of new Cretaceous and Tertiary Fossils, collected by Dr. F. V. Haydea in Nebraska, under the direction of Lieut. Gr. K. Warren, U. S. Top. Engineers, with some remarks on the geology of the Upper Missouri country;" which were referred to Committees, as usual. Mr. Lea stated that he proposed to change the name of Unio um- brosus and Unio W^heatleyi, to U. umbrans and U. Catawbensis, having inadvertently repeated these names in his papers of Feb. 17th and March 10th, 1857. Mr. W. Parker Foulke requested permission to submit to the atten- tion of the Academy some observations of the late Mr. Hugh Miller, printed in his recently published work, entitled " The Testimony of the Rocks." It may be remembered, said Mr. F., that about three years ago T noticed at one of the stated meetings of the Academy, what appeared to me an interesting example of the fallacious use of a generalization — the inference from a term used in one sense, of what could follow from it only when used in another sense. From the fact that the carboniferous rocks lie within the series which geologists, for special reasons, group into one system which they call the " palaeozoic," Mr. Miller had thought himself authorized so far to treat this system as a unity, as to consider it properly characterized as a whole, for the object of his argument, by the carboniferous member ; and thence to infer that the palaeozoic periods together constituted the Mosaic day during which the creation of vegetables took place. No influence had been allowed to the fact that distinctive types of animal organization had been the chief motives for the discrimination between the "palaeozoic "' and "secondary" rocks as two sj^stems ; but the distinction being thus adopted by others, the author had assigned one of the systems entire to the vegetable creation, and the other to that of reptiles. You will remember, Mr. President that, before the time to which I refer, it was a subject of private remark amongst the members of the Academy, that a large portion of the zeal and talent employed in drawing conclusions from the generalizations of discoveries in natural science, was applied to prema- ture inferences, or in disproportionate subordination to incomplete metaphysical inquiries. This evil was not confined to men of one pursuit, or of one school : but it affected eveiy department of " natural science," and of the abstract sciences most nearly connected with it. In geology, as well as in ethnology, philojogy, and general natural history, we had frequent occasion to notice the conflict of unnecessary speculations, and of irrelevant or unseasonable inferences ; and the temporary withdrawal of much mental activity from the legitimate paths of scientific inquiry. The interval is short since the investigations of our day were fairly opened ; and already the necessary subdivisions of labor are so numerous as to demand the most sedulous devotion to each. Yet we saw laborer after laborer diverging from his road to engage upon one or another side of meta- physical controversies, which could not be finally determined except by methods [May, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 105 proper to the natural sciences ; nor even by these, unless after greater accumu- lation and more accurate generalization of facts than had been accomplished. In the eagerness excited by these controversies, xve also noticed, especially in respect to such as were of a kind to attract popular attention, that there was caused a bias unfavorable to the ascertainment of fact ; and that tlie legitimate uses of actual discovery were thwarted by irregular processes, wliich for the most part were unconsciously adopted, but which were not for tliis reason the less pernicious to the progress of natural knowledge. In these circumstances, the rationale of the methods employed by writers upon natural history or the physical sciences in general, became a peculiarly important subject for the scrutiny of the Academy ; and in formally presenting that subject, I felt assured that my propositions would serve only as the means of concentrating thoughts alreadj" entertained by the members. To give a suitable illustration of the irre- gularity iu question, there were several reasons for selecting the discourse of Mr. Miller, entitled " The Two Records, the Mosaic and the Geological." It had jast been republished in this country; its author was widely known in both hemispheres by his interesting discoveries in the old red sandstone ; and, because of his having written so as to be easily understood by persons not previously skilled in geology, his publications bad been read by probably a larger number of persons than had before undertaken the perusal of treatises on the sarac sub- ject. Moreover, he had written with special reference to several leading con- troversies which engaged the popular attention ; and his works were frequently appealed to with more or less pertinency in relation to the Noachic deluge, the origin of the varieties in the animal and vegetable kingdoms, and the geo- graphical distribution of species. He thus served as a medium of communica- tion between the studies of scientific men, and the speculations of the general reader. Lastly, his character and motives were unimpeached ; and thus the force of personal considerations was added to those of learning and judgment. I was careful, Mr. President, to announce at the outset, that what was intended in my criticism had reference to the " logic of the natural sciences ;" but under the comity proper between this Academy and the cultivators of those sciences throughout the world, it certainly did not appear to me necessary to disclaim all design to charge upon any person a wilful misuse of reasoning. Neverthe- less, as a manifestation of the feeding with which the essay of Jlr. Miller was reviewed, I used these words, which were printed in our Proceedings : "The high esteem in which the character of Mr. Miller is deservedly held by readers in the United States, where his writings are widely circulated, and the respectful manner in which his interesting researches have occasioned his name to be mentioned by authors eminent in the department of geology, give to such of his writings as bear upon the biblical question, peculiar importance with reference to the community at large." There was, therefore, no question proposed upon matter of fact, nor any imputation upon the motives of Mr. Miller. My remarks obtained the general concurrence of the members who heard them ; at whose instance, and not at my own, the minute of them made by the Secretary was published with the other proceedings of the evening. Sharing with you, Mr. President, and our fellow members, the profound senti- ment produced in this country by the melancholy scenes which closed the use- ful life of Mr. Miller, I am sure of your participation with me in the surprise and regret with which I have read the following paragraphs, at pages 171, 172 and 173* of "The Testimony of the Rocks." (Mr. Foulke here read the pas- sages referred to.) That a member of this Academy could be permitted to make, against such a man as the lamented deceased, a gratuitous charge of intentional misreprcsenta- /«ow ; and that the charge could be deliberately sanctioned, and printed under your authority and that of the other distinguished gentlemen who were present at the meeting of May 9, 1854 — some of whom are now here — seems so far beyond any license known to a respectable association, that I confess myself at a loss * Boston Edition, 1857. 1857.] 106 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP to find aa acceptable explanation of the credence which has been given to the supposition. I need not say, in this Hall, that the thing is impossible. Mr. Miller is no longer among the living ; the hand of death has removed restraints ■which might have prevented the voluntary proffer of any denial of such an imputa- tion as is implied upon me, upon you, and upon our associates, by the paragraphs which I have read to you. I shall have your and their approval, when I give to the memory of the deceased, as a tribute of respect, the most emphatic dis- claimer of any thought which could impeach the integrity of his motives in the construction of his argument; or which could attribute to him conscious neglect of the rights of others, in that most unfortunate interpretation which he has put upon the Proceedings of this body. Having said thus much towards the dead, let me add a few words in the way of caution to ourselves. Each of us is engaged in some pursuit which touches adversely the opinions, the prejudices, the self-love, perhaps the religious senti- ment of a portion of mankind. Even in what might appear to an uuimpassioned observer the most tranquil of occupations, there arise competitions; and the very love of truth often makes us impatient disputants. We have seen that under a sudden sensibility to a logical criticism, not so phrased as expressly to forbid the meaning erroneously attributed to it, a stranger, with no cause of quarr *, has been supposed by an author of respectable fame to make an accusa- tion of mendacity against him ; and a learned body of established reputation has been believed to have promoted the publication of the charge. To a judg- ment thus unconsciously clouded, see how naturally all that followed became distorted. I had said that the proceeding of the author was " a fallacious use of a generalization made for a purpose, and upon a principle not properly availa- ble for the writer's argument ;" and the author forgetting the distinction be- tween &f(tUacii and a falsehood, and overlooking too the grammatical relation of the parts of the sentence, italicized the words " 7nade for apur2}ose" so that his readers could not avoid the suggestion that it was the '■'■fallacious use" and not the " generalization," which had been mac?e /o?* a j9! brought from Nebraska, stating our doubts and suspicions respecting the age of these deposits, and requesting him to examine very carefully the large water- worn bones from Moreau and Grand Rivers, occurring in what we knew to be the lowest bed of the Lignite basin, and to inform us if he was quite satisfied they are identical with Titanotherium Prouti ; also making enquiries respecting the Eocene or Aliocene affinities of the various new genera of Mammalia described from the Bad Lands of White River by him. Since that time we were much gratified to learn from Prof. Leidy that as much as three or four weeks previous to the reception of our letter, he had arrived at the conclusion, from purely palasontological evidence, that the White River deposits must belong 1« the Miocene epoch. Prof. Leidy has presented his views in regard to the Miocene affinities of the vertebrata from the White River formations, in some interesting remarks ac- companying a complete catalogue of all the organic remains described by him from Nebraska, recently read before the Academy ; a copy of which he has kindly placed in our hands in advance of the regular issue of the Proceedings. From these remarks we extract the following in reference to the fossils from the Wliite River basin : " Oreodon, Agriochoerus Pcebroiherium, Leptomeryx, Leptauchenia, Protom&ryx^ Merycodus Titanotherium, Leptochaerus, Hyracodon, Merychippus, Ischyromys, Pa- Imolagits, Eumys, Dinictis and Leptarctus, are peculiar, extinct mammalian genera, from the Tertiary formations of Nebraska, which have heretofore been generally viewed as belonging to the Eocene period, but from their affinities, the asso- ciated genera, and the absence of others so common in the Eocene deposits of Europe, I suspect rather belong to the Miocene period. The first seven genera above mentioned are true ruminants, with teeth constructed upon the same type [May, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 121 a3 those of living ruminants ; a type which is not found in the Tertiary deposit.^ of Europe and Asia, earlier than the Miocene period. Entelodon Palceochcerus, Rhinoceros, llipparion, Sleneojiber, Amphicyon, and Ma- ckairodus, are common to the Nebraska Tertiary deposits and to the Miocene and later Tertiary deposits of Europe ; and they have not been found in the Eocene formations of the latter continent. Of tlie genera Anchitherium, ITyopotamus and Hymnodon species are found common to the Nebraska Tertiary deposits and the European Eocene and Mio- cene deposits. Remains of P.rloiolherium, Anoplothrrium and Lophiodon, so common in the Eocene formations of Europe, are entirely absent from the Nebraska Tertiary formations. Titanotherium of Nebraska most nearly approaches the Miocene Chaliocotherium of Europe and Asia. The rodents hchyromys, -Palmolagus and Eumys, most closely approach the Arctomyx, Lrpus and Muh of European Miocene and later deposits. Very numerous remains of Tcstudo are found in association with the Nebraska Tertiary mammals ; and extinct species of the same genus belong generally to the Miocene and later deposits of Europe." From all the foregoing facts, the Miocene age of these White River formations may, we think, be regarded as established, both by paloeontological and strati- graphical evidence. There are, however, many points of interest in regard to the exact parallelism of these deposits with those of the Great Lignite basin, yet unsettled. If it be true that the large bones previously referred to in both basins, do really belong to the same species of animal, it would seem, from the fact that they occur in the lowest bed of each, that the two basins are not merely both Miocene, but exactly on a parallel. If so, it is very difficult to account for the fact that, out of the numerous organic remains hitherto found in the two deposits, not a single species, excepting Titanotherium Prouti* should be common to both ; especially when we bear in mind the fact that the two basins approach to within forty or fifty miles of each other. It is true, several of the Mollusca occurring in the bone bed, or lowest stratum of the Lignite basin, belong to genera only found in salt or brackish waters, and that none but terrestrial and fresh-water types have yet been found in any part of the White River deposits ; thus indicating that one is a lacustrine for- mation, and the other an estuary deposits ; conditions, it is true, not very favor- able to the existence of the same species of mollusca, but hardly sufficient, we think, to account for the fact that all the shells hitherto collected from the lig- nite formations are not merely different species from those described by Drs. Evans and Shumard, from the White River beds, but belong to slightly different types. The entire absence, so far as we yet know, of the fossil plants occurring in such great abundance in the Lignite formations, in those of the White River basin, is also worthy of note ; while the lithological differences between the two deposits are well marked. The latter point of difference will be more obvious on comparing the following section of the Lignite formations taken by one of U3,f at a locality thirteen miles above Fort Clark, on the right bank of the Mis- souri, with the section of the Bad Lands of White River, as given by Dr. Evans in Dr. Owen's Report, page 200. * Since the«e remarks were communicated to the Academy, we have been informed by Prof. Leidy that he now rather suspects the large bones here alluded to belong to a huge Dinosanrian described by him from these beds, under the name of Thespesius. He further states that he had merely referred them provisionally lo Titanotherium Prouti. from their great size, as none of them he has yet seen show even the articulating ex- tremities. t Dr. Hayden. 1857.] 122 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP Section of Tertiary beds thirteen miles above Fort Clark. 30 feet. Ferruginous sandy marl passing downwards into variegated argillaceous grits. B 2 inches. ( Heara of impure reddish lignite. C 10 to 12 feet. Yellowish-gray friable grit, with numerous argillaceous con cretions in horizontal layers, containing beautiful impressions of leaves, like those of PIqtanus, Acer, Ulmus, &c. ;D i 3 inches | Seam of lignite, very much mixed with clay and sand. E 10 feet. Yellowish-gray grit, very friable, and containing argillaceous concretions charged with leaves of same species of plants as above F I 3 inches, j tSeam of earthy lignite 15 feet. Yellow and drab clay and friable sandstone, containing argil- laceous concretions with remains of plants like those above. H I 4 inches. | Dark reddish earthy lignite. 20 feet. Yellow arenaceous grit — very friable — no fossils seen. 15 feet. Alternations of lignite and clay. This bed is variable in thick- ness, as well as in the proportions of the materials, at different localities. Heavy-bedded gray and ferruginous friable sandstone, con- 40 feet. taining Melania Nebrascensis, Paludina muUilineaia, Bulimus Urn- aeiformis, Corbula mactriformis, &c. &c. L 2 feet. Seam of impure lignite. M 4 feet. Gray argillaceous friable grit. ^ 2 feet. Lignite — purest in the section. 0 6 feet. Bluish-gray clay, slightly arenaceous. P 2 feet. Rather pure lignite. Q Gray Gomi)act, or somewhat friable concretionary sandstone. The bed Q of this section is here only seen at low stages of the river, and then but a few feet of it is exposed above the water line. Near Long Lake, however [May, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 123 and on the Moreau, the entire bed is exposed, and attains a thickness of about thirty feet. At these latter localities it is seen to repose directly upon No. 5, or the most recent member of the Cretaceous system of the north-west, the upper part of which it so nearly resembles in iis lithological characters that ihe line of demarkation betweeu the two can often be only ascertained by the organic remains characterizing: each. This fact, together with the general resemblance of many of the fossils found in the upper part of No. 5 of our general section to Tertiary types, would have caused us to doubt the propriety of referring this part of that bed to the Cretaceous epoch, were it not for the presence of Scaj)h- ites Conradi, and other well marked Cretaceous forms. From the estuary character of the fossils found in the bed Q of the last sec- tion, {Ci/rena, Oslrca, Melania, &c.,) and the absence of Cretaceous forms, we think there can be little room to question the propriety of referring it to the Tertiary system. The question, however, in regard to its exact position in that system may yet be regarded as a little doubtful, but the weight of evidence is on the side of the conclusion tliat it is Miocene. This conclusion is also borne , out or strengthened by the general relations at other localities between this bed and those above, in which Miocene fossils occur. The preceding section, although not representing all the beds of the great Lignite basin, (there being some higher beds seen at other localities,) gives a correct idea of the composition and general structure of these deposits,* and shows how remarkably they differ in their lithological characters from those of the White River basin, in which fine white argillaceous material so largely predominates, and no lignite or remains of plants have been found. Of the age of the fresh-water and Estuary deposits seen near the mouth of Judiih River, we have refrained from the expression of any very decided opinion, in consequence of the fact that they appear to be mingled by upheavals with a series of sandstones, clays, lignite, &c., which we think belong to the same epoch as No. 1 of our general section. Amongst some of the collections inves- tigated by us from these Judith River estuary and fresh-water beds, and pub- lished in one of our former papers, we found species of Faludina, Corbula, &c., so closely related to shells we had from the Great Lignite basin near Fort Clark, that we were for a time in some doubt about the propriety of considering them distinct. In this upper member of the Judith River formations, great numbers of a small oyster occur along with the fresh-water shells of which we have just spoken. This oyster so nearly resembles a species in our possession from the low- est bed of the last section, obtained at a locality near Grand River, that we have not yet seen any characters by which they can be distinguished. We are also inclined to reg.ird these shells as identical with a sjjecies described by Drs. Evans and Shumard from Grand River, under the name of 0. subtriyonalis. There is also, in the fresh-water beds at the Judith localities, a Unio, which we think the same as a shell found in the Miocene lignite formations on the Yellow Stone. In addition to these facts, a species of Trionyx described by Dr. Leidy, from about the middle bed of the Judith fresh-water deposits, is regarded by that gentleman as identical with specimens from the bed Q, near Long Lake below Fort Clark. Now as this bed Q, of the previous section at the Moreau, Grand River, and Long Lake localities, beyond all doubt, rests directly upon formation No. 5 of the general section, and forms a part of the Great Lignite series, we would not for a moment hesitate in regarding the deposits of which we have spoken, near the Judith, as Tertiary, were it not for the fact that the saurian and fish remains occurring in these beds, as may be seen by reference to Prof. Leidy's remai-ks respecting them, are allied to Wealden and older types. In the midst of evidence of such a conflicting nature, it is of course unsafe to express any very positive opinion respecting the age of these formations. At *It should be borne in mind, however, that the beds of lignite represented in this section vary much in extent, as well . s in purity, at different localilies; some of those seen on the Yellow Stone being as much as seven feet in thickness. At Fort Berihold. on the Missouri, a two foot bed is pure enough to be used as fuel. 1857.] ,24 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF the same time, as we are strongly inclined to the conclusion that they will prove not merely Tertiary, but about of the age of the lowest beds of the Great Lignite basin, or perhaps a little older, we have therefore placed them provisionally along with the Tertiary beds in the accompanying general section of the Ne- braska rocks. In order to give some idea of the nature and order of superposition of the beds of which we have just been speaking, as well as for the sake of comparison with those of the Great Lignite basin, we give below a section taken at the mouth of Judith River, where these beds are least disturbed, and their strata- graphical arrangement can be best seen. Section of Fresh-water and Estuary Deposits near the Mouth of Judith River. A 80 feet. Yellow arenaceous marl passing downwards into gray grit, with small seams of lignite ; contains great numbers of Ostrea siibtric/onalis?, Cyrena occidentalism Melania conveza, &c. &c. B 10 feet. Impure lignite, containing much sand. Ostrea subtrigonalis? and silicified wood. C 80 feet. Alternations of sand and clay, with particles of lignite ; also reddish argillaceous concretions with a few saurian teeth, and fresh-water shells. D 20 feet. Alternate strata of sand and clay, with impure lignite and silicified wood in a good state of preservation. E 100 feet. Variable bed, consisting of alternations of sand and clay with large concretions containing great numbers of Melania, Paludina, Helix, Planorbis, Cyclas, &c. &c., associated with Saurian remains resembling the Iguanodon and Megalosaurus, Trionyx, &c. &c. F 25 feet. Alternations of impure lignite and yellowish-brown clay, the latter containing great numbers of Unio^ Faludina, Melania, Cyclas, and the fresh remains referred by Dr. Leidy to the genus Lepi- dotus. G 100 feet. Ferruginous sand and clay, having in upper part a seam 3 or 4 inches in thickness, nearly made up of shells of Unio. Lower part ferruginous, and coarse gray grit, with a scam near the base entirely composed of remains of Unio Danai, U. Dewyi and U. subspatulata. This section embraces all the deposits, as we believe, seen in the Bad Lands of the Judith, in which land and fresh-water shells are known to occur. They appear, as near as could be ascertained, to occupy a local basin in a series of [May, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 125 marine deposits, consisting of beds of sandstone and impure lignite, wliich we have regarded provisionally as of the age of No 1 of our general section. Lower down the Missouri, near the mouth of Little Rocky Mountain Creek, this last mentioned series of rocks upon which the fresh-water deposits repose at the mouth of the Judith, is clearly seen to pass beneath No. 4 of the general section ; proving that Nos. 2 and 3 are not represented in that part of the coun- try. As no indications were seen in this region of these latter formations, it is probably they are entirely wanting towards the sources of the Missouri. The deposits above alluded to, (at the mouth of Judith River,) as probably on a parallel with beds seen near the mouth of Big Sioux River on the Missouri, — (forming No. 1, of the Nebraska section,) — are characterized, as stated in one of our former papers, by a group of fossils remarkably distinct from those oc- curring in any of the higher north western formations ; and there remains some doubt as to whether or not they are older than Cretaceous. The presence of the genus Baculites would seem to establish the fact that they belong to the Cretaceous epoch ; while the occurrence in the same hand specimens with these remains of Baculites, of a species of Hettangii, — a genus of bivalves, not known to occur in the old world in newer formations than the Lias, — would, on the other hand, indicate that these beds are older than Cretaceous. For the pre- seijt, however, we express no decided opinion on this point, but content our- selves with the remark, that we are inclined to think they hold a position near the base of the Cretaceous system, and are probably on a parallel with the Neocomien of the old world, though they may be older. The following section, taken near the mouth of Judith River,* will exhibit ap- proximately the lithological characters, and orderof succession of these deposits at that locality. It is not pretended, however, that this section represents all the beds of this series, as others were observed near them, but owing to the dis- tortion and disturbance of the strata, and the unfavorable circumstances under which the observations were made, it was impossible to devote time enough to their examination to collect the means of constructing a connected general section of the whole series. We should also state here that the specimens fur- nishing the data upon which this section, and that of the fresh-water and esta- ary deposits near the same locality, were constructed, although collected some time back, only came to hand since the communication of our last paper. Section op the Older Deposits at the Mouth of Judith River, in the Descbnd- iNG Order. Bed A. — Yellowish and reddish, rather coarse grained sandstone, becoming deep red on exposure, — containing Inoceramus veniricosus, Mactra alta, Car- dium speciosum, S(c., ^c 20 to 25 ft. " B. — Mixed pure and impure lignite — whole bed containing many crystals of selenite, and a yellowish substance like sulphur. The masses of lignite, when broken, reveal in considerable quantities small reddish crystalline fragments of a substance having the taste and appearance of rosin... 6 to 8 ft. " C. — Variable strata of drab clay, and gray sand and sandstone : — upper part containing large numbers of Oslrea glabra. Near the middle, there are gray or ash-colored clavs with very hard bluish gray granular, siliceous con- cretions, containing Hcttangia Americana, Panopcea occidenlalis, Mactra for- mosa, * ■-> IB i" o « ^ ■< H « W H Light colored indurated days, with oceasional beds of sandstone, conglomerate and whitish lime- stone. Great numbers of mammalian and chelonian remains, with a few fresh-water and land shells. — (Bad Lands of White Kiver.) Beds of clay, sand, sandstone, and lignite, containing groat numbers of fresh-water and land mnUusca, with a few marine or estuary shells; remains of plants, Saurians, Tri- onyx. &c. &c.— (Great Lignite Basin.) Sand, sand- stone, clays, and very impure lignite, with lemains of fresh-water, land, and a few estuary shell, Sauri- ans, fishes, Trionyz, &e. — (Had Lands of Judith.) Mauvaises Terres of White River. Great extent of coun- try on both sides of the Mis- souri between Heart and Milk Rivers ; on the Yellow Stone. Bad Land at the mouth of Judith River, &c. &c. Gray and yellowish arenaceous clays, and sand- stones, sometimes weathering to a pink color; con- taining Belemnitella hulbnsa, Nautilus Dekayi, Am- monites placenta, A. Inbatus, Scaphites Conradi, Bieulites nvatus, and great numbers of ol her ma- rine moUusca. Moreau trading post, and under the Tertiary at Sage and Bear Creeks. Vox Hills. Bluish and dark gray plastic clays, containing Nautilus Dekayi, Ammonites placenta, Baculites ovatus, and B. compressus. with numerous other marine mollusca, — remains of Mosasaurus. Great area about Fort Pierre and along the Mis- souri below there. Under No 5, at Sage and Bear Creeks. Great Bend of the Missouri. Near Milk and Muscle shell Rivers. Dark, very fiuf unctuous clay, containing much carbonaceous matter, with veins and seams sele- nite, sulphuret of iron, fish and scales, (local.) Lead gray calcareous marl, weathering above to a yellowish tint. Scales and other remains of fishes — Ostrea congesta — passing downwards into L.ight gray or yellowish limestone, containing great numbers of Inoceramus problematicus, fish scales, and Ostrea coni/esta. Bluffs along the Missouri, below the Great Bend. Ex- tends to Big Sioux River, and occurs along the latter stream. Dark gray laminated clay scales and other re- mains of fishes, small Ammonites, Inoceramus pro- blematieusf, Serpula, small oyster-like O. congesta. Along the Missouri Bluffs, from ten miles above James River to Big Sioux River. Yellowish and reddish friable sandstone, with alternations of dark and whitish clays. Seams and beds of impure lignite, fossil wood, impressions of dicotyledonous leaves; Solen, Pectunculus, Cypri- na. &c. This bed is not positively known to belong to the Cretaceous system. Near the mouth of Big Sioux River, and between there and Council Bluffs. Near Judith River? as Yellow limestone, containing Fusulina eylindrica, Terebratula subtilita, Spirifer Afeusebachanus, Al- lorismn, regxilaris, and other fossils of the coal measures. I'orms shoals in the Mis- souri Kiver at De Soto; 15 to 20 feet exposed at Council Bluffs, at low stages of the river. [May, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 129 The position and vertical range of such fossils as are known to be common to the North West and New Jersey, in the foregoing general section of the Nebraska rocks, clearly establishes, as stated in our paper communicated to the Academy in November last, that formations No. 4 and 5 of the North West, are on a parallel with the beds b. c. d. and e. of the New Jersey serief. After a careful reviewiof the subject, we are now satisfied that the parallel- ism of these beds may \ be more closely drawn, or in other words, that the second green sand bed of the New Jersey section rejjresents No. 5 of Nebraska, and that No. 4 of the latter region is on a parallel with the beds c. d. and e. of New Jersey. At the same time the identity of No. 1 of the North West, with the beds com- posing f. of the New Jersey section, is scarcely less apparent. It is true tbig latter opinion rests mainly upon stratigraphical and lithological evidence, yet these points of analogy are so strong as to possess great weight. In order that this may be better understood and appreciated, we quote below from notes taken by one of us''*' in 1855, a description of an exposure of No. 1 seen on Big Sioux River, which will show, by comparison with the New Jersey section, the striking resemblance between the beds holding a position at the base of the Cretaceous formations at these distantly separated localities. " Six miles above the month of Big Sioux River we have an exposure of impure lignite about 12 inches in thickness, underlaid by alternate layers of sandstone, loose clay, yellow and ash colored arenaceous clays, and fine whitish clay. The strata containing clay have quite distinct impressions of leave?. which appear to have belonged to dicotyledonous trees. We have also, near the base of the exposure, some fine impressions of leaves in dark tough gray, siliceous, concretionary rock. Much pyrites and fragments of fossil wood occur in these beds." The points of analogy between these lower deposits (No. 1) of the norih-weet, and formation f at the base of theNew Jersey section, as well as with an extensive series of deposits holding the same position in Alabama, (formation E of the Alabama section,) and throughout a great area of country in Arkansas, Tesae, and New Mexico, will be more fully illustrated by the following section taken in north-eastern Kansas, where this series appears to be more extensively de- veloped than at any localities known to us in Nebraska. For this section, as well as much other interesting and important information respecting the geology of the country surveyed by him, we are indeb'ed to the kindness of Major F. Hawn, formerly of the geological survey of Missouri, but now connected with the lineal survey of portions of Kansas Territory. We give it exactly as communicated to us by him, excepting that we have thrown it into a tabular form, and added columns showing the parallelism of the beds with those of New Jersey and Nebraska. To those acquainted with Major Hawn, it is unnecessary for us to say he is a careful conscientious observer, whose state- ments are worthy of the fullest confidence. The beds represented in this section were not all seen at any one locality, but their thickness, composition and order of succession were determined from ex- aminations made at numerous exposures in the country east of the sixth prin- cipal meridian, between the northern boundary of Kansas and the Republican fork of Kansas River. * Dr. Hayden. 1857.] 130 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Sections of the rocks in North Eastern Kansas, (above the coal measures'). By Major F. Hawn, U. S. Dep. Surveyor. a. b. c. d. e. r h. i. J- k. 1. m a 45 feet 27 feet. 25 feet. 90 feet. 10 feet. SUBDIVISIONS. 6 a Z £ h < 53" Light gray limestone with Inoceramus proLlematicus and other Cretaceous fossils. s a c s o o .s No. 3. (lower part.) a >, a 1 Slope strewed with light gray calcareous concretions. No. 2y Uard concretionary dark ferruginous sandstone, containing fo^sil wood, and impressions of leaves resembling those of the common willow. a _o >^ >-s & o a o a 1 a o Slope with numerous large rounded blocks thinly laminated sandstone. White very fine grained soft calcareous sandstone. 8 ft. 12 feet. 28 feet. 50 feet. ,- oft thinly laminated dark blue clay. White clay, stained in spots with oxyd of iron. Slope with large irregular blocks of hard dark ferruginous sand- stone, contiining large quantities of fossil wood and leaves, like those of Qmrcus alba. Soft coarse buff sandstone, rapidly disintegrating where exposed. 30 feet. Light blue clay. 14 feet. 60 feet. 48 feet. Slope strewed with rectangular blocks soft, dark brown, fine grained sandstone. Slope, upper part covered by loose flags of dark ferruginous con- glomerate, composed of coarse sand and small silicious pebbles. Light gray and buff irregularly stratified silicious limestone, pro- bably of Carboniferous age. The similarity between the beds from c. to 1. inclusive, of the above section, and formation f. of the New Jersey series, when taken in connection with their position in relation to the higher formations, is too obvious to leave much room to doubt that they belong to the same horizon. Mr. Henry Pratten, of the Geological Survey of Illinois, to whose liberality we are indebted for a full abstract of notes taken by him on the geology of the country along the California trail between Fort Leavenworth and San Francisco, informs us that he met with the lower members of the Nebraska section at seve- ral points along Platte River, above Fort Laramie. No. 1, he says, as in portions of north-eastern Kansas, and on the Missouri below the Big Sioux, reposes directly [May, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 131 upon upper Carboniferous strata, and presents its usual characters, excepting that the beds of sandstone are more frequently white. lie did not see No. 2 well exposed, its place in the series being usually occupied by a slope. Above this, however, he saw the lower beds of No. 3, presenting their usual lithological characters, and containing the fossil everywhere marking this horizon, (Inoce- ramus problematicus. )* Mr. Hawn writes us, he has been informed by an intelligent Deputy Surveyor, that the formations represented in his section, especially the beds below the upper limestone, were seen by him at intervals along the sixth principal me- ridian, as far south as his survey extended, or to the fifth standard parallel, near the Arkansas River. Exactly similar deposits were observed by Dr. George B. Shumard in the vicinity of Fort Washita, and the Cross Timbers in northern Texas. He de- scribes these formations as consisting of " grayish yellow sandstone, with in- tercalations of blue, yellow and ash colored clays, and beds of white and bluish- white limestone. The limestone reposing on the clays and sandstones." (See Capt. Marcy's report of Explorations on Red River, page 181.) In one of the upper beds of this series Dr. Shumard found, along with several new species of Cretaceous fossils, some of the same shells collected by Dr. Roemer from similar depv.sits at New Braunfels, and other localities further south in Texas. He likewise collected from the same beds, species identical with some of those found in the same position by Mr. Marcou at Pyramid Mountain, in New Mexico, thus establishing the parallelism of the formations at all these localities.! A section of these deposits taken by Mr. Marcou at Pyramid Mountain, near the Llano Estacado, (Bulletin Geol. Soc. France, Tome 12, p. 878,) corresponds remarkably in its general features with Mr. Hawn's section already given, of these formations in north-eastern Kansas. The identity of composition and order of succession of the various beds represented in these sections, can scarcely be due to accident, but points rather to the conclusion that they were deposited at the same time in the same ocean. For the sake of comparison we give below, in a tabular form, Mr. Marcou's section of Pyramid Mountain, with columns showing the parallelism of the various beds with the formations in Nebraska, Kansas, New Jersey and Alabama, as well as his views respecting the parallelism of the same with formations of the Old World. * Since these remarks were written, I have received with deep regret the sad news of Mr. Pra'ten s death. In making this announcement, it affords me a mel incholy pleasure to bear witness t p his merits as a man and a devoted cultivator of natural science. Along with all the artless simplicity of a child, he possessed an intellect of no ordinary powers ; while his studious habits and untiring perseverance, aided by a wonderful memory, had enabled him, under circumstances far from propitious, to acquire an amount of knowledge in various departments of science, of which the most favored might be proud. Perhaps no person now Uving possesses a better knowledge of the western carboniferous fossils than he did; and yet this was only one of several branches of science to which he had devoted many years of his life. His quiet habits and unpretending manners, however, had to a great extent prevented his real merits fr.im being duly appreciated outside of a comparaiively limited circle of personal acquaintances. With all, and better than all, his other qualities of head and heart, Mr. Pratten was a high minded, honorable man. F. B. M. 1 1 am under obligations to Dr. B. F. Shumard for a few specimens of fossils collected by his brother from these formations in Texas. F. B. M. 1857.] 132 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP Section of the Formations at Pyramid Mountain^ New Mexico. Subdivisions. 5or6ft.| White, very compact silicious limestone. 5 or 6 ft.| Hard, deep yellow gritty limestone. 30 feet. 25 feet. Bluish-gray clay of subschistose structure, containing near the base a species of Gry- pfuea and Ostrea, (referred by Mr. Marcou to G. dilatata and 0. Marshii.*') Fine grained, white sandstone, disinte- grating rapidly where exposed. 80 feet. Hard, fine grained sandstone of a light yellow color, forming perpendicular escarp- ments. 8 feet. I White, fine grained sandstone. 