oe. hg SS 5 — _ Sater sot 0 oe + ie k .. pa “ 7 2 ’ ra s ee ee d " J t 7 on & 4 ri’ ‘ int Piet k a < ( Th in, oat ied on 1 fue Ao x K s : at ates das fe AOA eee RN A Om Oe a thar Ne , a eo Away ass h; Poe & v's ety * “¥. Fa wait ee MwA DI 2M teat ate : m DG Nine a Tinwsct ene heed 8 118 af 7 Pe ra! » ere ita Dea Ae ei 4 a Re ore Wn i a gd hag Mr oh thawtn neh Be lh Spley Dy UY Oy oto eri eo tee i 4 -* es De Sp Be ot ak p 3 7 a ah p i. 7 nadie Alaina ten POA pint ots F A ¢ a “ 7 so ‘ HASNT Oh ewe Le Sisal vie AN i AS a0 AE ly ae rn a 4 ‘ é y 7 he ect ane n . 4) MpyMech SS cat : ai WAP Got fh teks Sle t : pods ‘ : f : + ah 1a att» 4 Sette 8 paar MN en ana rey Ye Me ee ‘ fy heed eh pee She ail hats Pate » : ’ sh ot tated 5 " Ce warty sp Teeth MGA Posten Ss Ver reve ptt Pin be Mots . aa TENA ed aes Pinal ie A hele EM, naan ht HANDBOUND AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO PRESS \ THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY, INCLUDING ZOOLOGY, BOTANY, ann GEOLOGY. (BEING A CONTINUATION OF THE ‘MAGAZINE OF BOTANY AND ZOOLOGY, AND OF LOUDON AND CHARLESWORTH'S ‘MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY.) CONDUCTED BY Sir W. JARDINE, Barr., F.L.S.—P. J. SELBY, Esa., F.LS., GEORGE JOHNSTON, M.D., CHARLES C. BABINGTON, Esa., M.A., F.LS., F.G.S., J. H. BALFOUR, M.D., Reg. Prof. Bot. Glasg., AND RICHARD TAYLOR, F.L.S., F.G.S. OO OOO VOL... x1. le — — aes LONDON: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY R. AND J. E. TAYLOR. SOLD BY S. HIGHLEY; SIMPKIN AND MARSHALL; SHERWOOD AND CO.; W. WOOD, TAVISTOCK STREET; BAILLIERE, REGENT STREET, AND PARIS: LIZARS, AND MACLACHLAN AND STEWART, EDINBURGH : CURRY, DUBLIN: AND ASHER, BERLIN. 1843. te i A RO NN “Omnes res create sunt divine sapientie et potentie testes, divitie felicitatis humane :—ex harum usu bonitas Creatoris; ex pulchritudine sapientia Domini; ex ceconomia in conservatione, proportione, renovatione, potentia majestatis elucet. Earum itaque indagatio ab hominibus sibi relictis semper zstimata; a vere eruditis et sapientibus semper exculta; male doctis et barbaris semper inimica fuit.”— Linn. CONTENTS OF VOL. XI. NUMBER LXVII. I. Account of a Species of [chnewmon whose Larva is parasitic on Spiders. By Joun Buackwatt, Esq., F.LAS,. ......cscecsececsoeeeees Bailes II. Notice of Saurian Dermal Plates from the Wealden of the Isle of Wight. By Joun Epwarp Leg, Esq. (With a Plate.) ...sss.seesee eve III. On the Discovery of the Remains of a Mastodontoid Pachyderm in Australia. By Prof. Owen, F.R.S. (With Woodcuts.) ....s0ssseeeeee IV. Observationes de quibusdam Plantis Surinamensibus. By Dr. BA SIM TOGE ET es loer-ecnsCessarcecaace cece cdccansstseatensubseucsacnsseksy V. Descriptions of new Shells from the Collection of Capt. Belcher, R.N., C.B., &c. By Ricwarp Brinstuy Hinps, Esq., Surgeon R.N. VI. Hints towards a new specific character in the Willows. By W. A. Letcuton, B.A., F.B.S.E., &c. (With Woodcuts.) .....cceccseccess ; VII. Contributions to the Ichthyology of Australia. By Joun Ricnarpson, M.D., F.R.S., &c., Inspector of Hospitals, Haslar. (Con- RE ieiionansasscarcpxecossesmoni erased esses Botnsocsnacddecor Sqpnqddnocacogeascoac VIII. Observations on the “Sea-Cup.” By Cuartes W. Peacu, eV GBA ENALC:)° -ccscescesssasnpennes ess qnaassagsddadnactéa0bpposonGaGosor IX. Descriptions of Chalcidites discovered near Conception in South America by C. Darwin, Esq. By Francis Warxer, Esq., F.L.S. X. On drying Plants for the Herbarium by means of a Deliquescent Balibeoty J.J. MURCOTT, Esq. «anne cceracesessnctase Rdeecieels cnenecnaccsces eee XI. On the relative position of the Divisions of Stigma and Parietal Placentz in the Compound Ovarium of Plants. By Roserr Brown, Bisqe t bbe OF LiSic vs cnesscess'es San Saooeeaseae 228 saenen: pene ssaee cae = -iseisle XII. On the Structure of the Capsule of Papaveracee; and on the Nature of the Stigma of Crucifere. By J. W. Howe tt, Esq., M.R.C.S. XIII. Observations on the Metamorphosis of an Annelide. By S. PEOVER) CMV ILD A Plate.) acecstesessssesecs Sescsioe cute senaisele antaelaneleat snseenae XIV. Description of two new species of Reptiles from the Collection made during the Voyages of H.M.S. Sulphur. By J. E. Gray, Esq., Lp ES oR SEEM Sie be Renee Sane eceeeae eae ieaeeirekrs seesere New Books :—The Grasses of Scotland, by Richard Parnell, M.D., F.R.S.E., &c.—Histoire Naturelle des Poissons d’eau douce, par I. Agassiz.—Narrative of a Residence on the Mosquito Shore, by T. Young.—Report on the Invertebrata of Massachusetts —Fi- gures of Molluscous Animals, by Maria-Emma Gray.—The Natu- Page 1 46 iv CONTENTS. Page ralist’s Library, vol. xxxv :—Mammalia, vol. xiii. Introduction, by Lieut.-Col. C. Hamilton Smith.—Nomenclator Zoologicus, auctore L. Agassiz.—The Birds of Australia, by J. Gould, F.L.S., &e. Parts VIII. [X.—Icones Piscium; or, Plates of Rare Fishes, by Dr. Richardson ¢3:.2.. Gt iod.ceeeoee aeeeaceg cedosceaedeca eeseee 47—58 Proceedings of the Entomological Society ; Wernerian Natural History Society; Royal Society of Edinburgh ; Botanical Society of Edin- burgh OOO Foe eo eoessaserser esses saesssreeesee COR e eee eres es eeseeeeeserese® oe 58—74 Meeting of the British Association for 1843 ; Epilobium virgatum, Fries ; Habits of Tarsipes Spensere; New British Plant; Note on Ho- meeocladia anglica, Ag.; Juncus diffusus, Hoppe, and Drosera obovata, M. and K.; White’s Thrush; Fossil Mammalia ; Curator- ship of the Geological Society ; Meteorological Observations and able enssssecreaes sopaaunce aiseet of his Voyage. Yours truly, R. Taylor, Esq. J. E. Gray. CHAMELEONIDZ. Chameleo rhinoceros. Back and belly with a toothed keel ; occiput low, prismatic, with a central keel; nose with a large projecting trigonal prominence, with a single smooth keel on its lower, and a toothed keel, separated by a deep groove, on each side of its upper surface. Colour dark, white-spotted (in spirits), with a pale streak along the middle of each side. Hab. Madagascar? IGUANIDE. Oplurus torquatus, Cuv. Regne Anim. ii. 46. Var. with three bands on the back; the one on the back of the neck narrow, the two others across the shoulders broad. The young is pale gray, with seven black bands; the one across the shoulder, which remains in the adult animal, the broadest and darkest ; limbs white-spotted. According to Duméril, there is only a single discoloured species of this genus in the Paris collection. HypRiD&. Lapemis loreatus. Scales Jarge; of the back smooth, of the sides with a small, and of the belly with a large, tubercular keel. Upper labial shields five on each side, with two smaller hinder ones, the first having a small additional plate on the margin ; loreal shields large, over the second labial shield ; the anterior ocular plate largely triangular. Hab. This species is nearly allied to Lapemis Hardwickii of my mono- graph of Hydride (Zool. Misc. part 2. p. 60); but it is larger than that species, though having the same number of upper labial shields; has no loreal plates, and has a smaller, square, anterior ocular shield ; the keels of the lower scales are much smaller. > CrorTaLus The young, just hatched, animal of this genus has a short, blunt tail, rather compressed at the end, with the tip covered by a com- pressed, cup-shaped, horny appendage, rounded at the end, about as long as high, near which is evidently the first joint of the future rattle. Bibliographical Notices. 47 BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. The Grasses of Scotland. By Richard Parnell, M.D., F.R.S.E., &c. Illustrated by Figures drawn and engraved by the Author. 8vo. Edinburgh, 1842. Ir is not an easy thing to determine upon the best mode of bringing such a work as the present under the notice of our readers; for if we were to write a dissertation upon the modes that have been adopted by different authors for the classification of Grasses, however useful or amusing such a treatise might be, it could not be considered as a review of Dr. Parnell’s work: on the other hand, if, leaving such extensive generalizations as must be inseparable from the above plan, we were to confine ourselves to an examination of the details of the work before us, we should produce a dry list of annotations, or kind of commentary on the book, but should be far from convey- ing any idea of its value to others. It is necessary, however, that we should adopt some plan, and therefore we will first state what Dr. Parnell appears to have had in view, and then entering slightly into detail, endeavour to point out the mode that he has followed and the extent to which we consider that it has been attended with success. Our author is well known to many of our readers as a successful cultivator of the science of Ichthyology, and, from his being totally unknown as a botanist, we must confess that the announcement of the present work rather raised our curiosity than our expectations ; but having now examined very many parts both of the descriptions and figures in a far more minute manner than is usual, not to say with reviewers, but even with stu- dents, we can confidently say that there is no part of British botany so thoroughly and successfully illustrated as the Scottish (would that we could say British) Grasses. The author’s object appears rather to have been the determination of species than distinction of genera, for that portion of his book which is occupied with the characters of the latter is greatly circum- scribed, and the distinctions between them are far from being ex- plained as is expected in a monograph. On the other hand, the descriptions of the species are given in fully as much detail as could be desired, and are so arranged that the same portion of each refers, in as nearly as possible the same words, to a similar part of the re- spective plants, thus producing descriptions every clause of which is admirably contrasted with the corresponding portion of the next. At the end of each description the points in which the respective species differ from the other plants contained in the same genus are placed in so clear a light, that it is almost, if not quite, impossible for the student to be at a loss in determining to which species his specimens would be referred by the author. The work is illustrated by sixty-six plates drawn by the author, in which are contained ac- curate figures of all the species, and most of the varieties of grasses that have been found in Scotland. To each of the figures is appended a dissection of the spikelet, showing the form and structure of the glumes and palez, upon which many of the characters which distin- guish the plants depend. 48 Bibliographical Notices. We must now enter a little into detail. The author has paid pe- culiar attention to the elucidation of the species included in the dif- ficult genera Bromus and Poa. In the former he has successfully applied some new characters to the distinction of those difficult species, B. mollis, B. racemosus, B. arvensis (or rather commutatus), and B. secalinus ; and in the latter he has used throughout the genus characters, founded upon the webbed flowers, the nerves of the pa- leze, the sheaths of the leaves, the ligules, and the joints of the stem, which had not previously been employed in more than a few species. The result has been that several forms of Poa which appear to have great claims to specific rank have been detected, and it seems pro- bable that when all the British plants belonging to this genus have been examined with equal care, that several other additions will re- quire to be made to our list. Dr. Parnell distinguishes P. cesia, P. montana (a new species), and P. Balfouri,* (n.s.) from P. nemoralis, and P. polynoda (n.s.) from P. compressa. He considers his P. mon- tana to be the P. nemoralis, var. montana, of Koch’s ‘ Synopsis’; but for this there do not seem to be sufficient grounds, and the Scottish plant is probably a species not before recorded. Three genera not usually recognized in this country have been adopted, namely, Amenagrostis, Bucetum, and Trisetum. ‘Lo the for- mer, which includes the Agrostis spica-venti alone, we have nothing to object except its name, which ought to have been Apera. Con- cerning the other two it will be necessary to speak at greater length. To Bucetum (a name invented by Dr. Parnell) he refers the Festuca elatior, F. pratensis, F. loliacea, and F. gigantea of authors. All these we refer to Festuca, considering the three former as belonging to one variable species. The only distinctions that we can detect be- tween Bucetum and Festuca are, that the awned midrib is not at- tached to the palea quite to its summit in the former, and that the radical leaves are broader than those of the stem; whilst in Festuca the awn is (usually) quite terminal, and the stem leaves are broader than the radical. We do not consider this as a sufficient reason for constituting a new genus. In Trisetum, the third genus to which we have referred, our au- thor places Avena pratensis (including as varieties A. alpina and A. planiculmis) and A. pubescens in addition to A. flavescens, which has been often referred to that genus. As he has not contrasted the characters of Avena and Trisetum, it is rather difficult to ascertain upon what he would found their distinctions; indeed the short ge- neric definitions do not afford any tangible point, except that Avena is included in the section ‘‘ calyx containing two florets,” and Trise- tum in that with “ the calyx containing three or more florets.’ Now this would exclude from the genus Avena several true Oats, such as A. sterilis, which often has four florets ; A. fatua, in which three florets is as common as two; and A. nuda is often, if not usually, three-flow- ered. A character may certainly be found in the fewer ribs of the glumes and palez of Parnell’s Trisetum, but that cannot be a suffi- * This new grass was figured and described in vol. x. p. 121 of this Journal. Bibliographical Notices. 49 cient reason for combining plants with “ crested and furrowed fruit” with the true genus 7’risetum, in which that part is ‘‘ neither crested nor furrowed.” It appears then to us that the genus Trisetum should be confined (as far as Britain is concerned) to the A. flavescens of Linneus, and that the other species of Parnell ought to be considered as belonging to Avena. We must, however, draw these observations to a conclusion, and in doing so beg to congratulate the author upon the appearance of so creditable a book, and express a hope that he will not relax in his pursuit until he has illustrated in a similar manner at least all the British Grasses. At the same time we would hint, that a little more attention to the fine nerves on the calyx and corolla, which we do not find represented on some of the plates, although they exist in nature, and also to a representation of the ligule in all cases, would be highly desirable. Histoire Naturelle des Poissons d’eau douce de I’ Europe centrale, par L. Agassiz. Embryoslogie des Salmones, par C. Vogt. Neuchatel, 1842. 8vo, pp. 326. Many of our readers will be aware that the first number of this work appeared some years since as an atlas of lithographic figures, representing several species of the Salmonide of central Europe in their various stages; the second number of these plates has now been received, devoted entirely to embryology, and with it a volume of letter-press by M. C. Vogt, to which they serve as illustrations. In the short preface by the author of the text, it is stated, that with the view of rendering the history of the freshwater fishes of Eu- rope as complete as possible, M. Agassiz requested his assistance, and the observations were begun together towards the end of the year 1839. “‘Cependant,” continues M.Vogt, “des travaux plus pres- sans empéchérent plus tard M. Agassiz d’y consacrer tous ses soins, et comme ce genre d’étude exigeait des observations non interrom- pues et trop fréquentes pour que l’un ou I’autre ett pu se dispenser d’y vouer tout son temps, je fus chargé d’achever seul ce travail. En me confiant une tache aussi honorable, mon célébre ami n’est7ce- pendant point resté étranger a mes recherches. Nous avons discuté ensemble les faits capitaux, a mesure que l’observation me les révé- loit ; souvent méme nous les avons examinés de nouveau en com- mun, et lorsque j’eus rédigée mon travail, c’est encore lui qui a bien voulu le revoir.” ‘The plan pursued in the work has been to take one species, and to examine the progressive development of the germ in all its parts; for this purpose a species of Coregonus has been selected (C. palea, Cuv.), probably on account of being easily procured, and the ova which have been used have all been impreg- nated artificially. We could have wished that the observations had been made upon a typical member of the family, for although the differences may. be comparatively small, the whole habit of the Core- goni, their spawning and impregnation, are closely similar to those of the Clupeade ; nevertheless tlie volume is an important addition ‘both to embryology and to the commencement of the structure of the Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. E 50 Bibliographical Notices. Salmons. It is confined almost to a journal of facts which seem to have been very carefully observed, M. Vogt having abstained, in a great measure, from attempts to generalize or to draw a comparison between the embryology of other classes, either higher or lower, for which purposes he considers that materials do not exist. ‘‘ Em- bryologie, envisagée comme science, n’a guére été jusqu’a présent que Vhistoire du développement de l’ceuf de la poule, et l’on s’est géné- ralement borné a indiquer les différences qu’on remarquait a l’égard de certains organes dans d’autres animaux, souvent sans avoir fait une étude spéciale de ces derni€res ; ce qui a donné lieu plus dune fois 8 des rapprochemens inexacts.’’ ‘The work is divided into four- teen chapters, of whicl. we give the titles. Chep. 1. L’euf avant la fécondation—A general description of the ovum in this state is given. The vitellus and vitellary mem- brane are the parts which increase most rapidly ; but the germina- ting vescicle and germinating spots increase also, though in less pro- portion. The growth of the latter has been denied, but it is so evident in the ova of the C. palea as to be easily perceived. The surface of the ova is stated to be smooth and without any of that viscous covering which assists in attaching those of many other fishes to plants or stones, &c. ‘ The ova of C. palea, like that of all the Salmons, is delivered free, and left to the mercy of the waves.”” This we have considered _ as one of the points of distinction in the ceconomy of the Coregont and the Clupeade, compared with the true Salmons: in the first, the ova are deposited ‘‘on the waters,’ and impregnated at the same time ; among the latter they are deposited on the ground, and are never removed from the furrow and gravel where they have been placed by the parent fish. Chap. II. Fécondation ; condition de développement ; maladies de Veuf; méthode d’ observation —The manner in which M. Vogt artificially impregnated the ova is described, differing little from that practised by Mr. ‘Shaw of Drumlanrigg; various causes, however, seem to influence their development, some of which appear curious. ‘To bring them successfully to perfection, I believe it is necessary that they should be kept in the same water in which the fish has been accus- tomed to spawn. I have had experience of the fact, that the ova of the salmon trout which spawns in the rivers are destroyed when placed in the waters of the lake; while those of C. palea which spawns in the lake itself do not succeed in the water of the rivers. I have even been unable to bring to their term the ova of the pike of the marshes, which spawns earlier than that of the lake, though the fishes do not differ generically.” Sudden violent changes of tem- perature are fatal, but a gradual cold, even though the ova were en- closed in ice, only retarded the } rogress. A disease attacks the ova in various stages, and is very fatal to the newly-hatched young; it is the growth of a cryptogamous plant or species of mould, consi- dered analogous to that which M. Hannover has observed on differ- ent tritons, and perhaps also somewhat similar to that which has of late received attention in this country as vegetating upon living fishes. Bibliographical Notices. 51 Chap. Ill. De Pauf fécondé et du germe.—Treating of the milt or sperm, M. Vogt writes, “‘ On ne sait cependant presque rien du role que les différentes parties de cette liqueur jouent dans la féconda- tion. Je me suis donné toutes les peines possibles pour savoir com- ment se comportent, dans la fécondation, ces animalcules spermatiques de la palea, mais en vain.” The rotatory motion of the vitellus known in the ova of Mollusca, and observed in those of Mammalia by Bischoff, has not been noticed in the ova of the C. palea, which seem on the contrary to remain in the same position, the oily disc being turned upwards. At certain periods after fecundation furrows and small regular elevations are discovered on one side of the ova: M. Vogt observes, ‘‘ I] consider that the ova of fishes are distinguished from those of many other animals, and in particular from those of the frog, inasmuch as these furrows affect only the germ and never the vitellus, and cannot in reality be formed in any other man- ner, since in the egg of the C. palea the vitellus is completely deprived of cellules.”” And in speaking of the primitive formation of the germ, he concludes with the following sentence, printed in italics :—‘‘ Les cellules du germe embryonique se développent des taches germinatives, que par conséquent les taches germinatives sont en réalité les véritables cellules embryonaires primitives, et que, dans les poissons, elles forment a elles seules le premier rudiment de l’embryon.”’ Chap. IV. L’embryon jusqu’a la fermeture du sillon dorsal.— M. Vogt considers that the true embryonic development does not commence until the divisions of the germ into two parts, the embryo and vitellary vesicle ; previous to this the embryo is only a simple enlargement of the cellules. The first appearance of the embryo takes place under the form of a linear and uniform enlargement of the cellules which form the embryonic substance ; in short, that this “* bande primitive,” as it is named by M. Baer, exists in fishes as well as in the fowl or birds; but he does not think with M. Baer that it is the commencement or forerunner of the vertebral column, nor the primitive form of the cerebro-spinal system. The transformation of the cephalic or anterior part of the furrow into many distinct divi- sions is the first index of the central nervous system, composed of the brain and spinal marrow. This transformation is not charac- terized by a new formation of cellules, nor by the appearance of cel- lules of a particular structure. Chap. V. Développement du systeme nerveux central. Chap. VI. Développement des organes des sens.—Speaking of the eye, where, in the embryo of the higher classes, it has been ad- vanced that the two ocular sinuses are at first united, M. Vogt states, that ‘in fishes at least I can affirm that the ocular sinuses are situate from the commencement upon the sides of the head, deeply separated by the cavity of the mesencephale. Of the ear, the first traces of the auditory organs show themselves when the formation of the crystalline sinus begins to appear in the eye. The nose, or development of smell, appears later than the other organs of the senses. EK 2 a Bibliographical Notices. Chap. VII. Développement du squelette—In summing up a portion of this chapter, M. Vogt combats the doctrine of the cranium being composed of and divisible into different vertebree, and brings the struc- ture of the embryo to his assistanez ; he concludes by stating, ‘‘ that the cranium of the embryo does not present, like the trunk, verte- bral divisions ;’’ and he continues, ‘‘ Je dis qu’il n’existe dans le crane qu’une seule vertébre, la vertébre occipitale; tous qui est en avant doit étre envisagé comme un prolongement de cette vertébre, destinée, comme la vertébre occipitale elle-méme, a servir d’appui aux organes des sens et particuliérement 4 Voreille.”’ He names the maxillary and bronchial apparatus, with the tongue and opercular system, ‘“‘ piéces viscérales de la téte,” and considers them not distinctly separated during the embryonic development. The ventral fins do not appear until a considerable time after exclu- sion. ‘There never exists the smallest communication between these fins and the rest of the skeleton;’’ and for this reason, and their variable position, he considers the ventrals as locomotive organs PECULIAR to fishes, and not as the true analogues of the posterior extremities of the higher Vertebrata. Chap. VIII. Développement de la peau et des muscles. Chap. IX. Développement des intestins.—Of the kidneys it is re- marked, they have evidently other functions among the osseous fishes than in the higher animals; they do not correspond with the true kidneys of the last, but rather to their embryonic rudiments, ‘‘les corps de Wolff.” This opinion already advanced is here con- firmed by the early appearance of these isolated bodies, by the de- velopment of their secretionary canals, and by their position and extension along the vertebral column, which reminds one in every respect of the ‘‘corps de Wolff.” Chap. X. Développement du systéme sanguin.—The formation of the blood-cellules depends much on external circumstances: when the embryos were placed in a vessel with a dark or black bottom, although the general development went successfully on, the circula- tion was found to be retarded, only rare and isolated blood-cellules were seen in the vessels, and even the development of the blood- vessels themselves seemed to be kept back, compared with other | parts of the structure ; on placing again the embryos ina vessel with a white bottom, all the blood-vessels were filled with the blood-cel- lules, and in twenty-four hours the circulation appeared admirably developed. From these facts it is concluded that light has a consi- derable influence on the formation of the blood, and that the cellu- lary life of the embryo and the development of the organs depend little on the circulation; this only acquires its importance after the transformation of the cellules into other constituting elements, which cannot subsist or be continued without a greater or less quantity of alimentary matter furnished by the blood. Chap. XI. Conformation extérieure de lV’ embryon. Chap. XII. Développement des tissus en général—ANl the tissues are considered to have their origin from cedlules of different kinds, pa ee eee Pi. Shot Sew ie om a aa : as aU UF SA at Bibliographical Notices. 53 and in regard to the primitive formation of these cellules it is re- marked,—‘‘ 1°, chaque cellule nait isolement ; 2°, chaque cellule se forme autour d’un centre donné.” Chap. XIII. Systéme générale de la formation embryonique. Chap. XIV. Apercu historique de la marche du développement.— This details the appearance and condition of the ovum and embryo from the time of the expulsion of the former from the fish to the exclusion of the embryo, through a period of from forty to sixty days. As we previously observed, the whole work will be of much import- ance to embryologists ; and we would only make the suggestion, that as the ova experimented on, and the young fish after exclusion, (in which state they could not be kept beyond a month alive,) were often in a condition rather unhealthy,—could M. Vogt depend on the pro- gress and development continuing to their greatest extent? The plates of the atlas are beautifully and minutely lithographed. Narrative of a Residence on the Mosquito Shore, during the years 1839, 1840, 1841. By Thomas Young. 8vo. Londen, 1842. Smith, Elder, and Co. Although this little volume, written by the Deputy-Superintendent of the British Central American Land Company’s settlements on the Mosquito Shore, only pretends to being considered as a ‘sort of hand-book”’ for settlers in that promising district of the New World, it appears to us to be highly deserving of the attention of the natu- ralist. The author is manifestly one of those who never visit any country without having their “eyes open” to whatever they may meet with, and accordingly without being a professed naturalist, or apparently knowing anything of scientific natural history, he has filled his book with interesting observations upon the native produc- tions of the land in which his lot was temporarily cast. His account of the native tribes cannot fail highly to interest those who study the natural history of man, and his observations upon the animals and vegetables are full of facts deserving of the attention of the man of science. It is certamly most unfortunate that a person so well qua- lified for scientific observations should not have that acquaintance with science which would enable him to refer his facts to their re- spective species, so as to make them available for the use of the home naturalist. As, however, he has given the native names, a person on the spot would probably find little difficulty in determining the species. We have no room for extracts, but one statement has struck us as so interesting, and so similar in some respects to a disputed observation of Audubon upon the pigeon of the United States, that we must make room for it :— « The large flights of green parrots and yellow-tails, in the Black river, will hardly be credited; flight after flight passing over our heads, and settling just at sunset on some tall spreading trees; in- deed on one occasion such quantities alighted on a tree at the back of our encampment that a large branch broke off, and the noise that ensued was laughable; such callings, scoldings, and screamings, 1 never heard before.”’—Puge 100. 54 Bibliographical Notices. Report on the Invertebrata of Massachusetts, comprising the Mollusca, Crustacea, Annelida, and Radiata. Published agreeably to an order of the Legislature, by the Commissioners on the Zoological and Botanical Survey of the State. Cambridge, 1841. 8vo. Washington, if we remember rightly, on abdicating the Presidency of the United States, put into his valedictory address a recommenda- tion of the sciences to the protection and encouragement of the young Republic ; and we look upon the ‘ Report’ before us as one of many proofs which the separate “‘ States” have given of their attention to their father’s legacy. And naturalists in particular must be grate- ful to the ‘‘ Legislatures” that so devote a share of the public purse; for in all new countries—we fear that we may safely add, and im all old ones too—the scientific study of living beings, that is, studied independently of their uses or relations to man, and merely as con- stituent parts of God’s creation, his wisdom, and power, can have few followers when and where all are busy idolaters of Mammon and his legion. ‘« Appointed, as I suppose myself to have been,” says Dr. Gould, “under that section of the Constitution which enjoins it upon the legislature to encourage the arts and sciences, and to promote, among other things, ‘a natural history of the country,’ 1 have ventured to make my ‘Report’ mainly of a scientific character. It was the only way in which my labours could prove of much practical value, in- asmuch as very few of the objects, belonging to the portion of the animal kingdom to which my attention has been given, are of much general interest, or of much importance in an ceconomical point of view. I could not but suppose that an effort to contribute some- thing towards that branch of science, which we have hitherto re- ceived entirely at the hands of other states and other lands, would be desired and approved; and that Massachusetts, which first set the example in those investigations of territorial natural resources, which have since been undertaken by almost every state in the Union, would not desire to be behind any of the states in this respect. I have, therefore, undertaken to present something more than a mere array of names in the form of a catalogue. « As I could not extend my plan fully to all the objects assigned me, I have selected the Surtus, on which to bestow my chief at- tention. These I have endeavoured to describe and figure in sucha manner that the ‘ Report’ might be used as a school-manual for the study of the conchology of New England. Suck a work is greatly in demand, and nothing of the kind is in existence.” The want here indicated, it gives us unfeigned pleasure to say, has been most ably supplied by Dr. Augustus A. Gould, who has given a correct description of every mollusc found up to the period of his publication on the shores of Massachusetts, accompanied with a judi- cious synonymy, and with critical remarks of much value. The work has peculiar claims to the attention of the British naturalist, for he will find here many shells identical with those of his own island, many that bear a close resemblance to other natives and yet distinct, and several that are the living representatives of shells that with us have Bibliographical Notices. 55 passed into a fossil state. The figures that illustrate this well-printed volume are 213 in number, and are very accurately drawn and en- graved. The number of species described is 268, of which there are of Cirripedes 12, Conchifera 92, Brachiopoda 2, Gasteropoda 154. Of these, 29 belong to the land, 42 to fresh water, and 197 are marine. Relative to their geographical distribution Dr. Gould remarks :— ‘« The land and freshwater univalves are all distributed over every part of the territory, with the exceptions of Helix hortensis, which is as yet confined to some parts of the sea-coast, and Helix tridentata, hir- suta, and monodon, which are found only in the interior and western portions. Of the freshwater mussels we find Unio complanatus, radia- tus, and probably nasutus, in every region; U. cariosus is only found in the Connecticut and its tributaries, and in Plymouth ponds ; Ano- don cataracta, and Alasm. arcuata and marginata are found every- where in the interior, while Anodon implicata is perhaps entirely limited, in this state, to ponds in Essex and Middlesex, and Anodon undulata to Blackstone river and its branches. ‘«* The distribution of the marine shells is well worthy of notice as a geological fact. Cape Cod, the right arm of the Commonwealth, reaches out into the ocean some fifty or sixty miles. It is nowhere many miles wide; but this narrow point of land has hitherto proved a barrier to the migrations of many species of Mollusca. Several genera and numerous species, which are separated by the interven- tion of only a few miles of land, are effectually prevented from in- termingling by the Cape, and do not pass from one side to the other. No specimen of Cochlodesma, Montacuta, Cumingia, Corbula, Lanthina, Tornatella, Vermetus, Columbella, Cerithium, Pyrula, or Ranella, has as yet been found to the north of Cape Cod; while Panopea, Glycy- meris, Terebratula, Cemoria, Trichotropis, Rostellaria, Cancellara, and probably Cyprina and Cardita, do not seem to have passed to the south of it. Of the 197 marine species, 83 do not pass to the south shore, and 50 are not found on the north shore, of the Cape. The remaining 64 take a wider range, and are found on both sides. Buzzard’s bay and the south shore have as yet been very little ex- plored ; and we may yet expect to find many species peculiar to those localities. « At least seventy of our species are also found on the trans- atlantic shores ; and more than twenty of these have been described by different American conchologists as new species. About twenty may be regarded as intermediate, being found most frequently by fishermen about the banks, Newfoundland, and the islands inter- vening between Greenland and England.”—Page 315-316. Dr. Gould has too seldom noticed the animal of the shells he has so well described; his account of the Mollusca Nudibranchia is meagre, and the list scanty; of the Cephalopoda, two species only are catalogued; and his catalogue of the Crustacea, Annelida, and Radiata is useless, and needs to be worked anew. ‘The Doctor is well aware of the truth of this censure :—‘ ‘The list,” he says, “‘serves to show that we have about us an abundance of animals which have hitherto found few devotees in this country. So few gleanings have been made in this field, that no other promises a more 56 Bibliographical Notices. abundant return for labour.”’—Page 352. All naturalists would re- jJoice could we promise them that Dr. Gould will himself cultivate this field, for then the harvest would be assuredly rich. Figures of Molluscous Animals, selected from various Authors ; etched Jor the use of Students. By Maria-Emma Gray. Vol. 1. London, 1842. 8vo. The distinguishing characteristic of this volume is its utility. In this country we have no work which, in this point of view, can be compared with it. Bowdich attempted something similar in his ‘Elements,’ but on a much more limited scale and in a less perfect manner ; while Sowerby’s ‘Genera,’ being purely conchological, does not supply the naturalist with a very important desideratum, for which we are infinitely indebted to the skill and perseverance of Mrs. Gray. The volume contains eighty-eight plates, most of them occupied with several figures, copied in general from rare and expensive pub- lications beyond our reach, and, we presume, beyond the reach of all that reside in the country. The plates are etched with neatness and precision, and bring out very clearly the peculiarities of the animals that distinguish the several genera: and, says Mrs. Gray, ‘“‘as the present work has been a labour of love, in order to bring it within the reach of conchologists of limited means, it is published at the cost of paper and printing, with only the addition requisite to cover the retail profit of the bookseller.” To the student who is anxious to cultivate conchology asa science, we would recommend this convenient volume as a remembrancer and guide, for genera which are established solely on the examina- tion of the shell can have no sure foundation, as many recent ex- amples have proved. To the amateur, the ‘“ Figures” must, in our opinion, prove eminently interesting ; for, from a perusal of them, he will learn a great deal of the structure of the creatures to whom he owes the cabinet of shells that he has so often looked over with ad- miration and delight. In the hope that we may soon see another volume, we take leave at present of Mrs. Gray, tendering her our most hearty thanks for this useful contribution to a favourite branch of science. The Naturalists Library, vol. xxxv.:—Mammalia, vol. xii. Intro- duction. By Lieut.-Col. C. Hamilton Smith, K.H. & K.W., F.R. & L.S., &c. 12mo. 1842. pp. 313. The thirteenth and concluding number of that portion of the ‘ Na- turalist’s Library’ which treats of the Mammalia having just reached us, we lose no time in introducing it to the favourable regard of our readers. Whether it were of design that the Introductory volume of this interesting section of natural history, according. to an acknow- ledged canon of bookmaking, was delayed to the last, we have no means of knowing; but we may remark, that it at all events affords a good illustration of the advantages of the plan. After a few pre- fatory remarks, the distinguished author takes a rapid survey of all the orders of the class, making a special reference “‘ to the principal families which have not been described at length in the foregoing Bibliographical Notices. 57 volumes ;” whilst at the same time he by no means neglects even these, but almost without exception illustrates them by observations drawn ‘from his own ample stores of information, as well as by the more recent discoveries of other naturalists. Nor does he confine his attention solely to existing animals, but furnishes likewise a rapid survey of such as belong to paleontology, including the extinct as well as the living species; thereby undoubtedly supplying the most com- prehensive and interesting account which the subject affords. Hence this volume, in many particulars, throws light upon the preceding ones of the series; at the same time, alone, it presents a lucid sum- mary of the whole extensive department to which it is devoted. Maintaining all due respect for the classified arrangement of the Baron Cuvier, Col. Hamilton Smith suggests another, in which there are considerable modifications. ‘Thus, instead of the well-known ar- rangement of the Baron, upon which we need not dwell, the Colonel divides the class Mammalia into two subclasses and twelve orders, as follows: -—I. Subclass Pracrenrauia, including ten Orders, namely, Bimana, Quadrumana, Chiroptera, Insectivora, Carnivora, Ce- tacea, Pachydermata, Ruminantia, Edentata and Rodentia; and II. Sub- class ImpLacenTALiA, including the Marsupialia and the Monotre- mata. ‘There are various improvements here, as well as in the ar- rangement of many of the minor groups, which we cannot parti- cularize ; a general commendation, to which we take leave to append only one remark, and that regarding the inexpediency of the intro- duction of the first Order, or Bimana. Did space permit, we should gladly have indulged ourselves by supplying some of the interesting information, scientific and popular, which the author with great industry has collected from almost every quarter of the globe. We have been most struck with this in the Order Carnivora, concerning the Felines, the Ermines and other Mustelide, the Bears and other Urside, the Otters, Seals, and Rumi- nantia. Nor, as will readily be credited, has the pencil been want- ing more than the pen, a considerable proportion of the portraits of the different animals being taken from life ; and these, with all the others, derived from the best sources, especially the different mu- seums, domestic and foreign, exhibit in a high degree the taste and execution of the able author. We have still to add, that the value of the volume is considerably enhanced by an original memoir of Dr. Drury, an eminent entomo- logist of the last century, who died in the year 1763. Ample mate- rials for the notice, including a correspondence with contemporary zoologists, have been kindly supplied by the descendants of the zealous naturalist, and these have been very judiciously arranged by the talented author of the biography. Books received. Nomenclator Zoologicus, continens nomina systematica generum ani- malium tam viventium quam fossilium, secundum ordinem alphabeticum disposita, adjectis auctoribus, libris in quibus reperiuntur, anno edi- tionis, etymologia, et familiis ad quas pertinent, in variis classibus. AuctoreL. Agassiz, Fasciculus II, continens Aves: 4to, 1842, pp. 90. 58 Entomological Society. A work indispensable to the working ornithologist, carefully ex- ecuted, and having the advantage of being revised by the Prince of Canino, Mr. G. R. Gray, and Mr. Strickland. In an undertaking requiring such extensive consultation of authors, some mistakes, or errors of the press, might be expected, but so far as we have exa- mined it, these are remarkably few ; oreophilus, p. 53, is oreopholus, or rather it should be oreopdlus, from pos, mons, and rod€éw, frequento. The Birds of Australia, by J. Gould, F.L.S., &c. Parts VIII. IX. Oblong folio. 1842. The pictorial character and scientific interest of these numbers are sustained ; in both we have illustrations of many new genera, (perhaps too many,) and the author is following a very useful practice, of devoting a considerable portion of every number to the illustration of a genus, so that the whole, or a great portion of it, is at once brought under review. Thus, in No. VIII. we have seven species of the old genus Petroica figured; the author, however, subdividing it, and placing the old P. rhodinogaster under the title of Erythrodryas. Again, in No. IX. there are plates of six species of swallows, illustrating five genera. The Natural History of Selborne, by the late Rev. G. White. New edition, with Notes by the Rev. Leonard Jenyns. London, Van Voorst. A General History of Animalcules, by A. Pritchard. Part I. London, Whittaker. History of British Birds, by William Yarrell. Part XXXII. 8vo, August 1, 1842, concludes the history of the Goosanders, and con- tains those of the Grebes and Divers ( Podiceps, Colymbus). Faune Belge, 1'*r¢ Partie, Indication des Mammiféres, Oiseaux, Reptiles et Poissons observés jusqu’ici en Belgique, par Edm. De Selys-Longchamps. Works preparing for publication. Mr. Gould has in preparation an illustrated monograph of the genus Ortyz, or strong-billed American partridges. Icones Piscium ; or Plates of rare Fishes. By John Richardson, M.D., FR:S., F.12Si,.F:R.G:8., &e. The fasciculi of this work are intended to appear at intervals, ac- cording tothe encouragement it may receive. The charge not to exceed the outlay. Fasciculus I. will contain twelve coloured figures, being exact copies of drawings from the portfolio of J. B. Emery, Esq., late first lieutenant of the Beagle surveying vessel, employed on the western coasts of Australia, accompanied by brief notices. Full de- scriptions of some of the species by Dr. Richardson have appeared in our pages. PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. March 7th, 1842.—W. W. Saunders, Esq., F.L.S., &c., President, in the Chair. Mr. Boreham exhibited some curious varieties of Hipparchia Janira, Entomological Society. 59 and Mr. S. Stevens a number of minute Coleoptera, collected from moss during the preceding winter. The Rev. F. W. Hope exhibited a specimen of a new and coarse kind of white silk, communicated by Mr. Strachan. He also read some extracts from a letter received by him from Mr. Fortnum, Corr. Mem. E.S. at Adelaide, in South Australia, containing many ob- servations on the entomology of that district. Mr. Westwood exhibited specimens of Uropoda vegetans which had been found in countless multitudes on the surface of the ground, in a cucumber frame, and which attached themselves to a beetle intro- duced into the frame. The following memoirs were read :— Continuation of a memoir on the Chrysomelide of New Holland allied to Cryptocephalus. By W.W. Saunders, Esq., President, con- taining detailed descriptions of the following insects :— Ocurosorsis, n. g., divided from Anodonta. Hyes reniform. Antenne as long as the body, 1\-jointed; 1st joint robust, clavate ; 2nd small, obconic; 3rd, 4th and 5th of nearly equal length ; 4th shortest, the remainder gradually decreasing in size. Thorax rounded in front, transverse, nearly as broad as the elytra. Elytra half as long again as broad. Legs moderate. Colour pale. Ochrosopsis vermicularis. Reddish-brown ; thorax and elytra ful- vous, rugose, with the impressed punctures black, those on the elytra forming irregular stria ; legs light rufous brown. Length =>; inch.—Hab. New Holland. Mus. Hope. Ochrosopsis australis. Head ochre-yellow ; antenne dusky brown ; thorax shining reddish brown, with a longitudinal band and two faint oblique bands of fulvous, with large black impressions ; scu- tellum dark brown; elytra fulvous, with large irregular impres- sions ; beneath pale ochre-yellow ; legs dusky fulvous. Length 35 inch.—Hab. Swan River. Mus. Hope. Ochrosopsis erosa. Head ochre-yellow ; antenne black; thorax shining fulvous, with coarse black impressions forming two black- ish patches ; scutellum black ; elytra pale ochre-yellow, with deep and irregular black punctures, which are occasionally confluent ; legs light reddish brown. Length 3%, inch.—Hab. Swan River. Mus. Hope. Ochrosopsis melanocephala. Head ochre-yellow, with the vertex and a central line black ; antenne black ; thorax ochre-yellow, with a small oblong patch near the hinder angles, and a large triangular patch on each side in front black and punctured; scutellum black ; elytra shining ochre-yellow, with dark brown punctures ; legs reddish brown ; tips of femora, tibie and tarsi black. Length 34 inch.—Hab. New Holland. Mus. Hope. Aporocera chalybea. Head dark chesinut-brown, mouth ochre ; antenne black; thorax pitchy black, with ochreous margins deeply punctured ; scutellum black; elytra shining chalybeate blue, deeply punctured; legs pale ochre-yellow, with the tips of the tibie and tarsi black. Length 53, inch.—Hab. Port Essington. Mus. Hope. 60 Entomological Society. “Notes upon the genus Hyleus, and on Cryptus bellosus, and other insects.:’ By G. H. K. Thwaites, Esq., M.E.S. In this communication (addressed to the Secretary) Mr. Thwaites states, that he discovered in the preceding summer that Hy/leus is not parasitical, having reared several individuals of two species from bramble sticks, the holes in which exactly corresponded with the size of the insects, and were much too small for any other bee likely to be found in such a situation except Heriades, which does not occur in the neighbourhood of Bristol. Great care is taken by Mr. Thwaites in cutting away the wood of bored sticks so as to expose the cocoons, which are carefully watched, so that the insect escaping from each is at once detected. It is desirable, Mr. Thwaites adds, to discover upon what kind of food the larva of the Hy/aus is fed, and if on pollen, how the parent insect conveys it to its nest. Both Hyleus and Ceratina emit, when captured, a considerable quantity of sticky fluid from the mouth; but they can scarcely convey pollen to their nidi by means of a ca- pacious stomach. The cocoons of the Ayleus are arranged regu- larly end to end, and the upper ones produce males, which come out first. Mr, Thwaites has also reared a new species of Hyleus allied to H. dilatatus, K., from bramble sticks. Mr. Thwaites has reared Cryptus bellosus from a cocoon in a hole much too small for Hpipone levipes, and which he believes to be that of a new species of Trypoxrylon which he has discovered near Bristol. Upon reading Mr. Dale’s account of the curious mode in which a Stylops acted when a bee was placed under the glass in which it was confined, it occurred to Mr. Thwaites that the Stylops may per- haps lay its eggs on the body of the bee, and that they may be intro- duced into the nest by being brushed off with the pollen. If the bees, not infested, come out later than the others, the above idea cannot be true; but it is possible that he may have been deceived, and that the bees he observed later may not have been the same species. The Stylopized and other Andrene (mentioned in Mr. Thwaites’s short article in Trans. Ent. Soc., vol. iii. p. 67), appear to have been introduced in his garden with some mould brought there some months previously, as none had appeared since last year. ** Memoir on the genus Hyleus, with descriptions of several new British species.” By Mr. F. Smith, who also stated that he had reared Cryptus bellosus from the nests of more than one species of bee. The following are the new species described in this memoir :— Hylus cornutus, Kirby MSS. 9 This species is remarkable for the two teeth and frontal prominence which arm the clypeus ; an- tenneé fulvous beneath, posterior tibia annulated with yellow.—Cove Common, Hants. Mus. Ent. Soc. London, and Smith. Hyleus plantaris, Smith. ¢ Black ; plante of the intermediate legs dilated at the base ; antenne yellow, short, with the scape consi- derably dilated in males, with a black streak above; thorax with a yellow spot on each side of the collar. Length 3 lines.—Cove Common, Hants. Mus. Smith. Hyleus pallidens, Kirby MSS. 3 Black; scape of antenne with See - Sere * a Entomslogical Society. 61 a yellow line in front ; face white ; mandibles yellow ; anterior tibie yellow ; fore femora with a yellow line in front ; abdomen piceous, with a fringe of white hair on each side of the first seg- ment. Length 3 lines. Hyleus punctulatissimus, Smith. 2 Black, with a cream-coloured stripe close to the eyes; antenne black ; thorax coarsely punc- tured, varied with pale yellow ; abdomen with a fringe of white hair on each side of the first segment. GQ H. annularis, var. y; Kirby. Taken in company together at Coombe. Hyleus hyalinatus, Smith. 9 Head and thorax black, very mi- nutely punctured with deeper punctures intermixed ; antenne black ; wings hyaline ; legs black, posterior annulated with yellow. Black ; face yellow, scape of antenne black, remaining joints ful- vous beneath; thorax with a yellow spot on the tegule and tubercles ; wings hyaline. Length 2 lines.—Received from Mr. Thwaites. “ Descriptions of some new exotic genera belonging to the family of the Sacred Beetles.” By J. O. Westwood, F.L.S. Retaining Canthon viridis, Klug, as the type of Epilissus, De}. Cat., Mr. Westwood considers Circellium nitidum, Lap. Hist. nat. ins. col. ii. p. 66, from Madagascar, as the type of a separate subgenus under the name of Aracunopes, W. Mentum basi latius, lateribus convergentibus apice haud emarginato. Palpi labiales graciles. Prothoraz la- teribus, pone medium valde angulatis et reflexis. Pedes valde elongati, femoribus longis haud compressis. Tarsi articulo ultimo subtis ad apicem in spinam parvam producto. Nanos, W. Antennarum clava, brevis, subrotundata. Mentum in medio latius, antic? valde emarginatum. Palpi labiales brevissimi crassi. Prothorax lateribus fere rotundatis haud reflexis. Pedes pari elongati, tibiis curvatis.—Type Circellium pygmeum, La- porte. Madagascar. Macroperes, W. Corpus fere hemisphericum, clypeus emargina- tus.. Mentum subtriangulare antice profundeé fissum. Prothorar maximus lateribus rotundatis, antic? utrinque obsolete retusus. Elytra levissime striato-punctata. Tibie postice apice dilatate, tarsi articulo basali magno compresso triangulari.—TYype Ontho- phagus Greeni, Kirby. Cape of Good Hope. Uxoxys, W. Corpus oblongum subdepressum, elytris posticé acumi- natis. Clypeus antice acute bilobus. Mentum subquadratum, an- tice parim emarginatum. Palpi labiales articulis longitudine fere equalibus. Prothorax lateribus in medio angulatis. Pedes an- tici elongati, tibiis (in uno sexu) depressis intis angulatis. Tarsi 4 postici articulis magnitudine decrescentibus. Uroxys cuprescens, W. U. cupreo- seu violaceo-nigricans, nitida levissime punctulata, antennis rufescentibus, elytris striis 8 leviter punctatis, tarsis piceis. Long. corp. lin. 43.—Hab. Colombia. Scatonomus (Erichson) Myrmidon, W. S. subcylindricus, niger, capite et pronoto viridibus nitidis, clypeo profundé emarginato, in sinu acute bidentato ; elytris leviter striatis ; prothoracis angulis posticis promincntibus. Long. corp. lin. 2.—Hab. Cayenne, 62 Entomological Society. Scatonomus smaragdinus, W. 8S. brevis, subcylindricus, smarag- dinus ; capite antic? profund? emarginato in sinu obtuse bidentato ; elytris leviter striatis ; tibiis 4 posticis angustioribus ; prothoracis angulis anticis in lobum parvum productis. Long. corp. lin. 24. —Hab. Brazil. Mus. Gory. Anomiorus, W. Corpus oblongum subconverum, pedibus latissimis. Mentum ovale basi truncatum, antice vie emarginatum. Palpi labiales breves articulis sensim minoribus. Clypeus bidentatus. Prothorax lateribus rotundatis. lytra marginata striisque im- pressa. Tarsi postice latissimt. Anomiopus virescens, W. A. e@neo-virescens, dentibus duobus clypei obtusis, capite pronoto et elytris tenuissime et irregulariter punctulatis ; elytris striato-punctatis ; punctis vie distinctis ; tibiis 4 posticis in medio prominulis ; tibiis anticis ad basin externe 4- serratis. Long. corp. lin. 35.—Hab. Brazil. Anomiopus nigricans, W. A. enco-niger, dentibus clypei acutis parallelis ; fortius punctatus ; punctis duobus parvis inter oculos ; elytris pauld longioribus cyaneo-nigris, striis profundis ; pedibus anticis castanets ; tibiis anticis basi extern? 7-denticulatis ; tibiis- que posticis in medio haud prominulis. Long. corp. lin. 24.— Hab. Brazil. ‘Descriptions of the Coleopterous insects sent to England by Dr. Cantor from Chusan and Canton, with observations on the Entomo- logy of China.” By the Rev. F. W. Hope, F.R.S., &c. The following are the characters of the new species described in this paper :— Sp. 1. Lucanus Confucius, Hope. 6 Niger nitidus, mandibulis capite thoraceque fere equalibus ; caput depressum, clypeo in medio producto, fiavo-ciliato ; thorace transverse oblongo, angulis posticis oblique truncatis, granulato. Long. lin. 28, lat. lin. 7. Sp. 2. Copris Sinicus, Hope. ¢ Niger exscutellatus, thorace pro- minentid duplict, cornu capitis erecto intis ad basin 2-denticulato. Long. lin. 10, lat. lin. 54. Allied to C. Sabzeus, Fab. Sp. 3. Copris Sinensis, Hope. Mas adhuc latet. Niger exscutella- tus, clypeo emarginato, capite tuberculo lato armato, elytris striato- punctatis. Long. lin. 9, lat. lin. 44. Sp. 4. Onthophagus Sinicus, Hope. Niger, antennis luteis, cly- peo integro, capite cornu tauriformi ; thorace punctulato ; elytris striato-punctatis, interstitiis disci punctatis. Long. lin. 44, lat. lin. 24. Sp. 5. Dipelicus Cantori, Hope. Piceus, capite anticé trigono, pos- tice cornu elevato triangulari ; thorace convexo, varioloso punc- tato, marginibus undique elevatis ; elytris lineato-punctatis. Long. lin. 19, lat. lin. 83. Sp. 6. Mimela Downsii, Hope. Affinis Mimelz glabre Hope, at minor, Viridis glabra infra aurato-viridis ; antennis atrovires- centibus, mesosterno abrupte truncato. Long. lin. 6, lat. lin. 3. Sp. 7. Popillia Maclellandi, Hope. Castanea, capite punctulato, thorace glabro cupreo, elytris castaneis podice atro, maculis duabus avis e pilis brevibus formatis. Long. lin. 7, lat. lin. 34. Entomological Society. 63 Sp. 8. Popillia castanoptera, Hope. Castanea, clypeo integro punc- tato parim reflexo, viridis ; thorace concolori crebrissimeé punctu- lato, fossuld utrinque impressd ; scutello punctato ; eigen pallide castaneis, striato-punctatis. Long. lin. 5, lat. lin. 2 Sp. 9. Holotricha Sinensis, Hope. Picea, clypeo emarginato, tho- race convexo pruinoso, fossuld utrinque impressd, marginibusque externe subserratis ; elytris rubro-piceis punctatissimis, corpore infra concolori. Long. Jin. 10, lat. lin. 44. Sp. 10. Holotricha plumbea, Hope. Pruinosa, capitis clypeo fere integro ; thorace convexo punctulato, lateribus sub lente pariim sub- serratis ; elyiris plumbeo-piceis punctatis. Long. lin. 10%, lat. lin. 44. Sp. 11. Serica Sinica, Hope. Atro-plumbea, clypeo integro, antice punctulato, postice glabro ; thorace marginibus parim elevatis ; elytris plumbeis seu atro-pruinosis lineolatis. Long. lin. 4, lat. lin, 24. Sp. 12. Agrypnus orientalis, Hope. Affinis A. ccenoso, Hope, at major. Fuscus flavisque capillis aspersis ; clypeo integro auri- como; thoracis angulis anticis obtusis, disco in medio 2-tubercu- lato. Long. lin. 9, lat. lin. 3. Sp. 13. lets crocopus, Hope. Fuscus, antennis concoloribus ; thorace angulis posticis valde acutis, tomentoso ; elytris striatis, striis sub lente pariim punctatis. Long. lin. 7, lat. lin. 2. Sp. 14. Ludius luteipes, Hope. Affinis L. Umbricole, Eschscholtz, at minor. Niger, antennis flavescentibus ; thorace albo-tomentoso ; elytris striato-punctatis nigricantibus. Long. lin. 54, lat. lin. 14. Sp. 15. Ludius 4-lineatus, Hope. Castaneus, thorace nigro, elytris quatuor lineis nigris insignitis, antennis nigris, capite concolori, thorace atro capillis flavis asperso. Long. lin. 44, lat. lin. 14. Sp. 16. Colophotia flavida, Hope. Affnis C. preuste, Eschscholtz. Flava, capite atro, oculis magnis ; thorace convexo concolori, an- gulis posticis subacutis, medio disci lined fortiter impressd insig- nito; elytris flavescentibus apicibus subfuscis. Long. lin. 44, lat. lin. 13. Sp. 17. Lycus Cantori, Hope. Aurantius, antennis fusco-nigris ; thorace flavido cruce nigricante insignito ; elytris latis aurantis substriatis. Long. lin. 34, lat. lin. 1. Sp. 18. Nacerdes Chinensis, Hope. lava, capite nigro, antennis duobus primis articulis fuscis, reliquis flavescentibus ; thorace cum elytris concolori nigris. Long. lin. 54, lat. lin. 14. Sp. 19. Lagria nigricollis, Hope. Flava, antennis capite thoraceque nigris, elytris pallidé castaneis villosis, corpore infra piceo, pedibus concoloribus. Long. lin. 3, lat. lin. 14. Sp. 20. Hamaticherus Cantori. Afinis Hamatich. Paridi, Wied. Magnus, fusco-brunneus, sericeus, elytrisque corpore longioribus ; capite porrecto fronte foveolatd, thorace fortiter rugoso utrinque armato, lined medid longitudinali valde incisd. Long. lin. 26, lat. lin. 65. Trrracuys, Hope. Genus novum Hamatichero affine. Caput por- rectum, fronte rugosd. Antenne |1-articulate ; articulo 1™° crasso, 64 Entomological Society. valde rugoso ; 24 minimo ; 3°, 4% et 5% in mare spinis armatis, quingue sequentibus gradatim longioribus et inermibus, externo longissimo ternis pracedentibus haud e@quali, thorax utrinque armatus. Sp. 21. Trirachys orientalis. Magnus brunneus et aurato-sericeus ; antennis piceis, thorace utringue armato et rugoso, dorso binis sulcis longitudinaliter impressis. Long. lin. 21, lat. lin. 64. Sp. 22. Monohammus alternatus, Hope. Affiinis M. Dentatori, Fab., at minor. Griseo-brunneus, thorace spinoso, elytris cinereo brunneo glaucoque nebulosis, corpore infra concolort. Long. lin. 10, lat. lin. 34. Sp. 28. Oplophora Horsfieldii. Nigra, antennis albo-cingulatis ; thorace utrinque spinoso atro, lineis binis flavis longitudinalibus insignito ; elytra duodecim maculis flavis notata. Long. lin. 20, lat. lin. 8. Sp. 24. Cassida piperata, Hope. Flava, antennis concoloribus, qua- tuor ultimis articulis nigricantibus ; thorace fere hyalino flavo, maculd minutd nigrd in medio disci positd; elytris filavis disco nigro-piperato. Long. lin. 24, lat. lin. 12. Sp. 25. Clythra nigrifrons. Aurantia, capite nigro, thorace flavo immaculato ; elytris rubro-flavis, humeris atro-maculatis fascidque nigro-violaced ante apicem positd. Long. lin. 3, lat. lin. 14. Sp. 26. Coccinella 18-spilota. Flava, binis maculis irregularibus nigris notata, elytris 18-spilotis, macula scutellari communi. Long. lin. 34, lat. lin. 24. Sp. 27. Coccinella succinea. Succineo-flava, thorace pallidiori, maculis quatuor in medio disci nigris ; elytris immaculatis, cor- pore infra flavo, pedibus concoloribus. Long. lin. 3, lat. lin. 2. Sp. 28. Coccinella tetraspilota. Flava, thorace antice flavo, postice nigro ; elytris pallide flavis, suturd nigricanti, macula rotundata nigrd ad humeros positd, secundd formd irregulari fere ad medium disci locatd. Long. lin. 24, lat. lin. 14. Descriptions of the new~Coleoptera from Canton :— Sp. 1. Melolontha Chinensis. |e 5 BS 8 ee ter 5 32 {yee jung | > > | OHStUO | ‘s'u t wopuoTy Teaugity PenG bie YOUMstyD 82 ° =) OD Fe = "3 = ——— a eh 4 “UIRYy “PUL | “TOVOULOUTAOY J, *LOJIULOIT “AUNNUQ) fasunpy younpuny py “uoqsno]yD *—D ‘aay 2 08 OG td 4 0G os mid "8G BG ‘IZ 0G y7 Ag pup $auIHMs-saTMawa cy ‘asunpy yjunsajddy yw ‘wequa * AA *Aoy ay7 49 SNOLSOG 7 “|VaA APN VG fuopuory pau ‘MOIMSIHY JV Aja.v0g poUnynayLopT ayy fo Uapav4e) ay] YD uosdwoyy “yy 29 ! uoqaqoy “Ay Aemjasoagy quoysisspy ayy hg ‘NOGNOT] ‘A}a1009 pohoy ayz fo siusupundyy ay] jv apyu suoywasasg”¢, PONBoj0.L0a;a THE ANNALS MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. No. 68. FEBRUARY 1843. XV.—The Natural History of the British Entomostraca, No. VI. By W. Bairp, M.D., late Surgeon of the H.E.1.C.S. Berwickshire, Member of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, and Assistant in the Zoological Depart- ment of the British Museum. {Continued from Ann, Nat. Hist. vol. i. p. 256.] { With two Plates. ] Tue genus Lynceus of Miiller is the second genus of the group Cladocera of Latreille, vide ‘ Mag. Zool. and Bot.’ vol. ii. .400. According to Milne Edwards’s arrangement it forms the third genus of the Family Daphnidiens, Order Cladoceres or Daphnoides. It is composed however of rather heteroge- neous elements and requires to be completely reformed. Bibliographical history.— Miller established the genus in his ‘ Zoolog. Dan. Prodrom.’ in 1776, and named it Lynceus from its having, according to his idea, two eyes. At the time he established it, no author had previously taken notice of any species belonging to it. In 1781 he confirmed the genus in his work on the “ Entomostraca,” described nine species, and gave a few particulars with regard to them. About the same time Schrank and Eichhorn both mention an insect, which may perhaps be the same species, and which evidently belongs to this genus. ‘he first of these two authors in his ‘Enum. Insect. Austriz,’ 1781, p. 536, no. 1119, describes it briefly as Monoc. infusorius, testa bivalvi, rostratus, oculis duo- bus in rostro sitis, and says it is very abundant in stagnant waters, and is perhaps the smallest of its congeners. Eichhorn gives a figure of his species, says it is distinguished from that “Wasserfloh” described by Scheeffer (Daphnia) in that it has a pointed beak which lies close upon the mouth ; that it differs from it in its motion through the water, not by bounds but swimming like other insects in the water, and that it is very common. Vide ‘Beytr. zur Naturgesch.’ p. 37. t. ui. f. D.1781. These authors give little satisfactory information however with regard to the genus, and Miiller’s characters are very in- different, as will be more clearly shown hereafter. His spe- Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 89 Dr. W. Baird on British Entomostraca. cies, without any original matter, are given by Gmelin in his ‘Syst. Natur. Linn.,’ 1778 ; Manuel in the ‘ Encyc. Méthod.,” 1792; Fabricius in his ‘ Entomol. Syst.,’ 1793 ; Latreille in his ‘ Hist. gén. et part. des Crust. et Ins.,’ 1802 ; and Lamarck in his ‘Hist. Nat. des Anim. sans Vert.,’ 1818; but no new species are added. Leach in the ‘ Supplement to the Encyc. Britann.,’ art. Crustacea, 1816, and in ‘ Dict. des Scien. Nat.,’ t. xiv. p- 541, 1819, appears to have been sensible that the genus was an ill-formed one, and splits it into two; but with the excep- tion of this, we have nothing new written upon the genus till Jurine published his ‘ Hist. des Monoc.,’ &c. in 1820. In this work he has given us a few particulars with regard to the question of their having two eyes, their mode of reproduction, &c.; he notices several of Miiller’s species, describes three or four new ones, and hints at the necessity of reforming the ge- nus altogether. These additional species are given along with those of Miller which Jurine notices, by Desmarest in his ‘ Consid. gén. sur les Crust.,? 1825, but we have no new infor- mation till Milne Edwards published his work on the Crustacea in 1840*. In this work the author shows the necessity for breaking up this heterogeneous genus and reforming it, but does not make the attempt himself, nor do I know of any further attempt having been made till now. Habits and Manners.—These insects are found in stagnant waters and in slow running streams, amongst the Lemne and Conferve, &c. which collect in these situations. 'The males, as far as I know, have not been met with or described, though Miiller mentions having seen two, three, and even four in- dividuals fixed to each other and swimming about in that state. Several species are very abundant throughout the spring, autumn and summer, and may be met with in almost every pond and ditch. They are not individually however so prolific as the Daphnie, as they produce only a few eggs, ge- nerally two or three only at each laying; with the exception of the /amellatus+, which has nearly as many as the Daphnia vetula, and is about the same size. ‘Their mode of reproduc- tion is the same as in the Daphnia, the intervention of the male being not necessary for fecundating the eggs of the fe- male. In one species, the sphericus{, Jurine obtained by iso- lating the young successively fifteen generations; and in the striatus§ he followed up the moultings and generations for nine successive periods. “On the 7th of June he isolated a female which had two eggs; 8th of June, two young ones were * The first volume was published in 1834; but the third, containing the Entomostraca, was not published till 1840. + Eurycercus lamellatus, nob. t Chydorus sphericus. § Alona quadrangularis, nob. Dr. W. Baird on British Entomostraca. 83 born; 9th, it has moulted and got two eggs clear brown co- loured ; 11th, eggs are elongated, eye visible; 13th, a second accouchement ; 14th, has moulted and has two eggs; 17th, a third accouchement; 19th, has moulted and has three eggs ; 20th, a fourth accouchement ; 21st, moulted and has two eggs ; 22nd, a fifth accouchement ; 23rd, moulted and has two eggs ; 25th a sixth accouchement ; 26th, moulted and has two eggs 3 28th, a seventh accouchement ; July 3rd, moulted and has two eggs; 8th, an eighth accouchement; 9th, moulted, cannot ex- actly determine whether it has eggs the insect is so yellow; 11th, moulted, cannot see eggs; 14th, ninth accouchement, young ones dead; 15th, mother herself dead.” (Jurine, pp.155, 156.) The young are born perfect; and even before they are ushered into the world, and whilst still in the matrix, we dis- cern the eye and its accompanying black spot. These in- sects are said by Jurine to be subject, like the Daphnie, to the formation of the saddle or ephippium ; and that in each ephip- pium there is only one egg, which is placed in the middle of the saddle and makes a projection from it. I have never my- self met with an individual having the saddle; and in general I have found those which I have kept very short-lived as com- pared with the Daphnie. 'The motion of these insects through the water is somewhat different from that of the genus Daph- nia. Instead of swimming by short irregular bounds as these latter do, they direct themselves by a rapid motion of their rami and legs straight towards the point to which they wish to go. ‘This was noticed by Kichhorn as already mentioned, who seems to be the only person who remarks it till the time of Jurine, and it appears chiefly perhaps to depend upon the comparative shortness and position of the rami, as the Daphnia cornuta, which has also very short rami situated as in the Lyncei, has the same kind of motion. [Vide Mag. Zool. and Bot. vol. u. p. 412.] The food of the Lyncei consists of both animal and vegetable matter, and whilst they prey upon ani- malcules smaller than themselves, they in their turn are de- voured in great numbers by insects larger than they are. According to Pritchard the Lynceus sphericus is the choice food of a species of freshwater Nais which he calls the Lurco. “So great is the voracity,” he says, “ of this creature, that I have seen a middle-sized one devour seven Lyncei in half an hour. Five of these were moving about in the first cavity ; at the end of that time the other two having passed into the se- cond had become exhausted *.” Anatomy.—In general formation the animals of this genus are very much like the preceding, the Daphnie, the most re- markable point of difference being a small black spot a little * Vide Pritchard’s Microscopic Cabinet, p. 81. Zz 84 Dr. W. Baird on British Entomostraca. distance from the eye, much smaller than it, which was con~ sidered by Miiller as a second organ of sight, and from which he has given the name to the genus*, and the shape of the head and beak. The shell, or covering which incloses the body, does not consist of two distinct and separate valves, but is open only on the anterior margin, and for a portion of the posterior extremity. The part which we may call the head is harder than the other portion of the shell, and is prolonged, in most of the species, into a sharp and very distinct beak. Be- longing to it we find, besides this beak, the eye with its ac- companying black spot, the two antenne, the rami, brain, mouth, and part of the digestive canal. The eye, as in the Daphnia, is a spherical body contained in a somewhat funnel- shaped tube, having a semirotatory motion, and consisting of a series of crystalline bodies, in the /amellatust being about twenty in number (PL II. f.2.).. The black spot which Miller considers as a second eye, is situate before and at a little dis- tance from the real eye, generally near the end of the beak, almost at the extremity of the body of the animal, and near the root of the antennz, It is much smaller than the eye, has no communication with it, and is immoveable. It is not com- posed of crystaillines, and its situation is not exactly the same in all the species. Jurine says he has only examined it in small individuals, and that in consequence he has not been able to discover its use. He does not appear to have met with the larger species of the genus, the /aimellatus, in which I have examined this spot, but without being able to discover any use to which it is applied. I quite agree with him however in con- sidering it not to be an organ of vision. Straus considers the upper larger spot alone deserving the name of eye, and that this small black spot is similar to the one which exists in the Daphnia, adjacent to the brain; the relative situation too of which is nearly the same as this black spot in the Lyncezf. As I have said above, we find it in the young before birth ex- actly as in the adult. ‘The antenne are two in number, and are placed near the extremity of the beak, projecting from its under surface. Each consists of a solid body of a somewhat conical shape and slightly curved, which terminates im six short spines, each of which again gives out a fine seta or bristle (Pl. II. f. 3.).. They are not possessed of much motion. The rami$ or arms are situate on each side of the base of the head, rather lower than in the Daphnie, and consist, as in them, * “Nomen Lyncei in ‘Zool. Dan. Prodrom.’ ex punctis binis ocellaribus, que organa visus absque dubio sunt, indici.”—Fntomost. p. 67. + Eurycercus lamellatus, nob. + Mem. Mus. Hist. Nat. tom. vi. p. 153. § Antenne of Miiller, &e. Dr. W. Baird on British Entomostraca. 85 of a single joint at the base which divides into two branches, each having three joints. They are much shorter in all the species than in the Daphnia. In the /amellatus* the anterior branch sends off from the last joint three long filaments or bristles andashort one, and one from the extremity of the se- cond and first joints, while the posterior branch sends off only three long ones and a short one from the last joint. The long setz or filaments are each furnished with a joint near the centre as in Daphnia pulex, and as in it also, are beautifully plumose, while the short ones are neither jointed nor plumose. ‘The use of these organs is the same as in the Daphnia, being chiefly organs of locomotion. The drain apparently is the same in situation and shape as in the Daphnie. The mouth also is nearly of the same construction. The mandid/e (Pl. II. f. 5.) is a strong organ, articulating superiorly with the body by a sharp and pointed extremity, w vhilst the inferior extremity is free and unattached, curved a little inwards and rounded somewhat at the tip, helt is furnished with several strong teeth. The jaws consist each of a strong large plate articu- lating with the body by the narrow end, to which are attached the muscles which move it. About the centre of its length it takes a sudden curve and descends in the form of a broad plate, which is slightly lunated at the extremity, the edges terminating in sharp points. To the lower edge of its supe- rior extremity is attached a flat squarish plate, which moves simultaneously with the other part and to which it seems firmly fixedt. ‘These organs may be seen almost constantly in motion when the animal is stationary, the motion of the mandibles being pretty quick and oscillatory, whilst that of the jaws is slow, upwards and downwards. Part of the di- gestive canal may be seen also in this upper part of the ani- mal, commencing as in the Daphnie immediately behind the mouth in the form of an esophagus and terminating in the stomach, which is situate in the lower portion or body of the shell. The stomach differs somewhat from that organ as seen in the Daphnie, being curved or twisted into one or two com- plete convolutions near the centre (PI. II. f.6.). The dody of the animal is quite free and unattached within the valves of the shell, except at the superior portion where we see it attached to the posterior edge of the shell by about three broadish muscles. It termimates superiorly in a point near the root of the antennz, and almost upon the extremity of this point is situate the black spot in front of the eye. A short distance from this the body has an indentation, in which, or rather on its edge, is situate the eye, already described. It then takes a round turn, the edge of which is more or less crenated, and * Eurycercus lamellatus, ncb. Vide Pl. Ti. fig. 4. * PL FL fie. v2. 86 Dr. W. Baird on British Entomostraca. from it the muscles attaching the body to the shell arise. It now turns inwards for a short distance and then bulges out- wards again towards the posterior edge, terminating by a joint in the ¢ail/*. The space left where the body turns inwards, between it and the shell, is the matriv or place where the ani- mal deposits its ova and where the young remain till ready to be extruded, and immediately above this is situate the heart. The tail in all the species I have examined is connected to the body by an articulated joint, differing in this very particularly from the Daphnie (Pl. II. fig. 7.). At this joint we see two setae arise, which in some species, as in the damellatust+, are beau- tifully plumose and of considerable length. The tail is then projected upwards, being always within the shell when the animal is at rest. It terminates in two or more strong hooked claws, the use of which seems to be to assist in cleaning the interior of the shell, as the tail is flexible and can be extended to a considerable length beyond the shell. In one or two spe- ~ cies it is remarkably long, as in the macrourus {, and extremely flexible, and the motion of this organ is evidently of great use to the animal in assisting and regulating its movements. A little beyond the joint is placed the anus or termination of the alimentary canal. The feet are five pairs in number. The first pair are the largest, and consist each of a fleshy sort of body, bent a little, strongly ciliated on its upper edge and fur- nished at its extremity with five long and strong setz, which in general project a little beyond the edge of the valves (Pl. II. fig. 8.). The other pairs are difficult, from their extreme de- licacy of structure and transparency, to be made out. They are very much like those of the Daphnie however in structure, consisting of branchial plates and finely plumose sete, and have the same functions and uses. The characters of the genus Lynceus, as established by Miller, are both vague and erroneous. “ Antennz,” he says§, “two or four, capillaceous.” These characters are incorrect : in none of the species that I have seen are they four in num- ber, being invariably only two, and in none are they capillary, being in all branched and articulated. “ Feet eight or more :” this may mean any number, but in none are they eight; they do not vary in any of the species, being in all of them five pairs. “ Kyes two :” this we have given our reasons above for thinking incorrect also. “Shell bivalve :” this is not cor- rect, the shell being, as we have mentioned above, not divided * The body as described above is particularly well seen in the Lynceus harpe, the Acroperus harpe, nob. PI. IIL. fig. 12. + Eurycercus lamellatus, nob. t Camptocercus macrourus, nob. § The rami are the antenne of Miiller. 8) Dr. W. Baird on British Entomosétraca. 87 into two separate valves. Leach’s characters of the genus are equally incorrect: “two eyes; four antenne, branched*.” We have stated above the incorrectness of these characters. Straus’s characters are equally infelicitous: “ Rami with two branches, divided into a much greater number of articulations than in the other genera of this family ; primitive stalk very short.” He gives as the type of this genus the sphericus of Miller, but these characters do not agree with those belong- ing to that species, as the rami are each possessed of only three articulations. In the brachyurus of Miiller the rami have numerous articulations, but from Miiller’s figure they appear to be four in number instead of two. Milne Edwards is the last writer who has characterized this genus. His characters for the different genera belonging to the family Daphnidiens he adopts from Straus, taking them from the number of branches and the number of joints to each branch of the rami. In Lynceus he says, “ at least four joints to each of the branches+ :” this is decidedly incorrect in all the species we have met with. The subgenus Chydorus of Leach, as esta- blished by him in ‘ Sup. Encye. Britan.,? 1816, for the recep- tion of L. sphericus of Miller, is equally unhappily character- ized: “two eyes; antennz two, in shape of threads.” These characters are decidedly incorrect, the rami (antennz) being branched and jointed in that species as well as the others. We propose for the present reforming this genus as fol- lows :— Fam. DAPHNID. Genus Lyncevs. “* Rami two, for the most part very short, branched; each branch 3-jointed. Eye single, accompanied with a black spot in front of it. Feet, five pairs. Intestine convoluted. ‘ail jointed.” Ist Subgenus. Macrorurixt. “ Anterior branch of ra- mus having a very long seta or filament springing from root of second articulation. Antennz pendulous from extremity of beak.” Ist Sp. Macrothriz laticornis. Pl. II. f. 9, 10. Syn. Daphnia curvirostris ? Miiller, Hnt. t. 13. f. 1, 2—Monoculus laticornis, Jurine, t.15. f.6.—Lynceus laticornis, Desmarest, p.376. —Daphnia laticornis? M. Hdwards, iii. p. 373. * The species brachyurus of Miiller is the type of Leach’s genus; but as this anomalous-looking species is one I have never met with, though Leach mentions it as common, [| have not been able to ascertain its precise cha- racters. It must form a new genus. + “ Au moins quatre articles 4 chacune des ces branches,” iii. p. 374. t From gaxeds long, and dei a hair. 88 Dr. W. Baird on British Entomostraca. Rami strong and large. Posterior branch having four setz, three from extremity of last articulation and one from extre- mity of second. Anterior branch has five sete, four disposed as in the posterior branch, and one very long one from extre- mity of first articulation. Antenne pendulous from extremity of beak, broad, and furnished with three short sete at their extremities. Hye large, distinctly areolar, and having its ac- eompanying black spot near the root of antennze. Shell trans- parent, colourless, smooth, ciliated on anterior margin. Ha- ving only met with this species once or twice I have not taken any note of the intestine, but according to Jurine’s figure, it is not convoluted as in the other genera. In general appear- ance this insect resembles very much a Daphnia, and ac- cordingly it has been transferred to this latter genus by Milne Edwards*, though he thinks the species laticornis to be the same as the roseus of Jurinef. Hab. Along with Daphnia cornuta and Cythere inopinata, in a pond near Hanwell; also in a pond at Highgate, but is rare. 2nd Subgenus. Eurycercust. Subquadrangular. Tail very broad, in form of a flat plate, densely serrated.” Ist Sp. Hurycercus lamellatus. Pl. IL. f. 1—8. Syn. Lynceus lamellatus, Mill. Zool. Dan. Prod. no. 3396 ; Ento- most. 73. t.9. f.4 to 6.—Monoculus lamellatus, Linn. Gmel. 3008. no. 62; Manuel, Enc. Méth. vii. 733. no. 62. t. 268. f. 21—23; Fabricius, nt. Syst. i. 498.——Lynceus lamellatus, Latreille, Hist. des Crust. 208; Baird, Trans. Berw. Nat. Club, p. 100; M. Ed- wards, Hist. des Crust. ii. 388. This is the largest of all the known species of the Lyncei, being in old specimens fully as large as the Daphnia vetula. Shell of an olive colour, rather square-shaped ; ciliated on an- terior margin, ventricose in centre, and arched on posterior edge of shell. Beak rather blunt and short. Rami very short compared with the size of insect. Anterior branch with three long sete and a short one springing from extremity of last, * { have elsewhere mentioned that M. Edwards takes his generic cha- racters of the fam. Daphnide from the number of branches and articulations of the rami. The genus Daphnia is restricted by him to those species which have two branched rami, with four articulations in one branch and three in the other. Of course, as this insect has only three articulations in each branch, it cannot enter into the genus Daphnia as thus constituted. The Monoculus roseus of Jurine we have not met with, but it differs according to his description from the éaticornis in having no areola round the eye, in colour and in shape of antenne; it is also larger. + In Yarrell’s ‘ British Fishes’ we have a figure of the roseus at p. 93, tom. ii. copied from Jurine apparently, where it is mentioned as being the food of the fish called the Vendace (Coregonus Willughbit) caught in Lochmaben Loch, Dumfries-shire. t Krom ededs broad, and xéexoc a tail. Dr. W. Baird on British Entomostraca. 89 and one long one from first and second articulations. These setee are finely plumose, like those of Daphnia pulex, and jointed about the middle of their length. Eye large, contained in an infundibuliform tube, areolar, areole about twenty in number. The accompanying black spot is remarkably small, situated almost directly under the eye instead of in front of it, and is somewhat of a square shape. Intestine convoluted, having one complete convolution and nearly a half. The lower part of abdomen or body of animal has a lobe springing out from its edge like a spur. Sete at joint of tail finely plu- mose and jointed at about half their length. ail very broad, lamellar, densely and strongly serrated on lower edge, sinuated deeply on anterior margin, and terminating in two stout claws and two small ones. Antenne are stout solid bodies, some- what conical in shape, slightly curved and terminating in six short spines, each of which gives out a fine seta or bristle. They are not possessed of much motion. The mandibles are strong, rounded towards extremity, which is possessed of sharp teeth. The first pair of feet consist of a strong fleshy body strongly ciliated on upper edge, and terminating in five long and strong filaments, which generally project outside the shell. The other feet consist of broad plates with the branchial apparatus attached, and resemble a good deal those of the Daphnie. 'The motion of this species is peculiar ; it generally lives at the bottom of the vessel in which it is kept, and when disturbed it bounds up by rapid short motions in a curved sort of line, and then returns in the same manner to the place from where it rose. It is very heavy and slothful compared with the other genera, and I have frequently turned it over two or three times before it moved. Hab. Not uncommon in ponds and ditches near Isleworth ; “in Yetholm Loch, and in a pond on Beaumont water.”— Trans. Berw. Nat. Club. 3rd Subgenus. Cuyporus, Leach. “ Nearly spherical in shape. Beak very long and sharp, curved almost into the shape of a crescent. Rami very short.” Ist Sp. Chydorus sphericus. PI. II. fig. 11—13. Syn. Lynceus sphericus, Miill. Zool. Dan. Prod. no. 2392; Entom. 71. t. 9. f. 7 to 9.—Monoculus infusorius, Schrank, En. Ins. Aust. 536.no0.1119; Hichhorn*? Beyt. t.3.f.D.—Mon. sphericus, Linn. Gmel. 3008. no. 60; Manuel. Enc. Méth. Hist. Nat.vii. 732.t. 268. f. 15B—17; Fabricius, Ent. Syst. u. 497.—Lynceus sphericus, * Perhaps this may be a new species. Miiller quotes this figure of Eich- horn for his Lyn. trigonellus, but it appears to me to be quite distinct. It resembles the sp/ericus in shape, except that the inferior extremity of the shell is pointed. Should it prove a new species, I should propose to name it Chydorus Eichhorni. 90 Dr. W. Baird on British Entomostraca. Latreille, Hist. des Crust. 207 ; Lamarck, An. sans Vert. v. 128. no. 3.—Chydorus Miulleri, Leach, Sup. Enc. Brit. art. Crustacea; Dict. des Sc. Nat. xiv. 541.—Monoce. spheericus, Jurine, Hist. des Mon. t.16.f. 3.—Lyn. sphericus, Desmarest, Cons. des Crust. 377 ; Baird, Trans. Berw. Nat. Club, p.100; M. Edwards, Hist. des Crust. ii. 386; Pritchard, Micros. Cab. t. 8. f. 3.* Shell round, smooth, slightly ciliated on anterior margin; of an olive colour. Rami very short; anterior branch has three setze springing from the extremity of last articulation, and one from extremity of second} ; posterior branch has only three from last joint. Intestine convoluted, haying one com- plete convolution and about a half. ‘Tail jointed, and having two stout claws at its extremity ; the intestine passing through the joint and terminating in the anus near the claws. Hye areolar, its accompanying black spot pretty large and situated just above the root of the antenne. Its motion through the water is more like rolling, as Jurine describes it, than swim- ming. The mandibles, feet and antennz are very like those of the preceding subgenus. According to Pritchard, “ the young play near their parent, and at the approach of danger swim for protection within the shell of the mother, which she, conscious of their feebleness, immediately closes { ! 1” Hab. Ponds and ditches. Common. 2nd Sp. Chydorus globosus. Pl. III. fig. 1—4. Shell quite globular, a good deal resembling in form the last species, but more completely rounded and nearly six times larger; striated circularly on exterior and upper margin, and dotted with small black spots ; the anterior portion of shell is reddish coloured, with a large irregular-shaped dark band running across the centre of shell and occupying about half its extent. The beak is extremely long, and at times appears to lie close to the body. ‘Tail elbowed at the joint and hol- lowed out immediately before it, terminating in two long claws. Eye large, areolar. Intestine convoluted, having one complete turn and about a half. First pair of feet large. An- tennz large, with seven teeth and seven long setae}. Rami very short and slender. Anterior branch has four setz, one from second articulation and three from last. Posterior branch has three only from last joint. The motion of this species is very much like that of a Cypris. Hab. Ditch near Richmond; pond near Isleworth. Rare, apparently confined to small patches. * In Koch’s‘ Deutschlands Crustaceen,’ &c. there is a figure of the Lynceus sphericus, Heft 8. t. 2., but it is certainly not the L. sphericus of Miller. + Pl. Il. fig. 13. Placa, JG: § Pl. Ill. fig. 2. Dr. W. Baird on British Hntomostraca. 91 4th Subgenus. Camprocrercus*. “ Ovoid-shaped. Tail long, slender and extremely flexible, serrated.” Ist Sp. Camptocercus macrourus. Pl. III. fig. 5, 6. Syn. Lynceus macrourus, Mull. Zool. Dan. Prod. 2397 ; Entom. t. 10. f. 1 to 3.—Monoculus macrourus, Linn. Gmel. 3008. no. 65; Manuel, Enc. Méth. vii. 733. no, 65. t. 268. f. 26, 27; Fabricius, Ent. Syst. ii. 499.—Lynceus macrourus, Latreille, Hist. des Crust. 207 ; M. Edwards, Hist. des Crust. iii. Of an ovoid shape. Shell pellucid and whitish, finely stri- ated or ribbed longitudinally ; slightly sinuated and ciliated on anterior margin. Beak rounded and bluntish. Rami short. Tail very long and slender, with thirteen well-marked serrz or teeth on lower edge, and several smaller ones, terminating in two long and slender claws; setz short. This organ and lower part of body is extremely flexible, and the animal can twist it completely round in a circle, and then unbending it thrust it far out beyond the shell. Eye small but areolar; accompanying black spot nearly as large as the eye. First pair of feet large. Intestine convoluted once and about a half. Antenne rather long and slender, the terminating setz long also. Anterior branch of rami has four long filaments and one short one; one long from second articulation, and three long ones and one short from last. Posterior branch has only three long filaments and one short from last joint. Hab. Ditch near Richmond, pond top of Brazil Mill-lane near Isleworth, and at Highgate. 5th Subgenus. Acroperust. “ Shell somewhat harp- shaped, terminating inferiorly on anterior margin in a more or less blunt point projecting forwards. Rami rather long.” Ist Sp. Acroperus harpe. Pl. III. fig. 7. Syn. Lynceus harpe, Baird, Trans. Berw. Nat. Club, p. 100. t. 2. f.17. Shell rounded posteriorly, sinuated rather deeply and ci- lated anteriorly, and terminating in an obtuse point projecting forwards ; strongly striated or rather ribbed longitudinally and somewhat obliquely, giving the shell, which is quite trans- parent, a good deal of resemblance to a harp. Beak rounded and obtuse. Rami slender, and of considerable length, each branch provided with three long setz from the extremity of last articulation only. The rami and setz together extend almost the length of the shell, reaching nearly to the inferior extre- mity. Tail slender, not serrated on under edge, but marked near the edge with a row of indentations, and terminating in two claws, which are long and slender. Antennz of consi- derable length, the terminating setae being much longer than * From zawarros flexible, and xéguoc a tail. + From d&xeos pointed, and xégas the extremity. 92 Dr. W. Baird on British Entomostraca. in the other genera. First pair of feet large. Eye areolar, accompanying black spot nearly half the size of the eye, squarish shaped. Upper part of body very rounded and cre- nated round the outer edge. Intestine convoluted, having one turn and nearly half another. Hab. Pond at Osterly Park; ditch near Richmond opposite Isleworth church; “pond on Beaumont water, and in Dun- glass pond.”—Trans. Berw. Nat. Club. 2nd Sp. Acroperus nanus. Pl. III. f. 8. Somewhat resembles the last in shape, but is very small, not the seventh part the size, is less transparent, less deeply sinuated on anterior margin and less projecting at lower ex- tremity. The striz or ribs are not so large, and are disposed in a waved form, obliquely transverse. Anterior margin of shell ciliated. Beak rather long, sharper than in preceding species. Rami slender and rather shorter than in harpe. An- terior branch has four seta, one springing from the second, and three from extremity of last articulation. Posterior branch has three sete springing from last joint only. Tail has a gib- bous projection about the middle of the lower margin, and is serrated at extremity. Intestine convoluted, one turn and nearly a half. One ovum. In size this species is considerably less than the Chydorus sphericus, and is about the smallest of the Lyncei that I have met with. Hab. Pond at Norwood Green and near Southall, Middle- sex. Rare. 6th Subgenus. Atona. “ Shell quadrangular-shaped, striated. Rami short.” Ist Sp. Alona quadrangularis. Pl. III. f. 9—11. Syn. Lynceus quadrangularis, Mill. Zool. Dan. Prod. no. 2393; Entom. t. 9. f. 1 to 3.—Monoculus quadrangulus, Linn. Gmel. 3008. no. 61; Manuel, Enc. Méth. vii. 738. t. 268. f. 18 to 20.— M. quadrangularis, Fab. Kat. Syst. 11. 498.—Lynceus quadrangu- laris, Latreille, Hist. des Crust. 208; Baird, Trans. Berw. Nat. Club, p-100.—Monoculus striatus, Jurine, Hist. des Monoc. t. 16.f. 1, 2. —Lynceus quadrangularis ? M. Edwards, Hist. des Crust. iii. 388. Shell nearly quadrangular, transparent, of a deep brown colour; strongly ciliated on anterior margin, cilia long ; stri- ated or ribbed longitudinally, the strize or ribs rather distant. Rami short, the setz also being short. Anterior branch with four, one from second, and three from last articulation. Poste- rior branch has three from last jomt only. Beak rather blunt- ish. Tail rather narrow, sinuated near extremity and serrated for about half its length on under edge; the serre or teeth at the extremity being the longest. Terminating claws long. An- Dr. W. Baird on British Entomostraca. 93 tenn conical-shaped. Intestine convoluted once and nearly a half, but not so very distinctly visible as in the other ge- nera. Eye areolar. Body rounded at upper extremity as in Acroperus harpe. I had some doubts at first as to this being identical with the striatus of Jurine. In his figure the beak is blunter and the tail shorter and rounder-shaped than in my specimens. He gives it the name of striatus with a doubt, and remarks, “if this species be the truncatus of Miiller, as we may presume it is, it must be confessed that its specific name is improper; for the shell is not truncated, it is ob- liquely striated and strongly ciliated*.” It is evident that Jurine could never have seen the trunca- tus of Miiller, and the guadrangularis seems also to have been unknown to him, for the difference between his species (the striatus) and Miiller’s ¢runcatus is so great and evident that they cannot be mistaken for each other; while the similarity between it and the guadrangularis is so evident, that notwith- standing the slight differences mentioned above, I have little or no hesitation in referring them both to the same species. Hab. Ditch near Richmond, opposite Isleworth church ; pond at Osterly Park and near Hounslow; “ in the Pease burn, and in a pool on Beaumont water at Yetholm.”— Trans. Berw. Nat. Club. 2nd Sp. Alona reticulata. Pl. III. f. 12. In size this is perhaps the smallest of all the species of this family, being rather smaller than the Acroperus nanus. Shell of a quadrangular shape, rounded a little posteriorly, and nearly straight on anterior margin, which appears free from cilia. The lower margin is obtuse, and the whole shell is closely reticulated. Beak prominent and long, projecting upwards, rather blunt. Rami rather slender; anterior branch provided with four sets, one shortish from second articula- tion, and three long and stout ones from last. Posterior branch has three from last joint only. Tail rather tapering towards the extremity, and serrated on inferior margin. Eye large for the size of the animal, areolar. Intestine convo- luted, but it is not very easily seen, from reticulated surface of shell. One ovum. Hab. Pond near Southall, Middlesex: Sept. 1842. 7th Subgenus. PLeuroxust}. “Anterior margin prominent on the upper portion; the lower part being truncated, or as it were cut sharp and straight. First pair of feet very large.” Ist Sp. Plewroxus trigonellus. Pl. III. f. 13. Syn. Lynceus trigonellus, Mill. Zool. Dav. Prod. no. 2395; Ent. Sieh p. 154. + From zaAsveoy a side, and 6gd; sharp. 94 Dr. W. Baird on British Entomosiraca. t. 10. f.5, 6.— Monoculus trigonellus, Linn. Gmel. 3008. no. 63 ; Manuel, Encyc. Méth. vii. 733. no. 63. t. 268. f. 24, 25.—Fabri- cius, Ent. Syst. p.498.—Lynceus trigonellus, Latreille, Hist. gén. el part. des Crust. p. 205; Lamarck, An. sans Vert. 123. no. 2; Baird, Trans. Berw. Nat. Club, p. 100; M. Edwards, Hist. des Crust. iil. p. 387. Shell somewhat triangular-shaped and transparent; gib- bous on upper portion on anterior edge for about a third of its length, the other two-thirds being truncated, or as it were cut obliquely with a straight sharp edge, and ciliated. Pos- terior margin gibbous also, and sinuated near lower extremity, which terminates in a square point. Beak long, curved and sharp-pointed. First pair of feet very large; the pediform organ of Miller being the first pair of feet. Rami short and slender. The anterior branch has four setz, one from first articulation, one from second, and two from last. Posterior branch has three sete, all springing from last joint. Tail gibbous for latter half, and serrated. Intestine convoluted, having one turn and nearly a half. Kye areolar. Hab. Pond near Copenhagen fields ; at Osterly Park, Nor- wood Green and Southall; “pond at Foulden and at Yet- holm.”—Trans. Berw. Nat. Club. 2nd Sp. Pleuroxus hamatus. Pl. II. f. 14. Syn. Lynceus hamatus, Baird, Trans. Berw. Nat.Club, p.100. t. 2.£.18. “ Shell truncated anteriorly and ciliated; upper part gib- bous ; tail not serrated, gibbous, terminated by two setze* ; two upper feet large, and each furnished at extremity with a strong hook or claw turned upwards ; antennet of three setz each. Approaches Lyne. trigonellus, but differs from it in the beak being blunted and stronger, in the tail not being serrated, and in the upper feet having the strong hooks{. Hab. Yetholm Loch, Roxburghshire.”—Trans. Berw. Nat. Club. I first found this species in the autumn of 1835 in Yetholm Loch, Roxburghshire, and afterwards in a pool near Yetholm Bridge, but have not since met with it. The intestine is curved, and the shell extremely transparent. 8th Subgenus. PeracanTuas. “ Oval-shaped; the lower extremity of shell slightly curved backwards, and, as well as upper extremity of anterior margin, beset with strong hooked spines.” Ist Sp. Peracantha truncata. Pl. II. f. 15. Syn. Lynceus truncatus, Mill. Entom. 75. t. 11. £. 4 to 6.—Monoc. * Claws or hooks. {+ Rami. t It is only about half the size of trigonellus. § From xéeas extremity, and &xavde spine. TEI ARAL NOREEN RE ES BEN A Dr. Griffith on the Pitted Tissue of Plants. 95 truncatus. Linn. Gmel. 3008. no. 64; Manuel, Enc. Méth. vii. 733. t. 268. f. 30—34 ; Fabricius, Ent. Syst. 498.—Lynceus truncatus, Latreille, Hist. gén. des Crust. 206; Baird, Trans. Berw. Nat. Club, p.100; M. Edwards, Hist. des Crust. i. 388. Shell nearly of an oval form ; the lower extremity having a curved projection backwards, and provided with a number of pretty strong spines, about seventeen in number, the three last of which are curved backwards. On the upper extremity of anterior margin there are about an equal number of spines, the upper ones being curved upwards. These are partly con- cealed by the cilia which densely cover the anterior margin of the shell. The shell is striated longitudinally. Beak rounded and sharp-pointed, rather long. Rami short ; anterior branch furnished with five setz, one from first, one from second, and three from last articulation. Posterior branch has three sete, all from last joint. First pair of feet large. Tail rather gib- bous on lower edge, and on latter half has about eight spines, and terminates in two stout claws. Intestine convoluted, having one turn and nearly a half. Antenne conical-shaped. Eye areolar. Accompanying black spot squarish-shaped. Two ova. Hab. Pond at Osterly Park; ditch near Richmond oppo- site Isleworth church; near Southall; “ pond on Beaumont water at Yetholm.”—Trans. Berw. Nat. Club. XVI.— Observations on the Formation of the Pitted Tissue of Plants, with one or two remarks on the Analogy between the Blood-discs in Animals and the Starch Particles in Ve- getables. By Joun Wo. Grirritu, M.D., F.L.S. &c. [ With a Plate.] Tue object of the present remarks is to point out the mode of formation of the dotted tissue of plants, the cause of the peculiar arrangement of the dots, &c. I shall also allude to one or two points of vegetable anatomy in which my observations differ from those of authors generally. It is well known that the dotted or pitted tissue varies very much in its characters ; sometimes the dots are surrounded by arim, in other varieties the pits or dots are without it. My observations will apply at present to the latter variety only*; the cause of the rim surrounding the dot in the former variety is, I think, quite unexplained. The explanation advanced by Dr. Willshirey, * The dot, or elliptical thinner portion of the marking of the dotted duct (i.e. the part generally within the rim), I think is formed in the same man- ner as the dots on the spiroid tissue, but I know of no explanation of the origin of the rim. + Annals of Natural History, Aug. 1842. 96 Dr. Griffith on the Formation of who considers them formed by spaces left between filaments “ not only having a spiral direction with respect to the duct _in which they are formed, but bent upon themselves forming sinuous curves,” I have not been able to verify. The fibres here spoken of, although I have carefully sought for them, I have never been able to perceive. Moreover, Dr. Willshire does not attempt to account for the dot. Dr. Martin Barry* has also advanced a theory of the formation of what he has termed dotted ducts, but by reference to his figure it will be perceived that he alludes to that variety which has no rim, and which, according to Hugo Mohl’s definition, is not the real dotted duct. He says, “ the spirals in vegetables are produced in the same manner as the muscular fibres (of animals). Were the division of the spiral, or at least the separation, to be com- plete in some parts and not in others, the appearance would resemble that denominated the reticulated duct, and the ten- dency (as it is supposed) of vegetable fibre to anastomosis might be explained}.” By acting upon a spiral vessel with a spirituous solution of corrosive “sublimate, Dr. Barry pro- duces what he terms a double spiral, whose coils appear to interlace, and by their close contact to produce the appear- * Trans. of Royal Society of London, 1842, Part I. ¢ Through the kindness of Dr. M. Barry I have examined his prepara- tions exhibiting the interlacement of double spirals; but, although the ap- pearance presented in one or two of them is exactly similar to that which would be seen when a fibre formed in the manner described by him, and of the same size as his, was examined under the microscope, nevertheless there are one or two points which strongly militate against the idea of their being really double spirals. In one beautiful preparation made by Professor Sharpey from the tadpole, the upper portion of one of the fibrillee exhibited an apparent interlacement most distinctly, so much so, that I am sure no prejudiced eye even could have viewed this alone without coming to the con- clusion that it was formed in the manner described by Dr. Barry. But upon viewing the fibre lower down, the interlacing appearance was replaced by that of a rope wherein the fibres all took one oblique direction, leaving spaces between them. When this lower part was carefully brought in and out of focus, at first the cblique portions of fibre above described were seen, but afterwards no alteration would bring into focus the posterior portions of the coil, which satisfactorily convinced me that they were really not spiral fibres. When we examine spirals, however minute, from vegetables under the microscope, we can first bring into focus the upper portion of the coils, and then by depressing the object- glass distinctly perceive the lower ; but in the case of the specimen spoken of this could not be done. I cannot help believing that in this lower portion the fibre really has separated into discs, whose edges give the peculiar rope-like appearance; but I cannot explain the cause of the peculiar appearance of the upper portion. The fact of the fibres of muscles splitiing into discs, is, I think, a proof that they cannot be spirals. To break up into discs, the fibrillee must be weaker in one portion than an- other, and I have no doubt this weak part is opposite the dark line on the Ale where they are thinnest; but I do not believe the fibrils are beaded, I think they are merely transversely thinned opposite the dark portions, and that the beaded appearance is an optical illusion. the Pitied Tissue of Plants. 97 ance of transverse and elliptical pores and dots. he apparent pores or dots he believes to be no other than the spaces be- tween the winds of spirals contained within a tube. This theory appears to me totally inadequate to anything like a true explanation of the phenomena. In all dotted vessels, (excluding the true dotted ducts of Mohl, not alluded to by Dr. Barry,) traces of spiral formation or spiral fibre in some forms may always be met with; these vessels usually uncoil spirally, and when torn across, the dots appear as spaces be- tween the projecting teeth of the fibres. The fibres, accord- ing to my observations, never run longitudinally to the axis of the containing tube, but always spirally. Therefore, if such be the case, the two interlacing fibres composing the compound spiral must leave spaces whose axes are nearly parallel to the axis of the vessel, and therefore the dots ought to be nearly parallel to the same axis. But that such is not the case, I need not say. The views of Dr. Barry then are not consistent with experience, at least on the formation of dotted tissue. The tissue of which I speak is, I think, gene- rally acknowledged as a modification of true vascular tissue. The dots or pits are formed by spaces left between the fibres but covered by the membrane, so that the wall of the tube opposite the dots is formed by membrane alone; this may always be found in the younger tissue, but in the older tubes the membrane disappears, leaving them porous. These tubes are very common in Endogenous plants, herbaceous Eixogens, and ferns ; they are often mixed with spiral vessels and sometimes annular ducts. In some of the lower plants (Hquiseta, &c.) where these are afterwards found, they appear preceded by annular ducts only, spiral vessels being compa- ratively rare ; whilst in others, as Ferns, annular ducts are very rare, and the remains of the spiral fibre may always be found. In the higher plants we find them in all the stages of deve- lopment. ‘They are more abundant in the older than in the younger plants. The cause of the transformations from spiral vessels, and the regularity of arrangement of the dots of these tubes, depend entirely upon the pressure of the surrounding parts. Mohl has shown that this is the case with the true dotted ducts,.and I am convinced that it is the case with the tubes now under consideration ; but I believe that the arrangement of the dots of one tube opposite those of the next is not con- stant. When a spiral vessel has formed in a young plant, the rapid growth of the stem induces considerable pressure of the surrounding parts; the consequence is, that the con- vexity or paris of the surrounding vessels or cells opposite to the spiral vessel are pressed firmly against it, whilst opposite the intercellular and intervascular spaces the pressure is much Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 98 Dr. Griffith on the Formation of less; thus the fibre within the compressed spiral is bent into as many sides as there are surrounding and pressing vesicles or vessels. This is illustrated in fig. 14; accordingly, if the spiral fibre be examined at this period it will be found bent as above mentioned, and the natural curve of the fibre straightened. Opposite the intercellular or intervascular spaces, 7. e. at the bendings of the fibres, the latter become firmly adherent to the membrane, thickened and united to the fibres above and below. These thickened portions form the line of space run- ning between the rows of dots. The dots themselves are formed by the spaces left between the portions of the fibres opposite the convexity of the surrounding cells and vessels. Thus, when we examine the tubes at this stage, we find the membrane and fibre united so firmly that they are with great difficulty separated. The vegetable substance which fills up the intercellular spaces often also becomes firmly adherent to the membrane and fibre, so that when we dissect out these tubes from the surrounding parts we often find the remains of adherent portions which existed opposite the intercellular spaces; therefore the number and arrangement of the dots must depend entirely upon the surrounding vessels and cells. When the compressing and compressed tubes are equal in size, the dots extend nearly across the face or opposed side of the tube; and when several small tubes and vessels com- press a spiral so as to convert it into a dotted tube, the dots will be small and numerous. The observation of Schleiden, that, “in consequence of the deposition of formative substance, the pore appears the rounder the more the cell is developed,” is, 1 think, incorrect—I believe the reverse to be correct. The examination of the young and old stems of any plant con- taining these vessels will prove this. If the fibre be separated from the surrounding parts in the early stages, it will be found bent and thickened at the bendings; and oftentimes we can find portions of membrane &c. adhering as above mentioned. These vessels are generally observed in plants whose growth is rapid, so that in the older stems we cannot expect to find the arrangement persistent; but in a large number of plants it can readily be perceived, especially where the formation has not been completed. We can now readily account for the impression of a small tube sometimes observed as imprinted on a larger one; the black lines running between the dots and separating their rows is also readily explained. In making careful transverse and oblique sections of stems of the above- mentioned plants, we can readily perceive the appearances sketched in Pl. IV. fig.5, where @ represents the rows of dots corresponding to the projecting portion of the cell opposed to the forming tube. The bent appearance of the fibre within the die oe Es 5 an ee the Pitted Tissue of Plants. 99 tube gives the prismatic or angular appearance to many of these tubes, so readily perceived when two vessels press against each other. In some few cases a large number of very small cells appear to act in compressing as a single large one. When I first noticed the transitions above described I ima- gined they were confined to the Ferns only, but I have since found them applicable to all the plants above enumerated. A very common cause of the beaded appearance on the margins of tubes viewed under the microscope is their longitudinal sec- tion, so that the projecting extremities of the cut fibres pro- duce the peculiar appearance of beads. I cannot refrain here from making a few observations on the remarks made by Dr. Willshire* relative to the function of some starch particles, or of starch particles existing in the laticiferous vessels. He says, “ Dr. Barry has demonstrated the existence of primordial fibre or filament in bodies of ani- mal organization, and we shall endeavour to draw an analogy between some of his views with phenomena known to exist in the vegetable kingdom.” I think, that before any analogy be attempted to be drawn, the basis of that analogy ought to be established : this has certainly not been done in the present instance. The appearances observed by Dr. Barry in the blood, are, I think, totally misinterpreted ; and I am happy to find Dr. Willshire comparing the fibre of the blood-dise to a dark line on a piece of starch, for I am convinced that it is not a fibre at all. I believe the appearance alluded to is in all cases produced after the vitality of the blood is destroyed, and is dependent on physical causes alone for its production. The blood-discs are sacs containing the colouring matter of the blood and a liquid, which is most probably the same as the liquor sanguinis. Dr. Barry says, “the filaments may be discerned without any addition whatever, if the coagulation has begun, provided its appearance be familiar,” &c. I be- lieve that the sac is generally cracked at the time of the pro- duction of the fibre, and the contents coagulated, either by the causes producing the ordinary coagulation of the blood, or by the imbibition of a portion of corrosive sublimate when that is used. Moreover, I am at a loss to understand how the “ fibre” is primary or primordial. Dr. Barry says, “in the mature blood-corpuscle there is often to be seen a flat fila- ment or band already formed within the corpuscle.” “ This filament is formed of the discs within the corpuscle.” So that here we should have the discs performing the part of cytoblasts to the blood-corpuscle or cell, as in vegetables; and the fibre must be secondary, not primary. I think we are bound to believe that the appearances ob- * Annals of Nat. History, loc. cit. He2 100 Dr. Griffith on the Formation of servable in spiral vegetable fibres, mould, &c., simulating doubly interlacing spirals, are produced by the action of the corrosives employed, as these are not observable without their use; moreover, it is difficult to imagine that the walls of the cells of the lowest vegetable productions in the scale of or- ganization should be formed of spiral fibres, and a complexity of arrangement which seems almost exclusively to belong to the higher plants; nor do I helieve that nature in her con- stant simplicity would ever make use of so truly artificial an arrangement. A common appearance of double interlacement in muscular fibre results from the apposition of two fibres with oblique striz, asin Mr. Bostock’s preparations. As re- gards the existence of primary fibre in vegetables, I think no such productions exist. I am ata loss to conceive how the arrangement of particles about to form a fibre can be produced without their being enclosed within a sae filled with a fluid to allow of free motion of the particles. Were the spiral fibres cells, they might possess the power of growth by elongation, or formation of budding cells, &c. from the extremity of the old ones ; but this is not the case, they are always solid. More- over Mr. Quekett* has seen and described their mode of for- mation, and Iam not aware of, neither do I believe in, the ex- istence of any other mode than that described by him. The tissue of Stelis, brought by Meyen from Lucon, in which cells exist apparently formed of fibres only, ought to be referred to that variety described by Slack + where the membrane and fibre have been firmly consolidated. And the fibres on the testa of Collomia I am convinced are surrounded by a true cylindrical membrane with as defined an outline as that of any spiral ves- sel; the only difference between these fibres and their mem- br ane, and those of ordinary spiral vessels is, that in the former the membrane is never in approximation with the fibre, but distended with mucus, and their termination is not in a point as in ordinary spiral vessels; but the fibre breaks up into di- stinct rings, and I believe they are mere modifications of the spiral vessels similar to those on the testa of Ruellia and Acan- thodium, &c. The regularity of the relation of the fibre to the sheath in Collomia is much too constant to be regarded as simply mu- cus. In vegetable cells approaching nearest to those described by Meyen where the fibre apparently forms the entire cell, careful examination will nearly always detect evidences of the existence of both fibre and membrane. I think the great cause of “ primary vegetable fibre” being found, is the tissue being es HAE in much too advanced a state. I feel author- Transactions of Microscopical Society, vol. i. 1842. j oot aneactians of Soc. of Arts, vol, xlix. vm —s the Pitted Tissue of Plants. 101 ized in drawing trom the above considerations the following conclusions :— Ist. That the uniform dotted arrangement on the walls of the vasa spiroidea simply results from the pressure of the sur- rounding parts alone. 2nd. That the supposition of the starch particles being analogous in function to the blood-globules is unfounded; and that the black line seen upon the starch particles cannot, and does not, perform any such office as has been supposed. 3rd. That the imagined secondary formations from the blood-corpuscles are really misinterpreted appearances ; not vital but physical*. 9 St. John’s Square, Dec. 1842. EXPLANATION OF PLATE IV. Fig.1. Vessel from Typha latifolia, showing the dots extending nearly across the face of the tube from the pressure of one large similar tube or cell. Fig. 2. Origin of beaded appearance, i. e. the fibres cut across and project- ing. (7. latifolia.) Fig. 3. Same as 1 and 2. On the tube 4 two smaller tubes have pressed, whilst opposite a only one has existed. (7. latifolia.) Fig. 4. Tube from drundo Phragmites, showing ne results of the pressure of two of different sizes on one tube. , Fig. 5. From Aspidium Filix mas, a transverse section showing the dots op- posite the convexity of the projecting cells. Fig. 6. Projecting teeth, leaving spaces between them corresponding to the dot. (7. latifolia.) Fig. 7. Section of tube of the same, showing the dot to be formed of mem- brane only. Fig 8, Ring of an annular duct of Arundo Phragmites, which has been pressed upon by three surrounding cells or vessels, thickened at the bendings. Fig. 9. Tube from Pteris Aquilina, showing the impression of one tube upon another, and the dots on that portion corresponding to its breadth. Fig. 10. From Typha, showing adhering portions of surrounding cells or vessels. Fig. 11, Section of stem of Typha: cells similar to those at a, pressing upon and producing large dots; those similar in size to 6, b produce smaller ones, as at c. The interruptions to the regular arrangement, as at e, are caused by the abrupt terminations of the surrounding tubes, leaving spaces. Fig. 12. Tube from Typha, showing the loose fibres bent and thickened at the joints. Fig. 13. Diagram showing the spiral fibre pressed upon by surrounding ves- sels or cells, first stage. Fig. 14. Second stage. a, a, a, a, bendings of fibres corresponding to inter- cellular or intervascular spaces ; b, pressing cells. Fig. 15. Muscular fibre, showing what might be interpreted into an appear- ance of interlacing fibres when not quite in focus, (Bostock, Barry in Trans. of Royal Soc.) * I believe the tissues to be all reproduced by the transudation of the liquor sanguinis through the walls of the capillaries ; and that no blood- globules can ever leave the capillaries unless their walls be ruptured, which must always be the case in hemorrhage by “ simple exudation.” 102. Mr. W. Thompson on the Crustacea of Ireland. Fig. 16. interlacing double spirals, leaving spaces which afterwards become dots. (After Barry.) fig. 17. Same in a more advanced stage. (Id. doc. cit.) Fig. 18. Dotted duct thus perfected. (Barry, doc. cit.) Fig. 19. Fibres from 7. latifolia bent and thickened, in an advanced stage. Fig. 20. Dotted vessel from Arundo Donax, the black lines formed by ad- herent portions of vegetable matter which filled up the spaces se- parating the surrounding cells and vessels. Fig. 21. Dotted duct from Sambucus nigra. "gq. 22. Transverse section of dotted tube in Aspidium Filiz mas, showing the rows of dots corresponding to projecting portions of surround- ing cells. XVII.—The Crustacea of [reland. By Wu. THompson, Esq., Vice-Pres. Nat. Hist. Society of Belfast. [Continued from vol. x. p. 257.] Order Decapopa. 2nd Section. Decaropa ANOMOURA. Lithodes Maia, Leach, Mal. pl. 34. L. arctica, Hdw. Crust. t.ii. p. 186; Desm. Consid. Crust. p. 160. pl; 25. Horrid Crab, Penn. Brit. Zool. vol. iv. p. 6. pl. 8. f. 14, edition 1812. Templeton says of this species—‘* Found on the coast of the county Wexford: a specimen thence is in Trinity College Museum [Dublin}. It is called by the people craban.” I have not seen any Irish example of this crab, but am indebted to Dr. Wylie of Ballantrae, Ayrshire, for a very fine specimen which was taken in a herring-net there in the summer of 1838, in water from twenty to thirty fathoms in depth. It was brought to Dr. Wylie by the fishermen as a species which they had never before met with. Pagurus Bernhardus, Edw. Crust. t. i. p. 215; Penn. vol. iv. p. 30. pl. 18; Desm. p. 178. pl. 30: f. 2. P. streblonyx, Leach, Mal. pl. 26. f. 1—4. Hermit-crabs of this species are very common in univalve shells around the coast of Ireland. Leach mentions their ‘“ first occupying the shells of the common periwinkle or trochus”’ (Art. Crustaceology in Edin. Encyclop.) ; but some examples in my collection are much smaller than those contained in the species just named. They are in the Littorina retusa, Turritella terebra, and Nasa macula—univalves from this size up to that of the largest Buccina are commonly inha- bited by the P. Bernhardus: a specimen of this crab from the coast of Down, in my collection, is 65 inches in length. Samouelle speaks of the shell occupied by the Pagurus being ‘‘ destined to preserve the body from injury, and to guard them from the attacks of fishes, which would otherwise devour them.” Entom. Compend. p. 92. In this latter respect the shells are of little service, as I have remarked Paguri very commonly in the stomachs of various species of fishes, but especially in the omnivorous and voracious cod: all the mo- derate-sized and large hermit-crabs which have thus occurred to me Mr. W. Thompson on the Crustacea of Ireland. 103 must have been dragged from their shells, which, in no instance that I recollect, were found in the stomach of the fish along with them. One of these crabs inhabiting a Buccinum undatum was brought up alive in the dredge from a depth of fifty fathoms off the Mull of Galloway. See ‘ Annals,’ vol. x. p. 21. Pagurus Prideaux, Leach, Mal. pl. 26. f. 5 and 6. P. Prideauxii, Hdw. Crust. t. i. p. 216. Has been taken by Mr. Hyndman and myself when dredging in Strangford and Belfast loughs, and in the open sea off Dundrum, county Down, and in every instance occupying the shell invested by the Adamsia maculata (Actinia maculata, Adams). Leach states that ‘“‘ Mr. Prideaux has observed it in a vast variety of habitations, even in the tubes of the Dentalia and in the shell of Scaphander lig- narius { Bullalignaria}.” ‘To me this appears singular, for among the very numerous specimens of Paguriin my collection from all quarters of the Irish coast, and found inhabiting shells of various species, not a P. Prideauzii occurs, except in connection with the Actinia already named. This is a remarkable fact. ‘The connection of the two spe- cies is surely more than accidental. It may be further stated, that in the localities whence P. Prideauziti was obtained, P. Bernhardus is very common ; and in the loughs mentioned, a few individuals of two or three other species of Paguri have been procured. ‘* Pagurus erinaceus.” In the collection of Mr. J. V. Thompson is an Irish specimen of a Pagurus considered as undescribed, and so named by him. Porcellana platycheles, Edw. Crust. t. ii. p. 255; Desm. p. 195. pl. pats 1. Great-clawed crab, Penn. Brit. Zool. vol. iv. p. 9. pl. 6. f. 2. - This littoral crab seems to be a local species, but plentiful where it does occur ; Templeton notices it as found on the ‘‘ Whitehouse shore by Mr. James Grimshaw, Jun.” On the beach near Carrick- fergus, a few miles distant from that locality, it was procured in abundance in June 1835, by the late Mrs. Patterson of Belfast, who subsequently obtained it near Cultra, on the county Down shore of the bay. Mr. R. Ball states that this. species is very abundant on the shores of the county Dublin, and especially at Portmarnock : he remarks that in once turning over a large stone here in cold win- try weather, the under side was entirely covered with these crabs, “* packed as close to each other as tiles on a roof!” In June 1838, I found the P. platycheles in numbers beneath large stones at the island of Lambay, off the Dublin coast—on the Ist of this month, the females abounded in ova. At Lahinch, county Clare, this species occurred to Mr. E. Forbes and myself in July 1840, between tide- marks, and beneath the same stones P. longicornis was met with alive. Porcellana longicornis, Edw. Crust. t. ii. p. 257. Long-horned crab, Penn. Brit. Zool. vol. iv. p. 5. pl. 1. f. 3. This species chiefly inhabits deep water on our coasts, but in some localities lives on shores exposed at the ebb of every tide. It has been dredged up in abundance in the loughs of Strangford and Belfast, and in the open sea off the north-east coast of Ireland in 104. Mr. W. Thompson on the Crustacea of Ireland. 1834, and subsequently by Mr. Hyndman and myself. It is gene- rally found in connection with large shell-fish brought up from deep water, such as oysters, horse-mussels (Modiolus vulgaris) or clams (Pecten maximus), and shelters itself under any extraneous matter or natural roughness (as between the testaceous layers of an old oyster) suthcient for the purpose. Mr. R. Ball’s collection contains speci- mens from Youghal* and Dublin Bay :—on the shore of the island of Lambay I have taken it alive, as well as at Lahinch on the west- ern coast. Specimens of this crab have been sent me from the coast of Wig- tonshire, Scotland, by Captain Fayrer, R.N. Order Decapopa. érd Section. Decaropa Macroura. Galathea strigosa, Edw. Crust. t. ii. p. 273; Desm. p. 189. pl. 33. f. 1. G. spinigera, Leach, Mal. pl. 28 B. Plaited lobster, Penn. Brit. Zool. vol. iv. p. 24. pl. 15. Would appear to be distributed around the coast, but everywhere in very limited numbers. Templeton notes it as found at “ Bangor, co. Down, November 1819, and in the stomach of a cod-fish.” It is enumerated in Mr. J. V. Thompson’s catalogue, his specimen being probably from Cork. ‘lwo were captured by Mr. Hyndman and myself, when dredging in Strangford lough in October 1834 ; and others have subsequently been added to my cabinet from the rocky coast of Antrim, as from Island Magee ; Glenarm; the vicinity of the Giant’s Causeway ; one or two only from each place: at the last-named, a couple of individuals, which were brought to me alive in the month of June, were captured under stones at low water. The species may probably resort to the shallows to deposit their ova, which in these examples were ready for exclusion. The Ordnance collection contains the G. strigosa from Belfast bay. Mr. R. Ball has a specimen from Dublin bay :—its length of body is 43 inches; arm from basal insertion to end of claw 40 inches. In March 1835, a G. strigosa from Portpatrick was kindly sent to me by Captain Fayrer, R.N.; and on the beach at Newhaven, near Edinburgh, I once picked up a very large one, which had probably been thrown out.of some of the fishing- boats. At Ventnor, in the Isle of Wight, one which had been captured in a crab-pot was brought to me ; it was 54 inches in length from the points of the claws to the extremity of the tail-plates. Both the young and adult specimens in my cabinet are highly at- tractive, from still retaining their fine red and bright blue markings. Galathea rugosa, Leach, Mal. pl. 29; Edw. Crust. t. 1. p. 274. Astacus Bamffius, Long-clawed lobster, Penn. Brit. Zool. vol. iv. p. 23. pl. 24. Is noticed as Irish by Mr. J. V. Thompson. The specimens which I have seen were mostly found in the stomach of the cod-fish. Dr. * Mr. J. V.Thompson mentions a “species of Porcellana” being in “abundance in the deep water of the harbour of Cove.” Ent. Mag. vol. iii. p- 275. The Irish species contained in his collection (Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin) is the P. /ongicornis—it is named P. Linneana, Mr. W. Thompson ox the Crustacea of Ireland. 105 J. L. Drummond thus obtained two of them from fish brought to Belfast market. In a cod taken near Carrickfergus, I once found a fine male G. rugosa; its length of body from base of eyes to extre- mity of tail-plates, 3 inches; its arm from base to point of claw, 53 inches. Another individual was found in the mouth of a haddock captured at Killough, county Down. Mr. R. Ball in one instance pro- cured three specimens from the stomach of a cod taken at Youghal. Dr. Leach remarks “that the G. rugosa appears to be a very rare species in Britain,” and so may it likewise be considered on the Irish coast. It is probably one of those species not to be found in numbers anywhere. A G. rugosa has been kindly sent to me from Portpatrick by Cap- tain Fayrer, R.N. Several small individuals were dredged alive in water from 110 to 140 fathoms in depth off the Mull of Galloway. See ‘Annals,’ vol. x. p. 23. None of them exceeded 1} inch in length of body. Among the genera of Crustacea which possess a luminous pro- perty when living, Galathea is included, and the species particu- larized is the G.amplectens, Fabricius (McCulloch’s West. Isles, Scotland, vol. ii. p. 192), observed by Sir Joseph Banks on the coast of Brazil. It is perhaps not worth remarking, that in a dead speci- men of G.rvgosa I observed the same property. On the evening of the second day after it had been kept ina warm room, the entire soft portion of its under surface was highly luminous. Galathea squamifera, Leach, Mal. pl. 28 A; Edw. Crust. t. ii. p. 275. Is marked Irish in Mr. J. V. Thompson’s catalogue. It is our most common species of Galathea, and is found on all sides of the island. It is not uncommonly dredged up by us in the loughs of Strangford and Belfast, the specimens being generally of a small size. In the Ordnance collection are examples from Portrush, near the Giant’s Causeway. At Lahinch, county Clare, two of the G. squamifera were procured by us under stones between tide-marks. Specimens from Youghal and the western coast are in Mr. R, Ball’s collection. Captain Fayrer, R.N., has favoured me with this species from Portpatrick. Galathea neva, Embleton, Proceedings Berwickshire Club, p.71. pl. i. “ Thave found it in the stomachs of cod-fish brought from the coasts of Down and Antrim to Belfast market; and in Dr. Drummond’s collection are specimens which were similarly procured. A compa- rison of one of these with an original specimen in Dr. Johnston’s possession, proved (what from its agreement with the description and figure I had previously little doubt of) the identity of the species.” — W. T. in ‘ Annals,’ vol. v. p. 255. Palinurus vulgaris, Leach, Mal. pl. 30; Edw. Crust. t. ii. Dp 292:; Desm. p. 184. pl. 32. Astacus homarus, Penn. Brit. Zool. vol. iv. p. 22. pl. 12. The spiny lobster is found sparingly on the north, but commonly on the south coast. Smith in his ‘ History of Kerry’ remarks that one side of Dingle bay “is noted for having very large cray-fish ;” and 106 Mr. W. Thompson on the Crustacea of Ireland. in his ‘ History of Cork’ states that ‘‘ we have of them in great plenty from one to six or eight pounds weight on the south coast of Ire- land.” Rutty, in his ‘ Natural History of the County of Dublin,’ says of the Palinurus, “this, though common on their tables at Cork, and a more delicate food than the lobster, is rare in Dublin, though sometimes brought to our market from Munster, and some- times from England.” Mr. R. Ball informs me that it is still oc- casionally brought to Dublin, and that it is at the present time rather commonly taken at Youghal along with lobsters, and of the size no- ticed by Leach—from 18 to 20 inches in length of body. It is consi- dered coarse food at the last-named place. A specimen obtained many years ago at Magilligan, county Londonderry, is in Mr. Hyndman’s collection: one or two have subsequently been procured there by the Ordnance Survey, as well as on the coast of Donegal. A speci- men captured in a crab-pot at Carrickfergus is preserved in the Bel- fast museum. Callianassa subterranea, Leach, Mal. pl. 32; Edw. Crust. t.11. p.309; Desm. p. 205. pl. 36. f. 2. Cancer Astacus subterraneus, Mont. Linn. Trans. vol. ix. p. 88. pl. 3. fed he Galas «« March 25, 1839.—On examining the contents of the stomach of several individuals of the Platessa Pola, which were taken early this morning off Newcastle (county Down), two of the larger arms of this species, so peculiar in form and still retaining their beautiful pink colour, were detected*.”—W. T. in ‘ Annals,’ vol. v. p. 256. Astacus fluviatilis, Edw. Crust. t. . p. 330. Craw-fish, Penn. Brit. Zool. vol. iv. p. 24. pl. 16. f. 1. Inhabits the rivers in many parts of Ireland, but is generally stated to have been introduced to its recorded haunts from other quarters. Thus, Rutty in his ‘Natural History of Dublin’ remarks, “ It has been sometimes found in this county, chiefly in gentlemen’s ponds, and lately in the river near Finglass; but said to have been brought thither from Munster.’”’ In an essay on the parish of Tem- plepatrick, written in 1824, it was stated, that “ the lady of the late Arthur Upton introduced a stranger into our river called craw-fish. It was put into the brook at Templepatrick ; it descended the Six- mile water, where it found a situation perfectly suited to its na- ture, deep water and banks of loam, which they excavate as lodgings for themselves and their young; they have increased to a very great multitude.” This locality is about ten miles distant from Belfast. The date of the introduction of the cray-fish unfortunately is not given, nor are we informed whence they were brought. About thirty years before the essay was written, as I am informed by a venerable friend, cray-fish were plentiful some miles farther up the river than * A species named “ Thalassina Montagui’’ appears as Irish in Mr. J. V.Thompson’s catalogue. It may be presumed to have been considered by that gentleman a new species, although ‘‘n.d.’’ is not prefixed to it as in other cases of non-descripts. Only one species of this genus,—the 7’. scor- pioides, a native of Chili,—is noticed in M. Edwards’s Hist. des Crustaces (t. ii. p. 316). Mr. W. Thompson on the Crustacea of Ireland. 107 where they are said to have been introduced. ‘They were obtained in drains connected with the river near Doagh, and were not sought for as a marketable commodity, but served up at the table of the Antrim Hunt, to gratify the special palate of one of the knightly members of that body. About Florence Court, county Fermanagh, the cray-fish is abundant, but to this locality also, Lord Enniskillen tells me that the species is said to have been introduced many years ago from Queens-county :—of the correctness of this, as in former cases, there is no proof. About two years ago, however, I had ‘ocular demonstration’ of the introduction of the cray-fish into a pond at Lismoyne, the seat of a relative near Belfast. Early in September 1840, supplies taken in a small river in the county of Kildare were from time to time forwarded by the coach from Dub- lin to Belfast, and arrived in tolerable condition on the second day after capture; sometimes all were alive and apparently in good health ; at others, perhaps one-fourth would be sickly or dead. At this period none contained ova, but a supply sent forward in the middle of November had them well-developed. It may be worth mentioning that these cray-fish were captured by a man wading up to his middle in the river, and thrusting his hands into their burrows in the banks—the water must be low at the time to render the holes visible. When caught they are generally put in a bag contain- ing a little hay, and by being kept cool will live a few days out of the water. They are likewise taken in numbers by baiting with chickens’ entrails a common creel or basket, which is let down by a rope to the bottom of the river in the evening, and next morning is pulled up so quickly, that the contained cray-fish having no time for escape are all captured. Templeton says of the Ast. fluviatilis that it ‘“‘inhabits several of our lakes and rivers; near Antrim, in the Six-mile water; in great abundance in a lake near Tullahan, county Monaghan.” About Bal- libay and Glaslough in this county it is now said to be met with. About Kill lake, lough Sheehan, &c. in the neighbouring county of Cavan it is found*. Mr. R. Ball states that the cray-fish is taken in the Royal Canal, about twelve miles from Dublin. Mr. Patrick Doran, a well-known and intelligent collector of ob- jects of natural history, gives me the following account of cray- fish as observed by him in Killymoon river, near Cookstown, county Tyrone, when the water was very low. ‘They ascend from the * In Mr. Hyndman’s cabinet there is a specimen of a cray-fish consider- ably smaller and more delicately proportioned than the 4. fluviatilis, and apparently a different species. It is believed by him to be Irish, but of this he is not certain. A very intelligent lady who saw the specimens above alluded to from Kildare—and which were the ordinary 4. fluviatilis—re- marked on their being much larger than those she had been accustomed to see in county Cavan. On Mr. Hyndman’s Astacus being shown, it was stated that of the quantities which she had seen served up at table, none were ever larger. They were taken in one of the tributaries to lough Shee- han, about 13 mile above the lake, and eight miles from the town of Cavan. I have as yet been unable to obtain cray-fish from this locality. Silence would perhaps have been more judicious, than the introduction of matter of this kind without any positive evidence, 108 Mr. W. Thompson on the Crustacea of Ireland. deeper to the shallow parts to spawn. It is the office of the males to cater for the young. He has seen them catch minute fish and Gammari, bring them to the female and young, and break the fish up in pieces for the latter, so as to muddy the water in the process. On being disturbed, both sexes gather the young under their tails ‘as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings,” but a singular difference prevails between the sexes with regard to their manner of protecting their progeny. The male on being lifted out of the water retains the young under his tail ; but the female on being captured, wiser than her lord, slaps them from her into their native element with great force, thus producing an effect which is likened by my informant to “‘a shower of rain upon the surface.” He has repeat- edly witnessed this different procedure of the two sexes. Mr. R. Ball supplies me with the following note :—“ Some years ago I kept a cray-fish for a considerable time in a shallow glass ves- sel, about 20 inches in diameter, and containing about two inches depth of water. This animal gradually acquired great viciousness, and would eagerly attack the fingers of any one who chose to put them within his range, pursuing the intruding digits round the boun- daries of his demesne. After he had been thus a year in my posses- sion, I was one day surprised to see a second cray-fish in the vessel, but on taking the intruder in my hand (believing it to have been placed in the vessel by a waggish relative) it proved to be the exuvie of my old friend so perfect as to present his exact counterpart. Instead of his usual boldness, he now exhibited the most remarkable timidity, which continued for three or four days. He was at first quite soft and appeared considerably larger than usual, but gradually grew firmer, and on the fifth day felt to the touch as hard as usual, and advanced with open pincers to the attack of my finger, though evi- dently not without some little doubtfulness of his powers. Before the end of the week he was himself again, came on more boldly than ever and with greater effect, as his weapons were much sharper. He lived nearly two years with me, and during the whole time received no food excepting one or two worms. The water was never changed, but some was occasionally added merely to supply the loss by eva- poration. I had found by previous experiments that cray-fish placed in pans with much water died, while those which were merely co- vered, or in such a manner that they could raise a portion of their bodies above the surface, lived as long as they were taken care of.” Homarus vulgaris, Edw. Crust. t. i. p. 334. Astacus marinus, Desm. p. 211. pl. 41. f. 1. A, gammarus, Penn. Brit. Zool. vol. iv. p. 14. pl. 11. Lobsters are in plenty around the rocky shores of Ireland. From the iron-bound north-eastern coast, great quantities of them are now sent by the regularly plying steamers to Glasgow. About Dublin, Mr. R. Ball informs me that the flounder (Platessa flesus) is used as bait for the lobster; and at Youghal, that the best plaice ( Platessa vulgaris), which would bring a good price at market, are cut up for the same purpose. The lightest looking and most tasteful lobster-pot that I have seen Mr. W. Thompson on the Crustacea of Ireland. 109 is that used at the South Islands of Arran (off Galway bay). It is of the form and about the size of a tenor-drum. ‘The frame-work consists simply of asmall hoop at each end fastened to three almost equally light but tough pieces of wood, so as to present the drum form ; over all a net is stretched, having an opening in the centre of each end. ‘The bait used is fish. Nephrops Norvegicus, Leach, Mal. pl. 36; Edw. Crust. t. i. p. 336 ; Desm. p. 213. pl. 37. f. 1. Norway Lobster, Penn. Brit. Zool. p. 23. pl. 13. f. 1. Templeton says of this—‘‘a rare species, but sometimes found in Belfast lough.” I have heard of its being taken near Portaferry about the entrance to Strangford lough, and that it has been procured in numbers off Dundrum on the Down coast, but specimens have not come under my observation from any of these localities. It is brought in great quantities to Dublin as an article of food, and is chiefly used by the poorer people. Mr. R. Ball informs me that the species is very numerous in Dublin bay, near the Pigeon House, and that hence the town is supplied: he has taken the Nephrops along with echini and star-fish from the stomachs of cod bought in Dublin. _ Specimens have been obligingly sent to me from the island of Holyhead (Wales) by Captain Fayrer, R.N. Crangon vulgaris, Leach, Mal. pl. 37 B; Edw. Crust. t. ii. p. 341; Desm. p. 218. pl. 38: f. 1. Astacus crangon, Penn. Brit. Zool. p. 26. pl. 16. f. 2. The shrimp, being an article of food, is noticed in several of our old county histories. It is common on the sandy shores and adjacent saline marshes from north to south of Ireland. The western shore of Belfast bay was many years ago of a hard sandy nature, so as to admit of being ridden over by persons on horseback. At that period, as I am informed, shrimps abounded there, and were regularly sought for as objects of sale. At present this same part of the shore is soft and oozy, and the shrimps so very limited in number and small in size that they are never looked after. Although this species chiefly frequents sandy shores, I have occasionally seen it brought up in the dredge from deep water and at a considerable distance from land, in the loughs of Strangford and Belfast. Mr. R. Ball mentions that shrimps, though taken in large quantities at Youghal, are held in little esteem, but that the prawn (Palemon serratus), caught abun- dantly at spring-tides, is much thought of—this latter is called “shrimp ”’ there ; the former the “gray shrimp:’’ this term is also used in Smith’s ‘History of the County of Cork,’ written nearly a century since. ** Pontophilus spinosus,”’ Leach, Mal. pl. 37. Crangon cataphractus, dw. Crust. t. ii. p. 3438. In Mr. J. V. Thompson’s collection there is a specimen bearing the former name, and marked as Irish. It is much to be regretted that the notice of the Irish Crustacea in this collection (now in the College of Surgeons, Dublin,) is limited to a single letter, the initial 110 Mr. W. Thompson on the Crustacea of Ireland. “‘]”’ simply indicating them, as ‘“‘F”’ does the foreign species. The native specimens were, I believe, chiefly derived from the harbour of Cove, whence those were brought upon which that naturalist founded his highly important and celebrated ‘ Researches into the Metamor- phoses of the Crustacea.’ “ Processa (vel Nika) canaliculata.” Irish examples of this species are in Mr. J. V. Thompson’s col- lection. Athanas nitescens, Leach, Mal. pl. 44; Edw. Crust. t. ii. p. 366. A single specimen was found under a stone between tide-marks at Lahinch, county Clare, by Mr. E. Forbes and myself in July 1840, as noticed in the seventh volume of this Journal. Hippolyta varians, Leach, Mal. pl. 38. f. 6-16; Edw. Crust. t. il. pod). Is an inhabitant of deep water around the coast. Mr. J. V. Thompson’s collection contains Irish specimens. This species has been dredged in Belfast and Strangford loughs by Mr. Hyndman and myself, and was similarly procured by our party in July 1840, in Clew and Roundstone bays on the western coast. In Dalkey Sound, Dublin bay, an H. varians ? was taken by us in the dredge. «* Hippolyte Cranchi ” Is marked in Mr. J. V. Thompson’s collection as Irish. Pandalus annulicornis, Leach, Mal. pl. 40; Edw. Crust. t. 11. p. 384; Desm. p. 220. pl. 38. f. 2. Is in Mr. J. V. Thompson’s collection. The species has been taken commonly by Mr. Hyndman and myself in the rock-pools ac- cessible at low-water throughout the Down coast, and has been dredged by us in deep water on the north-east coast, and in Killery bay, Connemara. Mr. R. Ball has specimens from the shores about Dublin. Palemon serratus, Leach, Mal. pl. 43. f. 1; Edw. Crust. t. i. p. 389; Desm. p. 234. pl. 40. f. 1. Astacus serratus, Penn. Brit. Zool. vol. iv. p. 25. pl. 17. f. 1. The prawn, an article of human consumption, is noticed in some of our old county histories, as Harris’s ‘ Down,’ Smith’s ‘ Cork and Waterford,’ Rutty’s ‘Dublin.’ The last author says, apparently * with reference to this species, that ‘‘ it was formerly frequent on our coast, but the frost in 1740 destroyed many of them”’! vol. i. p. 379. Templeton speaks of it as ‘‘ once common in Belfast lough; now rare.’ Some years ago I obtained from this locality a very large specimen, which was taken in a lobster-pot at the entrance of the bay. Here the species has more lately been obtained by the collectors attached to the Ordnance Survey, who likewise procured it at Port- rush near the Giant’s Causeway. Mr. R. Ball states that at Youghal, * He refers to Rondeletius for the species meant, a work which I have not at present to consult. Mr. A. H. Hassall on Marine Zoophytes. | prawns are taken only during the first quarter of flood-tide, and then plentifully : at the South Islands of Arran he captured numbers of them in the summer of 1835, and out of about fifty, found three with Bopyri attached.—See ‘ Annals,’ vol. v. p. 256. Palemon squilla, Leach, Mal. pl. 43. f. 11-13; Edw. Crust. t. ii. p. 390. Templeton notices this species as ““ common on the shore of Belfast lough.” It is of frequent occurrence in rock-pools throughout the range of the Down coast, and is likewise occasionally taken in deep water with the dredge. .I have met with it commonly in rock-pools about Ballantrae, Ayr- shire. Palemonvarians, Leach, Mal. pl. 43. f. 14-16; Edw. Crust. t. ii. p.391. A few examples have been procured in Belfast and Strangford loughs by Dr. Drummond and myself. Leach remarks that the Astacus squilla of Pennant may be his P. varians. “< Palemon Leachii’ Is the name attached by Mr. J.V.Thompson to an Irish specimen in his collection. Pasiphaé Sivado, Risso, Hist. Nat. Eur. Mérid. t. v. p. 81, ed. 1826; Edw. Crust. t. 1. p. 426. “In the British Museum there is a specimen so named, and labelled ‘Ireland.’ From the donor, the Rev. James Bulwer, I learned that it was taken by him in the vicinity of Dublin.’—W. T. in ‘ Annals,’ vol. v. p. 256. [To be continued. } XVIII.—Remarks on three species of Marine Zoophytes. By Arruur Hiui Hassatt, Esq. Antennularia arborescens. Polypidom arborescent, arising from a tangled mass of tubular root-like filaments by a single trunk, which subsequently divides and subdivides into numerous branches; branch- lets verticillate, long; cells tubular, not separated from each other by one or more small cup-like processes, as are those of Antennularia antennina. In the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History,’ vol. vi. p. 168, pl. 5, I have described and figured an Antennularia which I con- ceived to be distinct from the common A. antennina, and which I then conjectured to be identical with the Antennularia ramosa of Lamarck. The opinion originally entertained of its specific distinctness has recently been confirmed by some observations of Mr. J. Macgillivray, recorded in the ninth vol. of the ‘ Annals,’ by whom many specimens have been found at Aberdeen, agreeing in all respects with my de- scription; but I have since seen reason to discard the notion of its identity with Lamarck’s Antennularia ramosa, whose description of 112 Mr. A. H. Hassall on Marine Zoophytes. that species, which is probably nothing more than the common branched condition, not worthy of being considered as a variety, of Aniennularia antennina, contains no reference to the two chief specific characters of my species, viz. the circumstance of the polypidom arising by a single trunk, and the absence of the small tubular pro- cesses placed between the proper polype-bearing cells present in A. antennina. I propose, therefore, to designate my species Antennu- laria arborescens, a term which expresses one of its peculiarities. Alcyonidium glomeratum. Polypidom massive, of no very defined outline ; colour a deep uniform red, the shade of which approaches to vermilion. I have lately been informed by Dr. Johnston that the Alcyonidium rubrum of Miiller is very different from the deep red Alcyonidium referred to by me in the seventh vol. of the ‘ Annals of Natural His- tory,’ and which I supposed to be identical with that zoophyte. Although not the 124 Mr. Lovell Reeve on the Pearly Nautilus. trivance the volume and comparative buoyancy of its shell to keep pace with the surrounding pressure, which naturally in- creases in intenseness as the subject increases in bulk; the other having a different medium to combat with, namely, the outward increase of the coral in which it is imbedded, leaves its spiral plan of construction to pursue a straight growth, and, raising itself forward, fills the vacated portion of the shell with an extraordinary secretion of solid matter. If the Ma- gilus had advanced by a deposit of transverse septa, instead of solidifying its shell, the increase of the madrepore might have crushed it; and if the Nautilus had advanced by the solidify- ing of its shell instead of by the deposit of transverse septa, it would have produced an incumbrance incompatible with its locomotive faculties. We are now brought to the consideration of the habits of the Nautilus. It is evidently, as Mr. Owen expresses it, “a ground-dwelling animal,” creeping along the bottom of the sea, with hood and tentacles, at a tolerably quick pace ; and the shell, being above its head, must greatly assist the animal in its movements, from a tendency to float. It is not impro- bable but that the Nautilus may use a certain hydrostatic in- fluence over the branchial cavity to enable it to rise to the surface. Valenciennes says, “ Jl nage avec facilité dans le sein des eaux en faisant sortir avec force la grande quantité d'eau contenue dans sa cavité branchiale.” And the testimony of Rumphius in respect to its capacity of floating, cited by Mr. Owen, is of so much interest, considering the time in which it was written, that we venture to repeat it. “When he thus floats on the water, he puts out his head, and all his barbs (tentacles), and spreads them upon the water with the poop (of the shell) above; but at the bottom he creeps in the reverse position, with his boat above him, and with his head and barbs upon the ground, making* a tolerably quick progress. He keeps himself chiefly upon the ground, creep- ing sometimes also into the nets of the fishermen ; but after a storm, as the weather becomes calm, they are seen in troops floating on the water, being driven up by the agitation of the waves: whence one may infer that they congregate in troops at the bottom. This sailing, however, is not of long continu- ance; for having taken in all their tentacles, they upset their boat, and so return to the bottom.” This account, published at Amsterdam more than a hundred years ago, is mainly au- thenticated ; but it may still be a little exaggerated, for the * By force of gravity probably. Mr. Goodsir on Vegetable Organisms in the Stomach. 125 Nautili have never since been found floating in troops, nor exercising the bold familiarity, above-mentioned, of walking into the fisherman’s nets. The natural history of this mollusk is important to the zoologist, but far more so to the geologist. The mysterious nature of those polythalamous tenants of a former world, the Ammonites and their multifarious congeners, is at length de- monstrated by the discovery of the Nautilus, a solitary living remnant, proving that the vast assemblage of those organic remains so abundant in our secondary formations must have belonged to animals who once dwelt in full activity and vigour at the bottom of the ocean, constructing a discoidal shell by force of gravity, and hermetically sealing the vacated portion of it as they increased in bulk, to give them buoyancy under the surrounding pressure*. XXIII.—History of a Case in which a Fluid periodically ejected from the Stomach contained Vegetable Organisms of an undescribed form. By Joun Goopsir, Esq., Conser- vator of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh f. Tue case detailed by Mr. Goodsir is that of a young man, aged 19, who had laboured for four months under stomach complaint, ac- companied with the ejection of a peculiar acid fluid from the stomach. The fluid passed from the stomach every morning without any effort of vomiting. On examining the ejected fluid with the microscope, peculiar organisms were detected, in the form of square or slightly oblong plates. ‘‘ The flat surfaces were divided into four secondary squares by two rectilinear transparent spaces, which, passing from side to side, intersected one another in the centre, like two cross garden-walks. Each of the four secondary squares was again divided by similarly arranged, but more feebly developed spaces, into four ternary squares. The sixteen ternary squares thus constituted, when examined with deeper powers, were seen to consist each of four cells, which were not separated by transparent spaces, but simply by dissepiments formed by the conjunction of the walls of contiguous cells. These sixty-four cells, of which the organism consisted, did not present in perfect individuals distinct nuclei.” ‘The whole or- ganism had the appearance of a wool-pack, or of a soft bundle bound with cord, crossing it four times at right angles and at equal di- stances: hence Mr. Goodsir gives it the name of Sarcina. He con- siders it to be of a vegetable nature, and to be allied to some of the * “The Nautilus,” says Prof. Owen, “is the living, and perhaps sole living archetype of a vast tribe of organized beings, whose fossilized remains testify their existence at a remote period, and in another order of things.” + From the Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, No. 151. nee 126 ~=Dr. Bennett on Parasitic Vegetable Structures. species of Gonium, more particularly Gonium hyalinum, glaucum, and tranquillum. The genus Gonium, as at present constituted, he thinks consists both of animal and vegetable species. The following are the generic characters of Sarcina :—‘ Plants coriaceous, transparent, consisting of sixteen, or sixty-four four- celled square frustules, arranged parallel to one another in a square transparent matrix.” The species under consideration is denominated by Mr. Goodsir Sarcina ventriculi, and is thus defined: ‘‘ Frustules sixteen; colour light brown ; transparent matrix very perceptible between the frus- tules, less so around the edges ; size 800 to 1000 of an inch. Hab. The human stomach.” A perfect individual Sarcina consists then “ of sixty-four ultimate cells, but as soon as each of these again divides into, or produces four new cells, the individual becomes composite, and may forthwith divide into four young ones, each of these again to undergo the same quaternary division.’’ ‘The parts of the individuals are arranged in the square; these parts increase in numbers in a geometrical pro- gression, and the species propagates according to the same law, four in the first generation, sixteen in the second, sixty-four in the third, 256 in the fourth, 1024 in the fifth, and so on with a rapidity pe- culiar to such a series of numbers. The liquid of the stomach in which the Sarcina was found, was analysed by Dr. George Wilson, Lecturer on Chemistry in Edinburgh ; he found three acids in it,— hydrochloric, acetic, and lactic. The first was present in very small quantity, while the two others (more especially the acetic) were abundant. Since the publication of Mr. Goodsir’s paper, similar organisms have been detected in other cases of stomach complaint by Dr. J. H. Davidson and Mr. Benjamin Joseph Bell, of Edinburgh. XXIV.—On the Parasitic Vegetable Structures found growing in Living Animals. By J. H. Bennett, M.D* Tue objects of this memoir, as stated by the author, are—* Ist, to confirm and extend the observations and experiments of Gruby concerning the mycodermatous vegetations found in the crusts of the disease called Tinea favosa, or Porrigo lupinosa of Bateman; 2nd, to announce the occasional existence, and describe a plant found growing on the lining membrane or cheesy matter of tubercular ca- vities in the lungs of man; 3rd, to describe the structure of a plant found growing on the skin of the gold-fish ; and 4th, from a review of all the facts hitherto recorded in connexion with this subject, to draw certain conclusions respecting the pathological state which furnishes the conditions necessary for the growth of fungi in living animals.” * In the Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, vol. xv. Bibliographical Notices. 127 Dr. Bennett has traced the growth of mycodermatous vegetations in several cases of Tinea, and has given figures to show the appear- ances they present. He thinks that they spring up originally below, or in the thickness of the cuticle: they consist of small articulated filaments containing sporules. The author endeavoured to propagate the disease by introducing the sporules into his arm and scalp, but he did not succeed in causing the piants to germinate on parts dif- ferent from those which originally produced them. A plant of a similar nature, consisting of jointed filaments and sporules, was de- tected by Dr. Bennett in the lungs of a man who died of tubercular consumption. ‘The vegetations were seen on dissection, but were also detected in the sputa freshly expectorated during life. The plant is allied to Penicillium glaucum. A similar structure was seen in the sordes collected on the teeth and gums of persons labouring under typhus fever. Dr. Bennett and Mr. Goodsir* have both examined the vegetations found occasionally growing on the gold-fish (Cyprinus auratus). These consist of elongated cells presenting the appearance of long jointed tubes, and of fine filaments arising from the sides of the cel- lular tubes. Numerous instances are mentioned in different tribes of animals, as mollusca, insects, fishes, birds, and mammalia, in which vegetations have been detected during life, and copious references are given to the works in which the cases are detailed. From all the facts which the author has been able to collect, he thinks it pro- bable—“‘ Ist, that these vegetations always arise in living animals previously diseased; 2nd, that their presence indicates great de- pression of the vital powers, and impairment of the nutritive func- tions of the ceconomy; 3rd, that the peculiar constitution or ca- chexia favourable to their growth is the tubercular or scrofulous in the mammalia, birds, and fishes, and most probably in reptiles and insects ; and 4th, that the therapeutic indications are to invi- gorate the system, and to use locally, if possible, such applications as tend to destroy vegetable life.” The paper is one of great interest, and is worthy of an attentive perusal. Further observations on the subject of the vegetable nature of Tinea favosa will be found in the ‘ Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal’ for June 1842. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. A History of British Starfishes, and other Animals of the Class Echi- nodermata. By Edward Forbes, M.W.S., For. Sec. B.S., &c. Tuts book is one of that fair sisterhood of natural-history publica- tions, for which we are indebted to Van Voorst. We had intended, immediately on the completion of the work, to have introduced it to * See Annals, vol. ix. p. 333. 128 Bibliographical Notices. the notice of our readers, and have given them, as best we could, a knowledge of the kind of information which it contained, and of the manner in which that information had been communicated. But an editor, alas! like still greater potentates, is dependent on his allies, and not until now have we succeeded in obtaining that co-operation and assistance which the fulfilment of our design required. We shall therefore endeavour by a careful analysis, and by extracts more copious than we generally give, to make amends to our readers for our delay in making them acquainted with a work of such originality and value ; one which has elicited the encomiums of Professor Agassiz, who, among living naturalists, is perhaps the one best qualified to appre- ciate its merits*. The following passages from the introduction state precisely what portion of the animal kingdom is treated of under the term Echino- dermata :— “The Echinodermata constitute one of the three great classes into which the Radiata are divided. The Radiate type presents us with animals which either have their parts arranged in a ray-like manner round a common centre, or have their bilaterality so modified as to give them a star-like form. The Zoophytes, the Medusz, and the creatures to which this volume is de- voted, constitute the type. ‘The Echinodermata are most highly organized, much more so than the Polypes; they are almost all free animals, creeping about at the bottom of the sea; and as the greater number of species are covered with a coriaceous skin, which is commonly strengthened by calca- reous plates or spines, they have derived their general appellation from that remarkable character, which at once distinguishes them from the Meduse, free swimming animals of the most delicate and membranous texture.” “The system most characteristic of the Radiate type is the Aquiferous, or apparatus for a water circulation ; indeed, it can scarcely he said to exist in any of the other types. It is chiefly developed in the Arachnodermata and Echinodermata, and in the last is intimately connected with the movements of the animals ; for it is by means of this water circulation that the suckers or cirrbi are enabled to act as organs of progression. In many species of the most typical group, that of Echinide, we find a portion of the dermato- skeleton turned in, as it were, to form arches for the protection of the water- canals, thus evidencing their great importance in those creatures. Among the Annelidous Echinodermata, however, the aquiferous system seems alto- gether to disappear. “ On the modifications of this characteristic system, its presence or ab- sence, and its combination with the tegumentary system for purposes of mo- tion, I have founded my arrangement of the Echinodermata. I look upon the Echinodermata and Arachnodermata as two parallel groups, and hold it as a law that the divisions of parallel groups should be based on a common principle.” In accordance with this view the author proposes the following ar- rangement :— Order [. Prynicrapa. Crinoipex—First appearance of cirrhi, spring- ing from brachial membranes, which, with the true arms, form the organs of motion. * See Ann. Nat. Hist. vol. ix. p. 189. Bibliographical Notices. 