200 ft. Alternations of red, green and white marly clays. CO No. 3, lower No. 2. Mr. Marcou does not mention the occurrence of Inoceramus problematicus in the limestone (a) of his section at this locility, but it has been found in this position at various localities in the south-west by others, as stated in our last communication. From the facts given by him, there is also scarcely room for a doubt, but the specimen of Ostrea congesta, we mentioned seeing in his col- leetionf (Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. November last) from Galisteo, was either found in this bed or the clays immediately below it, {b of his section,) in both of which deposits it occurs in Nebraska. As Pyramid Mountain is but an isolated portion, left by the denudation of the surrounding strata, of a great elevated plateau known as the Llano Estacado, which occupies a vast area of country in western Texas and New Mexico, it is highly probable the beds composing Mr. Marcou's section are widely distributed • We think these identical with species found by Dr. George B. Shumard at Fort Washita, Texas, where they appear to hold the same geological position, and are asso- ciated with Ammonites vesperlimis (Morton.) Dr. B. F. Shumard has correctly, as we believe, referred the first to (iryphcBa Pitcheri (Morton), and described the laiter as « new specie*, under the name of Ostrea suhovate. (See Capt. Marcy's Report Explorations Red River, page 205 — Appendix.) We are almost willing to hazard the opinion, that these species will yet be found in Southern Nebraska, or north-eastern Kansas, in forma- tion No. 2 of the Nebraska Section. t In alluding to this fact in our last paper, we inadvertently omitted to mention that the specimen seen by us is in the possession of Prof Hall, by whose permission we referred to its occurrence at that locaUty. [May, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 138 over the far south-west. This conclusion is also borne out by the statements of Capt. Marcy and other explorers of that region. The facts given by this gentleman and Dr. G. G. Shumard, likewise point to the conclusion that the great gypsum deposits of the south-west hold a position equivalent to No. 2, or the upper part of No. 1 of the Nebraska section. From all the facts, we are led to believe, as stated on a former occasion, that the divisions No. 4 and 5 of Nebraska, and their equivalents in New Jersej' and Alabama, are entirely wanting, or but meagrely represented, throughout the south-west; and that No. 2 and No. 3 are the main fossil-bearing strata of that region ; while No. 1, which there as in the north-west and in Alabama, rei)0ses on Carboniferous strata, attains a much greater development than in either of those countries. Conclusions. Ist. We have no evidence that any of the Tertiary deposits now known in Nebi-aska are older than Miocene. 2d. The estuary and fresh-water deposits at the mouth of Judith River are probably on a parallel with the lowest bed of the Great Lignite basin, though some portions of them ~iay be so.mewhat older. 'dd. The Great Lignite basin and the Mauvaiies Terres of White River, though probably both Miocene, are not exactly on a parallel. Ath. We have in Nebraska a more complete series of Cretaceous formations, and consequently a better standard of comparison for rocks of that age, than is yet known to exist in any other portion of this country. bth. The formations in New Jersey and Alabama generally referred to the Cretaceous system, are on a parallel with the iqjper and lower members of the Nebraska section, (No. 1, 4 and 5 ;) while nearly, if not quite all the main fossil- bearing deposits older than Tertiary, and newer than Carboniferous, in Kansas, Arkansas, Texas and New Mexico, are on a parallel with the middle and lower portions of the same. Qlh. Although the beds No. 2 and 3 of the north-west, are extensively de- veloped, and probably the principal fossiliferous Cretaceous deposits of the far south-west, we have up to this time, no evidence of their existence east of the Mississippi. Consequently the marked typical differences observable between most of the Cretaceous fossils hitherto found in the south-west, and those characterizing the upper Cretaceous formations of Nebraska, Alabama and New Jersey, are not wholly due to the fact that they belonged to different zo- ological districts ; nor yet, as might be supposed in regard to the Nebraska and New Jersey species, to the modifying effects of physical conditions dependent on latitude ; but mainly to the fact that they belong to another geological hori- zon, and consequently lived during a different epoch. 7th. There is at the base of the Cretaceous System, at distantly separated localities in Nebraska, Kansas, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, Alabama and New Jersey, if not indeed everywhere in North America where that Sys- tem is well developed (at any rate east of the Rocky Mountains), a series of various colored clays and sandstones, and beds of sand, often of great thickness, in which organic remains, excepting leaves of apparently dicotyledonous plants, fossil wood, and obscure casts of shells, are very rarely found, but which every- where preserves a uniformity of lithological and other characters, pointing unmistakeably to a similarity of physical conditions daring their deposition, over immense areas. 8th. Although the weight of evidence thus far favors the conclusion that this lower series is of the age of the lower Green Sand, or Neocomien, of the old world, we yet want positive evidence that portions of it may not be older than any part of the Cretaceous System. 1857.] 10 134 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW FOSSILS.* Ptychoceras Mortoni. Shell small and thin, elongate cylindrical ; larger half, or body, very slightly tapering, apparently rounded on the dorsum, and concave along the inner side for the reception of the slender smaller half. Surface ornamented by rather strong annular costae, which are less prominent, and somewhat irregularly divided on the body, and bifurcate occasionally on the smaller part ; dorsum of the slender half ornamented by two rows of very small nodes, arranged upon the costae ; fine indistinct lines of growth mark the shell parallel to the ribs. Aperture, septa, and siphuncle unknown. Length (of specimen imperfect at the aperture, and apex of smaller portion) about 1 inch; breadth -26 inch ; diameter of slen- der part -12 inch ; do. of body -17 inch. This shell is about the size, and has much the general appearance of a species described by Dr. Morton from the deep cut of the Chesapeake and Dela- ware canal, under the name of Hamites annuUfer (Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. vol. 8, pi. xi. fig. 4,; but differs from his figure in having bifurcating instead of simple costae. It is possible, however, that they may not be distinct, though it is hardly probable so important a character as the bifurcation of the costae would have escaped the attention of so close an observer as Dr. Morton. Judging from the nodes seen along the dorsum of the smaller portion of our shell, it appears probable similar or stronger nodes may have existed along the outside of the body, or larger half; if so, it must have differed materially in this respect from Dr. Morton's species. When entire our specimen must have been not less than 1 J to 2 inches in length. Dedicated to the lamented Dr. George Morton of Philadelphia. Locality and position. Great bend of the Missouri, formation No. 4. of the series. Serpula? tenuicarinatds. Shell growing in groups, or rarely single, slightly compressed-cylindrical, increasing very gradually in size, irregularly curved or flexuous, not spirally coiled; attached by one side nearly the whole length; having a distinctly elevated, linear carina along the upper side ; surface sometimes very obscurely undulating transversely, otherwise smooth. Length unknown; transverse diameter about .14 inch. As we have no perfect specimens of this fossil, it is with some doubt we refer it to the genus Serpula. It appears to have no internal septa as in Ver- ■meius ; and we have seen no indications of an operculum as in Vermicularia ; consequently we place it provisionally in the genus Serpula. Locality and position. — Mouth of Vermillion River, on the Missouri, formation No. 2 of the series. VlTRINA OBLIQUA. Shell obliquely oval ; spire much depressed ; volutions four to four and a half, first two or three increasing rather slowly in size, last one ventricose and rapidly enlarging, prominent below ; suture distinct ; aperture circular ; surface unknown. Greatest transverse diameter .64 inch ; height .50 ; diameter of aperture .ST inch. Having seen only internal casts of this shell, we are in some doubt about its generic relations ; as its associates, however, belong to land and freshwater genera, and its form agrees very nearly with that of Vitrina, we place it pro- visionally in that genus. It resembles a species described by Reuss and Von Meyer, under the name of V. intermedia from the Tertiary Lacustrine deposits in the north of Bohemia, (see Tert. Siiss. pi. 1 fig.) but has more volutions. Locality and position. Mouth Judith River, bed E of the section of freshwater and estuary deposits at that place. * lllustrationg to be published hereafter in Lieut. Warren's Report. [May, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 13 5 Helix occidkntalis. Shell thin, rather small, depressed nearly orbicular; volutions four, convex above, proniiuent, or almost subangular a little above the middle of the outside, gibbous below, most convex near the umbilicus ; surface ornamented by regular rather strong oblique lines of growth; suture well defined; umbilicus deep, less than one third the transverse diameter of the shell, exhibiting most of the inner volutions ; aperture round oval, modified slightly by the succeeding whorl ; lip sharp, not reflexed. Greatest transverse diameter .33 inch; height .21 inch ; greatest diameter of aperture .16 inch. This neat little Helix is more nearly related to the recent H. strialella of An- thony than to any other shell we have seen figured, but is larger, has a smaller umbilicus, and appears to be more strongly striated. iMr. Anthony says the umbilicus of IT. striateUa is not equal to the body whorl. In the species before us, it is scarcely half equal to the body volution near the aperture. Locality and position. Same as last. Helix vitrinoides. Shell subglobose; spire elevated; volutions about four, convex, increasing rather rapidly, last one somewhat ventricose, contracted a little near the lip ; suture distinct; umbilicus very small or closed; aperture oval or ovate; (lip reflexed?) ; surface unknown. Height .37 inch ; breadth .44 inch ; greater diameter of aperture .27 inch ; smaller do. .20 inch. Of this species wc have only seen internal casts, and consequently know nothing of its surface markings. Judging from the slight contraction of the body whorl of the cast near the aperture, it is probable the lip was thickened and reflexed. Locality atid position. Same as last. Planorbis tenuivolvis. Shell planiorbicular ; spire flat or nearly so ; volutions six to six and a half, extremely narrow and closely embracing ; increasing very gradually, scarcely one-third as broad as high, rounded above, prominent, or almost subangular round the outer margin, from which they round obliquely down- wards and inwards towards the umbilicus, near which they are more prominent or subangular; suture well defined; umbilicus deep, acutely conical ; equal- ling about one-third the greater diameter of the shell, and exhibiting the vo- lutions quite to the apex of the spire ; surface and aperture unknown ; section of volutions extremely narrow and strongly arcuate. Greater diameter .15 inch ; height .OG inch. This remarkably delicate little shell resembles the following species (P. am- plexus) more than any with which we are acquainted ; it differs, however, in having much narrower and more closely wound volutions ; about the same number being present in specimens measuring not much more than one-third the transverse diameter of that shell. Locality aiid position. Same as last. Planorbis amplexus. Shell planorbicular ; spire flat, or nearly so ; volutions six, closely em- bracing, narrow, very gradually increasing, nearly twice as high as wide, rounded on the outside, subangular round the umbilicus ; surface marked by lines of growth, which pass round very obliquely backwards from above to a point below the middle of the outer part of the whorls, where they are again directed slightly forwards, so as to indicate the presence of a broad, undefined sinus, below the middle of the outer lip ; aperture unknown, umbilicus conical, deep, less than half the greater diameter of the shell, exhibiting the inner whorls. Greatest diameter .39 inch ; height .25 inch. This species bears some resemblance to our P. convolutus (Proceedings Acad. Nat. Sci. vol. 8, p. 1 20,) but has from one to one and a half more volutions, which 1857.] 136 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF ai-e much narrower and more embracing. The spire also differs ia being flat instead of convex, as in P. convolutus, and the umbilicus is much deeper, narrower and more defined in the species before us. Locality and position. Bed C of the section of freshwater and estuarj deposits at mouth of Judith River. Planorbis fragilis. Shell rather large, very thin, nearly planiorbicular ; (spire much depressed or flattened ?) ; umbilicus large, deep and exhibiting all the whorls to the apex of the spire; volutions five or six, (much depressed or flat above?) prominent below, rounded on the lower outer side, subangular round the margins of the umbilicus ; (periphery angular ?) ; surface marked by rather faint lines of growth. Greatest diameter 1.23 inches ; height about .40 inch. As we have seen oilly imperfect specimens of this shell, we thiijk the above description may have to be modified somewhat when better specimens are obtained. In those we have seen, the volutions appear to have been nearly flat or much depressed above, in consequence of which the outer side of the whorls is distinctly angular. This character, however, and the remarkable flatness of the spire, may be, at least to some extent, caused by pressure. Locality and position. — Fort Berthold on the Missouri River, ia Lignite Tertiary basin. Melania scbtortuosa. Shell conical screw-shaped ; spire not much elevated ; volutions about five, very convex, distinctly angular round the middle, increasing rather rapidly from the apex ; suture strongly defined, in consequence of the prominence of the angular whorls; surface and aperture unknown. Length 29 "inch ; breadth •21 inch ; apical angle regular, divergence 47°. The angular form of the whorls is so conspicuous a character in this species, that it will be at once known from all its associates, and indeed from all the Nebraska species we have seen, by this character alone. It bears considerable re- Bemblance to M. tortuosa of Anthony, (An. Lye. Nat. Hist., N. Y. vol. 6,) a recent species, but has a shorter spire, and not so many volutions. It is, perhaps, nearer in form to M. acuio-carinata of Lea, but may be distinguished by its more distinctly angular body whorl ; the angle on Mr. Lea's species being only well denned on the spire. Locality and position. Mouth Judith River, bed C. of the section of fresh- water and estuary deposits at that place. Melania omitta. Shell small, very slender ; spire elongate conical, acute at the apex ; volutions about seven, flattened, or very slightly convex, increasing very gradually from the apex; suture linear, not deeply impressed ; surface and aperture unknown. Length -42 inch; breadth -12 ; apical angle regular, divergence 23°. Although we have seen neither the aperture nor surface markings of this little shell, we have ventured to characterize it, believing its slender form alone will serve to distinguish it from any of the other species with which it is as- sociated. Locality a?id position. Mouth Judith River, in layer of pebbly sandstone of bed G? of the fresh-water and estuary deposits at that place. Melania sdbl.'evus. Shell elongate conical; spire elevated (acute at the apex?); volutions (about seven?) very depressed convex; suture rather distinctly defined ; surface appa- rently smooth, but when examined with a lens is seen to be marked by fine obscure lines of growth, crossed by extremely fine, nearly obsolete revolving striae; aperture ovate, angular above; columella and outer lip nearly equally [May, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 137 arcuate; pillar faintly sinuous below. Length about 1-04 inch; breadth -38 inch ; apical angle slightly concave, divergence 24". This species will be known from all the others we have seen in the Nebraska formations, by its slender spire, and slightly concave sides. It is also propor- tionally longer than any Nebraska species known to us, excepting our M. con- vexa, (Proceedings of the Acad. Nat. Sci. vol. 8, p. 125,) from which it may be at once distinguished by its depressed convex, instead of flat, volutions, more defined suture, finer revolving lines, and more slender spire. Unfortunately none of our specimens are quite perfect enough to show the number of volutions ; one specimen consists of five turns of the spire, and, judging from the appear- ance of the broken apex, there were probably about two more. Locality and position. Bad lands of Judith River, bed G. of Fresh-water and Estuary formations at that place. Melania invendsta. Shell conical ovate; spire moderately elevated ; volutions about seven, very slightly convex, increasing rather slowly from the apex; suture linear, not much impressed ; surface marked by obscure lines of growth crossed by fine irregular rather indistinct revolving lines, a few of which, just below the suture, are larger than the others; aperture ovate; outer lip faintly sinuate above, rather prominent below the middle inner lip reflexed upon the imperforate columella, at the base of which it is broadly sinuou3. Length -90 inch ; breadth -37 inch ; apical angle regular or a little convex, divergence 32°. This shell is nearer our M. Ncbrasccnsis, (Proceedings of Acad. Nat. Sci. vol. 8, p. 124,) than any of the Nebraska species known to us, but has about one more volution, and is uniformly more slender, the body volution being propor- tionally much smaller. From M. sublcevus of this paper and any of the varieties of our 31. convexa with which it is associated, it may be known by its much less elongate form, and more obscure surface markings. It appears to be about intermediate between our M. convexa and M. N'ebrascensis, but quite distinct from both. Localitij and position. Bad Lands of Judith River, bed A. of the section of frtsh-water estuary strata at that place. Melania Warrenana. Shell small, somewhat acutely conical ; spire rather elevated, pointed at the apex; volutions about seven and a half, depressed convex, closely wound and increasing gradually from the apex, last one sub-angular round the middle ; suture distinct; surface apparently smooth, or only marked by very faint lines of growth ; aperture broad ovate, obtusely angular above ; outer lip very faintly and broadly sinuate above; columella arcuate, rather faintly sinuate below. Length -29 inch; breadth -14 inch ; apical angle convex, divergence 32®. This neat little shell is nearer our M. AntJwni/i, (Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci. vol. 8, p. 124,) than any other species with which we are acquainted, but is larger, and its spire more elevated. It has about one and a half to two more vo- lutions than 3f. Anthoni/i ; also the body whorl is comparatively smaller, and the apical angle nine or ten degrees less. We dedicate it to Lieut. G. K. Warren, of the U. S. Top. Engs., who discovered the only specimen we have seen. Locality and position. Summit of Square Butte, thirty miles below Fort Clark, on the Missouri, in a gray sandstone — an outlier of one of the lower strata of the Lignite Tertiary basin, where it is associated with Corbula mactriformig^ Melania Nebrascensis, and M, Conradi ? Melania tenuicarinata. Shell ovate conical; spire turreted, not very much elevated, pointed at the apex ; volutions six, convex, obliquely flattened above ; suture well-defined, in consequence of the prominence of the whirls; surface ornamented by fine regular lines of growth, crossed near the middle of the volutions by from two 1857.] 138 PEOCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP to about four distinctly elevated, revolving lines, which become ©bsolete near the apex of the spire ; the upper of these lines is larger than the others, and forms a well-marked keel, while the entire surface, above and below them, is marked br smaller, irregular, revolving lines, which, with the lines of growth, form a very fine indistinct cancellated style of ornament ; aperture oval ovate, obtusely angular above ; outer lip rather sharp, prominent a little below the middle, very faintly sinuous above; columella forming a gentle curve, scarcely sinuate below, not perforate. Length '54 inch ; breadth -29 inch ; apical angle convex, divergence variable with age, averaging about 45''. In some of its varieties this species approaches our M. Nebrascensis, (Proceed- ings Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,vol. 8, p. 124,) but has much more convex volutions, and greatly stronger revolving lines or keels, on the middle of the whorls. At the time we described M. Nebrascensis, we had but few specimens, and those very imperfect; along with these there were one or two specimens of the species now before us, which we were then inclined to regard as only a va- riety of 31. Nebrascensis. The collection now in our possession shows, how- ever, that they are distinct, consequently it will be necessary to modify some- what our description of M. Nebrascensis, so as to include only those shells with flattened or depressed convex whorls, and revolving lines, a few of which are larger than others on the middle of the volutions, but never becoming distinct angles or carinas. Locality and position. Fort Union, Lignite Tertiary formations. Melania convexa, (M. and H.) Proceedings of Acad. Nat. Sci. Fhila., Vol. 8, p. 125. From the same locality and position as the above, we find amongst some of the late collections specimens presenting differences from that shell, which we suspect may be of specific importance ; we are unwilling, however, without more individuals for comparison, to run the risk of multiplying synonyms by attempt- ing to characterize it as a distinct species. It is a more slender shell than 31. con- vexa, the lower volutions are more rounded, and the suture much more dis- tinctly impressed, especially between the lower whorls. For the present we will designate this form as 3Ielania convexa, var. impressa, and in case further com- parisons prove it to be a distinct species, it may be designated by the latter name. Fusns Vaughani. Shell fusiform, rather thick ; volutions six to six and a half, convex, obliquely a little flattened or concave above, last one narrowing somewhat abruptly below into the (short?) canal ; ornamented by small regular vertical folds, which are crossed by prominent revolving bands, less than the spaces between, so as to give the surface a coarsely cancellated aspect; of these bands about four on the body volution, and two on those of the spire are larger than the others, and form indistinct nodes, where they cross the vertical folds. Below these four larger bands on the body whorl, there are about five or six other smaller and more oblique bands, which diminish in size from above; while on the upper obliquely flattened, or concave part of the same whorls, as well as on those of the spire, there are about four much smaller revolving bands or lines. Entire .surface marked by distinct lines of growth, which are crossed by fine rather obscure revolving striaj, so as to produce, independent of the larger ornaments above mentioned, a fine reticulated style of marking. Aperture narrow ovate or oval ; outer lip bevelled ; inner lip thin, folded upon the arcuate and tortuous columella. Length about 1-43 inclies ; breadth -75 inch ; apical angle convex, divergence about 54°. This species is quite unlike any of those we have hitherto seen from the Ne- braska formations. Although apparently occurring in the same bed with avcII m arked Cretaceous forms, it is, like many of the upper Cretaceous species already described by us from this region, very nearly allied to forms belonging to the [May NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 189 Tertiary system of the old world. One of these, F. rarisulcatus of Dcshays, (Coq. Fos. p. 556, pi. T6, figs. 32, 34,) resembles it very closely in form aud surface characters, but differs in having the outer lip distinctly crenulated within. The specific name is given in honor of Col. A. J. Vaughan, Indian Agent for the Upper Missouri country, to wliose patronage we are indebted for many of the Nebraska species heretofore described by us. Locality and position. Near mouth of Heart lliver, junction of Upper Cretaceous and Tertiary beds. FUSUS SUBTDRRITDS. Shell fusiform ; spire conical, turreted, very acute at the apex : volutions about seven and a half, obliquely flattened or a little concave above, conve.x, and ornamented round the middle by a single row of rather prominent nodes, which on the upper whorls are prolonged so as to form more or less distinct vertical folds, last one tapering rather obliquely into the straight canal ; surface ornamented by fine lines of growth, which are crossed by small rather regular elevated thread-like lines, about equalling the spaces between ; suture linear, and when viewed from above is seen to deviate from a regular curve in follow- ing the undulating outline of the prolonged nodes : aperture obovate, narrowing below into the canal. Length about l-TS inches ; breadth -90 inch ; apical angle nearly regular, divergence 55''. Tbis species is more nearly related to out F. Newberryi (Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philada. vol. 8, p. 66) than any shell we have seen, but differs in having a more elevated spire, which is much more acute at the apex ; it also has from two to two and a half more volutions than F. Newberryi, and much more i^rominent nodes. Locality and position. Upj)er part of No. 4, near Grand River. FCSUS INTERTEXTUS. Shell fusiform, or elongate rhomboidal, rather thick ; spire conical, mode- rately'' elevated ; volutions about six, convex below, sloping very obliquely, and concave above, ornamented round the middle by a regular row of vertically elon- gated nodes ; last whoi'l tapering rather gradually into the canal ; suture not very distinct ; surface ornamented by well marked lines of growth, which are crossed by strong, elevated, revolving lines, less than the spaces between on the middle and upper portions of the whorls, but smaller, more crowded, and sometimes alternating in size, below the middle of the last turn ; aperture narrow obovate, obtusely angular above, narrowing gradually below ; margin of outer lip sharj) or bevelled, prominent in the middle, retreating above and below ; inner liji scarcely distinct from the slightly arcuate columella. Length about 1-87 inches : breadth -86 inch: apical angle convex, divergence 50°. In many respects this species approaches our F. Newberryi (Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philada. vol. 8, p. 66,) but differs in the greater elevation of its spire, more elongated form, and stronger, as well as more distant revolving lines. It also has about one more volution, and the apical angle measures 5° less. Like Fusus Newberryi, in the prominence of the middle of the outer lip, and consequent subsinuate character of its upper part, this shell approaches some varieties of Pleurotoma, but appears to be a true Fusus. Locality and position. Yellow Stone River, 150 miles above its mouth, in a bed apparently a blending of No. 4 and 5 of our section. Fusus (Pleurotoma ?) Scakboroughi. Sliell fusiform ; spire conical, acute at the apex ; volutions about six and a half, flattened, or slightly concave above ; .last one contracting abruptly below into a small (rather short?) canal ; suture small, not deeply impressed ; surface ornamented by fine regular lines of growth, crossed by numerous distinct, rather closely arranged, elevated, thread-like lines, which are slightly variable in size, but generally equalling the spaces between ; sometimes more closely crowded and smaller just below the suture, than on the middle of the whorls ; aperture narrow ovate, angular above, tapering into the canal below ; outer lip thin, 1857.] 140 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF prominent near the middle, and having a broad faint sinus above ; colnmella slightly arcuate. Length about 1'42 inches; breadth -67 inch; apical angle very convex, divergence 40". Not having seen a specimen of this species showing very clearly the form of the outer lip, we are left in some doubt as to whether it is not more nearly re- lated to Pleurotoma than Fusus. The lines of growth, are so deflected below the suture, as to indicate the presence of a broad faint sinus in the upper edge of the lip, as in Pleurotoma ; the general aspect of the shell, however, is more like Fusus than Pleurotoma. It is probably one of those connecting links be- tween those genera, often met with amongst fossil species. None of our speci- mens show the entire length of the canal, but we are inclined to think it was not very long. There is no other shell in the Nebraska formation No. 5 known to us, resembling this in other respects, that has so remarkably convex a spiral angle, the con- vergence from the first to the second volution being only about 30**, while the angle at the apex is as much as 48°. We have named this species in honor of .Mr. George Scarborough, of Owens- boro', Ky., a quiet but devoted cultivator of natural science. Locality and position. Butte aux Gres, on the Missouri River, formation No. 5 of the section. New Gen. PSEUDOBUCCINUM. Owing to the fact that the limits of the great genus Buccinum are badly defined, and several attempts have already been made to erect into distinct genera, forms regarded by many of the ablest conchologists as merely sections of that genus, it is with hesitation we venture to propose for a shell of this type a new generic name. Although evidently related to Buccinum, the species before us presents, we think, an ensemble of characters of sufficient importance to be regarded as the type of a distinct group. In the first place, it differs remarkably from the species of that genus known to us, in the deeply arcuate and strongly tortuous charac- ter of its columella, as well as in the comparatively large size of the body volu- tion and aperture. So distinctly marked are these characters, that it appears probable, if the matrix were removed from the inside of the shell, the whole interior, quite to the apex of the spire, would be visible from below. It like- wise differs from any of the species of Buccinum coming under our observation, in being a much thinner shell, and in having, instead of a short reflexed canal or deep notch at the base of the columella, simply a small rounded sinus. In form and general appearance it resembles Sulcobuccinum of D'Orbigny, and Pseudoliva, of Swainson ; but differs from them both in its strongly arcuate and tortuous columella, as well as in wanting the revolving sulcus on the exterior of the body whorl. It is also a much thinner shell than we have seen amongst the species of either of these types, and wants the small notch in the outer lip, characteristic of the first, and the projecting spine on the inner side of the same in the other. As it is not possible to give definitely the characters of a genus, of which but a single species is known, we will for the present merely repeat a description given on a former occasion of this shell, without attempting to separate the specific characters from those that may be only of specific importance. ^ PSEUDOBUCCINUM NeBRASCENSIS. Buccinum? Nebrascensis, 31. 1. Gracilis, teretiusculus ; purpureo-fuscus, albo-aunulatus, auuulis angustis distantibus [June, NATURAL SCIENCES OF THILADELPHIA. 161 binis, ad decern paria. Caput discretum, corpori multo angustius, oblonguin, antrorsum subattenuatum truacatum ; albomarginatum, fascia transversa biln- nata alba, ante medium sita. Apertura ventralis minor. Long. 4 ; lat. 0-12 poll. Ilab. Prope insulam Sinensem "Hong Kong ;" inter lapillos c profunditate 25 orgyiarum. 7. Cerebratclus fasciatus. Valde depressus, retrorsum dilatatus, antror- sum subangustatus ; purpureo-fuscus, lineis transversis subdistantibns albis annulatus ; linea cervicali latiore. Caput oblongura subdiscretum, fronte suh- truncata albomarginata. Apertura ventralis parva, elliptica, ad finem fissura- rum. Hab. Apud oras insula? " Jesso " Japonise Borealis ; in fundo arenoso-limosd profunditatis 4 orgyiarum. 8. Cerebhatulus bellus. Parvus, brevis, depressus, utrinque subtruncatus, in medio vix dilatatus ; supra cinereo-fuscus, fasciis aut lineis transversis ceruleo- albis ad decern ornatus ; subtus albus. Caput breve, cinnabarinum. Long. 0-75 ; lat. 0-05 poll. Hab. Prope oras insulae " Jesso ;" in conchis desertis e fundo limoso pro- funditatis sex orgyiarum. 9. Cerebratulus NIGER. MeckcUa nigra, St. 1. c. vii. 382. Elongatus, antice angustatus, e purpureo nigricans ; postice depressus et subdilatatus, pallescens. Caput subdiscretum, elongatum, antrorsum angustatum, apice truncato, macula alba ad proboscidis aperturam. Long. 3 ; lat. 0-18 poll. Hab. In porta Sinensi " Hong Kong ;" in fundo conchoso profunditatis decern orgyiarum. 10. Cerebratulus Sinensis. Meckelia Sinensis, Si. \. c. vii. 3S2. Teretiuscu- lus, rufo-brunneus, retrorsum parum dilatatus. Caput discretum, elongatum. antrorsum angustatum truncatum, pallide fulvum, rcaculis rufo-brunneis. postice confertis, antice sparsis. Long. 1-5 ; lat. 0-1 poll. IJab. In portu "Hong Kong;" in fundo conchoso profunditatis 10 org. 11. Cerebratulus nigrofuscus. Gracillimus, sublinearis, postice subattenua- tus, depressiusculus, supra e rubro-fiiscus nigricans. Caput corpori continuum, elongatum, ad frontem truncatam latitudine dimidium latitudinis occipitalis. Apertura ventralis linearis paullo pone finem fissurarum sita. Long. 5-5 : lai. 0-07 poll. JIab. Ad insulam " Ousima " Japonioe Australis ; littoralis inter lapillos. MECKELIA, Auct. limit. Corpus depressum, retrorsum dilatatum, interdum subplanum, marginibu.'- acutis. Caput lanceolatum, apertura proboscidis terminali minuta. Apertura ventralis ampla, sepius paulo post finem fissurarum lateralium sita. Fossores in limo vel arena marina. 12. Meckelia subacuta. Antice vix depressa, carnea ; postice depressa sub- dilatata, sanguineo-fusca, extremitate rotundata. Caput continuum, elongatum. fronte acuta. Long. 3-5 ; lat. 0-1 poll. Hab. In portu " Napa" insulae " Loo Cboo;" littoralis in limo. 13. Meckelia albula. Depressa, alba ; postice dilatata, pallide aurantiaca. Caput lanceolatum, pallide griseum, strictura discretum; apice obtuso; mar- ginibus ad cervicem fissis. Apertura ventralis contra finem fissurarum sitsi. Long. 3 ; lat. 0-25 poll. Hab. In mari Sinensi Boreali, lat. bor. 23°, long, orient. 115°; in fundo are- noso profunditatis 24 org. 14. Meckelia australis. Sat grandis, crassa, depressa, marginibus acutis : colore carnea. Caput obtusum,fissuris brcvioribus. Apertura ventralis grandit, antice acuta, postice bifurcata. Long. 6 ; lat. 0-3 poll. Hab. In portu Jacksoni Australiensi ; sublittoralis in arenis lapidosis 1857.] l<32 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP SERPENTARIA, Goodsir. Meckelice affinis sed apertura ventrali majore, infra caput et ante cervicem sita. Fossores. 15. Serpentaeia rubella. Meckelia rubella, St. 1. c. vii. 382. Brevis, postice valde dilatata, colore salmonis, pallida. Caput discretum,parVTim, late lanceo- latum. Fissurae valde elongatae, post cervicem productae ; apertura ventralis longe elliptica. Long. 2 ; lat. 0.3 poll. Eah. In portu " Hong Kong ;" in fundo limoso profunditatis 10 org. 2. Corpus lateribus involutis. DIPLOPLEtJRA, nov. gen. Corpus elongatum dilatatum, lateribus (pone caput) supra involutis, mar- ginibus in linea dorsali mediana vix convenientibus. Caput subdiscretum, triangulare vel subcordatum, fissura longitudinal! in utroque margine ad cervi- cem producta. Apertura proboscidis terminalis minuta. Apertura ventralis parvula, infra corpus, post cervicem sita subdistans. Ocelli nulli. Maricolae. 16. DiPLOPLEUEA Japonica; species unica, gracilis, colore helva. Long. 1"5 ; lat. 0-12 poll. Hab. In sinu " Kagosima " insulae " Kinsiu " Japoniee ; in arenis profunditatis ininque org. b. Fissurse laterales nullae. 1. Apertura proboscidis terminalis. T^NIOSOMA, nov. gen. Corpus grande, longissimum, lineare, depressum, utplurimum supra infraque lineatum. Caput vix discretum, breve, sulco indistincto (rima obsoleta v. linea impressa incolorata) longitudinali in utroque margine. Apertura ventralis parvula post-cervicalis. Species in maribus orientalibus habitantes. A Borlasia diifert corpore majore, minus contractile, et capite sulcis laterali- bus instructo. Borlasia quinquelineata, Quoy et Gaimard, (Voy. de I'Astrolabe ; Zool. iv. 286, Atlas, T. xxiv. f. 1 — 2) ad hoc genus pertinet. 17. T^NiosoMA SEPTEMLiNEATUM. Corpus deprcssum, retrorsum complauatum subangustatum, supra album, lineislongitudinalibus antice septem, postice quin- • jue ornatum ; subtus bilineatum. Caput lineis supra tribus (interdum quinque,) subtus duabus. Long, bi- v. tri-pedalis ; lat. 0-35 poll. Hab. Ad insulas freti " Caspar;" sublittorale. 18. TjBNIosoma ^qdale. Corpus lineare subobesum, coeruleo-album, lineis purpureo-nigris supra quinque (tribus v. quatuor in capite,) subtus duabus or- natum; lineis omnibus ad corporis extremitales convenientibus.fCaput continuum, antrorsum rotundatum. Apertura ventralis parva, multo post cervicem sita. Long, bipedalis ; lat. 0-32 poll. Hah. in sinu insulae "Ousima ;" littorale sub lapidibus. 2. Apertura proboscidis infra caput. VALENCINIA, Quatref. 18. Valencinia elegans. V. anmdata, St. (non Quatref.) 1. c. vii. 380. Gra- i:ilis, fere linearis, supra convexa. Caput breve, paullo latins quam corpus, late truncato, fronte in medio sinuata, lateribus rotundatis. Corpus supra pur- pureo-fuscum, trilineatum ; lineis albis, mediana antice in fronte, lateralibus post cervicem incipientibus ; et fasciis transversis albis ad 16 annulatum. Caput fascia postfrontali pallide fusca. Long. 3 ; corporis lat. 0-08 poll. Hah. Prope Promontorium Bonse Spei ; inter algas in fundo arcnoso profun- ilitatis 12 org. Tubulum membranaceum format. [June, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 163 B. Apertura ventralis nulla. Ocelli duo vel plurimi. a. Fissurae v. foveae in capitis marginibus. DICHILUS, nov. gen. Corpus lineare depressum, longitudine mediocre. Caput corpori continuum subquadratum, plica transversa termiuali bilabiatum ; labio inferiore emarginato. Ocelli duo subterminales. Cervix supra rimis obsoletis (pseudorimis) impressa. Maricolae. 20. DicniLCS OBSCURUS. Corpus supra pallide rubro-fulvum, maculis duabus oblongis in capite. Ocelli fusci, sat magni, subdistantes, in maculis siti. Pseudo- rimaj cervicales tres ; una mediana longitudinalis, ex cujus media alice versus marginem utrinque oblique extendunt. Long. 3 ; lat. 0-08 poll. Hah. In portu insulae " Ousima ;" littoralis inter lapillos. TETRASTEMMA, Hemp, et Ehrenb. Corpus filiforme teretiusculum v. lineare depressum; longitudine mediocre. Caput discretum v. subdiscretum, fovea transversa in media utriusque lateris ; fronte truncata ; apertura proboscidis in rima transversa termiuali. Ocelli quatuor, duo postfrontaxcs ante foveas ; duo occipitales. Maricolae, T.Jlavidum, H. etE. typus est ; — " pone primos oculos levis incisura distinguitur, quae forte capitis limites indicat." Folia sanguirnbra^ coronata, verviiculus, et hvmilis, Quatref., mihi videtur ad hoc genus pertinent. 21. Tetrastemma stigmatum. Parvum, teretiusculum, gracile; pallide auran- tiacum. Caput discretum, paullo longius quam latum, antice subattenuatum ; foveis validis ; pone ocellos anteriores fascia transversa obscure rubra. Ocelli posteriores paullo majores. Long. 1 ; lat. 0.05 poll. Hab. In sinu " Hakodadi " insulee " Jesso ;" in fundo limoso et algoso pro- funditatis 6 org. 22. Tetrastemma incisum, St. 1. c. vii. 380. Corpus parvum teretiusculum, utrinque subattenuatum ; pallide fuscum. Caput quadratum, dimidiam partem longius quam latum ; strictura discretum ; foveis interocularibus stricturse simi- libus. Ocelli aequales. Long. 0-4 ; lat. 0-025 poll. ITab. Prope Promontorium Bonae Spei ; in fundo arenoso et algoso profundi- tatis 12 org. CEPHALONEMA, nov. gen. Corpus teretiusculum filiforme. Caput rhomboidale, antrorsum subconicum ; strictura discretum ; fovea transversa in utroque latere. Apertura proboscidis terminalis. Ocelli duo occipitales. Maricolae. 23. Cephalonema brunniceps. Corpus subpellucidum pallide flavo-carneum ; gracile, retrorsum attenuatum. Caput antice obscure fuscum, postice fulvum; fascia transversa alba ante ocellos ; fronte lineis tribus albis notata. Long. 2 ; lat. 0-05 poll. JTab. In portu Sinensi " Hong Kong ;" sublittorale sub lapidibus in limo. EMPLECTONEMA, nov. gen. Corpus longissimum subfiliforme, depressum, proteum. Caput subdiscretum, stricturis nullis ; fovea longitudinali in utroque margine antero-laterali. Ocelli plurimi. Maricolae. E. camillea. Borlasia camillea, Quatref., Voy. en Sicile, ii. pi. x. f. 4, 5. 24. Emplectonema viride. Corpus depressum, lineare v. proteum, supra viride, subtus album. Caput subdiscretum, marginibus albis ; foveis elongatis bipartitis ; fronte emarginata. Ocellorum acervi quatuor ; posteriores distincti, rotundati, ocellis confertis ; anteriores marginales juxta foveas, ocellis sparsis. Long. 11 ; lat. 0-05 poll. Hab. In portu " San Francisco ;" littoralis inter lapillos. 1857.] 164 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP b. Foveis nullis. 1. Ocelli duo. DIPLOMMA, nov. gen. Corpus depressiusculum. Caput discretum, fronte emarginata, apertura pro- boscidis terminali. Fissurae laterales nuUse. Ocelli duo ; singulus bilobatus, quasi ex duabus constatus. (Cerebella cervicalia, valde remota. Cavum in- testinale angustius ; cava genitalia ampla.) Maricolije. 