129 Order If. Sprxtarapa. Opururtpx—Disappearance of brachial mem- branes, cirrhi as before; true arms clothed with spines for motion. III. Crrruierapa. Asterrap#z—Arms disappear; body more or less lobed, and lobes channeled beneath for cirrhi, which act as suckers, and are the organs of motion. IV. Crrrur-Srinicrapa. Ecuinrpz — Gradual disappearance of lobes; cirrhiferous canals appearing as avenues where cirrhi act as in Order III., but are assisted by mobile spines clothing the integument. V. Crrrui-Vermicrapa. Horotnur1ap£—Lobes disappear ; mo- tions affected by avenues of cirrhi, assisted by contraction and extension of the soft body. VI. Vermicrapa. Sipuncutip#—Cirrhi become obsolete and dis- appear ; motion effected by the contraction and extension of the animal’s body. ‘« All the Radiata,” it is remarked, ‘‘ are greatly influenced in the arrangement of their parts by some definite number. In the Echi- nodermata the reigning number is five. The name of ‘ five-fingers,’ commonly applied by mariners to the Starfishes, is founded on a po- pular recognition of the number regnant.” “ Every plate of the Sea-Urchin is built up of pentagonal particles. The skeletons of the digestive, the aquiferous, and the tegumentary systems, equally present the quinary arrangement ; and even the cartilaginous frame- work of the disk of every sucker is regulated by this mystic number. When the parts of Echinoderms deviate from it, it is always either in consequence of the abortion of certain organs, or it is a variation by representation, that is to say, by the assumption of the regnant number of another class. Thus do monstrous Starfishes and Urchins often appear quadrate, and have their parts fourfold, assuming the reigning number of the Actinodermata, con- sistent with a law in which I put firm trust, that when parallel groups vary numerically by representation they vary by interchange of their respective numbers.” We pass by the excellent tables showing the distribution of spe- cies, both in regard to the zones of the sea and the coasts of the Bri- tish Isles, and proceed to the consideration of the several orders into which the Echinodermata are divided. The first is the Crinoidez, of which we have now but one living British species The former abundance and present scarcity of these singular and interesting tribes is thus announced in the opening paragraph, in which the beauty of the diction is surpassed only by the elevation, the gran- deur and poetic interest of the ideas which it embodies. “One of the most remarkable phenomena displayed to us by the researches of the geologist, is the evidence of the existence, in primeval times, of ani- mals and plants, the analogies of which are now rare or wanting on our lands and in our seas. Among those tribes which have become all but ex- tinct, but which once presented numerous generic modifications of form and structure, the order of Crinoid Starfishes is most prominent. Now scarcely a dozen kinds of these beatiful animals live in the seas of our globe, and in- dividuals of these kinds are comparatively rarely to be met with: formerly they were among the most numerous of the ocean’s inhabitants,—so nume- rous that the remains of their skeletons constitute great tracts of the dry land as it now appears. For miles and miles we may walk over the stony Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 136 Bibhographical Notices. fragments of the Crinoide@; fragments which were once built up in animated forms, encased in living flesh, and obeymg the will of creatures among the loveliest of the inhabitants of the ocean. Even in their present disjointed and petrified state, they excite the admiration not only of the naturalist but of the common gazer; and the name of Stone-lily popularly applied to them, indicates a popular appreciation of their beauty. To the philosopher they have long been subjects of contemplation as well as of admiration. In him they raise up a vision of an early world, a world the potentates of which were not men but animals—of seas on whose tranquil surfaces myriads of convoluted Nautili sported, and in whose depths millions of Lily-stars waved wilfully on their slender stems. Now the Lily-stars and the Nautili are almost gone = a few lovely stragglers of those once-abounding tribes remain to evidence the wondrous forms and structures of their comrades. Other beings, not less wonderful, and scarcely less graceful, have replaced them; while the seas in which they flourished have become lands, whereon man in his columned eathedrals and mazy palaces emulates the beauty and symmetry of their fluted stems and chambered shells.”’ The species figured is the Comatula rosacea, or Rosy Feather-Star, ‘a creature which in its youth is fixed and pedunculate, like a zoo- phyte, in its adult state free and star-like.” This view was first main- tained by Mr. J. V. Thompson of Cork, who regarded the Pentacri- nus EKuropeus as the young state of the Comatula, an opinion which has now been fully confirmed. “When dredging,” says Mr. Forbes, ‘in Dublin Bay in August 1840, with my friends Mr. R. Ball and W. Thompsen, we found numbers of the Phy- tocrinus or Polype state of the Feather-star, more advanced than they had ever been seen before, so advanced that we saw the creature drop from its stem and swim about a true Comatula; nor could we find any difference be- tween it and the perfect animal, when examining it under the microscope.’” The Starfishes composing the second order are the OrururiIpz, “so named from the long serpent or worm-like arms, which are ap- pended to their round, depressed, urchin-like bodies ;” they are di- vided into three genera and thirteen species ; of these, two (O. punc- tata and O. Goodsirii) are for the first time described and figured. The O. Ballii, described a short time before in the ‘ Annals,’ is now for the first time figured. A figure and description of O. filiformis, as a British species, appears for the first time, as does also a figure of the O. brachiata of Montagu. In speaking of the O. filiformis, the author describes a remarkable peculiarity in the structure of its spines, exhibiting “a very beautiful example of the adaptation of or- ganization to the locality in which the creature is destined to live.” And in the O. bellis, “‘ one of the prettiest of its tribe,” it is re- marked,— “‘ This intermingled surface of spines and plates gives the disk that like- ness to a daisy-flower, whence it has been called ‘ bellis’ by some; nor is the flower at all degraded by the comparison, for but few daisies can show such beauty either of form or colour as is presented by this little Sea-star.” Persons who have not given attention to these objects, or who know them only in the dried and rigid aspect which they present in our museums, have no idea of the variety and beauty which they exhibit in the living state. Those who have ever been present when a dredge half-filled with the commonest of our Brittle-stars, O. rosula, Bibliographical Notices. 181 has been emptied, will bear testimony to the fidelity of the following description :— * Of all our native Brittle-stars this is the most common and the most va- viable. It is also one of the handsomest, presenting every variety of varie- gation, and the most splendid displays of vivid hues arranged in beautiful patterns. Not often do we find two specimens coloured alike. It varies also in the length of the ray-spines, the spinousness of the disk, and the relative proportions of rays and disk ; and in some places it grows to a much greater size than in others. It is the most bfittle of all Brittle-stars, separating itself into pieces with wonderful quickness and ease. Touch it, and it flings away an arm; hold it, and in a moment not an arm remains attached to the body.” The notice of this species is most appropriately concluded by a vignette representing a portion of one of its spines, which, as it is justly observed, exhibits “‘a structure, the lightness and beauty of which might serve as a model for the spire of a cathedral.” We next come to the AsrerIAp&, or true Starfishes, an order whose beauty and symmetry seems to have “ attracted the attention of such observers of nature as dwelt by the sea-side, from a very early period.” “ A fanciful analogy between the form of these Radiata and the popular notion of a star, has originated a name applied to them in most maritime countries,—a name which has given rise to a fine thought or two. ‘ As there are stars in the sky, so are there stars in the sea,’ is Linck’s first sentence. ‘Cclorum spectare sidera decet juvatque Astronomos: Physi- corum interest stellis marinis visum intendere,’ saith Christian Gabriel Fischer in his preface to Linck’s volume. Our own poet, James Montgomery, whose inspiration has revelled gloriously among the wonders of Nature, beautifully expresses the same anology, ‘ The heavens Were throng’d with constellations, and the seas Strown with their images.’ ”’ The order Astertade contains fourteen British species, distributed into eight genera, two of which, Solaster and Luidia, are established by our author. The Cribella rosea comes forward for the first time as a British species; Uraster glacialis is figured for the first time from a British specimen, and Goniaster Templetoni appeared pre- viously only in Mr. Forbes’s paper in the ‘ Wernerian Memoirs.’ The following important observation occurs in p. 82 :— “ It is a remarkable fact, one which I have elsewhere pressed on the at- tention of geologists when considering the Mollusca, that whenever, as in the Hebrides, the tides fall but a few feet, these animals, usually inhabitants of deep water, may be found living abeve low-water mark. This holds good as well in regard to Radiata as to Moilusca ; and the mixture of species gene- rally considered inhabitants of the depths of the sea, with truly littoral spe- cies, should a fossi! bed be formed, might lead to false conclusions unless such fact be borne in mind. Thus a change in the tides of a line ef coast would materially affect its fauna.” ‘“« The Solasters,”’ we are told, ‘‘ are suns in the systems of Sea- stars. Their many rays and brilliant hues give them a distinguished place among the marine constellations.’’ The structure of the eye- lid is described in p. 113; it forms a very perfect protection to the K 2 {32 Bibliographical Notices. eye, and is extremely difficult to be forced open against the will of the animal. The fourth order, that of the Ecuinrpa or Sea-Urchins, is thus imtroduced to our notice :— ‘Of equal importance to zoologist and geologist is the study of the Sea- Urchins: to the former they present the perfection of radiism, as well as the first steps towards a symmetrical or bilateral form; to the latter the know- ledge of their habits and organization is necessary in order to understand the relations and associations of the numerous species which abound in many of the earth’s strata. Of all the Radiata they are most perfectly preserved in a fossil state. Their hard calcareous integument, or shell, as it is popu- larly but inaccurately termed, the parts of which are jointed together with wondrous completeness, is especially durable ; consequently we find the hard parts of the extinct species frequently as perfect as those of the recent ex- amples preserved in our cabinets. “The Sea-Urchins are distinguished from all the other Echinoderms by their form, which is more or less rounded, without arms of any kind, and by their integument, in which calcareous matter is deposited so as to form se- ries of regular plates, which plates are studded with tubercles, bearing jointed on them spines of various forms and sizes according to the genus or family.” “The Echinide progress by means of the joint action of their suckers and spines, using the former in the manner of the Asteriade, and the latter as the Ophiuride do. Many Sea-Urehins, such as live on hard surfaces, moor themselves also by means of the suckers, and thus adhere very firmly to the rocks. That such is the mode of progression and rest among this family I assert, not only from the general belief of naturalists, but also from personal observation.” On this point we can fully corroborate what the author has ad- vanced, having repeatedly seen the common Urchin (Echinus sphera) moving about or anchoring at pleasure by means of its suckers. ‘The first time we noticed the fact was under circumstances which we still very vividly remember. We had cut horizontally into two nearly equal parts a large Sea-Urchin, for the purpose of examining the in- testine and ovaries. ‘These being removed, the shell was thrown on the deck of the little vessel, as being no longer of any service. It chanced, however, that we afterwards picked up the parts and placed them in a shallow vessel of sea-water. ‘To our surprise, the suckers were soon extended and the animal walked about apparently as un- concerned as if the loss of intestine and ovaries had been an every- day occurrence. Of the order Echinide there are seven genera and twelve species. Brissus lyrifer is now for the first time described and figured, and we have also for the first time figures of the H. Flemingzt and lividus. We have long been aware of the fact that the common Echinus of the Mediterranean was a species distinct from our own, though both had been included in the common appellation of #. esculentus. The distinction is now announced by Mr. Forbes, and he gives the follow- ing excellent characteristics for the family Echinide :— “The essential specific characters depend on the arrangement of the tu- bercles which bear the spines, on the spines themselves, and on the number and arrangement of the pairs of pores in the avenues of suckers. These pre- Bibliographical Notices. 133 sent good marks of distinction throughout the genus Echinus. The spines are especially important, as from the examination of a single spine it is pos- sible to pronounce on the species to which it belongs. ‘To the geologist this is evidently of great consequence, as frequently he meets only with a few scattered spines. But when we leave the family Echinid@, we leave this im- portant character behind us. Among the Heart-Urchins the spines present one commen family structure. A single plate, either ambulacral or inter- ambulacral, will also, from the arrangement of the spiniferous tubercles which cover its surface, enable us to pronounce pretty certainly on the ani- mal of which it formed a part. Thus, in this family of Echinodermata, from an apparently insignificant fragment we can construct, as it were, a species, even as the student of the Vertebrata, from a broken bone, can pronounce on the form and habits of the animal to which it belonged.” To those—if such there be—who wandering on the beach, and no- ticing a Sea-Urchin flung there by the retiring tide, view it merely as part of the rejectamenta of the ocean—a thing to be glanced at with contempt, and broken into fragments under the foot, we re- commend the careful perusal of the following extract, and beg they will treasure up in their “ heart of hearts” the reflection with which it concludes :— “ In a moderate-sized Urchin I reckoned sixty-two rows of pores in each of the ten avenues. Now, as there are three pairs of pores in each row, their number multiplied by six, and again by ten, would give the great num- ber of 3720 pores; but as each sucker occupies a pair of pores, the number of suckers would be half that amount, or 1860. The structure in the Egg- Urchin is not less complicated in other parts. ‘There are above 300 plates of one kind, and nearly as many of another, all dove-tailing together with the greatest nicety and regularity, bearing on their surfaces above 4000 spines, each spine perfect in itself, and of a complicated structure, and ha- ving a free movement on its socket. Truly the skill of the Great Architect of Nature is not less displayed in the construction of a Sea-Urchin than in the building-up of a world !”’ Among the Echinide none are more attractive than the EZ. lividus, a species which at the time Mr. Forbes wrote was believed to be pe- culiar to Ireland among the British Isles, but which has recently been discovered on the west coast of Scotland by the Rev. D. Landsbo- rough. It is remarkable for its singular habit of boring principally into limestone rocks, and living in the excavation thus formed. In treating of this species the author gives the following interesting particulars :— “ Mr. W. Thompson informs me it is gregarious, and was seen abundantly in rock pools at low water by himself and Mr. Ball when visiting the South Isles of Arran in 1834. It is always stationary, the hole in which it is found being cup-like, yet fitting so as not to impede the spines. Every one lived in a hele fitted to its own size, the little ones in little holes and the large ones in large holes; and their purple spines and regular forms presented a most beautiful appearance studding the bottoms of the gray limestone rocks’ pools.” We now pass on to the Horornuriap#, an order composed of ani- mals much less known to naturalists in general than those of the pre- ceding orders. ‘‘ A Holothuria may be regarded in one light as a soft Sea-Urchin, in another as a radiated animal approximating to the 134 Bibliographical Notices. Annelides.” Besides progressing by means of suckers, ‘“‘ the Holo- thuriade move as Annelides do, by the extension and contraction of their bodies.” ‘‘ On our shores they are rare and unattractive ani- mals, not often seen even by the zoologist ; but abroad they are very abundant, and are in some places used as food.” “Tt is this animal which the Malays of the Oriental Isles seek so dili- gently for the supply of the China market, where it obtains a good price when well-preserved. It is employed by the Chinese in the preparation of nutritious soups, in common with an esculent sea-weed, sharks’ fins, edible birds’-nests, and other materials, affording much jelly. Jaeger says the in- testines are extracted, the animal then boiled in sea-water, and dried in smoke.” The order Holothuriade contains six genera, two of which, Psali- nus and Ocnus are constituted by our author. It contains altogether fifteen native species, six of which are now for the first time described and figured; these are Psolinus brevis, Cucumaria communis, C. fusi- formis, C. fucicola, Ocnus lacteus and Thyone Portlockii. There are three others which had been recently described in the ‘ Annals,’ and are now for the first time figured, viz. C. Drummondii, C. Hyndmanni, and Ocnus brunneus ; we have also for the first time a figure of Cuc. hyalina. “« Doubtless there yet remain many undiscovered species of Holothuriade in the British seas. Of Starfishes we must not expect to find many more kinds, though Goniaster miliaris, and some few others which have been seen on the Norwegian shores, may be looked for. Of Sea-Urchins there are probably still fewer unnoticed ; but of the Sea-Cucumbers many. Their comparatively unattractive aspect, the difficulty of preserving them (they must always be kept in spirits), their habitat in the sea, and the little atten- tion that has hitherto been paid to them by native zoologists, all lead me to believe that many species have been passed over. We have as yetno repre- sentative of the typical Holothurie which have twenty tentacula in the Bri- tish Fauna. Several of these, such as the Holothuria elegans and Holothu- ria mollis, inhabitants of the Scandinavian shores, will probably ere long prove to be natives of our own.” Lastly, we come to the sixth order, SrpuncuLipz. “ In their ex- ternal appearance they are worms,” but internally they afford evi- dence of belonging to the same great class ‘‘ with the Holothuriade.” In the Sipunculide there are five British genera and eight species ; two of these, Syrinv Harveii and Sipunculus Johnstonii, are now for the first time described and figured. Of Syrinx papillosus we have for the first time a figure; it was described shortly before this work appeared. Syriax nudus, Sipunc. Bernhardus, Priapulus caudatus, and Echinus vulgaris, are for the first time figured frem British speci- mens; the last-mentioned had not before been announced as a na- tive of our seas. The description given of some of these animals is extremely cu- rious; one (Priapulus caudatus) ‘is shaped like a dice-box ;”’ an- other has a sheath for its tentacula, presenting the form of a marrow- spoon. When we find the likeness of our household appurtenances thus dwelling beneath the waters as living animals, it calls to our mind the well-known quotation, ‘‘ Nothing of them but doth suffer Bibliographical Notices. 135 a sea change.” Instead, however, of giving a brief notice of three or four species, we shall content ourselves by taking the following more copious extract, descriptive of the Sipunculus Bernhardus :— “ The species bury in sand, or in the crevices of rocks, or, as is the cus- tom of the curious animal before us, adopt the shells of dead univalve tes- tacea for a house and home, after the manner of the Hermit Crab. The Sipunculus would appear, however, to be of a less changeable disposition of mind and body than its crustacean analogue, and when once securely housed in a shell to make that its permanent habitation. Whether the egg is ori- ginally deposited in the future habitation of the animal by some wonderful instinct, or is only developed when lodged by the waters in such a locality, or whether the parent Sipunculus bequeathes the chosen lodging of its caudal termination to its eldest born, and so on from generation to generation, a veritable entailed property, we know not at present; but the inquiry is a most interesting one, and well worth the attention of the experimental zoo- logist. ‘The Sipunculus is not, however, content with the habitation built for it by its molluscan predecessor ; it exercises its own architectural inge- nuity, and secures the entrance of its shell by a plaster-work of sand, leaving a round hole in the centre sufficiently large to admit of the protru- sion of its trunk, which it sends out to a great length, and moves about in all directions with great facility.” Throughout the entire work, Mr. Forbes makes the most hearty acknowledgments, not only to those who have either by specimens or by communications assisted his present labours, but to those hardy pioneers in the paths of science who first “‘ broke ground” in this department of inquiry. As anexample, we select the following tri- bute to Col. Montagu :— “ Tt is not merely the copiousness of his descriptions which gives them their peculiar value, though their fulness is a great merit ; nor merely their perspicuity, though that is a still greater merit; but it is their logical cha- racter, that instinctive perception of the essential attributes and relations of each species, which is the most important faculty a naturalist can possess. Too many of our older naturalists (and can we claim exemption from the fault yet?) described forms as if there could be no creatures existing with which those forms might be confounded: they wrote of the animals they were characterizing, as if the whole book of Nature was already in print. Montagu was a forward-looking philosopher; he spoke of every creature as if one exceeding like it, yet different from it, would be washed up by the waves the next tide. Consequently his descriptions are permanent; and when he had full opportunities of examining any marine animal, subsequent observers have but little to add to bis words.” We may remark, that in Mr. Forbes’s own definition of species, he has evinced in no trivial degree the mental characteristics which he has ascribed to Montagu, and that the specific characters are remark- able, not only for the judgment with which they are selected, but for the precision and perspicuity with which they are expressed. Yet notwithstanding the pains-taking accuracy with which these definitions must have been elaborated, the book smells not of the lamp. The style throughout is peculiarly easv, varied, and unla- boured. As we turn over the pages, we find we are giving attention to animals, not dried in a cabinet, or preserved in alcohol, but put- ting forth in their native haunts, their several aspects, powers, and 136 Bibliographical Notices. peculiarities. Our thoughts turn tothe sea. We hear in fancy the rippling of the tide, or the swelling of the surge, and feel upon our cheek its fresh and invigorating gales. We accompany the author in his researches on the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland, and venture with him even into the Shetland seas, where “ the king of the sea-cucumbers ” holds his court. In by-gone times we remember learning from a fragment of some old ballad, ‘«« The herring loves the merry moonlight, The mackerel loves the wind, But the oyster loves the dredging song, For they come of a gentle kind.” Mr. Forbes does not tell us if any of the creatures which he has taken under his patronage partake of the penchant for the dredging song, which is here attributed to the oyster. We would rather sur- mise, that all which have escaped his pen and pencil are evincing their determination not to permit any prying naturalist “to draw their frailties from their dread abode,” for we believe that the re- searches of succeeding naturalists have not as yet added even one species of Echinodermata to those which Mr. Forbes has recorded. In other departments of zoology, traditionary lore and superstitious feelings have made certain animals be regarded with some degree of reverence, or avoided with some infusion of awe. It is curious to find, that even to the Radiate animals, though so low in the scale of being, something of the same kind of superstitious dread has been extended. Thus we are told,— “« The Common Brittle-star often congregates in great numbers on the edges of scallop-banks, and I have seen a large dredge come up completely filled with them; a most curious sight, for when the dredge was emptied, these little creatures, writhing with the strangest contortions, crept about in all directions, often flinging their arms in broken pieces around them, and their snake-like and threatening attitudes were by no means relished by the boatmen, who anxiously asked permission to shovel them overboard, super- stitiously remarking that ‘the things weren’t altogether right.’ ” The great Sea-Cucumber, we are told, is by the Shetland fisher- men arranged ‘in an extensive though most unphilosophically constituted class of ma- rine animals, to which they apply the term ‘Pushen,’ which being trans- lated signifies poison. In this Thulean arrangement numbers of the rarest of British animals are unfortunately included,—I say unfortunately, for all members of the class Pushen are unceremoniously and speedily thrust over- board almost as soon as seen in the fishing-boats, being considered unlucky and dangerous in their nature.” The author elsewhere says, in speaking of the common Cross-fish (Uraster rubens ),— «Dr. J. L. Drummond of Belfast favours me with the following note on their Irish denomination :—‘ The Starfishes are called at Bangor (county Down) the Devil’s fingers, and the Devil’s hands, and the children have a superstitious dread of touching them. When drying some in the little gar- den behind my lodgings, I heard some of them on the other side of the hedge put the following queries:—‘ What’s the gentleman doing with the bad man’s hand? Is he ganging to eat the bad man’s hands, do ye think?’” ae er oe Bibliographical Notices. 137 We should be glad, did our space permit, to descant on the per- manence of certain kinds of traditionary legends among the fisher- men of our coasts. Mingling comparatively little with other classes of men, pursuing in companionship with each other their laborious and uncertain calling, they transmit to the succeeding generation the heritage of legendary superstition which they have acquired from the past. We lately noticed a plank covered with the barnacle shells (Lepas anatifera) in a living state, cast upon the shore, and upon asking what they were of a hoary fisherman who was expounding their nature to a circle of attentive listeners, we were told that they were the shells that gave birth to the bernacle goose, and with a gracious condescension fitted to our seeming ignorance, he offered to point out the bill and feathers of the future bird. We must own we take a great pleasure in listening to these old stories, and in viewing the simple and industrious race among whom they are cur- rent. To the humble but hardy companions of his dredging labours, Mr. Forbes has not been inattentive. While studying the marine productions which the dredge brought to light, he has not neglected the men, by whose exertions they were procured. And this habit we know has not been suffered to slumber during his recent visit to the Aigean, for we have seen a letter to a friend, in which he says, «The scenery in many of the islands was very picturesque, the people in all most interesting ; and the inquisitive, speculative, and news-knowing spirit of the old Greek is the same now as in the days when it was caricatured by Aristophanes.” Our author would seem to be one of those who believe ‘‘ it is good to be merry and wise,” for mirth and wisdom seem at times to dis- pute the possession of his pages, or rather we should say to hold them as joint and friendly occupants. Matters of high interest in the history or ceconomy of the animal are served up to us in so hu- morous a style, that there are pages in the ‘ History of British Star- fishes’ which we would be half inclined to prescribe as ‘‘ a cure for the heart-ache.’’ Thus, under the head of Ophiocoma punctata we have the following paragraph :— ‘« The stomachs of fishes are often zoological treasuries. ‘The Haddock is a great conchologist. In his travels through the country of the Mermaids, he picks up many curiosities in the shell way. Not a few rare species have been discovered by him; and the ungrateful zoologist too frequently de- scribes novelties without an allusion to the original discoverer. As Haddocks are not in the habit of writing pamphlets or papers, the fraud remains un- discovered, greatly to the detriment of science: for, had the describer stated to whom he was indebted for his specimen, we could form some idea of its habitat and history, whether littoral or deep sea,—very important points in the ceconomy of Mollusca,—important not only to the malacologist, but also to the geologist. Like the Haddock, the Cod also is a great naturalist ; and he, too, carries his devotion to our dear science so far as occasionally to die for its sake with a new species in his stomach, probably witli a view to its being described and figured by some competent authority. The Cod is not so much devoted to the Mollusca as to the Echinodermata; and doubtless his knowledge of the Ophiure exceeds that of any biped. He has a great taste for that tribe. It was a Cod that communicated the pretty little spe- cies I am about to describe, to my friend Mr. Henry Goodsir, at Anstru- 138 Bibliographical Notices. ther; and, as far as that gentleman could learn, it would appear the indus- trious animal had observed and entrapped this new Ophiocoma in the North Sea near the Dogger Bank. And as a worthy companion to this picture, we present one of the Luidia fragilissima :— “Tt is the wonderful power which the Zwidia possesses, not merely of casting away its arms entire, but of breaking them voluntarily into little pieces with great rapidity, which approximates it to the Ophiure. his fa- culty renders the preservation of a perfect specimen a very difficult matter. The first time I ever took one of these creatures I succeeded in getting it into the boat entire. Never having seen one before, and quite unconscious of its suicidal powers, I spread it out on a rowing bench, the better to ad- mire its form and colours. On attempting to remove it for preservation, to my horror and disappointment I found only an assemblage of rejected mem- bers. My conservative endeavours were all neutralized by its destructive exertions, and it is now badly represented in my cabinet by an armless disk and a diskless arm. Next time I went to dredge on the same spot, deter- mined not to be cheated out of a specimen in such a way a second time, I brought with me a bucket of cold fresh water, to which article Starfishes have a great antipathy. As I expected, a Luwedia came up in the dredge, a most gorgeous specimen. As it does not generally break up before it is raised above the surface of the sea, cautiously and anxiously I sunk my bucket to a level with the dredge’s mouth, and proceeded in the most gentle manner to introduce Luidia to the purer element. Whether the cold air was too much for him, or the sight of the bucket too terrific, I know not, but in a moment he proceeded to dissolve his corporation, and at every mesh of the dredge his fragments were seen escaping. In despair I grasped at the largest, and brought up the extremity of an arm with its terminating eye, the spinous eyelid of which opened and closed with something exceedingly like a wink of derision.” The following extract is of a different character, and needs not our introduction. Its philosophic spirit will commend itself to our readers :-— ‘The tracing of the connections between species and species, through minute differences combined with general resemblances, is one of the great- est pleasures which enliven the studies of the naturalist. Every here and there in organized nature we find creatures presenting the forms of one spe- cies, and the structure of another, filling up a supposed blank, or overturn- ing a supposed barrier. The discovery of such forms frequently annihilates genera which we had long considered fixed, or brings together species which we had long looked upon as but doubtfully related to each other. There are men who affect to look down on the investigator of ‘ mere species,’ who, with patronizing self-sufficiency, talk of the ‘humble observers of minute differences of forms,’ and who scarcely rank the recorder of new animals or plants above the mere collector or virtuoso. Yet such persons affect per- fectly to understand the great laws of nature; and will write on what they are pleased to term the philosophy of natural history, often without the knowledge of a single form or structure save from a picture in a book. The humility which the knowledge of the abundance of undiscovered things teaches the practical naturalist, prevents him retorting on such would-be philosophers ; and knowing how little we yet know, he scarcely ventures to pronounce any law general. He knows too well that the conclusion he drew in the morning is often overturned by the discovery he makes in the even- ing, to pronounce himself the lawgiver of nature; yet also knowing, from Bibliographicai Notices. 139 the perfection of all he sees around him, that the machinery of nature is perfect, and hoping the laws of that machinery discoverable, he points out the indications of those laws wherever he perceives a glimpse of their in- fluence, and works as trustfully towards the development of the truth.” And although our quotations have extended to great length, we cannot withstand the gratification of giving to our readers the con- cluding paragraph. It breathes a spirit which the pious and phi- losophic naturalist will ever appreciate :— “ Among the British Echinodermata we have seen some of the most ex- traordinary forms in the animal kingdom, some of the most wonderful structures and of the strangest habits. Much yet remains to be done towards their elucidation, and the investigation of them both structurally and for- mally presents a wide field of inquiry to the student of Nature, as yet but imperfectly explored. The great naturalist of Denmark, Miiller, long ago said that we need not resort to distant regions and foreign climes for-rare or wonderful creatures; that the fields, the woods, the streams, and the seas of our native lands abounded in wondrous evidences of God’s power and wisdom. The investigation of our native animals must ever be a chief source of sound zoological knowledge, for it is there only we can watch, under fa- vourable circumstances, for the observation of their development, their ha- bits, and their characters. The naturalist whose acquaintance is confined to preserved specimens in a cabinet, can form but a vague idea of the glo- rious variety of Nature, of the wisdom displayed in the building up of the atoms of matter to be the houses of life and intellect. And unless we study the creatures living around us, how can we gain that delightful knowledge ? The passing note of an animal observed during travel is an addition to science not to be scorned; the briefly characterizing of a new species from a pre- served specimen, if done with judgement, is of importance; but the real pro- gress of natural history must ever depend on the detailed examination of the beings gathered around us by the laws of geographical distribution, living and multiplying in their destined homes and habitats.” Our extracts have extended to such a length, that we are unable to notice as they deserve the numerous wood-cuts with which the work is illustrated and embellished. They may be divided into three classes. First, the representation of each of the sixty-three species described in the work, with magnified drawings of such parts as serve to convey a better idea of the specific distinctions or peculiarities of structure. The author says in the introduction, ‘‘ with three ex- ceptions the figures of species are from my own drawings, and with a view to secure correctness were mostly drawn on the wood by myself.” “The wood-cutting,” he remarks, “ speaks for itself,—thanks to Mr. Bastin, who in the most praiseworthy manner made himself acquainted not merely with the drawings, but with the texture and appearance of the ani- mals themselves, in order the better to express them.” Next in order we may mention those which may be regarded as embellishments, including under this title the poetical or allegorical designs which appear at the commencement of the several orders, and those which are technically known as ‘ tail-pieces.””’ Some of the latter are replete with humour, and will be sure to find favour with every admirer of Bewick. The third division of the illustrations is of a kind peculiar to the present work, and well fitted to increase the 140 Bibliographical Notices. interest with which it is read. They consist of a series of views of many of the localities in these kingdoms where researches among the Echinodermata have been conducted. ‘Thus we have from the Isle of Man, Breda Head, the ruins of Peel Castle, and those of St. Ger- main’s Cathedral. On the English coast we have Scarboro’ and Tyne- mouth. On the Irish, Belfast Bay. On the Scotch, St. Andrew’s Castle, the Kyles of Bute, &c. . These vignettes in general represent scenery which is in itself picturesque; some of them are perfect gems—as for example, that of the Frith of Forth, with the Bass Rock and North Berwick Law, and that of Holy Loch, in the Clyde district, during a squall,—all are deserving of commendation, and furnish exquisite examples of the perfection which the art of wood- engraving has now attained. ‘The woodcuts alone are worth, at a very moderate computation, more than the publication price of the entire volume. A General History of Animalcules. By A. Pritchard. Part I. London, Whittaker. We have already had occasion to notice this work in a former Number of this Journal, and we have now much pleasure in inform- ing our readers that Mr. Pritchard has thought it expedient to publish the plates of this work, containing upwards of 3500 beautiful figures ° illustrative of each genus of Infusoria, described by Ehrenberg in his large work in a separate form. In no branch of natural history are drawings of the subjects more requisite, and there is no doubt, from microscopes being now in the hands of almost all lovers of natural history, and Infusoria being generally the first things which attract the attention of the observex, that this work will meet with great approbation, especially as it leaves nothing to be desired with re- spect to price, the cost of each plate, containing upwards of fifty sub- jects, not amounting to sixpence. ‘The whole is accompanied by a general history of Animalcules, with their localities, best mode of capture, and method of examining them under the microscope, &c. Books received. The Naturalists Library :—Ornithology, vol. xiii. The Nectarinide, or Sun Birds. By Sir W. Jardine. Thirty-six volumes of the Naturalist’s Library are now published, Viz. :— Of Ornithology, 13 vols. Of Ichthyology, 3 vols. Of Entomology (complete), 7 vols. Of Mammalia (complete), 13 vols. There will be forty volumes in all. The remaining four will in- clude British Fishes in 2 vols., and the concluding portions of British Birds and the Fishes of Guiana. ‘These are confidently expected by Midsummer. History of British Birds. By William Yarrell, F.L.S., &c. Part 34. Dec. 1842. 8vo. Van Voorst. This Part commences the Laride, and completes the descriptions Zoological Society. 141 of the Terns, of which ten species are introduced belonging to our native list. The most interesting species to the British ornithologist is the Sterna Leucopreia, for species of which, killed in the end of August at Lyme on the Dorsetshire coast, Mr. Yarrell is indebted to IT’. C. Heythem, Esq. of Carlisle. Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Vol. xv. Part 2. Session 1841-42, Dec. 1842. 4to. Grant and Son. An unusually thin number, containing only sixty-nine pages ; but we have among the contents two papers relating to zoology and botany, both of them illustrated with plates, of the first we have given an abstract at page 126 of the present Number. The second paper alluded to, is on the ultimate secreting structure, and on the laws of its function, by John Goodsir. ‘The conclusions arrived at by the author are; ‘‘ That all the true secretions are formed by a vital action of the nucleolated cell, and that they are first contained in the cavity of that cell; that growth and secretion are identical,— the same vital process under different circumstances. Preparing for Publication. Supplement to Dr. Parnell’s Grasses of Scotland, including the Cereal Grain, making the British Grasses complete. We have much satisfaction in learning that the results of Captain Belcher’s Voyage in H.M.S. Sulphur are to be made available to science in the most advantageous manner, Government having ad- vanced a sum of money to provide the requisite illustrations. Richard Brinsley Hinds, Esq. has been appointed by the Admiralty to edit and superintend the publication, and the co-operation of Mr. J. E. Gray, Dr. Richardson, Mr. Gould, &c., has been obtained by that gentleman, to describe respectively the mammalia, fish, birds, &c., the shells being undertaken by himself. The work is to be published in parts, and at a moderate price. Part XI. of Taylor’s Scientific Memoirs, just published, contains Ehrenberg’s important memoir on the Animals of the Chalk Forma- tion. PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Feb. 8, 1842.—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. Some notes on the habits of the Horned Screamer (Palamedea cornuta, Linn.), by William Martin, Esq., Secretary to the Clifton Zoological Gardens, were read. These notes were communicated by the President, the Earl of Derby, and are drawn up from observations made upon a specimen of the Palamedea living in the Clifton menagerie. “The Horned Screamer was presented to the Society early in June 1839, by Capt. Rees of Bristol. On its arrival in this country it was exceedingly thin and weak. It had been fed during the voy- 142 Zoological Society. age principally upon Indian corn, but had a little chopped boiled meat occasionally. The weather being very mild, it was placed in a turfed aviary, used generally for pheasants, some water-cresses and other aquatic plants being procured; but it was soon evident that we had not discovered a proper substitute for its natural food. Think- ing one day that it manifested a desire to get at some roses which were trained upon the aviary, I gave it one of the flowers, which it ate eagerly. It was then thought, that, as it was so domesticated and familiar, the feathers of one wing should be cut, and the bird turned loose into the garden and watched, to see what plants it would pre- fer. The rose-trees were the favourite plants, the flowers, young shoots and leaves being eagerly eaten. Since this time it has al- ways been turned out every morning in mild weather to roam about the garden, and it is very fond of creeping up close to the gardeners, and watching them at work, although it does not appear to be from any desire to obtain worms or insects. It seldom wanders very far from its aviary, and in the afternoon is always found waiting to be let in. In winter it is allowed its liberty in the parrot aviary, which is heated by one of the Arnott stoves, and close to which it may generally be found. Even in moderately sharp weather, if it be dry, we find it better to let it go out for a short time; but then, instead of creeping leisurely about, it bustles off to its favourite plants, and very soon returns; but it will not bear confinement in a cage. At the present time /et¢tuce is its principal food, but it has also Indian corn, hemp-seed, sopped bread, and a little boiled sheep’s head. Small stones seem also necessary, and it is very fond of swallowing small pieces of the coal used in the stove, which is anthracite. Owing to the difficulty and expense of procuring a sufficient quan- tity of lettuce during the frost of last winter and that of the year before, the poor bird became very thin and weak, but quickly rallied upon again getting this food. In the summer, when on the lawns, it will eat grass, which it chips off with its beak in a very singular manner. I have tried it several times with a frog, but it has always been refused. When we first had it the horn upon the head was about four inches long ; but as it used to stand so close to the stove, it became burnt down to about an inch, and is now grown again con- siderably. «The spurs upon the elbows of the wings are nearly two inches long, and of amazing strength and hardness; they are truly formi- dable weapons. We have several varieties of dogs, which are kept in single kennels, in different parts of the garden, but they always re- treat upon the approach of the Screamer; and whilst the bird con- tinues close, nothing will induce them to come out, at least those that have once felt the spur. I have several times seen it standing close to a door of a kennel, with its head erect and looking very proud, making a sound which one could only look upon as a chal- lenge to the dog to come forth. As the mode of attack is so sly and unexpected, none are at first prepared for it. Throwing its neck and head backwards and forwards, and uttering at the same time a low note, it advances sideways up to the dog, and when close enough turns half-way round, and quietly raising its wing, delivers such a Zoological Society. 143 blow that no dog that we have will face it a second time. It is not meant that a dog could not be made to resent such an attack, but only that of their own accord they seem unwilling to do so. «It is, however, exceedingly familiar, and would become attached to any one that would notice it kindly, and with me will often make a kind of purring noise when being patted and caressed. Still I have seen it run after children when they have been teasing it. «On one or two occasions it has recovered the use of its wing sooner than expected, but it never flew beyond the gar den—alighting upon the top of its aviary, flying off again, wheeling round ina circle and returning. In their wild state I should consider these birds good flyers ; their long wings and light bodies, with a most complete appa- ratus of external air-cells, would conduce to that result. I hardly know why it should be called a screamer; no noise that I have ever heard it make could be called a scream. It has certainly a tolerably sharp cry, and also a lower note or cry, somewhat resembling the trumpet-note of a peacock, but not so loud; both appear to be notes of pleasure and satisfaction, and may generally be called forth in the following manner. If for instance the bird is on the lawn, and any of fae known to it should pass close by, it will utter one or two of the lower notes, and if encouraged by the person endeavouring to imitate the same note, it will utter two or three more, and finish with one of the shrill notes; it will then often lie down to be patted and caressed. Its walk is rather ludicrous, partaking both of state- liness and awkwardness. ‘The head is carried high and well, but as its toes are so long it is compelled to raise each foot very high, in order to get it clear of the other, and this produces the appearance described. In standing, the toes of one foot are crossed a good deal over those of the other. “It has evidently more confidence in man, and seems also to have more intelligence than most birds.” The reading of Professor Owen’s memoir on the Myology of the Apteryx was continued. Mr. Gould then brought before the notice of the Meeting some additional ornithological novelties from Australia, and character- ized an Artamus, conspicuous for the white colouring of the rump, as ARTAMUS LEUCOPYGIALIS. Art. capite, guld, et dorse fuliginoso- cinereis ; pectore, partibus inferioribus, et uropygio aibis ; rostro pallidé ceruleo-cinereo. Head, throat and back sooty grey; primaries and tail brownish black, washed with grey; chest, all the under surface, and rump, pure white ; irides brown; bill light bluish grey at the base, black at the tip; legs and feet mealy greenish grey. Total length, 54 inches ; bitte 1%; wing, 52; tail, 23 ; tarsi, 2. Hab. acpatae A new Pitta, being the third species of that form from the Austra- han continent, as Pirra Irts. Pitt. capite, collo, pectore, abdomine, lateribus, et fe- 144 Zoological Society. moribus nigerrimis ; fascid superoculari, ad occiput ductd ferru- gined ; corpore supra, alisque ex aureo viridibus, humeris metallice ceruleis et fascid inferiore lazulind ornatis. Head, neck, breast, abdomen, flanks and thighs deep velvety black; over the eye, extending to the occiput, a band of ferruginous brown ; upper surface and wings golden green; shoulders bright metallic cerulean blue, bordered below with lazuline blue; primaries black, passing into olive-brown at their tips; the third, fourth, fifth and sixth having a spot of white about the centre of the feather; tail black at the base, green at the tip, the former colour running on the inner web nearly to the tip; rump-feathers tinged with czrulean blue; lower part of the abdomen and under tail-coverts bright scarlet, separated from the black of the abdomen by vellowish brown ; irides dark brown; bill black; feet tlesh-colour. Total length, 7 inches; bill, 14; wing, 4; tail, 13; tarsi, 14. Hab. Cobourg Peninsula, north coast of Australia. Mr. Gould then pointed out the generic characters of two new genera of Finches, the first of which he proposed to designate Genus EMBLEMA. Rostrum fere quam caput longum, conicum (ut in genere Ploceus). Ale mediocres; remige prima parvula, quatuor proximis inter se zqualibus ; tertiariis elongatis. Cauda mediocris, et feré quadrata, vel paululim rotundata. /Pedes plantigradi, digitis gracillimis ; digito intermedio externis longiore, illis inter se «equalibus. Emsuema picta. Emb. facie et guld saturate miniaceis ; vertice et corpore supra fuscis ; pectore et corpore subtis nigris crebré albo- guttatis, abdomine medio miniaceo adsperso. Face and throat deep vermilion red; the base of all the feathers of the throat black, giving that part a mingled appearance of black and red ; crown of the head, all the upper surface and wings, brown ; rump deep vermilion-red ; tail dark brown; chest and all the under surface jet-black, the flanks numerously spotted with white, and the centre of the abdomen dashed with vermilion-red; feet light red; upper mandible black, under mandible scarlet, with a triangular patch of black at the base. Total length, 3} inches; bill, =; wing, 21; tail, 13; tarsi, 3. Hab. The north-west coast of Australia. From the collection of B. Bynoe, Esq. And the second, Genus PopHita. Gen. char.—Rostrum ad basin tumidum, et igitur fere tam latum et profundum quam longum. A/@ mediocres, remige prima parvula, secunda tertid quarta et quinta inter se feré equalibus; digitis gracilibus, medio externis longiore, illis inter se equalibus; digito postico, medio valdé breviore. Cauda cuneiformis, rectricibus duabus intermediis productis. This form is nearly allied to Hrythura and Estrelda. Type, P. acuticauda (Amadina acuticauda, Gould in Proc. Zool. Soc., Part VII. p. 148). Zoological Society. 145 PokpHiLta PERsonATA. Poé. rostro ad basin fascid irregulari ni- gerrimd circumdato, vertice, dorso, alis, cauddéque pallide cinna- momino-fuscis. Base of the bill surrounded by an irregular ring of deep velvety black ; crown of the head, upper surface and wings, light cinnamon- brown; lower part of the abdomen banded with deep velvety black ; lower part of the rump and under tail-coverts white; upper tail-- coverts white, striped longitudinally with black on the outer side ; tail graduated, and of a deep blackish brown; irides red ; bill bright orange ; legs and feet flesh-red. Total length, 34 inches; bill, 3; wing, 21; tail, 2; tarsi, +;- Hab. The northern parts of Australia. Mr. Gould then characterized two new species of the genus Ptili- nopus, Swainson, as P. Swainsonii and P. Ewingit; the first in honour of the founder of the genus, and the second in honour of the Rey. T. J. Ewing, of Van Diemen’s Land. Pritinopus Swainsonut. Pil. fronte et vertice splendid coccineis, héc colore lined angustd flavd nisi apud frontem cincto ; pectore sordidé viridi, singulis plumis ad apicem bifidis, more furcule, cujus apices macula triangulari argenteo-cinered notantur ; abdo- mine medio aurantiaco ; caud@é apice late flavissimo. Forehead and crown deep crimson-red, surrounded, except in front, with a narrow ring of light yellow; back of the neck greyish green ; all the upper surface bright green tinged with yellow, the green becoming deep blue towards the extremities of the tertiaries, which are broadly margined with yellow; primaries slaty grey on their inner webs, green on the outer, very slightly margined with yellow ; tail deep green, largely tipped with rich yellow ; throat greenish grey, stained on the chin with yellow in some specimens; in others the chin is white ; breast dull green, each feather forked at the end, and with a triangular silvery grey spot at either extremity; flanks and abdomen green, with a large patch of orange-red in the centre of the latter ; under tail-coverts orange-yellow ; thighs green; irides red- dish orange; bill greenish black, horn-colour at the tip; feet olive- brown. Total length, 9 inches; bill, 3; wing, 53; tail, 32; tarsi, 3. Hab. The brushes of the River Clarence and Moreton Bay. Pritrnorus Ewineu. P. fronte et vertice roseis, héc colore lined flava nisi ad frontem cincto ; pectore virescenti-cinereo plumis bi- fidis, et ad apicem pallide cinereis ; fascia infra pectorali pallidé sulphured ; abdomine medio saturate aurantiaco, cum lunuld cen- trali helvo-ceruled ; caude rectricibus ad apicem flavis, non sine tincturd viridi presertim in rectricibus duabus intermediis notanda. Forehead and crown of the head rose-pink, bordered, except in front, by a narrow line of yellow ; back of the head and neck green- ish grey; all the upper surface bright green, passing into deep blue on the tertiaries ; primaries, secondaries and tertiaries slightly mar- gined with yellow ; tail largely tipped with yellow tinged with green, particularly on the two centre feathers; chin pale yellow; sides of Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 146 Zoological Society. the neck and chest greenish grey, each feather forked at the end and tipped with grey; below the chest an indistinct band of sulphur- yellow ; flanks and lower part of the abdomen green; centre of the abdomen rich orange, in the middle of which is a lunar-shaped mark of lilac; under tail-coverts orange; thighs and tarsi green; imdes reddish orange ; feet olive. . Total length, 7? inches; bill, 2; wing, 43; tail, 3; tarsi, 3. Hab. Port Essington. Mr. Gould next instituted a new genus among the Columbide, under the appellation of Genus GEOPHAPS. Gen. char.—Rostrum perbreve et robustum. Oculi cute denudata circumdati. Ale perbreves et rotundate, apicibus latis. Tarsi mediocres digitis longiores. Digitus internus paululim ceteris longior. Of this form a new species was described as GEOPHAPS PLUMIFERA. Geo. capite cristd occipitali ornato; hdc sic et vertice, colli lateribus, pectore et alarum pagind inferiore pallide ferrugineis ; gula alternatim albo nigroque fasciato ; pectore lunulis duabus albis inter se junctis cuspidemque mediam efficienti- bus, ornato. Lores and orbits naked, and of a yellowish red; head furnished with a lengthened occipital crest, which, with the crown, sides of the neck and chest, and under part of the wing, is light ferruginous ; chin black ; throat banded alternately with white and black, the latter colour extending to the ear-coverts; on the chest two semilunar marks of white, which, meeting, form a point in the centre; middle of the abdomen light buff; under tail-coverts brown, with lighter edges; back of the neck, back, rump and upper tail-coverts, rufous brown; wings light ferruginous, with the basal half of the feathers silvery grey, the two colours separated by a transverse band of black; primaries rufous brown; secondaries rufous brown, with a large patch of bronzy purple towards their tips; tail black; bill black ; feet reddish brown. Total length, 7 inches ; bill, #; wing, 33; tail, 23 ; tarsi, 7. Hab. The north-west coast of Australia. From the collection of B. Bynoe, Esq. A second genus of this tribe of birds was then characterized as Genus Ocypuaps. Gen. char.—Caput crista occipitali elongata. Ale paulo breves, re- mige tertid gradatim ad apicem coarctata. Cauda mediocriter elongata, et rotundata. Tuarsi et digitus intermedius eadem lon- gitudine. Digitus internus externo brevior. Type, Columba Lophotes, ‘Temm. A second example of the genus Pedionomus was deserilagl as Prepionomus microurus. Ped. a P. Torquato diversus, staturd minore, collo haud torque circumdato, cauda feré carente. _ Crown of the head, back and upper surface mottled with black, Geological Society. 147 brown, and fawn-colour, the latter occupying the external edge of the feathers, and the black and brown forming alternate circular markings on each feather; throat, neck, chest and flanks dull fawn- colour; the feathers of the neck and chest blotched with brown; flanks marked with the same colour, assuming the form of bars ; tail- feathers, which are almost invisible, marked the same as the back; centre of the abdomen and the under tail-coverts buffy white, with- out spots or markings; irides straw-yellow ; bill yellow, passing into black at the point; feet greenish yellow. Total length, 44 inches; bill, 14; wing, 33; tarsi, 7. The above are the measurements of an old male. Hab. Plains of the interior of Scuth Australia. Differs from P. torguatus in its smaller size, in the absence of the collar, and in the almost total absence of tail. Mr. Gould also brought before the notice of the Meeting a new species of Megapodius, from the north coast of Australia, which he characterized as M. Tumulus, and read a very interesting account of its habits, which tends to confirm the opinion he had previously ex- pressed, that Megapodius Talegalla and Leipoa form part of one great family of birds, whose range will be found to extend from the Phi- lippines to Australia. Meeapovius tumutus. WM. capite, et cristd saturate cinnamomino- Suscis ; nuchd, et corpore subtis saturate cinereis ; dorso, alisque cinnamomino-fuscis ; tectricibus caud@, crissogue saturate casta- neis ; pedibus permagnis. Head and crest very deep cinnamon-brown ; back of the neck and all the under surface very dark grey; back and wings cinnamon- brown; upper and under tail-coverts dark chestnut-brown; tail blackish brown ; irides generally dark brown, but in some specimens light reddish brown; bill reddish brown, with yellow edges; tarsi and feet bright orange, the scales on the front of the tarsi, from the fourth downwards, and the scales of the toes dark reddish brown. Total length from 15 to 17 inches; bill from 1} to 14; wing from 95 to 10; tail from 4 to 43; tarsi from 25 to 32. Hab. Cobourg Peninsula, on the north coast of Australia. GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Feb. 23, 1842.—A memoir was read, entitled, ‘‘ Report on the Missourium now exhibiting at the Egyptian Hall, with an inquiry into the claims of the Tetracaulodon to generic distinction,’ by Richard Owen, Esq., F.G.S., &c. Mr. Owen proceeds to consider the species of animal to which the skeleton is to be referred. It was, he says, a mammiferous animal, and while the anterior extremities disprove the existence of clavicles, they establish that the fossil belonged to the Ungu- lata. The enormous tusks of the upper jaw further show that it was a member of the proboscidean group of Pachyderms, and that the molar teeth prove it to be identical with the Tetracaulodon or Mastodon giganteum. With respect to the horizontal position of the L? 148 Geological Society. tusks in the skeleton exhibited at the Egyptian Hall, Mr. Owen states, that it may have arisen from compression, the tusk of the Mas- todon, like that of the Elephant, being inserted by a nearly straight cylindrical base in a socket of corresponding form, and can be rotated in any given direction when the natural attachments are de- stroyed by decomposition ; and he alludes to the skeleton exhibited in London in 1805, in which the tusks were bent downwards. Having, by a series of comparisons of the teeth and bones, which the author does not conceive it necessary to recount, arrived at the conclusion that the Missourium is either a Tetracaulodon or [a] Ma- stodon, he next considers the relations in which these supposed di- stinct genera stood to each other; premising that Mr. Koch’s ske- leton illustrates the osteology of the gigantic Mastodon far more completely than has been done by any other collection of North American fossils brought to Europe. The genus Tetracaulodon was founded by Dr. Godman on the lower jaw of a young Proboscidean having two tusks projecting from the symphysial extremities. Mr. W. Cooper of New York, however, suggested that the Tetracaulo- don was nothing but the young of the gigantic Mastodon, and that the tusks were lost as the animal became adult. ‘This opinion has been also advanced by others, but without being illustrated by any analogies; and it has been opposed by Dr. Isaac Hays, in an elabo- rate memoir on additional specimens, which he states present all the proofs necessary for refuting the opinion that Dr. Godman had committed the error of describing as a new animal the young of a known species; and he observes with respect to Mr. Titian R. Peale’s suggestion that the lower tusks might be only a sexual di- stinction, ‘‘ that it is impossible in the existing state of our know- ledge, and with our present materials, to confirm or positively refute this suggestion.’’ The most recent opinion on the subject, Mr. Owen states, is contained in the last edition of the ‘ Ossemens Fossiles,’ in which M. Laurillard, after alluding to the opinion that the lower jaws with tusks may be immature Mastodons, proceeds to say, ‘“‘ others have been led to believe that the lower jaws of every age which haye tusks belong to a different species of large Mastodon: some charac- ters taken from the form of the jaw would seem to justify that opi- nion.”’—Oss. Foss. 8vo. vol. 11. p. 373, 1836. Mr. Koch’s collection of detached bones contains, Mr. Owen states, a number of lower jaws with the molars of Mastodon gigan- teum, which prove the important fact, that an animal of the same size and molar dentition as the Mastodon was characterized in the adult state by a single tusk projecting from the symphysial extremity of the right ramus, and that the two inferior tusks are manifested only by immature animals. Mr. Owen then details the evidence by which he arrived at the conclusion that the Tetracaulodon of Dr. Godman is the immature state of both sexes of the Mastodon giganteum, that in the adult male only one of the lower tusks is preserved, and that in the adult female both are wanting. A table is given m the memoir of the measurements of six lower Geological Society. 149 jaws of full-grown animals; three which retained the right tusk or exhibited its socket, and three in which the tusk was wanting, and the socket more or less obliterated ; and Mr. Owen says that the dimensions prove the close similarity in size and proportions between the lower jaws of Mastodons with and without the tusks; and further that no individuals of the same species could resemble each other more closely in the conformation of the molar teeth. In both, the inner boundaries of the molar series are parallel, and the inter- space is of the same breadth: the general form of the ascending ramus and the symphysis, the place and size of the great foramina for the dental nerves and vessels, are alike. The only differences consist in the Tetracaulodon * having larger condyles, and the outer side of the horizontal ramus being less convex and prominent ; the coronoid process also is higher; and the broad canal, which is im- pressed upon the upper part of the symphysis, is nearly straight, not sloping down to the deflected part as in the Mastodon; but the breadth of the canal is the same in both, though the symphysial part of the jaw is larger and broader in the Tetracaulodon than Mastodon. These differences, Mr. Owen observes, may relate to the additional motions of the lower jaw, connected with the uses to which the in- cisor may have been put. The incisor in full-grown Tetracaulodons or male Mastodons is a comparatively small, cylindrical and straight tusk, projecting forwards and a little downwards ; its circumference is five inches; the length of the projecting part of the most entire of three specimens was five inches, but an unknown portion had been broken off; the socket was three inches in depth, uniformly one and a half inch in diameter, and slightly concave at its termination. With regard to these incisor teeth and the importance attached to them as a generic distinction, Prof. Owen says, it must be remem- bered that in many species, both of Cetacea and Pachyderms, incisors as well as canines vary in relation to the age and sex of the same species of animal. In the male Dugong the upper incisors are pro- truded, scalpriform, and of unlimited growth, while in the female they are concealed, cuspidate, and solid to their base. In both sexes the lower jaw is provided at its deflected extremity with six incisors, which disappear in mature animals, only one or two remnants being occasionally discoverable in the cancellous sockets. In many of the Hog tribe, incisors are present in the young animal, but are lost in the full-grown. The most remarkable case, Mr. Owen says, of distinct conditions of incisors, teeth or tusks, relative to age and sex, is in the Narwhal. In this animal the young of both sexes have equally developed on each side of the upper jaw a single tusk, one of which grows rapidly in the male, constituting the well-known long, spirally twisted tusk, while the other remains stationary ; but both continue rudimental in the female. Were the Dugong and the Narwhal extinct, and to be judged of only by their fossil remains, the skulls of the two sexes of the herbi- vorous cetacean, viewed irrelatively, would doubtless, Mr. Owen * The author retains the term Tetracaulodon in his description for the male Mastodon. 150 Geological Society. observes, be referred to two distinct species, though the identity in the molar teeth might impress the more cautious paleontologist with a strong suspicion of their generic identity ; but the cranium of the male Narwhal, with its unsymmetrical distortion, increased by an enormous tusk, would, it can scarcely be doubted, be referred to a genus of Cetaceans quite distinct from that which the edentulous and more symmetrical skull of the female would be considered to represent. In determining the real nature of differences in these extinct animal remains, Mr. Owen says it is necessary to inquire what other modifications are associated with those of the tusks ;—are the more essential parts of the dental system, as the grinding teeth, alike or different in the jaws with tusks and without tusks? Do the jaws themselves and the other parts of the skeleton offer the modifications of form which usually attend distinction of species? Above all, are the same characters presumed to distinguish the genera, present in the young as in the adult skulls? are there, for example, young Mastodons as well as young Tetracaulodons ? The youngest of five full-grown Tetracaulodons or male Masto- dons, examined by him, had two molars and half of a third deve- loped in each ramus; the first or antepenultimate having three trans- verse ridges, each divided into two tubercles; the second also three bicusped ridges ; and the third two ridges extricated, and two others within the alveolar cavity. In the next jaw in the order of develop- ment, the third ridge of the last molar was extricated; in the third specimen the antepenultimate grinder had been shed, and the last molar exhibited the same degree of development; in the fourth jaw the ultimate molar was fully extricated, exhibiting four bicuspidate ridges and a talon; and the fifth or oldest Tetracaulodon retained its penultimate but worn grinders, the two anterior ridges of the last molars being a little abraded, and the talon being developed into a pair of small tubercles. A series of jaws of female Mastodons (Mastodon proper of Dr. Godman and Dr. Hays) presented the same order of development. Having already shown that the molar teeth are identical in number and form in the Mastodon and Tetracaulodon, Mr. Owen proceeds to point out their correspondence in the mode and order of succession. The lower jaws of both present, moreover, those characters by which the Mastodon giganteum is distinguished from the genus Elephas, namely, by the higher coronoid, the less-rounded angle, the straight inferior margin, the parallel inner alveolar border, and the more pro- duced symphysial extremity. ‘They present, besides, equally the minor characteristic of the sharp process on the inner side of the neck of the condyle, and the ridge continued from the outer side of the neck. Both have an oblong depression on the outside of the coronoid process, but varying in depth in different Tetracaulodons. In both the posterior aperture of the dental canal commences in the same place; and the inner side of the angle of the jaw is concave, and bounded by an irregular margin, indicating the attachment of the fascia covering the internal pterygoid muscle, the irregularity being stronger in the lower jaws of older individuals. The relative position of the principal anterior outlet of the dental canal is the Geological Society. 151 same in Tetracaulodon as in Mastodon, varying in both in its relative position to the teeth as these alter their position in age. When the striking modifications by which the lower jaw of the Elephant differs from that of the Mastodon are considered, it cannot be supposed, observes Mr. Owen, that no corresponding differences should be present in the lower jaws of the Mastodon and of an- other genus of Proboscideans characterized by a difference in the number of the teeth, and he says, he knows of no analogy in the whole mammalian series that would justify such a belief. Tetra- caulodons are as numerous in Mr. Koch’s collection as Mastodons, yet there are not found in it two forms of humeri, ulne, radii, femora or tibie, only the merest difference of variety being de- tectable; whilst the femora of the Hlephas primigenius associated with them are at once recognizable by modifications which might be expected to accompany true generic differences in the rest of the organization. With the exception of a few bones of the Elephas primigenius, all the other remains of proboscidian Pachy- derms in Mr. Koch’s collection, Mr. Owen is of opinion, belong to the Mastodon giganteum; and the great skeleton he considers to be that of a male individual, on account of the size of the tusks and the strongly marked external characters of the principal bones of the ex- tremities ; but he points out that the lower jaw belonged to a female, and he states that the proprietor acknowledged that it was not discovered with the other portions of the skeleton.. The true height of the animal, taken at the dorsal spines, Mr. Owen estimates at ten feet, and the length, from the intermaxillary bones to the end of the sacrum, at sixteen feet, or four more than that of the Asiatic Elephant in the Hunterian Museum. The supposed spinal column of a man fourteen feet high, Mr. Owen refers to the Lophiodon: Mr. Koch’s collection also includes some interesting remains of the Mylodon Hariani, also portions of large species of Bos, Cervus, &c. With respect to the use of the lower incisor, Mr. Owen says, if in- deed this diminutive inferior tusk were a generic character constantly associated in both sexes with the enormous upper tusks, no explana- tion could be given of so apparently useless an appendage; but if re- garded as a sexual character, there are in the animal kingdom abun- dant examples of the functional importance of external distinctions in the male ; and such he considers to be the explanation of the per- sistent single or prominent tusk in the male Mastodon. Further, with respect to the question why two tusks should be originally de- veloped, especially in the female, in which neither is to be retained, Mr. Owen replies that there is an equal difficulty with respect to the two rudimental tusks in the female Narwhal, and of the single one in the male; to the abortive incisors in the symphysial part of the lower jaw of the Dugong; to the rudimental teeth in the lower jaw of the Foetal Whale-bone Whale; and in the upper jaw of the Sperm Whale. In these, and many analogous instances, the author observes, a structure which is merely sketched out, and is function- less in one species, is perfected and performs important uses in an- other closely allied. Thus the teeth which are shadowed forth in 152 Geological Society. the lower jaw of the Foetal Whale are fully developed in the Cachalot. ‘The upper rudimentary maxillary teeth which remain hidden in the gum of the Sperm Whale are functionally developed in the Grampus; and in like manner in the gigantic Dinotherium, discovered by Dr. Kaup, is exhibited the full and functional development of the infe- rior rudimental tusks of the Mastodon. The molar teeth of the Mastodons offer, Mr. Owen says, a beauti- ful transitional modification connecting the lamellated structure of the triturating molar with those having simply a transversely-ridged grinding surface. The interval between the molar teeth of the Elephant and those of the Tapir is too great to have allowed their fundamental resemblance to have been detected in the existing creation; but a study of the extinct Pachyderms brings to light, he says, a beautiful series of gradations leading through the ele- phantoid Mastodon of Ava and the gigantic Mastodon of the Missouri to the Dinotherium, which it may be remembered was the gigantic Tapir of Cuvier. Moreover, he adds, the indication of the singular armature of the lower jaw of the Dinothere might be most closely discernible in that species of Mastodon which makes the nearest approach to the Dinothere in the form of the grinding teeth. The report from which the above extracts have been taken had been completed when Mr. Owen received a copyof the notice* of Dr. Hays’s description of Mr. Koch’s collection. After an attentive perusal of this document, in which the generic distinctness of the Tetracaulo- don is maintained, Mr. Owen has been only more convinced of the truth of his own theory ; he, however, in justice to Dr. Hays, gives the arguments of that esteemed naturalist. Dr. Hays considers the existence of a single tusk in the lower jaw to be only an accidental occurrence, referring, as examples of two tusks, to the specimen described by Dr. Godman, and to that belonging to the Museum of the University of Virginia. Respecting this statement, Mr. Owen observes, that the jaw described by Dr. Godman is that of an im- mature individual, retaining on the left side the first small molar, and therefore affords no proof of the persistence of the two in- ferior tusks in the adult animal, or evidence of the accidental na- ture of the absence of the left tusk in the mature jaw. With regard to the specimen in the cabinet of the University of Virginia, he says, that if this belong to a mature animal it would be an unique specimen, and might be paralleled with cases on record of two projecting tusks in the male Narwhal, and considered by all na- turalists to be accidental. Mr. Owen further calls attention to the figure of the specimen in pl. 27. fig. 2. of the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society (vol. iv.), where only the right tusk is represented, the left being merely indicated by a dark spot of cor- responding size, of the nature of which the text is silent. Respecting the symphysial portion of the jaw exhibiting the alve- oli of two tusks, both much smaller than the alveolus of the right tusk in the presumed male Mastodon’s jaws of corresponding size, and considered by Dr. Hays to constitute a distinct variety, if not a new species of Tetracaulodon, Mr. Owen considers it to be the jaw of * Proceedings, American Phil. Soc. October 1841. Botanical Society of London. 153 a young female Mastodon in which the obliteration of the tusks had not been completed. A lower jaw without tusks, considered by Dr. Hays to have been a young Mastodon, but with ‘‘the chin slightly broken, so that it is impossible to determine whether it had the foliated termination so conspicuous in the adult ;” Mr. Owen remarks, that notwithstanding the prominent end of the symphysial part containing the chief por- tion of the tusk-socket is wanting, yet ‘‘ two foramina are recognized: at the anterior part of the chin,” and these, he observes, must be either portions of the alveoli of the tusks, or the canals of the nerves and vessels for the tusks in these alveoli. Thus, Mr. Owen says in conclusion, all the examples which seemed to show that the genus Mastodon at no period of life possessed tusks in the lower jaw, and that the genus Tetracaulodon was characterized at all periods of life by two projecting tusks in the lower jaw, become invalidated on a close inspection, and enter into the series of facts which support the proposition that the Mastodon giganteum has two lower tusks originally in both sexes, and retains the right lower tusk only in the adult male. BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. November 18th, 1842.—Adam Gerard, Esq., in the Chair. A paper was read from George Clarke, Esq., of the Island of Mahé, on the Lodoicea Sechellarum*. The Lodoicea of Sechelles is an inter- tropical plant peculiar to the Sechelles Archipelago, where it grows naturally in two islands only, Praslin and Curiense. Praslin lies north- east of Mahé, distant twenty-one miles; Curiense to the north of Praslin, and is much smaller; a deep arm of the sea, from one to two miles in breadth, separates these two islands. They lie between 4° 15' and 4° 21'S. lat. and 55° 39’ and 55° 47’ E. long. In the other islands of this Archipelago there are but few Lodoiceas, which have all been planted, and only two or three appear to thrive. The trunk or stem of the Lodoicea is straight, and runs to the height of eighty or ninety feet, terminated by a splendid crown of winged, palmated leaves; it is only from twelve to fifteen inches in diameter, and so flexible that it waves to the slightest breeze. When the wind is moderately strong the huge leaves of this giant palm are clashed to- gether with an astonishing noise. ‘Ihe outside of the stem is very hard and compact, but the interior is soft and fibrous. The leaves, winged and palmated, open like a fan, and in the early growth are more than fifteen feet long, without reckoning the foot-stalk, which is as much more. In the mature trees the leaf-stalk is not more than eight or ten feet long; and the whole leaf does not exceed twenty feet in length by ten or twelve in breadth, and is entirely destitute of thorns. The nascent leaves are enveloped, till the period of their expan- sion, by a thick covering of cottony down of a nankeen colour; but this is occasionally wanting. ‘The unanimous testimony of the in- [* A very interesting account of this plant by Mr. Clarke, illustrated by wood-cuts, will be found at p. 408, vol. vi. of this Journal.—Ebs. | 154 Botanical Society of London. habitants of Praslin proves that each tree produces only one leaf a year, and “ as three leaves occupy about eight inches of the trunk, and twenty years expire before that appears above the surface, a tree of eighty feet in height must be about 400 years old.” The flowers, about twenty in number, succeed each other one at a time, but oc- casionally two. The nuts are two-lobed, and sometimes two nuts are enclosed in one husk. Three-lobed nuts are very rare, but some are met with; and it is said that specimens with five lobes have been found. The form of the nut is very singular, and cannot be com- pared to that of any other production. Two highly remarkable cir- cumstances in the history of the Lodoicea are, the duration of its blossoms and the period necessary for maturing its fruits; for the latter, seven or eight years are required. The Lodoicea grows in every variety of soil, but delights most in the vegetable mould of the deep gorges of the mountains. It is, nevertheless, found on the bare mountain-tops, and forms a very conspicuous and remarkable object in such situations. It is curious that the vegetation of the nut is prevented by burying it, but if suffered simply to rest on the earth in a situation not tco much exposed to the sun, germination readily takes place. The fruit in its unripe state is an agreeable and re- freshing aliment ; when ripe it yields oil. Its germ furnishes a very sweet food. November 29.—Sixth Anniversary Meeting. J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S., &c., President, in the Chair. The Report of the Council was read, from which it appeared that thirteen new members had been elected since the last Anniversary, and that the Society consisted of 152 members. The donations to the library had been very considerable. Many valuable parcels of British and Foreign plants had been re- ceived, and the return parcels sent to the members had given the greatest satisfaction. Mr. Edwin Lees had forwarded an Herbarium of the Malvern Hills, accompanied by many very valuable remarks upon the geogra- phical distribution of the plants of the neighbourhood; and it was hoped next year to report the receipt of other local herbaria now in course of formation for the Society. Amongst the most valuable parcels received during the past sea- son, may be mentioned a large collection of British plants, from Mr. Hewett C. Watson, comprising upwards of 5500 specimens ; also numerous Jersey plants, from Mr. G.H. K. Thwaites; a large col- lection of Shropshire Rudi, from Mr. H. Bedwell; 300 specimens of Bupleurum falcatum collected in Essex, from Mr. E. Doubleday ; and numerous specimens of Lastrea cristata, collected in Norfolk by Mr. B. D. Wardale, and presented by that gentleman. Numerous specimens of Mosses, Lichens, and Algee had been re- ceived. Foreign Plants. —These form a valuable part of the Society’s col- lection, and comprise plants from North and South America, British Guiana, New South Wales, Cape of Good Hope, Sierra Leone, China, and various other parts of the world. The more interesting plants are 350 species collected by Mr. R. Microscopical Society. 155 H. Schomburgk in British Guiana; 250 species collected by Dr. F. Krauss in Natal, South Africa; many thousand specimens col- lected in North America by Dr. Gavin Watson ; and numerous spe- cies from South America, presented by Dr. C. F. P. von Martius. The Museum had been enriched by specimens of sections of wood, seed-vessels, barks, &c. &c.; many of them purchased at the sale of the Botanical Museum of the late A. B. Lambert, Esq., and pre- sented by some of the members. The Report was unanimously adopted, and a ballot then took place for the Council for the ensuing year, when the Chairman was re-elected President, and he nominated J. G. Children, Esq., F.R.S. and Hewett C. Watson, Esq., F.L.S., Vice-Presidents. Mr. E. Doubleday, M.E.S., Mr. G. Francis, F.L.S., and Mr. J. G. Mitchell, M.E.S., were elected new members of the Council in the room of Dr. Meeson, Mr. G. Cooper and Mr. W. H. White, who retire from the Council in accordance with the rules of the Society. Mr. J. Reynolds, Mr. G. E. Dennes, F.L.S., and Mr. T. Sansom were respectively re-elected Treasurer, Secretary, and Librarian. MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. At a meeting of this Society held December 21st, 1842, Professor Lindley, President, in the Chair, a paper was read from the Rev. J. B. Reade, entitled ‘‘ Microscopic Chemistry, No. 1, on the Existence of Ammonia in Gum, Sugar, and other ‘non-azotized bodies.” A second paper was read by H. H. White, Esq. of Clapham, ‘“‘ Ona new species of Xanthidium found in flint which he had named Xanthidium tubiferum aculeatum,” and was characterized by having the tentacula, which were twelve in number, quite pointed and free from any ap- pendages whatever ; it measured ;4,th of an inch from the extre- mities of the opposite tentacula, and the specimen was afterwards exhibited to the Society. Arthur Hill Hassall, Esq. then read a paper entitled ‘ Observations on the Production of Decay in Fruit by means of Fungi” (continued). ‘The author, after stating that in order to set aside any doubt which might exist of the power of Fungi in producing decay in fruit, he had inoculated sound fruit whilst on t e tree, and found that the decay was as rapid as in those speci- mens which had been previously removed from the tree. He con- tended that the mere binding of fruit was not sufficient of itself to cause decay, but that the presence either of fungi or of the sporules of fungi was necessary before the decay could take place. Jan. 18, 1843.—J. S. Bowerbank, Esq., F.R.S., in the Chair. A aper was read from that gentleman ‘‘ On the Structure of the Shells of Molluscous and Conchiferous Animals*.”’ The researches of the author into the structure of the organic tissue of the Corallide, published in the ‘ Philosophical Transactions,’ part 2, 1842, suggested to him the idea of pursuing a similar course of investigation into the nature and origin of the testaceous coverings of the Mollusca and [* A paper on the Chemical Components of Shells by Dr. Carpenter was read at one of the late meetings of the Royal Society, which we shall notice in a future Number.—Eps.] 156 Microscopical Society. Conchifera. He commenced his researches during the spring of 1842, and the first subject for examination was the young cartilaginous lips of the common Garden Snail, Helix aspersa; subsequently he has directed his attention to the testaceous coverings of numerous spe- cies of adult univalve and bivalve shells. The general results of the examination of the lips of the Garden Snail were as follows :—The newly-formed lip was found to consist of a thin yellow-coloured horny substance, with a number of minute globular vesicles (incipient cytoblasts and cells) in various stages of development, with a nucleus very visible by means of a power of 600 linear in the greater number of them; these cells were most numerous on the inner side of the lip, or that part in contact with the shell; the young shells were trans- parent, but in the neighbourhood of these there may be seen aggre- gated together small patches of a deep yellow colour, which appeared as centres of ossification. Besides these other cytoblasts occur, which are developed in the form of tessellated cellular structure, which ulti- mately form a minute vascular tissue which is imbedded in bands cor- responding in their direction with the lines of growth of the shell ; as these tissues approached maturity, the periostracum advancing from the old lip covers them and binds the whole firmly together. The examination by transmitted light of thin sections of univalve shells, made by the lapidary, afforded but little information of their true structure; but fractured surfaces at right angles to the outer and inner planes of the shell, and either parallel or at right angles to the lines of growth, when examined by the Lieberkuhn, exhibited three distinct strata uniform in the nature of their structure but alterna- ting in the mode of their disposition : each structure is formed of in- numerable plates composed of elongated prismatic cellular structure, each plate consisting of a single series of cells parallel to each other. The structure of bivalve shells is rather more complicated than that of univalves : the interior surface of some specimens exhibits a thin stratum of columnar basaltiform cells at right angles to the natural surfaces of the shell, whilst the upper is dense, uniform, and composed of numerous thin lamine parallel to the natural planes of the shell ; in other species the inner surface of about half the substance of the shell is composed of numerous thin calcareous strata, whilst the outer half presents the appearance of numerous basaltiform columnar cells having their planes at right angles to the surface of the shell: several other differences in the arrangement of the cells in other genera were then given. The author went on to describe a minute vascular tissue which embraced some of the elongated prismatic cells and gave them a striated appearance. Minute canals corresponding to the Haversian canals in bone, only much more minute, were also to be seen in some specimens; the author then alluded to the fact that there must be of necessity some vascular connection between the animal and its shell, although he had at present failed in detecting any. He concluded by describing the mode of reparation of injured parts, which was found to be precisely similar to the formation of the new lip in Helix aspersa, as before described. Beautiful figures of the principal structures described accompanied the communication. Royal Society of Edinburgh. P57 ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH. January 9, 1843.—The following communications were read :— 1. “On the Growth of the Salmon ;” by Mr. John Young, Suther- landshire. Mr. Young has here taken up the subject of the Salmon’s growth where it was necessarily left off by Mr. Shaw. So far as the earliest or freshwater state of the fish is concerned, he entirely agrees with’ the observer just named. He then states the various opinions which prevail regarding the more or less rapid growth of smolts and grilse, and shows by tabular lists (the result of frequently repeated experi- ments) that the increase in their dimensions is extraordinary so soon as they descend into the salt water. So far back as the months of April and May 1837, he marked a number of descending smolts, by making a peculiar perforation in the caudal fin by means of small nipping-irons constructed for the purpose. He recaptured a consi- derable number of them ascending the rivers as grilse in the course of the ensuing months of June and July, and weighing several pounds each more or less, according to the difference in the length of their sojcurn in the sea. Again, in April and May 1842 he marked a number of descending smolts by clipping off the little adipose fin upon the back. In June and July he caught several of them return- ing up the river and bearing his peculiar mark, the adipose fin being absent. Two or three specimens were exhibited to the Society. One marked in April and recaptured on the 25th of July weighed 7 lbs., the other marked in May and recaptured on the 30th of July weighed 33 lbs. As the season advances grilse increase in size, those being the largest which abide the longest in the sea; they spawn in the rivers after their first ascent, and before they have become adult salmon. Mr. Young also described various experiments instituted with the view of showing the transition of grilse into salmon. He marked many small grilse after they had spawned in winter and were about to redescend into the sea. He recaptured them in the course of the ensuing summer as finely formed salmon, ranging in weight from 9 to 14 lbs., the difference. still depending on the length of their so- journ in the sea. He has tried these experiments for many seasons, but never twice with the same mark. A specimen marked as a grilse of 4 lbs. in January 1842, and recaptured as a salmon of 9 lbs. in July, was exhibited to the Society: it bore a peculiarly twisted piece of copper wire in the upper lobe of the caudal fin. Those marked and retaken in 1841 were marked with brass wire in the dorsal fin. With these and other precautions, Mr. Young debarred the possibility of any mistake as to the lapse of time. Both grilse and salmon return uniformly to their native streams; at least it very rarely happens that a fish bearing a particular mark is found, except in the river where it was so marked. Salmon in the perfect state as to form and aspect also increase rapidly in their dimensions on again reaching the sea. A spawned salmon weighing 12]bs. was marked on the 4th of March, and was recaptured on its return from the sea on the 10th of July, weighing 18 lbs. Mr. Young is of opinion that 158 Miscellaneous. salmon rather diminish than increase during their sojourn in rivers, aud he illustrates this and other points of his subject by numerous experiments and observations. 2. “ On the Geology of Roxburghshire.” Part II. By David Milne, Esq.,—the conclusion of a very interesting report. MISCELLANEOUS. MAIANTHEMUM BIFOLIUM. Tus very pretty plant, recorded as British in the * Annals’ for January, is a rediscovery and not altogether new to the British flora. It has been already figured and recorded as English, but a long while ago. In Gerarde’s ‘ Herbal,’ 2nd book, 90th chap. p. 409, will be found a very characteristic portrait of it under the name of Monophyllum or One blade. He classes it with his Wintergreenes (Pyrole), and says ‘it growth in Lancashire in Dingley Wood, six miles from Preston in Auldirnesse, and in Harwood near Blackburne likewise.” ‘It floureth in May, and the fruit is ripe in September.” Let the Lancashire botanists look out for it next spring. It is strange that Gerarde’s notice of it should have escaped our older botanists ; and stranger still, that in the Linnean Society’s copy it is marked “ Convallaria bifolia” in Sir James E. Smith’s own handwriting, apparently without his having noticed the localities given for it be- low. In the south of Norway it is very abundant in pine-woods on a gneiss soil*, and should be looked for in similar situations in the north of Britain.—Epwarp Fores. DR. PATRICK NEILL. There are few whose claims to public commendation are stronger than those of Dr. Neill, who has been one of the most useful, but least ostentatious, of Edinburgh’s citizens. Ata late meeting of the Caledonian Horticultural Society, Lord Murray proposed that the members should at their first meeting in their new hall express their sense of the obligations under which the Society lay to that gentle- man for his distinguished and laborious services ; which was carried by acclamation. In addition to this, it is proposed to request Dr. Neill to sit for a bust, to be executed by John Steell, Esq., R.S.A. This mark of approbation, however, should not be confined to the mem- bers: the Doctor’s services as a citizen of Edinburgh, and the in- terest he has taken in every public and benevolent undertaking, en- title him to amore general compliment. TO ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL COLLECTORS. Mr. William Gardener, Dundee, will prepare during the ensuing summer ‘‘ Botanical Parcels,” each of which ‘ will contain 500 spe- cies of Scottish Phenogamic and Cryptogamic plants, including as many of the rarer species as possible, carefully selected, dried, named, and localised ; and the charge, inclusive of printed labels, paper and * It is also a common plant in the neighbourhood of Berlin, where it occurs in profusion in the Park on a sandy soil,—W. Francis. Meteorological Observations. 159 packing, will be 2/.” Subscribers are requested to give in their names as early as possible ; and we may add, that the good condition and drying of former parcels of plants are borne testimony to by Professor Balfour of Glasgow, J. G. Children, Esq., E. Doubleday, Esq., &c. THE COLLECTION OF BIRD-SKINS BELONGING TO THE LATE DR. WILLIAM HOOKER. This collection of bird-skins is to be disposed of; it consists of from between 800 and 1000 specimens from various countries ; but it is chiefly valuable for the number of Peruvian and Chilian species which served Mr. Swainson for his descriptions in his “‘ Two cente- naries and a quarter”’ and other works, and which would be valuable for consultation in a public museum. Information regarding them will be given by G. Wails, Esq., Newcastle. PROFESSOR TRAIL’S MINERALOGICAL COLLECTION. The Mineralogical and Geological collection of Professor Trail of Edinburgh is to be disposed of, containing above 5000 specimens. The mineralogical series contains about 3000 of these. The geo- logical series is particularly illustrative of Scotland, Spain, Brazil, Greenland and the Arctic regions, and among the fossil remains are a set of the fossil fishes of the Orkney Islands, named by Agassiz. — METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR DECEMBER 1842. Chiswick.—Dec. 1. Slight rain: overcast. 2. Densely clouded : clear and fine. 3. Foggy. 4. Foggy: overcast. 5. Light haze: very fine: foggy. 6—9. Foggy. 10. Overcast. 11. Foggy: clearand fine. 12. Rain: overcast and mild. 13. Very fine: overcast. 14,15. Exceedingly fine. 16. Very fine: densely over- cast. 17. Very fine. 18, 19. Foggy: clear and fine. 20, 21. Hazy. 22. Very fine. 29. Rain, 24. Very fine. 25, Clear : overcast and fine : stormy at night. 26. Cloudy and windy. 27. Rain: cloudy and damp: frosty. 28. Frosty: clear and fine. 29. Densely clouded. 30, Cloudy and very mild. 31. Very fine.— Mean temperature of the month 4°-12 above the average. Boston.— Dec. 1—3. Cloudy. 4. Foggy. 5. Cloudy. 6. Foggy. 7. Cloudy. 8, 9. Foggy. 10. Foggy: rain early am. 11. Cloudy. 12. Rain: rain early am. 13. Cloudy. 14, 15. Fine. 16. Cloudy: rain p.m. 17—19. Fine. 20. Cloudy. 21,22, Fine. 23. Cloudy. 24. Fine. 25. Fine: raine.m. 26. Windy: rain p.t. 27. Cloudy: rain early a.m. 28, Fine. 29. Windy. 30. Fine. 31. Windy: stormy p.m. Sandwick Manse, Orkney.—Dec. 1. Rain: cloudy. 2. Showers: cloudy. 3. Clear: showers. 4. Cloudy: drizzle. 5,6. Bright: cloudy. 7. Cloudy. 8. Drizzle. 9. Fog. 10. Fog: cloudy. 11. Cloudy. 12. Rain: cloudy. 13, 14. Cloudy. 15, Bright: cloudy. 16. Bright. 17, 18. Showers. 19. Showers : clear. 20. Showers: cloudy. 21, Cloudy: drizzle. 22. Showers. 23. Showers : snow. 24. Showers. 25. Rain. 26, 27. Hail-showers. 28, 29, Cloudy. $0. Rain: drizzle. 31. Showers: frost. Applegarth Manse, Dumfries-shire.—Dec. 1, 2. Rain and wind. §$. Fine and fair. 4. Rain a.m.: cleared. 5,6. Rain e.m. 7. Fair and fine. 8, Fair a.m.: drizzly p.m. 9. Fair but cloudy. 10, Drizzly. 11. Fair : overcast pm. 12. Wet all day. 13. Storm: wind: rain: flood. 14. Rainp.m. 15,16. Storm: wind: rainr.M. 17.~.Fair. 18—23. Showers p.m. 24. Hoar-frost a.m. 25. Very wet allday. 26. Very wet a.m. 27. Slight shower: frost p.m. 28. Frost a.m. : rainr.m. 29, Rain, but mild. 90. Rain and high wind. 31. 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S B= | oO }- 2 *youmpue *aays S : 53%o RE!" 8 EER eh ease [see Com eee fa = visage BF ABTS) 28 e SOOR COT cic Sane =) -youstyo ae “UR pur, *1OJIULOW IY J, *19j9UL018 “1é “0S “6 “8G Le ‘9G “GG “FZ "ez GS mi “0G “OL ‘SI “LI “OT "ST “RANWUQC ‘asunpy younpung yw ‘uoysnoy]D *d ‘Ady 247 AQ puy SaUTHS-salyIWAC ‘asupyyy yjunsajddy yw ‘wequag *A\ ‘ANY 2y7 Ag £NOLSOg 7M “wa A “AT 29 fuopuorT ava “MOIMSIHD JV Ajars0g JounznayLopT ayy JO UapLvE) IY, JD uosdwoyy py 49 ‘ uowaqoy “Ay ‘Aumzauoag quojsissp ayz hg ‘NoaNoy ‘hja.00g pohoy ayg fo siuaupuvdpy ay) qv appu suoynasasg¢ 7091 0}0L09/9 7 THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. No. 69. MARCH 1843. XXV.—On a new Genus of Alge belonging to the family of the Nostochine. By Geo. J. ALLMAN, A.B., L.R.C.S.L.,, Secretary to the Dublin Microscopical Society*. { With a Plate. ]} In the early part of October 1842, I observed a substance of a pea-green colour abundant in the water of the Grand Canal Docks near Dublin. This substance was uneqyally distri- buted, being in some places collected in large quantity, while in others the water was quite free from it. It consisted of flocculent unattached masses varying much in size and occu- pying very different depths, some floating upon the surface, while others were observed suspended in the water, and might be traced downwards till the depth alone concealed them from the sight. The general appearance of these masses, so far as their me- chanical arrangement was concerned, might remind one of certain substances in the act of precipitation from their solu- tions, as camphor when undergoing precipitation from alcohol by the addition of water, or soap when separated by an acid from an aqueous or alcoholic solution, or perhaps still more of the curd of milk when diffused through the uncoagulable part of the fluid. In some places the green matter had been left by the retiring water upon the stones of the margin, and, here drying, had assumed a beautiful bluish green or verdigris colour without lustre. On subsequently visiting the Canal Docks at several differ- ent periods, I observed that the substance under consideration appeared sometimes in but very small quantity, while on other occasions it was to be seen much more abundantly. This ap- pearance and disappearance of the green matter would seem to be independent of the direct rays of the sun, and is pro- bably the result of barometrical and other meteorological in- fluences. * Read before the Society on the Ist of December 1842. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 162 Mr. G. J. Allman on @ new genus of Alge. Connected with the Dock is a deep shaft partly filled with water. The shaft is covered over with boards, so that the light is almost totally excluded. Into this some of the green substance had made its way, and on bringing up some of it in a phial, I found that it differed from that in the open dock in being of a duller green; in other respects I could detect no difference. I mention this as it illustrates an important fact in the physiology of the green matter, and would appear to establish the influence of light in the development of its colour. Under the microscope this singular substance is seen to consist of exceedingly minute, simple, moniliform threads, with the globules composing them of uniform diameter, and the threads themselvesvariously but elegantly curved, and grouped together without order in a gelatinous matrix. The green substance of the Dock then is a minute Alga of the family Nostochine, and evidently comes very near to the genus Anabaina of Bory Saint Vincent, and still nearer to an Alga discoyered by Mr. Thompson in Ballydrain lake in the county Antrim, and which he names “ Anabaina? spiralis,” referring it doubtfully to Bory Saint Vincent’s genus*. From Anabaina of Bory Saint Vincent, the present Alga, as well as that of Mr. Thompson, differs in the uniform size of the articulations, Bory’s genus being characterized by larger globules occurring at distinct intervals in the series. Were the size of the filaments to be considered of generic import- ance, there might perhaps be found in their great minuteness in the plant now under consideration another distinctive cha- racter. The mere size however of the filaments 1s scarcely of sufficient importance to entitle it to the rank of a generic cha- racter, yet, when taken in conjunction with others whose im- portance must be admitted, it may materially assist us in forming an opinion as to the real systematic rank of the Alga. It must be recollected too, that in the minuteness of the fila- ments the Anabaina impalpabilis is perhaps equally remark- able, a fact, which, if the plant last named be a real Ana- baina, would deprive this peculiarity of all value as a generic distinction. The absence however of the enlarged articulations in the Alga of the Canal Dock is avery obvious character, and upon the whole I consider myself justified in establishing for it a distinct genus, in which the Anabaina? spiralis of Thompson will also find a place. I suspect too that Bory’s A. impalpa- * See a very interesting paper by Mr. Thompson ‘‘ On a minute Alga which colours the waters of Ballydrain lake near Belfast.”,—Ann. Nat. Hist. vol. v. p. 75. Mr. G. J. Allman on a new genus of Alge. 163 bilis would be better removed to the new genus, as in the de- scription of the species no allusion is made to the enlarged globules, and as in the minuteness of the filaments as well as in its general habit, it corresponds closely with the subject of the present paper and with the 4.? spiralis. With respect however to the right of A. impalpabilis to occupy the ground assigned to it by Bory I speak with no certainty, nor would - my present knowledge of the plant at all justify my meddling with it. The only plant entirely corresponding with Bory’s genus which I have had an opportunity of examining in a recent state is the Anabaina membranacea, specimens of which I ob- tained in the neighbourhood of Dublin last spring. This spe- cies possesses very distinctly the dilated globules; and in the large size of the filaments, and the general character and ha- bit of the plant, is so completely different from the Alga of the Canal Dock, that I feel certain that any one who has once seen the two will not hesitate as to their complete generic distinction. To the genus which I propose establishing for the reception of the present Alga, as well as for that of Mr. Thompson, I have given the name Trichormus: it may be characterized as follows :— TRICHORMUS. Frond free, of indeterminate figure, consisting of simple, mi- nute, moniliform, curved threads with articulations of uni- form size, immersed in a gelatinous matrix. Name from OptE hair, and épyos a necklace. 1. J. spiralis, Thompson. Plant either diffused through the water or floating on the surface; filaments of a rich green colour and regularly spiral; when dried on paper of a dull green without lustre. Colouring the water of Ballydrain lake near Belfast, Mr. W. Thompson. July to October. 2. T. incurvus, mihi. Plant either diffused through the water or collected on the surface; filaments of a pea-green colour, crowded together confusedly in a gelatinous mass, va- riously curved but never regularly spiral, assuming when dried a fine verdigris-green colour without lustre. Pl. V. In the Grand Canal Dock, Dublin. October. ? The difficulty experienced by naturalists in assigning to many of the lower Algze their exact rank among organized beings, renders any investigations into the structure and phy- siological history of these doubtful organisms of peculiar in- terest. So impressed was Bory Saint Vincent with a belief M 2 164 Mr. G. J. Allman on a new genus of Alge. in the animal nature of the beings which constituted his ge- nus Anabaina, that he hesitated not to remove them from the vegetable kingdom. The peculiar motion of reptation which he describes them as possessing, and which he compares to the crawling of worms, would appear to be the chief grounds on which he assumes their animality, and he also tells us that the analysis of Vauquelin and Chaptal is entirely in favour of the animal nature of the Anabaine. In the Alga which constitutes the subject of the present paper no such motion could be detected, and the same ap- pears to have been the case with the spiral Alga of Mr. Thomp- son. In all the observations which I have had an opportu- nity of making upon the green matter of the Canal Docks, the vegetable nature of this substance would appear to be fully borne out. The probability of its green colour depending on the influence of light has been already mentioned, and this fact, though not decisive, would yet go far to abolish any claim to animality. The phenomena attendant on the spontaneous decomposition of the Alga are altogether coincident with the - same view. When a large mass is placed in a limited quan- tity of water, decomposition soon sets in, the green colour be- comes duller, and finally assumes a dirty ferruginous hue, while the microscope can now no longer detect any trace of the original moniliform structure. A disagreeable odour is at the same time exhaled; but this odour is altogether different from that of decomposing animal matter, and possesses a purely vegetable character. In the paper already alluded to, Mr. Thompson makes a similar remark with respect to the Alga of Ballydrain lake, the odour of which, in a state of decomposition, he compares to - that of water in which flax had been steeped (see ‘ Annals,’ vol. v. p. 78). So far observations are in favour of the vegetability of the Trichormi ; at the same time however it must not be forgotten that these curious organisms would appear to possess the power of changing under circumstances their specific gravity, being sometimes observed collected in large quantities upon the sur- face, sometimes suspended for a considerable depth through the fluid, and sometimes the whole mass will be found to have sunk to the bottom and disappeared, again to rise to the sur- face when circumstances favourable to its appearance should occur. All these phenomena, however, wonderful and unaccount- able as they are, would hardly justify us in attributing them to spontaneity; they are in all probability dependent on ex- ternal causes, possibly of a meteorological character, and are On Defective Organization among the Araneidea. 165 certainly quite distinct from real animal motion. In an inter- esting memoir by Morren* on the genus Aphanizomenon, this botanist ascribes to the agency of electricity motions some- what similar to those of the Trichormus: Morren’s paper is ingenious and well worth perusal, but it must also be admitted that his theory is based on insufficient grounds, and his analo- gies rather far-fetched and fanciful. I have to notice also the occurrence in company with the Alga just described of the Aphanizomenon incurvum of Mor- ren, the only record of which as a British plant is that of Mr. Thompson of Belfast, who discovered it in Ballydrain lake in July 1838 (see ‘Annals,’ vol. v.). Shortly after this it was also found in the pond of the Dublin Zoological Gardens by Miss Ball, who possesses specimens from that locality in her col- lection. In investigating the subject of the present paper I have been enabled to examine dried specimens of Mr. Thompson’s Alga. For the opportunity thus afforded me of comparing my plant with the authentic A.? spiralis, I am indebted to the kindness of Miss Ball, whose valuable collection that lady obligingly allowed me to examine, and by whom I was libe- rally supplied with any specimens I might require. XX VI.—Notice of several Cases of Defective and Redundant Organization observed among the Araneidea. By Joun BLacKWwattL, Esq., F.L.S. Amone the numerous difficulties with which arachnologists have to contend in their endeavours to acquire a correct know- * ledge of the Araneidea, the great liability of those animals to run into varieties, and the close resemblance which some spe- cies bear to others, are not the least formidable ; indeed, as cir- cumstances conducing largely to the introduction of fictitious species on the one hand, and to the confounding of those which are distinct on the other, they have proved fertile sources of error and perplexity. Ample evidence of the accuracy of this statement may be obtained by a careful comparison of the writings of those naturalists who hold the highest rank as authorities in this department of zoology. A considerable share of attention having been bestowed upon variations in the colour and size of species, resulting from differences in age, sex, food, climate, and other condi- tions of a less obvious character, while those arising from ex- * Histoire d’un genre nouveau de la tribu des Confervyées nommé Aphani- zoméne; lu a l’Académie Royale de Bruxelles le 2 Décembre 1837.—See Annals, vol. v. p. 82. 166 Mr. J. Blackwall on Cases of Defective and traordinary organic modifications, in consequence, perhaps, of their less frequent occurrence, have been almost entirely over- looked, the purport of the present communication is to illus- trate by a few examples the importance which cases of the latter description possess in relation to physiology and syste- matic arrangement. 1. In March 1835, I found, under a piece of rock in a wood near Oakland, Denbighshire, an adult female Theridion filipes, Blackw., exhibiting an anomaly in organization which | never witnessed before in this order of animals; it had a supernu- merary eye situated between the two small ones constituting the anterior intermediate pair, the total number of eyes pos- sessed by this individual being nine, and their arrangement symmetrical. 2, An immature female Thomisus cristatus, captured at Oakland on the 20th of July 1835, had the two lateral pairs of eyes only, the four small intermediate eyes being altogether wanting, not the slightest rudiment of them being perceptible even with the aid of a powerful magnifier. The size of this spider was about one-fourth less than that of an adult. 3. In the summer of 1836, I took an adult female Lycosa campestris in my father’s garden at Hendre House, Denbigh- shire, which had a short but perfectly-formed supernumerary tarsus connected with the base of the tarsal joint of the nght posterior leg on its outer side. 4. An adult male Lycosa Cambrica, Blackw., taken in a marshy piece of land in a wood near Oakland in May 1839, was quite destitute of the right intermediate eye of the ante- rior row. 5. I captured an adult female Epetra inclinata at Oakland ° on the 29th of August 1842, which was entirely without the left intermediate eye of the posterior row, and the right inter- mediate eye of the same row was not half the usual size. 6. An adult female Ciniflo atrox, Blackw. (Clubiona atrox, Walck.*), taken near Hendre House on the 14th of Septem- ber 1842, wanted the left intermediate eye of the posterior row. 7. A collection of spiders made by Mr. Hamlet Clark near Towcester, Northamptonshire, in the autumn of 1842, and obligingly submitted to my inspection, contained an adult female Epetra inclinata, whose right intermediate eye of the * For the circumstances which have led to the separation of Clubiona atrox and other species from the Drasside and Theridiide, and to the esta- blishment with them of the new family Ciniflonida, see the Transactions of the Linnzan Society, vol. xviii. p. 606 et seq. Redundant Organization among the Araneidea. 167 posterior row was not one-eighth of the natural size, being merely rudimentary. The particulars detailed in the foregoing cases, which serve to establish the fact, that spiders, in common with many other animals, occasionally exhibit instances of anomalous structure, derive no small degree of interest from their novelty ; but when it is borne in mind that all the examples except one have refer- ence to those important organs the eyes, important, not only as regards the function they perform, but also on account of the extensive use made of them in the classification of the Araneidea, that interest becomes greatly augmented. Spiders with six and eight eyes have long been known to arachnologists, and Mr. MacLeay has recently published an account of one or two species discovered by him having two eyes only*, That spiders possessing four eyes will be found at a future period, when this neglected branch of natural sci- ence shall be more extensively and zealously cultivated than it has yet been, is highly probable ; it becomes a matter of some consequence, therefore, to caution observers against mistaking a mere defect in structure, like that recorded in case 2, for such a discovery. Had the female Thomisus cristatus, in which that defect was noticed, been an undescribed species, and the only individual obtained, not a new genus alone, but a new family and tribe also would probably have been proposed for its reception J. Whether there are spiders provided with an odd number of eyes or not is a more doubtful conjecture; should such exist, symmetry in the arrangement of their visual organs certainly may be expected to obtain; consequently, cases 4, 5 and 6, ' which present instances of an odd number of eyes disposed irregularly, would be regarded at all times with suspicion. Against case 1, however, no such objection can be urged; and as the spider there introduced to notice was undescribed when captured by me, I should have felt much perplexity in assign- ing it a place among the Araneidea, had | not been so fortu- nate as to procure other specimens of it at the same time. Interesting chiefly in a physiological point of view, cases 3 and 7 show that a liability to irregularity in structure is not limited to the eyes, and that those organs are subject to pre- ternatural variations in size as well as number. I shall not attempt to speculate upon the cause of the or- ganic modifications which form the subject of this article ; to * Annals and Magazine of Natural History, vol. ii. pp. 3, 4. + The difference in the number of eyes with which spiders are provided has been proposed as the basis of their distribution into tribes. Transactions of the Linnzean Society, vol. xviii. p. 602. 168 Mr. C. C. Babington on a new species of Carex. attribute them to accidental circumstances would be, not merely to acknowledge ignorance of the matter, but to express that ignorance in most objectionable terms. The obscurity in which the origin of these remarkable phzenomena is involved, careful investigation, conducted upon sound philosophical prin- ciples, can alone dispel. XXVII.—Description of a new species of Carex found near Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire. By Cuarues C. BaBine- Ton, M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S., &c.* { With a Plate. ] Ir is now nearly two years since Mr. 8S. Gibson of Hebden Bridge was so kind as to forward to me a Carex, which he had reason to believe would prove to be an undescribed spe- cies. At that time he had only ventured to publish it in Baines’s ‘ Flora of Yorkshire, as a variety of C. cespitosa (Gooden.), but in his letters to me he expressed a decided opinion that it was distinct from that species. Although con- vinced that it was indeed distinct from C. Goodenovii (C. cze- spitosa, Gooden.), it is only within the last few days that I have been enabled to examine its characters with the requi- site care to qualify myself to publish it as a true species, and to study the descriptions and figures in the works that treat of this genus, so as to be enabled to say with confidence that it is an undescribed plant. As I have convinced myself of this, I have now the pleasure of naming it in honour of its disco- verer, than whom no person can be more deserving of com- memoration by means of a plant of this genus, to the careful study of which he has long and successfully applied himself. Carex GIBsonl. C. spica mascula solitaria, femineis 2—4 oblongis basi attenuatis, infima breviter pedunculata, bracteis foliaceis, stigmatibus 2, fruc- tibus lanceolatis in rostrum breve integrum attenuatis multinerviis gluma # longioribus, acheniis late-obovatis apice rotundatis api- culatisque. Pl. V. C. ceespitosa, 3. chlorocarpos, Gibs. in Baines’s Fl. of Yorkshire, p.143. Root creeping. Stems 6—8 inches high, triquetrous with flat or concave faces, the angles rough towards the top. Leaves from near the base of the stem, and usually about equalling it in height, flat, slender, slightly rough at the edges and mid- rib beneath, particularly towards the end. Bracts without * Read before the Botanical Society of Edinburgh. Dr. Richardson on the Ichthyology of Australia. 169 sheaths; lower rather broad, leafy, often overtopping the spikes ; second long, setaceous ; the rest small, short. Spikes lax below, scarcely an inch long. Glumes oblong, blunt, pur- plish brown with a broad green band up the midrib, at least one-third shorter than the fruit; on the barren spike paler and obovate-lanceolate. Perigone nearly twice as long as the nut, gradually narrowing from below the middle to the top, pale green, with numerous and rather strongly marked ribs, which do not extend to the apex ; beak very short, truncate, entire. Nut compressed, rather longer than broad, widening upwards, rounded above, with a short somewhat conical beak, from which the style is deciduous, pale brown, opake. Found at Wood Hey near Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, in 1840, by Mr. S. Gibson of that place : flowering in June. In C. Goodenovii (C. ceespitosa, Gooden., Sm.) the fruit is elliptical and very slightly longer than the glumes, the nut roundish and rather broader than long, the glumes purple with a slender pale green keel. In C. cespitosa (C. stricta, Gooden., Sm.) the fruit is elliptic- oblong, and the same length as the glumes. EXPLANATION OF PLATE V. a. Glume of the female spikes. b. Fruit, pericarp including the nut. c. Nut. XXVIII.— Contributions to the Ichthyology of Australia. By Joun Ricuarpson, M.D., F.R.S., &c., Inspector of Hospitals, Haslar. {Continued from p. 28.] SERIOLA CULTRATA, Knife-edge Seriole. Sciena cultrata, G. Forster, No. 212; J. R. Forster, MS. iv. 9, apud Schn. Cichla cultrata, Bl. Schn., p. 343. Scomber clupeoides, Shaw, Brit. Mus. [The Se. clupeoides of Broussonnet is a Cybium, C. & V. viii. p. 178.] Tuts fish was taken with a hook off Norfolk Island on Cook’s second voyage. It differs from the other Seriole de- scribed in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons’ in the extremely acute under surface of the head, in the first dorsal being continuous with the second, though lower, and in other particulars. We must refer to Schneider for J. R. Forster’s account of it, but it is to be regretted that he does not state whether the vomer and palate-bones are toothed or not. The following particu- lars are drawn from an inspection of George Forster’s figure. The pectoral fins are small and somewhat falcate. The ventrals are also small, and are attached by their internal borders to the belly, 170 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to at the fore-part of a groove, which runs backwards to the anus. The first dorsal is low, nearly even, and contains eight spines, which are united to each other and to the second dorsal by a notched mem- brane that reaches above their middles. The drawing also indicates a short spine at the base of the first ray of the second dorsal, though only eight spines in all are enumerated by Forster. The fore-part of the soft fin is the highest, and forms a rounded peak, rising abruptly one-fourth above the succeeding rays, which become gra- dually and evenly shorter. The last ray is not elongated. The anal spines are stronger, and nearly as long as the dorsal ones, and are in like manner connected by anotched membrane to the soft part of the fin. ‘This is similar in form to the opposing dorsal, excepting that it wants the projecting peak at its beginning. Both it and the se- cond dorsal stand in a furrow formed by a low fillet of integument on each side. The caudal is deeply forked. The following is Forster’s enumeration of the rays:—Br.6; D. 8|24; A. 3/26; C.22; V.5; P. 15. In the figure 26 rays are marked in the soft dorsal. The lateral line is moderately curved over the pectoral. The length of the specimen was 84 inches, and the figure is of the natural size. The following front view will give some notion of the wedge-shaped form of the head. Capros AustRA.uts (Nob.), Australian Boar-fish. In Polack’s account of New Zealand, John Dories are enu- merated among the fish which frequent the coasts of that promising colony, and there is much probability of his having correctly applied the name, since we find that Dories closely resembling the common species, if not actually the same, exist in the seas of Japan and the Cape of Good Hope, in nearly similar latitudes. Among the drawings which Dr. Lhotsky caused to be made of the fish of Port Arthur in Van Diemen’s Land, there is a well-executed figure of a fish the Ichthyology of Australia. 171 which appears to possess external characters intermediate between those of Zeus and Capros, but which, from the absence of spiniferous shields at the bases of the dorsal and anal, and on the ventral line, must necessarily be placed in the latter genus. Hitherto only one species of Capros has been de- scribed ; it isan inhabitant of the Mediterranean Sea; but one example of it has been taken on the coast of Cornwall. The Australian species does not seem to have been seen by any of the naturalists of the English or French scientific expeditions, probably because it inhabits great depths, like its Mediter- ranean congener, and is brought to the surface only by storms. The body, excluding the trunk of the tail and much of the head, is a regular short oval, whose vertical axis, lying between the first dorsal and anus, is equal to rather more than two-thirds of the lon- gitudinal one. The trunk of the tail is longer and more slender than that of either Zeus faber or Capros aper. In the general shape and details of its head the resemblance is greater to the common dory than to the boar-fish, though the snout is more protractile than in the latter. The figure represents the jaws thrust out and extended, and, from the transparency of the integu- ment, the forms of the bony parts are well shown. Their close cor- respondence with the same parts in Zeus faber gives confidence in the general correctness of the artist, though he has doubtless omitted some of the minute details which were not likely to attract the no- tice of any one except an ichthyologist. The under jaw does not project beyond the upper one when the mouth is open; the maxil- lary is wider below and more broadly and obliquely truncated than in the dory. The scaly cheek has the high subrhomboidal form of that fish, and the narrow smooth preoperculum makes an angle nearly as obtuse and approaching to a curve: near its anterior end a rounded shoulder is shown, looking backwards. The interopercu- lum, as large and as long as in the dory, is slightly curved on the edge like an italic S. The eye, smaller than that of the European boar-fish, though a little larger than that of the dory, is surmounted by a superciliary crest and cranial ridges, exactly as in the latter, but the little spine on each side of the occiput does not appear in the figure. The gill-flap is rounded; none of the opercular pieces are streaked or furrowed, nor are any spines shown either on the scapular or humeral bones. ‘There are three small scaly patches behind the eye, on the site of the supra-scapular plates. Rays :—Br. 6?; D. 7|—18; A. 2|—17; C. 13; V. 1/5. The pectorals are small and rounded. The ventrals are also rounded, and attached farther back than the pectorals, as in Capros : a groove is shown in the belly of the fish, reaching to the anus, for their reception when folded back : the spine is very little shorter than the soft rays, and is not represented asrough. The separation of the two dorsals is as complete as in the common dory. The first dorsal is farther back, and occupies less space than in either the dory or ne Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to common boar-fish. It stands over the anus and is very tall, though, as it has been curtailed of its proportions in the figure, owing to the smallness of the paper, its exact height cannot be stated. ‘The first ray is the longest, and the others decrease in succession to the last, which is short: none of them are represented with filamentous tips. The membrane ends at the base of the very short ray which begins the second dorsal. ‘The rays of the second fin increase gradually but slightly as they become more posterior. ‘There appear to be two anals, as in the dory, of which the first is very small, consisting of only two spines : the second spine is only half the length of the first, and no membrane is shown connecting it with the second fin, which resembles the soft dorsal in form. In drawing the simple tapering dorsal or anal rays of a dory the articulations are very likely to be overlooked, as is the case in the figure we are commenting upon. The caudal fin is very slightly rounded, as in the dory. The scales are represented as considerably smaller than in the common boar-fish. The lateral line is more boldly curved, and ap- proaches nearer the dorsal line anteriorly; posteriorly it descends very gradually to assume a straight course through the tail. The general colour is a pale straw-yellow, with much metallic lustre, without spots. The fins are pale carmine, and there is a carmine blush on the fore-part of the back, with deeper tints of the same on the tips of the scales, top of the head, scapulars, and some parts of the muzzle. The gill-membrane is deep lake-red, and there are some purplish tints on the gill-flap and humeral bones. The figure is said to be of the natural size, and measures DIMENSIONS. : 4 inches, lines. From the lips, with the jaws protracted, to the end of caudal.. 10 6 —_—$ —_— —_——_ ——_—_—_—_.—_—_ base of ditto... 9 3 Aven ot hvor- think Of Palle. escnseassscwsiea crete. sie/-seensuseuacesen 0 73 Body Pi cseves tots sssaecenaas cos «devene did beatorersh eee 2D trunk: of) tail ya. 25 sonatas tale sacspocseee menses 3.3 SERINIURAU PANG ea donccselcoccs+sovenvebe adsense devadaceeeie 0 4 eighth ditto............ SU Uncerorke capegee toccesorMsptesccce En 0 longest articulated rays of dorsal .........cescseeeseeeeee [| SNE AMA SPINE. 55 cais0 Saad (oad scsensaseeedoncetaereeeeme 0 10 ———— Soft rays seccecccsesesecees mists cn'dudeah ve caaeaasereeeeaeee acon” O MOE ea ee GE COM A CAUCALTAYS 26.05. secins snsna soa snenuss'asstonsaaaetades 1 4 ————— projection of upper falcate caudal tip ...........0ee000 0,9 ——— projection of lower itt0.........ssssessscscncevancscesesens 0 6 Menrtly of caudal lancet... ......00.cscerseseseenee savecceneensnescseres One (UES Sie nS ne ta, 2 Ook Sat conan 1 10 — ventrals ....., ee aonesee iaveccuasieataeaCaueematseneerescsee LD Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol, xi. N 178 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to ATHERINA HEPSETOIDES (Nod.), Tasmanian Sauclet. Several examples ofan Atherine, corresponding very closely in external form with the Mediterranean Sauclet, were sent to me from Port Arthur by Mr. Lempriere. Long maceration in spirits and friction against larger fish during the voyage home have destroyed the colours of the specimens, but their forms are tolerably perfect, and a sedulous comparison of the specimens with the figure and detailed description of the Sauclet in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons’ elicited the very few tangible differences which are comprised in the following notice. The body is rather more elevated than that of the Sauclet, its height forming only the eighth part of the total length ; the nape is also a little narrower, but the roundish form of the body, the pro- portional length of the head, the comparative size of the eye, and its position removed its own breadth from the tip of the snout, the great protractility of the intermaxillaries, the minuteness of the teeth, the total recession of the maxillary beneath the edge of the triangu- lar preorbitar when the jaws are closed, and the numbers and form of the dorsal rays, are all exactly as in the Sauclet ; the first dorsal has likewise the same relative position above the middle of the ven- trals as in that species, but it commences at a point nearer to the tip of the snout than to the base of the caudal, instead of exactly in the middle of the fish. Moreover, the anal fin contains two rays above the number ascribed to hepsetus in the ‘Histoire des Poissons.’ There are four oval cells on each side of the flat forehead and snout, with a lengthened triangular space between the rows, bisected by a slightly elevated, acute, mesial ridge. The rays of the fins are dotted with black ; the silvery lateral band, which retains its colour and form after the scales are removed, is similar in breadth and situation to that of hepsetus, and the back is ornamented with black specks ranged round the edges of the scales. Rays :—D. 9|—1|11; A. 1]14; C. 154; P.15; V. 15. The interior of the peritoneum and the ovarium are black. In the specimen examined the ova were numerous and large, occupying more than two-thirds of the cavity of the abdomen. The spine con- sists of 48 vertebree, whose bodies have an exact hour-glass form. Several of the anterior spinous processes have dilated semi-membra- nous edges, which are gradually restricted as they recede from the cranium. At the 20th vertebra the lateral processes are bent down- wards, and unite to form a canal for the passage of the vessels, and perhaps for the reception of the point of the air-bladder. At the twenty-fourth vertebra the change from lateral to inferior spinous processes is complete. There is a slight membranous expansion of the intermediate processes, but it is not very evident. In A. pres- byter the transverse processes, from the 25th to the 30th vertebra, expand and unite below, to form a funnel, which encloses the end of the air-bladder. In hepsetus a less conspicuous dilatation of the processes of four vertebrae commences at the thirty-third, ie the Ichthyology of Australia. 179 DIMENSIONS. inches. lines, Length from tip of snout to point of candal .........seeeeee pte Sel ged i rs base: of caudally» cccevssscesebe. feos irk 3 ates He COL wats sencasceas es Serereros |) iO : peep ANG Sees tas Laces asa ecesbaccece decease 2 a ; —_——— ANUS —cccscccccsrcsecscncccesecsoresces bein’ m eS | RTE i cei ce stociaees | Ra : ee VON GLAS eecnnatesccersaesernerees peracid leben’s > ¥ — ——__ edge of gill-cover ......seseseeeeeee 0”. (8S 5 Diameter of eye ......scsecscccssoscsveccscsceneseoes fede theaataied ce 0 2% Length of snout before eye .........ee0e. asaavaetcedvash sceseteeness 0 23 Height of body .....sscsssscscscseececscssececcessscsccesecescseeeseees 054.6 festmorsalll jaccsccecss beaetde at dddecdaccctucaced sheane dcsner Or iho RECN GUO (Ja cn dcapnkiass wacsyohasse¥eBaca¥stacevesedn eae | ape Thength of pectorals ...........cccccscseccccesscnssccscrcscaccscssoeses Cae ANIM IMR eee e acdeseteassraacactasesecsdcky -tacceatdesenes ONG ATHERINA PRESBYTEROIDES (Nod.), Tasmanian Roseret. Three examples of an Atherine, strongly resembling the sandsmelt (A. presbyter) so common on the south coast of England in physiognomy and general proportions, were sent to me from Port Arthur by Mr. Lempriere. The Tasmanian fish is however more elevated, owing to the greater protuberance of its belly ; the length of its head and the height of its body are equal to each other, and also to a fifth of the total length of the fish, caudal included. ‘The portion of the snout lying before the orbit is one-fourth of the entire length of the head, and the diameter of the eye is a little greater, being one-third of that length. The mesial ridge of the snout is not prolonged so far back as in presbyter, but rises rather higher, forming a short obtuse eminence between the nostrils. The inequalities of the cranium are more rounded than in the sandsmelt just named, and there are oblique pores leading to cells over the orbits, but no open oval pits as in hepsetoides. 'The intermaxillaries have as little protractility as those of presbyter ; the teeth appear to be of the same size as in that spe- cies, and there is an equal correspondence in the depressions of the preorbitars and shapes of the opercular bones. Rays :—D. 9|—10 or 11; A. 112; C. 154; P. 11; V. 1[5. The first dorsal is small in all its dimensions; its rays slender and flexible: it stands wholly anterior to the anus, commencing just perceptibly behind the ventrals. I could not satisfy myself whether the first ray of the second dorsal was spinous or jointed. The anal spine is short and very flexible. As the pectoral rays are fewer than in the other Atherines, they were repeatedly counted and found to correspond exactly in all the three specimens. All the rays of the ventrals are equally soft and fiexible, and the jointed ones split so readily to the base when handled that they might easily be reckoned as exceeding the normal number. The scales are rather large, and there are only two rows of them above the silvery lateral band, while in presbyter there are three. The scale on the summit of the back, immediately before the spinous dorsal, embraces the first ray ina narrow notch, N 2 180 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to The specimens having been sent home in brine containing much undissolved salt, have suffered injury from the friction, and the ori- ginal tints of colour cannot be made out, but they appear to have been much darker on the upper parts than the English Atherine. The A. pectoralis and endrachtensis, which are New Holland species of the same subdivision of the genus with presbyteroides and the lacunosa of Forster, which frequents the coasts of New Caledonia and New Guinea, and may be expected to be found on the northern shores of Australia, have only five or six rays in the first dorsal, and also differences in the other fins, that readily distinguish them from the Tasmanian Roseret, which moreover shows no traces of the black tip to the pectoral, so characteristic of pectoralis. 'The vertebre are forty-six in number, and have the same hour-glass form with those of hepsetoides. Dimenstons. inches. lines. Length from tip of snout to points of caudal .......ssssssseeeeeee + eae’ ——————— ————— base of ditto ........seccecescsoeeees 5 ne | = ANUS) © sp naniessecsccsossaciseisesssensiict Las eS ———_ ——_—— ———. first dorsal .......cccesecsscsecsceeees Lasio $$ —_— —______._ ventrals wirceccccccccsccececeves Rarer 1 fae ————— edge of gill-cover ............s0000e O° 8 —— Ow. Sroposbaccoonc nocnanooo2Nc0e8902607 Onn 2 Diametersofithe eye, ©, ss256ca3s sass iunescdasese0ees0dsseees caseetemeee 0 38 Menethiot pectordls -ccyss.0.2so sens caassc sexvvacusurspesomenee «oe Ob aG EP CIS DEOL DORY, 5: «on sonssoneccrsacpuakactecsset iautendessoestersmoneeee 0} 45 Width of GECIPUL 1. sce sneuipe ane cebesscensdacwccdssssmetees esdetacemnes 0 ee ATHERINA NIGRANS (Nob.), The Yalgurnda. No. 9. Mr. Gilbert’s list. Mr. Gilbert informs us that this little fish is a tolerably abundant inhabitant of the freshwater streams that flow into the harbour of Port Essington, and that it is very easily taken with a hook baited with flies or fresh meat. Yalgurnda is its native name. It is a member of that group of Atherines which is characterized by the peculiar angular form of the mouth. Five American examples of the group, and one from New Holland, the A. Jacksoniana, are described in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons.’ The Yalgurnda inhabiting the opposite ex- tremity of the Australian continent to Jacksoniana is readily distinguished from it by its higher form, fewer rays in the first dorsal, and black lateral band, instead of a bright silvery and green one. The profile of the Yalgurnda is a pretty regular ellipse, which is terminated anteriorly by the thin jaws, and posteriorly by the trunk of the tail, whose height is about one-tenth of the total length of the fish, while the greatest altitude of the body is one-fourth of that length. The dorsal and anal curves are similar, and the first dorsal fin commences on the summit of the arch of the back, and a little posterior to the anal spine. The first ray of both dorsals, of the anal and of the ventrals, is moderately strong with a pungent tip, the Ichthyology of Australia. 181 differing in this respect from the same rays in most Atherines, which have them equally slender and flexible with the other rays. Ath. Hum- boldtiana alone, of the species figured in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons,’ seems to have the anterior ray of these fins stiff and pungent. The four posterior rays of the first dorsal are very slender and flexible, and the two nearest to the spine have filamentous tips overtopping it by half their height. The spine of the second dorsal is slightly curved, and but little shorter than the jointed ray which immediately succeeds it. The fin rises somewhat as it runs backwards, and ends in an acute point, which reaches to the base of the caudal. ‘The anal is very similar to the second dorsal and is equally pointed, but its spine is scarcely so long. The naked trunk of the tail, bounded by the three vertical fins, forms more than a seventh part of the en- tire length of the fish. The ventrals are attached before the middle of the pectorals, and their soft rays end in a thread-like tip, which overlaps the commencement of the anal. The pectoral is acute, its fourth and fifth rays being the longest: the lower ones are short, giving a rounded form to that part of the fin. The caudal is forked. Rays :—D. 1|4—1|12; A. 1/18; C.174; P.18; V. 1). The head forms a fifth part of the length of the fish; the snout is flat, and the intermaxillaries are horizontal near the symphysis, but their limbs bend at a right angle: the lower jaw has a similar but less acute flexure. The teeth, moderately strong, stiff, and sufficiently visible to the naked eye, form a narrow villiform stripe on each jaw. The edges of the vomer and palate-bones are rough to the touch, but a common eye-glass is insufficient to show their teeth. ‘The diameter of the small eye is just equal to the portion of the snout which lies before it. The preoperculum forms an acute angle, as in the Mullets, and there are three rows of scales on the triangular cheek enclosed by its limbs, a larger scale covering the corner of the bone. The scales of the body are large, there being only thirty on the lateral line, exclusive of several small ones on the base of the caudal. A vertical row on the most elevated part of the side con- tains ten scales, of which four are above the lateral line and five below it. The disposition of the scales is in very regular longitu- dinal rows, the exposed disc of each forming a vertical ellipse acute at both ends, and approaching to a hexagon. ‘The lateral line is marked by a pore in the disc of each of its scales, which are similar in size and form to the others on the body. Aneven black stripe, co- incident with the scales of the lateral line, terminates at the base of the caudal, and is continued forwards over the gill-cover, upper half of the eye, and sides of the snout. This black stripe replaces the usual silvery lateral band, of which there is no other vestige. All the scales above it have narrow black borders, which produce rows of meshes. ‘The scales below the band are destitute of dark mark- ings. ‘There are some blackish tints on the fins, most evident on the dorsals. DimeEnstons. inches. lines. Length from upper teeth to tip of caudal fin .........s.ceeseeees a AAG ———_—— base’ of caudal. (occu. ccsecvese ss “Cry ena) 182 Mr. W. Wilson on the Structure and Functions Drvensions (continued). inches. lines. Length from upper teeth to beginning of second dorsal ...... Liye —————_—_—_—___———_—— first ditto ............ a ———_— —_____--__- AMAL. seen edaemeneesen ea) ————--—_—. ventrals ...ssce00e poesia tans aseemonens Lette ———— pectonalay.: Miss acweeses wieder cena 0S edge ef pill’cover \\isc-sncunesce nese O 73% MM ameter: OF te CVC) .trscasdaacsacnecunecen's oetssannsens seslecee ranean OK ne Heneth of snout before the Cye “ie. seecssseyessenee-anseneesneasanii 0 2 Bletohys of Hod yc, citccsauvuces vegescedr ys veeaees aspen persmmelhadvecseda 0.78 Length of naked partof tail ...secesscssecccesccesecce+nstennassea « 0), 4% [To be continued. ] XXIX.—On the Structure and Functions of the Pollen Gra- nules. By Witu1Am Witson, Esq. In the ‘London Journal of Botany’ for November 1842, the results of a sedulous inquiry into the true structure and func- tions of the pollen-collectors of Campanula were presented to its readers; and in the following month a letter from Arthur Hill Hassall, Esq. appeared in the same Journal, directing my attention to his own remarks on the same topic, published in the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History’ for October last. In acknowledging Mr. Hassall’s courtesy, I beg to say that I had not seen his paper, or it would have been discussed when mine was written. Mr. Hassall has misunderstood me. I endeavoured to state that the pollen granules are taken bodily into the interior of the collecting hairs, and are ultimately lodged in the im- bedded cavities ; but Mr. Hassall supposes that I allude only to the pollen tubes. Having met with only one instance of tubes from a pollen granule thus imbedded, I did not insist upon it as a fact, but reserved that point for future inquiry. I must entirely dissent from Mr. Hassall’s views. In the first place, I cannot admit the propriety of terming that part where the collecting hairs are found, a “stigma.” He says that the papillze of the stigmatic branches “resemble the hairs in everything save length ;” but if the views of physiologists are right, as I believe them to be, there must be an essential difference between these papille (rounded sides of vesicles of cellular stigmatic tissue, according to Lindley,) and the col- lecting hairs, concerning the anatomy of which Mr. Hassall considers Brongniart to have given a satisfactory account ; for the hairs are regarded by the latter as an extension of the cu- ticle covering the whole surface of the style. In the second place, I deem it premature and hazardous, of the Pollen Granules. 183 especially after Brongniart’s statement in reference to the stigmatic tissue as the proper passage for the pollen tubes, to advance the opinion that they “ penetrate the interspaces be- tween the hairs ;” and I would ask, is not the cuticle a barrier to any such penetration? If the fact be as he supposes, ‘I con- sider it quite capable of being demonstrated by careful and minute dissection. The formation of pollen tubes is by no means conclusive ; for Mr. Hassall has elsewhere said (p.103) that this occurs “on parts of the flower distant from the stigma.” In one case I observed a cluster of pollen granules upon the style, with pollen tubes so completely interlaced as to form an entangled mass of flocculent matter; but none of these tubes seemed to have any intimate connexion with the style. I dare not even assert that they were not produced under the influence of the stigmatic fluid ; for, since the publication of my paper, I have seen that the stigmatic branches ultimately become revolute, and their papillose surfaces are thus brought into contact with the pollen adhering to the style; but this takes place long after the emission of the pollen, so that it is difficult to regard the evolution of the stigmatic branches as marking the precise time of fecundation. Mr. Hassall’s intended experiment on the flowers of Cam- panula pyramidalis, interesting as it will be, will not prove that fecundation is not effected by means of the collecting hairs. In opposition to Brongniart, I have shown that they are really the recipients of the pollen granules, and that traces of a foramen exist at the extremity of each hair which has performed its function. I cannot suppose that all this singular mechanism is intended merely to astonish the microscopic observer, and the conclusion is to my mind irresistible, that there must be an important relation between this function of the hairs and the fecundation of the plant; and this even if the pollen tubes cannot be traced from the base of the hair to the ovarium. Notwithstanding all that has yet been ad- vanced on the subject, I confess myself to be somewhat scep- tical as to the necessity for the introduction of pollen tubes into the ovarium of any plant. I have only to add, that subsequent observations on the flowers of another species, Campanula Rapunculoides, confirm what I have already published in the ‘ Journal of Botany’ on this subject. W. WILson. January 18, 1843. 184 Mr. Walker’s descriptions of Chalcidites from Chonos. XXX.—Descriptions of Chalcidites discovered in the Isle of Chonos by C. Darwin, Esq. By Francis WALKER, Ksq., PLS: Lamprotatus Numitus, Mas. Niger, abdomen eneum, antenne nigre, pedes fulvi, femora nigra, ale sublimpide. Corpus breve, convexum, nigrum, parum nitens, scitissime squameum, parce hirtum: caput transversum, breve, thoracis latitudine; vertex latus ; frons impressa, abrupte declivis : oculi rufi, mediocres, non extantes : an- tennz nigra, graciles, filifor mes, thorace non longiores ; articulus 1"S longus, gracilis; 2"° longicyathiformis; 3"° et 4"° minimi; 5"* et sequentes breves, usque ad 10"™ paullo curtantes : thorax longi-ovatus : prothorax transversus, brevis, antice angustus: mesothoracis scutum longitudine latius; parapsi- dum suture bene determinata, postice approximate ; ; paraptera et epimera magna; scutellum subeconicum: metathorax brevis, declivis, postice angus- tus: petiolus brevis: abdomen zeneum, brevi-ovatum, nitens, leve, glabrum, thorace multo brevius; segmentum 1" magnum; 2"™ et sequentia brevis- sima: pedes fulvi, simplices, subaequales; coxze nigree ; femora nigra, apice fulva; tarsi apice fusci: ale sublimpide ; squamulz pice; nervi fusci; nervus humeralis ulnari fere duplo longior, radialis ulnari non brevior, cubi-- tali multo longior; stigma mediocre. (Corp. long. lin. 14; alar. lin. 24.) Pteromalus? Oxynthes, Fem. ler, antenne nigre, pedes nigri, tarsi fusci, ale subfusce. Corpus angustum, convexum, atrum, nitens, subtilissime squameum, parce hirtum: caput transversum, breve, thorace vix latius; vertex latus; frons impressa, abrupte declivis: oculi picei, mediocres, non extantes: antenne nigree, subclavate, graciles, thorace non longiores; articulus 1" longus, linearis ; 2"° longicyathiformis; 3°° et 4"* minimi; 5"° et sequentes breves, usque ad 10"™ curtantes ; clava longiconica, acuminata, articulo 10° plus duplo longior: thorax ovatus: prothorax transversus, brevissimus : meso- thoracis scutum longitudine latius; parapsidum suture non bene determi- natz ; paraptera et epimera magna; scutellum subconicum: metathorax brevis, declivis, postice angustus : petiolus brevissimus : abdomen fusiforme, leeve, supra planum, subtus carinatum, apice acuminatum, thorace multo longius: pedes nigri, simplices, subzquales; trochanteres picei; genua picea; tarsi fusci, apice picei: alee subfuscze; squamule piceee ; nervi fusci ; nervus humeralis ulnari multo longior, radialis ulnari non brevior, cubitali multo longior; stigma parvum. (Corp. long. lin, 1; alar. lin. 14.) Entedon Ufens, Fem. Viride, abdomen nigro-purpureum, antenneé ni- gre, pedes fulvi fusco-cincti, femora viridia, ule sublimpide. Corpus sublineare, convexum, viride, nitens, scitissime squameum, parce hirtum : caput transversum, breve, thoracis latitudine ; vertex latus; frons impressa, abrupte declivis: oculi ‘rufi, mediocres, non extantes : antenne nigre: thorax ovatus: prothorax transversus, brevis: mesothoracis scutum longitudine latius; parapsidum suturee bene determinate, postice approxi- mate ; scutellum subconicum: metathorax mediocris, obconicus, Geclivis: petiolus brevis : abdomen brevi-ovatum, lave, supra depressum, subtus ca- rinatum, apice acuminatum, thorace multo brevius; discus nigro-purpureus; segmentum 1"™ sat magnum; 2"™ et sequentia breviora, subzequalia : pedes fulvi, simplices, subeequales ; coxze virides; femora viridia ; tarsi apice fusci ; mesopedum et metapedum tibize apice fuscze : alee sublimpide ; squamulz piceze ; nervi fulvi; nervus ulnaris humerali longior, radialis ulnari brevior, cubitaiis brevissimus; stigma minutum, (Corp. long. lin. 3; alar, lin. 14 ) Mr. Walker’s descriptions of Chalcidites from Coquimbo. 185 Closterocerus Pelor, Mas. Véiridis, abdomen purpureum, antenne ni- gre, pedes fluvo-fulvi, femora nigra, ale sublimpide. Corpus angustum, sublineare, convexum, viride, nitens, scitissime squa- meum, parce hirtum : caput transversum, brevissimum, impressum, thorace paullo latius ; vertex latus; frons abrupte declivis: oculi picei, mediocres, non extantes: antennz nigrz, subfiliformes, hirte, graciles, thorace non longiores ; clava fusiformis, acuminata, articulo praecedente plus duplo lon- gior: thorax ovatus: prothorax brevissimus, supra vix conspicuus : meso- thoracis scutum longitudine latius; parapsidum suture bene determinate, postice approximate; scutellum subconicum: metathorax mediocris, decli- vis, obconious : petiolus brevissimus : abdomen sublineare, depressum, lve, purpureum, basi viride, thorace paullo brevius et angustius: pedes fulvi, graciles, subaequales; cox nigra; femora nigra, apice fulva; tarsi flavi, apice fusci: alz sublimpide ; squamulz pice ; nervi fulvi; nervus ulnaris humerali duplo longior, radialis vix ullus, cubitalis brevissimus in ale dis- cum abrupte declivis; stigma minutum. (Corp. long. lin. +; alar. lin. 1.) —— XX XI.—Descriptions of Chalcidites discovered in Coquimbo by C. Darwin, Esq. By Francis Wauker, Esq., F.L.S. Lamprotatus Tubero, Fem. After, abdomen nigro-purpureum, antenne fusce, pedes fulvi, femora picea, ale limpide. Corpus breve, robustum, convexum, atrum, nitens, scitissime squameum, parce hirtum: caput transversum, breve, thorace latius ; vertex latus; frons impressa, abrupte declivis: oculi picei, mediocres, non extantes: antennz fuscee, extrorsum crassiores, thorace non longiores; articulus 1"* niger, longus, gracilis; 2"° piceus, longicyathiformis ; 3"° et 4"° minimi; 5°° et sequentes usque ad 10"™ breves, approximati; clava conica, acuminata, ar- ticulo 10° duplo longior : thorax ovatus: prothorax transversus, mediocris, antice angustus : mesothoracis scutum longitudine multo latius ; parapsidum suture sat bene determinate ; scutellum subconicum ; paraptera et epimera magna: metathorax magnus, obconicus, declivis: petiolus sat longus: ab- domen subrhombiforme, leve, nigro-purpureum, supra planum, subtus ca- rinatum, thoracis dimidio vix longius: pedes fulvi, simplices, subzequales ; cox nigrz ; femora picea, apice basique fulva; tarsi apice fusci: alz lim- pide; squamulz picez; nervi fulvi; nervus humeralis ulnari multo lon- gior, radialis ulnari vix brevior, cubitali multo longior; stigma minutum. (Corp. long. lin. 14; alar. lin. 23.) Var. 8. Antennis articulus 1"s viridis: abdomen zeneum : femora nigra; tibize piceze. Lamprotatus? Nevolus, Mas? Viridis, antenneé picee, pedes piceo- virides, tarsi flavi, ale limpide. Corpus angustum, convexum, viride, nitens, scitissime squameum, parce hirtum: caput transversum, breve, thorace latius; vertex latus; frons im- pressa, abrupte declivis: antennz subfiliformes, graciles, pices, thorace paullo longiores ; articulus 1"* longus, linearis, nigro-viridis; 2"* longicya- thiformis ; 3"* et 4"° minimi; 5"° et sequentes usque ad 10°" breves, ap- proximati; clava longiconica, acuminata, articulo 10° plus duplo longior : thorax ovatus: prothorax transversus, mediocris, antice angustus : meso- thoracis scutum longitudine latius; parapsidum suture bene determinate, postice approximate ; scutellum subconicum: metathorax mediocris, obco- nicus, declivis: abdomen ademptum : pedes virides, graciles, subzquales ; trochanteres picei ; genua flava ; tibize piceo-virides ; tarsi flavi, apice fusci : alze limpide ; squamulz picez ; nervi fusci; nervus humeralis ulnari multo 186 Mr. Walker’s descriptions of Chalcidites from Coquimbo. longior, radialis ulnari non brevior, cubitali multo longior ; stigma minutum. (Corp. long. lin. 1?; alar. lin. 14.) Gastrancistrus Polles, Fem. Viridis, abdomen nigro-cupreum, pedes piceo-virides, tarsi fulvi, ale limpide. Corpus angustum, convexum, viride, nitens, leve, parce hirtum: caput transversum, breve, thorace paullo latius; vertex latus; frons impressa, abrupte declivis : oculi rufi, mediocres, non extantes: antennz nigree, cla- vatz, submoniliformes, thorace non longiores, articulus 1"* longus, gracilis ; 2"* longicyathiformis ; 3"s et 4"° minimi; 5"° et sequentes breves, approxi- mati, usque ad 10"™ latescentes : thorax ovatus: prothorax transversus, bre- vissimus : mesothoracis scutum longitudine latius; parapsidum suture bene determinate, postice approximate; scutellum subconicum: metathorax mediocris, obconicus, declivis: peticlus brevissimus: abdomen fusiforme, nigro-cupreum, basi viride, supra depressum, subtus carinatum, apice acu- minatum, thorace paullo longius et multo angustius: pedes virides, simpli- ces, subzequales ; trochanteres picei; genua fulva; tibize picez, apice fulve ; tarsi fulvi, apice fusci: alee limpide ; squamulz picez; uervi fusci; nervus humeralis ulnari multo longior, radialis ulnari non brevior, cubitali multo longior; stigma sat magnum. (Corp. long. lin. 3; alar. lin. 14.) Platyterma Nephele, Mas. Viridis, abdomen cupreo-eneum, antenne flava, pedes flavi, ale limpide. Corpus sublineare, sat angustum, convexum, lzte viride, nitens, scitissime squameum, parce hirtum: caput transversum, breve, thorace paullo latius ; vertex latus; frons abrupte declivis: oculi rufi, mediocres, non extantes: antenne subclavate, flave, thorace paullo longiores ; articulus 1" longus, gracilis ; 2” longicyathiformis; 5"° et 4"° minimi; 5‘* et sequentes breves, approximati, usque ad 10" curtantes; clava ovata, articulo 10° multo latior et plus duplo longior: thorax ovatus: prothorax transversus, brevissimus : mesothoracis scutum longitudine paullo latius; parapsidum suture vix con- spicuz ; scutellum subconicum : metathorax brevis, declivis, postice angus- tus: petiolus brevissimus: abdomen depressum, leve, sublineare, cupreo- zeneum, thorace paullo brevius et angustius: pedes flavi, simplices, sub- zequales ; coxze virides ; tarsi apice fusci: alze limpide ; squamule fulve ; nervi flavi; nervus humeralis ulnari multo longior, radialis ulnari vix brevior, cubitali multo longior; stigma minutum. (Corp. long. lin. $-1; alar. lin. 11-13.) Pteromalus Toxeus, Fem. Cupreus, antenne nigre, pedes fulvi, femora nigra, ale iimpide. Corpus robustum, convexum, cupreum, parum nitens, scitissime squa- meum, parce hirtum: caput transversum, breve, thoracis latitudine ; vertex latus; frons impressa, abrupte declivis: oculi picei, mediocres, non ex- tantes: antenne nigre, subclavate, thorace non longiores, articulus 1" lon- gus, sublinearis; 2"° longicyathiformis; 3" et 4" minimi; 5% et sequentes usque ad 10" breves, approximati; clava conica, acuminata, articulo 10° plus duplo longior: thorax ovatus : prothorax brevissimus: mesothoracis scutum longitudine latius; parapsidum suture vix conspicuz; scutellum brevi-obconicum: metathorax brevis, declivis, postice angustus: abdomen ademptum: pedes fulvi ; coxze nigrz ; femora nigra, apice fulva ; tarsi apice fusci: ale limpide; squamulz picez ; nervi fulvi; nervus humeralis ulnari duplo longior, radialis ulnari_ non brevior, cubitali multo longior; stigma minutum. (Corp. long. lin. 1$?; alar. lin. 24.) Pteromalus Sestius, Fem. Niger, abdomen cupreum, antenne nigre, pedes fulvi, femora nigra, ale limpide. Corpus robustum, convexum, nigrum, parum nitens, scitissime squameum, Mr. Walker’s descriptions of Chalcidites from Coquimbo. 187 parce hirtum : caput transversum, breve, thorace paullo latius; vertex la- tus ; frons impressa, abrupte declivis: oculi mediocres, picei, non extantes : antenne nigre, subclavate, thorace non longiores; articulus 1" longus, gracilis; 2"° longicyathiformis; 5°° et 4°° minimi; 5"° et sequentes usque ad 10"™ breves, approximati; clava conica, acuminata, compressa, articulo 10° latior et multo longior : thorax ovatus: prothorax transversus, brevis- simus : mesothoracis scutum longitudine latius ; parapsidum suture sat bene determinate, postice approximate ; scutellum subconicum : metathorax bre- vis, declivis, postice angustior : petiolus brevissimus : abdomen Jongi-ovatum, cupreum, nitens, lzeve, supra depressum, subtus carinatum, apice acumina- tum, thorace paullo Jongius et angustius : pedes fulvi, simplices, subzequales; coxze nigre ; trochanteres picei; femora nigra, apice fulva ; tarsi apice fusci: ale limpidz ; squamulz pice; nervus humeralis ulnari duplo longior, ra- dialis ulnari non brevior, cubitali multo longior ; stigma minutum. (Corp. long. lin. 13; alar. lin. 2.) Pteromalus Rheebus, Fem. Niger, abdomen nigro-encum, antenne ni- gre, pedes fulvi, femora nigra, ale limpide. Corpus convexum, nigrum, scitissime squameum, parum nitens, parce hirtum : caput transversum, breve, thorace paullo latius; vertex latus; frons impressa, abrupte declivis: oculi picei, mediocres, non extantes : antennze nigrz: thorax ovatus: prothorax transversus, brevissimus: mesothoracis scutum longitudine latius; parapsidum suture vix conspicue; scutellum brevi-conicum : metathorax brevis, declivis, postice angustior: petiolus bre- vissimus: abdomen ovatum, nigro-zeneum, nitens, lave, supra depressum, subtus carinatum, thorace paullo longius : pedes fulvi, simplices, subaequales ; cox nigrz ; femora nigra, apice fulva; tarsi apice fusci: ale limpide ; squamulz picez ; nervi fulvi. (Corp. long. lin. 1; alar. lin. 13.) Pteromalus Vitula, Mas. Cupreus, abdomen viride, discus purpureus, an- tenne pice@, pedes nigri, tarsi fulvi, ale limpide. Corpus cupreum, convexum, parum nitens, scitissime squameum, parce hirtum: caput transversum, breve, thorace latius; vertex latus; frons abrupte declivis : oculi picei, mediocres, non extantes : antenne picee, sub- clavatz, thorace non longiores ; articulus 1" longus, gracilis; 2°° longicya- thiformis ; 5"* et 4°° minimi; 5" et sequentes breves, approximati, usque ad 10"™ curtantes et latescentes; clava conica, acuminata, articulo 10° latior et duplo longior: thorax ovatus: prothorax transversus, brevissimus : meso- thoracis scutum longitudine latius; parapsidum suture sat bene determi- natz ; scutellum subconicum : metathorax brevis, declivis, postice angustus: petiolus brevissimus : abdomen sublineare, depressum, nitens, leve, viride, thorace angustius et paullo brevius; discus obscure purpureus: pedes nigri; trochanteres picei ; genua fusca ; tibize apice fulve ; tarsi fulvi, apice fusci : ale limpidz; squamulz pice; nervi fulvi; nervus humeralis ulnari fere duplo longior; radialis ulnari non brevior, cubitali multo longior; stigma minutum. (Corp. long. lin 3; alar. lin. 12.) Pteromalus Ginoe, Fem. Nigro-eneus, abdomen eneum, antenne nigre, pedes nigri, tarsi flavi, ale limpide. Corpus crassum, cohnvexum, nigro-zneum, nitens, scitissime squameum, parce hirtum : caput transversum, breve, nigrum, thorace paullo latius ; vertex latus ; frons impressa, abrupte declivis: oculi picei, mediocres, non extantes: antenne nigre, clavate, thorace non longiores; articulus 1" lon- gus, gracilis; 2"° longicyathiformis; 3" et 4°° minimi; 5% et sequentes breves, usque ad 10"™ curtantes et latescentes; clava ovata, articulo 10 multo latior et plus duplo longior : thorax ovatus: prothorax brevissimus: mesothoracis scutum longitudine latius ; parapsidum suturze vix conspicue : 188 Mr. Walker’s descriptions of Chalcidites from Coquimbo. scutellum obconicum: metathorax brevis, declivis, postice angustus : petio- lus brevissimus : abdomen longi-ovatum, zeneum, leeve, supra planum, subtus profunde carinatum, apice acuminatum, thorace paullo longius et angustius ; segmentum 1" sat magnum ; 2" et sequentia brevia: pedes nigri, simpli- ces, subzequales ; trochanteres picei; genua fulva; tibiz apice flavee ; tarsi flavi, apice fusci; propedum tibize picez, tarsi fulvi : ale limpidz, medio- cres ; squamulz piceze ; nervi flavi; nervus humeralis ulnari duplo longior, radialis ulnari brevior, cubitali longior ; stigma minutum. (Corp. long. lin, 11; alar. lin. 2. Tetrastichus Narczeus, Fem. Niger, antenne nigre, pedes flavi, femora picea, ale limpide. Corpus sat latum, convexum, nigrum, nitens, lave, parce hirtum: caput transversum, brevissimum, thoracis vix latitudine; vertex sat latus; frons impressa, abrupte declivis: oculi rufi, mediocres, non extantes: antenne nigree, subclavatz, thorace non longiores : thorax ovatus: prothorax trans- versus, supra non conspicuus: mesothoracis scutum longitudine vix latius ; parapsidum suture remote, bene determinate, postice approximate ; scu- tellum obconicum, bisulcatum : metathorax transversus, brevis, postice an- gustus : petiolus brevissimus : abdomen longi-ovatum, supra planum, subtus carinatum, apice acuminatum, thorace paullo angustius et multo longius : pedes flavi, simplices, subeequales ; epxz nigre ; femora picea, apice flava; tarsi apice fusci : ale late, limpide ; squamule picez ; nervi fulvi; nervus ulnaris humerali duplo longior, radialis vix ullus, cubitalis longus; stigma minutum. (Corp. long. lin. 3; alar. lin. 13.) Platygaster Sylea, Fem. Turpvs sordidus, Lath. Artamus sordidus,Gould. Artamus albo-vittatus, Val.; Artamus linea- tus, Vieill. Turpvus brachypterus, Lath., Vieill. Sphenura brachyptera, Licht. Malurus brachypterus, Zemm.; Dasyornis au- stralis, V. & H. Turpvs mellinus, Lath., Vieill. Meliphaga ; Loxta fascinans, Lath. Estrelda ? Coccothraustes fascinans, Vieill. Loxta bella, Lath. Amadina ? Fringilla bella, Viedll.; Coccothraustes bella, Vieill. Loxta nitida, Lath. Amadina ? Copied though altered by Lath. Coccothraustes nitida, Vieill. FrINGILLA nitida, Lath., Vieill. Amadina ———? Muscicapa coccinogaster, Lath., Vieill. Petroica ? Copied by Lath. Muscicapa barbata, Lath., Vieill. Rhipidura ? Mr. G. R. Gray on the Nomenclature of Australian Birds. 