25. DiPLOMMA SERPENTINA. Nareda serpentina, St. 1. c. vii. 338. Corpus elon- gatum gracile, fere lineare, antrorsum vix attenuatum ; supra pallida rubrum, liaea mediana brunnea. Caput subovatura ; sinu aperturae proboscidis magno. Ocelli magni, sat remoti, in media parte capitis oblique siti, retrorsum con- vergentes. Cerebella rosea. Long. 3 ; lat. 0*05 poll. Hob. Ad littora insulae " Loo Choo ;" sub lapidibus in locis arenoso-limosis. DICELIS, nov. gen. Corpus lineare, depressiusculum, utrinque obtusum. Caput continuum vel subdiscretum, fronte emarginata, apertura proboscidis terminali. Ocelli dno simplices, rotundati, subterminales. Maricolse. 26. DiCELis RUBRA. SubfiUformis, depressiuscula, antice subattenuata ; colore rubra vel purpurea. Cervix quam caput vix angustior. Caput antice rotundata et emarginata. Ocelli duo parvi subterminales. Long. 1-5 ; lat. 1-03 poll. Hah. Prope insulam " Tanega" Japoniae Australis ; inter Balanos et spon- gias saxatiles e profunditate 12 org. 2. Ocelli plurimi. POLYSTEMMA, Hemp, et Ehrenb., Diesing; non Oersted. Caput strictura a corpore discretum, parte anteriore subcontracta, valde ex- tensibili, extremitate obtusa, apertura proboscidis terminali. (Cauda sepius noa dilatata ; specimen unicum Ehrenbergii forsitan postice deformatum sit.) 27. PoLYSTEMMA siNUOSUM. Gracile, depressiusculum, album, interdun; carneo-tinctum ; capite subelongatum. Ocelli sat magni, magnitudine varia- biles ; duo in capitis parte posteriore ; plurimi sparsi in parte anteriore, qui in acervos quatuor irregulariter aggregati, posteriores minores. Long. 1-15: lat. 0-08 poll. Hah. In portu " Hong Kong ;" inter conchas desertas e prof. 10 org. POLINA, nov. gen. Corpus valde contractile, depressiusculum, longitudine mediocre. Caput discretum v. subdiscretum, strictura nulla; apertura proboscidis terminali in margine frontali inferiore. Proboscis laevis. Ocelli in acervos quatuor aggre- gate Maricolse. 28. PoLiNA RHOMBOiDALis. FoUa rhomhoiclalis, St. 1. c. vii. 390. Corpus depressiusculum, antrorsum latius, colore pallida rubrum, fasciis duabus longi- tudinalibus inconspicuis. Caput parvum, subdiscretum, breve, antice rotunda- tum. Ocelli quatuor in utroque acervo, in rhombum dispositi ; acervi posteri- ores minores, in maculis obscurioribus siti. Long. 1 ; lat. 0-05 polL Hab. In portu Jacksoni Australiensi ; littoralis sub lapidibus. 29. PoLiNA GRiSEA. PoUa gHsca, St. 1. c. vii. 390. Corpus sat longum de- pressiusculum, in extentione subcylindricum, colore pallide griseum. Caput discretum, ovatum v. subcordatum, quam corpus angustius, antice acutum. Ocellorum acervi anteriores majores, elongati, in parte antero-laterali capitis submarginales dispositi ; ocelli decem in utroque acervo. Acervi posteriore.^ cervicales, parvi, lineares ; utroque quatuor ocelli. Long. 0-8 ; lat. 0-04 poll. Hab. In portu Virginiano " Norfolk ;" sublittoralis inter ulvas in loci? limosis. [June, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 165 30. PoLiNA CERViCALis. Corpus gracile, supra salmonea. Caput discretum late rhoraboidale, antice obtusum et emarginatura. Ocelli minuti, in acervoF quatuor confluentes aggregati ; anterioribus elongatis lateralibus ; posterioribup rotundatis sublateralibus. Cervix bene angustata. Long. 3 ; lat. 0*09 poll. JIab. In porta " Simoda" Japoniae ; littoralis inter lapides. TATSNOSKIA, nov. gen. Corpus depressum. Caput subdiscretum. Apertura proboscidis terminaiis cruciata. Ocelli in acervos duos liaeares, antice convergentes ; posteriores usque majores. Maricolae. In honorem cl. Tatsnoskii, viri Japonensis eruditi et nobilis. 31. Tatsnoskia depressa. Corpus depressum, in contractione latum, supra cinnabarinum, lateribus obscurioribus. Caput parvum, obtusum, fronte emargi- nata; apertura proboscidis parva cruciata. Ocelli fusci, minus conspicui, sex in utroque acervo. Long. 1-2 ; lat. 015 poll. Hab. In portu " Hakodadi" insulsB " Jesso ;" in fundo arenoso, e 6-10 org. profundo accepta. COSMOCEPHALA, nov. gen. Corpus depressum, longitudine mediocre, minus contractile. Caput con- tinuum V. subdiscretum, maculis angularibus v. fasciis sepius ornatum. Aper- tura proboscidis in margine frontale inferiore sita. Proboscis laevis. Cervix utrinque pseudorimis inconspicuis (lineis impressis incoloratis) instructus- Ocelli minus conspicui, utplurimum in margine capitis antero-laterali dispositi. Species maricolae, maxima ex parte boreales. 32. CosMOCEPHALA Beringiana. Corpus sat elongatum, depressiusculura, supra cervinum, subtus pallide aurantiacum. Caput vix subdiscretum, breve, quam corpus angustius, antice rotundatum et eraarginatum, cervinum, maculip angularibus albis in fronte et lateribus ; fascia transversa angusta alba, re- trorsum convcxa, in cervice. Ocelli numerosi, utrinque in acervos duos den?e aggregati. Caput infra pseudorima longitudinali mediana ; pseudorimae cervi- cales inferiores, una transversa utrinque sita, quae in medio vix confluentes. Long. 3 ; lat. 0-2 poll. Hab. In freto Beringiano ; e fundo subuloso profunditatis 5 org. 33. CosMOCEPHALA Japonica. Corpus subelongatum, utrinque obtusum ; lateribus in extentione fere parallelis. Color supra brunnea, subtus alba; caput linea mediana et maculis minutis irregularibus incoloratis ; fronte, et maculis cervicalibus triangularibus, albis. Caput breve subdiscretum, fronte rotun- data, ad aperturam profunde fissa. Cervix utrinque pseudorima obliqua, antrorsum curvata. Ocelli sat magni, in capitis marginibus antero-lateralibus. utrinque 10-15. Long. 4; lat. 0-18 poll. Hab. In portu " Simoda ;" littoralis in rupinm fissuris et sub lapidibus. Descriptions of two new genera of Shells. BY T. A. CONRAD. GONIDEA. Shell angular, elongated ; hinge furnished with a short, obtuse cardinal tooth, fitting into a corresponding depression in the cardinal plate ; tooth ob- solete in the left valve ; anterior muscular impressions not confluent, lower accessory impressions opposite the middle of the large impression. 1. Anodon Randalii, Trask. Proceed. Califor. Acad. Nat. Sc. vol. i. p. 28. 2. A. feminalis, Gould. The anterior muscular impressions have a relative position more nearly resembling that of Triquetra than Unio or Anodon. The 1857.] 12 166 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP l^enus is founded on a shell which inhabits Sacramento Riyer, California. Per- haps Anodonta angulata^ Lea, may be included in this genus. CALYPTRAPHORUS. Shell subfusiform; spire acutely rostrated; beak straight, very slender; labrum with a sinus at summit and base, elsewhere entire ; a calcareous de- posit covers the entire shell within and without. Allied to Rostellaria, Lam. 1. Calyptraphorus vblatus. (Restellaria) Con. Tert. Fossils, p. 38, pi. 15, fig. 4. 2. C. TKiNODiFERUs. 71. 5. Subfusiform, with three distant nodes on the upper part of the body volution ; spire subtriangular, having curved longitudinal ribs visible beneath the tunic ; rostrum of the spire elongated and curved ; labrum with a prominent angle above. From the Eocene of Alabama. Mr. Showalter. This genus at present is known only in Eocene deposits. Bectification of some of the generic names of American Tertiary Fossils. BY T. A. CONRAD. RIMELLA, Agaz. R. LAQtTEATA, Con. (ROSTELLARIA.) ANAULAX, Roissy. A. STAMiNEA, Con. (Olivula.) AXINiEA, Poll. A FiLOSA, Con. Inadvertently referred to Glossus in the Proceedings and in Wailes' Geology of Miss. DIPLODONTA, Phillipi. D. ACCLiNis, Con., ELEVATA, Con., in the Miocene ; ungulina, Nitens inflata in the Eocene. (Mysia, Loripes, Lucina, inadvertently Cyclas.) JANIRA, Schum. J. Hcmphreysii, Con., J. Poulsoni. (Pecten.) Referred also to Neithea, but in my opinion that genus should be restricted to the Cretaceous forms of which iV. quinquecostata is the type. BUSYCON, Botton. In the Proceed. 1854, p. 30, the above is printed Busyeon, a typographical error copied from Gray's Synopsis. Description of a new species of MTACITES. BY T. A. CONRAD. MYACITES, Schlottheim. M. Pennsylvanicus. Ovato-trigonal ; ventricose ; beaks submedial, anterior sides shortest, subcuneiform, extremity obliquely truncated above? posterior margin obtusely rounded, subangulated at junction with basal margin which is not greatly curved ; beak not prominent ; surface marked with very fine unequal closely-arranged concentric lines ; substance of shell pearlaceous and iridescent. Length ^ inch. Locality. Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Occurs in the Black shale with two species of Posidonia. [JunC; NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 167 Description of a new genus of the family DEEISSENID^. BY T. A. CONRAD. MYTILOPSIS. Shell mytiliform, attached by a byssus ; hinge with a septum, beneath which on the cardinal side is a triangular cup-shaped process; cartilage groove rather deep. Mytilus LEUcoPHiEATUS, Con. Joum. Acad. Nat. Sciences, vol. vi. p. 263, pi. 11, fig. 13. This singular bivalve inhabits the rivers of "Virginia and probably further south, where the water is brackish, resembling Cyrena in that respect, and it is found in great abundance attached by its byssus to Ostrea Virginiana. The hinge resembles that of Sepiifer and Breissena, with the addition of a singular cap-shaped, thin, white appendage, which projects obliquely towards the cavity of the valves. Another species inhabiting St. Domingo has been figured and described by Recluz as Dreissena Domingensis. Notices of some Bemains of Extinct Fishes. liY JOSEPH LEIDY, M. D. 1. Hadbodus priscus, Leidy. The genus and species are founded upon the fragment of a bone with two teeth, apparently of a Pycnodont fish allied to Placodus, obtained by Dr. William Spillman, from a cretaceous deposit in the neighborhood of Columbus, Mis- sissippi. The fragment of bone is about IJ inches in depth and breadth, and about ;( of an inch in thickness; is convex on the outer side ; and presents large re- serve cavities on the inner side at the base of the two teeth which are coossified with one of the borders of the bone. The teeth present a remarkable resem- blance to premolars of a pachydermatous mammal. They are quadrate, and are about as broad as they are high, and about half the thickness. They are bilobed at the triturating surface, which slopes inwardly ; and are invested with smooth enamel, which extends twice the depth externally that it does internally. The two teeth differ a little in form and size. Their height externally is 8 lines ; the breadth of one 8 lines ; of the other 7 lines; and the thickness of both is 4 lines, except the distal lobe of the larger tooth which is 5 lines. 'I. Phasganodus DIR0S, Lcidy. This genus and species are founded upon a much mutilated dental bone with teeth imbedded in a hard mass of sandstone, discovered in Nebraska, by Dr. F. T. Hayden. The specimen I suspect to have been obtained from a cretaceous deposit. The dental bone in its perfect condition has been about 6 inches in length, and 2 inches in depth posteriorly. To the dentary border, so far as can be as- certained, there have been six large, coossified, sabre-shaped teeth. The trench- ant border is directed outwardly ; and the obtuse, inner, concave border is- longitudiually ridged. The first tooth visible is about | of an inch from the end of the jaw, and has been about 1] inches long. The second tooth was situated about 1 inch posterior to the first^ and was about f of an inch long. The third tooth, the best preserved in the specimen, about h an inch behind the second, has a strong conical base, and it is 10 lines long". The succeeding teeth de- crease in size, and are at irregular distances apart. The specimen I suspect to belong to a scomberoid fish allied to Enchodus. 3. TuRSEODUs ACUTus, Leidy. This genus and species are founded upon a left dental bone with teeth pro- 1857.] loo PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF bably of a ganoid fish, which I obtained from the black shale, of what have been usually considered the triassic rocks, from near Phoenixville, Chester Co., Pa. The dental bone is 20 lines long, by 4 lines in depth posteriorly. It is straight, and its outer surface is covered with fine, interrupted ridges, such as are ob- served upon small ganoid scales, found in the same series of rocks at Gwynned, on the North Pennsylvania Railroad. Upon the dental border of the specimen there may be counted the remains of 20 teeth, situated at irregular distances apart. They have measured from ^ to 1 line long. They are columnar in form, slightly curving inward ; have a spread- ing base ; and an abrupt, conical, enamel summit. The fish may be allied to Belonostomus or Eugnathus, but I am unable to ascertain the exact form of the teeth in these genera. 4. Pycnodus robustus, Leidy. The species is founded upon a single large tooth obtained by Prof. G. H. Cook, from the green sand of New Jersey. The specimen is 14^ lines long and 3| wide. Examination of ENABGITE from New Grenada. BY WM. J. TAYLOR. I received from Jos. A. Clay, Esq., a fellow member of the Academy, a raice- ral which proves on examination to be Enargite. Mr. Clay received this in a box of minerals from South America; it was labelled " an antimonial silver ore from the mines of Santa Anna, New Grenada ;" there were several other min- erals accompanying it from the same locality. Enargite was, I believe, first found in the Cordilleras of Peru, and mineral- ogists were surprised a few weeks since by Dr. Genth's determining a small specimen of a mineral found by the State Geologist of South Carolina, Oscar M. Leiber, Esq., from the " Brewers' Mine," to be of the same species. (" Contri- butions to Mineralogy," by Dr. F. A. Genth, American Journ. Sci. and Arts, May, 1857, p. 420.) The fact of its occurring at another locality will not be without interest. The structure of the massive portion of the mineral is columnar, and it is intermixed with a quartose rock and pyrites, in which small cavities occur, filled with the crystalled Enargite, some of which are very distinct. The Enargite is very brittle, its color a greyish black with streaks of the same color ; the powdered mineral is very crystalline with a metallic lustre. Before the blowpipe it decrepitates ; on charcoal, gives the odor of arsenic and a very slight incrustation of antimony ; with carbonate of soda, gives hepar and metallic copper. The analysis I made in the laboratory of Dr. F. A. Genth, from a small por- tion of the perfectly pure massive mineral, of which O*7082 grammes wprt- treated with aqua regia and gave the following results ; Per cent. Sulphur 34.50 Copper 46.62 Arsenic 16.31* Antimony 1.29 Iron 0.27 98.99 The atomic proportion is : Sulphur 2.16 Copper 1.47 ^'■««°'<= "> 0.23 Antimony j ♦There was a slight Joss of the arsenic. [June, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 169 From which is obtained the formula of 6CuS, As S3 Equivalents. Atomic weight. Calculated percentage. Copper 6 189.6 46.40 Sulphur 9 144.0 35.24 Arsenic 1 75.0 18.36 Prom the above formula it seems not improbable that Eaargite and Stephan- ite are isomorphus. Descriptions of Twenty-Seven New Species of TJNIONES from Georgia. BY ISAAC LEA. Unio 8DBGIBB0SUS. Testa laevi, elliptica, compressa, valde inajquilaterali, postice subangulata ; valvulis crassis, planulatis ; natibus vix promiuentibus ; epidermide tenebroso-olivacea, striata, obsolete radiata ; deutibus cardinalibus parvis, brevis crassisque ; lateralibus longis, crassis curvisque ; margarita vel alba vel salmonis colore tincta. Hab. Oostenaula R'ver, Floyd County, and Etowah River, Georgia. Rev, G. White. Unio Savannahensis. Testa laevi, oblonga, inflata, ad latere planulata. postice obtuse angulata, inacquilaterali ; valvulis subcrassis, antice crassiori- bu3 ; natibus prominulis; epidermide rufo-fusca vel tenebroso-fusca, obsolete radiata; dentibus cardinalibus subgrandibus, pyramidatis, in utroque valvulo duplicibus ; lateralibus prselongis, lamellatis curvisque ; margarita vel alba vel pallida purpurea vel salmonis colore tincta et iridescente. Hab. Savannah River, also Brantley's Mill, Washington County, Georgia. Rev. G. White, Sugar Creek, Mecklenburg County, N. C. C. M. Wheatley. Unio virens. Testa laevi, oblonga, subinflata, postice obttase angulata valde insequilaterali ; valvulis subtenuibus, antice crassioribus ; natibus parvis prominulis; epidermide virido-oliva, striata, vittata, eradiata ; dentibus cardi- nalibus parvis, erectis, subcompressis crenulatisque ; lateralibus pra;longis. lamellatis rectisque; margarita coeruleo-albd et iridescente. Hab. Georgia. Rev. G. White. Unio sublatus. Testa laevi, transversa, ad latere compressa, postice angu- lata, valde inaequilaterali ; valvulis subcrassis ; natibus prominulis, ad apices undulatis; epidermide tenebroso-fusca, valde radiata; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, subpyramidatis, crenulatis, in utroque valvulo duplicibus; lateralibu.-^ longis, lamellatis subrectisque ; margarita purpurea et iridescente. Hab. Uchee Bar, below Columbus, Georgia. Bishop Elliott. Unio obnubilus. Testa laevi, elliptica, compressa, postice biangulata, in- aequilaterali; valvulis subcrassis; natibus prominulis ; epidermide tencbrcso- fuscfi,, eradiata, subnitens ; dentibus cardinalibus subgrandibus, subpyra- midatis, crenulatis, in utroque valvulo duplicibus ; lateralibus longis, lamellatis curvisque ; margarita purpurea et iridescente. Hab. Buckhead Creek, Burke County, Georgia. Bishop Elliott. Unio opacus. Testa laevi, elliptica, subcompressa, postice biangulata. inaequilaterali ; valvulis subcrassis ; natibus prominulis ; epidermide vel tene- broso-fusca vel nigricante, subnitens; dentibus cardinalibus subgrandibus. elevatis, subpyramidatis crenulatisque ; lateralibus longis, lamellatis subrec- tisque ; margarita purpurea et iridescente. Hab. Buckhead Creek, Burke County, Georgia. Bishop Elliott. Unio similis. Testa laevi, elliptica, subinflata, postice subbiangulata, valde inaequilaterali; valvulis subcrassis ; natibus prominulis ; epidermide tenebroso- 1857.J 170 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP fusca, radiata, polita ; dentibus cardinalibus subgrandibus, subelevatis, et subpyramidatis ; lateralibus sublongis subcurvisque ; margarita vel purpurea vel salmonis colore tincta et iridescente. Hab. Buckhead Creek, Burke County, Georgia. Bishop Elliott. Unio ^quatus. Testa laevi, elliptica, compressa, postice biangulata et planulata, valde inaequilaterali ; valvulis subcrassis ; natibus prominulis ; epi- dermide tenebroso-castanea, radiata, ad umbones polita ; dentibus cardinali- bus subgrandibus, paulisper elevatis crenulatisque ; lateralibus sublongis, lamellatis subrectisque ; margarita vel alba vel salmonis colore tincta et iridescente. Hab. Buckhead Creek, Burke County, Georgia. Bishop Elliott. Unio naviculoides. Testa lajvi, transversa, subinflata, postice biangulata, valde inaequilaterali ; valvulis subtenuibus ; natibus prominulis ; epidermide tenebroso-fusca, striata ; dentibus cardinalibus parviusculis, compressis, tri- gonis, in utroque valvulo duplicibus crenulatisque ; lateralibus praelongis, la- mellatis subrectisque; margarita purpurea et iridescente. Hab. Buckhead Creek, Burke County, Georgia. Bishop Elliott. Macon. I. C. Plant. Unio viridicatus. Testa laevi, suboblonga, subcompressS,, postice compressa, biangulata, valde incequilaterali ; valvulis subtenuibus ; natibus prominulis, ad apices rugoso-undulatis ; epidermide virescente, polita, eradiata, ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, subcompressis crenulatisque ; lateralibus prselongis, lamel- latis subrectisque ; margarita coeruleo-alba et iridescente. Hab. Buckhead Creek, Burke County, Georgia. Bishop Elliott. Unio subflavus. Testd laevi, elliptica, compressa, postice subbiangulata, inaequilaterali ; valvulis crassis ; natibus prominulis ; epidermide vel luteolii vel luteo-castanea vel obsolete radiata vel eradiata; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, subconicis, crenulatis, in utroque valvulo duplicibus ; lateralibus longis, lamellatis subcurvisque ; margarita vel salmonis colore tincta vel albida et iridescente. Hab. Walnut Creek, above Macon, Georgia. Bishop Elliott and I. C. Plant. Unio sudds. Testa laevi, elliptica, subinflata, postice obtuse angulata, in- sequilaterali ; valvulis subtenuibus, antice crassioribus ; natibus subprominenti- bus, ad apices undulatis ; epidermide luteola, valde radiata ; dentibus cardinali- bus parvis, compressis, lamellatis, in utroque valvulo duplicibus ; lateralibus sublongis, lamellatis subrectisque ; margarita vel alba vel salmonis colore tincta et valde iridescente. Hab. Dry Creek, near Columbus, Georgia. Bishop Elliott. Macon. I. C. Plant. Unio tetricus. Testa laevi, elliptica, valde compressa, postice biangulata' inaequilaterali ; valvulis crassiusculis ; natibus prominulis; epidermide rugoso- striatii, tenebroso-fuscata, obsolete radiata ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, conicis, in utroque valvulo subduplicibus ; lamellatis sublongis subcurvisque ; margarita purpurascens et iridescente. Hab. Flint River, near Albany, Georgia. Bishop Elliott. Unio Woodwardius. Tests, laevi, triangulari, tumida, postice angulatA, ad latere planiuscula, inaequilaterali ; valvulis crassis, antice crassioribus ; natibus elevatis ; epidermide luteo-oliva, striata, radiis maculatis ; dentibus cardinalibus parviusculis crassisque ; lateralibus percrassis, crenulatis rectisque ; margarita argentea et iridescente. Hab. Etowah and Connasauga Rivers, Cass County, Georgia. Bishop Elli- ott and Rev. G. White. [June, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 171 Unio tknebricds. Testa IsEvi, elliptica, subinflata, postice obtuse angulata, inaequilaterali ; valvulis tenuibus, antice crassioribus; natibus prominulis ; epidermide tcnebroso-fusca, obsolete radiate ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, valde crenulatis, in utroque valvulo duplicibus ; lateralibus lamellatis cur- visque ; margarita vel purpurefl, vel salmonis colore tinctii et iridescente. Hab. Etowah River, Georgia. Bishop Elliott and Rev. G. White. Unio rufus. Testa laevi, transversii, valde compressS., ad latere planulata, postice obtuse angulata, valde inaequilaterali ; valvulis subcrassis ; natibus prominulis, accuminatis ; epidermide rufo-fuscfi, eradiata ; dentibus cardinali- bus parvis, obtuso-conicis crenulatisque ; lateralibus sublongis, subcrassis curvisque ; margarita coeruleo-alba et iridescente. Hah. Etowah River, Cass County, Georgia. Bishop Elliott. Unio modicus. Testfi, laevi, obliqua, subinflata, postice subbiangulata, valde inaequilaterali ; valvulis crassis, antice crassioribus ; natibus subprominentibus, ad apices rugoso-undulatis ; epidermide tenebroso-fuscii, eradiata ; dentibus cardinalibus subgrandibus crenulatisque ; lateralibus curtis, crassis subcur- visque ; margarita vel alba vel pallido-salmonia et iridescente. Hab. Chattahoochee River, near Columbus, Georgia. Bishop Elliott. Unio denigbatus. Testa laevi, elliptica, subinflata, ad latere planulata, in- aequilaterali; valvulis subtenuibus, antice crassioribus; natibus prominulis; epidermide nigricante, eradiata et micante ; dentibus cardinalibus parvis, pyramidatis crenulatisque; lateralibus sublongis, lamellatis subcurvisque ; margarita vel purpurea vel salmonis colore tincta et iridescente. Hab. Streams near Columbus, Georgia. Bishop Elliott. Unio fumatus. Testa laevi, elliptica, compressa, postice biangulata, in- aequilaterali ; valvulis subtenuibus ; natibus subprominentibus ; epidermide tenebroso-fuliginosa et eradiata; dentibus cardinalibus parviusculis crenu- latisque ; lateralibus sublongis, subcrassis subrectisque ; margarita purpures- cente et valde iridescente. Hab. Chattahoochee River, near Columbus, Georgia. Bishop Elliott. Hospaliga Creek, Alabama. Dr. Neisler. Unio porpurellus. Testa laevi, oblonga, subinflata, ad latere planulata, postice biangulata, valde inaequilaterali ; valvulis crassiusculis ; natibus promi- nulis ; epidermide tenebroso-fusca et postice obsolete eradiata; dentibus cardinalibus parviusculis, crenulatis, in utroque valvulo subduplicibus ; lateralibus prEelongis, lamellatis subcurvisque ; margarita purpurea et valde iridescente. Hab. Flint River, near Albany, Georgia. Bishop Elliott. Unio penicillatus. Testa postice plicata, elliptica, subinflata, postice sub- biangulata, inaequilaterali ; valvulis crassiusculis, antice crassioribus ; natibus subprominentibus ; epidermide luteola, radiis penicillatis indutis, polita ; dentibus cardinalibus crassiusculis, crenulatis, subpyramidatis ; lateralibus sublongis, subcrassis subrectisque ; margarita vel alba vel rosed vel salmonis colore tincta et valde iridescente. Hab. Chattahoochee, near Columbus, Georgia. Dr. Boykin. Near Atlanta. Bishop Elliott. Flint River, near Albany, Georgia. Bishop Elliott and Rev. G. White. Unio Plantii. Testi laevi, regnlariter elliptica, valde compressa, inaequi- laterali ; valvulis subcrassis, antice crassioribus ; natibus prominulis ; epi- dermide tenebroso-castanea, eradiata ; dentibus cardinalibus parviusculis, subdepressis, obtuso-conicis crenulatisque ; lateralibus praelongis, subcrassis curvisque ; margarita salmonis colore tincta et valde iridescente. Hab. Flint River, near Macon, Georgia. I. C. Plant. 1857.] 172 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF (Jnio subniger. Tests. Isevi, elliptica, subcompressa, insequilaterali, postice obtuse angulata; valvulis subcrassis; natibus prominulis ; epidermide tene- broso-fusca, nigricante, striata, eradiata; dentibus cardinalibus parviusculis, erectis, conicis crenulatisque ; lateralibus praelongis, lamellatis curvisque ; margarita alba et iridescente. Hub. Flint River, near Macon, Georgia. I. C. Plant. tlNio BULBOSus. Testa laevi, obliqua, valde inflata, valde inEequilaterali, postice obtuse angulata ; valvulis crassis, antice crassioribus, natibus : epidermide nigricante, micante, eradiata; dentibus cardinalibus subgrandibus, subpyramidatis crenulatisque ; lateralibus curtis, subcrassis subrectisque ; mar- garita vel alba vel salmonis colore tincta et iridescente. Hab. Flint River, near Macon, Georgia. I. C. Plant and H. M. Neisler, M.D. Unio Maconensis. Testa lasvi, valde transversa, subcompressa, ad latere planulata, valde insequilaterali, postice subbiangulata ; valvulis subtenuibus ; natibus prominulis ; epidermide nigricante, obsolete radiata ; dentibus cardi- nalibus parviusculis, compressis, acuminatis, crenulati?, in utroque valvule duplicibus ; lateralibus praelongis, lamellatis rectisque; margarita purpurascente et iridescente. Hab. Flint River, near Macon, Georgia. I. C. Plant. Unio obfitscus. Testa Isevi, regulariter elliptica, inflata, postice rotundata, inaequilaterali ; valvulis subtenuibus; natibus subprominentibus; epidermide tenebroso-fusca, nigricante, obsolete radiata, subpolita: dentibus cardinalibus subcompressis, crenulatis, in utroque valvule duplicibus ; lateralibus lamellatis, sublongis subcurvisque ; margarita paulisper salmonis et valde iridescente. Hab. Flint River, near Macon, Georgia. I. C. Plant. Unio aquilus. Testa Isevi, transversa, subcompressa, postice angulata, valde inaequilaterali ; valvulis crassiusculis ; natibus prominulis, ad apices rugoso- undulata ; epidermide tenebroso-fusca, nigricante, obsolete radiata, transverse striata ; dentibus cardinalibus parviusculis, subelevatis crenulatisque : laterali- bus przelongis, lamellatis subrectisque ; margarita vel purpurea vel alba et valde iridescente. Hab. Flint River, near Macon, Georgia. I. C. Plant. [June, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 17o Julij 7th. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. The following papers were presented for publication, viz : On three new species of Vespertilionidj^i, by John LeConte. Observations on the Wild Turkey, by John LeConte. Referred to committees, as usual. Mr. Lea called attention to the specimen of Chryastolite from the White Mountains, presented by Dr. LeConte and himself. Mr. Lea also made some observations on the geology of the red sand- stone formation near Gwynned, whence the specimens alluded to by Dr. Leidy, at the meeting of June 16th, were obtained. It is identical with that of Phrenisville, Pa. Mr. Lea alluded to the identity of u large fish scale found by him at Gwynned about two years since, with that figured by Emmons as Radiolepes speciosus, from the Chatham series, N. C, as proving the identity of the formations. Juli/ lith. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Dr. Corse made some remarks on the development of the spawn of the Frog. He exhibited specimens which he had observed to develope on the fourth day. The Rana pipiens passes a whole year in the tad- pole state, which may account for its occasional comparative scarcity. Dr. Uhler alluded to the supposed effect of the late severe winters in diminishing the numbers of the smaller reptiles. Dr. Ilallowell remarked that the specimen of Proteus anguinus, which he has had for 13 months, was still alive and healthy, although it had taken no food during that time. Juli/ 21st. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Dr. Uhler, referring to the specimen of crystallized lead presented by him this evening, remarked that he had observed pigs of lead, heated in a reverberatory furnace, when near the point of fusion, become so brittle that they break with a single blow; the fragments are dis- tinctly crystallized. Zinc, by thus heating, becomes so brittle that it may be readily powdered. Mr. Lesley remarked, that the specimen of lead presented has the appearance of having been perfectly crystallized, and the edges of the crystals re-fused. July 29th. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. The Committee on Major LeConte's paper, " On three new species of Vespertilionidte'^ reported in favor of publication ; which report was adopted. 1857.] 13 174 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP On three nsw species of VESPERTILIONID^. BY JOHN LECONTE. The two first species described below, were handed to me by our associate Dr. Mitchell, as coming from New Granada in Central America. The other I received from JVlr. Cassin, who informed me that it was given to him as a na- tive of Peru. I have not been able to discover that they have ever yet been described by any naturalist, at least our very extensive library furnishes no book in which any thing like them is mentioned; therefore I do not hesitate to consider them as new. Should they prove not to be so, they are willingly and freely given up to the naturalist who has been so fortunate as to see them before me ; with a regret, however, that I have been guilty of adding a synonym to that mass of rubbish accumulated by the negligence or design of others. Phyllostoma ttnicolor. Upper fore teeth 2 — 2 ; the exterior ones very small, scarcely perceptible in the living animal ; the two intermediate ones somewhat serrated at the base, but converging at the point so as to meet; lower four approximate, crowded, emarginate. Head large ; snout elongated ; nose-leaf sessile, but appearing pedicellate from the inflexion of the sides of the base, ovato-lanceolate, entire, with two perpendicular striae, the included portion rather tumid ; horse-shoe (as it is called) or addition to the base of the fore part with five blunt teeth on each side on the outer edge. Upper and under lip with a row of small warts in front. Ears ovate, blunt, with a slight exterior dilatation of the hinder part of the base, orillon triangular, more or less dentate on the outer edge. Tail none. Interferaoral membrane very narrow, very deeply and roundly emargi- nate, being little more than a kind of narrow membranous wing between the legs, with a small interior basal tooth, formed by the protension of the tarsal bone. Color uniform both above and beneath, dark brown, almost black ; hair fine and soft ; membrane black, naked, except along the arms, where it is clothed with hair. Inhabits New Granada. Length 5-3 inches ; head 1-35 ; ears -5 ; orillon -2 ; nose-leaf -4 ; tarsal bone *2 : width of the interfemoral -15 and -2. Extent 11'6 inches. Phyllostoma minus. Teeth as in the former species. Head large ; snout somewhat elongated. Nose-leaf sessile, triangular, entire, somewhat elongated at the point, horse-shoe^ entire on the edges. Ears ovate, thin, rounded on the front, straight on the hind margin ; orillon oblong, with a few teeth near the base. Tail none. In- terfemoral tolerably wide, deeply emarginate, with a small interior basal tooth formed by the protension of the tarsal bone. Color above black, beneath with a slight tendency to mouse color. Mem- brane entirely naked, black. Inhabits with the former. Length 2-5 inches ; head -9 ; ears -6 ; orillon -2 ; nose-leaf -3 ; tarsal bone -3 ; width of the interfemoral •45. Extent 10-8 inches. yeSPERTILIO PERDVIANUS. Dentition the same as in V. macrotes. Hair brown, above of one color, beneath tipped with greyish white. Face nakedish, black, nose bilobed. Ears ovate, broad, blunt, naked, black, much longer than the head ; orillon long, knife-shaped, the inner edge convex. Mem- brane very thin, naked, brown; interfemoral including the tail, except the two last joints. [July, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 175 Length 2-G inches; tail 1-8; naked part -1. Extent 11 inches. Head -85 ; cars 1-3 ; orillon -5. Inhabits Peru. Resembles very much the North American lon<^-eared bat, is easily distiiiojuished, however, by the absence of the tubercles on the face. It would be called by some Plecotus, but I do not admit of any such genus. I have to ask indulgence for introducing into the above descriptions some characters which are not specific, but strictly generic. But the arrangement of the Vespertilionidae is by no means such as can be admitted by any considerate naturalist, it therefore became necessary to include these generic characteris- tics in the two first species, as no deterrainate generic description of the genus Phyllostoma has yet been given. xiiifjiist 11 fJi. Vice-President Bkidqes iu the Cbair. A paper wa.s presented for publication in the Proceedings, entitled ''Descriptions of some new Reptiles, collected by the U. S. Exploring Expedition, under command of Capt. Charles Wilkes, U. S. N., 3d Part, by Charles Girard ;" which was referred to a committee. August 18^7i. Dr. Leidy in the Chair. A paper was presented, entitled " Rectification of the references of certain of the extinct mammalian genera of Nebraska, by J. Leidy, M. D. ;" which was referred as usual. August 25(h. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Dr. Leidy announced the decease of Prince Charles Lucien Bona- parte, and of Mr. H. J. Pratten, of New Harmony, Correspondents of the Academy. The Committee on Dr. Leidy's paper presented at the last meeting, reported in favor of its publication. BectifLcation of the references of certain of the extinct Mammalian genera of Nebraska. BY JOSEPH LEIDY, M. D. ELOTHERIUM, Pomel, 184T. Untelodon, Aymard, 1848 ; Archceothcrhim, Leidy, 1850. 1. Elotherium Moutoni. ArchcEotherium Mortoni ; Elotherium Mortoni, Leidy: Proc. A. N. S. ix, 89. 2. Elotherium ingens. Entelodon ingens, Leidy : lb. viil. 164; ix. 89, 1857.] 176 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP CHALICOMYS, Kaup, 1832. Aulacodus, Chelodus, Kaup, 1832 : Sleneofiber, Stcneotherium, St. Hil. 1833 ; Castor, Lin. : Kaup, Gervaise. 1. ChALICOMYS NEBRASCENSIS. Steneofiber nebrascensis, Leidy : Pr. A. N. S. viii. 89 ; ix. 89. DREPANODON, Nesti, 182C. 3Ieganiereon, Croiz, 1828; Agnotherium, 3Iachairodus, Kaup, 1833; Steneodon, Oroiz, 1833; Smilodon, Luad, 1841; Ursus, L., Felis, L. : Guv., Croiz, Brav., Blainv,, &c. 1. Drepanodon primaevus. Machairodus primaevus, Leidy and Owen : Anc. Fauna of Nebraska, 95 ; Pr. A. N. S. ix. 90. DORCATHEPJUJM, Kaup, 1833. Leptomeryx, Leidy. 1. DOECATHERIUM EvANSI. Leptomeryx Evansi, Leidy : Proc. A. N. S. vi. 394 ; ix. 89. Lcpiomeryx is per- haps at most only subgenerically distinct from Dorcatherium. Some fragments of jaws with teeth, obtained by Dr. F. V. Hayden, prove that the large tubercle, which is described as rising out of the base internally of the upper true molars, in a specimen of the skull of the same animal, is an inconstant character, and independent of this, the molar teeth of Leptomeryx and Dorcatherium are identi- cal in form. Seplemher 1st, 1857. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Dr. Leidy remarked that there appeared to exist a general misconception in regard to the dentition of the 3Iososaurus. The animal is almost universally called an acrodont reptile, or one in which the teeth are inserted upon, or are co-ossified with, the border of the jaws. A number of specimen^ of teeth and fragments of jaws, in the museum of the Academy, prove this appellation to be incorrect. The teeth oi Mososauriis have a recurved pyramidal crown, and a more massive, vertically oblong root, which is often twice the length of the crown. The root is inserted for three-fourths of its extent into a correspondingly deep socket, witli the sides of which it is co-ossified. The centre of the teeth is occupied by a fusiform pulp cavity, communicating with one or more vascular canals passing through the fang. In the reproduction of the teeth, it appears the new ones commence to be developed attached to the gum, on the postero-internal side of the alveoli. As they proceed, they penetrate into the latter, by exciting an absorption of the substance of the fang of the old teeth in a direction obliquely outward and for- ward. The cavity for the new tooth increases in size at the expense of the substance of the fang of the old one. The pulp cavity of the old tooth, in con- sequence of the ossification of its pulp, appears to recede before the increasing cavity of the new tooth. The latter cavity finally makes a communication with the former, though this .appears not always to be the case ; and subsequently the fang of the old tooth becomes so completely excavated as to form a mere capsule, from which its crown is brolcen away, or shed, through comparatively little violence. In the further progress of the newly protruding tooth, the osseous capsule formed from the fang of the old tooth is gradually obliterated, except a portion which remains as a partition frona the next alveolus. [September, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPUIA. 1 / / Dr. Leidy stated that a few evenings since, in the yard attached to his resi- dence, he for the first time had the opportunity of observing the male Tree- cricket, Oecanthiis, while chirping. The sound, as is well known, is produced by the insect elevating its wings and vibrating them laterally ; by which move- ment the edge of one wing-cover is rubbed upon a rasp or crepitaculum of the other. The sound is like that of the Field-cricket, Ackela, instead of a peculiar one &3 Dr. L. had supposed it to be. The note he had formerly attributed to the Tree-cricket, and with which the woods are vocal during the nights of this season of the year, is one resembling that produced by the quick and repeated snapping of the end of a quill pen or tooth-pick during a second or two of time. Upon examination Dr. L. found this sound to proceed from the male Katy-did. Platj/p/n/llum ; and the mechanism producing it is similar to the stridulating apparatus of the crickets, Acheta, Oecanthus. In the male Katy-did, the crepitaculum, situated on the under surface of the dorsal portion of the wing covers, consists of a transverse, fusiform, concave ridge, provided with about fifty serratures ; and is best developed in the left wing cover. The instrument which rubs against this crepitaculum is the sharp, elevated, inner edge of the dorsal portion of the wing covers, at the side of what might be considered a trilateral tambourine, which is best developed in the right wing cover. The song (if the term may be used) of the male Katy-did ordi- narily is produced by the sharp edge on the inner side of the tambourine of the right wing cover, rubbing against the rasp or crepitaculum of the left wing cover. Dr. L. continued, he had always supposed the male Katy-did produced the familiar sound after which the insect is named, and that the female was silent. This he believed was the generally received opinion ; and Dr. Thad. Wm. Harris (Insects Injurious to Vegetation, page 138), remarks that at night " the joyous males begin the tell-tale call." Dr. L. added, after further investigation he was happy to be able to clear the male from the libellous imputation, and that, as was usually the case among our own race, the accusation, recrimination, and denial, of katy-did, katy-didn't, came from the female herself. The apparatus by which the female Katy-did tells her tale is totally different from that of the male, though situated as in this, in the dorsal portion of the wing covers. In the dorsal portion of the right wing cover between the marginal vein, and another about half a line from it, there are about five strong transverse veins and some smaller ones, provided upon their upper surface each with a row of strong spines bent back at right angles. All other portions of the right and the whole of the left wing cover are destitute of such spines. In the left wing cover, the corresponding position to that just described is occupied by a fine rete of veins as elsewhere ; and it is the inner edge of this wing cover rubbing against the hooks of the right one. which produces the tell-tale sound of katy-did, katy-didn't. September \st, 1857. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. Dr. J. A. Meigs read part of a letter from Mr. J. Judson Barclay, dated Philadelphia, Aug. 21, 1857, accompanying the flattened skull presented by him this evening. " On referring to my journal, (kept during several years residence in Jerusalem,) I find a brief mention of the circumstances attending the discovery of the very singular skull now in your possession, though I fear it will afford but little aid in assigning any other place of habitation to this unfortunate adventurer, than the subterranean locum tenens of his bones. 