193 Names proposed. Muscrcapa rhodoptera, Lath., Vieill. Rhipidura ? Muscricapa crepitans, Lath., Vieill. Psophodes crepitans,V.& H. Muscricapa pectoralis, Lath., Vieill. Pachycephalus guttura- tis, V..& H. Mouscicapa cucullata, Lath., Vieill. Petroica bicolor? Gould. Mouscicapa rhodogaster, Lath., Vieill. Petroica ? Moscicapa flavigastra, Lath., Vieill. Eépsaltria australis. Muscicapa australis, Lath.; Pachycephalus australis, V. § H.; Todus flavigaster, Lath. ; Platyrhynchus flavigaster, Viei//.; Sylvia fla- vigastra, Lath,? Eopsaltria flavicollis, Sw. Moscicapa malachura, Lath. Stipiturus malachurus. -Malurus palustris, Vied/l.; Malurus malachu- rus, Temm. Muscicapa melanocephala, Lath., Vieill. Malurus melanocepha- Sylvia dorsalis, Lewin. lus, V.& H. Moraciuta atricapilla, Lath., Vieill. Rhipidura? V. & H. Moraciiua c@rulescens, Lath., Vieill. Motacilla fe Syuvia sagittata, Lath., Vieill. Acanthiza sagittata. Anthus minimus, V. & H.? Syzvra inornata, Lath. Melithreptes ? ? juv. Motacilla inornata, Vieill/. Syxtvia chrysops, Lath., Vieill. Ptilotis chrysops. Meliphaga chrysops, V. & H. Syzvia rufiventris, Lath., Vieill. Pachycephalus rufiventris. Turdus pectoralis, Lewin ; Pachycephalus pec- toralis, ’. & H.; nec Muscicapa pectoralis, Lath. Syxvia flavigastra, Lath., Vieill. Eopsaltria australis. Syxvia rubricata, Lath., Vieill. Origma rubricata. Motacilla solitaria, Lewin; Saxicola solitaria, V. & H.; Origma solitaria, Gould. Syxvia casta, Lath., Vieill. Poéphila? Syxvia leucophea, Lath., Vieill. Muscicapaor Petroica Sytvia rubricollis, Lath., Vieill. Diceum hirundinaceum. Motacilla hirundinacea, Shaw; Sylvia hirundi- nacea, Lath.; Pipra gularis, Lewin; Pipra Desmarestii; Leach ; Diceum atrogaster, Less.; Malurus hirundinaceus, Vieill.; Par- dalotus gularis, Temm. Syxvia lateralis, Lath. Zosterops lateralis. Malurus hirundinaceus, var. Vieill. ; Zosterops dorsalis, V. & H. Sytvia versicolor, Lath., Vieill. Chrysococcyz —— Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 194 Mr. G. R. Gray on the Nomenclature of Australian Birds. Names proposed. Pipra superciliosa, Lath. Pardalotus supercitio- sus, Vieill. Prpra caerulescens, Lath. Pardalotus ? Pipra ceerulea, Viezil. Hrrunvo caudacuta, Lath., Vieill. Acanthylis caudacuta. Hirunpo pacifica, Lath., Vieill. Cypselus ? Caprimuteus vittatus, Lath., Vieill. Aigotheles Nove Hol- Agotheles lunulatus, Jard. & Selby. landie, V. & H. Caprimuteus strigoides, Lath., Vieill. Podargus strigoides. Podargus humeralis, V. & H. CaprimuLeus megacephalus, Lath., Vieill. ~ Podargus ? Caprimuteus gracilis, Lath., Vieill. Podargus ? Podargus humeralis (/. & H.), Gould. Cotumsa melanoleuca, Lath., Vieill. Carpophaga melanoleuca. Coxtumpa pallida, Lath., Vieill. Columba ? Prerpix varius, Lath. Turniz varius, Vieill. Hemipodius varius, Gould. Arpea maculata, Lath. Nycticorax caledonica, juv. Numentus rostratus, Lath. MS. Numenius cyanopus, Vieill. Numenius australasianus, Gould. Trinea aurita, Lath., Vieill. Tringoides hypoleucus ? Recurvrrostra americana, Lath. MS. Recurvirostra rubricol- Recurvirostra Novee Hollandiz, Vieil/. lis, Temm. Scotopax australis, Lath. Gallinago australis. Scolopax Hardwickii, J. LE. Gray. Cuaraprivs magnirostris, Lath. Burhinus magnirostris, Ml. Cuaraprius grallarius, Lath., Vieill. 2 Cuaraprius frenatus, Lath., Vieill. Charadrius longipes, Ved. Cidicnemus grallarius. Cuaranrivs griseus, Lath., Vieill. Hiaticula ? Cuaraprius fuscus, Lath., Vieill. Hiaticula ? Rauuus tabuensis, Lath. MS. Porzana plumbea. Nec R. tabuensis, Gm. ; Crex plumbea, J. EF. Gray; Gallinula immaculata, Sv. Larus pacificus, Lath., Vieill. Larus pacificus, Lath. Larus leucomelas, Veil. ; Larus Georgii, V7. Anas melanoleuca, Lath., Vieill. | Anseranus melanoleucus, Anas semipalmata, Lath., Vieill. Less. Anas rhynchotis, Lath. Spatula rhynchotis. Rhynchaspis maculatus, Gould. Messrs. Austin on some new Crinoidea. 195 XXXIII.-—Descriptions of several new Genera and Species of Crinoidea. By Tuomas Austin, Esq., and THomas Austin, Jun., Civil Engineer. In deference to the recommendation of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, we have endeavoured, in esta- blishing our new genera and species, to adhere as closely as possible to the rules which have been sanctioned by that body; and though we have experienced considerable diffi- culty in extricating some groups from the confusion in which they were involved, we trust on the whole that our labours will be found to be in accordance with the liberal and en- lightened views propounded by the Committee appointed to report on the means of rescuing the nomenclature of Zoology from the almost inextricable confusion it has fallen into. Family PoreriocRiNniID&, Austin, containing the following genera: Poteriocrinites, Cladocrinites, and Synbathocrinites. Genus Poteriocrinites, Miller. The generic characters defined by its founder. Sp. P. dudleyensis, Austin, sp. Definition —The plates surrounding the body agree in number and arrangement with the generic character. The upper series or ray-bearing plates are abruptly truncated on their superior edges, which are excavated and have central ridges for the articulation of the rays. These ridges extend the whole width of the plates. The unique specimen examined somewhat resembles P. granulosus in figure, but the dorso- central plates are less dilated ; and it differs from that spe- cies in the absence of granule, all the plates being quite smooth. Column and rays unknown. This is the only instance in which the genus Poteriocrinites has been met with in other strata than the carboniferous lime- stone. The specimen is in the cabinet of J. Johnson, Esq. P. isacobus, Austin, sp. Def.—The plates surrounding the body accord in number and arrangement with the generic type. Main rays five, each composed of a single joint. These are succeeded by others until the last series amount to forty. Each subdivision, like the main rays, is composed of a single joint. Column un- known. This is an exceedingly minute species, from which circum- stance we had given it the specific name minimus in our pro- O2 196 Messrs. Austin on new Genera posed list of Crinoidea, which appeared in No. 63 of the § An- nals and Magazine of Natural History’; but as this term came within the objection pointed out by the British Asso- ciation, we have not hesitated in proposing one less objec- tionable, and perhaps more characteristic. P. radiatus, Austin, sp. Def.—Dorso-central plates (pelvis) much elongated, with several highly raised narrow ridges which run across the su- tures, and uniting with similar ridges on the adjoining plates form series of triangles around the body. Ray-bearing plates broad, with nearly circular excavations for the insertion of the rays. Column and rays unknown. P. rostratus, Austin, sp. Def.—The plates forming the cup of this species are iden- tical in number and arrangement with the generic type. The upper portion is elongated into a proboscis or oral tube, situated centrally, of considerable length, and covered with plates which are ornamented with reticulating ridges. The proboscis terminates at its apex with several tooth-like plates. Main rays five, once subdivided, making ten. Tentacula somewhat distant from each other. Column composed of large and small joints alternately. P. quinquangularis, Austin, sp. Def.—Dorso-central plates more conical than in the generic type. Proboscis elongated, with elevated ridges crossing the plates transversely. Main rays five, with one or more subdi- visions. Column quinquangular near its attachment to the body, but gradually becoming circular as it recedes from that point. P. plicatus, Austin, sp. Def—Form and arrangement of the body-plates coincide with the generic type. Five broad, elevated, strongly defined ridges or folds run upwards from the dorso-central plates, through the first series of perisomic plates: when near the upper edges of these plates the ridges divide and branch out- wards at an angle of about 45°, terminating at the base of the rays, and forming a figure approaching to the letter Y. A similar ridge then crosses from each horn of the letter, and terminates also at the base of the rays. Rays unknown, but their points of attachment are nearly circular, with a central ridge. Column circular, slightly enlarging at its attachment to the dorso-central plates. and Species of Crinoidea. Ns Vf P.? dactyloides, Austin, sp. Def.—The perisomic plates appear to coincide with the ge- neric character of Poteriocrinites. Rays five and undivided. The ray-joints are long near the body, but go on gradually diminishing in size to their terminations. The proboscis shows the reticulated structure peculiar to Poteriocrinites. This spe- cies appears to be small. Genus Cladocrinites*. This genus includes the species which Mr. Phillips named provisionally Isocrinites, but as Von Meyer had previously founded a genus of that name, composed of quite a distinct suite of fossils, we have ventured to remove the so-called Jso- crinites of Mr. Phillips into our proposed new genus. Generic definition Dorso-central plates five ?, resembling a tumid supra-columuar joint. First series of perisomic plates (costals) five; second series or ray-bearing plates five: all these plates are remarkably short in comparison with the length and size of the rays. Column generally enlarging at its junction with the body, and apparently devoid of auxiliary side-arms. C. Egertoni, Phill. sp. The specific definition has already been given by Mr. Phil- lips ; we however differ in opinion with respect to the portion of the fossil which is to be considered as the body and which the rays. We consider all the joints above the second series of perisomic plates as belonging to the rays. Mr. Phillips, on the contrary, counts the rays only as commencing at the cu- neiform joints. C. nobilis, Phill. sp. Mr. Phillips included this beautiful species amongst the genus Poteriocrinites ? C. tuberculatus, Mill. sp. Miller described this Crinite as a Cyathocrinite, to which genus it does not belong. C. longidactylus, Austin. Def—The perisomic plates conform to the generic type. The five main rays are each composed of two joints only, from which proceed two secondary rays ; these again subdivide, the inner branches extending a considerable distance before the last bifurcation takes place ; but the outer branches divide at about half the distance that the inner rays do. The total * From s/lados, a branch. 198 Messrs. Austin on new Genera divisions amount to forty. The rays are remarkably long in proportion to the size of the body. Column circular. C. brevidactylus, Austin. The plates forming the cup agree with the typical character. The rays are shorter and less numerous than in the preceding species. Main rays five, divisions amounting to twenty or more. Column circular, and varying in different stages of growth. C. pentagonus, Austin. Def.—The perisomic plates answer to the typical character. Main rays five, subdivisions fourteen. Proboscis or oral tube large and central, and covered with five vertical bands of plates. Rays fourteen? Column: upper portion pentagonal, gradually becoming circular and moniliform. C. macrodactylus, Phill. sp. Family Encrinip&, Austin, contains the genera Encrinites, Mill.; Hucalyptocrinites, Cu- pressocrinites, Goldf., and Euryocrinites, Phill. Family PENTACRINID&. P. rotundus, Austin, sp. Def.—The only portion of this species known is a columnar fragment, which differs from all other Pentacrinites in being circular, but it still retains the peculiar generic character, in the stellated crenulations on the articulating facets of the columnar joints. These pentapetalous figures are more dilated, to suit the circular form of the joints, than in others of the genus. Family MARSUPIOCRINID&, consisting of Marsupiocrinites and Crotalocrinites. Genus Crotalocrinites*. Def.—Dorso-central plates five; first series of perisomic plates five; second series five. On the latter are a series of wedge-shaped plates which bear the rays: the exact number of these plates is unascertained. Column with a pentapetalous perforation. C. rugosus, Miller, sp. Def.—The plates surrounding the body agree with the ge- neric character. Rays numerous, probably amounting to one hundred. Column composed of thin joints articulating into each other by radiating striz. The columnar canal is penta- * From krotalon, a bell. | . | and Species of Crinoidea. 199 petalous. The rays are remarkably small in proportion to the size of the animal. Miller has fallen into such important errors respecting this Crinite, that it is difficult to believe the fossil he describes to be identical with this which we are now describing ; but ha- ving access to the specimens he founded the species on, and comparing them with others, we cannot doubt their identity. Miller placed it with his genus Cyathocrinites as C. rugosus. The plates he erroneously described as scapulars with a single excavation for the articulation of the arm-joints have no ex- cavation whatever, for there is a regular series of wedge-shaped plates resting on them, and from which the rays, amounting to nearly one hundred, proceed. Family PLATYCRINID&, containing the genera Platycrinites, Cyathocrinites, and Caryo- crinites. Genus Platycrinites, Miller. Genus erroneously described by its founder as having a divided pelvis. On referring to Miller’s own specimens it is evident the fossils we are about to describe belong to the ge- nus Platycrinites, which has in reality an undivided dorso- central plate, though Miller thought otherwise. This can be demonstrated by numerous well-preserved specimens, both in our own cabinet and in other collections also. P. mucronatus, Austin, sp. Definition given in the first portion of our Monograph now in course of publication. P. antheliontes, Austin, sp. Described in our Monograph now in the press. P. spinosus, Austin, sp. Defined in Monograph. P. trigintidactylus, Austin, sp. Def.—Perisomic plates agree with the generic character, but are somewhat broader than in the typical species levis. Main rays and subdivisions thirty, closely tentaculated to their ends. Proboscis or oral tube long, central, and plated to its apex with rather small, smooth, hexagonal plates. Column circular at its attachment to the body, but gradually becoming elliptical as it recedes from it. Family AcTINocRINID&, Austin, contains the following genera: Actinocrinites, Rhodocrinites, Melocrinites, and Tetracrinites. 200 Messrs. Austin on new Genera Genus Actinocrinites, Miller. Described by its founder. A. elephantinus, Austin, sp. The perisomic plates agree with the generic type in number and arrangement, but the radiating folds or ridges which or- nament them are less strongly marked and fewer in number. The plates are also smaller in proportion to the size of the animal. Proboscis or oral tube much elongated, in some spe- cimens exceeding two inches in length. Proboscidial plates hexagonal, with an elevated ridge in the centre of each, and which is surrounded by a circle of minute tubercles. Main rays and subdivisions fifty, furnished with numerous tenta- cula. Column circular, with two small joints intervening be- tween those of larger size. A. cataphractus, Austin, sp. Def.—The plates surrounding the body agree with the ty- pical character in number and arrangement. The proboscis or oral tube of this species presents many interesting points of structure. It is covered from its base to the apex with a set of abruptly conical plates arranged spirally. The inter- mediate spaces ‘are covered with smaller plates slightly ele- vated in their centres. Both sets, as well as the plates between the rays and proboscis, are beautifully embossed with minute mammiform eminences. The perisomic plates radiate in single ridges. Rays thirty, furnished with long and close-set tenta- cula. Column: it is impossible to define the structure of the column, as no certainty exists respecting it in this or other species, for it is evident that at different seasons considerable modifications took place. There is a strongly marked difference between this species and the ¢riacontadactylus, although each possess the same number of rays. The ¢riacontadactylus has its proboscis co- vered with exceedingly minute plates, while those of the cata- phractus are of striking peculiarity. A. aculeatus, Austin, sp. Def.—Perisomic plates answer to the generic type in num- ber and general arrangement. The radiations are less strongly marked than in some other species. Oral tube elongated and covered with minute plates, most of which are furnished with a thorn-like projection in their centres. Rays and subdivisions forty. Two rows of minute tubercles ornament the outer sides of each of the rays. Column varying according to the period of the year in which the animal died. and Species of Crinoidea. 201 A. crassus, Austin, sp. The plates surrounding the body agree with the typical cha- racter in number and arrangement, but they are comparatively broader and devoid of the radiated markings. Rays numerous, but their number unknown. Column unascertained. A. granulatus, Austin, sp. Def.—The perisomic plates agree in number with the ge- neric type. The first series of plates are larger in proportion to the size than in the typical species; the upper series are also broader. The plates covering the portion above the rays are finely granulated, excepting the six plates surrounding the valvate anal pore, which are smooth. Mouth not quite central, but situated below the large dome-shaped plate which crowns the centre. Total number of rays unknown, but they were probably numerous, as indicated by their points of attachment to the body. Columnar articulation large and circular. Column unknown. This is a highly interesting specimen as showing the val- vate anus, and is supposed to be unique in that respect. A. levissimus, Austin, sp. Def.—Body-plates answer to the typical character in num- ber and arrangement, but they are comparatively larger than in any other known species. The first and second series are flat and smooth, the remainder are slightly rounded, and have faint and partial radiations. Plates covering the viscera fur- nished with conical projections in their centres. Divisions of the rays fifty, closely tentaculated. Column as in other spe- cies, varying at different periods of growth. A. longispinosus, Austin, sp. Def—The plates surrounding the body agree with the ge- neric type, but the radiations are less strongly marked. The coronal plates, or those protecting the upper portion, are elon- gated into spines of very great length. Oral tube long and covered with minute plates. Rays forty. Column varying at different seasons. Genus Rhodocrinites, Miller. This is another genus of Miller’s which requires an emended definition. He describes the dorso-central plates (pelvis) as composed of three instead of five pieces, and the first series of plates resting on them as quadrilateral, when, in fact, they are hexagonal. These mistakes were no doubt owing to the smallness of the specimens examined by Miller, which ren- dered them liable to be misunderstood. In consequence of 202 Messrs. Austin on new Genera these errors Mr. Phillips has repudiated the genus altogether, and endeavoured to found a new one under the name of Gil- bertsocrinus. We have carefully examined Miller’s specimens and compared them with the species from the Yorkshire lime- stone which have been described by Mr. Phillips, and we are quite convinced that they are generically identical with each other ; it is therefore evident that either the genus Rhodocri- nites or the Gilbertsocrinus must be suppressed. Though Miller was unquestionably wrong in his generic definition, there can be no possible doubt as to the identity of the fossils on which he founded his genus; we therefore, on mature consideration, think it just that the merit of priority should be conceded to him ; and we trust that Mr. Phillips will coincide in this opinion. If this principle is not to be recognised, every trifling error of an observer may be taken advantage of, like a flaw m an indictment, and the slightest mistake in his definitions be suf- ficient to annul a long-established genus. In this manner we might claim the right to rename the genus Platycrinites on the plea that the dorso-central plate is undivided instead of tripartite, as in Miller’s generic character. Def.—Dorso-central plates five, quadrilateral, with a small perforation at each of their inner angles, which, when the plates are united, form the pentapetalous opening into the column. First series of plates resting on the dorso-central five, hex- agonal; second series five, heptagonal ; these latter support five hexagonal plates, which are succeeded by a like number of pentagonal ones. On the upper edges of each of these plates rest two lengthened hexagons, to which the ray-bear- ing plates are attached. Between these latter are several pen- tagonal and hexagonal plates. Mr. Phillips appears to consider the pentagonal plates be- low the lengthened hexagons as the scapule or ray-bearing plates; but this we consider erroneous, as all the plates we have described as perisomic clearly envelope and form part of the body, above which the rays become distinctly developed, and were possessed of flexure, which their lower portions must have been deficient in had they been as described by Mr. Phillips. R. costatus, Austin, sp. Def.—Plates surrounding the body agree in number with the generic type. A strong rib or fold extends from each of the five angles of the dorso-central plates to about two-thirds the distance between those points and the rays; they then and Species of Crinoidea. 203 divide, each branch ending at the base of the rays. All the perisomic plates are radiated. Abdominal plates small and mammiform. Mouth lateral. Rays forty. Columnar joints alternately thicker and thinner. R. granulatus, Austin, sp. Def.—Perisomic plates agree as to number and arrange- ment with the generic type, but instead of elevated ribs, as in the last species, the same end—strength—is attained by the superior thickness of the plates lying in the line of the rays. In consequence of this increased solidity, these plates are more elevated than the adjoining ones, the elevations being greatest in their centres. All the perisomic plates are minute, elevated, and finely granulated. Mouth lateral. Rays probably twenty. Columnar joints alternately larger and smaller. Genus Tetramerocrinites*, Austin. Def.—Dorso-central plates four, pentagonal. First series of perisomic plates eight, four of which are heptagonal, and the remaining four pentagonal, alternating with each other ; second series or ray-bearing plates eight, with a double exca- vation in each for the insertion of the ray-joints ; several in- tervening plates occur, but the number is unknown. T. formosus, Austin. Def.—Little is known of this species beyond the descrip- tion given in the generic definition. The unique specimen obtained of this species departs from the usual quinary type in the arrangement of its rays, which are in four groups of four each, instead of five, as is more generally observed in the Crinoidea. Vhe depressions in the quadripartite dorso-central plates for the attachment of the column are small but deep. The body piates are all beautifully radiated from their centres. Column and rays unknown. Family PeR1ECHOCRINITES?+, Austin, comprising the genera Periechocrinites and Sagenocrinites. Genus Periechocrinites, Austin. Def.—Dorso-central plates three. It is difficult to define the perisomic plates in this genus in the same manner as in other genera, because they do not occur in regular series as in Actinocrinites, but are regular only in the line of plates which run from the dorso-central plates to those bearing the rays. These may be considered as the principal plates, as they are * From ¢etrameres, consisting of four parts. + From periecho, to surround, 204 Messrs. Austin on new Genera more equally developed than the intervening ones, and di- vide the body into compartments. These series are easily distinguished by their prominence from the intermediate plates. A series of three traverse the lower portion of the body ; these are succeeded by two other series of three each, which branch off at a considerable angle and form the points of attachment for the rays. Within the forks formed by these branches are groups consisting of three or more smaller and less prominent plates than those already described. In each of the compartments between the ray-bearing series is a group of several irregularly shaped hexagonal and pentagonal plates, sometimes amounting to seventeen or eighteen; in other cases the number is less, for greater irregularity is observable in this genus than in any other yet described. Rays composed of double series of joints. P. articulosus, Austin. The perisomic plates agree with the generic description, which has, in fact, been taken from this the typical species. Rays eighty, composed of double series of joints: the rays may really exceed the number specified above, but we have clearly seen their development up to that amount. Column circular, and subject to the same periodical changes as in other genera. P. costatus. The perisomic plates agree with the generic definition. Mr. Phillips has in Murchison’s ‘ Silurian System’ erroneously described this species as Actinocrinites (moniliformis). To that genus it bears no resemblance either in the number or ar- rangement of the plates forming the calcareous framework. To bring this species within the generic character of Actino- crinites, it is necessary to consider the scapulee as situated at least three series of plates below the true ray-bearing plates. It is scarcely necessary to remark, that such a method of de- termining species is quite unsatisfactory in every point of view, and must lead to important errors if adhered to. Miller originally admitted it into the genus Actinocrinites, on the evidence of a columnar fragment ; but as the form of the column possesses no peculiarity of structure sufficiently striking to warrant specific distinction, we have altogether re- named it. P. globosus. The number and arrangement of the perisomic plates answer to the generic type. Rays and column unknown. Or and Species of Crinoidea. 20 Genus Sagenocrinites*, Austin. Def.—Dorso-central and perisomic plates unknown, as the only portions hitherto discovered are the rays and plated in- tegument, which extends between their lower divisions in the same manner as the membranous web is stretched between the toes of many aquatic birds. The peculiar construction of these portions clearly proves them to belong to an undefined genus. S. expansus, Phillips, sp. Mr. Phillips has defined this species as far as the existing knowledge respecting it warranted in Murch. ‘Sil. Syst.’ ; but he has placed it provisionally with the Actinocrinites, to which it in no respect appertains. S. giganteus, Austin. Body-plates unknown. Rays unequally developed and va- rying in their diameters ; secondary rays composed of a double series of thin joints articulating by radiating striz as in various columns. A plated integument connects the lower portions of the rays. Family Merocrinip&, Austin, contains the genera Dimerocrinites and Tetramerocrinites. Genus Phenicocrinites +. Def.—Dorso-central plates three ? First series of perisomic plates, or those in the line of the rays, five ; second series five ; third series, or ray-bearing plztes, five and cuneiform. Between these, the principal series, are several smaller plates, the num- ber unascertained. P. simplex, Phillips? sp. Def.—The arrangement of the perisomic plates agrees with the generic type. Rays ten, composed of single series of joints, and furnished with plumose tentacula. ‘The column is short as compared with Actinocrinites. No indication of auxiliary side-arms has been observed in this species. Base furnished with several fibres of attachment. This is supposed to be the Actinocrinites simplex of Phillips, who states that “ the pelvic, costal, and other plates of the body agree with Miller’s technical formula of Actinocrinites.” We cannot discover this agreement in any of the essential points, and have therefore removed it into a new genus. Family AstRACRINIDA{, consisting of the genera Astracrinites and Aporocrinites. * From sagene, a fishing-net. + From phoinia, a palm-tree. t From astron, a star. 206 Messrs. Austin on new Genera Genus Astrocrinites, Austin. Def:—Dorso-central plate quadrangular, to which four pairs of elongated plates are attached, imparting a lobed shape to the fossil. In the retiring angles at the base of the four lobes are a like number of ambulacra. Mouth central. Anus lateral. A. tetragonus, Austin. Def.—The plates of this species agree with the generic de- finition. Each of the elongated plates has two or three rows of minute tubercles around its outer margin, apparently for the attachment of spines. The ambulacra have each a double row of pores placed centrally, with marginal tubercles. Near the centre of the dorso-central plate is an oval eminence, ap- parently analogous to the madreporiform tubercle on the dorsal surface of the true Starfishes. Genus Sycocrinites*, Austin. Def.—Dorso-central plates three, forming a pentagon. First series of perisomic plates five, on which rest other series of plates, answering, though larger in proportion, to the abdo- minal (pectoral) plates of those Crinites which possess rays. Mouth central, anal pore lateral. Column unknown. S. clausus, Austin. Def.—Dorso-central plates three ; perisomic plates five, on which rest a second series of five plates which answer to the interscapular plates of those Crinites possessing rays; a third series of five plates close in the apex, excepting a minute cen- tral opening which is considered to be the mouth, and which was probably valvate. The anus is situated laterally at a point between the first and second series of plates. Column un- known. S. Jacksoni, Austin. Def:—Dorso-central plates three, forming a pentagon. Pe- risomic plates five. Apex closed in by five plates. Mouth central and valvate, anal pore lateral. Columnar attachment small. Column unknown. S. anapeptamenus, Austin. Def—Dorso-central plates three, forming a pentagon. First series : perisomic plates five, all hexagons. The second series of plates arch over the apex, leaving a central opening which was probably protected by a plated integument. Anal pore lateral and projecting. Column unknown. * From sukon, a fig. and Species of Crinoidea. 207 Genus Echinocrinus, Agassiz. E. spinosus, Austin, sp. Def.—Body conico-globose, with five double rows of ambu- lacral plates, and the like number of interambulacral spaces. The five pairs of avenues run from the mouth to the columnar point of attachment. The ovarian plates surround the mouth instead of the anal opening, as in the recent Echini, but which organ is as yet undiscovered in these fossil animals. The whole surface is covered with spmes, but these are of two sorts ; the one kind, though few in number, are long and fur- rowed longitudinally. The prominences near their bases are circular, and in their ends are cup-like excavations by which each one fits on to the tubercle in the centre of each plate. The second sort of spines are short, and are rather numerously but irregularly scattered over the plates and around the cen- tral spine. Column unknown. E. anceps, Austin, sp. The only part of this species yet discovered is a beautiful fragment showing the internal structure of the ambulacra and a few of the adjoining plates. On showing the specimen to Professor Agassiz some time since, he pronounced it to be the internal surface of a portion of the EZ. pomum. Though the Professor’s name ranks deservedly high in science, and how- ever presumptuous it may appear to dissent from such an authority, we are compelled in this instance to do so, for the following reasons :—the ambulacral pores of the specimen in question are much wider asunder than in the E. pomum, the plates themselves are much larger, and above all, are beyond comparison thinner than in the species Prof. Agassiz assigned them to. Since Professor Agassiz saw the specimen in question, we have had many opportunities of examining the internal struc- ture of the LE. pomum, and we can find no resemblance what- ever between the two species. It appears to us that the name of our genus Sycocrinites and that of the Echinocrinus of Professor Agassiz require amendment, as their terminations imply affinities which do not exist. A great majority of the new species defined in the foregoing paper were discovered and collected from the strata in which they occur by the authors. Kingsdown, Bristol, January 18, 1843. 208 Dr. T. Taylor on two new species of British Musci. XX XIV.—On two new species of British Musci. By Tuomas Taytor, M.D., Dunkerron, Kenmare. Communicated by William Gourlie, Jun.* TRICHOSTOMUM SAXATILE, MSS. Specific character.—Caule subramoso, abbreviato, erecto, conferto ; foliis ovato- lanceolatis, concavis, margine reflexis, integerrimis, epiliferi is, apice obtusiusculis, nervo sub summo apice evanescente ; peristomii dentibus brevibus, laciniis alternatim angustioribus, operculo suberecto, calyptra hine fissa. Hab. In locis montosis, saxa majora coronans. Comitatus Kerriensis, Hiberniz. Caules $—-1 unciales, aggregati, innovationibus binis. Folia flavo- virescentia, anni preeteriti fuscescentia, nunquam, uti multis conge- neribus solenne, in acumen elongatum producta. Capsula oblonga aut obovata. Peristomium breve, trabeculis dentium lacinias vix jungentibus. Operculi rostrum inclinatum. Calyptra fissura unica ceteris altior; unde genus vix firmum. This plant, in the ‘ Flora Hibernica,’ has been referred to a variety of Trichostomum fasciculare, Schrader, growing on stones at Carig Mountain. Subsequent careful examination of better specimens shows it to be very distinct in the want of fascicled branches, but especially by the short peristome, whose teeth are united at their bases by a pale membrane rising above the mouth of the capsule. The inclined rostrum of the lid and nearly dimidiate calyptra are unusual in the genus. i BryuM RECURVIFOLIUM, MSS. Spec. char.—Caule erecto, subsimplici, subflexuoso ; foliis oblongo- ovatis, acutis, laxis, ex amplexante basi recurvantibus, margini- bus flexuosis, minutissime serrulatis. f Apud montem Knockavohila, prope Dunkerron in Comitatu Kerri- ensi, Hibernize. Anno 1842. Habitus Dicrani squarrosi, Schrader, 2—4 uncialis, inter Hypna aliosve muscos adscendens, vix czspitosa, luteo-viridis. Caules seepius duos surculos annotinos erigentes, atque ex eodem puncto radices setaceas, purpureo-nigricantes paucas demittentes. Folia canaliculata, subdistantia squarrosa, caulis apicem versus conferta atque majora, dense cellulosa, nervo valido pallidiori in cuspidem brevem excurrente ; marginibus pallidis minutissime celluloso-ser- rulatis. Although the fructification is not known, yet there can be little hesitation in referring this remarkable species to the enus Bryum. With the habit of Dicranum squarrosum, Schrad., it has the structure of Bryum cuspidatum, Schreber. A very small quantity, and only in one spot, has hitherto been found. * Read before the Botanical Society of Edinburgh. | | 4 2 4 Bibliographical Notices. 209 BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. Natural History of New York. Zoology, or the New-York Fauna, comprising detailed descriptions of all the Animals hitherto observed within the state of New York, with brief notices of those occasion- ally found near its borders, and accompanied by appropriate illus- trations. By James E. De Kay. Part I. Mammalia. 4to. Albany, 1842. Tue appearance of the advertisement of a zoological work in America extending to ten quarto volumes, devoted to the natural productions of a particular province, induced us, in these days of cheap publications, to procure a sight of the first part of the under- taking. It is the result of one of those State-Surveys, several of which have been previously completed by other districts, and it tells much for the enterprise of the country that an examination on such a scale should have been undertaken, and still more so that the results should be so early commenced to be laid before the public, thereby repaying to the state value for the employment it had given to its scientific men; and it might stand as an example to the go- vernments of older countries, not to store up the results of the ex- pensive labours of years for the unlikely probability of rendering them perfect after the generation of their projectors shall have ceased to exist: “‘ go ahead’’ may sometimes be taken as a useful motto. By authority of acts of the Assembly the above-mentioned Survey was made: ‘‘ William L. Marcy, governor, arranged the plan of the Survey in the sammer of 1836, and assigned its departments as fol- lows: the Zoological department to James E. De Kay; the Bota- nical department to John Torrey; the Mineralogical and Chemical departments to Lewis C. Beck; the Geological department to Wil- liam W. Mather, Ebenezer Emmons, Timothy A. Conrad, and Lard- ner Vanuxem. This arrangement was subsequently altered by the institution of a Paleontological department, under the care of Mr. Conrad, and by the appointment of James Hall to supply his place as a geologist. The results of the Survey appear in the following volumes, and in eight several collections of specimens of the animals, plants, soils, minerals, rocks and fossils found within the state, one of which collections constitutes a museum of natural history at the capital of the state. and the others are distributed among its col- legiate institutions.”” The volume before us, being the first of the series, is prefaced by an introduction of 188 pages, which will prove interesting to the general reader ; it gives a rapid sketch of the pre- sent condition of the arts and sciences, of the progress of agricul- ture, internal navigation, railroads, horticulture, newspaper-press, history of the antiquities, and of the Aborigines; in fact, touching on almost every topic. The real commencement of the book, or of the Zoological part, has a short preface devoted to the description of the surface and boundary of the state, with a tabular view of the mammalia indige- Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 210 Bibliographical Notices. nous to it, comprised in forty-five genera, including fossil as well as recent and introduced animals. New York lies wholly within the temperate zone, and contains more than 46,000 square miles. Al- though situate within the same parallels of latitude which include the greater part of Italy, the south of France, and the northern parts of Spain, yet, from the well-established facts of the more southerly position of the isothermal lines on the western shores of the Atlantic, its mean annual temperature cannot be compared with that of the above-mentioned countries, but rather with those lying from 15° to- 20° farther north. The result of ten years’ observations at New York gives 165 days, or about five months, as the mean duration of winter. Few mountains in the state exceed 5000 feet, yet, from the peculiarity of climate, their summits have a temperature much lower than mountains of even higher altitude in corresponding parallels in Europe. The great inland seas, Erie and Ontario, have also their influence on the climate and the productions, while the long gut of land known by the name of Long Island, reaching to the Atlantic, is the extreme southern limit of the migrations of the arctic species, and the most northern termination of the wanderings of the birds of the torrid zone. Through the Zoological part the descriptions appear to be care- fully made out. The synonyms are chiefly taken from works relating to the fauna of North America, a more extended list, perhaps, being not called for in a work of comparatively provincial character; but the remarks on the habits of the animals, or their ceconomical and commercial utility, are extremely limited ; these in one view may not be considered strictly scientific, at the same time they are very im- portant. In the description of the beaver it is stated, that in the state of New York this animal is now nearly extirpated, while in little more than 200 years previously (1635), 14,891 skins were ex- ported ; such is the passing away of many of formerly abundant spe- cies. ‘The New York and European beavers are considered identical. Among several of the North American animals which have been considered specifically the same with those of Europe by various authors, it is to be regretted that any doubt should still exist in a matter so interesting in their geographical distribution, especially when the communication between the two continents has become so speedy andregular. The Mustela vulgaris, Rich. Faun. Bor. Am., there considered identical with that of Europe, is given as M. pusilla ; but of the ermine, M. Erminea, auct., though given under the spe- cific designation of ‘‘ Noveboracensis,” there still seems to exist a doubt. The sable is given as M. Martes and European synonyms quoted ; and the observation (with which we feel inclined to agree) is made—‘‘ I am inclined to believe that the American sable is very distinct from the pine marten of Europe, with which it is usually arranged,” and to which is added, ‘“‘ I have no means of making the direct comparison.” The American black rat, Mus Americanus, is given as a new species different from the MW. Rattus introduced, varying from it in its dentition, relative length of ears and tail; it is very rare, only one specimen having been obtained. The new Bibliographical Notices. 211 genus Orisorex is proposed, differing from Sorex in the large and prominent ears; it rests on two small species, one northern, another southern. The characters given are—‘ Ears large, prominent, beyond the fur; nose elongated; eyes distinct ; tail quadrangular; teeth 33*.” A short list of the extra-limital species is given at the end of each genus. The volume is illustrated with thirty-three engraved and litho- graphed plates, but they in general do not equal the beautiful title- page and the style of the other parts of the work. The engraving workmanship is finely executed, of which the first two plates, the lower figure on plate 6, and plate 16, are good examples ; but the drawing of all the large animals particularly, and many of the others, is bad and stiff. Plates 13 and 18, the latter a lithograph, should not have been admitted. Notwithstanding these criticisms, we wish well to this undertaking, and trust that some of our societies, or public libraries, will import the work, its price excluding it from the reach of many of our private zoologists. Icones Plantarum. By Sir W. J. Hooker, K.H., &c. Part IX. Bailliere, London, 1843. We rejoice to find, by the appearance of this, the first part of the sixth volume, that Sir W. J. Hooker is determined to continue so peculiarly valuable a work as that before us. It must be quite un- necessary for us to enter upon its praises, as no botanist can now require any further observation than to be informed of its appear- ance. We will only say that Sir W. Hooker deserves the gratitude of all botanical students for having boldly commenced it in so cheap, and although cheap, so excellent a form, and at the same time so complete in its execution. This part contains, if possible, even a larger proportion than its predecessors of new and highly interest- ing plants. Flora Italica. By A. Bertoloni, Eq. Aur., M.D. Bononiz, 1842. The first part of the fifth volume of this justly celebrated work has reached us. As we have referred to it on previous occasions, we wish only to record the commencement of another volume for the benefit of our botanical readers. It contains the order Dode- candria and a part of that of Icosandria (including in the former the genus Euphorbia), and fully supports the high character acquired by its predecessors. Booxs REcEIVED. Transactions of the Berwickshire Naturalist’s Club. Vol. ii. Part 1. 8vo. 1842. Privately printed by the Club. This commences the second volume of the Club’s Transactions, and contains an excellent address by the late President, Mr. Darling, detailing the acts, &c. of the past year, together with one or two papers of local interest ; among them a short notice of the discovery of Smilacina bifolia in the woods at Howick and Kenwood. * Delphinus phocena, orca, and Delphis are considered specifically iden- tical in the North American and British seas. P2 212 Bibliographical Notices. Illustrations of the Zoology of South Africa. By Dr. Andrew Smith. Parts 16 & 17. 4to. Smith, Elder and Co., 1843. The ornithological part of these numbers is devoted to the genus Drymoica, of which fifteen species are described and figured, only two being considered identical with the birds represented by Le Vaillant. We have also a very interesting series of figures of a species of Naia, exhibiting its variations and its young state, some of which are so very dissimilar that we cannot wonder at their being kept distinct by persons who have only seen specimens in spirits. We consider the illustrative department improved, and some of the figures very well finished. PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION. Mr. Gray and Dr. Richardson are preparing a work on the fishes of China, to be illustrated with figures taken from the living speci- mens. It will appear in quarterly parts, in small folio. A new Dictionary of Natural History has been undertaken in Paris under the auspices of M. Ch. D’Orbigny, entitled ‘‘ Dictionnaire uni- versel d’ Histoire Naturelle.” The new articles, not in any of the previous dictionaries, are said to be not less than 20,000. ‘The ety- mology of scientific terms is to be given. ‘There will be an atlas of plates, and the whole will be preceded by an introduction containing a detailed plan of the work, with the ancient history of the sciences. Mr. J.C. Bellamy, Author of “‘ Natural History of South Devon,” has announced a work entitled, The Housekeeper’s Guide to the Fish- Market for each Month of the year ; and an account of the Fishes and Fisheries of Devon and Cornwall, in respect of Commerce, Giconomy, Natural History, and Statistics. Hodgson’s Zoology of Nipal: Mammalia. The prospectus is as follows :—‘‘ Mr. Brian Houghton Hodgson, who has for some years past resided in an advantageous situation for the collection and study of the various quadrupeds and birds of the hills, proposes to publish by subscription a work, calculated alike to satisfy the scientific and the sporting communities. «« The drawings are admirably faithful, and comprise some 850 birds, and 132 species and varieties of quadrupeds and their allies. The text will furnish all procurable information as to the habits and in- stincts of the subjects portrayed by the pencil; and the author will have the assistance of able co-operation in England*, where the work will be got up in the best style, under the superintendence of Mr. Frank Howard, who has produced Capt. W. C. Harris’s ‘ Portraits of African Animals.’ “«« The first division of this work will contain 100 lithographic plates, printed on super royal, folio, carefully coloured from the original drawings, to appear in parts, each containing twenty plates, every * As it has been mentioned in the Indian Journals that Sir W. Jardine would superintend the publication of Mr. Hodgson’s work, it may be proper to state here that there is no foundation for such a report.—Ep. Zoological Society. 213 alternate month, which, together with an 8vo volume of letter-press, will form a complete illustration of the Mammalia of Nipal.” Mr. James Hamilton Fennell, author of a very entertaining and instructive History of Quadrupeds, is preparing to publish by sub- scription a volume on ‘‘ Shakespeare’s Knowledge of the Works and Phenomena of Nature.” From among the authorities given in the Prospectus in favour of such a work, we select the following :— ** All the images of nature were ever present to Shakespeare, and he drew them not laboriously, but luckily.””—Dryden. ‘* Whatever object of nature, or branch of science, he either speaks of or describes, it is always with competent, if not extensive knowledge ; his descriptions are still exact ; all his metaphors ap- propriate, and remarkably drawn from the true nature and inherent qualities of each subject.”—Pope, in the Preface to his edition of Shakespeare’s Works, 1725 and 1728. «Mr. Fennell’s subject is a delightful one, and when finished in the manner that portion of it is treated which I have seen, cannot fail to make a very popular volume. It is an appendix to the text which many readers of Shakespeare must have felt the want of.”— William Yarrell, Esq. in a Letter to a Friend, dated Jan. 29, 1838. PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. February 22, 1842.—William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair. The reading of the Second Part* of Prof. Owen’s Monograph on the Apteryx australis, Shaw, including its Myology, was completed. The following is the descriptive portion of this communication :— Muscies oF THE SKIN. No detailed description of the muscles of the skin in Birds has been given either in the systematic works on comparative anatomy, or in particular treatises ; these muscles appear indeed in general to be too irregularly or too feebly developed to have attracted much attention ; brief notices are recorded of some peculiarly developed cutaneous muscles, as those which spread the plumes of the peacock, and erect the hackles of the cock; the compressors of the subcuta- neous air-cells are noticed in the anatomical account of the Gannett (Sula Bassanat+), and a more constant cutaneous muscle, viz. that which supports the crop in gallinaceous birds, is briefly mentioned and figured by Hunter }. In the Apteryz, the subject of the present Myography, the cuta- neous system of muscles presents a more distinct and extensive * See Transactions of the Zoological Society, vol. ii. part 4. p. 257, Splanchnology and Osteology. _+ Proceedings of Zoological Society, 1832, p. 91. t In description of pl. 10, vol. i. of Physiological Catalogue of Hunterian Collection, by Owen, 4to. 1833-1841. 214 Zoological Society. development than has hitherto been met with in the class of Birds— a condition which is evidently connected with the peculiar thickness of the integument, and probably with the burrowing habits of the present species, which possesses in this structure the power of shaking off the loose earth from its plumage, while busy in the act of excavating its chamber of retreat and nidification. Constrictor collit—The whole of the neck is surrounded by a thin stratum of muscular fibres, directed for the most part transversely, and extending from an attachment along the median line of the skin at the back of the neck, to a parallel raphé on the median line of the opposite side: this muscle is strongest at its commencement or anterior part, where the fibres take their origin in a broad fasciculus from the outer part of the occipital ridge ; these run obliquely down- wards and forwards on each side of the neck, but are continued uninterruptedly with those arising from the dorsal line of the skin above mentioned; the direction of the fibres insensibly changing from the oblique to the transverse. The outer surface of this muscle is attached to the integument by a thin and dense layer of cellular tissue, devoid of fat; the under surface is more loosely con- nected with the subjacent parts by a more abundant and finer cellu- lar tissue. Use.—To brace the cervical integument, raise the neck feathers, and in combination with the following muscle to shake these parts. Sterno-cervicalis.—Origin. Fleshy, from the posterior incurved process of the sternum, from tbe ensiform prolongation and middle line of the outer and posterior surface of the same bone. Insertion. The fibres pass forward, and diverging in gently curved lines, ascend upon the sides of the broad base of the neck, and are inserted by a thin but strong fascia into the median line of the dorsal integument. This muscle is a line in thickness at its origin, but becomes thinner as it expands; the anterior part is covered by the posterior fibres of the constrictor colli. Use.—To retract the skin of the neck, and brace that portion which covers the base of the neck; when these are the fixed points, it will depress and protract the sternum, and thus aid in inspiration. Obs.—In its position and the general course of the fibres, this muscle is analogous to that which supports and assists in emptying the crop in the common fowl; but the cesophagus presents no par- tial dilatation in the Apteryz, and the situation of the crop is occu- pied by a large mass of fat enclosing one or two absorbent glands. Sterno-mazillaris.—This muscle appears at first view to be the anterior continuation of the preceding, but is sufficiently distinct to merit a separate description and name. Origin. Fleshy ; from the anterior part of the middle line of the sternum. Jns. It passes di- rectly forwards along the under or anterior part of the neck, expand- ing as it proceeds, and gradually separating into two thin symme- trical fasciculi, which are insensibly lost in the integument covering the throat and the angle of the jaw. It adheres pretty closely to the central surface of the constrictor colli, along which it passes to its insertion. Use.—To retract the fore-part of the skin of the neck, and also Zoological Society. 215 the head. Each lateral portion acting alone would incline the head to its own side: the whole muscle in action would bend the neck ; but the movements of the head and neck are more adequately and immediately provided for by the appropriate deeper-seated muscles, and the immediate office of the present muscle is obviously connected with the skin. Nevertheless, in so far as this muscle acts upon the head, it produces the same movements as the sterno-mastoideus in Mammalia ; and it is interesting to observe, that in the long-necked Ruminants (as the Giraffe), the sterno-mastoid muscles arise by a common origin, and the insertion is by an extended fascia into the angles of the jaw: I consider, therefore, that the sterno-mastoid is represented by the sterno-mazillaris in the Apteryz, the only bird in which this muscle has hitherto been described. Dermo-transversalis.—The skin covering the dorsal aspect of the lower two-thirds of the neck, besides being acted upon by the con- strictor colli, is braced down by a thin stratum of oblique and some- — what scattered fibres, which take their origins by fasciz attached to the inferior transverse processes of the sixth to the twelfth cervical vertebre inclusive; the fibres pass obliquely upwards and _ back- wards, and are inserted by a thin fascia into the median line of the skin, covering the back of the neck. Platysma myoides.—The representative of this cutaneous muscle is a thin triangular layer of muscular fibres, taking their origin from the outer side of the ramus of the jaw, and diverging as they descend to spread over the throat, and meeting their fellows at a middle raphé of insertion beneath the upper larynx and beginning of the trachea, which they thus serve to compress and support. Dermo-spinalis.—Origin. By a thin fascia from the ends of the spinous processes of the three anterior dorsal vertebrae. Jns. ‘The fibres slightly converge to be attached to the integument covering the scapular region. Dermo-iliacus.——Origin. Fleshy, from the anterior margin of the ilium. Ins. The fibres pass forwards and slightly converge to be in- serted into the scapular integument. Dermo-costalis—A muscle resembling the preceding in form. Origin. Fleshy, from the costal appendages of the seventh and eighth ribs. Jns. The fibres pass forwards and join those of the preceding muscle, to be inserted into the scapular integument. Obs. The three preceding muscles are broad and thin, but well- defined ; they would appear to influence the movements of the rudi- mentary spur-armed wing through the medium of the integument, as powerfully as do the rudimental representatives of the true muscles of the anterior extremity. There are also two muscles belonging to the cutaneous series, and inserted directly into the bones of the wing. One of these, the dermo-ulnaris, is a small, slender, elongated muscle, which takes its origin from the fascia beneath the dermo-costalis ; its fibres pass backwards, and converge to terminate in a very slender tendon which expands into a fascia, covering the back part of the elbow joint. Use. To extend the elbow joint and raise the wing. The dermo-humeralis is also a long and narrow strip, deriving its 216 Zoological Society. origin from scattered tendinous threads in the subcutaneous cellular tissue of the abdomen: it passes upwards, outwards and forwards, and is inserted fleshy into the proximal part of the humerus, which it seems to depress*. MuscueEs oF THE TRUNK. A. On the Dorsal Aspect. The muscles on the dorsal aspect of the vertebral column in Birds have only of late years received any attention from Comparative Anatomists: they have been mentioned rather than described by Tiedemann and Meckel: Carus has given a side-view of the super- ficial layer of muscles in the Sparrow-hawk; their best description is contained in the second edition of the ‘ Lecons d’Anatomie Com- parée’ of Cuvier. The muscles of the back are in general so_feebly developed in birds of flight, that they were affirmed by Cuvier to be wanting altogether in the first edition of the ‘ Lecons.’ And this is almost true as respects their carneous portion, for they are chiefly tendinous in Birds of Flight. In the Struthious birds, and in the Penguin, in which the dorsal vertebre are unfettered in their movements by anchylosis, these muscles are more fleshy and conspicuous; but they attain their greatest relative size and distinctness in the Apteryz. From the very small size of the muscles which pass from the spine to the scapula and humerus in the Apteryz, the true muscles of the back, which correspond to the second layer of the dorsal] muscles in Man, become immediately visible on removing the dorsal integu- ments and fascie ; they consist of the sacro-lumbalis, longissimus dorsi, and spinalis dorsi. The first two muscles are blended toge- ther at their posterior origins, but soon assume the disposition cha- racteristic of each, as they advance forwards. The sacro-lumbalis is a strong and fleshy muscle, six lines in breadth, and three or four lines in thickness: it is, as usual, the most external or lateral of the muscles of the back, and extends from the anterior border of the ilium to the penultimate cervical vertebra. Origin. By short tendinous and carneous fibres from the outer half of the anterior margin of the ilium, and by a succession of long, strong, and flattened tendons from the angles of the fifth and fourth ribs, and from the extremities of the transverse processes of the third, second, and first dorsal vertebrz; also by a shorter tendon from the transverse process of the last cervical vertebra; these * In Mammalia the cutaneous muscles form a more continuous stratum than in the Apteryx and other birds, and hence have been grouped together under the common term panniculus carnosus; they have also, in general, both their origins and insertions in the integument; but in Birds, in which the integument supports so extraordinary an abundance of the epi- dermic material under the form of feathers, the muscles destined to its especial motions require a more fixed attachment from which to act. The Rhinoceros, in which the integuments, from the thickness and density of its corium, is in a similar condition as regards the resistance to be overcome by the skin-muscles, presents an analogous condition of its panniculus car- nosus, having it divided into several distinct muscles, most of which take their origin from bone or fascia attached to bone. Zoological Society. 217 latter origins represent the musculi accessorii ad sacro-lumbalem ; they have not hitherto been described in the class of Birds : to bring them into view, the external margin of the sacro-/umbalis must be raised. These accessory tendons run obliquely forward, expanding as they proceed, and are lost in the under surface of the muscle. Insertion. By a fleshy fasciculus with very short tendinous fibres into the angle of the sixth rib, and by a series of corresponding fas- ciculi, which become progressively longer and more tendinous, into the angles of the fifth, fourth, third and second ribs, and into the lower transverse processes of the first dorsal and last two cervical vertebre ; the last insertion is fleshy and strong; the four anterior of these insertions are concealed by the upper and outer fleshy por- tion of the sacro-lumbalis, which divides into five elongated fleshy bundles, inserted successively into the upper transverse processes of the first three dorsal and last two cervical vertebree. These last in- sertions seem to represent the continuation of the sacro-lumbalis in Man, which is termed the cervicalis descendens or ascendens. Longissimus dorsi.—'This muscle is blended posteriorly both with the sacro-lumbalis and the multifidus spine, and anteriorly with the outer portion of the spinalis dorsi. It extends as far forward as the thirteenth cervical vertebra. Origin. From the inner or mesial half of the anterior margin of the ilium; from a strong aponeurosis at- tached to the spines of the eighth, seventh and sixth dorsal vertebre ; and trom the transverse processes of the sixth, fifth, fourth and third dorsal vertebree. Jns. The carneous fibres continued from the second origin, or series of origins, incline slightly outwards as they pass for- ward, and are inserted into the posterior articular processes of the first three dorsal vertebre, receiving accessory fibres from the spinalis dorsi. ‘The fasciculi from the transverse processes above mentioned incline inwards, and are also inserted into the posterior oblique pro- cesses of the vertebrz anterior to them; they soon begin to form a series of oblique carneous fasciculi, which become more distinct as they are situated more anteriorly ; they are at first implanted in the vertebra next in front of that from which they rise, and then into the vertebra next but one in front ; so that the most anterior of these tendons of insertions, to which can be traced any of the fibres of the main body of the longissimus dorsi, is that which is implanted into the thirteenth cervical vertebra; it is this fasciculus which is joined by the first or most posterior of the fasciculi of the longus colli posticus. A series of oblique carneous fasciculi, evidently a continuation of, or part of the same system with those in which the longissimus dorsi terminates anteriorly, is continued between the upper transverse and the oblique processes of the vertebre as far forward as the fourth cer- vical vertebra. ‘This series of muscles seems to represent the trans- versalis colli*, which is the anterior continuation of the longissimus dorsi in Mammalia, but it differs in being inserted into the oblique, instead of the transverse processes. In the direction of their fibres * It is the ‘ grand transversaire’ of Cuvier, loc. cit. p. 282; but he describes it as passing from the anterior articular process of one vertebra to the pos- terior articular process of the next in front. 218 Zoological Society. these fasciculi resemble the semispinalis colli, but are inserted into the oblique processes instead of the spines of the vertebre. There are no other muscles with which they can be compared in the Mam- malia than these two, with neither of which however do they pre- cisely correspond; they seem however clearly to represent the second series of oblique muscular fasciculi in the trunk of Fishes. Rather than hazard expressing an incomplete or false analogy, I shall term these collectively the fasciculi obliqui. Obliquus colli.—The fasciculi which rise from the first two dorsal and five lower cervical vertebrz are joined near their tendinous ter- minations by corresponding fasciculi of the /ongus colli posticus, and the strong round tendons continued from the points of convergence of these fascicles are inserted successively into the posterior oblique processes of the twelfth to the sixth cervical vertebra inclusive ; the two fasciculi next in succession receive no accessory fibres from the longus colli posticus; the anterior one derives an extensive origin from the upper transverse processes of the eighth, seventh, and sixth cervical vertebre. It must be observed, however, that the whole of each fasciculus is not expended in the strong round tendinous inser- tion above described; the portion which arises from the anterior ridge of the transverse process passes more directly inwards than the rest, and is attached to the tendon which terminates the fascicu- lus immediately behind ; at the middle of the neck these accessory fibres approach to the character of distinct origins. The tendons of insertion, moreover, severally receive accessory fleshy fibres from the base of the oblique processes of the two vertebre next behind ; and thus they become the medium of muscular forces acting from not less than five distinct points, the power of which is augmented by each tendon being braced down by the oblique converging series of muscles immediately anterior to it. The fasciculus from the eighth cervical vertebra, besides its insertion by the ordinary tendon, sends off externally a small pyramidal bundle of muscular fibres, which soon terminates in a long and slender tendon which is in- serted into the oblique process of the third cervical vertebra. Cor- responding portions of muscle are detached from the two anterior fasciculi, which converge and terminate in a common slender tendon inserted into the posterior oblique process of the fourth cervical ver- tebra; and thus terminates this complex muscle or series of muscles. Longus colli posticus—The most internal or mesial of the super- ficial muscles of the dorsal aspect of the thoracic and cervical regions, called cervicalis ascendens by Meckel, and compared in part with the spinalis dorsi by Cuvier, cannot be the representative of either of these muscles, since they both co-exist separately with it in the Apteryr. At its posterior part the muscle in question seems to be rather a continuation of the /ongissimus dorsi ; its anterior part offers a strong analogy with the mesial portion of the complerus and 6:- venter cervicis; it appears to me to be evidently the analogue of the first, or mesio-dorsal series of oblique fibres of the muscular system in Fishes, but I shall adopt the name of the dongus colli posticus applied to it by Cuvier*. It commences by long and slender, but * Lecons d’Anat. Comp., 2ud edit. vol. i. p. 284. Zoological Society. 219 strong, subcompressed tendons from the spines of the sixth, fifth and fourth dorsal vertebree: these tendons gradually expand as they pro- ceed forwards and downwards, and send off from their under surface muscular fibres which continue in the same course, and begin to be grouped into distinct fasciculi at the base of the neck: the first of these bundles joins the fasciculus of the Jongissimus dorsi, which is inserted into the posterior articular process of the thirteenth cervical: vertebra; the succeeding fasciculi derive their origins from a broad and strong aponeurotic sheet attached to the spines of the fourth, third and second dorsal vertebre : the second to the eighth fasciculi inclusive are compressed, broad and fleshy, and are inserted in the strong round tendons described in the preceding muscle, and attached to the oblique processes of the twelfth to the sixth cervical ver- tebre inclusive: the ninth fasciculus, which forms the main anterior continuation of the Jongus colli posticus*, is larger than the rest, and receives, as it advances, accessory fibres from the spinous processes of the seventh to the third cervical vertebre inclusive, and is inserted, partly fleshy, partly by a strong tendon, into the side of the broad spine of the vertebra dentata. A slender fasciculus is detached from the mesial and dorsal margin of the longus colli posticus, near the base of the neck, which soon terminates in a long round tendon: this tendon is braced down by short aponeurotic fibres to the spines of the fifth to the second cervical vertebre inclusive, immediately be- yond which it again becomes fleshy, and expands to be inserted into the occipital ridge : this portion is the digastrique or biventer capitis of Cuvier. Spinalis dorsi.—The displacement of the dorsal portion of the pre- ceding muscle and the /ongissimus dorsi brings into view the spi- nalis dorsi, which is a well-developed and distinct muscle in the Apteryx. Origin. By two long, narrow, flattened tendons, from the spines of the eighth and seventh dorsal vertebre : these pass obliquely downwards and forwards, expanding as they proceed, and terminate in two fasciculi of muscular fibres : the posterior one passes forwards beneath the anterior one, and inclining inwards and upwards divides into two portions, inserted by long tendons into the spines of the second and first dorsal vertebre ; it then sends a few fibres forwards to join the outer and anterior fasciculus, which is partly inserted by a slender tendon into the spine of the last cervical vertebra: the rest of the fibres of the second fasciculus join the portion of the longis- simus dorsi which is implanted into the oblique process of the last cervical vertebra. The three inserted tendons of the spinalis dorsi are also the medium of attachment of fibres continued from the multifidus spine, beneath them. Multifidus spine.—The series of muscles so called arises by fleshy fibres from the transverse processes of the five last dorsal vertebra, which pass upwards, forwards and inwards, to be inserted by four flat tendons into the spines of the seventh to the third dorsal vertebree inclusive, and by the tendons of the spinalis dorsi into the two an- terior dorsal spines. Obliquo-spinales.—The removal of this muscle brings into view * ¢ Accessoires du long postérieur du cou, Cuvier, Joc. cit. p. 284. 220 Zoological Society. a series of long, narrow, flat tendons, coming off from the spines of all the dorsal vertebre, and slightly expanding as they proceed for- wards and obliquely downwards and outwards ; they become fleshy half-way from their origin, and are inserted into the posterior oblique and transverse processes of the six anterior dorsal vertebre, and into the posterior oblique processes of the three last cervical vertebre. Interspinales.—The interspinales muscles do not exist in the region of the back, unless we regard the preceding oblique fibres as a modified representation of them. ‘The most posterior fasciculus of muscular fibres, which is directly extended between the spinous processes, commences at the interspace of the spines of the two last cervical vertebra, and the series is continued as far as the vertebra dentata. Interarticulares—The muscles which form the more direct con- tinuation of the obliquo-spinales are continued from the posterior oblique or articular processes of one vertebra to the posterior arti- cular process of the next in front. Obliquo-iransversales.—A third series of deep-seated intervertebral muscles is situated externai to the preceding, and passes obliquely between the upper transverse process and the posterior articular process of the vertebra in front. These fasciculi appear to be a continuation of the multifidus spine in the neck. Intertransversales.—There are also two series of short carneous fasciculi passing the one between the upper, and the other between the lower transverse processes. Levatores costarum.—The first or most anterior of this series of muscles seems to represent the scalenus medius ; it arises from both the upper and lower transverse processes of the last cervical verte- bra, and expands to be inserted into the first rib, and into the upper and outer part of the second rib. The remaining /evatores success- ively diminish in size as they are placed backwards; they come off from the transverse processes of the six first dorsal vertebre ; those from the first and second expand to be inserted into the rib attached to the same transverse process and to the one next behind; the rest have a single insertion: the angle and the part of the rib imme- diately beneath are the situations of their attachments. B. In Front of the Neck. Longus colli.—This muscle is represented by a series of closely succeeding long, narrow fasciculi, arising from the hemapophyses of the sixth to the first dorsal and from the ten posterior cervical ver- tebree ; and sending narrow tendons, which increase in length as they are given off more anteriorly, obliquely forwards and outwards, to be inserted into the costal processes of all the cervical vertebree save the two first: the highest or foremost tendon is attached to the tubercle at the under part of the ring of the atlas; but this tendon is also the medium of insertion of a fasciculus of muscular fibres arising from the upper transverse processes of the sixth, fifth, fourth, third and second cervical vertebre. The Rectus capitis anticus major is continued, or arises by as many Zoological Society. 221 distinct tendons, from the five superior tendons of insertion of the preceding muscle ; these origins soon become fleshy, converge, and coalesce previous to their insertion into the base of the skull. The Rectus capitis anticus minor is a strong fleshy triangular muscle arising from the anterior part of the body of the first four cervical vertebre. The Rectus capitis lateralis arises from the upper transverse pro- _cesses of the sixth to the second cervical vertebra inclusive. The Intertransversales are short, ill-defined muscles, blended with aponeurotic processes which pass from one transverse process longi- tudinally to the next in advance. C. Muscles of the Tail. Levator caude.—Origin. From the posterior and superior extre- mity of the ischium. Jns. Into the spines of the caudal vertebre. Adductor caudeé superior.—This muscle is smaller than the pre- ceding, with which it runs parallel ; it rises below from the posterior extremity or tuber of the ischium, and is inserted into the transverse processes of the caudal vertebre. Adductor caude inferior.—Origin. From the tuber ischii, and the ligament connecting this with the posterior extremity of the pubis. Ins. Into the transverse processes of the caudal vertebre. Depressor caude.—Origin. From the under part of the middle line of pelvis. Jns. Into the inferior spines of the caudal vertebre. D. Muscles of the Abdomen. Obliquus externus abdominis.—Origin. Fleshy, from the second and third ribs, and by a strong aponeurosis from the succeeding ribs near the attachment of the costal processes, and from those pro- cesses. Ins. The fleshy fibres are continued from this aponeurotic origin to nearly opposite the ends of the vertebral ribs ; they run almost transversely, very slightly inclined towards the pubis, to within half an inch of the linea alba, and there terminate, by an almost straight, parallel line, in their aponeurosis of insertion. ‘The fibres of this aponeurosis decussate those of the opposite side, and adhere to the tendinous intersections of the rectus beneath. The aponeu- rosis from the last rib passes to be inserted into a strong ligament extending between the free extremities of the ossa pubis, leaving the abdomen behind the last rib defended only by the internal oblique and ¢transversalis. Obliquus internus abdominis.—Origin. From tke whole of the an- terior and outer surface of the pubis; aponeurotic from the upper part, fleshy for half an inch from the lower or ventral extremity : the carneous fibres run longitudinally, and cannot be distinctly defined from the intercostales on their outer border, or from the rectus ab- dominis on their inner or mesial border, which forms the medium of the insertion of the internal oblique. Rectus abdominis.—I give this name to the mesial continuation of the preceding muscle, which arises by a strong, flat, triangular ten- don from the lower or ventral extremity of the pubis and from the inter-pubic ligament: it soon becomes fleshy ; the carneous portion is interrupted by three broad, oblique, but distinct aponeurotic inter- poo Zoological Society. sections, and is finally inserted into the xiphoid and lateral processes of the sternum and the intervening fascia. Transversalis abdominis.—A layer of loose, dark-coloured cellular tissue divides the internal oblique from the transverse abdominal, except at its origin from the pubis, and for half an inch anterior to that part. The transversalis then proceeds to derive carneous fibres from the inner surface of the vertebral ribs near their lower third ; they pass obliquely upwards and forwards, and terminate by a regular, slightly concave line midway between their origins and the extremities of the ribs; a strong aponeurosis passes thence to the linea alba, but becomes thin at the pubic region, where a mass of fat is interposed between it and the peritoneum. Diaphragm.—This muscle presents more of its normal mammalian character in this than in any other known bird. It is perforated by vessels only, in consequence of the non-development of the abdominal air-cells. The origin corresponding to that of the lesser muscle in Mammalia is by two strong and distinct, short, tendinous pillars from the sides of the body of the last costal vertebra; they are united by a strong tendon or fascia, forming the anterior boundary of the aortic passage. ‘The tendinous pillars may be traced forward for some way in the central aponeurosis, expanding without crossing; they are then lost in that aponeurosis, which is perforated by the gastric arte- ries and veins; divides anteriorly to give passage to the gullet and the apex of the heart; the aponeurosis expands over the anterior part of the thoracic air-cells, and becomes, at its lateral circumfe- rence, the point of attachment of muscular fibres arismg from the inner surface of the anterior ribs, and forming apparently a continu- ation of the transversalis abdominis. Intercostales externi.—Origin. From the posterior edge and ex- tremity of the costal processes or appendages. Ins. They run down to be inserted severally into the rib posterior to that to which the process affording them origin is attached. These processes are sup- ported by strong triangular aponeuroses continued from their anterior and upper margins, severally, to the rib anterior to them. A strong muscle arises from the anterior or costal angle of the scapula, and passes backwards to be inserted into the extremity of the third vertebral rib and its corresponding sternal portion. This muscle is a direct inspirator. Muscuts oF THE ANTERIOR EXTREMITY. Serratus magnus anticus.—This muscle consists of three portions ; the first and anterior portion arises by a short, strong aponeurosis from the last cervical rib, and is inserted into the lower edge of the anterior two-thirds of the scapula: the second middle portion arises from the lower end of the second vertebral rib, near the attachment of the costal process, and from the anterior margin of the same rib, and is inserted into the lower edge of the posterior two-thirds of the scapula: the third, posterior and smallest portion rises from the costal process of the third rib, and ascends to be inserted into the posterior extremity of the scapula. Zoological Society. 223 This muscle is a direct inspirator: by drawing down the scapula it depresses the sternum through the medium of the strong coracoi- deum, increases the angle between the vertebral and sternal ribs, and dilates the thoracic air-cells. Levator scapule——This seems to be the most anterior portion of the series of muscles which constitute the serratus magnus. Origin. Two flat fleshy strips from the inferior transverse and costal processes of the last and penultimate cervical vertebree. Jns. Into the inner and upper side of the middle third of the scapula. It depresses as well as draws forwards the scapula, and thus aids the serratus in the action of inspiration. Serratus anticus minor.—Origin. From the outer part of the costal process of the sternum. Ins. Into the posterior part of the base of the coracoideum. Trapezius.—This flattened oblong quadrilateral muscle arises from the fascia, extending upon the back from the spinous processes of the posterior cervical vertebrz, and is inserted into the conjoined extremities of the scapula and coracoideum. There is no representative of the rhomboidei. Latissimus dorsi.—This muscle consists, as usual in Birds, of two portions, both of which have their origin from a continuation of the fascia (attached to the dorsal spines) which also gives origin to the trapezius: the fibres of the smaller and anterior slip converge to their insertion: che fibres of the posterior and broader strip are slightly twisted, the posterior edge being folded inwards as they also converge to join the preceding, and to be inserted with it into the posterior and inner side of the proximal extremity of the humerus. Deltoides.