178 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP The immense quarry-cave, in whicli this skeleton was found, it was our good fortune to discover in 1853, and by the connivance of one of the chief dignitaries of the city, we eluded the vigilance of the Turkish authorities, and succeeded in making a thorough exploration of this hitherto unknown cavern. The skeleton of this adventurous explorer (if such he may be styled) was found in the extreme South end of the cave, 100 feet from the entrance, in a deep pit. The bones (of almost giant proportions) gave evidence of having laid in that position for many years, judging from their decayed state, which, however, is not so appa- rent upon the skull. How long since he ended his career, though matter of some uncer- tainty, is obviously no short time, for it is evident that the bats and owls have fluttered over his bones for many long centuries ; for the en- trance to this large quarry-cave is in the wall of the city, which un- doubtedly has been kept carefully closed ever since the subversion of the Frank kingdom of the Holy Land, when the city walls underwent their last reparation. The position of this cave, a little elevated above the area of the tem- ple, enabled us to solve an enigma which has heretofore been regarded as an ' opprohimn antiquorum,' — the location of those Cyclopean stones, in their great height in the outer temple wall. What may be his history, is a still greater matter of uncertainty. We can only conjecture that he was a pilgrim, who, on exploring the labyrinthine halls of this vast grotto, stumbled down into this deep pit, but whether Jew, Christian or Moslem, is altogether matter of query." September Sth, 1857. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. The following extract of a letter from Dr. D. B. McCartee, of Ningpo, China, dated New York, Sept. 3d, 1857, was read : " I forward a specimen of the ' insect wax' of China. This was said by the naturalists attached to Sir George Staunton's embassy to be the product of the larva of the Cicada limbata, and that ' the fly' which ' was observed by Staunton on the coast of Cochin China has curious pectinated appendages on the back, and the whole insect is covered with a white powder, which is imparted to the stems of the plants it inhabits.' This is not the case with the wax of which a specimen is sent. It is the product of a very small insect, a species of Coccus. as far as I could make it out. It is deposited near Ningpo on the twigs and smaller branches of a species of ash, in granules, giving the twig the appear- ance of white coral. It is not generally known that it is to be found in the vicinity of Ningpo ; and it was only after a search of two years that I succeeded in finding it. * * * "^ * I think Sir George Staunton was deceived by the fact that the larva of a species of Cicada corresponding to his description is found upon the same tree, as I myself saw." Dr. Morris remarked that among the fishes brought from Panama by Dr. Ruschenberger, were found the following Atlantic species which were not previously known to exist in the Pacific : Exocetus acutus, Pristipoma rodo, Epliqjpus faher. [September. NATUKAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 179 Dr. Meigs read the following extract of a letter from Dr. E. A. Abaddie, V. S. N., accompanying ttc donation of skulls presented by him. Nos. 1 and 2 are crania talccn from the ruins of Gran Quivira ; they were brought in by an expedition under the command of Major Carleton, who explored the ruins thoroughly, and presented me No. 1 skull. No. o. Was disinterred by myself, and found in the centre of the ruins of the church at Guarra, N. M. No. 4. Is the skull of Jose Largo, a Mescalero chief, who was killed in a foray near Bosque Kedondo, near the Pecos River, N. Mexico. No. 5. Is the head of a Pueblo Indian, taken from the churchyard of their village Laguna. No. 6. This skull was found with many other human remains, in a very bad state of preservation, in making excavations in an old field, in Santa F6, N. Mexico. This head, and the remains found, evidently belonged to the same race of Indians which formed the numerous pop- ulation of the large towns long since in ruins, and of which so little is known ; as Gran Quivira, Abo, Guarra Pecos, old Church, kc. Septemler 29 th, 1857. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. The Committee to whom the following papers were referred reported in favor of publication in the Proceedings, viz : Observations on the Wild Turkey, by John LeConte. Descriptions of some new Reptiles, collected by the U. S. Exploring Expedition under the command of Capt. Chas. Wilkes, U. S. N., by Charles Girard. Observations on the Wild Turkey, or GALLOPAVO SYLVESTRIS, of Eay. BY JOHN LECONTE. "Whoever has compared the Wild Turkey of the United States with the do- luestic. animal of the s.ame genus, must have observed that there existed very striking differences between them. These differences do not consist of slight and unimportant i)articularities, but in radical disagreements, which ought to remain unchangeable under all circumstances, and which form good specific characteristics. In the tame bird, the colors vary infinitelj^, and in the wild one, very con- siderably. The great mark of distinction is in the enormous palear or dew- lap of the former, which extends from the base of the lower mandible to the large caruncles on the lower part of the neck. Whatever alterations may have been produced by long domestication, this palear could not have been formed by an enlargement of the rather loose skin of the neck. It is a specific charac- ter, which as in our own bird is not found in the Meleagris ocellata of Honduras. It has been observed by my son in a former number of our Proceedings, that all derivative variations are monstrosities, and take place chiefly in those parts, which in a normal state of existence, are impossible in the genus, as we observe in hornless beeves and tailless cats, in feather-crested fowls and solid-footed swine. The conviction that these two birds were really distinct species has long ex- isted in my mind : more than fifty years ago, when I first saw a Wild Turkev, I 1857.] 180 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF was led to conclude that one never could have been produced from the other. I have mentioned this to many ornithologists, but no one would take the trouble to investigate the matter. At length Mr. Gould, one of the best ornithologists of Eurojje, in the 304th number of the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of England, has made the discovery, that there have been two species confounded together under the name of Meleagris gallopavo. He calls his species M. mexi- cana having received it from Mexico. I cannot determine from his description, whether it is different from ours, or is the original of the domestic bird. Mr. Gould confines himself entirely to a description of its colors, a very imperfect method of discriminating species. He mentions nothing of the existence or non- existence of the palear, nor of the frontal caruncle so long and extensible in the one, so short in the other. I am however inclined to believe, that his species differs in no manner from our native species. He quotes Brisson as describing his bird, {Brisson, Synopsis Methodica Avium, Vol. 1, p. 158,) and states that Linnaeus's description of M. gallopavo is founded on Brisson's Gallopavo sylvestris and Ray's New England Wild Turkey [Synopsis Aviicm ei Piscium, page 51, No. 3). Brisfon describes and figures the domestic animal : to prove this more fully T quote his words. He says " palea longa sub gutture pendula. Une membrane charnue longitudinale pendante sous la gorge." He mentions afterwards among the Varieties, le Dindon sauvage or Gallopavo sylvestris Novae Anglise of Ray. I omit any description of these two birds. Sufficiently detailed accounts of them have already been published, and shall merely observe that the Wild Turkey has been very minutely described by the Prince of Canino in his American Ornithology. It may not be amiss to add here some observations on the introduction of the Turkey into Europe. It appears that the earliest visitors to the tropical regions of America observed the Turkey both wild and in a state of domestication. The natives therefore had been able to tame them ; their transportation to foreign countries was thus rendered easy. In about thirty years after the first landing of Columbus in America they are mentioned as birds newly introduced into Europe. The province of Yucatan is particularly mentioned as the place where they were first observed, but I cannot find them mentioned as being cultivated in Spain previous to the year 1520. This may in some measure be owing to the want of Spanish publications of that early date, or at least of translations into the English language of any that may have appeared. We copy the English in thinking that the Spanish have no literature worth noticing : whereas three centuries ago they were far beyond other European nations in literature as well as in all the arts and sciences which adorn or benefit a state of civilization. If we could obtain all that was written and published in those days relative to this portion of the globe, much of the absurd and false relations of modern historians would be treated with the neglect they well deserve. It is a remarka- ble circumstance in the history of Europe, that the rera of the introduction of many important articles of domestic use even in more modern times, is entirely unknown. No one has ever thought it worth while to record the date of the introduction of the Turkey, of Tobacco or of the Potato, into the other continent from the foreign countries where they were first found. In the case of the latter vegetable which has done so much good in the world, and has in fact altered the dietetic habits of whole nations, no one has been able to discover whence it came, or by whom it was first introduced to the notice of civilized men. I scarcely notice the story of its having been brought by Sir Walter Raleigh from North Carolina, as it could not grow naturally in that country, and he never sat foot on the soil of North America. The peculiar habits of an animal which strongly resembles another, are fre- quently suflicient when joined to even slight corporeal characters to distinguish it from others. I have before observed that the Turkey was found domesticated among the nations of Central America. Now the bird which we have native among us never has been domesticated. All attempts to conquer its peculiar [September, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 181 habits have failed, notwithstanding what has been said and written to the con- trary. I defy any one to show a Turkey, even of the first generation, produced from a pair hatched from the eggs of a wihl hen. We have every j-ear in our markets offered for sale, birds of a very dark color, and in some «legree resem- bling the wild species : but in every instance by the presence of the palear, the imposition can be detected at first sight and the cheat exposed. 1 have known the eggs found in the woods hatched by a domestic hen, the chickens brought up carefully, and rendered so tame and familiar as to eat out of the hand, and to shew considerable pleasure whenever persons with whom tiicy were ac- quainted approached them. Yet they never would associate witli the domestic turkies, studiously avoiding tlicir company, and in little more than a year run- ning off to the woods, and never again returning to the haunts of their infancy. I know that I shall be contradicted in this statement, and many quotations from authors brought forward against me. I repeat, contrary to the assertions of many others, that no one has ever succeeded in domesticating our Wild Turkey ; I speak not only from my own personal observations, but from the undivided testimony of many southern gentlemen. The Turkey of our own poultry yards, which when young is difficult to bring forward, it was thought might be ob- tained of a hardier race, by a new domestication : but every attempt has failed, nor can I find a single well-aiithenticated case of a mixed breed being obtained. Descriptions of some new Reptiles, collected by the U. S. Exploring Expedition, under the r ommand of Capt. Charles Wilkes, TJ. S. N. Third Part. — Including the species of Ojihidians, exotic to North America. BY CHARLES GIRARD, M. D. In the "Fauna Peruana" we find described, a species of worm-snake, Scoleco- phides, which, having teeth upon its lower jaw instead of the upper, belongs to the same group with Catodon and Sienostoma, and since it differs generically from both the genera just mentioned, we propose the new genus SABRINA, with the following diagnosis : Head depressed, subovoid. Rostral plate extend- ing under the snout. One nasal and one frontonasal : nostril between them. A preocular or postnasal. A frontal. A postoculo-labial. A parietaLand a post-parietal. * Sabrina tessellata. — Typhlops (essellatum, Tscn. Faun. Peruan. Herp. 1845-46. Locality. — Coast of Peru. To the family of Calamaridce we add the following species thus characterised : Rabdion occiPiTALB. — Head Very much depressed; eye large. Dorsal scales disposed upon fifteen longitudinal series. Ground color yellowish ; scales mar- gined with brown ; beneath unicolor. Head and neck black with an occipital yellow spot. Locality. — New Holland. There is likewise a tree-snake, or Dendrophid, which is believed to be undescribed, and which we record under the name of Dendrophis prasinus. — Its dorsal scales are very much emarginated pos- teriorly, and disposed upon thirteen longitudinal series. The preanal scutella is divided. Color uniformly green with a whitish line along the abdominal ridge. Locality. — New Holland. Amongst the true Colubrinae we met with a new generic type somewhat related to Rhinechis and Pituophis, being characterised as follows : ' 1857.] 182 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF CALLIRHINUS. Head and body colubriform. Snout subconical, protruding beyond the lower jaws. Vertex plate elongated. Rostral convex. Two nasal plates with nostril between them. Two loral plates. One anteorbital and two postorbitals. Third and fourth upper labials entering into the orbit. Scales moderate, smooth. Preanal scutella divided. Subcaudal scutellre disposed upon a double series. Calliehinus patagoniensis, — is the only species that has, so far, come to our knowledge. The scales are disposed upon nineteen longitudinal series. The ground color is olivaceous, maculated with black. Locality. — Coast of Patagonia. Another genus of non-venomous serpents, CANTORIA, is framed upon the following characters : Body subcylindrical, deeper than broad, and very much elongated. Tail moderate, thick upon its base and coni- cal posteriorly. Head depressed, continuous with the body. Mouth moderate. Eye very small. An odd, narrow, prefrontal plate. Nasal plate unique (one right and one left), situated upon the upper surface of the head. One loral. Orbital plates constituting a complete circle around the eye. Scales moderate, smooth, shining, disposed upon nineteen longitudinal series. Preanal scutella divided. Subcaudal scutellae disposed upon a double series. The typical species of this genus is Coronella violacea, Cantor, Journ. Asiat. Soc. xvii. 1847, provided our determination be correct. Locality. — A specimen of the above species was procured at Singapore. Next in order is a species closely allied to its congeners, and which we pro- pose thus to characterise : Xenodon ancorus. — Two anteorbital and two postorbital plates. Dorsal scales smooth, disposed upon seventeen longitudinal series. Brownish red above, with transverse blotches along the back and an anchor-shaped spot upon the head. Beneath unicolor. Finally, we institute amongst venomous serpents, the genus DOLIOPHIS, which may be recognised by a sub-cylindrical and very much elongated body; the taiUpeing moderate. The head depressed, though continuous with the body. Mouth moderate, provided anteriorly with two fangs on either side. Cephalic plates normal. Two nasals, with nostrils between them. No loral plate. One anteorbital. Third and fourt^ labials entering into the orbit. Two postorbitals. Scales smooth, shining, disposed upon thirteen longitudinal series. Preanal scutella entire. Subcaudal scutellre disposed upon a double series. DoLioPHis PLAvicEPS. — Eluj^s Jlaviceps, Cantor. Journ. Asiat. Soc. xvii. 1847, is the only species so far known to us as belonging to this genus. Locality. — Singapore. [September NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 183 October Qth, 1857. Dr. Rusciienuerger in the Chair. A paper was presented for publication in the Proceedings, entitled "Notes on American Land Shells, No. 2, bj W. Gr. Einney;" which was referred to a Committee. On motion of Dr. Leidy, it was unanimously resolved that a special vote of thanks be tendered to Dr. W. A. Hammond, TJ. S. A., for h' valuable donations to the Museum of the Academy. IS October 21th, 1857. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. The Committee on Mr. Binney's paper, presented Oct. 6th, reported in favor of publication. Notes on American Land Shells. No. 2. BY W. G. BINNET. Helix (Polygyra) acute-dentata. Testa superne et subtus parum planata discoidea, albida, glabra : anfractus 6 liBvigati, quorum quinque aequaliter accrescentes, apicera brevissimam,Tix elevatam formantes ; ultimuspermagnus, inflatus, prope peristomata bis valde scrobiculatus, ad aperturam dcflectus ; subtus anfractus IJ, ultimus vcntricosus, alter rapide decrescens ; umbilicus par- vus, profundus ; sutura impressa ; apertura parva, perobliqua, ringens ; peristoma circulare, acutum, album, incrassatum, patulo-reflexum, marginibus callo albo, dentiformi, emarginato excavate conjunctis, dextro dentibus duobus horizon- talibus, uno obtuso, alteri acutissimo intus armato, basali dente unico perpen- diculari in margine posito, munito. Diam. maj. 14, min. 11, alt. 4 mill. Specimen unicum in collcctione Phillips conservatum in provincia Mexicana Cinaloa ripis fluminis Mazatlan collegit Gambel. This curious Helix differs from any hitherto known. It is readily distin- guished by a white, shining discoidal shell, curious aperture and internal teeth. The upper surface is composed of six whorls, five of which regularly increase from the spire, which is slightly elevated; the last is proportionally very wide, inflated, and elevated above the others, almost to a level with the apex. Below, one full ventricose whorl is visible, and more than half of another, which rapidly decreases until it becomes lost in the small umbilicus. The aperture is oblique, basin-shaped, furnished with four teeth ; of these one on the parietal wall connecting the extremities of the peristome is broad, excavated^ in the middle, angular, resembling that of H. Troostiana, Lea, (plicata, Say) ; on the basal portion of the peristome is another, situated on the edge, perpen- dicular and short; on the right lip, slightly removed within the aperture, are two slight elongated laminai, running horizontally, the lower one raised above the whorl for some distance, thus forming a slender, spear-like point. Behind the teeth on the outer whorl are two pits, between which the shell is pinched into a sharp ridge joining the peristome. Helix (Polygyra) Loisa. Testa albido-cornea. tenuis, superne minute et confertim striata, spira paululum elevata, sutura impressa, anfr. quinque, vix convexiusculi, ultimus permagnus ; subtus inflata, nitida, vix perforata, anfr. IJ, ultimus vcntricosus, prope peristoma bis valde scrobiculatus ; alter rapidis- sime decrescens, apertura ringens, quinquedentata ; perist. acutum, album, incrassatum, patulo-reflexiusculum, marginibus callo albo, crasso, dentiformi, 1857.] 14 184: PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF paululum iutrante, angulato conjunctis, dextro laminis duobus horizontalibiis, Curtis, intus positis munito ; basali dentibus duobus perpendicularibus in margine positis, uno parvulo, altero majore, munito. Diam. maj. 13, min. 11, alt. 5 mill. la Provincia Mexicana Cinaloa ad flumen Mazatlan collegit Gambel. Collect. Pliillips. Var. minor diam. maj. 10, min 7, alt. 3. In Texas habitare dicitur. Collec. Mea. Shell above depressed, shining, with hardly perceptible striae, whitish, suture slio"htly impressed, whorls five, rather convex, last whorl rather proportionally larger, with two pits behind the peristome, and channelled ; spire slightly elevated ; below smooth and shining, one full ventricose whorl and a portion of a second, which rapidly decreases in the slightly perforated umbilicus ; aper- ture basin-shaped, much complicated by five teeth ; one on the parietal wall is Avhite, heavy, angular, somewhat like that of H. Texasiana, connecting the the two extremities of the sharp and reflected peristome. On the edge of the peristome near the columella are two short, stout, perpendicular teeth, the nearer one the shorter ; within the aperture are two short, slender, tooth-like, horizontal laminee, entering but a short distance ; umbilicus nearly closed ; peristome white, thickened, slightly reflected. Nearest allied to H. ariadne, Pf.^ {CoucMana, Lea, Proc. Acad. N. S., anno 1857, April, p. 102.) I have compared it to Mr. Lea's type, and find it to be quite distinct. The latter is not perforated and has a very different arrange- ment of teeth. That H. Loisa is not a less developed specimen of H. Couchiana is shown by the fact of its being twice the size. Mr. Lea's shell has the parie- tal tooth more angular, flexuose, and entering farther into the aperture ; the teeth on the right lip are not horizontal, heavier and longer, and extend to the edge of the peristome, where they are very solid and elevated, while in io/sa they are slender laminee, removed within the aperture. Helix (Polygra) Mooreana. Testa orbiculato-depressa, carinata, umbili- cata, albida ; spira obtusa, plus minusve elevata ; anfr. 6, vix convexiusculi, striati, ultimus infra carinam non rotundatus ; sutura impressa ; subtus strias minus distinctae ; anfr. 1]-, ultimus carina valde producta. anfr. alterum et umbilicura profundum pene tegens ; apertura orbicularis, contracta, tridentata ; perist. album, incrassatum, vix reflexiusculum, margine basali dentibus duobus curvatis marginalibns sinu parvulo orbiculari separatis, armato ; plica alba rectangularis, dentiformis, excavata, in medio aperturre projecta ad columellam adnata, et perist. margines connectans. Diam. maj. 82, min. 7, alt. 3 mill. Hab. Washington Co., Texas. Fr. Moore I Shell orbicular, depressed, white, carinated, umbilicated ; spire more or less depressed, obtusely rounded ; whorls 6, distinctly striated, hardly convex ; suture impressed ; below the carina the body whorl is not rounded, but slants down to the base which is parallel with the suture ; below, the stria; are less distinct ; at the umbilical region only 1| whorl is visible, the outer one strongly carinated so as to conceal a portion of the umbilicus and a great part of the remaining whorl ; the umbilicus is very small, but perforates the shell to the apex, showing all the volutions with the aid of a lens ; aperture rounded, con- tracted by three teeth ; lip heavy, broad, white, hardly reflected, near the basal extremity, quite on the edge, armed with two short, incurving teeth, separated by a small rounded sinus ; on the columella there is a tooth-like fold, square, projecting across the aperture, its extremities joining those of the peristome. It is difficult to express correctly in words the s{)ecific differences of the vari- ous Polygyra;. This shell combines the characteristics of several American species. It has the spire of H. monodon, Rackett, and the columellar fold of Dorfeuilleana, Lea, as figured Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. vi., pi. xxiv., f. 118. The teeth are placed on the inner edge of the peristome, as in Texasiana, Mor., and the curious carination at the umbilical region resembles that of pustula, Fer., [October, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PIIILADELPEIA. 185 which has not beeu noticed in descriptions. In the collection of the Aca- demy. Helix ccltellatus, Thomson, MSS. Testa orbiculato-depressa, nitens, cari- nata, corneo-rufcscens, ad peripheriam et ad suturas albo-zonata; anfr. 6i convexiusciili, striis miuutis increnient:ilibu3 et lineis microscopicis spiralibus decussati; sutura impressa, apertura oblique lunaris ; pcrist. simplex, acutum, ad coluraellam vix reflexiusculura ; siibtus hcvigata, albida, infra carinani late rufo-corneo-zonata ; umbilicus perspectivus, anfr. omnes ad apiceni monstrans. Diam. maj. 35, min. 19, alt. 13 mill. Habitat. " Contra Costa Co., California." J. H. Thomson. Animal iwice the length of the diameter of the shell ; color reddish. Mr. J. H. Thompson, of New Bedford, Mass., proposes this name for a shell found by him living in considerable quantities. The circumstances in which it was discovered are very unfavorable to the supposition of its having been brought from abroad. The chances of a Dalmatian shell having been intro- duced into California, and already multiplying there, are very small indeed. At the same time the shell before me bears strong resemblance to the European group of this type. It seems to be between H. albanica, Ziegler, and acies, Partsch ; the carina be.ng less sharp than in the latter. Mr. Thomson suggests that it may have been imported from the Sandwich Islands on vegetables, but there is no species native to that region which bear any resemblance to this. Helix anacooketa. T. orbiculato-convexa, aperte umbilicata, cinereo- rufescens, granulata et rare indenta; spira elevata, conica; anf. 6 convex!, ultimns subtus ventricosus ; sutura impressa ; perist. incrassatum, vix reHexius- culum, violaceo-albidum, umbilicum hand multum occultans, marginibus ap- proximatis, callo conjunctis ; faux violacea ; apertura obliqua, transverso- rotundata. Diam. maj. 26 ; min. 21 : alt. 14 mill. Habitat omniam Californian. J. H. Thomson. Shell reddish ashen, orbicularly convex ; spire elevated, conic ; umbilicus open, slightly concealed by the peristome ; whorls six, granulated and sparsely indented ; suture impressed ; below ventricose; aperture transversely rounded; peristome thickened, scarcely reflected, whitish, with a violet tinge, the ex- tremities approaching each other and tbnnected with a callous on the parietal wall ; throat violet. " Animal light ashen color, tentacles nearly white ; average length of some thirty specimens 2Mnches (2 diameters of shell); superior tentacles 5-8ths; inferior .T-lGths inch ; foot broad at the posterior extremity; a line of large granules down the jpiddle of the back ; sides of foot margined with a line of light granules (pores) ; genital orifice posterior to and beneath the larger tentacles. In its habits solitary." Thomson. It with some hesitation that I propose a name for this shell. I at first con- sidered is as a bandless variety of Californicnsis, Lea. But on expressing this opinion to Mr. Thompson, he gave me the above description of the animal and its habits, which are quite distinct from those of Mr. Lea's shell. Its characteris- tics were found constant at various remote points of the State, and in a con- siderable number of specimens. They seem too great for a simple variety. The animal is also different in its habits from Californiensis, being found only solitary, while the latter is gregarious. The shell is one of the very few bandless species of California. Helix .eruginosa, Gould. (Proc. Boston Soc. N. H., Feb., 1855, p. 137.) Nomen transmutandum est ob. H. jeruginosam, Pf. (Pro. Zool. Soc, London, 1854.) This name being preoccupied for a Philippine Island shell. Dr. Gould proposes to call it H. arkosa. " Inhabits only Redwoods." (Thompson). It seems a very variable shell. The type resembles in shape JI. Toivscndiana, Lea. Among the land shells collected in California by Dr. J. S. Newberry, P. R. R. Survey, was one which I called var. /3 of Dr. Gould's shell. It has a very elevated, conical spire, like elevata, Say, but agrees in other respects with tile 1857.] 186 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF tjpe. The Californian land shells seem very difficult to understand on account of their variHtion. Although this shell bears little resemblance to Cali/or?nensif, Lea, as fig. in Tr. Am. Ph. Soc, vi., pi. xxiii., f. 19, there is a gradual blending of the two. For some of the links in the connecting chain, see the fig. Terr. Moll, iii, vi. a, Reeve, Con. Icon. 661, and Chemn. Ed. 2, pi. Ivii. fig. 14, 15. The last resembles arrosa, var. /3 very much. This connecting chain of resemblance is also carried by specimens in my cabinet to Di/petilhuarsi, Desh. Future research will alone enable us to draw the correct divisions of the species. Helix (Poltgtra) tiiolus. Testa solidiuscula, albida, nitens, costis obliquis notata; spira rotundata, elevatiuscula, obtusa, tholiformis ; sutura valde im- pressa, anfr. 7, convexiusculi, superi magis planulati, ultimus ad aperta- ram descendens, obtuse carinatus, carina peristoma non attingens, poft perist. canaliculatus ; infra carinam costas minus distinctae ; basis plana, um- bilicus latus, perspectivus, anfractus canalicuhitos monstrans, quorum 2^ per- spicue alii obscure videntur; apertura perobliqua, ab axe remota; perist. album, semicirculare, latum, incrassatum, margine basali reflexiusculo, dentibus duobas sinu rotundato disjunctis armatum ; plica parietalis acuta, in medio apertura' projecta, margines peristomatis vix connectens. Diam. maj. 11; min. 9 ; alt. 4 mill. Habitare in Texas suspicor, sed incertus sum. Specimen unicum vidi in coll. Bland conservatum. Shell rather solid, white, shining, ribbed above, smoother below; spire obtuse, little elevated, rounded ; whorls seven, convex, the upper ones more flattened, the last bluntly carinated ; carina not reaching the peristome; base parallel to the suture; umbilicus broad, half the larger diameter of the shell, showing two and a half deeply grooved whorls plainly, the others rapidly retreating towards the apex ; aperture very oblique, semicircular, removed from the axis of the shell, bordered with a scarcely reflected, white, heavy rim, grooved behind, and armed with two stout teeth near the basal extremity, broadly reflected at the junction with the body whorl ; on the parietal wall of the aper- ture is a white fold, hardly connecting the extremities of the lip, and projecting across the aperture into an acute point. The aperture of this curious shell ^sembles that of Ti. fatigiata, Say. It i? readily distinguished from that and aU other described species by the umbili- cus, broad at the commencement, and rapidly narrowing beyond the second whorl, with the peculiar groove visible in all the whorls of the umbilicus, of the same character as that noticed by Say in auriculaia, though deeper. The name is derived from the resemblance of the slightly raised, rounded spire to a low dome. # Helix kopnodes. Testa depresso-globosa, corrugata, subtus la3vigata; spjra brevis, depressa ; sutura mediocris ; anfr. quinque, rapide accrescentes, ultimiss permagnus, ventricosus, interdum lineis volventibus crassis notata; apertura magna, rotundata ; perist. simplex, acutum, marginibus approximatis, callo Jevi, brunneo conjunctis ; ad umbilicum parvum et profundura reflexiuscuhiir. Diam. maj. 35; min. 28; alt. 13 mill. Habitat in Alabama, (C. S. Hale !) Forsan forma monstruorsa H. fuliginosce, Binney, sed diflert speciminibut; meridionalibus colore, testa majori, solidiori, magis globosa; umbilico angus- tiori; apertura majori, magis rotundata, spira magis elevata; et lineis volventi- bus. Varietates alligantes non exstant. Figura Reeveana, Con. Icon. No. 6'72. Etsi minus globosa, affinis paritur sed minute costellato-striata dicitur. Shell depressed-globose, wrinkled, below smooth ; spire short, depressed ; suture moderate; whorls five, rapidly increasing, the last very ventricoso and large, sometimes marked with coarse revolving lines; aperture large, round, lip simple, acute, ends approached, joined by a slight deposition of brownish callus over the parietal wall, reflected at the small and deep umbilicus. It is a much larger and more globose shell than U. fuliffinosa, Binney, with ft [[October, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 187 smaller umbilicus, more rounded and larger aperture, and more ventricose body whorl; its color is also lighter. The revolving lines are present in four out of six specimens before me. Reeve's fig Con. Icon , No. 672, has some resemblance to it in shape, though less globose — but differs in being striate above. In the collection of the Academy. Helix priabilis. Testa globosa, papyracea, friabilis, subdiaphana, nitens, rufescens ; spira parvula, elevato-conica; anfr. quatuor, laviter corrugati, con- vexi, ultiraus permagnus, ventricosissimus ; sutura mediocrls ; apertura circu- laris, parum alta et longa, intus livida, callo levi albo sub-incrassata ; j)eri8t. acutum, tenue, simplex, ad basin reflexiusculum, violaceuin, umbilicum parvum et profundura aliqnantum tcgens. Diam. maj. 2G; min. 20; alt. 13 mill. Habitat in ripis fluminis Wabash, (Mrs. Say!) In llliuois (R. Kennicott!) Species rara, ad sectionem ll.fulii/inosa', Binney, referenda, sed testa papyra- cea et rotundata, spira elevata, et apertura circular! distiucta. Shell very globose, transparent, brittle, thin, shining, reddish ; spire very short, conic ; whorls four, convex, lightly wrinkled, rapidly increasing, the last very large and ventricose; suture moderate; aperture circular, equally high and broad, within bluish anl slightly thickened by a very thin white callus; perist. simple, sharp, thin, at its junction with the body whorl, violet colored and reflected, so as to cover a portion of the small and deep umbilicus; the parietal wall of the aperture is covered with a light violet colored callus. Belongs to the same group as H. fuli'/inosa, Binney — but readily distinguished from that and all described species by its transparent, globular shell, ventricose body-whorl, and circular aperture. At the localities where it was found by Mr. Kennicott, H. fuliginosa was not noticed. There is a shell received from Texas, by Dr. Newcomb, which may prove to be identical with this. In the collection of the Academy. Helix redimita. Testa globoso-conica imperforata, tenuiscula, minute et coufertim granulata, corrugata, rufo-brunnea; apex laevigata, obtusula, spira elevata; anfr. 6 convexi, sutura impressa distincti, ultimus permagnus, inflatus, ad aperturam descendens, supra medium fascia fused redimitus ; apertura perobliqua, transverso-orbicularis, intus uuifasciata ; perist. simplex, rufocine- reura, incrassatulum,marginibus valde approximatis, basali retlexiusculo, callo albo umbilicum tegente. Diam. maj. 21; min. 17; alt. 12 mill. Syn. Helix Nickliniana, Binney, Terr. Moll. iii. pi. vi, f. 1, excepta icone in medio posita. Habitat in California aut in Oregon? Shell globose-conic, imperforate, rather thin, wrinkled, covered with minute and crowded granulations; color reddish brown; apex free from granules, rather blunt; spire elevated; suture impressed; whorls six, convex, tlie last quite large and rounded, falling towards the aperture, and banded with reddish brown above the middle; aperture rather large in proportion to the size of the shell, very oblique, transversely rounded, witliin showing the band; peristome sijnple, reddish ash color, thickened, reflected slightly at the base, end.-s approached; umbilicus entirely covered with a white callus. This shell is figured by my father as a var. of H. Nickliniana, Lea. A refer- ence to Mr. Lea's figure and description will at once show it to be distinct, according to the present notions of specific weight. Dr. Gould refers it (Terr. Moll. iii. p. 26) to H. Californiensis ; Reeve, Con. Icon. 661. It appears, how- ever, to be distinct from the shell there figured. In general outline it resembles H. Kdle.tlii, Forbes, Proc. Zool. Soc, London, 1350, pi. ix, f. 2, as well as Reeve's fig. G65 b, not 665 a. Con. Icon. The resem- blance will be found, however, to cease with the outline, on a comparison of the two shells. H. Kellettii is sometimes perforate, is differently colored, and belongs rather to the group of California Helices represented by II. areolata. 1857.] 188 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP Sowb. and H. Pandorce, Forbes, than tliat of H. Calif orniensis, Lea, miercisa, nob. and the shell before me. Helix Dupetithouarsi, Desh. In the collection of the Smithsonian Institute there are specimens of this shell which are furnished with a delicate greenish yellow epidermis. As this has never been noticed in descriptions, I believe it must exist only on very fresh specimens, which are rarely seen. On being immersed some minutes in water, the epidermis becomes of a bright golden color. Helix labiosa. Gould, (by many considered identical with Columbiana, Lea.) To Mr. J. H. Thomson I am also indebted for the following interesting notes on this shell. It will be very important to dissect the animal, as it may prove generically distinct from Helix. "Animal twice as long as the breadth of the shell, dark slate color, almost black on the head and tentacles; a black line running along each side of the back from the base of the longer tentacles; body covered with compressed granules; tentacles black, acutely pointed : eyes at the base of superior tentacles ; anatomy believed to resemble, somewhat, that of the Lyraniadse. Gregarious; in its habits resembling Lymnaea, being found always near water, and laying its eggs on the water-cresses and other aquatic plants. Arrives at maturity in one year, one half the time required by the other species." Helix Californiensis, Lea. " Animal reddish grey, tentacles and base of foot bluish; quite narrow in proportion to the length of the shell; tentacles short. Gregarious, inhabiting dry gullies and hill sides ; many specimens found in a cabbage garden." Thomson. Helix sportella, Gould. I am indebted to Mi-. Thomson for a fine specimen of this rare species, the only one I have ever seen. His notes show the animal to be quite distinct from that of H. concava, Say, however similar the shells may be, with the exception of the striae on the Californian species. He writes, " Ani- mal uniformly white or flesh colored, with an orange line on top of back. Solitary — or only found in pairs." Helix loricata, Gould. (Lecontii, Lea.) This rare species also was added to my collection through the liberality of Mr. Thomson. One specimen found by him was very much larger than Dr. Gould's shell. He gives the following description of the animal ; " white, linear, rough, posteriorly acute, tentacles very short." BuLiMUS DoRMANi, n. s. Tcsta perforata, ovato-turrita, laevigata, albida, fasciis fuscis longitudinalibus ornata; sutura impressa ; spira elongato-conica ; acuta ; apex punctulata ; anfr. 6 convexiusculitis, lineis minutissimis volventibus ornati, superi striati, ultimus inflatus, ad marginera superam peristomatis, ob- tasissime carinatus ; apertura ovata, partem testee dimidiam sub;i5quans ; perist. simplex, acutum, margine columellari reflexiusculum, perforationem pene oc- cultans. Diam. 12; long. 29 mill. Habitat in peninsula Florida prope St. Augustine. 0. S. Dorraan ! Shell perforated, rather heavy, shining, elongated-conic ; white, with several regular revolving series of interrupted perpendicular, reddish brown patches : suture distinctly marked; apex punctured; whorls G, rather convex, marked with numerous very fine revolving lines ; upper whorls striate ; last whorl full, with a hardly perceptible obtuse carina at the upper extremity of the peristome. The only described species with which this shell can be confounded is B. Floridianus, Pf., Proc. Zool. Soc, London, 1855, p. 330.^ Though I have never seen Dr. Peiffer's shell, I should consider it nearly allied, though distinct. It wants the minute revolving lines, the punctured apex, and striate upper whorls, which cliaracterize B. Dormani, is a smaller shell, and has a different marking, being furnished with opaque whitish blotches as well as reddish patches ; the latter also do not extend to tiie body whorl. [October, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 189 Glandina corneola. Testa conico-oblonga, tenuis, nitens, cornea ; anfr. 7 ad 8, convexi, tenuissime et longitudinaliter striati, et lineis niinutis creber- rimis notati ; sutura crenulata; apeitura oblonga, partem testte tlimidiani aequans ; columella contorta, truncata, callo induta. Diam. 18 ; long. 50 mill. Si/n. Glandina truncata, var. Hiuncy non Gniel. Terr. Moll. iii. pi. Ixi. f. 1. Habitat in Ilebuspublicis meridianis. Florida? Shell oblong-conic, thin, shining, horn color ; whorls 1 to 8, longitudinally striate, and covered with numerous minute revolving lines ; suture slightly crenulatcd ; aperture oblong, half as long as the shell ; columella curved, trun- cated, covered with light callus. This shell, very rare in collections, is distinguished bj' its light horn color, thin shell and revolving lines. Glandina parallela. Testa solida, albida, nitens, cylindraceo-elongata, striis crebcrrimis longitudinalibus notata; spira elevato-obtusa ; anfr. 5 ad 6, superi convexi, ultimus lateribus rectis, acquis intervallis inter se distantibus, apertura angusta, partem testic 3-7 aequans ; labrum flexuosum, in medio rec- tum, margine basali curvatum ; columella recta, truncata, callo induta. Diam. 20 ; long. 56 mill. Sy?!.. Glandina truncata, var., Binney. Terr. Moll. iii. p]. Ixii. f. 2. Habitat in Louisiana, Rev. E. R. Beadle ! Shell heavy, shining, white, elongated, cylindrical; spire elevated, obtuse : whorls 6 to 7, with numerous, delicate, longitudinal striae, the upper ones con- vex, the last one with straight parallel sides ; lip straight along the middle, and parallel to the rectilinear side of the opposite whorl, at the basal extremity curved ; columella straight, truncated, covered with a heavy callus. Distinguished by its peculiar parallel sides and heavy texture from any other described species. The following are notes on the plates contained in Vol. iii. of the Terres- trial Mollusks. Helix Rugeli, Shuttleworth, (Diag. neuer Moll. No. 2,) is described as al- ways larger than H. inflecta. Say. I have the latter of the same dimensions as given for Rugeli, 13 mill., and some specimens of Mr. Shuttleworth's shell only 8 mill. Helix mordax, Shuttleworth, is a variety of H. alternata, Sa3\ I have a large series, showing a gradual change from the typical Northern Shell to the strongly ribbed and more or less carinated Southern form. H. strongolydcs, Pfeiffer, is also a variety of the same shell. Perhaps, also, H. infecta, Parr. Helix multiline.ata. Say. I have a variety of this with an open umbilicus. Another, received from Mr. J. A. Lapham, of Wisconsin, is small, of an uniform brownish-red, without a.'iy revolving lines. Helix clausa. Say. Terrestrial Mollusks, pi. iv. The outline figures do not represent this species. H. viNCTA, Val., Terr. Moll. iii. pi. vi., is certainly distinct from Californien- sis, Lea. (Compare his fig. and descr. T. Am. Ph. Soc. vi. pi. xxiii., f. 79.) The centre figure of this plate is H. intercisa, nob. Proc. A. N. S. Phila., 1857. p. 18. Fig. 1. Upper and lower figure cannot be considered a variety of Nickli- niana. I propose for it the name oi redimila. PI. vi. a. The European conchologists now consider H. Nickliniana and Oaliforniensis as identical, and figure this shell under the latter name. H. DEJJTiFERA is not Confined to Vermont. It is a mountain shell, has been found by Mr. Edwards in Virginia, Dr. S. E. Shurtleff in Western Pennsylvania, Mr. Conrad at Broad Top Mountain, and Mr. Phillips on the Lehigh. 1857.] 190 PKOCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP H. NuTTALLiANA, Lea, is universally considered as H. fidelis, Gray. Mr. Gray's descriptioa has the priority of several years. H. Vancouverensis, Lea. I see no reason why H. vellicata, Forbes, should not be considered as a variety of this. H. EGi5>rA, Gould non Say, pi. xxii. a. This shell, though never seen by Mr. Say, is called by one of his names. It is certainly a disadvantage to increase the already burthensome nomenclature, but is it not worse to make one name serve for two distinct species ? Mr. Say's shell was found by Mr. J. S. Phillips at the 8 mile lane above Philadelphia, and is still preserved in his collection. I think it will prove to be distinct from chersina, Say. The latter has a much moreelevate(i spire, rounded at the top like labyrinthica, Say, and is only obtusely carinated ; while in egena. Say, a very acute carina divides the shell into a short, pyramidal, sharp spire, and a rounded, inflated base, whose outline forms a semicircle. As I consider H. egena a good species, I leave it to Dr. Gould to propose another name for the Florida shell. Helix fallax, Say, is certainly more than a variety of tridentata, Say. Not only are the characteristic differences well marked, but the habits of the re- spective animals are different. Mr. J. G. Anthony tells me that tridentata is found on hill sides in the grass, vf\\i\Q fallax inhabits rich soils, in woods, under logs, and is not gregarious like the former. The difficulty is to mark the dividing line between the many varieties of fallax, some of which are quite as distinct as H. Hopetonensis, Shuttl. In one specimen oi fallax in my cabinet there is a well developed "fulcrum" as in monodou, spinosa, and others mentioned by Mr. Lea. Helix minutissima, Lea, is certainly distinct from H. minuscula, Binney. Had my father been spared to finish his work, he would have withdrawn the opinion expressed in Vol. ii., p. 221. I have a note of his taken at Mr. Lea's house, in which he says they are distinct. Dr. Leidy tells me that he made a figure of Lea's type for engraving, which was subsequently lost. Helix costata, Miill. Dr. F. V. Hayden collected many thousands of this ribbed variety of pulch*ella, Miill. (minuta. Say,) in Nebraska. It had hitherto been noticed only in Philadelphia and Cincinnati. Helix glaphtra. Say, pi. xxix., f. 4. That this shell is identical with cellaria, Miill., was the opinion of Dr. Binney. I am able to add to the same effect the testimony of two of our first conchologists, Mr. J. G. Anthony and Dr. Griffith. The former tells me that thirty years ago he found a shell in considerable num- bers in his garden, at Providence, R. I., in all respects agreeing with the Euro- pean cellaria. On carrying it to Philadelphia, the conchologists of that time all called it glaphyra. Say. The testimony of Dr. Grifiith is still more conclusive. I have a letter of his to my father in which he says that he had seen Say's type oi glaphyra in the collection of the Academy, and that it was certainly the cellaria of Europe. He adds, that when arranging the collection, the shell was broken and thrown aside. Helix saxicola, Binney non Pf. pi. xxix. a. f. 4, is H. incrustata, Poey. It agrees in all respects with the Cuban specimens in the Academy received from Mr. Poey. Helix LncuBRATA, Binney non Say, pi. xxxii. does not represent Say's shell. Though figured by Desbayes in Fer. Hist. pi. Ixxxii. f. 6, it was first described by Pfeiffer, Mong. i, p. 64. The common form is hardly as globose as the sheil figured. Helix sulplana, Binney, has been found by Mr. J. S. Phillips on the banks of the Susquehanna, near Wyoming, Pa. Helix interte.xta, Binney, pi. xxxvi. The southern form of this shell would by many be hardly considered as the same species. The spire is very much [October, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 191 flattened, color much lighter, body whorl less inflated and very sharply cari- nated. The northern form very rarely reaches the size figured. Helix skptkmvolva, Say, pi. xxxviii. Tiie middle figures come nearest to Muhlfeldt's type of cereolun, figured in the Berlin Magazine. The internal lamina mentioned on page 31 is found constantly in II. microdonta, Desh. of Florida. It is not, however, confined to that alone, (Shuttl. Diag. Neucr Moll. No. 2,) as I have detected it in a few instances in the large cereolus and other forms. In Florida there are several varieties of this shell as well worthy of specific distinc- tion as microdonta, Desh., volvoxis, Parr, and delitescens, Shuttl. Miihlfeldt's name cereolus has priority, having been published in ISUi, and not 1818as quoted by Pfeirfer, &c. The European conchologists, Pfeiffer, Reeve, &c., mention as a synonym of this shell H. polygyrata, Binney, a name not even mentioned by him. Helix sdppressa, Say, small var. PI. xxxvii. fig. 3. This appears to be hicoslata, Pf. Helix plicata, Say, pi. xxxix. f. 2. Mr. Say's type is preserved In the col- lection of the Academy. Having carefully ccmpared it with Mr. Lea's original Troosdann, I am led to believe them identical. In this case Mr. Lea's name alone will stand, as that of Mr Say is preoccupied. In Vol. ii. p. 195, II. plicata is said to be identical with fatigiata. Say, Dorfeuilleana, Lea, and Troostiana, Lea. T cannot agree with this opinion; H. fatigiata is certainly distinct from the others. (PI. xxxix. f. 2.) The characters on which Mr. Lea's two species are founded are certainly not very distinct; at the same time their constancy gives them weight. Of twenty-five specimens found in Tennessee by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Elliott, all were well marked H. Troostiana. Helix leporina, Gould, had been found only in Mississippi and Arkansas, until Mr. Postel discovered it at St. Simon's Isle, Georgia, Dr. H. M. Neisler in Butler County, of the same State, and Bishop Elliott at Savannah. Future re- search will probably prove it an inhabitant of the whole South. Helix maxillata, Gould, has also been found by Dr. H. M. Neisler in Butler County, Georgia. Helix buffoniana, Pf., pi. xliii. This seems rather the variety which Pfeiffer described formerly as distinct under the name of Humboldtiana ; he now unites the two. Helix ixflecta, Say, pL xlv. f. 3. It is a typographical error on p. 33 to call this H. triodonta, Jahn. Helix polychroa, Binney, pi. xlvi. xlvii. It is hardly necessary to find another name for this shell (ob. H. polychroam, Sowb.) asitseems to bevarians, Mke. Helix selenina, Gould, pi. xlviii. This is certainly H. vortex, Pf., of the West Indies. I do not agree with Dr. Gould, (p. 34,) in considering H. tenui- striata, fJinney, as the same shell; a comparison of ihe description of the latter will show them to be distinct. The geographical distribution is also very dif- ferent. Dr. Binney's shell is from Tennessee, while vortex, is a West Indian species, introduced only into the Southern extremity of Florida. The description on the cover, Boston Journal Nat. Hist. iv. part 1, anno 1842, is as follows. '■'■ Ilelijc tenuistriata. Testa depressa, carinata, umbilicata, albido cornea ; anfr. 7 oblique striatis ; opertura angusta, depressa, labro subrcflexo, basi convexo. Lat. I poll. Hab. Tennessee." I have a shell in my cabinet to which this descrip- tion applies prutty well ; I am not sure, however, that it is the same. Future research will undoubtedly bring the species to light. • Helix auriculata, Say, pi. xl. I do not consider fig. 2, H. avara. Say, as a var. of this, but a distinct species. There are some varieties of auriculata, which may be confounded with it, but it is certainly a good species. Among other 1857.] 192 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP distinctive characteristics it is hirsute, as mentioned by Say. I am indebted to Mr. James Postel, of St. Simon's Isle, Georgia, for some very fine fresli hirsute specimens. From Mr. 0. S. Dorman of St. Augustine, Fa., I have some fine specimens of auriculata, 16 mill, in the greatest diameter. Helix elevata. Say. Mr. Robert Kennicott collected in Wisconsin two specimens of a curious variety of this species, furnished with a broad, revolving, brownish band on the body whorl. Helix stexotrema, Ter. pi. xlii. f. 4, is a very well marked variety of hirsuta, confined to the region of Tennessee. BuLiMUS dealbatus, Say, pi. li. However well defined may be the distinctive characteristics of this species and B. schiedeanus,lactarius, &c., it is extremely difficult to trace the dividing line between them, when seen in large quantities. I have specimens picked from the same bush in Texas, some of which would be referred to each of these species. At the same time it seems hardly possible that the large, heavy shell figured on pi. li. b, should be the same species as the small, fragile shell pi. li., fig. 1. At all events, it is necessary to distinguish them by different names. AcHATiNA PELLUCiDA, Pf. pi. Hii. f. 2, is Blauueria (Voluta) heteroclita, Mont. Dr. E. Foreman has specimens found in his garden at Washington, whither they were brought on plants from Charleston, S. C, Mr. T. Bland found it in- habiting brackish water in Jamaica. BoLiMus viRGULATUs, Binuey non Fer. pi. Iviii., (see remarks Vol. ii. p. 279.) I'concur entirely with Dr. Gould in considering this shell identical with B. muUilineatus, Say, which name has the priority of many years of Reeve's name venosus. Ferussac's shell is quite distinct.. Mr. Say's description of H. muUili- neatus, (Journ. Acad. N. S., Phila., Vol. 5, p. 120, anno 1825,) is as follows : "Shell conic, not very obviously wrinkled; whorls not very convex, yellowish white, Avith transverse, entire, reddish brown lines ; a blackish subsutural revolving line ; apex blackish ; umbilicus small, surrounded by a broad blackish line; columella whitish, labrum simple, blaciiish. Length less than T-lOth inch, greatest breadth less than 7-20th inch. This species was found by Mr. Titian Peale on the southern part of East Florida." Mr. Bartlett found the virgulatus, Binney, in the same locality. Glandina truncata, Binney non Gmel., pi. Ixi. f. 1, is G. corneola, nob. vid. supra. Fig. 2 is G. Texasiana, Pf., Novitates Conch, p. 7, pi. xxii. f. 11, 12. Figure 2, pi. Ixii. is G. parallela, nob. vid. supra. Helicixa ORBIC0LATA, Binucy non Say, PI. Ixxiii. last line, middle figure, is Hel. tropica, Jahn. Helicina chrysocheila, Binney, pi. Ixxiv. f. 4. I have specimens of this shell in my cabinet, and consider it distinct from Hel. Jamaicensis, Sowb., and all other described species. I have a note taken by my father at the collection of M. Petit de la Saussaye in Paris, in which he says that a similar shell is labelled from Tampico. Compare Hel. iurbinata, Wiegm., Ch. ed. 2, pi. iv. f. 13, 14, 15. Notes on American Land-Shells, deposited by Mr. Say, and still preserved in the collection of the Academy. Helix lucdbrata. Say. I have lately found among the shells of the Acade- my three specimens of a shell labelled many years ago, " Jlelix lucubrala, Say — Mexico." I have made a very critical comparison of them with authentic speci- mens of II. caduca, Pf., received through the kindness of Mr. Cuming. I am now confirmed in the opinion I expressed before, that the two shells are undoubt- edly identical. The resemblance of these Mexican shells to II. fuliginosa, Binney, is strong enough to have given Dr. Griffith the impression that they were the [Octoberj NATURAL SCIENCES OF PUILADELrUIA. 193 same. He expressed himself to that effect in letters to my father. From Dr. Griffith, Prof. Adams may have received the same imj)ression (sec Vt. Moll.) I am inclined to differ from them, believing the sijccies, though nearly allied, to be quite distinct. Until we receive the true II. fuUyinosa from the South-western States, 1 shall doubt its existence there. Our country has been too little searched, however, to allow us to draw very nicely the lines of geographical distribution. If I am correct in my view of this species, Mr. Say's name will, of course, take precedence over that of Dr. Pfeittcr. Helix clausa. The specimens are much more globose than that figured in Am. Conch. The aperture is quite orbicular. Helix appressa, hirsuta, inflecta, profunda, auriculata, ligera, solitaria, supprgssa. H. patigiata, as fig. in Terr. Moll. iii. pi. sxxix, f. 4. H. PUCATA. Like Troosliana, Lea. H. FALLAX. The upper denticle on the peristome placed within the aperture, like that of//, vulluona, Gould. H. septemvolva. Larfife and small var. of cereolus, Mhtl. SucciNEA avara, campestris. Same as figured in Terr. Moll. Helicina orbiculata, occulta, (fossil.) Pupa pentodon, corticaria, armigera. AcHATis.A solida. Morc elongated than that fig. in Terr. Moll. November '6d, 1857. Vice President Lea in the Chair. Mr. Slack remarked, that the specimens of chalcedony and quartz presented by him this evening, had been obtained from a quarry on the left bank of the Nile, whence was procured the limestone used in the erection of the Pyramids. They appear to have been rejected by the workmen when selectino: the lime. November 10<7i, 1857. Mr. Cassin in the Chair. Dr. Morris called the attention of members to an appearance of the eastern hori- zon just before, at and after sunset. On any clear evening, after a warm day, a per- son looking towards the east a few minutes before sunset, will observe a red band of light extending along the whole horizon; above, it is gradually shaded into yellow light, which passes into greenish, and finally into blue, at various distances from the zenith. As the sun decends in the west, these bands of red and yellow light rise in the east, until the red makes an angle of about 15° with the plane of the horizon, leaving a clear dark blue space beneath. The colors are brightest about ten minutes after apparent sunset : after which they gradually fade away. A cloudy or misty state of the atmosphere near the zenith of the observer ob- scures or prevents the occurrence of the phenomenon : but a fog-bank in the horizon does not interfere. In Kaemtz's Meteorology, translated by Walker, page 408, the same phenomenon is partially described, but he places the " white or yellow stripe '' between the red and the blue of the horizon, or below the red. I have never seen it anywhere but as above. Kaemtz thinks that the blue is due to the shadow of the earth projected against the eastern sky, while the red 1857.] 194 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF baad is caused by the absorption of the other constituents of white light in traversing so great an amount of atmosphere. This hypothesis is also main- tained by Mr. Martin in his Notes, F. p. 497 : and he gives a much fuller and better account of the phenomenon as observed in morning twilight by M. Bravais from the summit of the Faulhorn. If it were really due to this cause. no reason could be assigned for the gradual fading and disappearance, first of the yellow and then of the red light, when they have risen about 20° above the horizon ; they ought to follow the sun completely across the sky. I believe the phenomenon to be due to the formation of an iris by the sun's light falling on the vapor of the atmosphere which has become partially con- densed as the sun has receded ; probably this will be found to correspond with the iris given by five internal reflections and two refractions of the sun's rays. November 11th, 1857. Vice President Lea in the Chair. The following papers were presented for publication in the Proceed- ings : '■' Descriptions of some new Reptiles collected by the U. S. Exploring Expedition, under the command of Capt. Chas. Wilkes, U. S. N., by Charles Girard." " Notices of new Genera and species of marine and fresh-water fishes from Western North America, by Charles Girard." •• Description of a new species of Cypselas, collected in the N. W. Boundary Survey, A. Campbell, Esq., Commissioner, by C. B. R. Ken- nerly, Surgeon and Naturalist of the Expedition." " Notes on the American species of Archibuteo and Lanius, and Description of a new species of Toucan, of the genus Selenidera, by John Cassin." Which were severally referred to Committees. Mr. Cassia read the following extract from a letter of Mr. P. B. DuChaillu. Fernando Paz River, August 11 Ih, 1857. " While hunting after the Gorilla a few days ago, I met with a male surrounded by a few females. The male has a red crest, like a cock. "Both the guinea fowl and the black pheasant are birds which are not seen before you reach fifty or sixty nailes in the interior, and are unknown to the natives of the sea shore. The birds of the Fernando I'az country, until you reach the interior, are exactly the same as those of Cape Lopez, the country being similar in appearance. At the Cape properly there is no town : the largest town of the Cape Lopez people is Sangatonga, situated in the bay formed by the Cape. It is the residence of the king, and is situated in a beautiful prairie at the foot of a hill rising about two miles in the interior. The soil of Cape Lopez is generally light and sandy ; the country presents an aspect quite dif- ferent from that between Fernando F6 and the Gaboon, looking a good deal like the countries of Southern Africa toward the Cape of Good Hope — large prairies with groves of trees. In these groves the Cape Lopez people have their plantations, as the soil is good. Sweet potatoes, cassada, plantain, ground nuts and sugar cane are the products. They plant in pretty large quantities, as these form the main staple of their food; sweet potatoes, especially, grow well. Good roads could easily be made, and would be a powerful aid to colonization. The raising of cattle could be made a profitable business, for the prairie land would afford good grazing. A good many wild cattle are seen wandering over the [November, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. ]95 prairies. Water seemed to be rather scarce, haviop met, during a journey of sixty miles into the interior, but four streams : but the natives liave assured mi- that at the bottoms of the hills in the midst of the groves there are a good many brooks. So fur as I have been into the interior I found the country hilly : 1 did not meet with marshy ground but at a single place, and that marsh was small. About fifty miles in the interior the prairies become smaller and woods take their place. The country through which I passed was thinly populated: the people have generally to stay on or near the Gaboon or Nazareth rivers or their tributaries. This want of population would be a drawback to colonization, as would also the want of a good harbor. The country near the Nazareth if. better off in this respect." November 2i(h, 1857. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. The Committees to -whom viere referred the following papers, reported in favor of publication, "viz : '' Descriptions of seme new Reptiles, collected by the U. S. Explorinj: Expedition under the command of Capt. C. Wilkes, U. S. N., by Chas. Girard." "Notices of new genera and new species of marine and fresh-water Fishes, from Western North America, by Chas. Girard." " Description of a new species of Cypselus, &c., by C B. R. Kennerly." The Committee on Col. Abert's " Description of a Mocking bird, supposed to be new," was discharged at its own request. Descriptions of some new Eeptiles, collected by the TJnited States ExploiiEp Expedition, under the command of Capt. Charles Wilkes, U. S. K, FoBRxn Part. — Including the species of Saurians, exotic to North America. BY CHARLES GIRARD, M. D. SCINCID^. 1. Cryptoblepuarus eximics. — Scales disposed upon twenty-four longitudinal series, around the middle region of the body. Subcaudal scales equal or sub- equal. Back greenish; two light lines, or streaks, on each side; beneath unicolor. Locality. — Feejee islands. 2. EupREPis VENusTus. — Body and head slender and depressed; tail subconi- cal posteriorly. Forty-three to forty-five longitudinal series of scales. Pre- frontal plate lozenge-shaped. External row of preanal scales larger than the rest. Back chestnut brown ; a black streak from the eye to the base of the tail, margined, superiorly, by a fuliginous line, extending from the supraciliary regiOTi to the anterior third of the tail, and, inferiorly, by a yellow line from the axilla to the groin; lower portion of the flanks yellow, speckled with black. Throat whitish ; abdomen light brown, unicolor. Locality. — Cape de Verde islands. CYCLODINA, (nov. gen.) — Body elongated, slender, subquadrangular, depress- ed, covered with large scales, striated under the epidermis. Head small, depress- ed, anteriorly obtuse. Nostrils in one plate ; no supranasals ; a pair of pariet.als. Maxillary teeth conical ; palate toothless. Tongue flat, scaly, nicked at the extremity. Lower eye-lid scaly. Auricular apertures simple. Limbs four, weak, far apart, five fingers and five toes, rather short, subcylindrical and clawed, their inferior aspect transversally plated, smooth ; palms and soles coarsely granular or subtubercular. Tail moderate. 1857.] 196 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 6. CiCLODiNA ^NEA.— Body rather long, protected by twenty-six longitudinal series of scales. Snout short. Suborbital chain of plates complete: no labials entering into the orbit. Auricular aperture small. Two middle preanal scales larger than the rest. Limbs quite small. Golden green, back speckled with black; a dark chesnut or blackish streak along the upper portion of the flanks, obsoletely white lined above. Sides speckled with white and black. Under surface of head and throat speckled with black; abdomen light yellowish, unicolor. Locality. — New Zealand. HOMBRONIA, (nov. gen.) — Body subtetragonal and depressed, protected by moderate and striated scales ; the two preanal ones larger than the rest. Head depressed, subtriangular ; two parietal plates; an odd occipital, and two latero- occipitals. Nostril in one plate ; no supranasals. Maxillary teeth subconical ; palate toothless. Lower eyelid with a transparent disc. Auricular aperture sim- ple ; tympanum, rather deeply seated. Limbs weak, far apart; five fingers and five toes, unequal, with transverse, carinated plates beneath ; palms and soles granular. Tail long, stoutish, subcylindrical, with subequal scales. 4. HoMBRONiA UNDOSA. — Tweuty-cight longitudinal series of scales. Rostral plate elevated, subconical; nasals and postfrontals separated. Transparent disc of lower eyelid subcentral. Auricular aperture very small. Caudal scales much larger than the dorsal and abdominal ones. Tail long. Brown, sides with an obsolete, undulating streak of deep chestnut; beneath lighter, unicolor. Locality. — New Zealand. 5. HoMBRONiA FASCioLARis. — Tweuty-six longitudinal scrics of scalcs. Rostral plate low, hemi-discoid ; nasals wide apart ; postfrontals nearly contiguous- Transparent disc of lower eyelid subcentral. Auditive aperture very large. Caudal and dorsal scales subequal. Tail very long. Greenish olive; back speckled ; upper part of sides with a dark streak ; lower part and belly lineo- lated with greyish. Locality. — New Zealand. OLIGOSOMA, (nov. gen.) — Body subcylindrical, rather short, covered with moderate and striated scales ; two middle dorsal series largest. Head subquad- rangulo-pyramidal, depressed ; nostrils lateral ; no supranasal plates. Parie- tals separated. Palate toothless. Lower eyelid with a transparent disc. Auricu- lar aperture subdenticulated in front, or simple ; tympanum more or less sunk. Limbs moderately developed ; five fingers and five toes, unequal; palms and soles finely granular ; subdigital plates transverse, smooth. Tail long, subcylindrical and tapering. Mocoa zelandica, Gray, is the type of this genus, to which also belongs Scincus noctua, of Lesson. G. LiPiNiA VULCANIA. — Dorsal scales disposed upon thirty longitudinal series- Prefrontal plates large, subquadrangular; postfrontals contiguous; supraoculars quite large ; two slender, vertically elongated lorals. Temporal shields, scale- like. Brown, with a lateral darker streak; beneath unicolor. Locality. — Caldera on Mindanoo. 19 LYGOSOMELLA, (nov. gen.) — Body depressed, elongated, covered with moderate and striated scales. Head subquadrangulo-pyramidal, depressed ; nostrils lateral ; no supranasal plates ; parietals separated. Palate toothless. Lower eyelid with a transparent disc. Auricular aperture denticulated in front ; tympanum deeply seated. Limbs small, far apart; five fingers and five toes, unequal : palms and soles finely tubercular ; subdigital plates transverse, smooth. Tail moderate, subconical and tapering. 7. Lygosomella y-ESTUOSA. — Body rather long, protected by thirty-six longi- tudinal series of scales. Snout elongated ; fifth upper labial entering into the orbit. Auricular aperture small, slightly denticulated in front. Preanal scales subequal. Olivaceous brown, with a pale streak along the upper portion of the [November NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 197 flanks, margined with black. Dorsal region and sides somewhat speckled Avith black and white. Abdomen unicolor; throat and chin speckled with black. Locality. — New Zealand. EMOA (nov. gen.) — Body elongated, subfusiform, more or less depressed, covered with smooth, though substriated scales. Head subquadrangulo-pyra- midal ; a pair of supranasal plates; parietals united into one ; middle occipital sometimes combined with the united parietals ; a pair of postoccipitals. Maxil- lary teeth rather short and subconical ; palate toothless. Lower eyelid with a transparent disc ; auricular aperture denticulated or simple ; tympanum deeply seated; limbs well developed ; palms and soles granular; five fingers and five toes, compressed, unequal, clawed ; subdigital plates numerous and smooth. Tail elongated and tapering. 8. Emoa niorita. — Body stoutish, covered with thirty-eight longitudinal series of well developed scales. Postfrontal plates not contiguous; middle occipital distinct; auricular aperture moderate ; subcircular and simple; preanal scales larger than the rest ; tail subcylindrical, of moderate length; uniform brownish black above ; lighter beneath. Locality. — Navigator Islands. GEKKOTIDAE. 9. Geuyra vorax. — Fingers and toes broad and rather short ; dorsal scales small and uniform ; abdominal scales subpyramidal in outline ; brown or grey- ish brown above, maculated with black ; beneath whitish, dotted with black. Localities. — Fejee Islands. 10. PEROP0S NEGLECTUS. — Eye large; mental shields small and polygonal; tail laterally serrated ; above brown with black markings ; beneath unicolor. Locality. — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 11. Dactylopkrus iNSULENSis. — Scales along the middle region of the back smaller than on the sides ; upper surface of head and tail granular ; four mental shields, placed side by side ; greyish brown above ; minutely speckled with black ; whitish beneath. Locality. — Sandwich Islands. 12. DoRYURA vuLPECULA. — Head quite depressed and subacute anteriorly. Xeck swollen. Back covered with minute equal granules, and tail with small scales. Four mental shields disposed upon a square, anteriorly contiguous to the labial plates. Tail tapering, nearly even laterally. Grey or yellowish brown, lighter beneath than above, and occasionally spread over with pale dots. Locality. — Sandwich Islands. 13. HoPLODACTYLus POMARii. — No mental shields, instead of which some very small plates. Abdominal scales very small, subcircular or subrhoraboid. Upper regions of a dark reddish ground over which are arranged longitudinally elongated black blotches more or less confluent ; beneath greyish, unicolor. Locality. — New Zealand. 14. Heteronota pelagica. — Nostrils lateral, situated above the commissure between the rostral plate and the first labial. One pair of quadrangular, con- tiguous, internasal plates, and a small tubular post nasal. A pair of small men- tal shields. Eighteen longitudinal series of tubercles. Brown, maculated above with black ; unicolor beneath. Localities. — Feejee and Navigator Islands. IGUANID.E. SACCODEIRA, (nov. gen.) — Cephalic plates rather small, mulficarinated. Nostrils lateral, placed immediately above the snpraciliary crest. Temporal scales 1857.] 198 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF carinated and imbricated. Auricular aperture denticulated in front. Sides of the neck, pouched, with small exteriorly and small granules within the pouches. A vertico-oblique fold in advance of the shoulder. Dorsal scales moderate, conspicuously carinated, acuminated, central dorsal series simulating a low crest. Abdominal scales smooth and entire. Femoral and preanal pores none. Tail broad at the base, compressed and tapering posteriorly. Fingers and toes, five, slender, unequal. 15. Saccodeira ornatissima. — Cephalic plates very small and nearly equal sized. Suprulabials in one series, slender and smaller than the labials. Tem- poral scales quite small. Auricular aperture large. Scales subequal ; dorsal and lateral ones sublanceolated and carinated ; abdominal ones posteriorly rounded. Posterior aspect of thighs minutely and wholly granular. Greyish brown above, with a double series of dark brown, subtriangular spots along the dorsal region. Limbs maculated. Upper surface of head blackish ; sides and under surface whitish, with small jet black spots. Abdomen dull yellow, uni- color. Localities. — Obrajillo and Yanga, Peru. 16. Proctotretus splendidus. — Proctotretus peciinatus, Bell, Zool. Voy. Beagle, v, 1843, 18, Plate ix, fig. 2. — Labial plates narrow and long, somewhat larger than the supralabials, which are disposed upon two series. Temporal scales imbricated. Auricular aperture small. One series of infralabials, nar- rower than the lower labials. Three pairs of mental shields. Three pectinated crests, one along the dorsal line, and one on each side of the back. Emerald green above with five series of chestnut brown, black margined spots. The lateral pectinated crests bright yellow. Head transversally streaked with bright yellow. Sides and limbs variegated with brown upon a fawn yellow ground. Beneath white. Locality/ — Patagonia. RHYTIDODEIRA, (nov.gen.) — Cephalic plates rather well developed or moder- ate sized, not imbricated, smooth ; one series of supralabials. Nostrils lateral. Temporal scales imbricated, smooth or subcarinated. Auricular aperture granu- lar, tubercular or subdenticulated in front. Sides of the neck folded, granular : a vertico-oblique scapular fold. Dorsal scales rhomboid, carinated, acuminated ; abdominal scales rhomboid also, smooth, generally entire posteriorly. Thighs either wholly granular or provided with a patch of scales near the tail. Colora- tion : Longitudinal streaks of various hues with intervening series of spots : occasionally, however, transversally banded. Observation. — To this genus belong: 1. Proctotretus kingii, Bei^Xj ; 2. Procto- tretus ma^cll'inicus, Hombr. & Jacq. ; 3. P. bibroni, Bell ; 4, P. wiegmannii, Dtjm. & BiBR. : 5. Tropidurus nigromaculatus, Wiegm. ; 6 Tropidurus oxycephalus, Wiegm. EULAEMUS (nov. gen.). — Cephalic plate moderate sized, else well developed, smooth ; one series of supralabials. Nostrils lateral. Temporal scales sub- imbricated, subcarinated or smooth. Auricular apertures large, denticulated or tubercular in front. Sides of the neck folded and granular; a vertico- oblique scapular fold. Dorsal scales moderate, subrhomboid, slightly carinated. posteriorly obtuse ; lateral scales rather smaller or subequal ; abdominal scales rhomboid or rounded, and entire. Thighs wholly granular, else minutely scaly. Coloration : Transverse black or brown spots or bands, generally light margined, upon a rather dark ground; longitudinal streaks obsolete, if at all f)resent. Observation. — This genus embraces: 1. Proctotretus tenuis, Ddm. & Bibr. ; 2. P. daru-inii, Bell; 3. P. pictus, Dum. & Bibr.; 4. P. fitzingcrii, DuM. &. Bibr.; 5. P. fitzinyerii, Bell. (^E. aj/inis, Grd.) ; 6. /'. signifer, Dum. & Bibr. ; and 7. Lio- Immus macul.alus, Gray. ORTHOL/EMUS(nov. gen.). — Cephalic plates rather small, not imbricated, smooth ; three or more series of supralabials. Nostrils superior. Temporal November; NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 199 shields smooth, not imbricated. Auricular aperture moderate, simple. Sides of the neck ridged or rumpled, granular; a vertico-oblique fold in advance of the shoulder. Dorsal scales small, slightly carinated, posteriorly obtuse ; lateral scales a good deal smaller, subgranular. Abdominal scales rhomboid or sub- lanceolated, entire or subfimbriated posteriorly. Thighs either wholly granu- lar or with a patch of scales near the tail. Coloration : Dark spotted upon a light ground, and occasionally speckled also. Observation. — Proclotretus niaculatus, Dum. & Bibr. ; and P. wiegmannii, Bell, {O.Jitzroii, Grd.) belong to this genus, together with the following one. 17. OrtholyEMUS beaglii. — Proclotretus muUimaculatus, Bkll, Zool. Voy. Beagle, v, 1843, 17, pi. ix, fig. 1. — Head short, depressed, wedge shaped. Snout rounded. Three series of supralabials, smaller than the labials. Lower labials larger than the upper labials ; three series of infralabials. Seven or eight pairs of mental shields. Temporal scales small and subconvex. Auricular aperture moderate. Dorsal scales smaller than the abdominal ones, which are subrhom- boid, rather acuminated and subfimbriated. Upper part of flanks subgranular. Posterior aspect of thighs granular with a patch of scales near the tail. Olive brown above, maculated with black; a jet black humeral spot; beneath whitish yellow, unicolor. 18. AiiPHiBOLURUS maculiperus. — A diminutive scaly ridge along the middle line of the back. Sides of the hind part of the head spineless. Scales of the throat, abdomen and inferior surface of the limbs obsoletely carinated, those of the throat not hanging down, sides of the body with some short and erect scales. Tail without cross rows of spines above. Yellowish, with transverse blackish bands on the back, limbs and tail; belly and tail beneath unicolor, throat and limbs dark speckled. Locality. — New South Wales, Australia. OREODEIRA (nov. gen.). — Head depressed, rather broad and short, covered with small subtuberculous and subimbricated plates. Occipital plate rather large. Nostrils lateral, situated within the extension of the supraciliary ridge along the snout. Supralabial plates and temporal scales carinated. Tongue fleshy, anteriorly notched or bifid. Compressed and cutting teeth on the sides of the jaws and subconical incisors anteriorly. Auricular aperture moderate, subserrated ; tympanum situated near its surface. A gular and a pectoral cross fold; sides of the neck variously folded or rumpled. Nape with a small crest vanishing away along the back. Scales on the back moderate, homogene- ous, keeled, disposed upon oblique series; on the abdomen, small, subequal and keeled also ; on the occiput and neck very small, subgranular. Limbs slender and elongated, terminated by five fingers and five toes, slender, compressed, unequal, clawed. Tail slender, subconical, and tapering. Femoral and preanal pores wanting. Observation. — This genus belongs to the group of Phrynocephali, and as far as we know, is the only one found in Australia. 19. Okeodeira gracilipes. — Three complete series of supralabials, smaller than the labials ; infralabials constituting likewise three series. Mental shields quite small, scarcely distinguishable from the infralabials. Posterior aspect of thighs, scaly. Caudal scales conspicuously larger than the dorsal and abdo- minal ones. Brownish olive above, anteriorl}' maculated; beneath yellowish- olive ; chin obsoletely spotted. Locality. — New South Wales, Australia. 1857.1 15 200 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP Notice upon new Genera and new Species of Karine and Fresh- water Fishes from Western North America. BY CHARLES GIRARD, M. D. I. PERCOIDS AND CATAPHRACTI. 1. PoMoxis NITID0S. — Posterior extremity of maxillary bone corresponding to a line intersecting the pupil. Insertion of ventrals situated opposite the inferior edge of the base of the pectorals. Anterior spiny ray of anal fin under the fourth dorsal one. Posterior margin of caudal fin subconcave. Upper regions reddish, spotted and fasciated with brown ; inferior regions silver and golden Collected in Houston River, Ky., by E. L. Berthoud, Esq. 2. Calmurus melanops. — Mouth very large ; gape directed obliquely upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Bye large. Insertion of ventrals situated opposite the base of^he pectorals, a little in advance of the origin of the dorsal ; their tips not extend- ing to the vent. Scales very large. Ground color reddish brown, with a blackish spot upon the centre of each scale. A black patch at the upper and posterior margin of the opercle. Soft portion of dorsal and anal fins spotted upon their base. Inhabits the fresh waters of Texas. 3. Calliurds diaphanus. — Mouth large ; gape oblique upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn in advance of the pupil. Eye large. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of pectorals, and the origin of the dorsal ; their tips overlapping the vent. Scales large. Greyish olive above ; yellowish or whitish beneath. Soft portion of dorsal and anal fins provided with a black spot. Caught in the Rio Blanco, Texas. 4. Calliurus FORMOsns. — Mouth large; gape oblique upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line passing beyond the middle of the pupil. Eye moderate. Insertion of ventrals situated under the base of of pectorals and a little posteriorly to the anterior margin of the dorsal ; their tips reaching the vent. Scales moderate. Reddish-brown above, spotted with black ; greyish beneath. Soft portion of dorsal and anal fins provided with a black patch. Inhabits the fresh waters of Arkansas, chiefly. 5. Callitjrus microps. — Mouth moderate, gape oblique upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn midway between the anterior rim of the orbit and the pupil. Eye small. Insertion of ventrals situ- ated posteriorly to the base of the pectorals and tbe origin of the dorsal ; their tips not reaching the vent. Scales moderate. Reddish-brown above with centre of scales lighter ; greyish beneath. Soft portion of dorsal provided with a black patch. Collected in the Rio Brazos, Texas. 6. Calliurus murinus. — Mouth moderate, gape oblique upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn inwardly to the ante- rior rim of the orbit. Eye moderate. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of the pectorals and opposite the origin of the dorsal ; their tips reaching the vent. Scales large. Dark blackish brown. Soft portion of dorsal fin provided with a black patch. From Texas. 7. Brvttus albulus. — Body subelliptical, rather contracted and deep. Nape convex, and snout subconical. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn anteriorly to the orbit. Insertion of ventrals situated pos- [November, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 201 teriorly to the base of the pectorals and the anterior margin of the dorsal ; their tips overlapping the vent. Scales rather large. Pale reddish brown, lighter beneath than above. Fins greyish olive ; dorsal with a black patch. Collected in the Rio Blanco, Texas. 8. Bryttds signifer. — Body contracted and deep. Nape convex and snout subconical. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn in advance of the pupil. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of the pectorals and the origin of the dorsal ; their tips overlaj»ping the vent. Scales moderate. Keddish brown, lighter beneath than above. Dorsal and anal fins provided with a black patch. Caught in the Rio Medina, Texas. 