—This is a single long and narrow triangular muscle, of which the base is attached to the conjoined extremities of the scapula and ceracoid, and to the capsule of the shoulder-joint; the apical insertion is into the upper and outer third of the humerus, which this muscle directly raises. Infraspinatus.—A muscle which may be compared either to the infraspinatus or teres major comes off from the lower margin of the anterior two-thirds of the scapula, passes behind the shoulder-joint, where it is closely attached to the scapula, and is inserted into the inner and posterior part of the proximal end of the humerus. Musculi pectorales.—The pectoral muscles, which present their feeblest condition and lowest development in the Apteryz, are never- theless similar in number and arrangement to those which in some birds of flight are known to outweigh all the other muscles of the body. The pectoralis major is represented by two very thin triangular layers of muscular fibres, the anterior of which is three lines broad at its base, and is attached to the sternum immediately exterior to the perforation of that bone: the second, posterior, and somewhat narrower portion, rises immediately behind the preceding, from the osseous bridge separating the perforation from the notch; the two portions converge as they extend upwards and outwards to unite and be inserted into the anterior and internal surface of the proximal third of the humerus. 224 Zooloyical Society. The pectoralis medius seu secundus is a similar, thin, feeble, but broader triangular layer of carneous fibres; which arise anterior to the preceding, just below the coracoid socket of the sternum, and converge as they wind over the shoulder-joint to be inserted into the upper surface of the proximal extremity of the humerus, of which they thus become an elevator. The pectoralis minor seu tertius arises above and between the ori- gins of the pectoralis secundus and the anterior strip of the pectoralis major, also partly from coracoid process ; its fibres converge to be in- serted into the proximal end of the humerus, above and behind the pectoralis major. Coraco-brachialis.—This is represented by two small strips of mus- cular fibres which rise from the posterior part of the coracoideum, and are inserted, one directly below the other, into the proximal third of the humerus. Obs.—The close adherence to the ornithic type of the muscular system of the anterior extremity in the Apferyr is very remarkable, especially as regards the position and course of the pectoralis medius, since the physiological conditions of the circumstances attending that muscle are wanting in the Apéerye. Here we have a true bird, exhibiting a remarkable modification of the whole ornithic structure, in reference to exclusively terrestrial life and nocturnal habits ; and we learn, I think, from this adherence to a typical organization, in a very rare exception, that the teleolo- gical conclusions respecting that typical construction, as it is mani- fested in the general rule, are in no ways affected by such an excep- tion; because the modification of one part necessarily affects that of many others, perhaps of the whole body. If, for example, the fixa- tion and structure of the lungs require a broad sternum and con- comitant modifications of the coracoid and scapula for the mecha- nical part of the respiratory process, then it may be more convenient for the levator of the humerus to rise below that bone from the sternum, and act in the due direction by a modification of its course ; although the locomotion of the bird may in no way be facilitated by the aggregation of muscle beneath the centre of gravity, nor the size of the levator be such as to render its particular position a matter of any consequence in regard to that centre. The motions of the rudimental wing and its terminal hook would seem to be produced as much by the cutaneous muscles which con- verge to be inserted into the integument connected with it, as by the feeble representatives of the true wing-muscles above described. Musctues oF THE PosTERIOR EXTREMITY. The most superficial of the muscles on the outer side of the leg is that broad thin expanded one which combines the functions of the tensor vagine and rectus femoris, and also, according to some anato- mists, as Cuvier and Meckel, those of the gluteus maximus ; since however it is exclusively inserted into the leg, I shall describe it with the other muscles moving that segment of the posterior extremity. The removal of this muscle, of the sartorius, and the biceps cruris, is requisite to bring into view the glutei. Zoological Society. 225 Gluteus externus.—The external gluteus (gluteus medius of Meckel), as in most Mammalia, is smaller than the middle or internal gluiai, but is relatively larger in the Apferyx than in birds of flight, in which it is described as the pyriformis by Cuvier. ‘This muscle, however, besides its origin from the outside of the pelvis, overlaps part of the gluteus medius, and has its insertion into the femur at some distance below the great trochanter, all of which are marked characteristics of the gluteus magnus. Origin. It takes its origin from the superior margin of the os innominatum, extends along an inch and a quarter of that margin, directly above the hip-joint, and is chiefly attached by distinct short tendinous threads, which run down upon the exter- nal surface of the muscle: it rises also by carneous fibres from the external surface of the innominatum for three lines below the superior margin. Insertion. The fibres converge and pass into a tendinous sheet, beginning on the external surface of the muscle half-way down its course, which ends in a broad, flat, strong tendon, inserted into a rising on the outer side of the femur nearly an inch below the great trochanter. It abducts and raises the femur. Gluteus medius.—Origin. A large triangular, strong and thick muscle, has an origin of three inches extent from the rounded an- terior and superior margin of the ilium, and from the contiguous outer surface of the bone for an extent varying from an inch to eight lines. Jns. Its fibres converge toa strong, short, broad and flat ten- don, implanted in the external depression of the great trochauter, having a bursa mucosa interposed between the tendon and the bony elevation anterior to the depression. Gluteus minimus.—Origin. It rises below the preceding muscle from the anterior and inferior extremity, and from one inch and three-fourths of the inferior and outer margin of the ilium, and con- tiguous external surface, as far as the origin of the gluteus medius ; also by some fleshy fibres from the outside of the last rib. Jus. These fibres slightly converge as they pass backwards to terminate in a broad flat tendon which bends over the outer surface of the femur, to be inserted into the elevation anterior to the attachment of the gluteus magnus. A muscle which may be regarded either as distinct, or a strip of the preceding one, arises immediately behind it from half an inch of the outer and inferior part of the ilium ; its fibres run nearly parallel with those of the g/uteus minimus, and terminate in a thin flat tendon, which similarly bends round the outer part of the femur, to be inserted into the outer and under part of the trochanter imme- diately below the tendon of the gluteus medius. ‘This muscle is peculiar to the Apieryr, and the preceding portion, or gluteus mini- mus, is absent in most birds. Use.—All the preceding muscles combine to draw the femur for- wards, and to abduct and rotate it inwards. Iliacus internus.—This is a somewhat short thick muscle, of a pa- rallelogrammic form, fleshy throughout; rising from the tuberosity of the innominatum in front of the acetabulum immediately below the gluteus minimus, and inserted at a point corresponding to the inner trochanter, into the inner side of the femur near the head of that Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 226 Zoological Society. bone, which it thus adducts and rotates outwards. This muscle is present both in the Ostrich and Bustard, but Meckel says it is want- ing in the Cassowary.—Arch. xiii. 261. Pyramidalis.—The same kind of modification which affects the iliacus internus, viz. the displacement of its origin from the inner surface of the ilium to a situation nearly external, affects this muscle, which, from its insertion and triangular form, I regard as the ana- logue of the pyramidalis. It arises fleshy from the outer surface of the extended ischium for the extent of an inch, and converges to a broad flat tendon which is inserted into the trochanter femoris oppo- site, but close to, that of the gluteus minimus, which it opposes, ab- ducting and rotating the femur outwards. Adductor brevis femoris.—A small, long and slender muscle arises from the innominatum immediately behind the acetabulum, passes over the back part of the great trochanter, becomes partially tendi- nous, and is inserted into the back part of the femur in common with the following muscle. Adductor longus. —A long broad and thin muscle, separated from the preceding by the ischiadic nerve and artery. ‘The origin of this muscle extends one inch and a quarter from near the upper margin of the innominatum which is behind the acetabulum ; it is joined by the preceding strip, and is inserted into the whole of the lower two- thirds of the back part of the femur. Adductor magnus.—This broad and flat muscle has an extensive origin (two inches) from the outer edge of the ischium and the obturator fascia ; its fibres slightly diverge as they pass downwards to be inserted into the back part of the lower half of the femur, and into the upper and back part of the tibia. Obturator internus.—This arises from the inner side of the oppo- site margins of the pubis and ischium, where they form the posterior boundary of the obturator foramen, and from the corresponding part of the obturator fascia; the fleshy fibres converge in a slightly pen- niform manner to the strong round tendon which glides through the notch, separated from the rest of the foramen by a short, strong, trans- verse, unossified ligament, and is inserted into the posterior part of the base of the trochanter. In its length and size this muscle resembles the corresponding one in the Ostrich and other Struthious birds. Gemellus.—This is represented by a single small fleshy strip arising from the margin of the obturator foramen, close to the emer- gence of the tendon of the obturator internus, with which it is joined, and co-inserted into the femur. Quadratus.—I consider a broad fleshy muscle which arises from the pubis, below the obturator foramen, and which increases in breadth to be inserted into the femur internal and posterior to the obturator tendon, to be the true analogue of the guadratus femoris. Muscues or THE LEG. Tensor vagine and Rectus femoris.—The largest and most remark- able of the muscles which act upon the bones of the leg is that already alluded to as the most superficial of those on the outer side of the thigh. It has a broad, thin, triangular form, arises from to Zoological Society. 27 the spines of the sacrum by a strong but short aponeurosis which soon becomes fleshy; the carneous fibres converge as they descend*, and pass into a thin aponeurosis at the lower third of the thigh: this is closely attached to the muscles beneath (vastus externus and crureus), then spreads over the outer and anterior part of the knee- joint, is inserted into the patella, and into the anterior process of the head of the tibia. Owing to the great antero-posterior extent of the origin of this muscle, its anterior fibres are calculated to act as a flexor, its pos- terior ones as an extensor of the femur: all together combine to abduct the thigh and extend the leg, unless when this is in a state of extreme flexion, when a few of the posterior fibres glide behind the centre of motion of the knee-joint. Sartorius.—The origin of this muscle is proportionally as much extended as that of the preceding, with which it is posteriorly conti- nuous: it comes off aponeurotic, from the anterior and superior margin or labrum of the ilium; the fibres soon become fleshy, and the muscle diminishes in breadth and increases in thickness as it de- scends : it is inserted by short and strong tendinous filaments ob- liquely into the anterior part of the tendon of the broad rectus, and into the upper and anterior end of the tibia. Its insertion is partly covered by the internal head of the gastrocnemius. It bends and adducts the thigh, and extends the leg. Biceps flexor cruris.—This is a single muscle, corresponding with the preceding in the characteristic modifications of its extended ori- gin, in relation to the great antero-posterior development of the pel- vic bones. It is exposed by the removal of the broad rectus. Orig. By a broad and thin aponeurotic tendon, which at first is confluent with that of the rectus, but soon becomes distinct. Jns. The fleshy fibres converge as they descend along the back and outer part of the thigh, and finally terminate in a strong round tendon, which glides through a loop formed here principally by a splitting of the tendinous origin of the gastrocnemius externus, and is inserted into the process on the outside of the fibula one inch from its proximal extremity. By means of the loopt the weight of the hinder parts of the body is partially transferred, when the leg is bent, to the distal end of the femur; and the biceps is enabled, by the same beautiful and simple mechanism, to effect a more rapid and extensive inflection of the leg than it otherwise could have produced by the simple contraction of its fibres. Semimembranosus.— Origin. From the side of the coccygeal ver- tebrz, and from the posterior end of the ischium; it crosses the * They are not divided into a superficial and deep layer, as in the Ostrich, but form a simple stratum, as in the Cassowary. Meckel regards the rectus as entirely wanting in the Cassowary, supposing the present muscle to be the analogue of the gluteus maximus and tensor vaging united. He says that Professor Nitzch observed a like absence of the rectus femoris in the Emeu. The muscle which these anatomists call the rectus in other birds, is a strip of the crureus, arising high up from the femur, ard which in the Ostrich takes its origin from the os pubis. ¢ Which in the common fowl is formed chiefly by a ligament extended from the back of the outer condyle of the femur to the head of the tibia. Z 228 Zoological Society. superficial or internal side of the semitendinosus. Ins. Into the fascia covering the gastrocnemius and the inside of the tibia. Semitendinosus.—This muscle arises from the posterior and outer part of the sacrum and ischium: it is a flattened triangular muscle, which receives the square accessorius muscle from the lower and posterior part of the femur. It gradually diminishes as it descends, and having passed the knee-joint, sends off at right angles a broad and square sheet of aponeurosis, which glides between the two ori- gins of the gastrocnemius internus, and is inserted into the lower part of the angular ridge continued from the inside of the head of the tibia. The terminal tendon, continued from the apex of the muscle, then runs along the outer or fibular margin of the internal head of the gastrocnemius, and becomes confluent with the terminal tendon of that muscle. Crureus.—This is a simple but strong muscle : it commences at the upper and anterior part of the thigh by two extremities, of which the outer and upper one has its origin extended to the base of the trochanter ; the inner and inferior comes off from the inner side of the femur, beneath the insertion of the gluteus magnus ; the two por- tions blend into one muscle much earlier than in the Ostrich. Gracilis.—On the inner side of the crureus, but more super- ficially, lies a narrow, compressed, long muscle, which rises by two heads, one from the anterior and upper part of the femur, the other from the os pubis ; both soon become blended together and transmit a broad thin tendon to be inserted into the lower and lateral part of the patella with the crureus. Vastus internus.—Two other muscles succeed the preceding, and rise beneath it from the inner and anterior part of the femur; they have a similar insertion, and obviously represent the vastus internus. The fibres converge to a middle aponeurosis, which increases to a strong short tendon, inserted into the upper and anterior projection of the tibia. Popliteus.—This small muscle is brought into view when the super- ficial muscles of the leg which are inserted into the foot are removed. Its carneous fibres extend from the fibula inwards and downwards to the tibia. It is of relatively smaller extent than in the Cassowary. Gastrocnemius.—This consists, as in other birds, of several distinct portions, the chief of which correspond with the external and inter- nal origins of the same muscle in the Mammalia. The gastrocne- mius eaternus has two strong, narrow, rather flattened tendinous origins, which are attached, one about a line below the other, to the external ridge above the outer condyle of the femur; they are continued into each other about an inch below their bony attach- ments, and thus form a loop or pulley (lined by a synovial sheath) through which the tendon of the biceps glides; a strong ligament from the outer ridge of the fibula passes backwards to be attached to the confluence of the two tendons. The carneous fibres of the external gastrocnemius come off from the outer side of the inferior of these tendons, and from the fascia covering the outer surface of the muscles of the leg: they are continued in a somewhat penniform arrangement two-thirds down the leg, upon the inner surface of the Zoological Society. 229 muscle, where they end in a strong subcompressed tendon. This joins its fellow tendon, from the internal gastrocnemius, behind the ankle- joint, and both expand into a thick, strong, ligamentous aponeurosis, which extends over three-fourths of the posterior part of the tarso- metatarsal joint. The lateral margins of this fascia are bent down under the flexor tendons behind the joint, and become continuous with a strong ligamentous layer gliding upon the posterior surface of the distal condyles of the tibia, and attached to the tendons of the peroneus and tibialis anticus ; the conjunction of the thickened ten- dons of the gastrocnemii with this deeper-seated layer of ligamento- tendinous substance constitutes a trochlear sheath lined by synovial membrane, through which the flexor tendons of the toes glide. The synovial membrane of the ankle-joint is continued upwards half an inch above the articular surface of the bone, between it and the cartilaginous pulley. Below the joint the margins are inserted into the lateral ridges of the tarso-metatarsal bone, becoming gradually thinner as they descend, and ending below in a thin semilunar edge directed downwards. The gastrocnemius internus has two powerful heads, one from the femur, the other from the tibia; the first arises fleshy from the in- ternal condyle of the femur, expands as it descends, and receives additional fibres from the lower edge of the accessorius semitendi- nosi. About one-fifth down the tibia, this muscular origin, in the right leg, terminated in a short flattened tendon, which became at- tached to the inner side of the tibial portion of the gastrocnemius internus. In the left leg the tendon soon divided; one portion passed to the soleus, the other went to join the tibial portion of the gastrocnemius internus. ‘The second head, which is separated from the preceding by the insertion of the semitendinosus, arises partly from the internal and anterior part of the strong fascia of the knee-joint by short tendinous fibres, which almost immediately become fleshy, and partly from a well-defined triangular surface on the inner and ante- rior aspect of the head of the tibia: the fleshy fibres converge, receive the tendinous slip from the femoral portion, and end on the inner side of the muscle in a strong flattened tendon, about two- thirds down the leg: this joins the tendon of the gastrocnemius ex- ternus, and is inserted as described above. Soleus.—A slender flattened muscle arising from the inner and pesterior side of the tibia, the tendon of which joins that of the gas- trocnemius internus, behind the tarsal joint. The flexor perforatus of the inner toe lies immediately anterior to the external gastrocnemius ; it arises fleshy from the outer condyle of the femur, below the tendinous origin of that muscle, and terminates in a slender flat tendon half-way down the leg. Its tendon glides behind the tarsal joint through the sheath of the gastrocnemius, ex- pands beneath the metatarsal joint, perforates the flexor of the proxi- mal phalanx of the third toe, and then bifurcates to be attached to the sides of the second phalanx, giving passage to the perforans tendon of the last phalanx. Flexor perforatus of the middle toe.—This arises by very short tendons from the proximal end of the fibula, and from the ligament 230 Zoological Society. attached to the bicipital pulley: it continues to derive a thin stratum of fleshy fibres from the fascia covering the anterior surface of the muscles of the leg: the fleshy fibres terminate half-way down the leg in a flattened tendon, which pierces the tendon of the first per- JSoratus of the middle toe, then runs forward to the outer toe, expands into a thick ligamentous substance beneath the proximal phalanx, and sends off two tendinous attachments on each side, one to the proximal, the other to the second phalanx, and is continued to be finally inserted into both sides of the third phalanx. Flexor perforatus digitorum pedis is the strongest of the three; it arises fleshy from the posterior part of the distal extremity of the femur, above the external condyle, and also by a distinct flattened tendon, one inch in length, from the proximal end of the tibia: this tendon moreover receives the long slender tendon sent off obliquely across the front of the knee-joint from the pectineus, by which its origin is extended to the pelvis. ‘This accessory tendon perforates the inner fleshy surface of the muscle, and is finally lost about half- way down the carneous part. Before the fleror digitorum is joined by the tendon of the pectineus, it subdivides posteriorly into four muscular fasciculi: the anterior division receives principally the above tendon. ‘The muscle becomes wholly tendinous two-thirds down the leg ; its tendon passes through the posterior part of the pulley of the gastrocnemius, and expands as it passes along the metatarsus : a thick ligamentous substance is developed in it, opposite the jomt of the proximal phalanx of the second toe, into the sides of which it is inserted, dividing for that purpose, and giving passage to the two other flexor tendons of that toe. The second portion of the present muscle terminates in a tendon situated behind the preceding, which passes through a distinct sheath behind the tarsal joimt, expands into a sesamoid fibro-cartilage beneath the corresponding expansion of the previous tendon, which it perforates, and then becomes itself the perforated tendon of the second phalanx of the second toe, in the sides of which it is inserted. ‘The third portion of this muscle ends in a somewhat smaller tendon than the preceding. ‘The fourth and most posterior portion soon becomes a distinct muscle; its fleshy fibres cease on the inner side, one-fourth down the leg, but on the outside they are continued three-fourths down the leg: its tendon passes through the gastrocnemial pulley behind the ankle-joint, and divides to form a sheath for the first perforatus of the fourth toe ; it is then joined by a tendon passing through a pulley across the ex- ternal malleolus, and finally becomes the perforated tendon of the first metacarpal bone of the middle or third toe. Pectineus (Rectus anticus femoris of Meckel).—This is a long, thin, narrow strip of muscle arising from the spine of the pubis, ante- rior to the acetabulum, and passing straight down the inner side of the thigh; it degenerates into a small round tendon near the knee, which tendon traverses a pulley, formed by an oblique perforation in the strong rotular tendon of the extensors of the leg, and thus pass- ing across the knee-joint to the outer side of the leg, finally expands, and is lost in the flexor perforatus digitorum last described. It is this muscle which causes the toes to be bent when the knee is bent. Zooloyical Society. 231 Peroneus longus.—Origin: tendinous from the head of the tibia, and by carneous fibres from the upper half of the anterior margin of the tibia; these fibres pass obliquely to a marginal tendon, which becomes stronger and of a rounded form where it leaves the muscle. The tendon gives off a broad, thin, aponeurotic sheath to be inserted into the capsule of the tarsal joint; it is then continued through a synovial pulley on the side of the outer malleolus, and is finally in- serted or continued into the perforated tendon of the middle toe. Tibialis anticus—This muscle is overlapped and concealed by the peroneus; it arises partly in common with that muscle, and partly by separate short tendinous threads from the outer part of the head of the tibia; it gradually becomes narrower, and finally tendinous two-thirds of the way down the leg; its strong tendon glides through the oblique pulley in front of the distal end of the tibia, expands as it passes over the ankle-joint, and is inserted into the anterior part of the proximal end of the tarso-metatarsal bone, sending off a small tendinous slip to the aponeurosis covering the extensor tendons of the toes, and a strong tendon which joins the fibular side of the following muscle. Extensor longus digitorum.—This lies between the tibialis anticus and the front and outer facet of the tibia, from which it derives an extensive origin; its tendon commences half-way down the leg, runs along the anterior part of the bone, first under the broad ligamentous band representing the anterior part of the annular ligament, then through a ligamentous pulley, and inclines to the inner or tibial side of the anterior surface of the metatarsal bone, where it expands and divides into three tendons. Of these the innermost is given off first, and subdivides into two tendons, one of which goes to be inserted into the base of the last phalanx of the second toe; the other portion is principally inserted into the middle toe, but also sends off a small tendon to the inner side of the proximal phalanx of the second toe. The second tendon is inserted by distinct portions into the second, third and last phalanges of the middle toe. The third tendon supplies the outer toe. Extensor brevis digitorum.—A small extensor muscle arises from the insertion of the ¢ibialis anticus, and sends its tendon to the outer side of that of the great ertensor digitorum. Lxtensor pollicis brevis —An extensor of the small innermost toe arises from the upper and inner side of the tarso-metatarsal bone. Flexor perforans digitorum.—This strong penniform muscle arises fleshy from nearly the whole of the outer surface of the fibula, also from the posterior part of the tibia and the interosseous space; the tendon of the biceps perforates its upper part in passing to its in- sertion. It ends in a strong flat tendon at the lower third of the leg, which tendon runs through a particular sheath at the back part of the tarsal pulley, becomes thickened and expanded as it advances forwards beneath the tarsus, receives a strong accessorial tendon from the muscle which bends the innermost toe, and finally divides into three strong perforating tendons, which bend the last joints of the three long toes. In the outer, or fourth toe, both the perforans and perforatus ten- 232 Linnean Society. dons are confined by a double annular ligament; the exterior one being continued from the adjoining toe, the inner and stronger one from the sides of the proximal phalanx of the outer toe. The second and third toes have two perforated tendons; one in- serted into the sides of first, and the other into sides of second phalanx. Mr. Gould then proceeded to characterize a new species of Pera- meles from Port Essington, and a new species of Dasyurus from the same locality. PeRAMELES MacRouRA. Per. corpore supra nigro et flavescenti- albo penicillato, infra sordidé albo; pilis rigidis obsito ; caudd pilis parvulis parce tectd, longitudine dimidio corporis equante ; supra nigra, infra fuscescenti-albd ; auribus mediocribus. unc. lin. Longitudo ab apice rostri ad caude basin.... 16 3 COUN ae? aia Aiatee shee ae ras ab apice rostri ad basin auris .... 3 4 — tarsi digitorumque......-.4+-+45 S| GUGLS EeyAs pre ata sc oie Si Oe ee ee Hab. Port Essington. The P. macroura greatly resembles the P. nasuta, having the same elongated form of head, character of fur and colouring, but is distin- guishable by its longer tail. Dasyurus HALLucATus. Das. supra flavescenti-fuscus, nigro- penicillatus, maculis albis ornatus ; corpore infra albo ; cauda im- maculatd ad apicem nigrd. unc. lin. Longitudo ab apice rostri ad caude basin... 11 O Candee Sika, oe Sei ae Se ty) — ab apice rostri ad basin auris .... 2 6 —— farsi digrtoriumaue.s.. {ia 2a ete Lane iris! Ae yciast oe Ae, Be ae eee a Hab. Port Essington. This species most nearly resembles the Dasyurus Geoffroii, but is of a smaller size, and has the thumb of the hind-foot more developed. Accompanying the specimen from which the above description is taken was another individual, which differs only in having the ground-colour of the body nearly black ; hence it would appear that the present species is subject to the same kind of variation in its colouring as the Dasyurus Maugei, the black variety of which has received the name viverrinus. LINNAAN SOCIETY. June 7, 1842.—The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. Read “An Account of a Fish, nearly allied to the genus Hemi- ramphus, taken in Cornwall.” By Jonathan Couch, Esq., F.L.S., &e. Mr. Couch states, that in the month of August 1841, several indi- viduals of this little fish were found swimming at the surface of a large pool in the rocks near Polperro, where they had been left by the reczding tide, having been swept thither by a continued south- west wind, which had also driven in many individuals of Motella Linnean Society. 933 glauca and other fishes that do not ordinarily select such a situation. Their length was half an inch; the head proportionately large, espe- cially across; the body slender; eye large; snout in front of it short and abrupt; upper jaw arched; under stout, projecting toa considerable extent, but in some specimens more than in others, the point declining, and the sides not appearing to be formed of parallel rami of the jaw, but rather of a cartilaginous substance ; vent placed posteriorly ; body, which is equal from the head to this point, taper- ing thence to the tail; lateral line, so far as could be distinguished, straight; dorsal and anal fins single, posterior, opposite, the latter beginning close behind the vent, and both reaching nearly to the tail, their membrane at first broader, but narrowing in its progress ; pectoral fins and tail round. ‘The colours of different specimens varied greatly, some being dark with a tint of green, others cream- coloured but sprinkled with specks; regular and thickly set narrow stripes passed from the back obliquely forward, breaking into dots at the sides, in the darker coloured specimens; belly dark. Mr. Couch was unable to discover ventral fins even with the aid of alens. He has no doubt of the specimens being in a very early stage of their existence, but cannot refer them to any known species. He thinks it indeed doubtful whether they really belong to the genus by the name of which he has provisionally designated them, or even to the same family, some parts of their structure seeming to indicate an afinity with the genus Ammodytes. The paper was accompanied by magnified figures. June 21.—Edward Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Read ‘‘ Observations om the Growth and Reproduction of Entero- morpha intestinalis.” By Arthur Hill Hassall, Esq. Mr. Hassall states that, in the earliest stage of their development, the tapering filaments consist of a single series of cells placed end to end. Each of these cells afterwards becomes bisected by a longitu- dinal line, and other lines subsequently appear, so that the original cells are ultimately divided into several, each of which in its turn enlarges and is in like manner divided. From the continued growth and unlimited division of the cells, the filaments increase to an in- definite size, soon lose their original confervoid character, present a reticulated appearance, and instead of being attenuated become cy- lindrical and hollow. Mr. Hassall proceeds to state, that in each articulation of the fila- ments, and often when they are not thicker than a horse-hair, a dark central nucleus is gradually developed, which is the reproductive germ. He thinks there can be little doubt that this, as well as the cell in which it is contained, undergoes repeated division in the same manner as the reproductive globules of the Ulve. These reproductive bodies germinate while still inclosed within the cells in which they were developed, and while the parent filament retains all its fresh- ness and vigour, giving rise to the jointed and tapering filaments first described; which in this state, after the rupture of the parent cell, and while their bases are still fixed within it, bear a strong re- semblance to a parasitic Conferva. This development, division and growth of cells and reproductive bodies appears, Mr. Hassall adds, 234 Linnean Society. to be going on continually and successively, so that most specimens of the plant present examples of each different stage of its formation. These observations lead Mr. Hassall to regard Hnteromorpha in- testinalis as having a twofold relation, viz. to the Conferve in its young articulated filaments, and to the Ulve in its reproduction from globules which undergo repeated division. He objects to the tauto- logy of the specific name, and proposes that of Jacustris in its place. Read also the conclusion of Mr. Clark’s paper ‘* On the Sea Cocoa- nut of the Seychelles, Lodoicea Sechellarum, Comm. and Labill.” [The substance of this paper has been already given in vol. vi. p. 408, and also in the Proceedings of the Bot. Soc. of Lond., p. 153 of our last Number. ] November 1.—R. Brown, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Read “ A Notice of the African Grain called Fundi or Fundungi.” By Robert Clarke, Esq., Senior Assistant Surgeon to the Colony of Sierra Leone. Communicated by Jacob Bell, Esq., F.L.S. This Lilliputian grain, which is described by Mr. Clarke as being about the size of mignonette-seed, is stated to be cultivated in the village of Kissy and in the neighbourhood of Waterloo by indus- trious individuals of the Soosoo, Foulah, Bassa and Joloff nations, by whom it is called “hungry rice.” The ground is cleared for its reception by burning down the copse-wood and hoeing between the roots and stumps. It is sown in the months of May and June, the ground being slightly opened and again lightly drawn together over the seed with a hoe. In August, when it shoots up, it is carefully weeded. It ripens in September, growing to the height of about eighteen inches, and its stems, which are very slender, are then bent to the earth by the mere weight of the grain. ‘They are reaped with hooked knives. ‘The patch of land is then either suffered to lie fal- low, or planted with yams or cassada in rotation. Manure is said to be unnecessary or even injurious, the plant delighting in light soils and being raised even in rocky situations, which are most frequent in and about Kissy. When cut down it is tied up in small sheaves and placed in a dry situation within the hut, for if allowed to remain on the ground or to become wet the grains become agglutinated to their coverings. The grain is trodden out with the feet, and is then parched or dried in the sun to allow of the more easy removal of the chaff in the process of pounding, which is performed in wooden mor- tars. It is afterwards winnowed with a kind of cane fanner on mats. In preparing this delicious grain for food, Mr. Clarke states that it is first thrown into boiling water, in which it is assiduously stirred for a few minutes. The water is then poured off and the natives add to it palm oil, butter or milk ; but the Europeans and negroes con- nected with the colony stew it with fowl, fish or mutton, adding a small piece of salt pork for the sake of flavour, and the dish thus pre- pared is stated to resemble kous-kous. The grain is also made into a pudding with the usual condiments, and eaten either hot or cold with milk ; the Scotch residents sometimes dressing it as milk-por- ridge. Mr. Clarke is of opinion that if the fundi grain were raised for exportation to Europe, it might prove a valuable addition to the SSIES Ke > ae ee s - Linnean Society. 235 list of light farinaceous articles of food in use among the delicate or convalescent. Specimens of the grass accompanied Mr. Clarke’s communication, and were examined by Mr. Kippist, Libr. L.S., who added some ob- servations on its botanical characters. It is a slender grass with digitate spikes, which has much of the habit of Digitaria, but which, on account of the absence of the small outer glume existing in that genus, must be referred to Paspalum. Mr. Kippist regards it as an undescribed species, although speci- mens collected at Sierra Leone by Afzelius are in the collections of Sir James E. Smith and Sir Joseph Banks, on the former of which Afzelius has noted that it is much cultivated by the negroes in Sierra Leone. Mr. Kippist distinguishes the species by the following characters: — Paspalum exile, glaberrimum, caule filiformi, racemis subternis digitatis, axi partiali spiculis singulis angustiore, spiculis parvis sub-biserialibus pedicellatis, glumis ovatis acutiusculis paleis zequalibus, foliis lineari- lanceolatis margine serrulatis. Gramen sub-bipedale, inferné ramosum; racemi tenues, 3—4-pollicares, subsessiles; axes partiales angustissime, plane, margine minuté den- ticulate ; spicule vix lineales ; glume exterioris respectu racheos, (val- vulz floris masculi superstitis) nervi 7—9 zequidistantes, interioris 5, quorum laterales approximati; paleze minutissimé striatz ; folia plana ; vagine longissime ; ligule truncate integre. Read also a letter from N. B. Ward, Esq., F.L.S., containing a statement furnished to him by Mrs. Williams, the widow of the late missionary of that name, respecting the transportation of the Musa Cavendishii to the Navigators’ Islands, and its culture there. Mr. Williams left England on the 11th of April 1839, and arrived at Upolu, one of the Navigators’ Islands, at the end of November. He carried with him, in one of Mr. Ward’s glazed cases, a young plant of Musa Cavendishii, which bore the voyage well. It was trans- planted into a favourable situation, and in May 1840 a cluster of fine fruit (in number exceeding 300) was produced ; after which the parent plant died, leaving behind more than thirty suckers, which were distributed to various parts of the island. In May 1841, when Mrs. Williams left to return to England, the greater part of these were in a fructifying state, so that there cannot be a doubt of this valuable plant quickly becoming abundant, not only in Upolu, but also in the neighbouring islands. Mrs. Williams further states that the fruit is highly prized by the natives as being much finer and very different in flavour from any of the species or varieties previously growing in these islands. November 15.—E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. Read a Note ‘“ On the permanent varieties of Papaver orientale, in, By ©. Forster, M.B., F.L.8., &c. Dr. Forster states, that ever since the introduction of Papaver brac- teatum, Lindl., into England, he has regarded it as a permanent va- riety of P. orientale, of which P. bracteatum, as having fertile seeds, while those of P. orientale are usually sterile, was to be considered the original plant. He retains, however, the name of orientale for 236 Linnean Society. the species, both as being the earlier and as being applicable to all the varieties, four of which he now distinguishes as permanent by the following characters :— 1. P. orientale bracteatum, characterized by its height, its bractez, its large and deep red petals, and its uniformly perfect seeds. 2. P. orientale precox, the common ‘“ Monkey Poppy” of the old gardeners, and the most common variety in England, distinguished by its somewhat depressed capsule and sterile seeds. It flowers along with the former, generally about the 10th of May, the flowers being of a fine deep orange inclining to cinnabar. 3. P. orientale serotinum, resembling the last except in that its petals incline more to what is called salmon-colour, but principally characterized by its flowering nearly a month later, along with P. somniferum, L., early in June. Dr. Forster has several times tried in vain to make it flower with the commoner sort. The seeds are always imperfect, and the flower and capsule of the same shape as in the last. 4. P. orientale, capsuld et floribus longioribus, which are its prin- cipal distinguishing characters. It flowers in May a few days after the old English sort, but is only met with on the Continent: the petals are of the same colour, but the leaves are rather smaller. Dr. Forster states it to be common in the gardens of Belgium as the only variety cultivated, the two last-named varieties being there unknown. It holds a middle rank between them and P. orientale bracteatum, being tall and bearing seeds, which are sometimes pro- lific, and well deserves to be introduced into English gardens. Dr. Forster adds, that about ten years ago Mr. Curtis showed him a bed of seedlings of the second year in full flower in May, which had round capsules and orange flowers like P. orientale, but which he stated to have been derived from seeds of P. bracteatum. Mr. Cur- tis attributed the change to the bees having transported the pollen of that plant, but the uniform appearance of the whole bed led Dr. Forster to think this explanation doubtful. He further states, that he has been assured in the South of Europe that the best opium and in the largest quantity is obtained from P. orientale bracteatum ; and as this plant suits the English soil and seeds freely, he thinks it might often be advantageously substituted for P. somniferum. Read also a Note ‘“ On Secale cornutum, the Ergot of Rye ;” and ‘On a species of Asplenium, related to A. Trichomanes, L.” By A. Haro, M.D., of Metz, communicated by the Secretary. In the latter communication Dr. Haro calls attention to a fern dis- covered by himself in the well of an old castle. The well in which it was found is described as being large, four-cornered, and having at the top on one side a square window, freely admitting air and light. The opposite wall is lined with the fern, which lies flat upon the stones, to which the fronds are said to be attached throughout their length by slender roots, rendering it difficult to remove them even with a knife. Dr. Haro submitted the plant to a Professor of the faculty of Nancy, who regarded it as a new species, more distinct from A. Trichomanes than A. viride or A. Petrarche, and supplied the following descriptive characters of these four species :— A. Trichomanes, frondes patule, glabre, impari-pinnate ; stipes nigres- ee ig te Melee 8 WC ct eae * ‘A ——— Miscellaneous. a7. centi-vernicosus, supra membranula crenulata et ab insertione pinnu- larum utrinque decurrente manifesté appendiculatus ; pinnule medie ovate inzquilaterales, superiores oblong et basi obliqué cuneate, impar crenulata, omnes obtusze ob/uséque crenate. A. Harovit, frondes decumbentes saxoque fibrillis tenuissimis adfixe, glabre, impari-pinnate; stipes nigrescenti-vernicosus, supra membra- nula obsoleta et ab insertione pinnularum utrinque decurrente appen- diculatus; pinnulz mediz hastato-rhomboidee, trilobate, superiores oblongz basi obliqué attenuate vel cuneatz, impar pinnatifida, omnes obtuse sed acuté dentate. A. viride, frondes erecto-patule, glabre, impari-pinnate ; stipes viridis, supra canaliculatus, inappendiculatus ; pinnule mediz feré omnes ovato- rhomboidez, inzequilaterales, impar crenulata incisa, omnes obtuse obtuséque crenulate. A, Petrarche, frondes erecto-patule, glanduloso -villose, impari-piunate ; stipes obscuré nigrescens, supra applanato-canaliculatus, inappendicu- latus; pinnule mediz oblonge basi obliqué truncate vel cuneate et inde valdé inzequilaterales, pinnatifidze, lobulis obtusis inzequaliter cre- nulatis, superiores supra rachin decurrentes. MISCELLANEOUS. ON THE PRESENCE OF THEINE IN THE LEAVES OF ILEX PARAGUYENSIS. Recent chemical researches have proved that the bitter tonic sub- stance called Theine, found in the leaves of tea, is identical with Caf- Feine, obtained from the seeds of coffee. On this subject Liebig re- marks—‘‘ We shall never, certainly, be able to discover how men were led to the use of the hot infusion of the leaves of a certain shrub (tea), or of a decoction of certain roasted seeds (coffee). Some cause there must be, which would explain how the practice has become a necessary of life to whole nations. But it is surely still more remark- able that the beneficial effects of both plants on the health must be ascribed to one and the same substance, the presence of which in two vegetables, belonging to different natural families and the pro- duce of different quarters of the globe, could hardly have presented itself to the boldest imagination.” It is curious to remark, that a beverage called Guarana, used by the people on the banks of the Amazon, and in all probability procured from the leaves of Paullinia sorbilis, should yield a crystalline matter also identical with Theine, and that Theobromine, or the principle yielded by chocolate, should be in many respects analogous. Mr. John Stenhouse of Glasgow has recently detected Theine in the leaves of the Ilex paraguyensis, Yerba Maté, or Paraguay Tea, which is the com- mon beverage of a large portion of the inhabitants of South America. This is a fact of great interest, when taken in connexion with the previous discoveries above alluded to, as tending to show that the same principle is found in many of those substances which are em- ployed by mankind in different parts of the world to furnish a tonic and refreshing beverage. Theine is procured easily according to Mr. Stenhouse, by making an infusion of tea, precipitating by acetate of lead, filtering, evaporating the clear solution to a thickish con- sistence, and then subliming (?) from a sand-bath. In this way he has been able to procure 14 per cent. from Assam tea without the use of 238 Miscellaneous. alcohol or ether. The best test for Theine is ammonia, which, when added and heated to dryness, gives a beautiful rose-colour precisely similar to murexide. From the facility with which Theine is ob- tained and its tonic qualities, it is probable that it may be ere long used medicinally as a substitute for quinine and other remedial agents of a similar nature.—J. H. B. SULA MELANURA. “In our ornithological memoranda we neglected to state that during our stay at St. Kilda, a black-tailed Solan Goose was men- tioned to us as being occasionally seen intermingled with the other and more common kind. We at first regarded this as an accidental variety, but we have since recalled to mind that there is a distinct species described by naturalists under the title of Pelecanus melanurus, so called from the character in question. We believe that this is the first ascertained instance of its occurrence in any of the British Islands.” —J. Wilson, Voy. round West. Isles, vol. ii. p. 113, note. CAPTURE OF BOTTLE-NOSED WHALES. There has been recently a considerable capture of bottle-nose whales at the island of Eday, amounting to between sixty and seventy. ‘They were generally of fair dimensions, about fourteen feet long on an average ; and on being sold by public roup on the Mon- day following, brought 146/.—Jnverness Courier. NOTE ON PAGURUS PRIDEAUXII. There is an omission in my notice of this species in the last Num- ber of the ‘ Annals,’ p. 103, which, in consequence of the obscurity thereby occasioned, is perhaps worth correcting. The comment on Dr. Leach’s observations should have been, not to the effect that it was singular that P. Prideauzii inhabits so many different species of shells, but, that there should be no allusion to its connexion with Adamsia (Actinia) maculata, with which species I have always found it associated. I had already mentioned in this Journal (vol. v. p.251) the occurrence of the Pagurus in Trochi ['T. cinereus, &c.] and Bulla lignaria :—to these may now be added Buccinum undatum and Natica Alderi. 'The smaller shells thus resorted to, as the last-named, and Trochus cinereus, may be said to have merely formed the apex of the tenement, as ‘“‘ the thin horny expansion attached to the aperture of the shells, and forming as it were an extension of the body-whorl in a spiral form *,” constituted from one-half to two-thirds of the entire habitation of the crab. Dr. Coldstream, in treating of the Actinia maculata obtained by him at ‘Torbay, and in Rothsay and Kames bays in Bute,” remarks, that the shell which it covered was “ always found inhabited by a variety of the hermit-crab.” The “variety” thus alluded to was probably P. Prideauxii. By Dr. Coldstream and also by myself, the Actinia and Pagurus under consideration have always been found as- sociated. Dr. Leach makes no mention of their connexion; and Mr. Edw. Forbes states that not a single specimen of the Actinia taken * Dr. Coldstream in Edin. New Phil. Journ. vol. ix., and copied in John- ston’s British Zoophytes, p. 219. Meteorological Observations. 239 in the course of a season by him about the Isle of Man “ had either hermit-crab or horny disk.” (Annals, vol. v. p. 183.) It would thus appear, that on the British coasts this strange companionship is not invariably constant. By Dugés the two species have been found as- sociated on the coast of France. Dr. Coldstream enters pretty fully into the subject of the “ horny expansion,” and after speculating upon its formation, thinks that it is probably “‘ produced by the Actinia.” Opposed to this view how- ever is the fact, that shells possessing the horny expansion are fre- quently dredged in localities where the Actinta was never met with —and where the P. Prideauxii never occurred. I have often found them tenanted instead by Pagurus Bernhardus. On examining such shells with horny expansions as are preserved in my cabinet, I find the expansions to consist simply of a develop- ment, or continuation of the Alcyonium echinatum (and which it oc- curred to Dr. Coldstream might be the case) beyond the shell itself after this is covered, or nearly so, by the zoophyte. May not this Alcyonium be selected by the Actinia as a base upon which to fix itself, on account of its papillary eminences thereby enabling it—the parasite—to retain a firmer hold or ‘‘ seat” ?—Ww. THompson. Belfast, Feb. 10, 1843. a age METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR JAN. 1843. Chiswick—January 1. Clear and fine. 2, 3. Frosty: fine. 4. Rain: clear. 5. Clear: rain and sleet. 6. Frosty: overcast. 7,8. Cloudy. 9. Clear and frosty. 10. Stormy and wet: very boisterous. 11. Clear and frosty: very fine. 12. Hazy: clear: hurricane at night. 13. Stormy and wet: very boisterous : barometer at noon exceedingly low. 14. Clear and windy: densely overcast : snow at night. 15. Cloudy: clear and frosty. 16. Cold and dry: fine. 17. Over- cast. 18. Hazy: dense fog. 19. Dense fog. 20—22. Hazy. 23. Very fine: overcast : stormy, with rain at night. 24. Overcast. 25. Very fine. 26, 27. Cloudy. 28. Cloudy: clear and fine. 29. Overcast. 30. Very fine. 31. Uni- formly overcast: stormy, with rain at night.—Mean temperature of the month 3° above the average. The barometer on the 13th was lower than it has been observed in the neighbourhood of London since 1821, Boston.—Jan. 1—3. Fine. 4. Rain. 5. Cloudy: rain and snow early a.m. 6. Fine. 7. Cloudy. 8. Cloudy: rain early a.m. 9. Fine. 10. Windy: rain early a.M.: stormy pr.M., with snow. 11, Windy. 12. Cloudy: raine.m. 13. Stormy: rain early a.m. (barometer 2 p.m. 27°°80): rain P.M.: stormy night. 14. Stormy: snow p.m. 15—18. Cloudy. 19. Foggy. 20—23. Cloudy. 24. Cloudy: rain early am. 25. Fine. 26. Cloudy: rain early a.m. 27. Cloudy. 28, Windy. 29. Cloudy. $0. Cloudy: stormy r.m. 31. Fine. Sandwick Manse, Orkney.—Jan. 1. Hail-showers. 2. Snow. 3. Cloudy. 4, Showers: large hail—broke windows. 5. Hail-showers. 6. Showers. 7. Hail- showers—broke windows: thunder and lightning. 8. Snow-showers and kail. 9. Snow-showers: rain. 10. Snow-showers. 11. Snowing at noon: clear at night. 12. Clear: frostandsnow. 13. Snow: thaw-showers. 14. Frost : thaw- showers. 15. Showers. 16. Showers: cloudy. 17. Drizzle. 18. Cloudy: drizzle. 19. Showers: clear. 20—22. Clear. 23. Clear: drops, 24. Cloudy. 25. Cloudy: drizzle. 26. Clear: rain. 27. Rain: showers. 28. Drizzle: showers. 29—31. Showers. Applegarth Manse, Dumfries-shire.—Jan. 1. Frost a.m.: shower: frost p.m. 2. Frost a.m.: frost p.m. %. Showers. 4. Snowand rain. 5. Frost: high wind. 6. Drizzling rain. 7. Rain and wind. 8. Snow: frost. 9. Snow: rain: wind, 10. Snow: frost. 11. Frost: lunar halo. 12. Hard frost. 13—15. Frost: drifting snow. 16. Thaw a.m.: frost r.m. 17,18. Thaw: rain. 19. Thick fog and thaw. 20. Fair, but cloudy. 21. Fair a.m.: drizzly pm. 22, Rain early a.m.: cleared. 23. Rain. 24. Fair, but misty. 25. Raine.m. 26. Wet A.M. 27. Wetr.m. 28. Storm of wind and rain. 29. Wet and stormy. 30. Heavy showers, 31. 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Dole Cc q/PH4/ 2 io} CO] PHI Pol Pol |S = 2 wy |x pg] ‘ud jure | surd | sue ry ‘xeur |. S| (Ue pele Slag 5 |e a ERS Hes sz 23 BP) Be) |B ee 5 | & | ‘sorys |Bo| t | #6 | 6 | 6 ee aa | Xe oa oe ® “Ig sao] & ch a5 ae o nA v=) - - Pe Se Taal iT psa ae ——JSo/o8) S} a [eo] =m | os. ° Bs | © |yormpurg| ‘aiuys | 3 Baie = oe yormMpursg *OALYs =} F , S¢s su a R es 8 z mo g ° & Ei reauiye rune TUTE PCM Ste OMIM Gee eroy ere) aelintelan || 5 HOUMSTUO, ote x Ss 2.0 2& 54 “UIeyy “pur\ *1OJOMLOULIIU], *1OJIULOAL Ff #5 . a *AANYUG ‘asunpy younpuny yo “uoysNo]D *— ‘Ady 27 29 pun fAUTHs-saTMIW A ‘asunyy yjunsajddy yo ‘\anqung *A\ *Aey ay) Ag {Noxsog yy Wea a 2g fuopuorT «pau ‘MOIMSTHY JV AJAW0g JD.4NI.NIYLO FT ay) fo Uapimy) ayy YD uosdwoyy, ayy 49 ! uoysaqoy ‘yA ‘Aunpowoag Junzsissp ayy hg ‘NOaNOT] SApa100g9 qohoy ay? fo suaupiwdy ay2 qo apne 8W01jvALasqoC jonsojosoajayyy THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. No. 70. APRIL 1843. XXXV.— Observations on the Habits of a Tenthredo or Saw-fly, By Pizrre Huser*. [With a Plate. ] THE insect which is the subject of this memoir is, I conclude, somewhat rare in our country [Geneva], as I have not yet ob- served it except in the larva state; and these larvee are so un- common, that in looking diligently for them, I have scarcely found more than one or two every year. My design is to make known the first period of its history, looking for the time when more favourable circumstances may enable me to complete it. I especially regret my inability to give the description of the perfect insect ; but, as we know with respect to a great num- ber of insects, all the philosophic interest attaches to the hi- story of the larva. Itis these indeed which most frequently exhibit to our sight that industry which so justly excites our admiration. This insect belongs to that division of the Saw-flies (Tenthre- dinide), the larvee of which, not furnished with membranous feet (prolegs), have only six coriaceous feet belonging to the thorax, and whose hind part or abdomen is armed laterally with two hard and horny processes which diverge from one another nearly in a straight line. These very prominent processes, I believe, are attached to the last ring but one. The last ring did not appear to have organs like the anal prolegs of cater- pillars ; it is, on the contrary, of a coriaceous and solid sub- stance, variegated with a brown colour above ; it terminates in an oval margin, and opens upwards in order to serve as a passage for the rejectamenta of the insect; but in some cases it also performs the office of a foot. The head is wholly coria- ceous, its eyes are very distinct and prominent; it is furnished with strong and rather short jaws, with two antennz placed near the eyes, and with two or three pairs of palpi, the length of which exceeds that of the jaws, and which serve the purpose * From the Mémoires de la Société de Physique et d’Histoire Naturelle de Genéve, tom. ix. part 2, 1842. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol, xi. R 242 M. Huber on the Habits of a Saw-fly. of a hand for holding the leaf upon which the insect is feed- ing or working. The length of this larva varies from six to eight lines, it is half a line thick ; its ordinary colour is bluish ereen, the head is yellowish, and the feet are black; there is a small black spot on the first ring. In its first stage this insect lives upon the hazel-tree. Most larvee of Tinee and other insects expert in forming for themselves cases (fourreaux) carry them about with them, but (during the early period of its life at least) the larva in question is obliged to leave its case fixed to the leaf out of which it has been formed; it therefore preserves all the verdure of the leaf itself; at last, however, comes the time when this larva separates the case from the leaf and carries it from place to place. The case in which it envelopes itself is of a very sin- gular form; it is a very much lengthened hollow cone, very narrow at the end with a rather wide mouth; it is made of a strip or band of a hazel-leaf rolled in a spiral form and com- posed of a number of variable whorls; this strip, very nar- row at the lower extremity, at first produces only very nar- row whorls and of small diameter, for at first the larva wants but a very narrow case. When complete it is from twelve to fourteen lines in length, and two lines in diameter at its ori- fice ; it is composed of more than ten turns, the exterior part of the case presenting the upper surface of the leaf, the ser- rated edge of which is preserved entire, turned towards the point of the cone. This dwelling is very spacious for our larva, and it can turn itself about in it with the greatest ease. It forms this cone by cutting along the edge of the leaf a narrow strip, which it then winds spirally around itself by a method which I shall presently describe. When this portion has taken the desired form or position, it goes on cutting the band a little further up, and always nearly parallel with the edge of the leaf. By little and little it rolls around itself a fresh portion, and so on during all the time of its growth ; so that the cone, which was at first very short, lengthens every time that the larva works at it. But it is not content with clothing itself; it feeds as it goes on, it even eats prodigiously ; only, while eating, it takes good care to attend to the arrange- ment of the strip or band necessary for its clothing ; it eats according to method, and with the double object of providing itself at once with board and lodging ; I say lodging, for this case, being too roomy to be justly considered as a mere gar- ment, serves it rather as an asylum than as a defence against the inclemency of the weather. Another part of the skill of this insect consists in knowing how to roll this bandage round itself, which unsupported would M. Huber on the Habits of a Saw-fly. 243 fall by its own weight like a shred of the leaf. It will be sup- posed that it is by means of its silk, skilfully employed, that it succeeds in giving it the requisite position and fixing it in its place. ses I shall give a full description of the method which it prac- tises, a process in some degree analogous to that of the roll- ing caterpillars, which consists in carrying threads from the surface of the rolled portion to that part of the leaf which they wish to join to their work. The weight of their body, resting on the first threads, brings the leaf near to the centre of the roll, and fresh threads tend to keep it in this position. But the manner in which our larva works every time that a fresh portion of leaf is to be added to his case deserves greater detail. There are generally three skeins or wefts* stretched from the mouth of its case to the leaf. The first weft or skein is situated on the body of the case; this is the shortest, and reaches the leaf by the shortest course ; the second proceeds from the middle of the last whorl and also goes to the leaf; and the third is fastened on still higher up, that is to say, at the point where the rolling of the band begins. These wefts are composed of threads parallel to each other, and nearly perpen- dicular to the orifice. After the larva has bitten the leaf so far as to separate enough for rolling up, it comes half out of its case, mounts on the first weft and produces a fresh one which I shall call No. 1 dis, similar, except that the threads are fixed higher on the roll and on the leaf. After this operation it re- enters its funnel, and comes out again at the space which lies between the second and the third older wefts ; it mounts upon the second, makes it bend with its weight, or perhaps by the contraction of its body, and establishes a weft No. 2 bis, com- posed of a score of silk threads ; lastly it places itself on the third, and from thence makes a new weft No. 3 dis. By this means the work of rolling up goes on in succession, and the whole portion cut off is rolled up at once, the spiral cone ac- quiring a quarter of a whorl at each time; it gains each day acomplete whorl. In fact, it is the cone which is rolled suc- cessively on the bandage. Now the three wefts is become fundamental, and serve as types for three new wefts, which in their turn will be succeeded by others. Such is the tenor of this process so far as I have been able to ascertain. The roll turns during the operation of fixing the threads, and not at all while the larva cuts out the bandage. We should mention * A row of parallel threads is obviously intended. The word trame of the original has been rendered weft, with some doubt however of its being the proper term.—R. T. R2 244 M. Huber on the Habits of a Saw-fly. that the rolling caterpillars make cylinders with leaves, whereas in the present case the rolling up must be oblique in order to produce a spiral, and this, probably, is what renders necessary the complex process which the larva of the Saw-fly of the hazel employs. The axis of the cone or case of our larva is frequently placed at right angles to the tangent which might be drawn at the edge of the leaf; yet the orifice is not parallel to this edge ; on the contrary, this opening is very oblique, and such as it should be in order that the band of which it is formed in roll- ing up may only cover over the last spiral by its edge, so as to form a prolongation of the case, and not a simple coating. It sometimes happens that this larva, whether by chance or by design, detaches its case from the leaf: this especially occurs when the leaf withers; for then it is obliged to seek for a fresher one, a thing which frequently happened to those which I had under my observation at home. I have often amused myself by cutting the little bands and suspending the case underneath the leaf, by means of some one of the scattered silks which remained at the mouth, as the larva itself does when its case is wholly finished. But I operated before the time, and it had still several whorls to add to its cone: had I left but a single thread, it would have been sufficient to bring back its case towards the leaf, for this larva, of a slender form, is gifted with an unequalled agility and suppleness. Coming more than three-fourths out of its cone, it bent itself in a thousand ways, and by its skill succeeded in reaching the leaf, to which it fastened some imperceptible threads of silk; it clung to these threads, then drawing its body forwards, it made the case approach the leaf by help of the side legs and the two processes near its hinder extremity ; then bound it with new and shorter threads of silk, so that it nearly touched the lower surface of the leaf. The cone had now to be made to travel in this situation. The process which it employs is most ingenious: it leans for- ward out of its case on the side to which it intends to direct it, and, as far as it can reach, stretches threads of silk from the leaf to the case. This latter, held back by former threads, does not as yet move at all; but the caterpillar, with its accus- tomed ingenuity, cuts the former threads with its jaws ; if they resist too much, it stretches its body so as to force away the cone, when the last attachments break: in this way the cone is suspended only by the new threads, its centre of gravity is now displaced and is carried forward. A fresh similar man- ceuvre effects a new step; thus travels this heavy load, sus- tained by threads of silk which are substituted for each other M. Huber on the Habits of a Saw-fly. 245 in succession. Our traveller at last arrives at the end of its journey, that is to say, at the end of the leaf. It then brings its case near its under surface, and adjusts it or places it in such a way as to be situated in the plane of the leaf; but on the outside he sets it up as sailors raise a mast on its base, only so as to be placed horizontally in the air, and that instead of drawing the cords on the side where it wishes to make it fast, it finds the means of establishing shorter and shorter threads _of silk, and bursts the old threads that kept it in a vertical position. It has, in short, the art to lead the spiral tube to the suitable place and into the position requisite for again begin- ning its rolling up. It cuts off the inequalities and adjusts it so neatly to the edge of the leaf, which is also prepared before- hand for this purpose, that the junction of the two pieces shall be imperceptible. The leaf fits exactly at the edge of the case ; threads of silk, carefully stretched within, sew together (if we may so speak) the two parts, and the caterpillar then setting itself to gnaw the leaf, eats it parallel to its edge, so as to give it the dimensions of the bandage of the case. I shall conclude this notice with the last experiment that I made on one of these larvee, and the result of which presents some very curious particulars. It was still young, it had com- posed its case of twelve whorls, and I saw that it had added one or two turns of new ribbon. It was working at it when I took it out in order to lay it bare; I then perceived that the portion of the case newly added being iooser than it ought, and consequently the whorl being too wide at this part, the insect had obviated this inconvenience by spinning around itself such a number of threads that they formed a narrow sheath at the orifice of the case. The larva being exposed, was gently laid upon a fresh and tender hazel-leaf, the underside of the leaf being turned up- wards. At first it appeared embarrassed ; it tried to turn upon its back, and it was only after many trials and efforts that it succeeded in effecting this ; from this time it regained courage, and sought to carry its head from right to left of its body in order to reach the leafin this position ; but the want of a point d@’appui for a long time hindered it from accomplishing this. However, by dint of twisting itself about, it at last succeeded, placing its spinneret upon the leaf on its right side; by a cir- cular movement of the head, it led a thread from thence to its left side passing above its body; from that time it no longer appeared embarrassed ; the movements became quicker and quicker; it had soon made a lace-work of silk above itself, fitting well enough to hold it closely against the leaf, yet without cramping it. By help of these threads it became 246 M. Huber on the Habits of a Saw-fly. easier and easier to raise up the anterior part of its body, and to stretch longer or more oblique threads, at its choice; in order to do this, it bent its body in the form of an arch above the leaf, so as to make supports of all the threads which it had stretched above it. The play and muscular strength of its rings made of all these threads so many ladders, which helped its body to advance on the cordage which it had spread 5 and the plaited nature of the rings of its belly, and especially the large size of the last ring but one, greatly contributed to the success of its efforts: the motion begins at the tail, it ad- vances, the rings swell and contract successively, they quit the threads to which they correspond in order to rest on other more advanced threads, and the whole body travels two lines in advance. The caterpillar then spreads fresh threads above itself, and by the same process gains a little ground every time ; in short, it attains the object of its efforts, beg always turned on its back; when it has reached the edge of the leaf it stops. Such is its way of proceeding when naked. I was very curious to know how it would repair the loss of its covering at an age when the size of its body differs from what it was at first, and when a turn of ribbon two lines in width is not sufficient for it. I had the satisfaction of seeing this work done, which was worthy of some skilful tailor in a desert island who might be obliged to make his own garment. I will explain it in two words: the caterpillar had the tact to make itself a complete covering out of a single fold, which it cut to its measure, after having rolled it around itself. For that purpose, after having made a deep fold in the leaf around itself, it made a hole in the middle of the leaf, enlarged it by degrees, and rolled this wide shred about itself, just as we should draw a covering over us. The covering folded upon itself forms a double envelope, which the insect converts to its use in this position, by sewing it with numerous threads at the two ends. Nature, as we see, is rich in ingenious expedients: so much originality in the means, so much variety in the processes, so much skill and depth in her views, what do these declare ? what do they proclaim,—if not the indisputable, the infinite wisdom of the Creator of all things ? EXPLANATION OF PLATE VI. Fig. 1. The caterpillar, natural size. Fig. 2. The same, magnified. Fig. 3, 4. Different appearances of the rolling-up of the case before the caterpillar forms its threads. Fig. 5, 6, 7. Various positions of the caterpillars in forming the case by means of their threads. Fig. 8. The closed case. z' Mr. G. R. Waterhouse on some new Coleoptera. 247 XXX VI.—Descriptions of new species of Coleopterous Insects belonging to the Genus Apocyrtus, collected by Hugh Cu- ming, Esq., in the Philippine Islands. By G. R. WatER- HOUSE, Esq., Assistant Secretary and Curator to the Zoo- logical Society. [Continued from vol. ix. p. 311.] Order COLEOPTERA. Sect. CURCULIONIDES. Div. PacuyruyncHipes, Schonh. Genus Arocyrtus, Erichson, In the ‘ Annals of Natural History’ for June 1842, seventeen new species of Apocyrtus are characterized ; descriptions of others I had prepared, but as they extended the paper to too great a length for a monthly journal, I was not sorry to lay aside the latter half of my work for revision, especially as I found several of the species ex- ceedingly difficult to determine. Those already described, for the most part, present well-marked characters ; there are some, however, which upon re-examination I think are doubtful. The Ap. metallicus and Ap. levicollis, notwithstanding the differences in their markings, I am now inclined to regard as varieties. Apocyrtus gibbirostris and A. subfasciatus—The insect described under the former of these names I am now convinced is a female, the abdomen is somewhat convex beneath, and the terminal segment is conical; the apex of the elytra is slightly produced, and there is a small depression immediately in front of the prominent point. The male has the abdomen slightly concave, the terminal segment semicircular and coarsely punctured (in the female it is less di- stinctly punctured) ; the apex of the elytra is rounded, and the ex- treme point does not form a kind of tubercle as in the female; the thorax is rather larger in proportion to the elytra, and the rostrum is destitute of the hump; it is thickly punctured, and has a broadish longitudinal groove extending from the base and terminating about half-way towards the apex; on each side immediately in front of the eye is an oblong fovea joining the transverse groove which separates the rostrum from the head. This is the insect, I feel little doubt, described by M. Chevrolat under the name Apocyrtus Erichsoni*, a name which has priority over mine. The specimens upon which I founded the Ap. subfasciatus are all males, and possibly are va- rieties of the Ap. gibbirostris (or rather Erichsonz) ; they, however, differ from those, which are certainly the males of gibbirostris, in having the thorax tuberculated instead of being punctured, and also in the markings, as pointed out in the published description. Ap. geniculatus.—The rostrum in this species is shorter and broader than others of the genus; it is rather longer than broad, and the sides are parallel; the transverse groove at the base is rather more strongly marked in the female than in the male, where it is in the * See ‘ Revue Zoologique,’ No, 7. 1841, p. 226. 248 Mr. G. R. Waterhouse on some new Coleoptera form of a sharply indented line ; the surface is convex, punctured and glossy, and has a longitudinal line on the basal half; in front of the eye isan oblong fovea, broad near the eye and pointed in front; this fovea is bounded above and below by a ridge, the lower ridge forming the upper boundary of the groove for the antenna. The male Ap. geniculatus has the terminal segment of the abdomen semicircular and punctured, and this is preceded by two very short transverse seg- ments as usual; but in the female the hindermost of these two trans- verse segments undergoes a singular modification in form, being produced posteriorly so as completely to hide the terminal segment, and having a deep emargination, and terminating in two spines be- hind ; the last segment is smooth and very glossy. In one other spe- cies of Apocyrtus (Ap. inflatus), I have found the same sexual pecu- liarities in the abdominal segments. Apocyrtus rufipes. Ap. niger, nitidus ; pedibus splendide rufis, genibus tarsisque nigris; capite punctato; rostro crebre punctato; thorace globoso, antice posticeque truncato, tuberculis rotundatis crebre obsito: elytris rugoso-punctatis. Long. corp. 51—44 lin. Mas: thorace valde globoso; elytris thorace angustioribus, postice rotunda- tis; rostro supra concavo. Femina: elytris thorace latioribus, subovatis, ad apicem spinis duabus ar- matis ; rostro supra convexiusculo. The male of this species is remarkable for the large size and nearly spherical form of its thorax. The head has some scattered punc- tures, and a distinct longitudinal groove between the eyes; the ros- trum is thickly punctured, and its upper surface presents a large, but somewhat shallow concavity; this occupies the whole width of the rostrum in front, between the antennz, but becomes gradually narrower towards the transverse depression at the base; on each side, in front of the eyes, are two fovez, one above the other; the upper one is the largest, and joins the transverse groove at the base of the rostrum. The legsare ofa very bright red colour; the tip of the femora, the cox, apex of the tibie, and the tarsi are black. The thorax is thickly covered with glossy, rounded tubercles, and has a slight longitudinal channel. The elytra are scarcely dilated in the middle, convex, and distinctly punctured; the punctures are con- fluent, and have a tendency to arrange themselves in strie. The terminal segment of the abdomen is semicircular and coarsely punc- tured. An insect agreeing with the above in all essential characters, and which I feel no doubt is the female, is remarkable for the possession of two spines at the apex of the elytra,—a character which I have found in a female of another species of the present genus. It differs, moreover, in having the thorax proportionately smaller, and the ely- tra rather broader than the thorax, being more dilated in the mid- dle. They have a small subapical hump on the suture, out of which springs a brush of hairs, as in the female Ap. geniculatus and some others of the genus, and the terminal segment of the abdomen is conical and presents numerous irregular ruge. The rostrum, instead — belonging to the genus Apocyrtus. 249 of being concave above, as in the male, is slightly convex, more densely punctured, and is slightly humped behind: in the middle is a shallow longitudinal groove. The elytra are more thickly punc- tured—this is also the case in the females of some other species. Apocyrtus Germari. Ap. niger, femoribus, ad basin, antennisque piceo-rubris ; capite inter oculos et rostro rugosis ; thorace antice posticeque truncato, lateribus rotundato, tuberculis minutis, nitidis, crebre obsito ; marginibus anticis ]ateralibusque squamis viridibus ornato, fascia postice eodem colore: elytris globoso- ovatis, thorace conspicue latioribus, rugosis, fasciis tribus subinterruptis, lineisque duabus Jongitudinalibus ad apicem viridibus. Long. corp. 4 lin. ; lat. 13 lin. This species departs somewhat from the rest of the genus in its proportions, which nearly resemble those of Otiorhynchus gemmatus, but the thorax is rather broader; the antenne are rather shorter than in other Apocyrti. The size is equal to that of Otiorhynchus scabrosus. The rostrum is separated from the head by a transverse groove in front of the eyes, and is very nearly equal to the head in length ; the upper surface is rugose, and has two irregular ridges which con- verge behind, but do not meet. The head is rugose between the eyes, where there is a distinct longitudinal impression. The eyes are round and but little prominent. The thorax is subglobose, and truncated before and behind ; it is thickly covered above with glossy tubercles, has a green band in the anterior margin, and a second transverse band towards the posterior margin; these bands, which are formed of scales, are joined on the sides of the thorax by a lon- gitudinal series of scales. ‘The elytra are of a short, oval form, or subglobose, but acuminated at the apex ; the surface is rugose and subtuberculated: they have a narrowish transverse band near the base, a second in the middle, and a third towards the apex, besides two oblong marks on the apical portion ; these bands are formed of green scales, and are somewhat interrupted in parts: the antenne and legs are pitchy ; the thighs are reddish, excepting at the apex, where they are nearly black. Apocyrius inflatus. Ap. inflatus, Hrichson, Act. Acad. Ces. Leop. &c, vol. xvi. Suppl. p. 378. pl. 48. f. 8; Sehdnh, v. pt. 2. p. 824. This species is readily distinguished from others described in this paper by the great size of its almost spherical body as compared with the head and thorax, and by its more prominent eyes. The head, thorax, abdomen beneath, base of the thighs, and tarsi are black, ahd the elytra are red or pitchy red, but broadly margined with black. Between the eyes are some green scales, and there is a small patch of these scales on each side of the thorax, and some- times they form an interrupted line on the middle above ; near the outer margin of each elytron are three spots, one at the base, another near the middle, and the third towards the apex, also formed of green scales; the sides of the meso- and metathorax are likewise 250 Mr. G.R. Waterhouse on some new Coleoptera adorned with scales. The legs are bright red. The rostrum is finely punctured above, and has a short central impressed line at the base, and a large fovea on each side at the base. The head is separated from the thorax by a deep transverse impression, and has a longitu- dinally impressed line and some punctures between the eyes, which are round and prominent. The thorax is subglobose, but contracted and somewhat produced before and behind ; the surface is covered with largish, rounded, glossy tubercles, and there is an indistinct dorsal channel. The elytra are twice as broad as the thorax, very convex and nearly spherical, but they are produced into a kind of neck in front to meet the thorax, and near the apex they are sud- denly contracted ; at the apex they are pointed. The upper surface is coarsely sculptured, rugose and subtuberculated, and the impressions, though irregular, have a tendency to be arranged in lines. Length, 5 to 63 lines; width 24 to 3 lines. The specimens before me are females. They have the antepe- nultimate segment of the abdomen extremely narrow in the antero- posterior direction, and the penultimate segment is large, produced over the last segment and deeply emarginated, and terminating in two spines or pointed processes behind. Apocyrtus impius. Ap. impius, Erichson, |.c. p. 380. pl. 48. f. 9. Ap. niger, opacus, squamulis virescentibus adspersis; elytris ovatis, con- vexis, rugulosis, punctatis. Long. corp. 4 lin. Erichs. The above description, from Erichson, is applicable to the female sex of a species which Mr. Cuming found in great abundance in the Philippine Islands. It is very closely allied to the Ap. profa- nus, but differs in form and in sculpturing. It is of a dullish black colour and sprinkled with blue-green scales ; the thorax is globose, and thickly studded with glossy rounded tubercles; the elytra are thickly, but not very coarsely punctured. In the male, the rostrum is rugosely punctured, somewhat concave at the base, and has a mo- derately broad and deep longitudinal furrow in the centre, and a deepish oblong fovea on each side in front of the eye—the trans- verse furrow at the base of the rostrum runs into this. The head is punctured and has an impressed line between the eyes, which are but little prominent. The thorax is as broad or broader than the elytra—these are nearly cylindrical, or but indistinctly swollen in the middle, from whence they become gradually narrower, and are rounded at the extremity. The abdomen is punctured beneath, and is tolerably well-clothed with minute ash-coloured hairs; the ter- minal segment is semicircular and rather coarsely punctured. ‘The female has the rostrum convex above, more thickly punctured than the male, and with the longitudinal impression indistinct ; the trans- verse impression at the base is very deep, and suddenly curves in front of each eye to join the lateral fovea, which is deep. The sides of the thorax are boldly rounded, but this segment is narrower than the elytra—these are distinctly dilatedein the middle and acuminated behind; the apex is somewhat produced. The abdomen is convex beneath, and the terminal segment is smooth, glossy, and slightly belonging to the genus Apocyrtus. 251 concave. This sex is more densely clothed with scales than the other ; the males, indeed, are often almost destitute of scales. Apocyrtus profanus. Ap. profanus, Erichs. l.c. p. 379; Schdnh, v. pt. 2. p. 852. Spherogaster profanus, Eschsch. Oblongus, fuscus, parum nitidus, thoracis pectorisque lateribus parce viridi- squamosis ; fronte canaliculata, thorace granulis nitidis crebre adsperso ; elytris subovatis, subconvexis, thorace parum latioribus, erebre granu- latis, margine basali dense viridi-squamosis, femoribus ferrugineis. Var. 8. Elytris tibiisque etiam ferrugineis. The above description, which is from Schoenherr, very well cha- racterizes an insect brought home in tolerable abundance by Mr. Cuming. I have before me specimens exhibiting three distinct va- rieties: the first is black, and well-clothed with green scales; the second is pitchy, has the femora reddish at the base, and is less densely clothed with scales, and the third is of a pitchy red colour, almost destitute of scales; these being chiefly confined to a narrow band across the base of the elytra. I may add, of the first variety there are both sexes, of the second variety there are but females, and of the red variety* there are no females. This species greatly resembles the Ap. impius, but is usually rather smaller, and the elytra differ in having minute glossy tubercles. The rostrum is rugose above, has a broad and shallow longitudi- nal impression in the middle, and another on each side of this, which is broad at its commencement, near the transverse line at the base of the rostrum, and becomes gradually narrower to its point of ter- mination, which is in a line with the point of insertion of the an- tennz: on the side of the rostrum is a deep longitudinal groove which runs into the groove for the antenne. The thorax is globose and covered with minute glossy tubercles: in the male it is very nearly equal in width with the elytra; in the female the sides are less boldly rounded, and it is decidedly narrower than the elytra— these are covered with ruge and minute tubercles. In the male the elytra are rounded at the extremity, and the terminal segment of the abdomen is semicircular and rugose. In the female the elytra are ovate, and attenuated and pointed behind; they have a subapical prominence on the suture. The terminal segment of the abdomen is conical, glossy, and has a large shallow fovea, Length from 33 to 5 lines. Apocyrtus Chevrolatii. Ap. niger, femoribus rubris, antennis, tibiis, genibusque piccis : capite inter oculos punctato et linea longitudinali impressa ; rostro rugoso, basi ca- naliculato; thorace subgloboso, tuberculis crebris obsito, dense viridi- squamoso, linea transversa in mediam denudata ; elytris convexis, ovatis, rugosis et tuberculis minutis obsitis, squamis viridibus ornatis, fasciis duabus, et plaga utrinque subapicali, denudatis. Long. corp. 4—5 lin. This species is about equal in size to the Ap. profanus, which it very nearly resembles also in form; it is readily distinguished by the * The difference of colour certainly does not arise from immaturity. 252 Mr. G.R. Waterhouse on some new Coleoptera beautiful bands of golden green, or blue scales with which it is adorned. The thorax is nearly covered with scales, the only denuded parts being a band across the centre and a small space follow- ing the posterior margin. On the elytra is a coloured band at the base, and a second in the middle, and the apical third of the elytra is covered with scales, with the exception of an oblong space on each side between the suture and outer margin. ‘The antenne are pitchy, and sometimes reddish at the base; the legs are also pitchy, but the femora are red at the base; sometimes the red extends almost to the joint, and in some specimens the apical half of the femora is dusky. The rostrum is rugose above, and has two irregular ridges at the base; these nearly meet near the transverse impression which separates the head from the rostrum, but diverge in front; on the side of the rostrum is a deep longitudinal groove, which commences at the anterior angle of the eye and runs into the groove for the an- tenna. In the male the thorax is scarcely narrower than the elytra, and the terminal segment of the abdomen is semicircular, coarsely punctured, and has a fovea in the middle. In the female the elytra are more ovate, decidedly broader than the thorax, and pointed at the apex; the terminal segment of the abdomen is conical, has a few punctures and some irregular little grooves near, and running for the most part parallel with, the margin. Apocyrtus acutipennis. Ap. niger, parum nitidus ; rostro rugoso, linea longitudinali ad basin im- pressa; capite inter oculos squamis viridibus ornato; thorace convexo, lateribus rotundatis, tuberculis nitidis crebre obsito, fascia antica, lateribus, maculisque duabus, squamis viridibus vestito; elytris ovatis, tuberculis minutis subacutis crebre obsito, fasciis duabus, maculisque tribus sub- apicalibus viridibus. Long. corp. 44—5 lin. Fem.: elytris ad apicem divergentibus, et acutis. Mas: elytris ad apicem subrotundatis. This species is very closely allied to the Ap. Chevrolati, but is at once distinguished by the black colour of its legs and antenne, by its haying a spot on the suture towards the apex of the elytra, the space between the eyes is broader, &c. The rostrum is very rugose, has a longitudinal depression in the middle and another on each side of this: on the side in front of the eye is a longitudinal groove, which posteriorly joins that which separates the rostrum from the head, and anteriorly it partially runs into the antennal groove ; not so distinctly joining that groove as in Ap. Chevrolatii. ‘The thorax is globose in the male and but little narrower than the elytra, which are slightly dilated in the middle and somewhat rounded at the apex. In the female the thorax is less globose, proportionately smaller, and the elytra larger, more ovate, and at the apex they slightly diverge, are curved downwards and acutely pointed: here the terminal seg- ment of the abdomen is impunctate and remarkable for a deep and largish fovea at the apex, a character which the female Ap. Chevrolatit does not exhibit, neither has the corresponding sex of that species the acute apex to the elytra. In the male of the present species the terminal segment of the abdomen is semicircular and rugose. As re- belonging to the genus Apocyrtus. 253 gards the markings, which are formed of bluish green scales, they consist of a narrow line on the front and sides of the thorax and two spots, one on each side of the centre: on the elytra are two bands, one at the base and the other in the middle, a spot on the suture between this last band and the apex of the elytra, and a subapical patch on each side, which sends out a branch to join the central fascia at the outer margin of the elytron, which has an almost unin- terrupted band of scales. In the female insect I have further to no- tice that the elytra have a hump on the suture situated rather behind the apical third. Apocyrtus concinnus. Ap. niger, parum nitidus ; rostro rugoso; thorace subgloboso, crebre tuber- culato, pone medium linea transversa, marginibus anticis lateralibusque aureo-viridibus ; elytris ovatis, crebre tuberculatis, ad apicem fasciisque duabus, aureo-viridibus. Long. corp. 4 lin. This species very closely resembles the Ap. acutipennis (like that, differing from Ap. Chevrolatii in having black legs), but differs in having the markings of a golden-green colour, a narrow band on the thorax rather behind the middle, and the whole apex of the elytra covered with scales; these, though somewhat scattered, do not arrange themselves into spots as in acutipennis. In form and sculpturing there are moreover some points of distinction. The rostrum is very rugose, and does not exhibit any longitudinal channel; the elytra in the female are not produced into an acute angle at the apex as in acuti- pennis, and the terminal segment of the abdomen in this sex is de- stitute of the large fovea, and is rather coarsely punctured. The elytra are more thickly tuberculated. ‘The space between the eyes is con- siderably broader and more distinctly punctured than in Ap. Chevro- latii. Apocyrtus bispinosus. Ap. niger, squamis viridibus adspersis; thorace valde globoso, tuberculis erebre obsito; elytris rugosis, subseriatim tuberculatis, ad apicem bispi- nosis ; femoribus rufescentibus. Long. corp. 33 lin. This species is less than the Ap. impius of Erichson, and has the elytra more constricted at the base. The rostrum is thickly punc- tured, and has a broadish but shallow longitudinal impression ; it is separated from the head by a transverse groove, which runs on each side into a large fovea situated immediately in front of the eye; these lateral pits contract the hinder part of the rostrum, which is some- what humped and raised above the plane of the head. The head is distinctly punctured between the eyes, where there is a longitudinal groove; the eyes are large and but little convex. The thorax is truncated before and behind, but nearly of a spherical form; above it is thickly studded with glossy, rounded tubercles, and rather sparingly sprinkled with bright green scales. ‘The elytra are very convex and of a short ovate form; the apex of each elytron is pro- duced into a spine, which is evident to the naked eye, and there is a small hump at the suture at a short distance from the apex; the surface of the elytra is very rough, being broken up into ruge and tubercles—the latter form longitudinal strie. Bright green scales are 254 Mr. G.R. Waterhouse on some new Coleoptera. as it were sprinkled on the elytra, The antenne have a slight pitchy hue, and so have the tibize; the femora are red, but blackish at the extremity. The specimen from which this description is taken is a female, and has the terminal segment of the abdomen conical and covered with ruge. The insect, which I suspect to be the male, differs in having the elytra narrower and rounded at the extremity, the rostrum rather coarsely punctured, and has three oblong furrows at the base. Apocyrtus adspersus. Ap. ater; squamis viridibus adspersis; tibiis antennisque piceo-nigris, fe- moribus rufescentibus ; rostro rugoso, ad basin distincte transversim im- presso, foveis tribus oblongis impresso ; capite inter oculos punctato atque linea longitudinali impresso ; thorace subgloboso, antice posticeque trun- cato, tuberculis nitidis crebre obsito. Elytris thorace paulo latioribus, rugosis et tuberculis minutis erebris. Long. corp. 3 lin. The form of this insect is very nearly the same as in Apocyrtus pro- fanus, Eschsch., but the elytra are rather shorter in proportion. The rostrum is rugose, punctured, has a very distinct transverse impression _ at the base, a broadish and shallow longitudinal groove in the mid- dle, extending from the base and terminating nearly in a line with the antenne, and on each side of this is a similar groove. The head, between the eyes, is distinctly punctured, and has a longitudinally im- pressed line; the eyes are round and but little convex. The thorax is nearly globose, but truncated before and behind; its surface is thickly studded with glossy tubercles. The elytra are about half as long again as the thorax; they are truncated in front, increase in width in the middle, where they attain a diameter very slightly ex- ceeding that of the thorax, and at the apex they are somewhat acu- minated, but rounded at the point ; their surface is subsulcated, very rough, having coarse confluent punctures and small pointed tubercles. Numerous round bright green scales are scattered on the thorax and elytra, and there are a few on the head between the eyes. The tibize and antenne are pitchy, and the thighs are of an obscure red colour, excepting at the apex, where they are dusky. This is a small species about equal in size to Phyllobius argentatus, and less than the Ap. bispinosus; the female is readily distinguished from the corresponding sex of the insect last mentioned by the want of the spines at the apex of the elytra; the thorax is smaller in pro- portion. The male differs from the supposed male of Ap. bispinosus in having the rostrum more coarsely sculptured, and in the longitudinal groove in front of the eye being distinctly joined with the antennal groove ; this groove is represented in ¢ bispinosus by an oblong fovea which does not run into the antennal groove ; the thorax is smaller in proportion to the elytra. Apocyrtus pulverulentus. Ap. niger, squamis viridibus minutissimis dense pulverulentis; pedibus rufo-testaccis, vel piceo-testaceis, pilis minutis albis vestitis; antennis piceis; rostro rugoso, canaliculato ; thorace subgloboso, tuberculis nitidis Mr. R. B. Hinds’s Descriptions of new Shells. 255 crebris ; elytris ovatis, thorace paulo latioribus, tuberculis minutis crebris obsitis. Long. corp. 24—38+ lin. This species is a trifle less than the last, from which it may be distinguished by the very minute size of the scales with which it is covered, or as it were powdered, for they do not completely cover the body; the minute tubercles on the thorax and elytra are free from scales; the abdomen beneath is rather sparingly furnished with whitish hairs. The legs are shorter, and the femora are less clavate than in Ap, adspersus. XXXVII.—Descriptions of new Shells from the Collection of Captain Sir Edward Belcher, R.N., C.B. By Ricnarp Brinsutey Hinps, Esq., Surgeon R.N. [Continued from p. 21.] Mitra Belcheri. Testa fusiformi, turrita, elongata, solida; anfracti- bus levigatis, transversim inzqualiter sulcatis vel exaratis, divi- sionibus duabus superioribus majoribus ; epidermide nigro induta sed infra lactea; columella quadriplicata ; labio externo tenui. Axis 48 lin. Geog. Gulfs of Nicoya and Papagayo, Central America; dredged from a muddy floor in 17 fathoms. This fine shell approaches in size the largest species of the genus, and is surpassed by none in symmetry and outline. In shape it is fusiform and turreted, the spire rather produced, and the last whorl not occupying more than half the entire length. The shell itself is milky white, but is everywhere covered by asmooth black epidermis. The whorls are ploughed with deep channels or sulci at unequal distances, of which the two superior divisions have the greatest breadth, but the inferior of the two is the broadest; and they overlap each other more than is usual in the genus. The columella is fur- nished with four plaits, the upper being somewhat distant, and the lower not very distinct. The outer lip is thin and uneven, by reason of the sulci which terminate on its margin; the inner is slightly developed. The shell is named after the Commander of the expedition, and, handsome as it is, commemorates but feebly his devotion to conchology. ‘Two specimens, an adult and a young shell, are in the collection ; a third is in my own collection, and I know of the existence of no others. Ranella Californica. Testa ovata, ventricosa, fusca ; anfractibus uni- seriatim tuberculatis, transversim granoso-striatis, tuberculis co- Nicis subdistantibus ; varicibus magnis cavernosis ; anfractu ultimo multiseriatim obsolete tuberculato, fasciis duabus angustis pur- 256 Mr. R. B. Hinds’s Descriptions of new Shells. pureis indistinctis cincto; apertura alba; labio externo crenato et dentato, interno transversim striato. Axis 52 lin. Geog. San Diego, California. There is some chance that this shell may be confounded with R. ventricosa, as the more prominent features of both have only a comparative value. This, however, is a much larger shell, is without any disposition to tuberculation near the suture, the varices are much bolder and cavernous, the tubercles on the spire fewer and larger, and the pillar lip is set with many small transverse ridges. 1. Conus marchionatus. Testa oblonga, turbinata, alba, fusco angu- late reticulata; spira depressa, ecoronata, mucronata, spiraliter striata; anfractibus sulcatis; apertura inferne paululum effusa, ad basin striata; epidermide diaphano levi induta. Axis 16 lin. Geog. Port Anna Maria, Nuhuhiva, Marquesas ; dredged from a sandy floor in 7 to 10 fathoms. A difference of opinion seems to exist as to what is the base colour of this and similar species. My own opinions were open to proof, till a specimen with a repaired fracture appears to me to decide it. After repairing the injury, the animal for a time has discontinued the reticulation, and a portion of a pure white has been produced. After awhile the meshes are again continued. A variety of this shell oc- curs in which the reticulation is of a pale yellow colour. 2. C. patricius. Testa pyriformi, tumida; spira acuminata, minute tuberculata vel coronata; anfractu ultimo striato, superne plicifero, inferne valde contractato; apertura lineari; labio externo tenui, acuto ; epidermide fulvo levi induta. Axis 13 lin. Geog. Gulf of Nicoya, Central America; dredged from sandy mud in 7 fathoms. Shell much contracted in the lower portion of the last whorl, somewhat tumid below the shoulder ; spire moderately produced, minutely coronated, at the angle of the last whorl thrown into small folds; aperture narrow and linear; the outer lip very thin. Epidermis of a clear fulvous colour, beneath which the shell is of a uniform fawn-colour. 3. C. celebs. Vesta pyriformi, alba; spira retusa, conica, ecoronata ; anfractu ultimo lineis elevatis equidistantibus transversim dispo- sitis ; apertura lineari, inferne paululum effusa, alba ; columellee basi et spire apice violaceo ; epidermide olivacea, fragili. Axis 12 lin. Geog. Ambow, Feejee Islands. A single specimen was captured on the coral reefs. CyrTULUS*, n. g. Testa fusiformis; anfractus ultimus et penultimus turbinatus ; spira 3 4 P per saltum ascendens ; apertura linearis in canali brevi effuso de- * xvotes incurvus, atvaos columna. ~ Mr. R. B. Hinds’s Descriptions of new Shells. 257 sinens ; columella valde arcuata, superne callosa; labium exter- num acutum; umbilicus parvus. Epidermis levis. C. serotinus. Geog. Port Anna Maria, Nuhuhiva, Marquesas. Shell somewhat fusiform, the last two whorls turbinate, whence a spire, less than half the length of the body-whorl, suddenly ascends; everywhere smooth, except the spire, which is nodulose and transversely ridged, and covered with the re- mains of a brown epidermis. The last whorl much lengthened, squarish, flattened, and not at all ventricose; the aperture terminating in a short effuse canal, and towards the centre expanded, from the conformation of the columella. Outer lip thin and sharp; inner not at all produced. Columella with a large callosity above, arcuate in the centre, corresponding to a contraction which occupies the circumference of the last whorl. A smaller callosity below assists to cover the umbi- licus. Axis 39 lines. I am disposed to place this new genus among the Pyru- lide, in which group it holds an analogous situation to Swain- son’s genus of fossil shells, Clavalithes, among the Turbinel- lide. The structure of the spire, formation of the canal, and peculiar convolution of the lower whorls seem to display its affinities here. But as the plaits on the columella are variable in Clavalithes, and Cyrtulus may still be confounded with it, the points of difference will be found in the short expanded canal, deeply incurved columella, and in the absence of the papillary spire,—a character on which Mr. Swainson dwells, as being indispensable to the existence of his genus. 1. Phos Veraguensis. 'Testa ovata, elongata, costulata; costulis nu- merosis «equalibus, lineis elevatis decussatis et cancellatis ; anfrac- tibus subplanulatis, superne fuscis, inferne albidis; ultimo albo fasciato. Axis 15 lin. Geog. Pueblo Nueva, coast of Veragua; dredged in some num- bers from 26 fathoms, mud. This may be regarded as the American analogue of the Asiatic shell, Phos senticosus. 2. P. crassus. Testa ovata, elongata, solida, costata ; costis rudibus subdistantibus, lineis impressis decussatis ; labio externo grandi- dentato, interno prorsum producto. Geog. Panama and Gulf of Fonseca; dredged as solitary shells in from 3 to 14 fathoms, mud. The characters of this shell are all prominent. It is solid, the ribs large and coarse, crossed by prominent lines; teeth on the outer lip large, internal ridges strongly marked ; inner lip considerably produced forwards. The colour is a lightish brown, somewhat deeper on the ribs. Ann. & Mag. N, Hist. Vol. xi. S 258 Mr. C. C. Babington on Fumaria micrantha. XXXVIII.—On Fumaria micrantha, Lag., and F. calycina, Bab. By Cuaruss C. Basrineton, M.A,, F.L.S., F.G.S., &e.* Tue difference of opinion which has for some time existed between Dr. Arnott and myself concerning the identity of the Fumaria micrantha (Lag.) and the &. calycina (Bab.) having been now set at rest, I feel myself bound to communicate the fact to the public at the earliest opportunity. In the original paper upon these plants by Dr.Walker Arnott (published by the Bot. Soc.) he expressly states that he had not seen and did not know of an authentic specimen of F, micrantha, and there ap- pearing to me to be many weighty reasons for not considering the F. calycina as identical with it, I have, up to the present time, resisted the application of La Gasca’s name to my plant. The reasons referred to have been already communicated to the Botanical Society, but will not now be published, as they are quite superseded by information which I have recently obtained. Learning accidentally that, in a small but valuable work, entitled ‘ Introduction a une Flore analytique de Paris,’ a Fu- maria was noticed under the name of F. micrantha (Lag.), I applied to Dr. A. Weddell, one of its authors, for information concerning that plant, sending at the same time a specimen of the Edinburgh F. calycina. In reply he informs me that Prof. Parlatore, Curator of the Grand-ducal Herbarium at Flo- rence, who, it is well known, has long been employed upon a monograph of the Fumariacee, compared the French plant “ with authentic samples” of that of La Gasca, and thus with certainty determined their identity. Dr. Weddell has now carefully examined my specimen from Edinburgh of F. caly- cina, and sent to me a portion of one of his own specimens of the French F. micrantha, at the same time giving his opinion that the Parisian and Scottish specimens belong to the same species. In this opinion I fully concur; and as it is clear, from what has been already stated, that they agree with the plant of La Gasca, the Scottish plant must be denominated /. mi- crantha, and the name which I applied to it will sink into a synonym. I may add, that Dr. Weddell refers F. prehensilis (Kitaib.) to this species (on the authority of authentic speci- mens), not to F. capreolata, as was done by Dr. Arnott. In the course of the summer of 1842 my valued friend Mr. Borrer observed that the F. micrantha was plentiful near Guildford in Surrey, and it is probable that it will prove to be far from a rare plant in Britain. * Read before the Botanical Society at Edinburgh. ee Ge nine 2 Eoeg, BA SA 2876 Propositions relative to the Nomenclature of Zoology. 259 XXXIX.—Series of Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of Zoology uniform and permanent, being the Report of a Committee Sor the consideration of the subject appointed by the British Asso- « ciation for the Advancement of Science*. ALL persons who are conversant with the present state of Zoology must be aware of the great detriment which the science sustains from the vagueness and uncertainty of its nomenclature. We do not here refer to those diver- sities of language which arise from the various methods of classification adopted by different authors, and which are unavoidable in the present state of our knowledge. So long as naturalists differ in the views which they are disposed to take of the natural affinities of animals there will always be di- versities of classification, and the only way to arrive at the true system of nature is to allow perfect liberty to systematists in this respect. But the evil complained of is of a different character. It consists in this, that when naturalists wre agreed as to the characters and limits of an individual group or species, they still disagree in the appellations by which they distinguish it. A genus is often designated by three or four, and a species by twice that number of precisely equivalent synonyms ; and in the absence of any rule on the subject, the naturalist is wholly at a loss what nomenclature to adopt. The consequence is, that the so-called commonwealth of science is becoming daily divided into independent states, kept asunder by diversities of language as well as by geographical limits. If an English zoologist, for example, visits the museums and converses with the professors of France, he finds that their scientific language is almost as foreign to him as their vernacular. Almost every specimen which he examines is labeled by a title which is unknown to him, and he feels that nothing short of a continued residence in that country can make him conversant with her science. If he proceeds thence to Germany or Russia, he is again at a loss: bewildered everywhere amidst the confusion of nomenclature, he returns in despair to his own country and to the museums and books to which he is accustomed. If these diversities of scientific language were as deeply rooted as the ver- nacular tongue of each country, it would of course be hopeless to think of remedying them ; but happily this is not the case. The language of science is in the mouths of comparatively few, and these few, though seattered over di- stant lands, are in habits of frequent and friendly intercourse with each other. All that is wanted then is, that some plain and simple regulations, founded on justice and sound reason, should be drawn up by a competent body of persons, and then be extensively distributed throughout the zoological world. The undivided attention of chemists, of astronomers, of anatomists, of mineralogists, has been of late years devoted to fixing their respective lan- * From the Report of the Association for 1842, p.105, ‘The Committee appointed by the CounciJ, Feb. 11, 1842, consisted of the following members :—Mr. Darwin, Prof. Henslow, Rev. L. Jenyns, Mr. Ogilby, Mr. J. Phillips, Dr. Richardson, Mr. H. E. Strickland (reporter), and Mr. Westwood: to whom were subsequently added Messrs. Broderip, Prof. Owen, Shuckard, Waterhouse and Yarrell. The Report states that an outline of the proposed rules having been drawn up, copies were sent to emi- nent zoologists at home and abroad, with a request that they would favour the Com- mittee with their comments; and that many valuable suggestions had already been thus obtained.—Ed. S 2 260 Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of guages on a sound basis. Why, then, do zoologists hesitate in performing the same duty ? at a time, too, when all acknowledge the evils of the present anarchical state of their science. It is needless to inquire far into the causes of the present confusion of zoological nomenclature. It isin great measure the result of the same brané¢h of science having been followed in distant countries by persons who were either unavoidably ignorant of each other’s labours, or who neglected to in- form themselves sufficiently of the state of the science in other regions. And when we remark the great obstacles which now exist to the circulation of books beyond the conventional limits of the states in which they happen to he published, it must be admitted that this ignorance of the writings of others, however unfortunate, is yet in great measure pardonable. But there is another source for this evil, which is far less excusable,—the practice of gratifying individual vanity by attempting on the most frivolous pretexts to cancel the terms established by original discoverers, and to substitute a new and un- authorized nomenclature in their place. One author lays down as a rule, that no specific names should be derived from geographical sources, and un- hesitatingly proceeds to insert words of his own in all such cases; another declares war against names of exotic origin, foreign to the Greek and Latin ; a third excommunicates all words which exceed a certain number of sylla- bles ; a fourth cancels all names which are complimentary of individuals, and so on, till universality and permanence, the two great essentials of scientific language, are utterly destroyed. It is surely, then, an object well worthy the attention of the Zoological Section of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, to devise some means which may lessen the extent of this evil, if not wholly put an end to it. The best method of making the attempt seems to be, to entrust to a carefully selected committee the preparation of a series of rules, the adoption of which must be left to the sound sense of naturalists in general. By emanating from the British Association, it is hoped that the proposed rules will be invested with an authority which no individual zoologist, how- ever eminent, could confer on them. The world of science is no longer a monarchy, obedient to the ordinances, however just, of an Aristotle or a Lin- nus. She has now assumed the form of a republic, and although this revo- lution may have increased the vigour and zeal of her followers, yet it has de- stroyed much of her former order and regularity of government. The latter can only be restored by framing such laws as shall be based in reason and sanctioned by the approval of men of science ; and it is to the preparation of these laws that the Zoological Section of the Association have been invited to give their aid. In venturing to propose these rules for the guidance of all classes of zoolo- gists in all countries, we disclaim any intention of dictating to men of science the course which they may see fit to pursue. It must of course be always at the option of authors to adhere to or depart from these principles, but we offer them to the candid consideration of zoologists, in the hope that they may lead to sufficient uniformity of method in future to rescue the science from becoming a mere chaos of words. We now proceed to develope the details of our plan; and in order to make the reasons by which we are guided apparent to naturalists at large, it will be requisite to append to each proposition a short explanation of the cireum- stances which call for it. Zoology uniform and permanent. 261 Among the numerous rules for nomenclature which have been proposed by naturalists, there are many which, though excellent in themselves, it is not now desirable to enforce*. The cases in which those rules have been over- looked or departed from, are so numerous and of such long standing, that to carry these regulations into effect would undermine the edifice of zoological ndmenclature. But while we do not adopt these propositions as authoritative laws, they may still be consulted with advantage in making such additions to the language of zoology as are required by the progress of the science. By adhering to sound principles of philology, we may avoid errors in future, even when it is too late to remedy the past, and the language of science will thus eventually assume an aspect of more classic purity than it now presents. Our subject hence divides itself into two parts; the first consisting of Rules for the rectification of the present zoological nomenclature, and the second of Recommendations for the improvement of zoological nomenclature in future. PAT LT. RULES FOR RECTIFYING THE PRESENT NOMENCLATURE [Limitation of the Plan to Systematic Nomenclature. ] In proposing a measure for the establishment of a permanent and universal zoological nomenclature, it must be premised that we refer solely to the Latin or systematic language of zoology. We have nothing to do with vernacular appellations. One great cause of the neglect and corruption which prevails in the scientific nomenclature of zoology, has been the frequent and often exclusive use of vernacular names in lieu of the Latin binomial designations, which form the only legitimate language of systematic zoology. Let us then endeavour to render perfect the Latin or Linnean method of nomenclature, which, being far removed from the scope of naticnal vanities and modern antipathies, holds out the only hope of introducing into zoology that grand desideratum, an universal language. [Law of Priority the only effectual and just one. ] It being admitted on all hands that words are only the conventional signs of ideas, it is evident that language can only attain its end effectually by being permanently established and generally recognized. ‘This consideration ought, it would seem, to have checked those who are continually attempting to subvert the established language of zoology by substituting terms of their own coinage. But, forgetting the true nature of language, they persist in confounding the zame of a species or group with its definition ; and because the former often falls short of the fullness of expression found in the latter, they cancel it without hesitation, and introduce some new term which ap- pears to them more characteristic, but which is utterly unknown to the science, and is therefore devoid of all authority}. If these persons were to object to such names of men as Long, Little, Armstrong, Golightly, &c., in cases where they fail to apply to the individuals who bear them, or should complain of the names Gough, Lawrence, or Harvey, that they were devoid of meaning, and should hence propose to change them for more characteristic appella- * See especially the admirable code proposed in the ‘ Philosophia Botanica’ of Linnzens. If zoologists had paid more attention to the principles of that code, the present attempt at reform would perhaps have been unnecessary. T Linnzeus says on this subject, “ Abstinendum ab hac innoyatione que nunquam cessa- ret, quin indies aptiora detegerentur ad infinitum.” 262 Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of tions, they would not act more unphilosophically or inconsiderately than they do in the case before us; for, in truth, it matters not in the least by what conventional sound we agree to designate an individual object, provided the sign to be employed be stamped with such an authority as will suffice to make it pass current. Now in zoology no one person can subsequently claim an authority equal to that possessed by the person who is the first to define a new genus or describe a new species ; and hence it is that the name origin- ally given, even though it may be inferior in point of elegance or express- iveness to those subsequently proposed, ought as a general principle to be permanently retained. To this consideration we ought to add the injustice of erasing the name originally selected by the person to whose labours we owe our first knowledge of the object; and we should reflect how much the permission of such a practice opens a door to obscure pretenders for dragging themselves into notice at the expense of original observers. Neither can an author be permitted to alter a name which he himself has once published, except in accordance with fixed and equitable laws. It is well observed by Decandolle, “ L’auteur méme quia le premier établi un nom n’a pas plus qu'un autre le droit de le changer pour simple cause d’impropriété. La pri- orité en effet est un terme fixe, positif, qui n’admet rien, ni d’arbitraire, ni de partial.” For these reasons, we have no hesitation in adopting as our fundamental maxim, the “ law of priority,” viz. § 1. The name originally given by the founder of a group or the describer of a species should be permanently retained, to the exclu- sion of all subsequent synonyms (with the exceptions about to be noticed). Having laid down this principle, we must next inquire into the limitations which are found necessary in carrying it into practice. [ Not to extend to authors older than Linneus. | As our subject matter is strictly confined to the binomial system of nomen- clature, or that which indicates species by means of two Latin words, the one generic, the other specific, and as this invaluable method originated solely with Linnzeus, it is clear that, as far as species are concerned, we ought not to attempt to carry back the principle of priority beyond the date of the 12th edition of the ‘ Systema Nature.’ Previous to that period, naturalists were wont to indicate species not by a zame comprised in one word, but by a definition which occupied a sentence, the extreme verbosity of which method was productive of great inconvenience. It is true that one word sometimes sufficed for the definition of a species, but these rare cases were only binomial by accident and not by principle, and ought not therefore in any instance to supersede the binomial designations imposed by Linnzeus. The same reasons apply also to generic names. Linnzus was the first to attach a definite value to genera, and to give them a systematic character by means of exact definitions; and therefore although the xames used by pre- vious authors may often be applied with propriety to modern genera, yet in such cases they acquire a new meaning, and should be quoted on the author- ity of the first person who used them in this secondary sense. It is true, that several of the old authors made occasional approaches to the Linnean exactness of generic definition, but still these were but partial attempts ; and it is certain that if in our rectification of the binomial nomenclature we once Zoology uniform and permanent. 263 trace back our authorities into the obscurity which preceded the epoch of its foundation, we shall find no resting-place or fixed boundary for our re- searches. The nomenclature of Ray is chiefly derived from that of Gesner and Aldroyandus, and from these authors we might proceed backward to /Elian, Pliny, and Aristotle, till our zoological studies would be frittered away amid the refinements of classical learning*. We therefore recommend the adoption of the following proposition :— § 2. The binomial nomenclature having originated with Linnzus, the law of priority, in respect of that nomenclature, is not to extend to the writings of antecedent authors. [It should be here explained, that Brisson, who was a contemporary of Linneus and acquainted with the ‘ Systema Nature,’ defined and published certain genera of birds which are additional to those in the 12th edition of Linneus’s work, and which are therefore of perfectly good authority. But Brisson still adhered to the old mode of designating species by a sentence instead of a word, and therefore while we retain his defined genera, we do not extend the same indulgence to the titles of his species, even when the latter are accidentally binomial in form. For instance, the Perdix rubra of Brisson is the Tetrao rufus of Linnzeus ; therefore as we in this case retain the generic name of Brisson and the specific name of Linneeus, the correct, title of the species would be Perdix rufa. ] [ Generic names not to be cancelled in subsequent subdivisions. | As the number of known species which form the groundwork of zoological science is always increasing, and our knowledge of their structure becomes more complete, fresh generalizations continually occur to the naturalist, and the number of genera and other groups requiring appellations is ever be- coming more extensive. Itthus becomes necessary to subdivide the contents of old groups and to make their definitions continually more restricted. In carrying out this process, it is an act of justice to the original author, that his generic name should never be lost sight of ; and it is no less essential to the welfare of the science, that all which is sound in its nomenclature should remain unaltered amid the additions which are continually being made to it. On this ground we recommend the adoption of the following rule :— 3. A generic name when once established should never be can- celled in any subsequent subdivision of the group, but retained in a restricted sense for one of the constituent portions. [ Generic names to be retained for the typical portion of the old genus. | When a genus is subdivided into other genera, the original name should be retained for that portion of it which exhibits in the greatest degree its essential characters as at first defined. Authors frequently indicate this by selecting some one species as a fixed point of reference, which they term the “type of the genus.” When they omit doing so, it may still in many cases be correctly inferred that the first species mentioned on their list, if found accurately to agree with their definition, was regarded by them as the type. A specific name or its synonyms will also often serve to point out the parti- cular species which by implication must be regarded as the original type of a genus. In such cases we are justified in restoring the name of the old genus * Quis longo evo recepta vocabula commutaret hodie cum patrum ?”—Linneus. 264 Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of to its typical signification, even when later authors have done otherwise. We submit therefore that § 4. The generic name should always be retained for that portion of the original genus which was considered typical by the author. Example.—The genus Picumnus was established by Temminck, and in- cluded two groups, one with four toes, the other with three, the former of which was regarded by the author as typical. Swainson, however, in raising these groups at a later period to the rank of genera, gave a new name, Asthenurus, to the former group, and retained Picumnus for the latter. In this case we have no choice but to restore the name Picumnus, Tem., to its correct sense, cancelling the name Asthenurus, Sw., and imposing anew name on the 3-toed group which Swainson had called Picuwmnus. [ When no type is indicated, then the original name is to be kept for that sub- sequent subdivision which first received it. ] Our next proposition seems to require no explanation :— § 5. When the evidence as to the original type of a genus is not perfectly clear and indisputable, then the person who first subdivides the genus may affix the original name to any portion of it at his dis- cretion, and no later author has a right to transfer that name to any other part of the original genus. [A later name of the same extent as an earlier to be wholly cancelled. | When an author infringes the law of priority by giving a new name to a genus which has been properly defined and named already, the only penalty which can be attached to this act of negligence or injustice, is to expel the name so introduced from the pale of the science. It is not right then in such cases to restrict the meaning of the later name so that it may stand side ~~Dby side with the earlier one, as has sometimes been done. For instance, the genus Monaulus, Vieill. 1816, is a precise equivalent to Lophophorus, Tem. 1813, both authors having adopted the same species as their type, and there- fore when the latter genus came in the course of time to be divided into two, it was incorrect to give the condemned name Monaulus to one of the por- tions. To state this succinctly, § 6. When two authors define and name the same genus, both making it exactly of the same extent, the later name should be can- celled in toto, and not retained in a modified sense*. This rule admits of the following exception :— § 7. Provided however, that if these authors select their respective types from different sections of the genus, and these sections be after- wards raised into genera, then both these names may be retained in a restricted sense for the new genera respectively. Example—The names Gdemia and Melanetta were originally co-exten- sive synonyms, but their respective types were taken from different sections which are now raised into genera, distinguished by the above titles. [No special rule is required for the cases in which the later of two generic * These discarded names may however be folerated, if they have been afterwards pro- posed in a totally new sense, though we trust that in future no one will snowingly apply an old name, whether now adopted or not, to a new genus. (See proposition g, infra.) Zoology uniform and permanent. 265 names is so defined as to be less extensive in signification than the earlier, for if the later includes the type of the earlier genus, it would be cancelled by the operation of § 4; and if it does not include that type, it is in fact a distinct genus. | : But when the later name is more extensive than the earlier, the following rule comes into operation :— [A later name equivalent to several earlier ones is to be cancelled. } The same principle which is involved in § 6, will apply to § 8. § 8. If the later name be so defined as to be equal in extent to two or more previously published genera, it must be cancelled én toto. Example.—Psarocolius, Wagl. 1827, is equivalent to five or six genera previously published under other names, therefore Psarocolius should be cancelled. If these previously published genera be separately adopted (as is the case with the equivalents of Psarocolius), their original names will of course pre- vail; but if we follow the later author in combining them into one, the fol- lowing rule is necessary :— [A genus compounded of two or more previously proposed genera whose cha- racters are now deemed insufficient, should retain the name of one of them. ] It sometimes happens that the progress of science requires two or more genera, founded on insufficient or erroneous characters, to be combined to- gether into one. In such cases the law of priority forbids us to cancel all the original names and impose a zew one on this compound genus. We must therefore select some one species as a type or example, and give the generic name which it formerly bore to the whole group now formed. If these ori- ginal generic names differ in date, the oldest one should be the one adopted. § 9. In compounding a genus out of several smaller ones, the earli- est of them, if otherwise unobjectionable, should be selected, and its former generic name be extended over the new genus so compounded. Example.—The genera Accentor and Prunella ot Vieillot not being con- sidered sufficiently distinct in character, are now united under the general name of Accentor, that being the earliest. So also Cerithiuwm and Potamides, which were long considered distinct, are now united, and the latter name merges into the former. We now proceed to point out those few cases which form exceptions to the law of priority, and in which it becomes both justifiable and necessary to alter the names originally imposed by authors. [A name should be changed when previously applied to another group which stall retains it. ] It being essential to the binomial method to indicate objects in natural history by means of two words only, without the aid of any further designa- tion, it follows that a generic name should only have one meaning, in other words, that two genera should never bear the same name. For a similar reason, no two species in the same genus should bear the same name. When these cases occur, the later of the two duplicate names should be cancelled, and a new term, or the earliest synonym, if there be any, substituted. When it is necessary to form new words for this purpose, it is desirable to make them bear some analogy to those which they are destined to supersede, as where the genus of birds, Plectorhynchus, being preoccupied in Ichthyology, 266 Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of is changed to Plectorhamphus. It is, we conceive, the bounden duty of an author when naming a new genus, to ascertain by careful search that the name which he proposes to employ has not been previously adopted in other departments of natural history*. By neglecting this precaution he is liable to have the name altered and his authority superseded by the first subsequent author who may detect the oversight, and for this result, however unfortu- nate, we fear there is no remedy, though such cases would be less frequent if the detectors of these errors would, as an act of courtesy, point them out to the author himself, if living, and leave it to him to correct his own inad- vertencies. This occasional hardship appears to us to be a less evil than to permit the practice of giving the same generic name ad libitum to a multi- plicity of genera. We submit therefore, that § 10. A name should be changed which has before been proposed for some other genus in zoology or botany, or for some other species in the same genus, when still retained for such genus or species. [A name whose meaning is glaringly false may be changed. | Our next proposition has no other claim for adoption than that of being a concession to human infirmity. If such proper names of places as Covent Garden, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Newcastle, Bridgewater, &c., no longer sug- gest the ideas of gardens, fields, castles, or bridges, but refer the mind with the quickness of thought to the particular localities which they respectively de- signate, there seems no reason why the proper names used in natural history should not equally perform the office of correct indication even when their etymological meaning may be wholly inapplicable to the object which they typify. But we must remember that the language of science has but a limit- ed currency, and hence the words which compose it do not circulate with the same freedom and rapidity as those which belong to every-day life. The attention is consequently liable in scientific studies to be diverted from the contemplation of the thing signified to the etymological meaning of the sign, and hence it is necessary to provide that the latter shall not be such as to propagate actual error. Instances of this kind are indeed very rare, and in some cases, such as that of Monodon, Caprimulgus, Paradisea apoda and Monoculus, they have acquired sufficient currency no longer to cause error, and are therefore retained without change. But when we find a Batrachian reptile named in violation of its true affinities, Wastodonsaurus, a Mexican species termed (through erroneous information of its habitat) Picus cafer, or an olive-coloured one Muscicapa atra, or when a name is derived from an accidental monstrosity, as in Pieus semirostris of Linnzus, and Helix dis- juncta of Turton, we feel justified in cancelling these names, and adopting that synonym which stands next in point of date. At the same time we think it right to remark that this privilege is very liable to abuse, and ought there- fore to be applied only to extreme cases and with great caution. With these limitations we may concede that 11. A name may be changed when it implies a false proposition which is likely to propagate important errors. [ Names not clearly defined may be changed. | Unless a species or group is intelligibly defined when the name is given, it cannot be recognized by others, and the signification of the name is conse- * This laborious and difficult research will in future be greatly facilitated by the very useful work of M. Agassiz, entitled “ Nomenclator Zoologicus.” Zoology uniform and permanent. 267 quently lost. Two things are necessary before a zoological term can acquire any authority, viz. definition and publication. Definition properly implies a distinct exposition of essential characters, and in all cases we conceive this to be indispensable, although some authors maintain that a mere enumeration of the component species, or even of a single type, is sufficient to authenticate a genus. To constitute publication, nothing short of the insertion of the above particulars tz @ printed book can be held sufficient. Many birds, for instance, in the Paris and other continental museums, shells in the British Museum (in Dr. Leach’s time), and fossils in the Scarborough and other public collections, have received MS.names which will be of no authority until they are published*. Nor can any unpublished descriptions, however exact (such as those of Forster, which are still shut up in a MS. at Berlin), claim any right of priority till published, and then only from the date of their pub- lication. ‘The same rule applies to cases where groups or species are pub- lished, but not defined, as in some museum catalogues, and in Lesson’s ‘ Traité d’Ornithologie,’ where many species are enumerated by name, without any description or reference by which they can be identified. Therefore 12, A name which has never been clearly defined in some pub- lished work should be changed for the earliest name by which the object shall have been so defined. [ Specific names, when adopted as generic, must be changed.) The necessity for the following rule will be best illustrated by an example. The Corvus pyrrhocorax, Linn., was afterwards advanced to a genus under the name of Pyrrhocorax. 'Temminck adopts this generic name, and also retains the old specific one, so that he terms the species Pyrrhocorax pyr- rhocorax. The inelegance of this method is so great as to demand a change of the specific name, and the species now stands as Pyrrhocorax alpinus, Vieill. We propose therefore that § 13. Anew specific name must be given to a species when its old name has been adopted for a genus which includes that species. N.B. It will be seen, however, below, that we strongly object to the further continuance of this practice of elevating specific names into generic. [Latin orthography to be adhered to.] On the subject of orthography it is necessary to lay down one proposition, — § 14. In writing zoological names the rules of Latin orthography must be adhered to. In Latinizing Greek words there are certain rules of orthography known to classical scholars which must never be departed from. For instance, the names which modern authors have written Aipunemia, Zenophasia, poioce- phala, must, according to the laws of etymology, be spelt 4ipycnemia, Xeno- phasia and peocephala. In Latinizing modern words the rules of classic usage do not apply, and all that we can do is to give to such terms as clas- sical an appearance as we can, consistently with the preservation of their etymology. In the case of European words whose orthography is fixed, it is best to retain the original form, even though it may include letters and com- binations unknown in Latin. Such words, for instance, as Woodwardi, * These MS, names are in all cases liable to create confusion, and it is therefore much to be desired that the practice of using them should be avoided in future. 268 Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of Knight, Bullocki, Eschscholtzi, would be quite unintelligible if they were Latinized into Vudvardi, Cnichti, Bullocci, Hssolzi, &c. But words of bar- barous origin, having no fixed orthography, are more pliable, and hence, when adopted into the Latin, they should be rendered as classical in appear- ance as is consistent with the preservation of their original sound. Thus the words Tockus, awsuree, argoondah, kundoo, &c. should, when Latinized, have been written Zoccus, ausure, argunda, cundu, &c. Such words ought, in all practicable cases, to have a Latin termination given them, especially if they are used generically. In Latinizing proper names, the simplest rule appears to be to use the ter- mination -ws, genitive -2, when the name ends with a consonant, as in the above examples ; and -2ws, gen. -i2, when it ends with a vowel, as Latreille, Latreillii, &e. In converting Greek words into Latin the following rules must be attended to :— Greek. Latin. Greek. Latin. ae becomes e. 8 becomes th. €l i 1. p us ph. os terminal, us. Xx : ch. Ov ” um. K rT) Cc. ov becomes u. YX Py neh. ol ” @. YY +) ng: e is 7] 9 y: ” tie When a name has been erroneously written and its orthography has been afterwards amended, we conceive that the authority of the original author should still be retained for the name, and not that of the person who makes the correction. PART H. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING THE NOMENCLATURE IN FUTURE. The above propositions are all which in the present state of the science it appears practicable to invest with the character of laws. We have endeavour- ed to make them as few and simple as possible, in the hope that they may be the more easily comprehended and adopted by naturalists in general. We are aware that a large number of other regulations, some of which are hereafter enumerated, have been proposed and acted upon by various authors who have undertaken the difficult task of legislating on this subject; but as the enforce- ment of such rules would in many cases undermine the invaluable principle of priority, we do not feel justified in adopting them. At the same time we fully admit that the rules in question are, for the most part, founded on just criticism, and therefore, though we do not allow them to operate retrospec- tively, we are willing to retain them for future guidance. Although it is of the first importance that the principle of pricrity should be held paramount to all others, yet we are not blind to the desirableness of rendering our sci- entific language palatable to the scholar and the man of taste. Many zoolo- gical terms, which are now marked with the stamp of perpetual currency, are yet so far defective in construction, that our inability to remove them without infringing the law of priority may be a subject of regret. With these terms we cannot interfere, if we adhere to the principles above laid down; nor is there even any remedy, if authors insist on infringing the rules of good taste by introducing into the science words of the same inelegant or unclassical character in future. But that which cannot be enforced by law may, in some ER ee a San OS Se ee ea Pe ee Zoology uniform and permanent. 269 measure, be effected by persuasion ; and with this view we submit the follow- ing propositions to naturalists, under the title of Recommendations for the improvement of Zoological Nomenclature in future. : [ The best names are Latin or G'reek characteristic words. | The classical languages being selected for zoology, and words being more easily remembered in proportion as they are expressive, it is self-evident that § A. The dest zoological names are those which are derived from the Latin or Greek, and express some distinguishing characteristic of the object to which they are applied. [ Classes of objectionable names. | It follows from hence that the following classes of words are more or less objectionable in point of taste, though, in the case of genera, it is often neces- sary to use them, from the impossibility of finding characteristic words which have not before been employed for other genera. We will commence with those which appear the least open to objection, such as a. Geographical names.—These words being for the most part adjectives can rarely be used for genera. As designations of species they have been so strongly objected to, that some authors (Wagler, for instance) have gone the length of substituting fresh names wherever they occur ; others (e.g. Swain- son) will only tolerate them where they apply exclusively, as Lepus hiberni- _ cus, Troglodytes ewropeus, ke. We are by no means disposed to go to this gtody p y I § length. It is not the less true that the Hirundo javanica is a Javanese bird, even though it may occur in other countries also, and though other species of Hirundo may occur in Java. The utmost that ean be urged against such words is, that they do not tell the whole truth. However, as so many authors object to this class of names, it is better to avoid giving them, except where there is reason to believe that the species is chiefly confined to the country whose name it bears. 6. Barbarous names.—Some authors protest strongly against the introduc- tion of exotic words into our Latin nomenclature, others defend the practice with equal warmth. We may remark, first, that the practice is not contrary to classical usage, for the Greeks and Romans did occasionally, though with reluctance, introduce barbarous words in a modified form into their respective languages. Secondly, the preservation of the trivial names which animals bear in their native countries is often of great use to the traveller in aiding him to discover and identify species. We do not therefore consider, if such words have a Latin termination given to them, that the occasional and judi- cious use of them as scientitic terms can be justly objected to. e. Technical names.—All words expressive of trades and professions have been by some writers excluded from zoology, but without sufficient reason. Words of this class, when carefully chosen, often express the peculiar charac- ters and habits of animals in a metaphorital manner, which is highly elegant. We may cite the generic terms Arvicola, Lanius, Pastor, Tyrannus, Regulus, Mimus, Ploceus, &c., as favourable examples of this class of names. d. Mythological or historical names.—When these have no perceptible re- ference or allusion to the characters of the object on which they are conferred, they may be properly regarded as unmeaning and in bad taste. Thus the generic names Lesbia, Leilus, Remus, Corydon, Pasiphae, have been applied to a Humming bird, a Butterfly, a Beetle, a Parrot, and a Crab respectively, 270 Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of without any perceptible association of ideas. But mythological names may sometimes be used as generic with the same propriety as technical ones, in cases where a direct allusion can be traced between the narrated actions of a personage and the observed habits or structure of an animal. Thus when the name Progne is given to a Swallow, Clotho to a Spider, Hydra to a Polyp, Athene to an Owl, Nestor to a grey-headed Parrot, &c., a pleasing and bene- ficial connexion is established between classical literature and physical science. e. Comparative names.—The objections which have been raised to words of this class are not without foundation. The names, no less than the defini- tions of objects, should, where practicable, be drawn from positive and self- evident characters, and not from a comparison with other objects, which may be less known to the reader than the one before him. Specific names expres- sive of comparative size are also to be avoided, as they may be rendered in- accurate by the after-discovery of additional species. The names Piecoides, Etmberizoides, Pseudoluscinia, rubeculoides, maximus, minor, minimus, &¢. are examples of this objectionable practice. Sf. Generic names compounded from other genera.—These are in some de- gree open to the same imputation as comparative words; but as they often serve to express the position of a genus as intermediate to, or allied with, two other genera, they may occasionally be used with advantage. Care must be taken not to adopt such compound words as are of too great length, and not to corrupt them in trying to render them shorter. The names Gallopavo, Te- traogallus, Gypaetos, are examples of the appropriate use of compound words. - g- Specific names derived from persons.—So long as these complimentary designations are used with moderation, and are restricted to persons of emi- nence as scientific zoologists, they may be employed with propriety in cases where expressive or characteristic words are not to be found. But we fully coneur with those who censure the practice of naming species after persons of no scientific reputation, as curiosity dealers (e. g. Caniveti, Boissoneauti), Peruvian priestesses (Cora, Amazilia), or Hottentots (t/ass?). h. Generic names derived from persons.—Words of this class have been very extensively used in botany, and therefore it would have been well to have excluded them wholly from zoology, for the sake of obtaining a memo- ria technica by which the name of a genus would at once tell us to which of the kingdoms of nature it belonged. Some few personal generic names have however crept into zoology, as Cuvieria, Mulleria, Rossia, Lessonia, &e., but they are very rare in comparison with those of botany, and it is perhaps de- sirable not to add to their number. a. Names of harsh and inelegant pronunciation.—These words are grating to the ear, either from inelegance of form, as Huhua, Yuhina, Craxirex, E’sch- scholtzi, or from too great length, as chirostrongylostinus, Opeliorhynchus, brachypodioides, Thecodontosaurus, not to mention the Hnaliolimnosaurus crocodilocephaloides of a German naturalist. It is needless to enlarge on the advantage of consulting euphony in the construction of our language. As a general rule it may be recommended to avoid introducing words of more than five syllables. k. Ancient names of animals applied in a wrong sense.—It has been cus- tomary, in numerous cases, to apply the names of animals found in classic authors at random to exotic genera or species which were wholly unknown to the ancients. The names Cebus, Cellithrix, Spiza, Kitta, Struthus, are examples. This practice ought by no means to be encouraged. The usual a Zoology uniform and permanent. 271 defence for it is, that it is impossible now to identify the species to which the name was anciently applied. But it is certain that if any traveller will take the trouble to collect the vernacular names used by the modern Greeks and Italians for the Vertebrata and Mollusca of southern Europe, the meaning of the ancient names may in most cases be determined with the greatest preci- sion. It has been well remarked that a Cretan fisher-boy is a far better com- mentator on Aristotle’s ‘ History of Animals’ than a British or German scho- lar. The use however of ancient names, when correctly applied, is most de- sirable, for “in framing scientific terms, the appropriation of old words is preferable to the formation of new ones*.” l. Adjective generic names.—The names of genera are, in all cases, essen- tially substantive, and hence adjective terms cannot be employed for them without doing violence to grammar. The generic names Hians, Criniger, Cursorius, Nitidula, &c. are examples of this incorrect usage. m. Hybrid names——Compound words, whose component parts are taken from two different languages, are great deformities in nomenclature, and na- turalists should be especially guarded not to introduce any more such terms into zoology, which furnishes too many examples of them already. We have them compounded of Greek and Latin, as Dendrofaleo, Gymnocorvus, Mo- noculus, Arborophila, flavigaster ; Greek and French, as Jacamaraleyon, Ja- camerops ; and Greek and English, as Bullockoides, Gilbertsocrinites. n. Names closely resembling other names already used—By Rule 10 it was laid down, that when a name is introduced which is identical with one pre- viously used, the later one should be changed. Some authors have extended the same principle to cases where the later name, when correctly written, only approaches in form, without wholly coinciding with the earlier. We do not, however, think it advisable to make this law imperative, first, because of the vast extent of our nomenclature, which renders it highly difficult to find a name which shall not bear more or less resemblance in sound to some other ; and, secondly, because of the impossibility of fixing a limit to the degree of approximation beyond which such a law should cease to operate. We con- tent ourselves, therefore, with putting forth this proposition merely as a re- commendation to naturalists, in selecting generic names, to avoid such as too closely approximate words already adopted. So with respect to species, the judicious naturalist will aim at variety of designation, and will not, for ex- ample, call a species virens or virescens in a genus which already possesses a viridis. o. Corrupted words.—In the construction of compound Latin words, there are certain grammatical rules which have been known and acted on for two thousand years, and which a naturalist is bound to acquaint himself with be- fore he tries his skill in coining zoological terms. One of the chief of these rules is, that in compounding words all the radical or essential parts of the constituent members must be retained, and no change made except in the variable terminations. But several generic names have been lately introduced which run counter to this rule, and form most unsightly objects to all who are conversant with the spirit of the Latin language. A name made up of the first half of one word and the last half of another, is as deformed a monster in nomenclature as a Mermaid or a Centaur would be in zoology ; yet we find examples in the names Corcoraa (from Corvus and Pyrrhocorax), Cypsnagra * Whewell, Phil. Ind. Se. v.i. p. Lxvii. . 272 Propositions for rendering the Nomenclature of (from Cypselus and Tanagra), Merulaxis (Merula and Synallaxis), Lovigilla (Loxia and Fringilla), &c. In other cases, where the commencement of both the simple words is retained in the compound, a fault is still committed by cutting off too much of the radical and vital portions, as is the case in Bu- corvus (from Buceros and Corvus), Ninox (Nisus and Noctua), &e. p. Nonsense names.— Some authors having found difficulty in selecting ge- neric names which have not been used before, have adopted the plan of coining words at random without any derivation or meaning whatever. The following are examples: Viralva, Xema, Azeca, Assiminia, Quedius, Spisula. To the same class we may refer anagrams of other generic names, as Dacelo and Ce- dola of Alcedo, Zapornia of Porzana, &c. Such verbal trifling as this is in very bad taste, and is especially calculated to bring the science into contempt. It finds no precedent in the Augustan age of Latin, but can be compared only to the puerile quibblings of the middle ages. It is contrary to the genius of all languages, which appear never to produce new words by spontaneous ge- neration, but always to derive them from some other source, however distant or obscure. And it is peculiarly annoying to the etymologist, who after seek- ing in vain through the vast storehouses of human language for the parentage of such words, discovers at last that he has been pursuing an ignis fatuus. q. Names previously cancelled by the operation of § 6.—Some authors con- sider that when a name has been reduced to a synonym by the operations of the laws of priority, they are then at liberty to apply it at pleasure to any new group which may be in want of a name. We consider, however, that when a word has once been proposed in a given sense, and has afterwards sunk into a synonym, it is far better to lay it aside for ever than to run the risk of ma- king confusion by re-issuing it with a new meaning attached. r. Specific names raised into generic.—It has sometimes been the practice in subdividing an old genus to give to the lesser genera so formed, the names of their respective typical species. Our Rule 13 authorizes the forming a new specific name in such cases ; but we further wish to state our objections to the practice altogether. Considering as we do that the original specific names should as far as possible be held sacred, both on the grounds of justice to their authors and of practical convenience to naturalists, we would strongly dissuade from the further continuance of a practice which is gratuitous in itself, and which involves the necessity of altering long-established specific names. We have now pointed out the principal rocks and shoals which lie in the path of the nomenclator; and it will be seen that the navigation through them is by no means easy. The task of constructing a language which shall supply the demands of scientific accuracy on the one hand, and of literary elegance on the other, is not to be inconsiderately undertaken by unqualified persons. Our nomenclature presents but too many flaws and inelegancies already, and as the stern law of priority forbids their removal, it follows that they must remain as monuments of the bad taste or bad scholarship of their authors to the latest ages in which zoology shall be studied. [ Families to end in idee, and Subfamilies in ine. ] The practice suggested in the following proposition has been adopted by many recent authors, and its simplicity and convenience is so great that we strongly recommend its universal use. § B. It is recommended that the assemblages of genera termed fa- milies should be uniformly named by adding the termination zde to Zoology uniform and permanent. 273 the name of the earliest known, or most typically characterized genus in them; and that their subdivisions, termed subfamilies, should be similarly constructed, with the termination ine. These words are formed by changing the last syllable of the genitive case into 7d@ or ine, as Strix, Strigis, Strigide, Buceros, Bucerotis, Bucerotide, not Strivide, Buceride. [ Specific names to be written with a small initial. ] A convenient memoria technica may be effected by adopting our next pro- position. It has been usual, when the titles of species are derived from pro- per names, to write them with a capital letter, and hence when the specific name is used alone it is liable to be occasionally mistaken for the title of a genus. But if the titles of species were invariably written with a small ini- tial, and those of genera with a capital, the eye would at once distinguish the rank of the group referred to, and a possible source of error would be avoided. It should be further remembered that all species are equal, and should there- fore be written all alike. We suggest, then, that § C. Specific names should always be written with a small initial letter, even when derived from persons or places, and generic names should be always written with a capital. * [The authority for a species, exclusive of the genus, to be followed by a di- stinetive expression. | The systematic names of zoology being still far from that state of fixity which is the ultimate aim of the science, it is frequently necessary for correct indication to append to them the name of the person on whose authority they have been proposed. When the same person is authority both for the specific and generic name, the case is very simple; but when the specific name of one author is annexed to the generic name of another, some difficulty occurs. For example, the Muscicapa crinita of Linnzus belongs to the modern genus Tyrannus of Vieillot; but Swainson was the first to apply the specific name of Linnzus to the generic one of Vieillot. The question now arises, Whose authority is to be quoted for the name Tyrannus crinitus? ‘The expression Tyrannus crinitus, Lin., would imply what is untrue, for Linnzeus did not use the term Tyrannus ; and Tyrannus crinitus, Vicill., is equally incorrect, for Vieillot did not adopt the name erinitus. If we call it Tyrannus crinitus, Sw., it would imply that Swainson was the first to describe the species, and Linneus would be robbed of his due credit. If we term it Tyrannus, Vieill., erinitus, Lin., we use a form which, though expressing the facts correctly, and therefore not without advantage in particular cases where great exactness is required, is yet too lengthy and inconvenient to be used with ease and rapi- dity. Of the three persons concerned with the construction of a binomial title in the case before us, we conceive that the author who jirst describes and names a species which forms the groundwork of later generalizations, possesses a higher claim to have his name recorded than he who afterwards defines a genus which is found to embrace that species, or who may be the mere accidental means of bringing the generic and specific names into con- tact. By giving the authority for the specific name in preference to all others, the inquirer is referred directly to the original description, habitat, &c. of the species, and is at the same time reminded of the date of its discovery ; while genera, being less numerous than species, may be carried in the memory, or Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 274 On the Nomenclature of Zoology. referred to in systematic works without the necessity of perpetually quoting their authorities. The most simple mode then for ordinary use seems to be to append to the original authority for the species, when not applying to the genus also, some distinctive mark, such as (sp.) implying an exclusive refer- ence to the specific name, as Tyrannus crinitus, Lin. (sp.), and to omit this expression when the same authority attaches to both genus and species, as Ostrea edulis, Lin.* Therefore, § D. It is recommended that the authority for a specific name, when not applying to the generic name also, should be followed by the di- stinctive expression (sp.). [New genera and species to be defined amply and publicly. ] A large proportion of the complicated mass of synonyms which has now become the opprobrium of zoology, has originated either from the slovenly and imperfect manner in which species and groups have been originally de- fined, or from their definitions having been inserted in obscure local publica- tions which have never obtained an extensive circulation. Therefore, although under § 12, we have conceded that mere insertion in a printed book is suffi- cient for publication, yet we would strongly advise the authors of new groups always to give in the first instance a full and accurate definition of their cha- racters, and to insert the same in such periodical or other works as are likely to obtain an immediate and extensive circulation. To state this briefly, § E. It is recommended that new genera or species be amply de- fined, and extensively circulated in the first instance. [ The names to be given to subdivisions of genera to agree in gender with the original genus. | In order to preserve specific names as far as possible in an unaltered form, whatever may be the changes which the genera to which they are referred may undergo, it is desirable, when it can be done with propriety, to make the new subdivisions of genera agree in gender with the old groups from which they are formed. This recommendation does not however authorize the changing the gender or termination of a genus already established. In brief, § F. It is recommended that in subdividing an old genus in future, the names given to the subdivisions should agree in gender with that of the original group. [ Etymologies and types of new genera to be stated. | Tt is obvious that the names of genera would in general be far more care- fully constructed, and their definitions would be rendered more exact, if authors would adopt the following suggestion :— § G. It is recommended that in defining new genera the etymo- logy of the name should be always stated, and that one species should be invariably selected as a type or standard of reference. In concluding this outline of a scheme for the rectification of zoological nomenclature, we have only to remark, that almost the whole of the proposi- tions contained in it may be applied with equal correctness to the sister sci- ence of botany. We have preferred, however, in this essay to limit our views * The expression Zyrannus crinitus (Lin.) would perhaps be preferable from its greater brevity. Rey. D. Landsborough on the Rook. 275 to zoology, both for the sake of rendering the question less complex, and because we conceive that the botanical nomenclature of the present day stands in much less need of distinct enactment than the zoological. The admirable rules laid down by Linnzus, Smith, Decandolle, and other botanists (to which, no less than to the works of Fabricius, Illiger, Vigors, Swainson, and other zoologists, we have been much indebted in preparing the present document), have always exercised a beneficial influence over their disciples. Hence the language of botany has attained a more perfect and stable con- dition than that of zoology ; and if this attempt at reformation may have the effect of advancing zoological nomenclature beyond its present backward and abnormal state, the wishes of its promoters will be fully attained. (Signed ) H. E. StrickLanp. J. S. HEnNstow. June 27, 1842. Joun PHicires. W. E. SHuckArb. Joun RICHARDSON. G. R. WATERHOUSE. RicHARD OwEN. W. YARRELL. LEONARD JENYNS. C. Darwin. W. J. Broperir. J. O. Westwoop. XL.