9. Bryttus humilis. — Body subelliptical. Nape convex and snout subconical. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending beyond the anterior rim of the orbit. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of the pectorals and a little in advance of the origin of the dorsal ; their tips overlapping the vent. Scales large. Reddish brown or dusky, maculated. Fins unicolor ; dorsal sometimes blotched. Inhabits the fresh w .ters of Arkansas. 10. PoMoTis LUNA. — Body subcircular when viewed in profile. Head moder- ate ; snout subconical. Mouth small; posterior extremity of maxillary extend- ing to a vertical line drawn in advance of the anterior rim of the orbit. Eye moderate. Suborbital and suprascapular bones not crenated. Edge of pre- opercle very slightly crenated. Opercular flap small. Spinous portion of dorsal fin of moderate height and lower than the soft ; its origin being situated op- posite the base of the pectorals and consequently in advance of the origin of the ventrals. Caudal fin posteriorly emarginated. Tips of ventrals overlapping the vent, but do not reach the anterior margin of the anal fin. Extremities of pectorals nearly even with the tips of ventrals. Greenish-brown above, yellow- ish beneath ; sides of head with blue and yellow lines. Fins unicolor, vertical ones greyish olive, the others yellowish. Collected at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. 11. LuctoPERCA BOREA. — Body slender, elongated and subfusiform. Snout conical. Mouth deeply cleft; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Scales on the cheek and opercle not deciduous, larger upon the opercle than upon the cheek. Insertion of ven- trals situated posteriori to the base of pectorals, and a little anteriorly to the origin of the first dorsal. Posterior margin of caudal fin crescent-shaped. Anus placed opposite the anterior margin of the second dorsal fin. Yellowish or olivaceous, spotted with black. From Fort Sarpi, Nebraska. CHIROPSIS. — Body subfusiform, head well developed. Mouth of medium size ; slender canine teeth on both jaws ; velvet-like teeth on the front of the vomer and along the palatines. Opercle and preopercle without either spines or serratures. Cheeks, opercular apparatus, and upper surface of head covered with small scales. A supraoculary, arborescent, membranous flap. Gill open- ing continuous under the throat. Branchiostegal rays six in number. Two dorsal fins, a spinous and an articulated one, occupying most of the dorsal region. Insertion of ventrals situated behind the base of the pectorals. Caudal fin posteriorly rounded or subtruncated. Scales finely pectinated posteriorlv. Several lateral lines. This genus is to include the species which we have formerly described under the names of Chiruspictus, C. gultatus, and C. constellatus. 12. Oligocottcs ANALis. — Head subconical. Mouth moderately cleft ; poste- rior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn across the pos- terior rim of the pupil. Preopercular spine moderate. Two acute nasal spines. 1857.] 202 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Dorsal fins contiguous. Origin of anal situated posteriorly to the anterior margin of the second dorsal. Dorsal region prickly. Greenish olive, maculated and spotted with black. Abdomen whitish, unicolor. Collected at Monterey, Cal. 13. Oligocottus globiceps. — Head rounded anteriorly. Mouth moderately cleft; posterior extremity of maxillary bone extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the pupil. Rudimentary spines upon the preopercle. Two acute nasal spines. Dorsal fins separated. Origin of anal situated somewhat poste- riorly to the anterior margin of the second dorsal fin. Reddish brown, upper regions maculated with black ; beneath unicolor and lighter than above. From S. Farallones, Cal. ZANIOLEPIS. — Upper surface of head spineless. Preopercle spinous. Mouth moderate, with its gape horizontal and the jaws subequal. Card-like teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of vomer, and palatines. Gill openings con- tinuous under the throat ; branchiostegals six on either side. Dorsal fins con- tiguous ; anterior one larger than the second. Caudal posteriorly subcrescentic. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of the pectorals. Dermic productions comb-like. 14. Zaniolepis latipinnis. — Three small spines upon the convexity of the preopercle. First dorsal much longer than the second, with its anterior two rays prolonged beyond the others. Anal fin longer than the soft dorsal and provided with three spiny rays. Upper surface and sides of head prickly and rough like the surface of the body. Color yellowish-brown ; fius spotted or barred with black. From Fort Steilacoom, Puget Sound. 15. Blepsias ocuLOFASCiATUs. — Posterior extremity of the maxillary bone ex- tending to a vertical line drawn across the anterior rim of the pupil. First dorsal anteriorly filiform. Extremities of posterior rays of both the dorsal and anal, projecting beyond the insertion of the caudal. Anal fin shorter than the second dorsal, and not as deep as the the latter is high. Ground color of a uniform rusty red. A black band crosses the eye, through the pupil, and ex- tends across the cheeks. Collected at Fort Steilacoom, Puget Sound. Description of a new species of CYPSELUS, collected on the North Western Boundary Survey, Archibald Campbell, Esq., Commissioner. BY C. B. R. KENXERLY, M.D. Surgeon and Naturalist to the Commission. Ctpselus borealis, Kennerly. Tail slightly forked, wings long, extending l^ inch beyond the tail; first primary about a line longer than the second. Color sooty, approaching to black; top of head ashy brown, formed by the whitish tips of the feathers. In front of the eye a small semicircular space of black, over and in front of which is a line of gray ; chin and throat dusky ; tips of small feathers on the shoulder grayish, also those of the undertail coverts : eyes black. Length 6| inches, extent of wings 17 inches, from metacarpal joint to end of wing 6| inches, tarsus .54 of an inch. Toes long and slender and armed with long, sharp claws. Found at Simiahmo Bay, Puget Sound, near the 49th parallel of latitude, Washington Territory, July 1857. Male. This species is readily distinguished from any heretofore known to inhabit North America, by its large size, the form of the tail, and the absence of the [November, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 203 sharp termiaal points of the tail featliers. It has also longer and more slender toes. A number of these birds •were observed for several evenings flying near our camp in company with large numbers of Cypselus Vuuxii. They kept for the greater part near the edge of the forest, and generally flew so high as to be out of the reach of shot of any usual size. One specimen was obtained, which is a male, in apparently adult plumage, and is described above. December ls<, 1857. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. A communication was received from M. Belhomme, Chef du Javdin Botanique de Metz, (Moselle,) detailing some investigations made by him with reference to a carmine obtained from Monarda didijmia, and a new alkaloid from Atropa beUddonna, called by him Bclla- donnine ; which was referred to the Committee on Proceedings. A letter was received from E. B. Plympton, dated Providence, R. I., Nov. 27th, 1858, announcing the decease of Dr. W. Blanding, late a Correspondent of the Society. Mr. Cassin and Dr. Hays remarked on Dr. Blanding's devotion to Natural History, and the interests of the Academy. The following papers were presented : Description of several new North American Reptiles, by E. Hallowell, M. D. Intended for publication in the Proceedings. Descriptions of Exotic Genera and Species of the Family Unionidas, by Isaac Lea, LL. D. Intended for the Journal. Which were referred to the Committees, as usual. Dr. J. A. Meigs announced the death, at Panama, on the 16th inst., of Mr. Geo. R. Gliddon, late a correspondent of the Academy. On leave granted, Dr. Leidy offered the following resolutions, which were seconded by Mr. AV. Parker Foulke : Resolved, That the members of the Academy have learned with deep regret Ihe death of their late Correspondent, Geo. R. Gliddon, Esq., by whom the sub- ject of Egyptian antiquities was first made familiar to the public mind of the United States ; through whose services mainly, our late President, Dr. Morton, received those indispensable materials for his work on Egyptian Craniology, which now enrich the Museum of the Academy ; and whose indefatigable efforts were constantly given towards promoting a rapid interchange of information l>etween the learned of both hemispheres, upon subjects of leading imj)ortance iu Natural History. Resolved, That the members of the Academy desire to bear witness to the extraordinary and disinterested zeal manifested by Jlr. Gliddon, during the period of his personal connection with the labors of this Institution; and to his sincere and ardent pursuit of what appeared to his own judgment as scientific truth ; and they also desire to record their appreciation of the kind and friendly relations which it was his constant and successful endeavor to maintain with them. Resolved, That the members of the Academy tender to the beloved wife of Mr. Gliddon, his companion and aid in much of his valuable labor, their most respectful and hearty sympathy. Which were unanimously adopted. 1857.] 204 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Dr. Bridges announced the death of Mr. Chas. McEuen, late a mem- ber of the Academy. Dr. Leidj called the attention of the members to a bottle containing numerous specimens of a large species of Gordius discovered by Dr. Wra. A. Hammond, 525 miles west of Fort Riley, Kansas Territory. Dr. Hammond states they were found in a pond in great numbers, in company with Siredon. They swam ac- tively forward an inch or two beneath the surface of the water, and occasionally lifted the anterior end even above the latter. The collection contains 24 females and the same number of males. The females are cylindrical, light brown of various shades, shining, iridescent ; an- terior extremity narrowed ; head surrounded with a dark brown ring ; tail ob- tuse, slightly compressed, with a terminal genital pore The males are darker colored than the females ; tail extremity more or less spirally enrolled, with the extremity bifurcated ; forks divergent, incurved, smooth, connected at base anteriorly by a crescentic fold, in advance of which is the genital pore ; head as in the female. The females measure from 10 inches in length by ^ of a line thick, to 2 feet 6 inches in length and 3-5ths of a line thick ; the males 8 inches in length by \ of a line thick, to 2 feet 2 inches in length by 2-5ths of a line thick. Dr. Leidy next directed the attention of the members to a bottle containing seven specimens of the larva of a species of Oestrus or bot-fly. They were ob- tained by Dr. Hammond from a pouched rat, Thomomys borealis, at Bridger's Pass, on the summit of the Rocky Mountains, July 1857. Dr. Hammond found the rat panting on the road side, without power of escaping. The bots were found situated beneath the skin of the back, belly, and thigh. The body of these larvoB is oblong oval, compressed, incurved ; head minute, composed of a transverse pair of papillary eminences, each supporting two minute ocelli, and having j^rojecting from beneath, forward and downward, a pair of strong black hooks. Spiracular lamina trilobed and marked with vermicular lines. Segments of the body closely covered with discoidal corneous tubercles, of which the anterior ones have their posterior border projecting and dentated. The smallest is light yellowish brown ; and as they become larger they assume a darker tint. The largest are black, hard, shining and remarkably shagreened in appearance. Length of the smallest larva 5 lines, breadth 3 lines, thickness 2^ lines ; length of largest 9 lines, breadth 5^ lines, thickness 3 lines. December StJi, 1857. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. Dr. Leidy called the attention of the members to a drawing of a curious animalcule, found attached to stones and dead stems of plants in the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. The animal, though closely allied in structure to the Rotatoria or wheel animalcules, yet possesses no rotary or other ciliated apparatus. The body is regularly oval, transparent, colorless, and finely tuberculated. From the anterior truncated extreniitj^ of the body, the animal projects and retracts at will a delicate cup-shaped membrane about half the size of the body. The membrane exhibits delicate and distant longitudinal and circular muscular fibres, which are branching. At the bottom of the cup the mouth communicates with a capacious stomach, and this with a muscular gizzard with lateral jaws, as in most rotifers, and which, as in these, are constantly in motion. From the gizzard opens a second stomach, Avhich communicates with a short intestine terminating in a posterior anal aperture. The digestive apparatus is attached to the outer tunic of the body by diverging muscles. The visceral cavity usuall}- contains numerous eggs in various stages of develoi)ment, from that containing the germinal vesicle to such as contain the fully formed ennbryos. Attached to the inner surface of the body are a number of opaqne, white, irregularly oval bodies. [December, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 205 The size of the animalcule is about tlicl-5th of a line ia diameter. It appears to be permanently lixcJ to the positions in wliicli it is found. When disturbed, it folds up its oral cup like an umbrella and retracts it within tlie body. By means of it, it catches its prey, which consists of smaller animalcules. From the stomach of one individual I squeezed out as many as fifty of the latter. For the genus and species the name Dictyophora vorax is proposed. December loth, 1857. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. A paper was presented for publication in the Proceedings, entitled " Prodromus Descriptionis Animaliuiu Invertebratoruui quae in Ex- peditione ad Oceanuni Pacificum Septentrioualem aRepublica Federata missa, Cadwalladcro Ringgold et Johanne Rodgers ducibus, observavit et descripsit W. Stimpsou, Pars Tcrtia," which was referred to a Com- mittee. Mr. Lea exhibited the plates accompauyiug his paper, recently pre- sented to the Acadfciuy, on fresh water Naiades collected in Siam, &c., by Dr. House, at the suggestion of Mr. ILiines and others of New York. Seven! of the specimens are very similar to our own species from the valley of the Ohio. A specimen from Australia much resembles the U, Ilopetoneusis, Lea, from Southern Georgia. December 22d, 1857. Vice President Bridges in the Chair. A paper was presented for publication in the Proceedings, entitled " Observations on a Group of Fossil Shells found in Tippah Co., Miss., with descriptions of fifty-five new species," by T. A. Conrad, which was referred to a Committee. Mr. Lea stated, in presenting a specimen to the Academy, that he had visited the locality at Braintree, 10 miles south of Boston, where specimens of large Trilohites have been recently found. The attention of Prof. W. B. Rogers was called, some fifteen months since, to "this unique and most interesting locality,'' by Peter Wainwright, Esq., residing in the neighborhood. Mr. Lea agreed en- tirsly with Prof. Rogers in placing this formation among the more ancient of the Paleozoic jteriods. It lies directly on the granite rocks, or rather it is squeezed in and is embraced by these rocks, (on the east and west sides,) which are disturbed by an upheaval. The formation here is about three hundred yards wide, and lies in a south-east direction. In examination of the quarry, Mr. Lea was kindly assisted by the owner, Mr. E. Hayward, who now carefully preserves the best specimens which are brought to light. He pointed out to Mr. Lea the parts of the quarry where most of the specimens were found, and where some impressions were still remaining in place on the surfaces of the stratification. These surfaces dipped to the south 68°. The rock consists of a very hard, gray, slaty sandstone, frequently breaking into irregular cross fractures. The Trilobitcio\in& here is of great interest. It belongs to the genus Paradozides, and is no doubt the same as described by Prof. Green many years since, under the name of P. IJarlani, of which there is a cast in the collection of the Academy, and which, on comparison with the specimen now presented, proves to be undoubtedly identical. Barande describes and figures several species of the genus Paradoxides from the lower Silurian of Bohemia, which are closely allied to this, and prove conclusively that the strata must be nearly if not precisely on the same horizon. 1857.] 206 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP Dr. Hammond introduced Major "Wayne, U. S. A., recently engaged in the effort to domesticate the camel in Texas. Major Wayne said : It gives me pleasure, Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Academy of Natural Sciences, to comply with the request of my friends, and make a lew remarks before you this evening, upon the experiment of introducing the Camel into America. I esteem the opportunity offered fortunate, as I desire to enlist your interests and sympathies in an undertaking possessing scientific interest, and as I believe great practical benefit, prospectively, for our country. I may not be able to add any thing to your Zoological knowledge, but I may inform you of our purposes, and hope to secure the co-operation of a society so influential and progressive as is yours. There have been previous attempts to introduce the Camel into the Western Hemisphere, into South America, Mexico, the island of Jamaica, and according to Mr. D. J. Browne, of the Patent Office, into our own Virginia in the year 1701. Of these attempts I have not met with any clear account, either as to their origin, progress or failure. To preserve, to Zoological history, therefore, the present effort, I will premise my remarks by a brief sketch of its rise and progress. Shortly after the close of the war with Mexico, when our territory became extended to the Pacific, the advantage of the uses of the Camel in our great interior continent suggested itself to the mind of Col. Geo. H. Crosman, of the Army, who communicated his views to myself and others. Examination of the subject induced the belief that the animal would be of great use, beyond our present means of transportation, (pack mules or wagons,) in carrying on trade and communication through our own deserts ; and that even if, with the pro- gressive spirit of our country, the iron rail and steed should unite the two oceans, that there would be still to the North and to the South large regions to be developed, and that this most profitably and readily could be accomplished by the powers and endurance of the Camel. We saw Congress voting money freely for this or that scheme for personal or local benefit, and we thought it not unjustifiable to ask for $30,000 for an experiment broadly national in its charac- ter, and of which the advantage, if successful, might be said to be incalculable. A bill for the purpose was introduced into Congress by the Hon. Jefferson Davis, cf Mississippi, then Chairman of the Military Committee, who entered waimlj' into the measure, and who subsequently, as Secretary of War, brought it to a successful conclusion. From 1848 to 1855, we struggled with varying fortunes. Our contention was not with men of science. Had it been, no difBculties in the way of an early practical test would have been interposed. But it was with ignorance, prejudice and ridicule. Of the Camel, nothing was known popu- larly. And its only use patent to our people, was to excite wonder and merri- ment in our menageries. It is due, however, to the Military Committees of both the Senate and House to say, that they unwaveringly supported the measure throughout. And here let me add another tribute to that just read by your Secretary, to the memory of one whose name and contributions to science are now historical. I mean the late lamented Geo. R. Gliddon. He aided us much by his knowledge of the East, of the Camel itself, of its uses, with which he had been for many years practically acquainted in Egypt, and enabled us to place the matter in the right point of view before Congress and the Press. The experiment owes to his exertions much of its success. Without wearying you with details, sufBce it to say, through the management of General Shields, of the Senate, a bill was finally passed in favor of the experiment on the 3d of March, 1855, and soon after I was sent for by the Secretary of War, and charged by him with the responsibility of conducting it. For my first studies, my attention had been given to Africa; but as I pro- gressed, I found myself carried into Asia, and become satisfied that the animal would be drawn from that country with greater chances of success. Taking up Humboldt's Isothermal Lines, and studying the effects of geological structure and topographical formation upon temperature, I carried into America a system [Decomberj NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 207 of Isothermg, corresponding as nearly as I could trace them, with those of Asia, and was led to believe that in Texas, somewhere, I should meet with climates similar to many of those in Asia, in which the Camel lived ; and by the time the bill was passed, and indeed for two years before it, I was prepared with a digested plan, which I am happy to say was carried out without change, and so far fortunately. Nearly two years' experience with the animal on this con- tinent has given satisfactory proof that it will live, propagate and flourish among us. In connection I would here mention, that within a few days I have heard that a fossil camel bone has been discovered in the West, and is so de- clared to be by one of your distinguished members, Dr. Leidy. If this be so, I adopt the fact as evidence, further, that the Camel may be domesticated among us. Desirous of informing myself thoroughly of the difficulties in my way, and that I might be certain of having taken them all in, I visited England and France on my route to the East, for the purpose of discussing the matter there with men of science, and of profiting by their suggestions. In England I was cordially received, especially by Professor Owen, and D. W. ilitchell, Esq., Secretary of the Zoological Society, London, and met everywhere with encouragement. Prof. Owen and Mr. Mitchell expressed themselves confidently as to our success. To these two gentlemen mv warmest thanks are due for facilities, encouragement and practical suggestions. In France, I did not mt^et with the same support. In- deed, my visit was at an unfavorable period. The sympathies of this country, with Russia in the struggle then going on, the vile abuse in certain of the papers of the Emperor and Empress, the fillibustering attempts on Cuba, and our own difference in relation to the Consul at San Francisco pending at the time, created in governmental circles impressions not the most favorable to Ameri- cans ; and I found so many delays interposed that the prosecution of my re- searches in that direction (in regard to military experience with the animal in Algeria) were discontinued. The men of science with whom I conversed, spoke doubtingly of the result; indeed, did not think I could transport so many animals, 30 to 40, across the Atlantic, and doubted if those that might be landed would live. With true French idiosyncrasy they examined the question only with regard to Algeria, and did not apparently extend their investigations to the hardier races of Asia. The more I learned, the more convinced was I of the feasibility of the experiment, the only difficulty in the way being the transportation of so many animals across the sea. But on this point I was also sanguine, the Secretary of War having, at my request, committed that portion of the experiment to Lieut. Porter, of the Navy, an officer of ability, ingenuity and experience, and whose complete success fully demonstrated the propriety of the selection. If my appreciation of the animal from reading only had been such as to in- duce me to give it so much time, and to risk so much of reputation, you may imagine my estimation of it when landed in the East ; I saw it in use, not only sustaining, but exceeding the limits of utility within which I had restricted my expectations and my declarations. It is really a noble animal, and one of the most wonderful adaptations of the Infinite to the wants of his creatures. Provided with water, as you all know, for several days by the peculiar forma- tion of its stomach, and with sustenance in its ungainly hump, strongly built in front for burdens, and with a protuberant eye that ensures its footing; its fitness tor deserts andfor an irregular, broken country, deficient in water or herbage, are palpably evident. With regard to the particular physical structure which ena- bles it to carry a supply of water for three or four — even, in some cases, seven — days, I have not yet been satisfied. The Camel is a ruminant, and with others of that class has distinctly its four stomachs. The idea of a fifth, as has been adopted by some, I think we must discard. How, then, is the water carried? The best opinion now is, I think, that it is contained in the coatings of the first stomach, in a number of small cells, as water is held in the melon. Such is the view of General Carbreccia, who conducted the experiment with camels in the service of the French army in Algeria. And that the Camel, by muscular 1857.] 208 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP action, squeezes out a sufficient quantity to moisten its food at will. Cuvier goes further, and says the Camel has the power of secreting or creating water. How, he does not say, and we are left by his authority to our own speculations. This is one curious point for our attention, and a satisfactory report upon it would be exceedingly interesting to science. The hump is essentially fatty, and by some, has been thought to be intimately connected with the animal's vitality. But I think this opinion erroneous. I have seen nothing myself to sustain it, and Linant de Bellefonds, known in Egypt, as Linant Bey, the Chief Civil Engineer to the Viceroy, who is particularly fond of Dromedaries, told me that he had in two or three instances opened the hump and cut out portions of the fat without apparently much pain to the animal, and cer- tainly with no material injury to it. As I have before said, it is the animal's reservoir of food. When forage is scant, its gradual absorption sustains life and strength, and it is not until that is totally absorbed, that the muscles and stomach, sa with other animals, are attacked. I have seen Camels coming in from long journeys, with their backs almost straight. In the skeleton in your Museum, there is no rise of the dorsal vertebra. In those I have anatomized, I have invariably found a slight convexity of the upper line of the vertebra under the hump, as it were, an arch for its support. It was with great difficulty that we could satisfy the public mind as to the hoof of the Camel. That it was not soft and tender, but tough, and capable of travelling safely and comfortably over a fair share of stony soil. On this point. Dr. Atkinson and Mr. Parlane bear ample testimony. The former, the Surgeon General of the Cabul Expedition in 1841, I think, without speaking intentionally of the Camel, introduces him in comparison with their other means of transportation ; and the Doctor speaks of its peculiar surefootedness, and that its broad, tough and yielding hoof trod securely upon the rolling cobble stones of the mountain torrents, while horses and mules slipping on them, were thrown, often to the loss of animal or load, and sometimes of both. The latter speaks particularly to the point, and says, that in his many journeys in Asia Minor, he never saw a rounded hoof. And when we recollect that almost all the trade of Asia, from the confines of Mongolia to the Mediterranean and Black Seas, and from India to Siberia, is carried through Central Asia, over countries mountainous, rugged and desert, through sand and volcanic debris, and that the animal travels in climates so far north as to range several degrees below zero, for instance — the Mountains of Media, at 25° below of centigrade, equal to 13° below of Fahrenheit, we may be satisfied that the Camel's foot is equal to any surface we shall have to expose it to on this continent, and corrects another popular impression, that the Camel is an animal of the Torrid Zone, and cannot stand cold. There is one point to which I would especially call the attention of the So- ciety. At my first outset I was confused by the adopted nomenclature of this class of animals established by Buifon. He calls the two-humped animal the "Camel," and the one-humped, the "Dromedary." Now this classification ex- cludes " the Camel" from all the world but a portion of Tartary. Travelling in the East, however, we find the Arabic word " gimel" ^^d/'niel," Hebrew garmal, applied to both species as the generic term, and that the word dromedary is unknown. Examining further, we find the word dromedary to be a derivative from the Greek, (Spofjcw;) runners or racers, ana to have been applied only to the riding or swift species of the one-humped class. For my own satisfac- tion, and to facilitate the cbarness of my researches, 1 adopted the word Camd (Lat. Camelus) as generic, designating the two classes of their nativity. The two-humped I styled the Bactrian Camel, from its ancient home, Bactria, and the single-humped, the Arabian Camel, from the country of its origin in Arabia ; reserving the word dromedary as applicable only to the riding animal of the one-humped species. Subsequently, finding these views to be entertained by Gen. 15. Dumas, of the French Army, Director of, and long connected with, the affairs of Algeria, and by Linant Bey, of Egypt, I have openly adopted this [December, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 209 nomenclature and classification in my official Report, and would respectfully submit it to the consideration of the Academy. The two varieties dill'er as the horse and ass ; the product of the two being a hybrid, deficient in power for the continuance of the race, and if producing at all, giving life to a poor, un- dersized, worthless animal. The cross of the double-humped or Bactrian male upon the single-humped or Arabian female is known as a Tinlu or Booydec, and is the useful animal of the caravan, uniting as it does the strength of its paternity with the quicker movements of its maternal stock. It is classed with the one-humped, though a slight rising in rear of its hump, in many instances hardly discernible, marks its double descent. These animals will lift for short distances from 1,000 to 1,500, even 1,800 pounds, and carry on journeys from 700 to 800, making from 18 to 25 miles, according to the character of the country travelled over. For the creation of this useful cross, double-humped males are kept throughout Asia as stallions are with us. I did not see a cross of a single-humped male on the double-humped female, nor did I gather any- thing in relation to it. Collecting my animals principally in Asia Minor, including two Bactrians, a Tinlu or hybrid, and Arabian males and females, with a few burthen camels and dromedaries from Egypt, we started for the United States from Smyrna, on the 15th of February, 1856, and landed the Camels on the shores of Texas on the 14th of May, 185G, afier an unusually rough voyage. We sailed from Asia with 33 animals on board, and landed with 34, having lost but one of the original stock embarked, and having had some births on the way. The success of the first importation induced a second; and on the 10th of February, 1857, forty- one more camels out of forty -three embarked were delivered in Texas, making in all 75 safely landed in America. So far the results have realized our sanguine expectations. But two of the whole lot, the Bactrians, have fallen victims to acclimatory disease. The others seem to be as much at home as on their native soil, and have been used with convincing proof of their usefulness and advantage. Our ordinary means of transportation in our great inland territory are pack mules and wagons. A pack mule cannot carry on a journey, on an average, more than 150 pounds — I speak from experience with them in Mexico, — and requires a daily allowance of water. The Camel carries from 350 to 800 pounds, according to quality, and is independent of water for three or four days. The mule travels from 15 to 20 miles a day ; the Camel from 18 to 25. The mule and the Camel consume about the same amount of food. If anything, the Camel can do with less. Once fed, the Camel is fed for 24 hours. Browsing as well as grazing, it picks up food where other animals would not live, and eats readily spinous plants. In the hyperbolic language of the East, the Camel finds sustenance where the eye of man cannot detect herbage. On one occasion I carried, on six Camels, 3,648 pounds, over the same road and distance travelled by wagons, and gained on them 42i hours in time, the wagons carrying on an average only 1,800 pounds, and drawn by six mules each. This comparison was altogether acci- dental. Early in this year thirty-five Camels were sent with a party to the Pacific, and I am fortunate in being able to read to the Society the last report from them. Coming, as this testimony does, from a gentleman, Mr. Beale, in no way connected with the experiment of their introduction, I think it may be regarded as impartial. The Camels were attached to Mr. Beale's expedition, under a competent person, Mr. Heap, who had accompanied me on the first expe- dition, and purchased the animals for the second importation. Mr. Beale writes : — (Extract.) •' King's Creek, Sept. 27, 1857, 100 miles east of the Colorado. Hon. J. B. Floyd, Secretary of War: Sir — I have the honor to report my arrival at this place, a creek flowing north into the Colorado. **»**,* I cannot sufficiently express my admiration of that noble brute, the Camel ; and I look 1857.] 210 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF forward confidently to the. day when they will be found in general use in all parts of the country. The idea that their feet would break down in travelling over rocky ground is an exploded absurdity. In all the explorations, over the roughest possible volcanic rock, they have been with us, patiently packing water, of which they never drank a drop, and corn, of which they never tasted a grain. On the expedition, from which I returned yesterday, they were four days without water, and apparently without feeling the want of it. * * * * * * * (Signed) E. F. Beale." On one occasion, shortly after landing the first importation, and when carry- ing them up from the Coast of San Antonio, the Camels broke suddenly from tlie road and rushed furiously towards one spot a little distance from it. Fear- ful that something had gone amiss, I was hastening towards them with anxiety, when I was met by one of the Turks, holding out to me a plant, and with a face beaming with pleasure. Through the American interpreter, he informed me that it was a plant of which the Camel was particularly fond, and that they had simul- taneously smelt or seen it, and rushed for it. Hence their unusual vehemence. This, as you may suppose, came cheerfully home to me. For if the land bore Camels' food, why not the Camels too? The plant was apparently of the same class as purslane, but though I showed some of it to various persons in Texas, I could hear nothing of its name or quality. I have now, gentlemen, endeavored to entertain you so far with these few desultory remarks, and hope I have succeeded in enlisting your interest. I have already occupied too much of your time, and will therefore close by re- ferring to the official Report of the Secretary, published by the Senate, for any further information in detail that you may require. Major Wayne further, in reply to a question, stated that the cost of the Camels landed in America, including all expenses, averaged about $105; and that the Camel bore the sea voyage better than any animals he had seen car- ried at sea. That on this point, they were all agreeably relieved. As soon as the vessel became uneasy, the Camels would lie down of their own accord, and so remain until the gale subsided ; and that it was only necessary to secure them from chafing. That from some experience and observation of the transportation of horses and mules during the war with Mexico, be unhesitat- ingly said that he would rather carry 100 Camels at sea, than ten horses or mules. That one of the Camels presented to him by the Bey of Tunis, was on board nine months without leaving the ship, and that he continued in good health, and was now one of the finest of our Camels. Dr. Leidy observed, in connection with the interesting remarks of Major Wayne, on the introduction of the Camel into North America, that he had been led by his palaeontological researches to believe the experiment would prove a successful one, and he had so stated his impressions in conversation with mem- bers of the Academy. The grounds of his opinion were founded upon the fol- lowing facts and inferences. The Horse existed during the pliocene period in America, in association with the Elephant, Mastodon, Ox, Deer, Bear, Peccary, Megalonyx, Lion, Capybara, Camel, &c. This fauna most probably indicates the temperature of the American continent, as then formed, to be what it is now, or nearly so. Though most of the genera mentioned became extinct in North America, the others abundantly exist, and the subsequent introduction of the Horse has been exceedingly fruitful in its results. As remains of the Camel (Camdops Kansanus) have been discovered in Kansas Territory, and a congener, the Lama, still exists in South America, the reasons are favorable to the introduction of the recent Camel in this country. Deccmher 2dih, 1857. Vice-President Bridges in the Chair. The Committees to whom were referred the following papers, re- ported in favor of publication, viz : [December, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 211 " Notes on North American species of Arcliibuteo and Lanius, and Description of a new species of Toucan of the genus Selenidera, by John Cassin." " Description of several new North American Reptiles, by E. Hal- Icwell, M. D." " Descriptions of Exotic Genera and Species of the Family Unionidse, by Isaac Lea." (For the Journal.) " Prodronius descriptionis animalium, &c., by Wm. Stimpson." " Observations on a group of Fossil shells found in Tippah County, Miss., with descriptions of fifty-five new species, by T. A. Conrad." (For the Journal.) Notes on the North American species of Archihnteo and Lanius, and description of a new species of Toucan, of the genuS Selenidera, Gould. BY JOHN CASSIN. Genus Archibuteo, Brelim. Tsis, 1828, p. 1269. Of this genus there are three North American species, all of which have been misunderstood and confounded with each other in a greater or less degree by authors. Of these, the most common and best linown species, Archibuteo lar/opus, is one of the few birds of this continent which appears to be absolutely identi- cal with the species of Europe long known by this name, the adult of which has been mistaken by American naturalists, while of the European bird the adult has apparently been unknown to British and French ornithologists, though figured and described by the Germans and others of northern Europe. 1. Archibuteo lagopus, (Gmelin.) Falco lagopus, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 260, (ITSB.) Naumann, Vog. Deuts. i. pi. 34, (adult and young;) Reichenbach, Deuchland's Fauna, Birds, pi. xiii. fig. 51, (adult;) Korner, Skandinaviska Foglar, pi. v. fig. 15, (adult;) Selby, 111. Brit. Orn. pi. vii. (young;) Gould, B. of Eur. i. pi. 15, (young ;) Wilson, Am. Orn. ir. pi. 33, (young ;) Aud. B. of Am. pi. 422, fig. 2, (adult?) Tarsus densely feathered in front to the toes, naked behind ; wings long, tail rather short. Adult. Upper parts of body pale cinereous, with i^artially concealed trans- verse bands of white and dark brown ; rump dark umber brown ; head yellowish white with longitudinal stripes of brown frequently tinged with pale reddish : quills dark umber brown, edged externally with ashy, aud with a large space at thc'base of their inner webs, white, with a silky lustre. Under parts white; throat with longitudinal narrow stripes of dark brown; breast with large spots and concealed stripes of reddish brown ; abdomen with numerous narrow bands of brownish black, most conspicuous on the flanks and frequently with a tinge of ashy ; tibi?e and tarsi barred transversely with white and dark brown, and frequently with a tinge of reddish ; under tail coverts white. Upper tail coverts white at base and tipped with brownish black : tail white at base, with a wide subterminal band of black, and about two other bands of black alternating with others of light cinereous, tip ashy white, cere and toes yellow. Young. Upper parts light umber brown, many feathers edged with yellowish white and pale reddish, which colors predominate on the head and neck in some specimens. Under parts yellowish white, with a wide transverse band of brownish black on the abdomen, and a few longitudinal lines and spots of the same color on the breast and neck. Quills ashy brown, with a large basal portion of their inner webs white ; tail at its base white, with a wide subter- minal band of light umber brown ; tip white ; tibiae and tarsi pale reddish yellow, with longitudinal stripes and spots of dark brown. 1857.] 212 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Total length, female 21 to 23 inches, wing 16 to 17, tail 9 inches; male smaller. Hab. All of temperate North America. Europe. Spec, in Mus. Acad. Philada. We regard the plumage first described above as undoubtedly that of the adult of this species, though it has never been given as such by any American author. It corresponds precisely with European specimens in the Museum of this Academy, well understood by the German ornithologists to be the adult of A. lagopus, and figured as such in their works, of which some are cited above, lu both adult and young plumage there are no characters whatever, so far as we can see, by which American and European specimens can be distinguished from each other. Our attention was first directed to the European species, and to the fact of the adult being known to the German ornithologists, by Mr. Alfred Newton, F. L. S. of Magdalene College, Cambridge, to whom we beg leave to acknowledge our indebtedness for much valuable information derived during his late visit to the United States. The other North American species of this genus are : 2. Archibuteo sanctijohannis, (Gmelin.) Falco sanctijohannis, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 273, (1788.) Falco spadiceus, Gm. Syst. Nat.^i. p. 273? Falco niger, Wilson, Am. Orn. vi. p. 82, (1812.) Wilson's Am. Orn. vi. pi. 53, fig. 1, 2 ; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 422, fig. 1, pi. 166, (young ?) In young plumage this bird considerably resembles the preceding, but is quite distinct, and generally not difficult to be distinguished. It is larger and has the under parts much more spotted in the young, while of course the clear biack of the adult of the present bird is totally unlike any known plumage of the preceding. In the adult of this species, the tail is of the same black as the general plumage, with one well defined band of white. This species has not yet been observed in Western North America, though rather abundant in the Eastern and North Eastern States. 3. Archibcteo ferrugineds, (Lichtenstein.) Buteo ferrugineus, Licht. Trans. Acad. Berlin, 1838, p. 428. Archibuteo regalis, G. R. Gray, Gen. Birds i. pi. 6. Buteo californicus, Hutchins, California Magazine, March 1857. Gray, Gen. of Birds, i. pi. 6 ; Cassin, B. of Cal. and Texas, 1 pi. 26. This bird is larger than either of the preceding and quite different in every known stage of plumage. It is apparently exclusively western, and like the other species of this genus the adult and young are quite unlike each other in colors. Both are described and figured in our work cited above. Genus Lanids, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 134, (1766.) The species of this genus inhabiting the United States, though not difficult to be distinguished from each other, have been singularly confused by authors. No less than five distinct species have been mistaken for, or rather condensed into two. The North American species are as follows : 1 Lanius borealis, Vieillot. Lanius borealis, Vieill. Ois. d'Am. Sept. 1, p. 80, (1807.) Sw. and Rich. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, pi. 33 ; Vieill. Ois. d'Am. Sept. pi. 50. Larger than L. septenlrionalis, and is the largest known species of North America. It is darker colored than that species, and is well described and fio-ured by Swainson, as above cited, who mistakes it, however, for the bird de- scribed aud figured by Wilson under the name La7iius excubilor, which is the species immediately succeeding. Specimens of this bird are in the fine collection made in Washington Territory by George Suckley, M. D., a highly talented young naturalist, late of the United States Army. It appears to be a northern and Western species. [December, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 213 Total length (of skin) about 10 inches, (11 inches according to Swainson, as above.) 2. Lanius septextrionalis, Gmelin. Lanius septentrionalis, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 306, (1788.) Wilson's Am. Orn. i. pi. 5, fig. 1 ; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 192, oct. ed. iv. pi. 236. Described and figured very accurately by both Wilson and Audubon, and well known as a bird of the Middle and Northern States. Total length (of skin) about 9 inches (10 inches, according to Wilson.) Mistaken by Audubon for the preceding, and this species is meant by that author in 15. of Am. octavo edition, iv. p. 130, and in Synopsis of B. of N. A. p. 157, under the name of Lanius borealis. Wilson, in Am. Orn. i. p. 74, gives this species as "Lanius excubitor ?" doubting its identity with the European species of that name. Audubon, in Orn. Biog. ii. p. 534, does not doubt, but gives it as identical, and says, " On comparing this bird with Lanius exmibitor of Europe, I cannot i»erceive differences that could induce me for a moment to conceive them distinct." This author afterwards did perceive and states very differently in Synopsis, p. 158, where differences between this bird and L. excubitor are pointed out, and also in B. of Am. oct. ed. iv. p. 133. This change in perception is, however, very pro- bably due to Mr. Macgillivray, who claims the authorship of Audubon's Synopsis (in Manual of British Ornithology, i. p. 245, London, 1840.) In allusion to Ilirundo purpztrea, Macgillivray says, " The following characters are those given hj/ me in Mr. Audubon's Synopsis." 3. Lanius ludoviciancs, Linnaeus. Lanius ludovicianus, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 134, (1766.) Lanius carolinensis, Wilson, Am. Orn. iii. p. 57. Wilson's Am. Orn. iii. pi. 22, fig. 5, Aud. B. of Am. pi. 57, oct. ed. iv. 237. In this species the entire upper parts, including rump and upper tail coverts, are uniform in color, which is bluish cinereous, darker on the head and back. It is smaller than either of the preceding, and appears to be essentially a bird of the Southern United States. This species is easily determined from the descriptions and figures of either Wilson or Audubon. Total length (of skin) about 8J inches, (9 inches, accord- ing to Wilson.) 4. Lasios excubitorides, Swainson, Lanius excubitorides, Swains. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, p, 115, (1831.) Swains, and Rich. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, pi. 34. About the size of the preceding, but lighter colored, with the rump and upper tail coverts white, and readily distinguished by the latter character. This species inhabits the Western and Northern States ; being brought abundantly from California, and I have seen it also from Wisconsin. It is very handsomely figured by Swainson, as above cited, but I have never seen a specimen with the reddish or pink tinge on the under parts so clear as represented in his plate, though generally perceptible. 5. Lanius elegans, Swainson. Lanius elegans, Swains. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, p. 122, (1831.) Lanius ardosiaceus, Vieillot, Ois. d'Am. Sept. 1. p. 81, (1807 ?) Vieill. Ois. d'Am. Sept. 1, pL 51 ? Quite as large as L. septentrionalis, and with same strong form of bill, but in colors more resembling L. ludovicianus. The bill is entirely black, upper parts bluish cinereous, rather dark and quite uniform ; wings and tail black ; primaries with their basal half white, forming a very conspicuous spot on the wing ; secondaries with the basal half of their inner webs white. Outer feathers of tail tipped with white, which color increases in extent to the outermost, which are almost entirely white. Under parts white tinged with ashy. Stripe through each eye, united by a narrow line in front, black ; legs and toes strong, black. Total length about 9J inches (9^ inches according to Swainson.) 1857.] 214 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF This appears to be exclusively a Western and Northern species, the only speci- mens of which that we have ever seen are in the Museum of the Philadelphia Academy. One specimen was brought from California by Dr. Gambel. This bird is perhaps rather larger than L. sejitentrionalis, and resembles it in robustness of organization, but in colors is more like L. ludovicianus. The white spot on the wing is much larger than in any other North American species of this group, and the inner webs of the secondaries are pure white, with more or less black at the ends of the feathers, and as though the white spot of the primaries was continued on the inner webs of the secondaries. All the tail feathers, except the two middle, are largely tipped with white. This bird is ac- curately described by Mr. Swainson as above cited. This bird bears a greater resemblance to Vieillot's figure, referred to above, than any other species of North America. Selenidera spkctabilis, nobis. Belongs to the same group of species as Selenidera piperivora, (Linn.) Gould, Monograph of Rhamphastidae, second edition, pi. 36, and resembling that and other species of this genus in general colors, but with the bill unusually large, and in form and colors somewhat similar to the bill of Rhamphastos ambiguus, Swainson, Gould's Monog. 2d ed., pi. 5, but much smaller and not so dark colored. Rather larger than iS. joepewora or any other known species of this genus. Colors of the upper mandible divided obliquely by a line i-unning from below the nostril to the edge of the mandible, within about one third of its length from the tip. Upper portion and tip of upper mandible light greenish yellow, nearly pure yellow at the tip ; lower portion and the entire under mandible dark fuscous green, lighter at the base. Bill at its base with an edging of black as in some species of Rhamphastos. Auricular feathers light yellow, tufts on the sides deep orange yellow; tibife dark chestnut ; under tail coverts scarlet. Head, neck, breast and abdomen glossy black. Upper parts of body, wings and tail olive green, darker and tinged with bluish ashy on the tail. Quills with their outer edges tinged with vellow, and their inner edges yellowish white, which is also the color of the under wing coverts. No crescent on the back of the neck nor tips of chestnut on the tail in the present specimen. Total length about 15 inches, wing 5^, tail 5, bill from the gape 4, from the nostril to tip of upper mandible 3 J inches. Hab. — Cocuyos de Veragua, New Grenada. Discovered by Mr. Robert W. Mitchell, of Philadelphia. Spec, in Mus. Acad. Philada. This Toucan presents some remarkable and rather anomalous characters. Though having the yellow auriculars and large spots of this color on the sides, and in fact the usual colors of the species of the group designated Selenidera, it has the bill longer and colored in a manner similar to Rhamphastos ambiguus. In form the bill of this species more strongly resembles that of S. piperivora than of any other bird of this group. There is no crescent of yellow on the back of the neck, nor are the feathers of the tail tipped with chestnut, as is usual in this group. All the known species o? Selenidera are in the Museum of this Academy. This species is rather the largest of the genus. A single specimen of this curious bird is in a very interesting collection pre- sented to this Academy by Mr. Robert W. Mitchell, son of its distinguished member. Professor John K. Mitchell, M. D., of the Jefferson Medical College. This collection was made in Veragua, the most northern province of New Grenada. December, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PniLADELPHIA. 215 Description of several new North American Reptiles. BY EDWARD HALLOWELL, M. D. Fam. SCINCIDJE. Sauriens lbpidosaures, D. & B. Gen. PLESTIODON, D. k B. Plestiodon guttclatus, nob. Syn. Lam. prosaurus ffullulatus, Ilallowell. Sitgreaves' Report of Exploratior- of the river Zuni. We have in the collection of the Academy three specimens of this species, the original one from New Mexico, and two from Kansas, all presented by Dr. AVilliam A. Hammond, U. S. A., to whom the Academy is greatly indebted for several valuable collections, more especially illustrating the Zoology of Kansas and Nebraska, and that of the region of the Rocky Mountains. The original specimen from New Mexico was in such a condition as to render it extremely difficult to determine its true characters ; the two from Kansas, however, are in fine preservation, and '>nables us to present a more accurate notice of it. Sp. Char. Color black above, scales shining ; a series of white spots along the upper and lower jaw, also upon the external border of the supraocular plates : 32 rows of scales. Total length 3 inches 4^ lines ; length of tail 1 inch d lines. For detailed description see Sitgreaves' Report. Habitat. Kansas and New Mexico. Plestiodon multivirgatum, nob. ;S^. Char. A small more or less quadrangular plate immediate]}'' above the freno-nasal ; auricular openings circular, with several scales upon the anterior margin ; back with four well-defined blackvittaj, (the two median ones broader,) occupying the half, or nearly so, of the adjacent rows of scales ; besides these, four other narrower black lines, each occupying the angle of a single row ot scales ; the interspaces between the dark colored vittas white, with a bluish tinge ; upper and lower lips white, abdomen bluish, tail white, with a yellow tinge above ; 24 rows of scales. Dimensions. Length of head 4 lines ; greatest breadth 3| ; of head and body to vent 2 inch. 3 lines ; of tail 2 inch. 8J lines ; of arm 2 lines ; of forearm 2 : of hand to extremity of longest finger 2\ ; of thigh 2 lines ; of leg 2 lines ; of foot to extremity of longest toe 3 lines. Habitat. Posa Creek, 460 miles west of Fort Riley, Kansas. One specimen presented by Dr. Hammond, U. S. A. Gen. Remarks. In Plestiodon obsoletum there are 28 rows of scales. URODELES, Dum. Urodeles trematoderes, D. k B. Gen. AMBYSTOMA, Tschudi. AilBYSTOMA MAC0LATUM, nob. Sp. Char. Head large, body stout, tail ensiform, fingers and toes depressed, posterior nares of moderate size, teeth arched, in four patches, the two middle convex anteriorly, nearly in contact ; color brownish above ; tail maculated with black ; under parts yellow. Total length Y^ inches ; tail 3.| inches. Habitat. New Mexico. One specimen presented by Dr. McClellan. Ambystoma bicolor, nob. Sp. Char. Head large ; feet very moderately depressed ; tail rather thick at base, rounded above, moderately compressed ; posterior nares small ; teeth in 16 216 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP sa traight transverse row ; color blackish above, sides maculated with yellow tail yellow, beak marked and spotted. Total length 5^ inches ; of tail 2 J. Habitat. New Jersey, near Beesley's Point. One specimen presented by Mr. Saml. Ashmead. Perhaps the young of Ambystoma tigrinum. Oen. Remarks. A. proserpine of Prof. Baird is clouded with brown, and A. episcopus dark spotted. Ambystoma fuscum, nob. Sp. Char. Head large, convex, eyes large, prominent, snout rounded, nostrils small, two and a half lines apart ; internal nares rather large, teeth nearly transverse, in four distinct patches, extending across the palate, behind the internal nares ; fingers depressed, the first and fourth of nearly equal length, the 4th longer than the 3d ; 4th toe the longest ; toes slightly webbed at base, tail ensiform, of nearly same length as head, neck and body ; color uniform dark brown above, with extremely minute white points scattered over the sides and more sparsely upon the body and upon the sides of the tail ; Indian yellow clouded with brown beneath. Total length 5 inch. 2 lines ; tail 2 inch. 7 lines. Habitat. Indiana. One specimen presented by Prof. King, of Hanover Col- lege. Gen. Remarlts. This animal resembles somewhat the figure of Sal. Jefifersoni- ana, Holb., but in that, beside the transverse row of teeth, there are described two longitudinal series reaching to the posterior extremity of the palate. The toes in Dr. Holbrook's animal are all remarkably long, as they are described to be by Prof. Green in Sal. Jeffersoniana. — Contributions of the Macliirean Lyceum to the Arts and Sciences, p. 4. Prodromus descriptionis animalium evertebratorum, quae in Expeditione ad Oceanum Pacificum Septentrionalem, a Republica Federata missa, Cadwala- daro Kinggold et Johanne Eodgers Ducibus, observavit et descripsit W. STIMPSON. Pars III. CRUSTACEA MAIOIDEA. MAIID^. 1. Leptopus longipes, Latr. Maris adulti chelopoda valida, manu inflata digitis denticulatis ad basin hiantibus, dactylo versus basin tuberculo instructo Hab.-^ln portu "Hong Kong"; in fundo limoso, org. 6 vulgatissimus. 2. DocLEA GEACiLiPES, Hov. sp. Carapax tubercnlis sex in linea mediana ; tribus anterioribus minutis in regione gastrica; quarto in regione genilali et quinto cardiaco, sat validis et subspiniformibus; sexto majore in margins posteriore, spiniformi sed non acuto, decimam partem long, corporis adequante. Margo latero-anterior dentibus quatiior armata; dente anteriore v. subhepatica quam duabus medianis majore; posteriore longiore, (sextam partem carapacis lat. adequante) spiniformi, gracili, acuto. Superficies carapacis sat villosa ; regiones branchiales et gastrica tuberculis parvulis utrinque 7-8 sub tomento celatis ; declivitas postero-lateralis absque tuberculis. Rostrum paulo longiua quam latum, ad dimidiam divisum. Regio pterygostomiana depressa, non cana- liculata ; dente parvulo inter dentem subhepaticum et hoc ad angulum anteriorem arese buccalis. Pedes longi, graciles, minus villosi ; secundi paria carapace plus duplo longiores ; chelopoda parvula. Dimensiones carapacis, et rostro et spinis inclusis ; — long. 0-95 ; lat. 1-02. I), muricatce similia, minus vero spinosa, et pedibus longioribus. Hab. — In Mari Sinensi prope eras insulae "Hong Kong"; e fundo sabuloso prof. 20 org. lecta. [December, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 217 2. DocLEA CANALiFERA, Dov. sp. Corpus ct membra, extremitatibus digitorum et dactylorum exceptis, supra subtusque dense et breviter tomentosa. Spinae carapacis fere ut in D. ijraciUpcde ; spina lateral! vero breviore, et spina posteri- ori gracili, acuta, decioaam partem carapacis longitudinis adsequante. Regio pterygostomiana (t. afferens) valde depressa, canaliculata, margine exteriore acute elevata et longe ciliata. Pedes sat robusti ; secundi paria bis longitudine carapacis breviores. Chelopoda carapace breviora et pedibus secundi paria graciliora. Long, carapacis, 1-65; lat. 1.50 poll.; rostro spinisque inclusis. Hah. — In Mari Sinensi prope " Hong Kong "; inter Echinos e fundo limoso prof. 20 org. 4. CHioNa5CETES Beringianus, St. ; Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist vi. 83; Feb. 1857. Peloplasttis Fallasii, Gerstaecker ; Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, xxii. 105, t. I. f. 1. In freto Beringiano. 5. Hyas latifrons, nov. sp. H. coarctato affinis, sed corpore crassiore, antice latiore, supra minus tubercnlato, angulis obtusis. Rostrum brevius, minus acutum. Fissura superior orbitae clausa. Hah. — la Marl Beringiano, vulgaris. MiCROPiSA, nov. gen Carapax late ovatus, pauIo convexus, vix spinosns, rostro bifido, spina praeorbitali sat valida. Orbita supra unifissa, subtus aperta. Oculi retractiles, non latentes. Antennae externae articulo primo apice externo dentigero ; parte mobili aperta. Manus maris adulii digitis hiantibus, ad apices denticulatos solum contiguis. Pisoe Syrceque afiBnis. 5. MicROPiSA ovATA, nov. sp. Pubescens ; carapace depressiusculo, vix longiore quam late, dente hepatico quam dente prffiorbitali vix majore, et dente laterali parvulo, conico, in regione branchiali. Chelopoda mari.i robusti, mero dentato manu subcompressa supra subcarinata. % Carapacis long. 0.4 ; lat. 0.38 poll_ Hab. — Prope insulam " St. Jago " archipelagi " Cape de Verdes " ; inter nulliporas e profunditate 20 org. 7. TiARiNiA coRNiGERA, (Latrcille.) Ad insulas " Amakirrima," "Loo Choo " et "Ousima" lecta. 8. TiARiNiA DEPRESSA, uov. sp. Forma, rostro, orbitisque T. corniffcrce similis. Carapax depressus, postice canaliculo submarginali profundo ; tuberculis paulo numerosis, latis et depressis. Regiones branchiales utrinque spina parva laterali, supra qua tuberculis 4 — 5 arcuatim dispositis ; regio cardiaca tri-tnberculata ; gastrica tuberculis parvulis decem. Margo posterior supra dentibus tribus, subtus quatuor parvulis ornata. Rostrum cornibus ad apices graciles paululum divergentibus et resimis. Pedes ambulatorii sat lati, compressi, supra lievi ; marginibus non spinulosis, sparsim ciliatis ; setis robustis, clavaeformibus. 2 Carapacis long. 0.77 ; lat. 0.52. Hab. — Ad insulam " Ousima " Japonise Australis. 9. TiARiNiA SPINIGERA, Bov. sp. Carapax oblougus, sparsim hirsutus ; regione gastrica convexa, prominentiis vix conspicuis, paene levibus ; regione cardiaca tri-tuberculata ; regiones branchiales utrinque spinis acutis erectis tribus in serie transversa, exterioribus paulo majoribus et supra-marginalibus. Margo posterior supra spinis parvulis septem, mediana maxima; infra tuberculis spini- formibus minutis quinque vel septem. Superficies carapacis dimidia posteriore et lateribus tuberculis minutis acutis inter spinas obsessa. Rostrum gracile, longitudine mediocre; cornibus contiguis. Theca orbitalis saliens, compressa; dente prreorbitali valde saliente acuto ; postorbitali etiam sat prominente. Che- lopoda mero et carpo supra paulo spinulosis. Pedes ambulatorii pagne lajves. 5, Carapacis long. 0.79 ; lat. 0.57 poll. Hab. — Ad insulas " Ousima " et " Tanegasima." 10. MicipPA Haanii. Micippa ihalia.TiQ Haan; Fauna Japonica, Crust. 98, 1857.] 218 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP pi. xxiil. f. 2. (aon Cancert., Herbst.) In Mari Sinensi ; in fundo conchoso Brof. 10— 20 org. 11. MiciPPA SPiNOSA, nov. sp. Carapax depressus, supra inequalis, confertim tuberculatus et setosus. Spinie dorsales paucje, long£B, graciles, ad apicem obtusaB ; tres in linea mediana, quarum duae in regione gastrica, et una maxima cardiaca. Spina magna in regione brancbiali, inter quam et dentem postorbi- talem spinas novem ad marginem lateralem sitje. Margo posterior spinulosa. Rostrum ad extremitatem dilatatum ; angulis late rotundatis, margine crenu- lata; dentibus duobus medianis divergentibus. Orbita supra bifissa ; fissura interiore clausa, exteriore aperta. Regiones pterygostomianffi convexas et tuber- culatae, non setosae. Chelopoda levissima, pallide fusca; carpo manuque obso- lete granulatis ; apicibus digitorum nigris. Pedes ambulatorii compressi, dense pilosi ; mero supra spina parvula terminali. Long. O.TS ; lat. 0.59 poll. Hab. — In porta Jacksoni Australiensi ; e fundo limoso, prof. org. 6. 12. MicipPA HiRTiPES, Dana; U. S. Exploring Exp., Crust, i. 90 ; pi. i. f. 3. Ad insulas "Loo Choo" et "Ousima" lecta. 13. Naxia dicantha, De Haan, Fauna Japonica, Crustacea, pi. 96 ; pi. xxiy. f. 1. In Mari Sinensi vulgaris ; nee non in sinu " Kagosima " Japonise lecta. 14. ScYEA coMPEESSiPEs, nov. sp. Rcgioues minus prominentes, gastrica ampla, lata, rotundata, pasne levis ; bepaticae expansae, tuberculo subspiniformi gerentes; branchiales spina parva acuta borizontaliter porrecta, armata;. Ros- trum lamelliforme bifidum, vix latins quam longum, cornibus subtriangulatis. Pedes graciles compressi ; chelopoda mero quadricarinato, carinis tuberculatis, superiors deate uno subterminali spiniformi acuto. Pedes ambulatorii supra infraque ad angulos sparsim hirsuti; setis magnis clavatis ; articulis penultimis gracillimis levibus. 9, Carapacis long. 0.65 ; lat., spinis inclusis, 0.51 poll. Hab. — In sinu " Hakodadi " iosulae " Jesso " Japonic; in fundo arenoBO et algoso prof. 6 org. 15. DiONE AFFiNis, De Haan, Fauna Japonica, Crust, p. 93 ; pi. xxii. f. 4. Ad insulani "Ousima"; specimen unicum jun. lecta. 16. MiTHRAx suBOEBicuLARis, nov. sp. Carapax rotundatus, vix longior quam latus ; maigo lateralis dentibus spiniformibus subdistantibus septem armata, dentibus duobus posticis parvulis. Regio gastrica ampla, valde convexa. Super- ficies tuberculis subequalibus et aequidistantibus ad 30 ornata ; inter tubercula granulata. Rostrum latum brevissimum, cornibus duobus parvis triangularibus acutis. Antennffi externae articulo primo latissimo, margine anteriore tridentata, dentibus longis spiniformibus, cornua rostri fere aequantibus. Margo orbitalis superior profunde bifissa et 4 — 5-dentata. Oculi crassi. Chelopoda foemince. paene laevi ; pedes ambulatorii primi et secundi paris hirsuti et leviter spinulosi ; tertio quartoque paris vix hirsuti. 9 Carapacis long. 0.8 ; lat. 0.8 poll. Hab. — Ad insulam " Selio " freti " Caspar." 17. Camposcia retusa, Latr. ; Milne Edwards, Hist. Nat. des Crust. 283, pi. xv. f.'15, 16. Ad insulam " Ousima." 18. AcHiEus Japonicus, De Haan, Fauna Jap. Crust. 99, pi. xxix. f. 3. In porta "Hong Kong"; mari Sinensi. 19. AcH^us LACERTOsus, Hov. sp. Carapax triangularis, regionibus sat pro- minentibus, superficie Isevi, spinis carente, paulo pubescente. Regio hepatica dente obtuso laminiformi parvulo, borizontaliter porrecto. Rostrum aeque longum ac latum, truncatum, extremitate bilobata. Antennse ext.ernaj parte mobili filiformi, carapacis longitudinem superante. Oculorum pedunculus lajvis. Chelopoda grandia, forma fere ut in Myctiride, mero crassissimo ; manu in- curvata, digitis compressis. Pedes ambulatorii valde graciles ; primi paris eara- pace triplo longiores ; tertii quartique paris dactylo falciformi. S Carapacis long. 0.385; lat. 0.325 poll. Hab. — In porta Jacksoni Australiensi ; in fnndo limoso prof. G org. [December, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 219 AcH^OPSis, nov. gen. Carapax ovato-triangularis, convexus, spinulosus ; ros- trum breve, bifidum ; spina prajocularis acuta ; oculi longi, ad carapacis latus retractiles, orbitis carentes; spina parvula postoculari. Antennae externte apertae, articulo basali angustissimo curvato. Fossae antennulariae amplse. Hectognathopoda eleginter granulosa vel spinulosa ; mere articulo quinto ad angulum externum gerente. Chelopoda sat longa. Pedes ambulatorii gracilee. Dactyli pedum sex posticorum falciformes. Abdomen in fitminis sex-articula- tum. Eurypodio Achceoque afiBnis. 20. AcH^EOPSisspiNDLosus, noT. sp. Piibescentulus; spinae carapacis parvulcB graciles, acutissima;, pleracque laterales ; tres majores in regione gastrica ; quatuor in regionibus brauchialibus. Clielopoda spinulosa; digitis contiguis. Pedes ambulatorii irregulariter gpinulosi, et pilosi. 9 Carapacis long. 0.3G ; lat. 0.28 poll. Hab. — Ad Promontorium Bonce Spei in sinu " Simon's Bay" ; e prof. 10 org 21. Stenorynchus phalangium, Lam'k.; Edw. ; Crust, i. 279. Ad insulam Madeirae; fundo arenoso, 15 org. 22. Stenoetnchcs falciker, nov. sp. Corpus sat altum, gracile, rofundatum minute pubescente. Carapax supra spiuis duabus longis in linea mediaua, una in regione gastrica, altera in regione cardiaca sita; spinis v. tuberculis acutis 4 — 5 parvulis quoque utrinque in lateribus. Rostrum longum, carapacis lougitu- dinis quartam partem occupante, valde gracile, cornibus acicularibus omnino contiguis. Chelopoda/cemwn; setosa et partim spinosa, mero ad apicem spina longa; carpo bispinoso; manu curvata, digitis compressis, intus deniiculatis, dimidiam manus longitudinis p?ene formantibus. Pedes ambulatorii graciles, mero apice spina acuta armatjft; dactjlis pedum quatuor posticorum falciformi- bus. 5 Carapacis long. 0.61 ; lat. 0.35; pedum ambulatoriorum primi paris long. 1.75 poll. Hab. — Ad Promontorium Bonae Spei, sinu " Simon's Bay" ; inter algas e fando arenoso prof. 12 org. 23. Leptopodia sagittaria, Leach ; Zool. Misc. ii. pi. Ixvii ; Edw. I. c. i. 27 Ad insulam Madeira ; e prof. 30 org. 24. Perinea tumida, Dana; U. S, Exploring Expedition, Crust, i. 114 ; pi. iv. f. 1. Ad insulam " Hawaii." 25. PuGETTiA INCISA. Meuoethius incisus, De Haan ; Fauna Japoaica, Crust. 98; pi. xxiv. f. 3. In sinu " Hakodadi" insulae "Jesso" ; fundo algoso- arenoso, (3 org. 26. PuGETTiA QiTADRiDENS. Memxthitis quadriclens, De Haan ; Fauna Japonica Crust. 97 ; pi. xxiv. f. 2. la portu " Simoda" Japonice et " Hong Kong" Sinensi - sublittoralis inter fucos. 27. Men.ethhts subserratus, Adams and White; Voy. Samarang, Crust, p. 18 ; pl.iv. f. 1, 2. Dana; U. S. Exploring Exp. Crust.; i. 122 ; pi. iv. f. 7. lu portu "Hong Kong"; et ad insulas " Amakirrima" prope '• Loo Choo." 28. Men.ethius dentatus, nov sp. M. suhscrralo afRnis, sed dentibus laterali- bu8, tuberculisque magis prominentibus. Regio cardiaca valde prominens, prope tertiam partem latitudinis carapacis occupans. Dentes prseorbitales elongati, longitudinaliter porrecti. 5 Carapacis long. 0.84; lat. 0.56 poll. Hab. — Ad insulas "Amakirrima." 29. Mes^thius depressus, Dana; U. S. Exploring Expedition, Crust, i. 121. pi. iv. f. 6. Ad insulas " Loo Choo"; in sargassum, sublittoralis. 30. AcANTHOSYX DENTATUS, Milne Edwards; Hist. Nat. des Crust, i. 343. Ad Promontorium Bonas Spei, sinu "Simon's Bay"; fundo arenoso, org. 12. 31. Epialtus productds, Eandall; Dana, I.e. i. 123; pi. vi, f. 2. Prope " San Francisco," California, 1857.] 220 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF PARTHENOPID^. 32. EuRTNOME LONGiMANA, Dov. sp. Regiones sat distinctae, ron profunde separatae. Carapas rugosus; tuberculis rotuodatis depressis, latitudine varia- bilibus, ssepe confluentibus. Margo lateralis dente magno triangulari post orbitam ; in regionibus branchialibus dentibus parvis quatuor. Margo posterior utrinque dente parvulo tuberculiformi. Regio gastrica spinis parvis duabus et postice tuberculis confluentibus; branchiales utrinque spina parva mediana ; cardiaca sat prominens, oblonga, tuberculis confluentibus. Rostrum profunde bifidum, cornibus longis, acutis, paullo divergentibus. Fissura supra-orbitalis clausa. Chelopoda maris grandia, corpore vix duplo longiora ; manu subgra- cili, supra quadrispinosa; digitis subdeflexis. Pedes ambulalorii debiles, supra bicarinati, carinis in mero spiuosis. Carapacis maris long. 0.47; lat. 0.34 poll. Hab. — Ad Promontorium Bocae Spei; inter Gorgonias e prof. 10 org. 33. Lambrus rugosus, nov. sp. Carapax rugosus, pone oculos vix con- strictus ; longitudine et latitudine fere sequalibus ; superficie tota valde irregulari et tuberculata. Frons concava, Itevis ; regio gastrica parva, eminentiis tribus, — mediana posteriors, minuta, granuliformi, — et duabus lateralibus latis, granu- latis. Regio branchialis elevata, tuberculis conicis ad quinque ornata, uno magno. Area postero-mediana subtriangularis, depressa, in media qua regio cardiaca granulata, paulo elevata. Margo lateralis decem-dentata ; dente anteriore hepatico prominente ; dentibus sequentibus parvis; dente pos- teriore magno, conico, elevato, utrinque ad basim denticulo insfructo. Margo posterior tuberculis inconspicuis quatuor distantibus. Cbelopoda longitudine mediocria, robust'i, supra inequaliter dentata et tuberculata; subtus tuberculis depressis, levibus, aequalibus, subseriatis. Pedes^nbulatorii hieves, mero supra 2 — 3-spinuloso. Long, carapacis, 0.34 ; lat. O.S^oU. Hab. — Prope insulam " St. Jago" archipelagi " Cape de Verdes"; inter nuUi- poras ad prof. 20 org. 34. Lambrus laoiniatus, De Haan; Fauna Japonica, Crust, p. 91., pi. xxii. f. 2, 3. In portu " Hong Kong"; vulgaris in fundo limoso prof. 5 — 20 org. 35. Lambrus tuberculosus, nov. sp. Carapax supra bene tuberculatus ; tuberculis sub-aequalibus, confertis, depressis, granulis coronatis. Margo lateralis decem-dentata, dentibus denticulatis et granulatis, duobus posticis multo majoribus in margine postero-laterali sitis. Frons supra profunde exca- vata; rostro subtriangulari acuto. Chelopoda valida, marginibus spinis granu- losis acute conicis (10-11 in manus carinis) serratis ; superflcie intercarinali tuberculala, tuberculis granulatis, supra acutis et biseriatis, subtus minoribus obtusis 3 — 4-seriatis. Pedes ambulatorii debiles, supra spinis acutis obsessi. Carapacis long., 0.66 ; lat., 0.80 poll. L. valido et laciniato forma, longitudine chelopodorum, dentibus marginalibusque affinis ; sed superficie magis tuber- culata. Hab. — Prope insulam "Hong Kong'' Sinensem ; in fundo conchoso-limoso, prof. 15 org. 36. Cryptopodia contracta, nov. sp. Carapax parvus, paulo expansus, triangularis, angulis lateralibus truncatis ; marginibus antero-lateralibus crenu- latis, post orbitas sub-contractis et emarginatis; margine posteriore recta, obso- lete crenulata. Dorsum valde convexum, area mediana et regionibus antero- lateralibus depressis, regionibus branchialibus postice valde elevatis et granu- latis. Frous supra concava, rostro obtuso. Chelopoda sat longa, subtus regulariter depresso-tuberculata; manu subprismatica, crista superiore sexden- tata, dentibus contiguis, mediana majore, carina exteriore granulata. Pedes ambulatorii ischio meroque subtus bicarinatis, carinis spinigeris. Carapacis long. 0.38; lat. 0.55 poll. Hab. — In mari Sinensi boreali, lat. bor. 23° ; e fundo arenoso prof. 25 org. 37. Cryptopodia fornicata, M. Edwards ; Hist. Xat. dcs Crust, i. 302. In portu "Hong Kong"; in fundo couchoso prof. 10 org. [December, NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 221 38. ^THRA SCRUPOSA, M. Edwards ; Hist. Nat. des Crust, i. 371. Ad insulas freti Gaspar ; sublittoralis. 39. Ceratocarcinds albolineatus. Hurrovia alboUneata, Adams et White ; Voy. Samarang, Crust, p. 55. pi. xii. f. 5. Carapax hexagonus ; margine froa- tali dimidiam partem latitudiuis vix superante, pauUo coovexa, media emar- ginata. Deas prceorbitalis sinu e froute discretus, et frontem nou longiludinaliter superans. Margo antero-lateralis qiiadridentata, angulo orbitae vix promiaente incluso; deate posteriore raagoo, acuto. Margo postero-Uteralis et posterior oequales, L'eves. Dorsum paullo convexum, tomentosum et versus marginem graaulatum ; regionibus vix distinctis ; tuberculis duobus in regione gastrica, et UDO in utraque regioae branchiali prope dentem lateralem. Oculi retractiles. Chelopoda valida, carapace plus duplo longiores, granulala ; mero supra prope basim spinoso ; carpo uni-tuberculato ; maau laevi. Pedes ambulatorii minute villosi. Long, carapacis, 0.35; lat. 0.44 poll. Hab. — la portu "Ilong Kong." ONCINOPIDiE. 40. Oncinopus suppelluoidds, nov. sp. Corpus subpellucidum, ubique *u. WNUlNOl'Ua sU-i'l'liiliLiUUiUUS, uov. sp. uurpus Huupcuuuiuuui, UUUJUC pubesceate. 0. aranece valde affinis, diversus carapace post orbitas paullo expanso et Subau'^'ulatO : nrtir.nlo npnnltimn Tiprinm amhnlatoriorum nrimi secuadique paris gracilior mis et penultimis pedum pacis, 0.48; lat. 0.36 poll. Hab. In portu Jacksoni Australiensi ; later spongias e prof. 6 org ibesceate. 0. aranece valde affinis, diversus carapace post orbitas paullo cpauso et subaagulato ; articulo penultimo pedum ambulatoriorum primi scuadique paris graciliore et longe ciliato. A 0. Ncpiuno differt articulis ulti- ,is et penultimis peduai posticorum miaoribus et gracilioribus. Long, cara- , 0.36 poll. The Kecording Secretary read the following Annual Report : REPORT OF THE RECORDING SECRETARY FOR 1857. During the past year there have been elected forty-nine Members and two Correspondents. Three Members have died, to wit: Dr. E. K. Kane, Mr. John A. Guex, and Mr. Thomas Biddle. The deaths of the following Correspondents have been announced to the Academy: — Professor J. W. Bailey, of West Point ; Prince Charles Lucien Bona- parte ; Mr. Henry Pratten, of New Harmony, Ind. The following Papers have been presented and ordered to be published in the Proceedings or Journal of the Academy. By W. G. Binney, two, to wit : " Description of American Land Shells ; " " Notes on American Land Shells, No, 2." By John Cassin, three, to wit: "Catalogue of Birds collected at Cape Lopez, Western Africa, by Mr. P. B. Duchaillu in 1850, with notes and descriptions of new species;" "Catalogue of Birds, collected by P. B. Duchaillu, on the River Muni, in 1856, wtih descriptions of new species ;" "Description of North Ameri- can species of Archibutes and Lanius, and description of a new species of Toucan of the genus Selenidera." By T. A. Conrad, six, to wit: "Description of three new genera, twenty-three species of middle Tertiary fossils from California, and one species from Texas;" " Descriptions of two new genera of Shells ; " " Rectification of some of the gen- eric names of American Tertiary Fossils ; " " Description of a new species of Myacites; " "Description of a new genus of the family Dreissercidai." By Joseph Barnard Davis, " On the Crania of the ancient Britons, with remarks on the people themselves." By Charles Girard, M. D., three, to wit : "Description of some new Reptiles collected by the United States Exploring Expedition, etc., parts 3d and 4th.' 1857.] '222 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP ''Notice upon new genera and new species of ilariae and Fresli-water Fishes ofWestern North America." By Edward Hallowell, M. D., five, to wit : "Note on the collection of Reptiles from Texas, recently presented to the Academy of Natural Sciences, by Dr. A. L. Heermann ;"" Description of a new genus of colubriform Serpents from Cali- fornia ; " "Notice of a Collection of Reptiles from the Gaboon country, Western Africa, made by Dr. Henry A. Ford ; " " On Trigonophys rugiceps; " " On the caduciate Urodele Batrachians." By F. V. Hayden, M. D., two, to wit : " Notes explanatory of a map and sec- tion illustrating the geological structure of the country bordering on the Mis- souri river, etc. ;" "Geological notes on the Mauvaises Terres of White River." By Theodore C. Hilgard, M. D., " Classification of the Vegetable Kingdom." By C. R. Kennerly, " Description of a new species of Cypselus, etc." By J. P. Eirtland, M. D., " On the Larva of Thyreus Abbottii." By Isaac Lea, L.L. D., seven, to wit: "Descriptions of thirteen new species of Uniones from Georgia; " "Descriptions of twelve new species of Naiades from North Carolina;" "Descriptions of six new species of Uniones from Alabama;" " Descriptions of eight new species of Naiades from various parts of the United States;" "Descriptions of three new exotic species of Naiades ;" " Descriptions of six new species of fresh water and land shells ; " "Descriptions of twenty-seven new species of Uniones from Georgia." By Major John LeConte, two, to wit : " On three new species of Vesperti- lionidse ; " " Observations on the Wild Turkey." By John L. LeConte, M. D., four, to wit : " Catalogue of the species of Bem- bidium found in the LTnited States and contiguous northern regions;" "Index to the Buprestidas of the United States, described in the work of Laporte and Gory, with notes ; " " Descriptions of several new Mammals from Western Africa ; " " Synopsis of the species of Clivina and allied genera, inhabiting the United States " By Joseph Leidy, M. D., six, to wit : " Remarks on certain extinct species of Fishes; " " Notice of remains of extinct Turtles from New Jersey, etc. ;" "Notices of extinct Vertebrata, discovered by Dr. F. V. Hayden, etc. ; " " List of extinct Vertebrata, the remains of which have been discovered in the region of the Mis- souri, with remarks on their geological age;" "Notices of extinct Fishes;" " Rectification of the references of the extinct Mammalian Genera of Nebraska." By F. B. Meek and F. V. Hayden, M. D., " Explorations under the War De- partment. Descriptions of new Cretaceous and Tertiary Fossils collected by Dr. F. V. Hayden in Nebraska, etc." By William Stimpson, two, to wit: " Prodromus descriptionis animalium Gvertebratorum, quae in Expeditione &,d Oceanum Pacificum Septentrionalem, a Republica Federata missa, Cadwaladaro Ringgold et Johanne Rodgers Ducibus, observavit et descripsit W. Stimpson, (two papers.) By William J. Taylor, four, to wit: "Aluminium, the progress in its mani- pulation ; " " Investigation of the rock Guano from the islands of the Carribean Sea ; " " Examination of a Nickel Meteorite from Okkitebaha county, Miss. ; " " Examination of Enargite from New Granada." By Philip R. Uhler, " Contributions to the Neuropterology of the United States." All of which is respectfully submitted by B. Howard Rand, M. D. Recording Secretary. Nov. 3Qtk, 1857. The Librarian read the following Annual Report : [December, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 22c LIBRARIAN'S REPORT FOR 1857. During the present year, ending December 31st, 1857, 382 volumes and 1053 periodicals and pamphlets have been added to tlie Library of the Academy. The various subjects upon which these treat, and the number belonging to each .-jubject, are shown in the following table : Subjects. A^o. iJcueral Natural History and Mamma- logy, 34 iJniithologj, 63 Kntomology, 51 Conchology, 211 Botany, 44 Geology, Palceontology and Geography, 146 Anatomy, Physiology, &c., 72 Mineralogy, 11 Herpetology and Ichthyology, 6 Subjects. No. Ethnology, " Physics and Chemistry, 14 Transactions, Journals, Proceedings, Re- ports, Ac, of Societies, 72C Voyages and Travels, 18 Medicine, r H Biography, 6 Miscellaneous, 16 Total,- •1435 Of the above works, 73 have been contributed by authors, 71 by editors, 53 by members, correspondents and others, 208 by societies and corporations, 45 by Mr. Edward Wilson, and 985 by Dr. T. B. Wilson ; making a total of 1435 additions to the Library in 1857. Among the many valuable additions made during this year, the following may be mentioned : Memoirs and Transactions of the Royal Academy of Sciences of Berlin, from 1710 to 1850, 85 volumes, from Dr. Wilson; Donovan's Natural History of British Insects, 16 volumes, from Mr. Ord ; sixth volume of the United .States Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere, from Lieut. Gilliss ; twelfth volume of the United States Exploring Expedition, from Dr. A. A. Gould ; the terrestrial air-breathing Mollusks of the United States and ad- jacent territories of North America, from the executors of Dr. Binney ; the Zoologist, 50 numbers ; Morris' History of British Birds, 48 numbers ; the Natural- ist, 48 numbers ; Adams' Genera of Recent MoUusca, 26 numbers ; Deshayes' Description des Animaux sans Vertebres decouvertes dans le bassin de Paris ; H. Von Meyer's Fauna der Vorwelt ; Crania Britannica ; Museum Botanicum Lug- duno-Batavum, &c. &c., from Dr. Wilson, and also a number of rare and valuable pamphlets upon Anatomy, Physiology and Zoology from Mr. E. Wilson. In 1836 the Library contained about 7000 volumes ; in 1850, it had increased, as was ascertained by actual enumeration, to 12,057. During the fourteen j^ears, from 1836 to 1850, therefore, the annual rate of increase of the Library was about 430 volumes. In 1851, 2,2G2 additions were made to the Library ; in 1852, 2,886 ; in 1853, 1,011 ; in 1854, 729 ; in 1855, 857 ; in 1856, 1,449 ; and in 1857, 1,435 ; making a total increase during the past seven years of 10,629. From this statement it will be seen that the average annual increase for this period is a little more than 1500 volumes, a rate of increase 3^ times greater than that for the preceding fourteen years. In his report, laid before the Academy in 1850, my friend and predecessor, Dr. Wm. S. Zantzinger, presented a classified table of the whole number of volumes in the Library. Taking this estimate as a basis, I have constructed the following table, in which is shown not only the whole number of volumes in the Library, but also the number distributed to each of the leading divisions. Natural Sciences, 5579 Anatomy and Physiology, 633 Voyages and Travels, 984 History and Geography, 590 Transactions, Journals, Proceedings, Reports, &c., of Societies, 3723 Dictionaries of Arts and Sciences, 586 Maps and Charts, 49 Chemistry and Physics, 462 Historical Documents of all descriptions, 1857 Antiquities and Fine Arts, 430 Miscellaneous, 1660 1857.] Total, 16,553 Vols. 224 PROCEEDINGS OE THE ACADEMY OF In the Report above alluded to, Dr. Zantzinger estimated that the works in parts or numbers not yet completed, and pamphlets, when bound, would make about 500 volumes. Since that time the increase in periodicals and pamphlets has been over 6000. If now we regard these, when bound, as equivalent to 500 volumes, and accordingly add them to the above sum, we shall obtain for the whole Library a grand total of more than 17,000 volumes. During the year more than 400 volumes have been bound in a substantia! manner, and without cost to the Academy, the expenses having been defrayed by Dr. T. B. Wilson. Many other volumes are still in the hands of the binder. Owing to the increase in the number of Journals, Transactions, &c., of learned societies received in exchange for the publications of the Academy, Dr. T. B. Wilson, with his accustomed liberality, has caused eight additional cases to be made and placed in the western room of the Library for the better accommoda- tion and arrangement of the books. These cases extend in a row, like a par- tition, nearly across the room from north to south, dividing it into two smaller, oblong apartments, which communicate by a narrow passage, and are lighted by two windows, one at each end. In consequence of these alterations, and the in- creased attendance' at the meetings of the Academy, the latter have, since Novem- ber last, been held in the eastern room, the largest and most coramodioi;s of the three rooms containing the Library. The two northern windows of this apart- ment have been walled up with brick from the floor to the ceiling, so that the dangers from fire in that direction are considerably diminished. Upon the floor, and in the recesses formerly occupied by the windows, two new book-cases have been erected. Gas has also been introduced into this room. The whole cost of these alterations has been borne by Dr. Wilson. While congratulating the members of the Academy and the lovers of science in general upon the rapid influx of valuable books and periodicals into the Library, and the increasing facilities thus offered for scientific research, I deem it not inappropriate to take this opportunity of earnestly reminding the mem- bers of the importance of using every eS'ort still further to enlarge the bounds of the Library, protect it from injury, and increase the sphere of its utility. J. AiTKEN Meigs, Librarian. The Treasurer's Report was read and referred to the Auditors. The Curators reported as follows : REPORT OF THE CURATORS FOR 1857. The Curators, in presenting their annual report, take pleasure in stating that the Museum of the Academy continues in its usual excellent condition of pre- servation. The arrangement of the Museum has made considerable progress during the year now approaching its close, though much remains to be done before it shall be put in complete order. The collections, at present nearly or completely arranged and labelled, are those of Mammals, Reptiles, Insects, Crustaceans, of Botany, of Vertebrate Fossils, of Fossil Plants, of Minerals, of Birds' Eggs, and of Human Skulls. The collections in course of arrangement, and of which several have made considerable progress, are those of Birds, Fishes, Mollusks, and of Comparative Anatomy. The collections of Invertebrate Fossils, Echinoderms, Zoophytes, and Sponges, remain untouched. The first of these collections indicated is a very large and important one, and strongly demands the attention of some of our members to arrange it. During the year, Mr. W. J. Binney has nearly completed the arrangement of the Conchological cabinet. Dr. Wilson continues to arrange the collection of Birds, and Drs. Bridges and Morris have made considerable progress in the [[December, NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 225 arrangement of the collection of Fishes. The Mammalogical cabinet has been arranged by Col. McCall and Dr. Camac ; and Dr. Wilson and Mr. Schaf hirt, have been engaged in arranging the Insects. In relation to the Herbarium, Mr. E. Durand has furnished the following statement : To the Curators, — Dear Sirs, — The Herbarium BorealuAmericanum, upon which I have been engaged for these four years, is now nearly completed. As far as it goes, it fills up more than sixty large port-folios. In its formation, I have followed the arrangements of DeCandolle, and have just finished the order Gramima: , which is the last of the PhEnogamous jikuits. The number of described species therein contained, amounts to seven thousand two hundred and forty-two, of which 5994 are dicotyledonous, and 1248 monocotyledonous species. It contains, moreover, other plants, either new or as yet unpubUshed, wliich may, in all probability, raise the whole number of plianiogamous species of this particular collection TO eight thousand. When the cryptogams have been added to these, it will form a mass of not less than ten thousand North American plants, constituting one of the most com- plete Herbaria extant. This special North American herbarium had become an essential desideratum in an Institution like ours, particularly devoted to the study of the natural wealth of the country. In times past, it was inconvenient and difficult to the student of the botany of North America, to search in the general herbarium, among a mass of forty-six thousand species from all parts of the world, for the particular native plants which he was desirous to examine. Now this work is rendered easy, and he may at once, and without trouble or interruption, examine a whole suit of American species of the same genus or of the same order. The Herbarinm Borcali-Americanum, as far as it reaches, has been made up from the nu- merous packages of specimens transmitted to the Academy of Natural Sciences from all jiarts of the country, and piled up, neglected, on the shelves of the Botanical room. It is highly indebted to the valuable private collections of Major LeConte, and of the late Messrs. Conrad and James Reed, and to partial invoices of Drs. Torrey, Gray, Englemann, Short and others. From my own herbarium I have selected for it more than fifteen hundred rare and frequently unique specimens of my collection, all from Texas, New Mexico, the North-VVestern Territories, Oregon and California. The whole number of species contained in this new botanical treasure is at least double that which is to be found scattered in our general herbarium. I do not vouch for a complete accuracy of names; but I have performed my task to the best of rny ability. If faulty in some rare instances, it remains open to correction by those who will follow me. Ifit ])osseses other defects, one is that, in many cases, it is overstocked with duplicates; but this I intend to obviate hereafter, by abstracting tht superfluity, with a view to enrich the general herbarium, or to store up duplicates for ex- change. The great merit of this valuable collection of North American plants is that it pos- sesses a large number of authentic specimens — almost all the plants of Mr. Nuttali, and many others from Messrs. EJhott, Baldwin, Pursh, Torrey, Asa Gray, Curtis, &c. With regard, your most obedient servant, Philadelphia, December ilth, 1857. E. Durand. The donations to the different departments of the Museum for 1857 are as follows : — Mammals. — Of these, 31 specimens of 22 species have been added to the col- lection ; the principal donors being Dr. T. B. Wilson, Dr, W. A. Hammond. \Ir. L. De Vesey, and Dr. H. A. Ford. Birds. — Of these, 46 specimens of about 25 species have been presented, principally by Dr. Hammond, Mr. De Vesey and Mr. Slack. Several small col- lections, in which the number of species is not designated, have been presented by R. W. Mitchell, Capt. J. P. McCown, U. S. N., and the Smithsonian Institute. Reptiles. — In the department of Herpetology, which is so zealously cultivated by Dr. E. Hallowell, wehave receivedjich additions. Dr. W^ A. Hammond, U. S. A., presented 480 specimens of 40 species, from Kansas Territory. 184 specimens of 30 species were presented by Drs. Wilson, Leidy, Hallowell, and Mr. Conrad. 150 specimens of 30 genera from Ceylon and the Philipines, were obtained in exchange. R. W. Mitchell presented 24 specimens of 10 species from New Granada ; Mr. C. Hering, 29 specimens of 10 species from Surinam ; Dr. H. A. 1857.] 226 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF Ford, 31 specimens of 13 species from Africa; Dr. A. W. King, 71 specimens of 11 species ; and Major LeConte 38 specimens of 11 species. Besides the fore- going, 220 specimens of 80 species were presented, principally by Messrs. T. Swift, Boulton, Wood, Canfield, Trout, Lesquereux, andKrider, and Drs. Rusch- enberger, LeConte, Jos. Wilson and Uhler. Fishes. — Of these, Dr. Hammond presented 120 specimens, yet undetermined, from Kansas Territory. Drs. Ruschenberger and H. C. Caldwell presented 47 specimens of 40 species. 21 other specimens of 14 species were presented principally by Messrs. Slack and S. Powel, and Drs. Davidson, Kittoe and T. Dunn. JloUusks. — Dr. H. A. Ford presented 130 specimens of 12 species from Western Africa ; and Dr. Woodhouse presented 126 specimens of 23 species of Naiades from the Arkansas and its tributaries. 24 specimens of 15 species were pre- sented principally by Dr. Ruschenberger ; and a small collection was presented by Dr. Hammond. Insects. — Of the different orders of insects the following have been presented : (Joleoptera, 635 specimens of 280 species ; hemiptera, 189 specimens of 90 species ; orthoptera, 208 specimens of 100 species; hymenoptera, 114 specimens of 60 species; diptera, 102 specimens of 50 species ; neuroptera, 19 specimens of 15 species ; arachnida, 18 specimens of 7 species ; and myriapoda, 5 specimens of 4 species. The principal donors are Drs. Leidy, Wilson, Hammond, LeConte, and Ruschenberger, and Messrs. W. L. Cassin and W. B. Chandler. Crustaceans. — Mr. W. Stimpson presented 34 specimens of 15 species from the west coast of America. 65 specimens of 30 species were presented principally by Drs. Ruschenberger and Hammond, and Mr. Pease. Annelides, JEchinoderms and Zoophytes. — Dr. Ruschenberger presented 29 speci- mens of 14 species of echinoderms and zoophytes. Dr. Hammond presented 48 Gordii, and Mr. Ashmead 1 Nereis. Comparative Anatomy. — Of human skulls. Dr. B. Vreeland presented 9, Dr. B. H. Abadie 6, Dr. Ruschenberger 3, and Dr. T. J. Turner 27 ; besides which 3 others were presented. Of skulls of other animals 22 were presented, principally by Drs. Wilson, Woodhouse, and McClellan. A fine example of the skeleton of the Camel from Tunis was presented by W. S. Vaux. Besides the foregoing, there were 4 other skeletons, and 8 miscellaneous specimens presented. Botany. — Prof. John Torrey presented 427 specimens of western American plants ; Mr. Durand presented IS species ; Dr. Jos. Wilson U. S. N. presented a collection of plants from Western Africa ; and Mr. S. Ashmead presented 9 species of marine algse. Of fungi, 997 species, prepared by Ezra Michener, were presented by this gentleman and the Rev. M. A. Curtis. Palaeontology. — Of vertebrate remains 68 specimens have been presented, principally by Drs. LeConte, Leidy, and Minturn, and Messrs. W. McClane and C Wheatley. Of invertebrate fossils, Mr. W. Cleburne presented 250 specimens from the green sand of New Jersey, and a collection from the Silurian rocks of Ohio. Dr. Leidy presented 62 triassic, eocene, pliocene and post-pliocene fossils ; Prof Holmes, 26 specimens pliocene and post-pliocene fossils ; Dr. Wilson, 18 species tertiary shells from California ; and Dr. Woodhouse 15 specimens of fossils. Of other specimens, 13 were presented, besides a small collection from Chili, by W. Blake. Of coal plants. Dr. R. Bennett presented 42 specimens; besides which 12 other fossil plants were presented. Mineralogy. — Of minerals, 52 specimens wero presented ; the principal donors being Col. G. M. Totten, Dr. Spilman, Mr. Taylor, Dr. Woodhouse, and T. W, Yardley. Respectfully submitted by Joseph Leidy, Chairman of the Curators. Dr. Rand announced the death of W. Frederick Rogers, late a mem- ber of the Academy, at Paris, on the 9th of December. [December. NATURAL SCIENCES OF rniLADELPUIA. The following officers were then elected for the ensuing year. President, George Ord. Vice Presidents^ Robert Bridges, Isaac Lea. Corresponding Secretary, John L. LeConte. Recording Secretary, B. Howard Rand. Librarian, J. Aitken Meigs. Treasurer, George W. Carpenter. Curators, Jos. Lcidy, W. S. Vaux, Samuel Ashmead. John Cassin, Auditors, Jos. Jeanes, Saml. Ashmead, W. S. Vaux. Publication Committee, W. S. Vaux, Robert Bridges, Jos. Leidy, Isaac Lea, W. §1. W. Ruschenberger, 1857.] 228 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY. Elections in 1857. The following gentlemen were elected members, viz : Jan. 27. J. Keese Fry, and Louis Fassitt, M. D. Feh. 24. J. Ennis, E. A. Souder, A. C. Gorga?, M. D., G. K. Warren, Lt. U. S. Top. Engineers, and W. J. Taylor. 31arcli 31. Wm. Cleburne, James Paul, M. D., P. P. Bertholet, M. D., and Gideon Scull. April 28. Benj. V. Marsh, Alex. Wilcocks, M. D., Wm. S. Halsey, M. D., Joseph Roach, Ferdinand J. Dreer, Jas. C. McGuire, Robert Carter, M. D., and George Martin, M. D. May 26. Edward P. Eastwick, Walter F. Atlee, M. D., J. Coates Brown, R. H. Lamborn, Emil Fischer, M.D.,and David March Warren. June 30. Daniel B. Cummins, Wm. Spillman, M. D., John C. Da Costa, Sr., John C. Da Costa, Jr., ahd Edward Bennett. July 28. L. S. Pepper, M. D., J. H. Slack, A. J. Rohas, M. D., Marco A. Rojas, M. D., C. S. Wurts, M. D., and W. P. Turnbull. Aug. 25. Richard J. Haldeman, and Louis D. Harlow, M. D. Sept. 30. Theodore De H. Rand Oct. 27. Edward Minturn, M. D., and Prof. E. D. Porter. Nov. 29. H. Clay Caldwell, M. D., and Edward A. Jessup. Dec. 29. Mayland Cuthbert, Edward N. Covey, M. D., U. S. A., K. Ryland, M. D., U. S. A. The following gentlemen were elected Correspondents, viz : June 30. Brig. Gen. Harney, U. S. A,, and Capt. Alfred Pleason- ton, U. S. A. December, CORRESPONDENCE. 1857. 1 The following letters have been received. Jan. Qth. From the Trustees of the New York State Library, dated Albany, Dec. 27th, 185G, acknowledginp; the receipt of the Proceedings, vol. viii. No. 5. IZlh. From the Smithsonian Institution, dated Washington, March 28th, 1856, acknowledging the receipt of Proceedings, vol. viii. No. 1, and Index to vol. vii. From the American Antiquarian Society, dated Worcester, Mass., Jan. 7th, 1857, acknowledging the receipt of .Journal, New Series, vol. iii. part 3. 20ih. From Prosper Tarbe, dated Paris, Oct. 7th, 1856, transmitting specimens of fossils, and desiring exchanges. From Dr. W. S. W. Ruschenberger, U. S. N., dated Panama, Sept. 3d, 1856, transmitting a donation of marine animals. Feb. M. From S. D. Gross, M. D., dated Philadelphia Jan. 30th, 1857, acknow- ledging election as member. From Sandwith Drinker, dated Hong Kong, Nov. 12th, 185G, acknowledging receipt of Proceedings of Academy, and expressing desire to contribute to the Museum. From Rev. E. I. Lowe, dated Nottingham, England, January 7th, 1857, de- siring exchanges. From the K. L. C. Akad. der Naturforscher, dated Breslau, Oct. 31st, 1856, accompanying their publications presented this evening. From the Academic Royale des Sciences de Stockholm, dated August Ist, 1856, accompanying donation presented this evening. From the same, of same date, acknowledging receipt of the Proceedings, vol. vii., Nos. 2 — 7, and of the Journal, new series, vol. iii. part 1. From the Smithsonian Institution, dated Washington, Jan. 29th, 1857, ac- knowledging receipt of Journal, new series, vol. iii. part 3. lOth. From James Ross Snowden, dated Philadelphia, Jan. 27th, 1857, ac- companying a mastodon bone from New Jersey, presented at the last meeting. From Edward Schlossberger, dated New York, Feb. 6th, 1857, tran.smitting a donation from Prof. Schlossberger of Tubingen, and desiring exchange. 2Uh. From Senkenberg. Naturf. Gesellschaft, Frankfurt-a-M., Feb. 4, 1857, acknowledging publications. March 3d. From tUe American Antiquarian Society, dated Worcester, Mass., Feb. 26th, 1857. From the Entomological Society of London, dated Dec. 3d, 1856. From the Trustees of the British Museum, dated London, Dec. 31st, 1856. From the British Association, dated Oxford, Dec. 6th, 1856. From the Asiatic Society, dated Calcutta, Oct. 18th, 1856. From the Natural History Society of Northumberland, dated New Castle-upon Tyne, Dec. 13th, 1856, — severally acknowledging the receipt of publications ol the Academy. 11th. From the Naturforschende Gesellschaft in Emden, dated Oct. 2d, 1856, accompanying a donation presented this evening. From the Linnean Society of London, dated Nov. 10th, and Nov. 25th, 1856, acknowledging the receipt of the Journal, new series vol. ii. part 4, vol. iii. parts 1 and 2 ; and Proceedings vol. ii. No. 2 ; vol. vi. Nos. 7 — 12 ; vol. vii. Nos. 1 — 1 2 and vol. viii. Nos. 1 and 2. 2i(h. A letter from Hon. J. K. Kane, acknowledging receipt of the resolutions adopted by the Academy upon the death of Dr. E. K. Kane, U. S. N. 3lst. A letter from Louis de Vesey, dated Philadelphia, March 29th, 1857 acknowledging his election as a member of the Academy. April I4ith. From W. Cleburne, Cincinnati, 0., April 8, 1857, acknowledging his election. From Acad, of Sciences, St. Louis, Mo., April 6, 1857, transmitting publica- tions. From K.-K. Geol. Reichsanstalt, Wien, Nov. 29, 1856, transmitting publica- tions. 2 CORRESPONDENCE. — 1857. From Kongelige Danske Vid. Selskab, Kjobenbava, Juni 1, 1856, acknow- ledging receipt of publications, and transmitting tbeir own. From Senkenberg. Naturf. Gesellschaft, Frankfurt-am-M., Oct. 21. 1857, transmitting publications. Aj^ril 2l6t. From Kon. Sacbs. Gesellschaft d. Wiss. Leipsic, Sept. 15, 1856, transmitting publications. 3fa>y 5tk. From Elliott Society of Nat. Historj, Charleston, S. C, acknow- ledging publications. From Naturf. Gesellschaft, Basel, Jan. 24, 1856, acknowledging publications. From Kon. Sachs. Gesellschaft d. W., Leipsic, Jan. 12, 1857, acknowledging publications. From Konigl, Bay. Akad. der Wiss., Miiucben, Feb. 3, 1857, acknow- ledging publications, and desiring missing numbers. From Rev. J. C. Adamson, D. D., New York, April 29, 1857, asking exchange of publications, &c., with the Museum of Cape Town, Africa. From Col. J. J. Abert, Washington, D. C, April 28, 1857, referring to a sup- posed new species of Mocking-bird. 3Ia)j 12th. From Boston Society of Nat. History, May 4, 1857, acknowledging publications. From Ethnological Society, London, Jan. 31, 1857, acknowledging publica- tions. Maij I9th. From Societe Royale des Sciences a Upsal, Nov. 10, 1856, trans- mitting publications. From Societe Imp. des Naturalistes de Moscou, Juin 12-24th, 1856, transmit- ting publications. From Konigl. Bay. Akad. der Wiss., Miinchen, Feb. 4, 1857, transmitting publications. From Konigl. Bohm. Gesellschaft der Wiss., Prag, Jan. 12, 1857, transmitting publications. From Acad. Royale des Sciences, Amsterdam, Aout 27, 1856, transmitting publications. From Wiirtemb.Naturw. Geselleschaft, Dec.20, 1856,transmitting publications. From Konigl. Bohm. Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften, Prag, Jan. 12, 1857, acknowledging publications and desiring missing numbers. From Wiirtemb. Naturw. Gesellschaft, Dec. 20, 1856, acknowledging publica- tions and desiring missing numbers. June 2d. From J. C. Brown, dated Philadelphia, June 1, 1857, acknowledging his election. From Imperial Mineral. Society, St. Petersburg, Nov. 30, 1855, acknowledging receipt of publications, and transmitting theirs in exchange. From Naturf. Gesellschaft in Emden, Jan. 21, 1856, acknowledging receipt of publications and transmitting their own. From Geol. Society of London, dated Dec. 4, 1856, acknowledging publications. From I. R. Istituto Lombardo di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti, Milano, Juglio 29, 1856. June 9(h. From E. P. Eastwick, dated June 8, 1857, acknowledging his election. June IGt/i. From K. L. C. Akad. d. Naturforscher, Breslau, Miirz 4, 1857, ac- knowledging publications. From Societe Imperiale des Naturalistes, Moscou, Mars 10-22d, 1857, acknow- ledging publications. From Utrecht Society of Arts and Sciences, March 30, 1857, acknowledging publications. From K.-K, Geol. Reichsanstalt, Wien, Jan. 21, 1857, acknowledging publica- tions and transmitting their own. From Verein fiir Naturkunde in Hm. Nassau, Wiesbaden, Jan. 3, 1857, trans- mitting publications and desiring exchange. Jime 23d. From Naturw. Verein in Hamburg, Jan. 1, 1857, acknowledging publications. From Amer. Antiquarian Society, June 19, 1857, acknowledging publications. CORRESPONDENCE. — 1857. 3 July 1th. From Amer. Acad, of Arts and Scienpea, Boston, July 1st, 18oT, transmitting their Procedings. Juhj 14:th. From Naturkundige Vereenigung in Nederlandsch Indie, Batavia, April 20th, 1857, acknowledging receipt of Proceedings, From the Sec. of Geological Survey of India, transmitting Memoirs. Julij 2\s(. From D. R. Bennett, Woodside, Pa., July 14th, transmitting dona- tion to Museum. From the Heidelburg Universitatsbibliothek, Feb, 2d, 1857, acknowledging Proceedings, From the Gottingen Universitiltibibliothek, Jan, 27th, 1857, acknowledging Proceedings. From the Academic Royale des Sciences, Amsterdam, Jan. 5th, 1857, acknow- ledging publications. From the Senckenb. Naturf. Gesellschaft, Franfurt, A. M,, Feb, 4th, 1857, acknowledging publications. July 28th. From R, H. Lamborn, Trenton, July 20th, acknowledging his election. From Georgic Society, Randolph, N, Y., July 18th, desiring donations. From Wisconsin State Historical Society, desiring exchange. • August llth. From W, Spillman, M. D., Columbus, Miss., July 28th, ac- knowledging his election and transmitting donation. From L. S. Pepper, M. D., July 30th, acknowledging his election. From the Societe des Sciences Phys. et Naturelles, Zurich, Feb. 19th, 1857, acknowledging and transmitting publications. From the Royal Society of Sciences, Gottingen, April 18th, 1857, acknowledg- ing Proceedings. September 1st. From the Trustees N. Y. State Library, June 22d, 1857, ac- knowledging publications. From Lt, H. L. Abbott, U. S. Top. Eng., transmitting Reports on Miss, and Pacific R. R. route, vol. 2. September 8th. From Dr. E. H. Abadie, U. S. A., of this date, transmitting donation. From D. B. McCartee, M. D., N. Y., Sept. 3d., transmitting donation. From Rev. J. P. Kirtland. Galena, Aug. 31st, transmitting donation. From Stephen F. Miller, Oglethorpe, Ga., July 28d, transmitting donation. October 6th. From I'Academie Roy. des Sciences, Lettres et Beaux Arts, Bruxelles, Jan. 15th, 1856 and Feb, 1st, 1857, acknowledging publications and desiring missing numbers. From Carl Hering, Surinam, relating to donation, October I3th. From Naturf. Gesellschaft in Dantzig, transmitting and ac- knowledging publications. From Kaisl. Akad. der Wissenschaften, "Wien, Nov. 24th, 1856 and April, 1857, acknowledging and transmitting publications. October 20tk. From J. Hare Powel, Newport, October 15th, transmitting donation to museum. From Chas. M. Blake, Condersport, October 12th, transmitting donation to museum. November 3d. From Naturk. Vereenigung in Nederlandsh-Indie, Batavia, April 18th, 1857, relating to their publications. November lOth. From Naturvviss. Verein, Hamburg, Oct. 4th, 1856, trans- mitting publications. From E. Baldamus, Leipzig, Aug. 5th, 1857, desiring to exchange with Oologists of the Academy. December 1st. From Royal Society of Sciences, Upsal, May 19th, 1857, ac- knowledging publications From Naturf. Gesellschaft in Emden, Aug. 1st, 1857, acknowledging publica- tions. From Societe des Sciences Naturelles, Neuchatel, Mai 7th, 1857, acknowledg. ing publications. 4 CORRESPONDENCE. — 1857. FromNaturhist. Verein d. Preuss. Rh. u. Westphal., April 20th, 1857, acknow- ledging publications. From Acad, of Sciences, St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 17th, 1857, acknowledging publications. FromNaturhist. Verein d. Pr. Rheinl. u. Westphalens, April 20th, 1857, trans- mitting publications. From Naturf. Gesellschaft in Emden, July 9th, transntiitting publications. From M. Belhomme, Metz, (Moselle.) December 'sth. From Prof. E. D. Porter, Newark, Dec. 3d, 1857, acknowledg- ing his election. December 22d. From Royal Society, Edinburg, Nov. 1st, 1856, acknowledg- ing Proceedings. DONATIONS TO MUSEUM. Donations to Museum. — 1857. Jan. 13raturwissenschaftliche Classe, 12 Bd. From the same. Verhandlungen des naturhistorischen Vereines der preussischen Rheinlande und Westphalens, ISter Jahr,, 4 Heft, 14er Jahr., Ites Heft. From the Associa- tion. Neues Jahrbuch fiir Mineralogie, Geognosie, Geologic und Petrefakten-Kunde, 185*7, 2 Heft. From Prof. H. G. Bronn. Archiv fiir Naturgeschichte, 23 Jahr., Ites Heft. From Dr. F. H. Troschel. Neueste Schriften der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft in Danzig, 2 Bd., 3 und i Heft., 3 Bd. 4 Heft, j 4 Bd., 1, 2, 3 und 4 Heft. ; 5 Bd. 1, 2, 3, 4 Heft. From the Society. Tageblatt der 32 Versammlung Deutscher Naturforscher und Arzte in Wien ira Jahre, 1856. Nos. 1 to 8. From the Convention. London Journal of the Society of Arts, vol. 2, Nos. 222 to 240. From the -Society. Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, vol. 6, No. 67. From the .Society. Catalogue of the Ninth Exhibition of Inventions. From the Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and commerce of London. Report of the Secretary of War respecting the purchase of camels for the pur- poses of military transportation. November 3d. Report of the Commissioner of Patents for the year 1855, Arts and Manufactures, 3 vols. Washington, 1857. From the Commissioner, Natural History Review. London, July, 1857. From the Editors. Etudes Entomologiques, redigees par V. de Motschulsky, 1-5. Helsingfors. From M. de Motschulsky. Monographie des Guepes Sociales, Cahier 8. Par H. de Saussure. From the Annales des Mines, 5eme serie ; t. 11 ; 1 livr., 1857. The following were presented by Dr. T. B. Wilson, on the usual conditions : System der Ornithologie Westafricas von Dr. G. Hartlaub. Bremen, 1857. London Athenaeum, September, 1857. Revue et Magasin de Zoologie, 1857, No. 8. Bulletin de la Society Imperiale, t. 4, No. 9. Comptes Rendus, t. 45, 9-12. Die Natur, 1857, No. 27-35. Kosmos, 1857, Nos. 1-7. November 10th. Address on the Scientific life and labors of William C. Red- field, A. M., &c. By D. Olmsted. From the Author. Report of the Commissioner of Patents for the year 1855. Agriculture. From the Commissioner. New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal, November, 1857. From the Editors. American Journal of Science and Arts, November, 1857. From the Editors. Annals des Mines, 5eme serie, t. 11, 2d livr. de 1857. From School of Mines. Bulletin de la Societe des Sciences Naturelles de Neuchatel, t. 4, 1 cah. From the Society. Neues Jahrbuch fiir Mineralogie, Geognosie, Geologic und Petrefakten-Kunde, 1857, 3 Heft. From H. G. Bronn. Zweiundvierzigster Jahresbericht der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft in Emden fiir 1856. From the Society. Abhandlungen aus dem Gebiete der Naturwissenschaften herausg. von dem naturwissenschaftlichen Verein in Hamburg. 3 Bd. From the Union. DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. XI. The following were presented by Dr. T. B. Wilson on the usual conditions : . Journal of the Franklin Institute, November, 1857. Die Conchylien des norddeutschen Tertiiirgebirges von Dr. E. Beyrich, 6 Lief. Naturgeschichte der Insecten Deutschlands, I ab, 1 Bd. 2 Lief and 2 Bd. 3, 4, Lief. Fauna Austriaca. Die Kafer, von L. Redtccbacher, 2, 3 und 4 Ileften. Das Gebiss der Schnecken zur begriindung einer naturlichen Classification untersucht von Dr. F. H. Troschel, 2 Lief Berlin, 1857. Mittheilungen aus Justus Perthes Geographischer Anstalt, &c., 1857, Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Novitates Conchologicae. Par Dr. L. Pfeiffer. 9 Livraisou. Atlas der Cranioscopie von Dr. 0. G. Carus. Heft. 2. Diagnoses Plantarum Novaruin praesertim Orientalium nonnullis Europaeis Boreali-Africauisque additis. Series secunda, Nos. 2, 3, 5. Auc. E. Boissier. Lipsiae, 1856. Jahrbiicher fiir -wissenschaftliche Botanik Herausg. von Dr. N. Pringshein, 1 Bd., 1 Heft. Berlin, 1857. Uber die Geologic d^s siidlichen Nordwegens von T. Kjerulf Christiania, 1857. De Bodem van Nederland door W. C. H. Staring, 2 deel. Haarlem, 1857, Observationes Phycologicae in Floram Batavam. Auc. W. F. R. Suringar. Leovardite, 1857. Wiener Entoraologische Monatschrift. Bd. 1, No. 1. Synopsis des Echinides Fossils par E. Desor. Paris, 1854-7, 1, 2, 3, 4 Livr. Planches 1-29. Synopsis Hepaticarum Javanicarum, Descrip. et illustrav. C. M. Van der Sande Lacoste. Amsteloedami, 1856. Felices Javanicae seu Observationes Botanicas, etc. Fecit J. K. Hasskarl. 1 Pugillus. Batavia3, 1856. Beitriige zur Kenntniss der Phyllomorphose. Von Dr. G. W. J. Ropmann. 1 Heft. Giessen, 1857. November \lih. Contributions to the Natural History of the United States of America. By Louis Agassiz. Boston, 1857. Vols. 1 and 2. From Dr. T. B. Wilson. ^ L'Organisation du Regne Animal. Par Emile Blanchard. Livr. 22. From Dr. Wilson. Description des Animaux sans Vertebres decouverts dans le bassin de Paris. Par G. P. Deshajes. 7-10 Livraisons. From Dr. T. B. Wilson. Plates for the Essays on the Microscope. By G. Adams. London, 1787. From J. H. Slack. Charleston Medical Journal and Review. November, 1857. From the Editor. Experimental Researches relative to the Nutritive Value and Physiological Effects of Albumen, Starch and Gum, when singly and exclusively used as food. By W. A. Hammond, M. D., Philadelphia, 1857. From the Author. Report of the 26th meeting of the British Association for the advancement of Science. London, 1857. From the Association. Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society, Vol. 13, No. 51. From the Society. Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, No. 21. From Dr. T. B. Wilson. London, Edinburgh and Dublin Philosophical Magazine, 4th Series, Nos. 91 — 03. From Dr. T. B. Wilson. Annals and Magazine of Natural History. August, September and October, 1357. From Dr. T. B. Wilson. Proceedings of the American Pharmaceutical Association at the 6th Annual Meeting, held in Philadelphia, September, 1857. From Dr. S. S. Garrigues. Description of a new Tanager of the genus Euphonia. Review of the species of the South American subfamily Tityrinae. By P. L. Sclater. From the Author. XU. DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. Further additions to the list of Birds received in collections from Bogota.-By P. L. Sclater. From the Author. , December \st. The following were presented by Dr. T. B. Wilson on the usual conditions : London Athenaeum, October, 1857. Reisen in Nord-Ost-Afrilia, von Theodor von Heuglin. Gotha, 185 7. Conspectus Generum Avium. Auctore C. L. Bonaparte. Tom. ii. Die im Bernstein befindlichen organischen Reste der Vorwelt. Herausg. Vou Dr. G. C. Berendt. 1 Bd. ; 2 Abth. Berlin, 1854. Systematisches Conchylien-Cabinet von Martini und Chemnitz. Von H. C. Kiister. 3 Bd. Heften 15, 16, 17. Icones Zootomicae. Herausg. Von J. V. Cams. Iste Hillfte. London Journal of the Society of Arts, vol. v. Nos. 241-245. From the Society. Catalogue Raisonne of the Medical Library of the Pennsylvania Hospital. By E. Fischer, M. D. From the Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital. Philadel- phia, 1857. Memorial of the Inauguration of the Statue of Franklin. From the City of Boston. Report of the Commissioner of Patents for the year 1856. 3 vols. From the Commissioner. December 8ih. The following were presented by Dr. T. B. "Wilson on the usual conditions : Proceedings of the Somersetshire Archeeological and Natural History Society. 1851, 1852, 1854. De danske Ostersbanker of Henrik Kriiyer. Kjobenhavn, 1837. Einige Beobachtungen und Reflexionen iiber die Skelettsyeteme der Wirbei- thiere deren Begrenzung und Plan. Von Dr. C. Bergmann. Gottingen, 1846. De Plumarum Pennarumque evolutione disquisitio Microscopica. Scripsit C. Reclam. Lipsiae, 1846. Ausfiirliche Naturgeschichte des Thier-, Pflanzen- und Mineral-Reichs. 2 Bdn. Breslau, 1843. Presented by S. Schilling. Revisio critica generis Ichneumonis specimen. Auc. J. J. Trentepohl. Kiliap. 1825. Diss, inaug. Med. sistens Myologise Insectorum, etc. Auc. Dr. F. G. L. Succow. HeidelbergcE, 1813. Diss*, inaug. de Cloaca. Auc. F. Haag, Bernensis. Turici, 1837. Diss, inaug. de Hydatibus. Submit. H. C. L. Liidersen. Gottingae, 1808. Observationes Anatomicae de Uteri Vaccini Fabrica. Auc. A. Burckhardt. Basileae, 1834. Geological Sketches and Observations on Vegetable fossil Remains. By Chas. Clay. London, 1839. The Physiology of Digestion. By A. Combe, M. D. Edinburgh, 1841. , Lehrbuch der Zoologie. Von J. F. A. Eichelberg. 1 Bd. Zurich, 1842. J. und K. Menzel's Bemerkungen iiber die Struktur der ausgewachseneii Schwung und Schweif Federn. Tubingen, 1807. Observationes Anatomicae de corde Testudinis Marinae Mydas dictae collecta- et cum corde humano collatae. H. A. "Wrisbergii. Gottingae, 1808. De Ascidiarum Structura. Subjicit H. F. Schalck. Plalae, 1814. Supplementa ad Anatomiam et Physiologiam potissimum comparatam edita A. C. H. Dzondi. Lipsiae, 1806. Essai sur I'llistoire Naturelle des Roches. Par. M. de Launay. Paris, 1786. Prodromus Monographiae Castniae, generis Lepidypterorum. Auc. J. W. Dalman. Holmiae, 1825. The Mineralogy of Derbyshire. By Jno. Mawe. London, 1802. Histoire Naturelle des Volcans. Par. C. N. Ordinaire. Paris, 1802. A Mineralogical description of the County of Dumfries. By R. Jameson. Edinburg, 1805. DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. XUl. Skeletogcnie. Von K. A. F. Otto. Wurzburg, 1831. An Analysis of the Naturcal System and its application to the Mineral Kingdom. Travels in the interior of Brazil. By J. Mawe. London, 1812. Traite ou Description abregee et Mecthodique des Mineraux. Par. Prince Gellitzin. Mrcstricht, 1792. A Geological Inquiry respecting the Water-bearing Strata of the Country around London. By J. Prestwich. London, 1851. Views of the Mineralogy, Agriculture, Manufactures and Fisheries of the Island of Arran. By J. Headrick. Edinburgh, 1847. Insektologische Terrainologie. Von G. B. Schmiedlein. Leipzig, 1789. Lithophylacium Mitisianuni. A. F. Giissmann. Vicnnae, 1785. Naturgeschichtliche Reiscn durch Nord-Afrika und West-Asien. Von Dr. W. F. Hemprich und Dr. C. G. Ehrenberg. 1 Dd. 1 Abtheilung. Berlin, 1828. Riflessioni sopra il Sistema Linfatico dei Rettili. Di Manro Rusconi. Pavia, 1845. December \Uh. Presented by Dr. T. B. Wilson, on the usual conditions: Essais sur les Isles Fortunees et I'antique Atlantide. Par. J. B. M. Bory de St. Vincent. Paris. Istorica Narrazione de principal! fatti che promossero e seguirone c confer- marona anco con aut"irevoli stampati Guidizii del Dott. G. Rivelli. Fano, 1845. Esposizione di due Vescichette di Graaf semi-retrovariche una di donna e I'altra di Vacca. Del Dr. G. RivelU. Additaraenta ad Georgii Augusti Pritzelii Thesaurum literature Botanicae. Col. et Comp. E. A. Zuchold. Journal of an Embassy from the Governor-General of India to the Courts of Siam and Cochin China. By J. Crawford. London, 1828. Aanmerkingen over den Oorsprong, Gesteltheit, en Aard der Zee-Wormen. Door Den Hr. Roussct. Leyden, 1733. Diss, inaug. Anatomiam suis scropha. Tubingse, 1820. Stone Steps. A stratigraphical arrangement of the British Geological Forma- tions. By J. Buckman. London. Ai Cultori delle Scienze Naturali. Parma, 1838. Diss, inaug. de Vermienn intestinalium prima origine. Auc. J. A. Braun. Monographia Tanypodum Sveccise. Auc. B. F. Fries. London, 1823. Die Paukenhohle der Silugethiere. Von E. Hagenbach. Leipzig, 1835. Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Geschlechts-verhaltnisse und der Samenfliissigkeit vsrirbelloser Thiere. Von A. Kolliker. Berlin, 1841. Zoologische Abhandlungen aus den Annalen des Wiener Museums der Natur- geschichte, ] und 2 Bds., 1 und 2 Abthei. Wien, 1841. MoUusques Medderraneens. Par. J. B. Verany. lere partie. Cephalopodes. Genes, 1851. Museum der Naturgeschichte Helvetiens Herausg. Von F. Meisner. 1 Bd. Bern, 1820. J. P. Breynii Historia Naturalis Coci Radicum Tinctorii. Gedani, 1731. Lehrbuch der Mineraiogie. Von L. A. Emmerling. ler Theil. Giessen, 1793. The Undercliff of the Isle of Wight. By G. A. Martin. London, 1849. Histoire de la Grande Isle Madagascar. Par. De Flacourt. Paris, 1661. Die Versteinerungen der Grauwack-enformation in Sachsen und den Angren- zenden Lader-Abtheilungen. Von H. B. Geinitz. Heft. 2. Leipzig, 1853. Prodromus Historise Generationis Hominis atque animalium. Auc. R. Wagner. Lipsias, 1836. Essai d'employer les Instruments Microscopiques avec Utilite et Plaisir dans la Saison du Printems. Nuremberg, 1763, (German and French.) Notizie suUa Moltiplicazione in Firenze Negli Anni 1837-9 deel uccello Americano Paroaria Cucullata Chiamato Volgarmente Cardinale dal Dr. C. Passerinii Firenze, 1841. XIV. DONATIONS TO LIBRARY. Diss, inaug. de Evolutione Strongyli Auricularis et Ascaridis acuminatse viviparorum. Auc. H. Bagge. Erlangse, 1841. C. Mayer de Organo Electrico in Raiis anelectricis et de Haematozois. Bonna?. 1843. De Pancreato Piscium. Auc. H. Brockmann. Rostochii, 1846. Die zweifliigligea Insecten von arztlichem Gesichtspunkte ans betrachtet. Von J. Hensler. Freiburg, 1845. Die Versteinerungen der Fische und Pflanzen im Sandsteine. Von H. A. C. Berger. Coburg, 1832. Kleine Beitrage zur Naturgescbichte der Infusorien. Von L. K. Schmarda. Wein, 1846. De Echinorhyncho Polymorpho Bremseri. Auc. E. T. Jassory. Herbipoli. 1820. Beschreibung und Untersuchung des Monostoma Bijegum. Von Dr. Fr. Fischer. Basel, 1838. Beitrage zur Monographic der Pteromalinen Nees. Von A. Foerster. Aachen. 1841, December 22d. Memoires de la Societe des Sciences, de I'Agriculture et des Arts de Lille. Annee, 184'7. let 2 Partie; 1848, 1852, 1853, Supplement a 1853. 1854, 1825, 1856. From the Society. Canadian Naturalist and Geologist. November, 1857. From the Editors. Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History, pp. 271 to 272. From the Society. Proceedings of the American Atiquarian Society at the Annual Meeting, held in Worcester, Oct. 21, 1857. From the Society. Canadian Journal of Industry, Science and Arts, November, 1857. From the Editors. Histoire physique, politique et Naturelle de I'lle de Cuba. Par. Ramon de la Sagra, 78, 79 and 80th Livraisons. From Wm. S. Vaux. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Session 1856-7. From the Society. The following were presented by Dr. T. B. Wilson, on the usual conditions : Bulletin mensuel de la Societe Imperiale Zoologique d'Acclimation. Octobre. 1857. Revue et Magasin de Zoologie, 1857. No. 9. Comptes Rendus, t. 45. Nos. 15-18. Annals and Magazine of Natural History, November, 1857. London, Edinburgh and Dublin Philosophical Magazine, November, 1857. Die Natur, 1857. Nos. 36-40. Kosmos. Nos. 8 and 9. . Palaeontographica. 5 Bd., 2 Lief. 6 Bd., 2 und 3 Lief. Monograph of the Trochilidae. By Jno. Gould. Parts 13 and 14. The Birds of Asia. By J. Gould. Part 9th. The Mammals of Australia. By J. Gould. Part 9. J. Cypriani Historise Animalium. Lipsiae et Francofurti, 1688. J. J. Lubecensis Historia Sermium. Hamburgi. J. C. Kuhlemanni Observationes quaedem circa Negotium Generationes in Ovibus Factae. Lipsiae, 1754. De Locustis. A. C. Brange. Jenae, 1693. Exercitat. Med. de Harengo. P. Neucrantzi. Lubecae. J. Reiskii de Glossopetris. Lipsiae, 1684. Nomeuclator Entomologicus. Slralsund, 1785. Examination of the objections made in Britain against the Doctrines of Gall and Spurzheim. By J. G. Spurzheim. Edinburgh, 1817. Einiges liber den Blutegel. Von Dr. Fr. Sigism. Trilobites des Geognostischen Sammlung. Voa F. W. Hoeninghaus. Crefeld. 1848. vim, W IIOI I IHUAKY UH l&QQ 0