—On the History and Habits of the Rook, Corvus fru- gilegus, Linn. By the Rev. Davin LAnpsBonrovuau. To the Editors of the Annals of Natural History. GENTLEMEN, Tuoveu birds were my early favourites, I have never made much progress in ornithology. In some future communica- tion, however, I may attempt to give a list of the birds found in the south-west of Scotland. Before doing so I shall ven- ture to give you some notices of a few of them, though they will be unworthy of appearing even as short addenda to the highly interesting ornithological articles, furnished from time to time by that accurate observer of the works of nature—Mr. W. Thompson of Belfast. I have little leisure for such pursuits, and I shall merely subjoin a brief sketch of a pet Rook with which I have the pleasure of being acquainted. I visited him a few days ago at Ardrossan, and was glad to find, that though a dozen winters have passed over his head, he has all the vivacity of early life. He is a crow of aristocratic extraction; at all events he is of high descent, having been reared on one of the highest trees at Shieldhall, where his an- cestors, it is believed, had their favourite residence for many generations. When he was well fledged he was brought down to the abodes of men by one of the aspiring youths of Shield- hall (George Oswald, Ksq., now in India) as a present to his aunt Miss Oswald, and by her the pet crow, prized for his be 276 Rey. D. Landsborough on the own good qualities, and loved for the donor’s sake, was brought down to her sweet villa at Ardrossan. Her villa was conti- guous to that of Miss Hamilton of Holmhead, and as our rook had then the free use of his wings, and was of a social disposition, he paid frequent visits to his neighbours, and soon formed acquaintance with the occupants of Miss Hamilton’s poultry-yard, consisting of a cock and two hens. The inti- macy increased ; the visits became longer and longer, till at last the crow became domiciled along with them; and when Miss Oswald left Ardrossan, being unwilling to break asunder the ties of affectionate friendship, she left the crow in its adopted dwelling-place. The longer they were acquainted the stronger did the friendship become, though it was evidently most ardent on the part of the crow. He was exceedingly attentive to his chosen friends the hens, and would often ar- range their feathers and dress them to his own taste, so that his officious services were sometimes rejected as troublesome. The cock was still a greater favourite, and he roosted every night beside him, nestling under his wing. After this platonic friendship had subsisted for several years, one of the hens became sick and died. During her ill- ness he was unremitting in his attentions, waiting on her most affectionately ; but he could not ward off the stroke of death. A still greater calamity awaited him, for the favourite cock also died. He was unceasing in his attention to him during his trouble, and when he died he was so disconsolate that he would not taste food for several days. At last old age, which indeed had carried off the others, crept on the remaining hen. When she became feeble and helpless he scarcely ever left her for a moment, striving to cheer her by innumerable little acts of kindness, There were two steps up from the poultry-yard to the house in which they roosted, and when she became too weak to mount the steps, as he could not himself lift her up he always came to the kitchen-window, and kept up an incessant clamour till some of the servants came out and lifted her up. For two days before her death she could not leave the roost- ing-house, and he remained along with her bringing her food, laying it down before her, and coaxing her to eat it. Notwithstanding his unwearied assiduity and affectionate attentions the poor hen died, and it was thought that he would not long have survived her. He was quite disconsolate. Life had lost its charm. He scarcely tasted food and became al- together changed; so that from being lively and cheerful and active, he drooped and became timid and spiritless. Some young poultry were purchased in the hope that they History and Habits of the Rook. 277 might cheer him, but he seemed quite afraid of them and avoided their company. é After months had passed away he gradually recovered his spirits, and he is now as brisk and lively a bird as you can look upon. He is no longer afraid of the inmates of the poultry-yard; but though he associates with them, they have not succeeded in gaining his affections. He knows all the in- mates of the house, and takes with pleasure a bit of bread or of cold meat from their hands. Unfortunately he is so much of an epicure as to be particularly fond of a new-laid egg, and when the exulting cackle of a hen proclaims that she has de- posited a treasure, there is generally a race between the ser- vant and the rook, each being eager to seize the prize. For along time he was allowed the free use of his wings, but complaints were lodged against him by the proprietors of the neighbouring villas that he was in the habit of perching on the roofs of their houses, and of picking the lime from the skews, casting it up into the air. This frolic was an overt act of mis- chief; but his accusers did not take into account that it was conjomed with another act of utility, for it was only the loosened pieces of lime that he removed, and chiefly, we doubt not, that he might get at the vermin concealed underneath. As no person would become bound for his more sober de- meanour when he got into his altitudes, the poor fellow was condemned to have one of his wings clipped, that as a degraded biped, he might, like his accusers, walk on the face of the earth. It is vexing to see him, when he attempts to fly with the remaining wing, falling down to the ground after being provokingly twirled round. The only way in which he can now taste some of the de- parted joys of exalted station is by mounting an old apple-tree in the garden, the lowest branches being within his reach, and when he has reached the highest he shows how delighted he is by proud cawings and cacklings. He is a very cleanly bird, as his glossy plumage shows. When a pail of water is placed within his reach, he immediately enters it and splashes it about with great delight. He is still more delighted when there is a fall of snow, for he rolls in it, flaps and flutters amongst it, taking it up in his bill and throw- ing it about with the greatest glee and merriment. Long live this kind-hearted rook ! and as we have reason and revelation to guide, may we remember that we are bound to surpass him in his amiable qualities. I am, dear Sirs, yours &c., Manse of Steverston, Ayrshire, Davin LANDSBOROUGH. Feb. 13, 1843. 278 Dr. M. Barry on the Pitted Tissue of XLI.—WNote in reply to Dr. Griffith’s Remarks on the Pitted Tissue of Plants, on Muscle, &c* By Martin Barry, M.D., F.R.SS. L. & E. I HAVE to acknowledge the courtesy shown in the remarks of Dr. Griffith, and regret that his opinions differ so widely from my own; but am compelled to say, I find nothing in his com- munication that alters in any particular my views, or that re- quires more than general notice at my hands. “The appearances observed by Dr. Barry in the blood,” which Dr. Griffith thinks were “ misinterpreted,” I cannot suppose that Dr. Griffith ever saw; if I may judge from the description he has given. That they are however visible, is proved by the following description given by another, who did see the appearances in question. Whether they have been “ misinterpreted,” the future may determine. “ Bristol, August 19, 1842. “« Dr. Barry has pointed out to me, among the corpuscles of newt’s blood, preserved in their own serum, without any reagent having been applied to them, many which had the form of a flask with a projecting neck, or which might be still better compared to the body of a pair of bellows with its projecting nozzle. The projecting por- tion appeared to be a filament, having a much higher refracting power than the general substance of the corpuscle. He also showed me, in a portion of blood to which corrosive sublimate had been added, a corpuscle which was evidently destitute of the ordinary nu- cleus; and which contained what appeared to be a filament which presented transverse markings that resembled those of muscular fibrillz, the interspaces being oblique. The appearance resembled that of Dr. Barry’s fig. 9 3. [Phil. Trans. 1842, plate 5.], except that there was no trace of nucleus. (Signed) “W. B. Cappenter.”’ My preparations of muscle have been seen by many, to whom I could refer for their opinions regarding them. Among our own countrymen may be mentioned Robert Brown, D.C.L., and Professors Owen and Sharpey, besides the gentlemen from whom I have received the testimonials at foot. To the kind- ness of Professor Sharpey I am indebted for the beautiful preparation of muscle from the tail of the tadpole mentioned by Dr. Griffith. The following note was sent me by one who had closely examined that preparation. “6 Holles Street, Cavendish Square, Oct. 13, 1842. “ My pEar Srr,—On returning home today after seeing your ex- quisite preparations of muscular tissue, I was anxious to express my thanks for your kindness and patience in exhibiting the series to me. I went to your house by no means prepared to admit the existence of * Annals of Natural History, No. 68, for Feb. 1843, p. 95. Plants, and on Muscle. 279 the spiral fibre ; on the contrary, somewhat prepossessed against such a theory; for while I had already made up my mind as to the non- existence of the discs advocated in Mr. Bowman’s very ingenious paper in the ‘ Philos. Trans.,’ I had not been able to bring my belief to the idea of substituting a spiral thread or fibre to account for the peculiar markings on the. muscular fasciculi. You have, however, convinced me, for in several instances I was enabled to follow the spiral thread round its axis, and to see the continuity of both sides of the chain. In one or two instances I observed it drawn out or separated so far as not to leave a doubt of its reality. In the same way I di- stinctly recognised the double spiral (especially in one preparation where the two spirals had not an equal obliquity), and I can conceive that the longitudinal lines or fibrillated appearance of the larger fas- ciculi depends upon the even juxtaposition of many minute spirals. * “The reason, probably, I had failed in previously making out this structure, resulted from my expectation of seeing this appear- ance throughout the whole length of a filament; but ‘T now observe how minute is the care necessary to separate parts, and how small often is the portion favourably situated or sufficiently isolated to ad- mit of a distinct view of this curious structure. ‘« There are also many circumstances connected with the different refrangibility of objects of great importance in explaining why a spiral fibre should be so much more easily seen in one tissue than another; and thus it is that reagents are often most usefully ap- plied where different parts of the same object refract the light nearly equally. I think, through your help, I have at last settled my belief as to the true character of the markings of muscle, and for which I beg you to accept the thanks of “ Yours faithfully, (Signed) ** Joun DaLtryMPLeE.” “To Martin Barry, M.D.” The following, connected with the same subject, was re- ceived from Dr. Carpenter, bearing the same date as his tes- timonial above given. “‘T have this day had the opportunity, through Dr. Barry’s kind- ness, of examining several of his preparations of muscular fibre, especially those from the heart of the turtle and from the shrimp. I have distinctly seen single spiral threads continuous with fasciculi ; in one or two instances so little elongated as to resemble a cork- screw; in others drawn out more or less straightly. In several fibrille, which had been isolated without disturbance of their struc- ture, I have seen appearances closely corresponding with those repre- sented by Dr. Barry in figs. 52 and 56 of his last paper [Phil. Trans. 1842]. I may add, that I have seen these appearances even more distinctly under my own microscope, which is furnished with one of Powell’s atest 1-16th objectives, than under Dr. Barry’s instrument, in which lower powers were used. (Signed) « Witiiam B. Carpenter.” The microscope I use is one of Schiek’s achromatics, si- 280 Prof. KE. Forbes on a new British Starfish. milar to those employed by Professors Ehrenberg, Schwann; and R. Wagner. On this subject I cannot refer to a higher authority than that of Joseph Jackson Lister, who, after a close examination, describes my deeper object-glasses as “very finely corrected every way.” XLIT.—On a new British Starfish of the genus Goniaster. By Prof. Epwarp Fores, V.P.W.S., F.L.S., F.B.S. &c. [ With a Plate.] Tue very splendid addition to the catalogue of British Star- fishes, the only one found since the publication of my work on those animals, which I am about to describe, was discovered by an active naturalist, Mr. Robert Maclaurin of Coldingham, who exhibited it to the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club at their meeting held December 21, 1842, where he pointed it out as distinct from any recorded British species. It was found be- tween St. Abb’s Head and the Isle of May, and was brought up on the lines of the fishermen from a depth of about 30 fathoms. It belongs to the same group of Goniasters with the G. eqguestris, to which species it is nearly allied, but differs re- markably in form from any species of the genus. The ar- rangement and form of the granulations, tubercles, marginal plates, and those remarkable bodies to which I have in the description applied the name of stomata, further distinguish it from its immediate ally. Sp. Ch. Goniaster abbensis. G.corpore planiusculo, orbiculari, an- gulis in brachiis productis, infra et supra tuberculis, granulis sto- matibusque vestito. Description.— Upper surface.—Disc round, interrupted by the bases of five short arms, each of which is as long as a third of the breadth of the disc. Surface plane, thickly covered by granules, among which are irregularly interspersed numerous mammilliform tubercles (transformed spines), and at intervals spinules in pairs forming stomata (transformed pedicellariz ?) of an ovate form. No appearance of an anal pore. Madre- poriform tubercle nearer the margin than centre, large, ru- gose. Upper surface of arms (which are prolongations of the angles of disc) similarly covered with the centre. Margin bordered by a double series of irregularly quadrate plates, somewhat arched at their free borders, and each edged by a single row of minute square granules. The upper series bear from one to four mammiform tubercles: when more than Mr. Waterhouse on a new genus of Carabideous Insects. 281 one, two are usually larger than the rest. On the lower series the tubercles are usually more numerous than on the upper. Under surface-—The triangular spaces between the avenues are granulated; among the granulations numerous large sto- mata, in form linear and compressed, each placed in a smooth space surrounded by a close border of flattened mammiform tubercles, those forming the lateral borders largest. The avenues are linear, contracting towards the arms. Suckers biserial. Border of avenues formed by transverse plates, each bearing four or five elongated tubercles, two of which face the avenue. These plates are each bordered by a series of gra- nules. Eye-cover formed of one large transversely-ovate tubercle terminating the ray, and three or four smaller ones on each side, with a circle of minute granules immediately surround- ing the (red) eye. Dimensions.— Breadth across the disc 53 inches ; length of arm 13 inch; breadth of arm at base 59, inch. Colour—When fresh Mr. Maclaurin states it was of an orange-yellow, which with crimson-red, are the usual hues of the Cushion-stars. Dried, it is of a pale yellow. EXPLANATION OF PLATE VII. Fig. 1. The starfish, seen from above. fig. 4. Marginal plates. fig. 2. Portion of wpper surface. fig. 5. Border of avenue. Jig. 3. Ditto of under surface. fig. 6. Eye-cover. XLIII.—Description of a new genus of Carabideous Insects brought from the Falkland Islands by Charles Darwin, Esq. By G. R. Warernouse, Esq., Assistant Secretary and Curator to the Zoological Society, &c. Section GEODEPHAGA. Fam. FERONIIDZ. Lissorrerus*, noy. gen. Corpus depressum, elongatum ; lateribus elytrorum subparallelis. Labrum transversum, antice emarginatum. Labium profunde emarginatum, dente in medio paulo producto, ad apicem truncato. Palpi filiformes, articulo ultimo ad apicem truncato. Mandibule mediocres, edentule, acute. Antenne mediocres, articulis subequalibus. Pedes mediocres ; tibie anteriores in maribus incrassate, et tarsi ar- ticulis quatuor dilatati. This genus is founded upon an insect discovered by Mr. Dar- * Aisods smooth, and zregcv, in allusion to the almost total absence of sculpturing on the elytra. 282 Mr. Waterhouse on a new genus of Carabideous Insects. win in the Falkland Islands. Some of the specimens were found in the month of March under a dead bird on the sea-coast in K. Falkland Island. Both by myself and Mr. Darwin this insect was upon a cursory inspection supposed to be a species of Sphodrus, but upon examination it was found to exhibit characters which separate it from that and other published genera. ‘The more conspicuous are, the swollen anterior tibiee of the male; the femora are also stouter in this sex, and the Jour basal joints of the anterior tarsi are dilated, and (with the exception of the basal joint, which is triangular,) they are broader than long. The antennz do not exhibit the short second and long third joint as in Sphodrus, but have the joints all nearly equal in length, the second joint being scarcely shorter than the third, which is not longer than the following joints. In size the present insect is about equal to the Oma- seus melanurus, and an idea of its proportions may perhaps be best conveyed by comparing the two: the body is more depressed than in O. melanurus, the head is a trifle broader, and the antennz are more slender ; the thorax presents nearly the same outline, but the sides are not rounded quite to the base as in that insect. The elytra also present nearly the some outline, but besides being less convex, they have the re- flected margin much broader and more distinct ; the legs are nearly of the same proportions ; the dilated tarsi of the male are broader, the tibize stouter, and the internal emargination much less distinct, and situated nearer to the apex of the tibie. The principal specific characters may be thus expressed :— Lissopterus quadrinotatus. Liss. niger subnitidus; antennis pedi- busque piceis, vel rufo-piceis; thorace supra paulo convexo, sub- quadrato postice angustiore, lateribus indistincte rotundatis, foveis duabus oblongis impresso, medio canaliculato; elytris elongato- ovatis, lateribus subparallelis postice rotundatis, supra subde- pressis, levibus, indistinctissime striatis, notis quatuor rufis ornatis. Long. corp. 63—8 lin. ; lat. 22—3 lin. Var. B. Elytris immaculatis, pedibus nigris. Colour black; head and thorax glossy, elytra dull; head rather broad and subdepressed, with a slight transverse groove in front marking the posterior boundary of the clypeus, which is transverse and slightly emarginated in front, where it is of a pitchy hue; two shallow fovez situated partly on the cly- peus and partly on the head ; eyes rather small, rounded and convex ; labrum and mandibles pitchy ; antennz and palpi pitchy-red. Thorax about one-fourth broader than long; in front but little narrower than the elytra, and behind about one-fifth narrower than in front; the sides slightly rounded, but becoming nearly straight and parallel towards the posterior Mr. W. Thompson on the Birds of Ireland. 283 angles, which are nearly right angles; the upper surface is but little convex, the reflected lateral margins are rather broad, the dorsal channel moderately distinct, but obliterated near the anterior and posterior margins of the thorax ; on each side, behind, are two oblique, long, smooth fovez, between which is a transverse impression situated at about one-fourth of the distance from the base towards the apex of the thorax— this transverse impression is not strongly marked. Elytra elongate-ovate, above subdepressed, the lateral reflected mar- gins broad and distinct, the surface nearly smooth but ex- hibiting indistinct striz, and these are most faintly punc- tured; two smallish red spots are observable on each elytron near the outer margin, one towards the base of the elytron, and the other on the apical fourth; the legs are pitchy or pitchy-red. Sometimes the red spots on the elytra are obli- terated, the legs are nearly black, and the antenne and palpi are pitchy. Obs.—As regards one of the characters upon which I found the present genus, I allude to the male sex having four of the joints of the anterior tarsi distinctly dilated, I may call at- tention to the remark by Dejean in his observations on the Feronie, viz. that this group is distinguished from the Har- pal by the structure of the intermediate tarsi (i.e. they are not dilated), and by the fourth joint of the anterior tarsus, which is never dilated in the male sex. The genus Lissopterus therefore affords a remarkable exception to a general rule. XLIV.—The Birds of Ireland By Wn. Tuompson, Esq., Pres. Nat. Hist. Society, Belfast. [Continued from vol. x. p. 179.] Tue Rinc-Dovs *—Columba Palumbus, Linn.—is common throughout the wooded districts of the island. Mr. Waterton is rather disposed to believe that in his part of York- shire there is an annual increase by migration to the numbers of na- tive birds. Mr. Selby states, in general terms, that there is not any such increase. ‘The great numbers that congregate in autumn, and remain together during winter in Ireland, I have always considered as our indigenous birds only, collected together in their choicest haunts, however widely separated they may have been in the breed- ing-season. Belvoir Park near Belfast, with its fine and extensive woods, is quite a preserve for these birds, and throughout the autumn and winter they may be daily seen there in the afternoon, in multitudi- * Commonly called Wood Quest and Wood Pigeon in the north of Ire- and. 284 Mr. W. Thompson on the Birds of Ireland. nous numbers, occasionally not less than five hundred appearing in one flock. Mr. Selby remarks that the ring-dove prefers fir and ash-trees to roost in, but in this park, the beech apparently is pre- ferred above all other species. Not only is a wood consisting of these trees their chief resort, but in mixed plantations their tops may be seen dotted with these birds, when none appear on other equally lofty deciduous trees, pines, or firs. It was a very pleasing sight on one occasion here to see a number of these birds descend from the highest trees to drink at the river Lagan—which bounds the demesne at one side—before retiring to roost. On November 30, 1838, which was a very dark day, several hundreds were settled on the trees apparently for the night, so early as half-past two o'clock in the afternoon. ‘The immense flocks here, rismg en masse from their roosting-places with thundering noise, remind us of the vast flights of the passenger pigeon in North America, of which we are so fully informed in the graphic narrations of Wilson and Audubon. The earliest date in my journal, with reference to large flocks roosting in Belvoir Park, is Sept. 16, 1840, and in the spring of the preceding year, they are noted as seen in very large flocks so late as the 25th of March. But they breed here fully as early as in the north of England, occasionally even earlier than the latter end of February—the time mentioned by Mr. Selby; lofty trees are generally selected for the nest, but in a locality where the species was protected I have in more than one instance known the nest to be placed not more than seven feet from the ground, in young fir-trees. Their cooing, with which the woods resound in the early spring, and their singular flight at this season, rising and falling suddenly in the air, render the ring- dove highly attractive. Although this bird will, where protected, display little fear of man, particularly in the breeding-season, it is generally very wary, and when assembled in flocks, extremely so: its sense of hearing must be remarkably acute, as the slightest noise, even at a distance, will alarm a flock, and cause the temporary de- sertion of its intended roosting-place. The large flocks alluded to divide into foraging parties in the morning, though some few may be seen about their roosting-places at all times of the day. In severe frosts they are driven to the tur- nip-fields, to feed upon the green tops of the plant. I have seen large flocks regaling on beech-mast ; and they are partial to ploughed fields, on account of the seeds and other vegetable matter turned up. Useful in consuming the seeds and roots of weeds injurious to the crops, yet Mr. Waterton, who looks upon all the feathered race in the most fa- vourable light that truth will warrant, does not consider the ring-dove of any service to man. A friend, whose country-seat is in the valley of the Lagan, and near to Belvoir Park, where the species is so nume- rous, reports, that he has often seen ring-doves pluck gooseberries and currants from the bushes in his garden, but never knew them to attack his cherries. They are very destructive to young plants of the cabbage tribe, which are preferred to the tender tops of turnips. Quantities of all kinds of his grain, when ripe, are stated to be de- Mr. W. Thompson on the Birds of Ireland. 285 stroyed by these birds, which are accused of flying against the standing stalks, and prostrating them, to feed upon the pickles, and alighting with the same evil intent on the masses prostrated by storm or rain, as well as on the “ stooks.”” Wheat is their favourite —and it is said that for it ‘they will fly a mile farther” than for any other grain. Though the ring-dove is prized in the north of Ireland, the young are not regularly sought after for the table, as they are stated by Mr. Waterton to be in Yorkshire. This gentleman in his ‘ Essays on Natural History,’ and Mr. Macgillivray in his ‘ British Birds,’ give full and interesting accounts of the species. In France and Switzer- land I have, in summer and autumn, observed the ring-dove to be equally common as in the British Islands*. Rocx-Dove, Columba Livia, Brissont+.—About the rock- bound and caverned coasts on all sides of Ireland, and the adjacent islands, this species has occurred to me. It is like- wise to be found at inland caves and grottos, such as in lime- stone districts especially are not unfrequent. Some authors speak of the sea-coast only as frequented by the rock-dove, but from personal observation it can be stated, that caverns, be they inland or marine, are its natural abiding-places ; and whether situated in the inland solitude, close by the din of the water-fall, or the “roar of ocean’s waves,” are equally resorted to. * The Stock-Dove, C. Enas, is unknown both to Ireland and Scotland. In England it is said to frequent only the midland and eastern counties. + This bird is the parent of the common tame pigeon. When the dove- cot is not far distant from the nestling-places of the wild birds in the rocks, the tame ones often resort thither and pair with them, and the mottled pro- duce seen frequenting wild localities often puzzle the tyro ornithologist. It may be mentioned, on account of the period of time that elapsed on the occasion, that a tame pigeon taken from Belfast to the Falls, two miles distant, and shut up in a room for twelve months, immediately on being liberated flew back to its old quarters. The following paragraph on carrier pigeons appeared in the Leinster Ex- press newspaper in Dec. 1842 :—“ One of these pigeons was let loose from Palmerston-house, near Chapelizod, the seat of the Earl of Donoughmore, when it accomplished the journey to Castle Bernard, which is upwards of sixty-two miles, in two hours; yet the flight was much impeded, as the day was both dark and hazy, accompanied with a strong head wind at the time. At the late fair of Ballinasloe, Thomas Bernard, Esq. took with him one of these birds, which he let go in the town at eleven o’clock a.m. with a note appended, directing dinner to be ready at Castle Bernard at the given time, as he purposed being home that day, when the bird took its flight, and the message was delivered in eleven minutes after, having travelled twenty- three miles Irish in that wonderful short space of time, or, in other words, at the rate of 1254 miles an hour. These pigeons, of which Mr. Bernard has a large flock, are so domesticated, that he can handle them as he pleases, and so very tractable are they, that whenever he calls, they attend the cal! promptly.” An interesting note on the attachment shown by a tame pigeon to her mate, which had been shot and gibbeted in a pea-field, is related by Mr. Jesse, in his ‘ Gleanings of Natural History,’ p. 112, Ist series, 286 Mr. W. Thompson on the Birds of Ireland. On examining the crop of some of these birds shot in the month of June 1832, at the wild peninsula of the Horn (co. Donegal), where they are very common, they were found to be filled with the seeds of rushes. When visiting the island of Achil, on the 29th of June 1834, in company with Mr. R. Ball, we saw several rock-doves feed- ing on the low sandy tract near Keil, and approached them within about twenty-five paces. On remarking to Lieut. Reynolds, R.N. of the Coast Guard service, then stationed there, how near they permitted the approach of our party, he stated that on the preceding day he killed twenty-one of them about the same place, and that he had killed as many as fifty and fifty-two in one day there, although more than two were never procured at one shot. In this wild di- strict they are seldom molested, and consequently exhibit little fear of man. In the level tract alluded to there is no ambush to con- ceal the sportsman, who must walk up directly within sight of the birds until within shooting distance. It is only at a particular sea- son that they are seen here, when, according to my informant, they are attracted to the locality by a ‘‘small pea” which is abundant, and is always found in the crops of those killed. We requested to be shown the plant, and found it to be the common bird’s-foot tre- foil (Lotus corniculatus). When walking along the top of the fine marine cliffs about Portpatrick, in Wigtonshire, in Aug. 1838, in company with Capt. Fayrer, R.N., he remarked, on some rock-doves being sprung, that he had shot many of them there as they came to feed on the “ wild liquorice,” a favourite kind of food—this also I found to be the Lotus corniculatus. About the marine cliffs near Ballantrae, in the adjoining county of Ayr, I have remarked these birds to be common, and have seen flocks of them alight in the fields of green or unripe corn, near the coast*. In August 1826, when visiting the celebrated cascade at Tivoli, near Rome, rock-doves presented a singular and beautiful appear- ance, as numbers of them kept flying in and out of the gloomy re- cesses of the rock, close to where the mass of waters was precipi- tated: viewed from the heights above, they looked so remarkably small, that at first sight I was deceived as to their species. At the end of April 1841, I observed rock-doves to be numerous about the precipitous and caverned cliffs of the island of Sphacteria, forming part of the western boundary of the noble bay of Navarino. When there on the 29th and 30th of that month, the officers of H.M.S. Beacon set out in a boat for the purpose of entering the caves to shoot them, and returned on each day with several brace. They remarked, that of the great numbers seen, all were on the western or sea side of the island, although as fine caverns are on the eastern or bay side. Again, when becalmed in the A®gean Sea on the 10th of June in H.M.S. Magpie, a likely place for these birds pre- senting itself in a rocky islet, N.E. of Port Nousa, in the island of Paros, a boat was lowered for the commander and myself to go in pursuit of them. A few were seen about its caves and cliffs, anda young bird of the year which was shot on wing was in full plu- * Mr. Macgillivray gives a full and excellent account of this species from personal observation in Scotland, Mr. W. Thompson on the Birds of Ireland. 287 mage, but still retained some fragments of down about the head. On this occasion I could not but think how very different was the scene and climate from that in which I first became initiated in rock- dove shooting, by thus visiting marine caves for the purpose. This was in the snow-white range of caverned cliffs extending for some distance westward of Dunluce Castle, near the Giant’s Causeway. The rock-dove was equally common in both localities. Tue TurtrLte-Dove—Columba Turtur, Linn.—is an occa- sional visitant to Ireland, and has been obtained in the coun- ties ranging farthest to the south-west and north-west. It has appeared in spring, summer and autumn, and probably visited the island in some instances to increase its species, although no instance of its breeding here is known to me*, In four or five successive years it has occurred. Mr. Templeton records the turtle-dove as ‘“‘seen at Cranmore and Shanes-Castle ;”’ the former his own residence near Belfast, the latter that of Earl O'Neil, situated on the borders of Lough Neagh. About the year 1820, one of these birds was seen by a friend at Fisherwick Lodge ; which, with the two localities just named, is in the county of Antrim. ‘The collection of J. V. Stewart, Esq. of Rockhill, Letterkenny, contains a specimen shot in the north-west of the county of Donegal. About Youghal, the species has two or three times been met with by R. Ball, Esq. I have been informed by Dr. Harvey of Cork, that ‘‘ Mr. Fennell of Ballibrado, near Cahir, county of Tipperary, shot a turtle-dove there in the spring of 18380, when several of them were seen during a few weeks about his place; in the following year, likewise, he saw three or four of these birds in the same locality.” In March 1834, a turtle-dove shown me by Mr. Glennon, bird-preserver, Dublin, was said to have been shot at Carton, the seat of the Duke of Leinster; and at the same time it was mentioned that the species had for two or three summers visited Simpson’s nursery-grounds, near the metropolis. By the late T. F. Neligan, Esq. of Tralee, one of these birds was obtained near that town on September 20, 1834: its crop was filled with wheat. To T. W. Warren, Esq. of Dublin, I am indebted for notes to the effect, that in the year 1834 he saw a recent example of this species, which was shot in the county of Wexford; that two specimens in his col- lection were shot near Malahide, county of Dublin, in the summers of 1835 and 1836—two or three years before this time, he more than once met with a bird of this species feeding in a field of vetches, in the locality whence the specimens were procured, but it was too wary to admit of his approach within gun-shot. H. H. Dombrain, Esq. states, that one was shot in the summer of 1836, in Lord Roden’s demesne, Dundalk. On the 10th of July 1837, I saw a * Since the above was written, I have been credibly informed that a pair of turtle-doves bred in a plantation near Downpatrick in the summer of 1842. They remained to a late period in the locality, one of them having been killed on the 12th of November. Dr. Burkitt of Waterford mentions two specimens obtained near that town—in 1834 and 1836, 288 Mr. W. Thompson on the Birds of Ireland. turtle-dove in the shop of Mr. Glennon, who assured me that it had been killed about three weeks previously near Donnybrook, a few miles from Dublin. George Selby, Esq. of Alnwick, Northumber- land, (brother to the distinguished naturalist, and imbued with simi- lar tastes,) on visiting Belfast in October 1837, informed me that one of these birds, which admitted of a close approach, was seen by him on the road-side between Armagh and Aughnacloy in the first week of that month. When on a tour in Holland and Switzerland in the summer of 1826, the turtle-dove was met with, and in the former country was very tame. When proceeding in H.M.S. Beacon from Malta to the Morea in the spring of 1841, a few of these birds appeared on the 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th of April, coming from the south on their way from Africa to Europe. They generally came singly, and not more than two were seen in company*. On the 29th of April I saw one near Navarino; and again on the 6th of May in the island of Syra:—at the end of this month, numbers were observed in the spacious gardens of the old seraglio at Constantinople. Tue Purasantr—Phasianus Colchicus, Linn.—is a species, which, having unquestionably been introduced to Ireland, has omly claims to be considered in a supplementary note. The period of its introduc- tion is unknown to met. Smith would seem to have imagined that it was indigenous to the island, as in his ‘ History of Cork’ it is ob- served—‘‘ They are now [about 1749] indeed very rare, most of our woods being cut down.” This splendid bird has for a long time past been common in many parts of the country, where it is carefully preserved and protected. In Down and Antrim the ring-necked va- riety is not uncommon; and IJ have seen a few examples (shot in a wild state) of the female in the assumed plumage of the male, but, although his colours were there, they were always dull in hue com- pared with the gloss and splendour of the adult plumage of the veritable cock—on the dissection of one of these, the eggs were ob- served to be not larger than clover-seed. I have often remarked the aversion of the pheasant to take wing when near its home, and have seen it, even when cantered directly up to, or charged on horseback, run across a considerable stretch of field to the preserve, rather than take wing. Attention has been called by some writers to the effect of thunder in prompting the pheasant to crow, and on this subject the following note appears in my journal :—‘ April 7, 1833. When walking along the banks of the Lagan today between four and five o'clock, there were a few peals of thunder, at the immediate commencement of each of which, the pheasants in Belvoir Park crowed, although their ‘ most sweet voices!’ were not to be heard at any other time.” Mr. Waterton does not believe in the capture of pheasants by means of the fumes of sulphur, but though never present at any such poaching office, I * In Annals, vol. viii. p. 128, are further particulars. t+ In the year 1589 it was noticed as common. See note on Quail. Mr. W. Thompson on the Birds of Ireland. 289 have no doubt from what has been related to me that they are so taken, and that the vile practice is resorted to on the western, as well as the eastern side of the Irish Sea. An observant friend has often remarked that during the absence of the pheasant from its nest the eggs (sometimes thirteen in number) were covered with hay, which he believed to have been always placed there by the bird itself. Upon looking to notes on the food observed in opening nine phea- sants, killed at various times and places during five months—from December to Apri] inclusive—I find that the stones of haws or fruit of the white-thorn were contained in seven of them; in addition to these were grain, small seeds, and peas: one exhibited a few roots of plants and twigs of trees: another was nearly filled with grass: one only contained any insects—all presented numerous fragments of stone. A pheasant which frequented our own garden daily for some time in summer was accused of feeding on black currants; the tops of turnips are sometimes eaten; and a fine cock bird was in the habit of visiting a stable-yard in the vicinity of Belfast very early in the morning for the purpose of feeding there. The Bishop of Norwich, in his ‘ Familiar History of Birds,’ men- tions an ungallant and furious assault of a cock-pheasant upon a young lady when quietly walking on the highway, but who, never- theless, seized her assailant and carried him home. Though, per- haps, not a rare instance in the case of the barn-door fowl, it may be worth noticing, that a fine cock of this species kept in our own yard, on more than one occasion assaulted an old cook who nowise meddled with him, though she did sometimes lay hold of some of the members of his seraglio. She was once indisposed for a few days after his attack, on which occasion he, according to her own version, had struck her ‘‘ severely with his spurs between the ribs.”’ In April 1842 the following paragraph appeared in a Dublin news- paper :—‘‘On Sunday se’nnight, a child named MarthaCollins, living at Harold’s-cross, was sent by her mother to a livery-stable yard in the neighbourhood, kept by a Mr. Smith. On entering the yard, a cock flew at the child and struck her three or four times in the face and other parts of the head, cutting her with each blow. A woman, also named Collins, resident in the yard, hearing the screams of the little sufferer, ran to her assistance and rescued her. On the Tuesday following, it was considered necessary to have medical aid, and the child was shown to Dr. Monks, who at once pronounced the case fatal. The child expired the next day. An inquest was held on the body, and a verdict according to the above-mentioned circumstance returned.” _ In the work last mentioned, a mousing hen is alluded to (vol. ii. p- 97. 3rd ed.), which reminds me that in my young days there was a hen of our own stock which took an especial delight in mouse- hunting, and often have I seen her carrying her victims about as if in triumph. Gotp Pueasant (P. pictus), S1tver Pusasant (P. nyctheme- ris). As itis interesting to know the age which these birds will Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 290 M. Nicolucci on the Anatomy of the Triton aquaticus. attain in captivity, one or two notes on the subject may here be in- troduced. A fine male silver pheasant has been known to me to live twenty-one or twenty-two years. Such gold pheasants as I happened to learn the age of did not exceed half that period, though which species can really be termed the longer lived, I am unable to state. Such of the latter as came under my knowledge died almost instantaneously, and when in the highest condition as to flesh and plumage. Some years ago I saw at Glenarm Park a brood partly of the common, and partly of the silver pheasant, which had thriven very well together under the maternity of a ‘‘ barn-door” hen—the young of both species made their first appearance on the same day, It may here be mentioned that a pair of Pea-Fowt (Pavo cristatus) which we had for some time, paid due respect to the hall-door, as there they would eat only of bread or biscuit (moistened), although at the back door, or in the yard, they would feed freely on potatoes. George Matthews, Esq. informs me that many years ago at Springvale, county of Down, where nearly fifty Gurnza-Fowt (Nu- mida Meleagris) were kept, they flew about in company every even- ing before roosting, and then settled for the night on the highest trees about the place, which were ash. On a field of barley being reaped there, a nest of these birds was discovered, containing be- tween two and three hundred eggs. [To be continued. ] XLV.—Anatomical Researches on the Nervous and Circu- lating Sysiems of the Triton aquaticus, or Aquatic Sala- mander. By G. Nicoxiucctr of Naples. Communicated by Dr. Grant, Professor of Comparative Anatomy and Zoo- logy in University College, London. Tue object of the brief investigations which we now detail is merely a summary indication of the nervous and circulating systems of the Aquatic Salamander, in preparing a complete monograph of which we have been for some time engaged. 1. Nervous System. The encephalic mass of the Salamander occupies a great part of the cavity of the cranium, and is formed by two oblong hemispheres, having a median furrow on their upper and under surface. The pineal gland, sufficiently developed, fills the space that the hemispheres present on the under side by diverging a little from each other, and closes the large cala- mus scriptorius between the two enlargements of the medulla oblongata, which, extended as far as the tail, presents a lon- gitudinal median furrow. It is around the brain itself, and most especially externally along the furrow that separates the lobes of the medulla oblongata, that the chalky follicles of M. Nicolucci on the Anatomy of the Triton aquaticus. 291 Comparetti are visible, which appear to penetrate as far as the auditory organ, and which are again met with under the skin, of the use of which we are ignorant. Certainly they cannot be confounded with the dermal follicles which secrete the mucus with which the surface of the Salamander is covered, as they are considerably larger than these and quite different in colour. The spinal marrow has not any enlargement corresponding with the nervous plexuses, which are directed to the anterior and posterior extremities ; but the nervous filaments which spring from it have only a double root, which appears evi- dently in all the costal nerves, resembling what Delle Chiaje has observed in the Proteus. The brachial plexus is formed by three cervical nerves, which send off, before they unite, filaments both for the skin and the surrounding muscles, and, again united, divide into two branches, of which the shorter radial does not go so far as the fore-arm, dividing itself into infinite ramusculi; and the cubital, having furnished branches to the muscles of the arm, parts into four digital branches, each directed to its own finger. The plexus ischia- ticus also consists of three lumbar nerves, of which the median sends branches to the genital organs and to the kidneys, the posterior sends small filaments to the neigh- bouring muscles, and the superior join to form two tr unks, the anterior and posterior sciatic; the first the shorter, which does not reach so far as the thigh ; the second, which extends to the foot, parting into two branches, one which supplies the two digital nerves to the first two fingers, and the other those of the remaining three. The great sympathic nerve appears to have its origin from the third cervical nerve, from which a filament is seen to be given off, which, passing across the other cervical nerves that form the brachial plexus, gives origin to the exceedingly mi- nute ganglions on the spinal nerves precisely where their double roots join, and terminates in the first of the lumbar nerves, which unites with the others in forming the plexus ischia- ticus. The cerebral nerves of the Salamander are reduced to the first, second, fifth, eighth and ninth pairs. The first of these or the olfactory, springing from the anterior part of the cere- brai hemispheres, immediately distributes itself in the nasal cavity ; the second or the optic, springing from the rudimental optic thalami? (lobes), turns towards the eye, the bulb of which it penetrates entire ; and the fifth or the trigeminus, taking its rise immediately in ‘the upper part of the medulla oblongata, trifurcates after having given origin to a ganglion, the first 9 292 M. Nicolucci on the Anatomy of the Triton aquaticus. branch directing itself in a great measure to the skin of the muzzle and to the internal parts of the eye, the second to the maxillary angle, and the third partly to the skin of the head and partly to the inside of the mouth. The eighth pair or the acoustic, rising immediately from the brain, and in con- tact with the calcareous granules, enters into the auditory ca- vity ; and the ninth or the pneumo-gastric, having a common origin with the fifth, at first enlarges into a ganglion, then resolves itself into three branches; the outer directed to the skin, the inner to the heart and the aorta, and the median further parts into two branches, one for the stomach and the other for the lungs. 2. Circulating System. A. Arterial System.—¥From the conical ventricle of the heart, placed above a single (? double) auricle, rises the bulb of the aorta, which sends out three great trunks from both sides : the upper of which may take the name of carotid, since it en- tirely distributes itself in the head, and at first sends a super- ficial branch into the interior of the mouth, then another which soon divides into two; the internal, which supplies a branch to the eye and enters the cranium, passing over the brain and anastomosing with the opposite branch; and the external, wholly directed to the ear. The last most conspicuous branch is the maxillary, which supplies also a small branch to the muscles of the neck. The third or lower trunk, having anasto- mosed, by means of a transverse branch, with the median, is directed entirely to the lungs, where it forms a very delicate network joined by its extremities with the ramifications of the pulmonary vein. The median trunk is that which makes a curve and then descends to form the aorta ; but before it bends, a little after its quitting the bulb, it sends out a branch which turns directly towards the nasal fossee, supplying besides a ramuscule to the eyeball. The aorta, which runs through the whole body to the extremity of the tail, furnishes from its commencement in opposite directions the subclavian arteries, which branch off in their turn into the brachial, ulnar and radial, terminating in the four digitals for the upper limbs, before they enter which they furnish a large branch (arteria mammaria) anastomosing with the ischiatic arteries, and from which separate so many ramusculi for the abdominal muscles and skin. Thence from the aorta there rises lower down the celiac artery, from which originate all the arterial vessels of the abdominal cavity. Because there arises from this the cysto- hepatic artery directed towards the gall-bladder and to the liver, where it is dispersed in a multiplicity of branches ; the M. Nicolucci on the Anatomy of the Triton aquaticus. 293 pancreo-duodeno-gastro-splenic divided into the pancreo-duo- denal and the gastric, which previous to its being divided upon the stomach sends two pretty large branches to the spleen. Two other small trunks which spring from the cceliac are all directed to the small intestine (arteri@ mesenterice superiores) ; whilst another branch (a. mesenterica inferior) goes off direct from the aorta to disperse itself on the large intestine. Betwixt the cceliac and the last-described artery, the aorta always sends off branches to the testicles and the vasa deferentia in the males, to the ovaries and oviducts in the fe- males ; to the adipose bodies ; to the kidneys in 10—12 ramus- culi. Along the course of the aorta there pass off from it at right angles and in opposite directions the intercostal arteries, and from the last the vesical and the ischiadic, which, having given a superficial branch to the surrounding muscles, and anastomosing with the mammary, turn towards the hinder legs, soon divided into the femoral, tibial and fibular, extend- ing to the fingers, divided into the five digitals. The aorta being prolonged into the tail, first gives small branches to the cloaca, and moreoyer lateral branches as far as to the extre- mity of the tail. B. Venous System.—From the union. of the digital veins arise the femoral and tibial of the hinder limbs, which are united, in the interior of the pelvis, to the caudal vein, from which then arise the renal afferent vein, which receives the vesical and is dispersed through the whole kidney by the aid of considerable lateral branching trunks; the wmndilical, which runs isolated along the ventral side of the body so as to reach the liver and there lose itself; the vena porte, which ascending successively collects many intestinal branches, the splenic vein, the pancreatic, the gastric, and divides thus enlarged in the liver; whilst the renal efferent vein, arising by the side of the kidneys from the many trunks which seem to be anastomosed with the renal efferent veins in the same manner as the pul- monary artery and veins are upon the respiratory sac, turns to the vena porte *. * Jacobson was really the first person who made mention of this peculiar circuit of the blood in the kidneys which occurs in fishes and reptiles, but not in birds, as Nicolai has demonstrated (Oken’s ‘ Isis,’ 1806, p. 404) ; but the description given of it by Jacobson was altogether doubtful and confused, so that many anatomists either paid little regard to it, or considered it as a thing not at all demonstrated (Duvernoy in ‘ Cuviér, Legons d’Anat. Comp.’ 2nd edit., Paris, 1839, tom. vi. pp. 254, 255). Meyer (Analekten fiir ver- gicich. Anat., Bonn, 1835) pointed out traces of it, in the Rana pipa, some- what more distinctly than the Danish anatomist ; and Wagner in like man- ner made it the subject of his investigation (Lehrbuch der vergl. Anat., 294 M.Nicolucci on the Anatomy of the Triton aquaticus. The vena cava posterior collects the branches of the dorsal skin, the spinal branches of the ovary and the oviducts in the females, of the testicles and deferential canals in the males, and of the adipose bodies, and running by side of the liver receives there the hepatic vein ; thence discharges itself into the single auricle of the heart. The cava superior is formed of the jugular veins which carry back all the blood of the head, from the subclavian which bring back the nutritive liquid from the upper limbs, and from the pulmonary veins. Leipsig, 1834, pp. 172, 178). But none of these has unfolded this question with so much accuracy as Delle Chiaje. We shall not now repeat what the above-mentioned anatomists have said upon the venous system of Jacobson,—a discussion on which we shall enter in our Monograph,—but shall state that the observations of Delle Chiaje have already been recorded in his ‘ Notomia Comparata’ (Naples, 1836, ii. 104 —114. pl. 53. f. 1. Q q K B, in the Rana esculenta, 38 H 45 v 8 for the Coluber natriz), in the ‘ Ricerche anatomico-fisiologiche sul Proteo serpen- tino (Naples, 1840, inserted in the ‘ Antologia di Sc. Nat. di Piria e Scacchi’ for March 1841), and more particularly in the ‘ Monografia del Sistema cir- colatorio sanguigno degli animali rettili,’ presented with 16 plates imperial 4to to the R. Acad. of Sciences, and mentioned in the Annual Discourse, 1888, of the Secretary Cav. Monticelli, and in our translation of Tiedemann’s ‘General and Comparative Anatomy ’ (Nap. 1840, p. 142). We ought lastly to notice that Delle Chiaje two years ago undertook for us the injection of the entire Jacobonisan system (which he appropriately denominates the uro- entero-hepatic) in an eft, and that the description of it traced by us in the salamander was taken from an injection, which at our request he was so good as to make for us, thus enabling ourselves to repeat it, as we often have done, with every kind of facility. With regard to the office of the kidneys in reptiles and fishes, the opinions of Jacobson appear probable enough that they assist in the function of the hematosis, although Bojanus (Oken’s ‘ Isis,’ 1 bd. 7 hft. p. 873) and Carus (Lehrb. d. vergleich. Zoost. ii. Leipsig, 1834, p. 700) maintain that all the blood must be carried directly into the liver. This function of the kidneys was expressed by Jacobson (De peculiari systemate venoso, &c. Hafnize, 1821) in the following terms: ‘ This venous system is charged with carrying into the kidneys, or into the kidneys and liver, the venous blood coming from the hinder and middle part of the body, making it subserve the functions of the secretions of those organs.” And this for a double reason, both because the lungs, or at least the branchiz, in reptiles and fishes, do not present to the air so ample a surface as in the higher animals, to the vascular ramifications which carry the blood there into contact with the aérial fluid; and also be- cause the venous blood, mixing in the heart with the arterial blood returned from the pulmonary veins, this is conveyed there in a state the most fitted for the wants of nutrition ; and this clearly takes place partly in the kidneys and partly in the liver, and partly also, it may be said, in the skin, where the blood undergoes a modification in its proper elements, and from being venous and useless for nutrition becomes arterial and nutritive. It appears, then, that subsequent to Delle Chiaje, who was the first to give its topographical description and delineation, nothing new has been added to the anatomical knowledge of the Jacobsonian system ; nor, since Jacob- son, any new idea respecting its physiological interpretation, Bibliographical Notices. 295 [The zootomical labours of Delle Chiaje have now been familiar to the anatomists of Europe for nearly a quarter of a century, and they reflect great honour on him and on his country. It must therefore be gratifying to all foreigners to observe the zeal and candour of his fellow-labourers at Naples, in thus reclaiming for their distinguished countryman the merit of originality to which he is so justly entitled — R. E. G.] BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. The Climate of the South of Devon and its influence upon Health ; with short accounts of Exeter, Torquay, Babbacombe, Teignmouth, Daw- lish, Exmouth, Budleigh-Salterton, Sidmouth, §c. By Thomas Shafter, M.D., Physician to the Exeter Dispensary, Lying-in- Charity, &c. Pp. 258. 12mo. Churchill: London, 1842. In this work, although chiefly embracing statistics and medical topo- graphy, there are many interesting observations relative to natural history, and on that account it may with propriety be noticed in this Journal. The work was written “‘ in accordance with the suggestion of Sir James Clark, that in order to determine the true character of the climate of the south-western part of England, observations should be made in some of its principal localities.” This has been already done in regard to Bristol and Clifton by Drs. Carrick and Symonds, and in regard to the Land’s End by Dr. Forbes. Dr. Shafter’s publication is a continuation of the subject. The work is divided into two parts; the first treating of the cli- mate and diseases of South Devon, and the second of its geology, natural praductions, ceconomical history and statistics. The climate of Devon generally is warm and moist: this depends partly on its latitude and partly on its position as regards the ocean, nearly half of its circumference being sea-coast. ‘The mean annual temp. of South Devon is 51°29’, or nearly 1° higher than that of London ; one of its most striking characteristics is equability of tem- perature. The indications of the barometer, although not very dis- similar from those of London, yet show that the atmosphere of the district is both less dense and less liable to changes in its density than is the case in the metropolis. It is charged with moisture, and a slight depression of temperature causes deposition of dew or a fall of rain. In general language it may be stated, that from March to September the climate is dry, and during the remainder of the year humid. ‘The mean annual fall of rain amounts very nearly to 32 inches, being about 7 inches more than fall in London. The average number of wet days (7. e. days in which a fall of rain, however slight, takes place) amounts to rather more than 162, while in London it amounts to 178. Frost is not unfrequent during winter and spring, but is rarely of long continuance. Snow rarely falls in any great quantity, or re- 296 Bibliographical Notices. mains on the ground above two or three days, except on the high lands. Thunder and lightning are comparatively unfrequent, and very rarely indeed are the storms attended by serious or awful con- sequences. The prevailing winds are west and north-west. ‘‘ During the winter season the south-west wind is often accompanied by a warm thick mist, which is peculiarly relaxing, and from its frequency not unaptly styled Devonshire weather.” ** The chief characteristic then of the climate of this district is that of being warm, soft, mild, equably calm and free from storms : though subject to a large share of rain, yet it seldom occurs that a whole day is so unceasingly wet, as not to afford some hours, whether early or late, sufficiently fine for outdoor exercise.” The general mildness of the climate is indicated by many tender and delicate exotics flourishing in the open air and not being destroyed during the winter. Among them we may notice Hrythrina laurifolia, Laurus Camphora, Camellia japonica, Thea viridis and Bohea, Magnolia fuscata, Arundo Donaxr, Agave americana, Passiflora brasiliensis, Hydrangea hortensis, Mimulus cardinalis, Myrtus communis, Punica Granatum, Citrus medica, Limonum, and aurantium, Olea europea, Gladiolus cardinalis and psitta- cinus, Various species of Alstremeria, Callistemon salignum, Cheiranthus tristis, Salvia angustifolia, Ceanothus azureus. In illustrating the effects of climate upon the constitutions of the inhabitants, a description is given of the diseases incidental to the district. ‘Che results are deduced from the cases admitted to the Exeter Dispensary during ten years, and embrace 11,258 patients, of whom 4535 were males and 6723 females. September appears to be the healthiest month in the year. A diagram is given showing the relative number per cent. of sick persons in each month, and full tables are given illustrating the prevalence of particular diseases. This being more immediately connected with medicine, we do not enter upon it. We would recommend to all medical men this part of the work, as well as the notice of those diseases in which the cli- mate of Devonshire proves beneficial. = In treating of the geology of the district Dr. Shafter remarks, that the rocks which occur present a very extensive series, ‘‘ ranging from the granite to the lower cretaceous group; the series however is by no means complete, many of the intervening rocks being wanting. ‘Those which present themselves for investigation are granite, grau- wacke slates, carbonaceous rocks, schists, limestone, new red sand- stone (including Exeter conglomerate), greensand, granitic green- stone and trap rocks.” The indigenous Phanerogamous plants of Devonshire are said to amount to about 800, and the following is given as the number of species in the different natural Orders :— MonocoryLEDONEs. Gramines i.e tf. peer jo Aroider 1 es Sne eee SF ie Wyperaces, «nt 2: ates etree 48°~ Asphodelewt2 222", tees 5 PUN CACC: 0 vicistceustevegel oe cate 16 And referable to eight other Orelndactee, '.. .ises-.c etre 3 natural Orders........ ere Pruviales:'. 2) pees tee 10 Bibliographical Notices. 297 DicoryLEDONESs. Tee ante oe rete eee 72 Chenopodee .......... mn CEUCHGIa wie core cae stone eae 44 Boraginee...... BIKE STAR 13 Leguminose ............ 39 PrimulaceeandLentibularie 13 Umibetiviera. sos see te os 38 Geraniacez and Oxalidee.. 14 Rosaceze and Pomacee .... 36 MRubriacee.............. 11 GE Oye aca! ss = 2 == oe NEbypenieniows.. 2922. fJgoe 9 Scrophularine and Oroban- Sempervive........ ae EL 9 S Lsc teeter aep aa? Lue (SE Solanewe is 1 atlas © wre GxLI8 Caryophyllacez and Linee.. 31 Euphorbiacee .......... 8 Corylacez and Salicinee .. 28 Papaveracee........... ay TRY Ranunculacee ~..'........ 20 And referable to thirty-nin EOMOMCE sg aieicte oe site sss 2 18 other Orders...... Baicty be The Grasses form nearly two-thirds of the Monocotyledons, and together with the Composite one-fourth of all the Phanerogamous plants ; while Crucifere, Leguminose, Umbellifere, Rosacea and La- biate form together one-fourth more. Amongst the plants peculiar to the county are noticed Linosyris vulgaris and Lobelia ureus : Primula veris and Campanula rotundifolia, of common occurrence in the ad- joining counties, are but rarely met with. Hrica vagans is chiefly re- stricted to the serpentine formation ; Iris fetidissima and the Elm are frequent in the red sand; the Cistacee, Clematis vitalba and Inula Conyza on the limestone, and the Oak on the schist formation. We trust that the example which has been set by Dr, Shafter will be followed by others, and that ultimately we may expect to have full accounts of the climate and natural productions of the various counties of England. The tables of statistics of life and disease have been made with great care and are well worthy of attention. Annales des Sciences Naturelles :—Zoologic, M. Milne Edwards. Botanique, MM. Ad. Brongniart et Guillemin. Paris: Fortin, Masson and Co. Sept. 1842.—Zoology.—M. F. Dujardin on the Anatomy of Gor- dius and Mermis. The author gives the details of structure in the Gordius aquaticus and Gordius tolosanus. He confirms the account given by M. Siebold of the extraordinary structure of the animals of this genus. ‘‘ They are,” says M. Dujardin, “without mouth, without anus, without intestine, without veritable nerves or vessels. T hey have internally a fleshy muscular tube with thick walls. They have only a single aperture situated at the posterior extremity and serving doubtless the function of generation.”” Wanting all the organs ne- cessary to the preservation of the individual, M. Dujardin is led to suppose that the Gordius may be the last stage of development of a worm, in whick those organs have been atrophied in consequence of the excessive growth of the tegumentary system and of the organs destined for the continuation of the species. His genus Mermis differs from Gordius in the structure of its integument, in the presence of a minute terminal mouth, and in the mode of development of the ova. 298 Bibliographical Notices. There is something so anomalous in the structure of these worms, that we cannot admit the accounts of it to influence our generali- zations until we have further observations, and above all a careful ex- amination of animals of different ages. There is no difficulty in pro- curing material to work upon ; will no British observer take up the subject >—M. E. Robert on the Habits of Ants. —M. Bouchard-Chan- tereaux on the genus Productus, in which he proves that the dorsal valves of these shells is not imperforate as is generally supposed, but the contrary, and attached by a ligament like its allies.-—Compara- tive history of the Metamorphosis and Anatomy of Cetonia aurata and Doreus parallelipipedus, by M. Leon Dufour : an elaborate paper beautifully Ulustrated.—A translation of Mr. H. Goodsir’s import- ant paper on the Development of the Eggs and Metamorphoses of Caligus, from the ‘ Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal’ for July 1842.—M. Lucas on new Insects from Algeria. —M.H. Mittre on four new Shells, viz. 1. Helix Minorciensis (allied to H. serpentina) from Port Mahon ; 2. Helix Telonensis (allied to H. glabella) from Toulon ; 3. Helix Nyeli from Port Mahon, and 4. Cardium aquilinum from Toulon Roads. This paper wants figures. Botany.—On the genera Polysaccum and Geaster, by MM. L. R. and C. Tulasne. Their observations on the first are at variance with those of M. Corda: figures excellent.—On the dry Gangrene of Po- tatoes, as observed for some years in Germany, by M. de Martius (from the ‘Comptes Rendus’): a paper highly interesting to the vegetable pathologist, in which it is shown that the disease depends on the presence of a parasitic fungus.—On two plants new to the French Flora, by M. Delastre: these are Cirsium spurium and Li- naria pretermissa (new ; very near L. minor).—On the Nectaries of Plants, by M. L. Bravais.—On new Plants of Madagascar, &c., by M. Bojer. Oct. 1842.—Zoology.—On the Embryo of Syngnathus Ophidion, Linn., by M. de Quatrefages : an elaborate memoir on the early hi- story of these curious marsupial fish, illustrated by beautiful figures. —Researches on the composition of the Blood in some domestic ani- mals, by MM. Andral, Gavarret and Delafond.—Researches on Di- gestion, by MM. Bouchardet and Sandras.—Memoir on Belemnites, by M. Alcide d’Orbigny. Commencement: an excellent paper. Botany.—On the Distribution of the Arborescent Vegetables on the coast of Scandinavia, and on the north side of the Grimsel in Switzerland, by M. Ch. Martens. ‘‘ If we except the oak and the beech, the succession of trees is the same on the Grimsel and in the North.”—On the genus Xiphophora, and on the question whether we find in the Fucacee the two modes of propagation observed in the Floridee ? by Dr. Montagne.—On two genera confounded with plants of the family of Myrsinacee, by M. Alph. DeCandolle : these are, Parastemon; founded on the Hmbelia urophylla of Wallich, and Kellana, on the Myrsine Kellan of Hochstetter.—On the Flora of Southern Brazil, by MM. Aug. de St. Hilaire and Ch. Naudin. Third part. The plants enumerated belong to the family Malvacee. —M. Gay on the Flowers and Fruit of Fumaria officinalis.—M. C. Bibliographical Notices. 299 Dareste on a Monstrosity of Delphinium Ajacis.—M. Bunge on the genus Braya.—Count Jaubert and M. E, Spach, a Monograph of the genus Cicer: eight species enumerated.—Monograph of the genus Halimodendron, by the same botanists: three species described.— Third Century (5—8 decades) of new Exotic Cellular Plants, by Dr. Montagne. Nov. 1842.—Zoology.—Continuation of M. d’Orbigny’s memoir on the Belemnites ; the author arranges them under five groups: Ist, the Acuari; 2nd, Canaliculati; 3rd, Hastati ; 4th, Clavati; and 5th, Dilatati. These divisions not only present good zoological characters, but are respectively concentrated in different geological formations.—M. de Quatrefages on Hleutheria dichotoma, anew genus of Radiata allied to Hydra. Several highly original papers by this naturalist have lately appeared in the ‘ Annales,’ founded on researches among the Inver- tebrata of the coasts of France. Most of the animals he has described may be looked for in our own seas. The new zoophyte here fully investigated is microscopic, and appears to us to be rather an ally of Lucernaria than of Hydra, very possibly the young state of some known species. ‘The author has a tendency to see too much, and to put too great faith in the description of Hydra by M. Corda, His generic character, ‘‘ Ocular points at the bases of the arms: no feet,” is insufficient and unphilosophical.—M. S. Lovén on the Me- tamorphosis of an Annelide, see ‘ Annals Nat. Hist.’ vol. xi. p. 43.— M. 8. Lovén on Myzostoma cirrhiferum: an excellent paper on the curious parasite which infests the arms of Comatula.—M. Brullé on the Classification of Animals in parallel series, concluded.—M. Flou- rens on the Development of Bone. Botany.—M. Montagne on Exotic Cellulares, continued.—Count Jaubert and M. Spach, Monograph of Chesneya.—Prof. Bernhardi on the characters of Tulipacee and allied families (a translation from the ‘Flora’ for 1840).—M. Desvaux on anew Fig and some plants fur- nishing Milk.—M. Goeppert on the Anatomical Structure of some Magnoliacee (from the ‘ Linnea’). The researches of the author lead him to deny the analogy asserted to exist between Tasmannia and Drimys on the one hand, and the Conifere on the other. The re- sult is important, as removing an uncertainty from the study of fossil botany. j Dec. 1842.—Zoology.—Observations on the structure and func- tions of some Zoophyta, Mollusca and Crustacea of the coasts of France, by M. H. Milne Edwards. Every communication from the pen of M. Milne Edwards is of great value. In this paper he gives some most interesting notices: 1. On the Hermaphrodism of Pectens (in describing the testicle there is no mention of Spermatozoa). 2. On the Organization of Carinaria Mediterranea: the distinction of sexes in the animals of this species is first made out, In describing the respiratory system no mention is made of the presence or absence of cilia on the branchize, the structure of which is compared to that of the branchize of the Pleurobranchus. [We have sought for cilia on the branchiz of Firo/a in vain, but with better glasses and under more favourable circumstances they may perhaps be detected.] ‘Ihe 300 Bibliographical Notices. nervous system is well made out. 3. On the existence of a Gastro- vascular apparatus in the Calliope of Risso, a Mollusk of the family of Eolidee. [The phenomenon herein described may be well seen in the Montagua viridis, Forb. of our own seas.] 4. On the Sper- matophores of the Cephalopoda. All these notices are illustrated by beautiful figures.—On the Neutral Nitrogenous Substances occur- ring in Organization, by MM. Dumas and Cahours.—Remarks rela- ting to Insects found in the neighbourhood of Paris, by M. E. Ro- bert.—Note on the existence of the Urea in the Normal Blood, by M. Simon (from Miiller’s ‘ Archiv’ ). Botany.—Observations on the structure of Dotted Vessels, by Prof. Mohl (from the ‘ Linnza’).—Observations on the Flower and Ovary of G2nothera suaveolens, by Dr. Duchartre: an elaborate paper with beautiful illustrations.—Note upon the Mineral Bases occurring in the Walls of Cells, by M. Payen.—Review of some observations on the Development of the Appendages of the Vegetable Axis, by M. Ch. Naudin.—Prof. Bernhardi on the Sesamee (from the ‘ Linnea’). —Prof. Koch on the Strawberries of Germany and France (from the ‘Flora’).—M. Meyer on the species of Agrimonia (notes on sixteen species, results of examination of nine), from the Bulletin of the Imperial Academy of Petersburg.—Fischer, Meyer and Schrenk on Schrenkia and Cryptodiscus, new genera of Umbellifere: extracted from a Russian work on the plants of Longaria. The London Journal of Botany. By Sir W. J. Hooker, K.H. &c. &c. No, 11, Nov. 1842, to No. 15, March 1848. Contents :—Botanical Excursions in South Africa; by C. J. F. Bunbury, Esq. (Nos. 11, 13.).—On a new species of Thuja, and on Podocarpus Totarra of New Zealand ; by Sir W. J. Hooker (No. 11. t. 18, 19.).— Memoir to determine the use of Pollen in Natural Clas- sification ; by Dr. Aldridge (No. 11. t. 20.).—On the Hair-collectors of Campanula; by W. Wilson, Esq. (No. 11. t. 20.).—Figures and descriptions of three species of Podocarpus ; by Sir W. J. Hooker (No. 12. t. 21, 22, 23.).—Genera of Ferns; by J. Smith, A.L.S. (No. 12.).—On the Vegetation of the Feejee Islands, Tauna, New Ireland and New Guinea; by R. B. Hinds, Esq. (No. 12.).—Notes of a Botanical Tour in the Azores; by H. C. Watson, Esq. (No.13, 15.).—Descriptions of four new genera of Plants from the Organ Mountains [Boromania, Leucopholis, in Composite; Hockinia, in Gentianee ; Napeanthus, in Cyrtandacee.| (No. 13.).—Contributions towards a Flora of South America: Mr. Schomburgk’s Plants from Guiana; by G. Bentham, Esq. (No. 13.).—Contributions towards a Flora of South Africa; by Dr. Meisner (No. 13, 14.).—Biographi- cal Sketch of F. Bauer; by Dr. Lhotsky (No. 14.).—Notes on a Botanical Excursion in South Carolina; by Dr. A. Gray (No. 15.). —Notes on the Distribution of Plants in Aberdeenshire; by Dr. Dickie (No. 15.).—Some data towards the Botanical Geography of New Holland; by Dr. Lhotsky (No. 15.).—Brief descriptions of Ju- niperus Bermudiana and Dacrydium elatum; by Sir W. J. Hooker Bibliographical Notices. 301 (No. 15. t. 1, 2.).—Botanical Information : Botanical Letters from Dr. Hortmann in Surinam (No. 11.); also from Mr. Drummond in New Holland (No. 12.), and extracts from M. Boissier’s Spanish Botany (No. 12.) ; Notice of Le Conte Jaubert and M. Spach’s Ilus- trationes Plantarum Orientalium ; Mr. H. C. Watson’s geographical distribution of British Plants, third edition; and of the Rev. J. E. Leefe’s ‘ Salictum Britannicum Exsiccatum’ (No. 15.).—Botanical Collections noticed: China, South Africa, Caucasus, Swan River (No. 15.). Salictum Britannicum Exsiccatum. Fase. I. By the Rev. J. E. Leefe, M.A. In a former number of the ‘ Annals’ we announced that a work under the above title was in preparation, and we have now the plea- sure of informing our readers that the first fasciculus has reached us. We beg to recommend the collection most strongly; the specimens are ample, in good preservation, and very complete ; and the notes appended to them are usually of considerable value. Great addi- tional interest is given to these specimens by their having been in- spected, and the nomenclature authenticated, by Mr. Borrer, whose acquaintance with willows generally, and particularly those of Bri- tain, is probably unequalled. We hear that the great labour and amount of time which the preparation of this fasciculus has required causes Mr. Leefe to have considerable doubt of being able to con- tinue the publication, but we earnestly hope and expect that this part will be so well received by botanists as to cause him to come to a different determination. Owing to some accident the author has not appended his name to the collection, nor named any publisher, we therefore think it right to add his name and address, viz. ‘‘ Rev. J. E. Leefe, Sigston, North Allerton, Yorkshire.” We believe that the collection may be procured from Messrs. Whittaker and Co., Lon- don, and recommend an early application, as very few copies were prepared. ‘The price is extremely moderate. PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION. Mr. Hassall informs us that he has long been collecting materials for a History of the British Freshwater Algee. Mr. Hassall states, that should any botanists be desirous of investigating those species which occur in their own neighbourhoods, he will have much plea- . sure in assisting them in the determination of those species, which plan he hopes may conduce much to the completeness of the work. The simplest mode of transmission, he states, is to place a frag- ment of each species in a piece of moistened linen, and to enclose a number of such packages in an envelope of tin-foil. Illustrations of Indian Ornithology ; a series of fifty coloured Litho- graphic Drawings of Indian Birds, accompanied by descriptive Letter- press. By T. C. Jerdon, Assistant-Surgeon, Madras Medical Establishment. The original drawings have been executed by native artists, from pencil sketches by the author, and under his immediate superintend- 302 Zoological Society. ence. Several of them were exhibited at a meeting of the Literary Society of Madras some time ago, and were much admired for their beauty and accuracy. The subjects for the present publication will be selected so as to present an agreeable variety, and most of them will be figured here for the first time. . The drawings will be lithographed both on quarto and royal octavo paper. ‘Che colouring will be finished under the author’s own super- intendence. The letter-press will contain a full description of the species figured. The work is proposed to be published by subscription. Subseri- bers’ names received by Mr. Lizars, Engraver, Edinburgh. We have, at the same time, received a specimen of one of the il- lustrations, which is well executed and carefully coloured. PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Feb. 22, 1842.—William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair. The following ‘‘ Monograph of Crassatella, a genus of Acephalous Mollusks (Family Mactracea),”’ by Mr. Lovell Reeve, was read. The genus Crassatella was instituted by Lamarck for the purpose of associating certain bivalve mollusks that had been hitherto dis- tributed amongst the Mactre and the Veneres. Their shells exhibit an interesting peculiarity of character, differing froin the former in being thick and solid, and for the most part covered with a strong brown epidermis ; and from the latter in the position of the ligament. The genus, however, as introduced by Lamarck, was yet imperfect; it included five species that could not easily be distinguished from his Amphidesmata, and was therefore susceptible of farther division. With the view of uniting the intermediate species of these genera, a new genus was proposed by Deshayes, under the title of Mesodesma, and I have found great convenience in adopting it in my ‘ Systematic Conchology.’ Thus out of eleven species described by Lamarck as Crassatelle, six only can be allowed to remain. Since his time, how- ever, several new and important species have been discovered; two have been described by Sowerby in the ‘ Proceedings’ of this Society, one by the same author in his ‘ Appendix to the Tankerville Cata- logue, and I have now the pleasure of exhibiting tex more, which I believe to be entirely new to science. To make this a complete monograph, I mention all the species, di- stinguishing the new ones by the addition of the specific characters. 1. CRASSATELLA CASTANEA. Crass, testd ovato-trigond, gibbosd, umbonibus plané erosis, epidermide castaned, quasi politd nitente, indutd ; intis subfuscd ; latere antico rotundato ; postico angulifero, abrupto. Reeve, Conch. Icon.* Crassatella, pl. 1. f. 3. * Having made accurate drawings of the Crassatelle, with a view to publication at some future period, I venture to refer to a pictorial and de- scriptive repertory of species now in course of preparation, to be entitled * Concnotoaia Icontca.” Zoological Society. 303 Long. 34; alt. 3 poll. Mus. Stainforth, Saul, Walton. Hab. ad oras Nove Hollandiz. The Crassatella castanea is the largest and perhaps the best defined species of the genus; its shell is covered with a shining horny epi- dermis, and both valves are singularly eroded at the umbones. I know of three specimens of this fine shell, and each of them fully exhibit this last-mentioned peculiarity. 2. CrassaATELLA Kinercora. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. v. p. 481; Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 1. f. 5. Hab. ad oras Novee Hollandiz. Mus. Stainforth. A specimen of this species, in the possession of the Rev. Mr. Stainforth, is the only one that I have seen. 3. CRASSATELLA DECIPIENS. Crass. testd ovatd, subgibbd, epider- mide fusca indutd, vividé radiatd, radiis ab umbonibus ad margines sepe extensis ; latere antico subangulato, striis brevibus ornato ; postico subquadrato, pariim productiore. Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 1. f. 4. Long. 24; alt. 24 poll. Hab. ad oras Nove Hollandiz. Crassatella Kingicola, Nobis (falso), Conch. Syst., vol. i. pl. 44. f. 3. This species, which has lately arrived from New Holland in great abundance, has been received by most collectors as the Crassatella Kingicola of Lamarck; I moreover regret that it has been errone- ously figured under that title in my ‘ Conchologia Systematica.’ ‘This error was kindly pointed out to me by Mr. Sowerby, and I am now satisfied that the shell of Lamarck’s Crassatella Kingicola, which is accurately figured in the ‘ Genera of Recent and Fossil Shells,’ is one of extreme rarity. Mr. Cuming possesses a gibbous variety of the C. decipiens, but it is not sufficiently distinct to demand especial notice. Mr. Owen is we believe engaged upon the anatomy of this species. 4, CRAssaTELLA PULCHRA. Crass. testd ovato-trigond, depressd, obsolete radiatd, epidermide crassa, fibrosd, molliusculd, indutd ; transversim sulcatd, sulcis profundis, regularibus ; latere antico rotundato ; postico subangulato. Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 3. f. 16. Long. 22; alt. 2 poll. Mus. Cuming, Stainforth. Hab. ad oras Nove Hollandiz. De Blainville appears to have figured this shell in his ‘ Manuel de Malacologie’ as the Crassatella sulcata of Lamarck; but it is of a totally different form, nor does it agree with the Mactra sulcata of Bruguieére, to which he refers in the ‘ Encyclopédie Méthodique’; I therefore now propose to distinguish it by the above new title. The shell of the Crassatella sulcata approaches rather in form to that of the Crassatella rostrata, the anterior side of which is specially cha- racterized as being productiore ; the grooves too in that species run irregularly across the valves, and are not parallel with the lines that mark the increase of growth. ‘The shell of the Crassatella pul- chra, on the contrary, is of a plain triangular form; the posterior 304 Zoological Society. side is but slightly produced, the grooves are very deep, and they run parallel with the lines of growth. 5. CRAssaTELLA LAPIDEA. Crass. testd ovato-orbiculatd, epider- mide fibrosd indutd, umbonibus parvis, striatis ; intis subfuscd ; latere antico rotundato, abrupto, striis nonnullis brevibus ornato ; postico subangulato. Keeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 2. f. 7. Long. 13; alt. 1} poll. Mus. Cuming. Hab. ad insulam Negros, Philippinarum. Mr. Cuming met with one true pair only and a few odd valves of this species at the Island of Negros in coarse sand in seven fathoms water. he shell somewhat resembles that of the Crassatella donacina, but may however be readily distinguished. G6. CRASSATELLA DONACINA. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. v. p. 481. Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 3. f. 19. This shell, figured in Delessert’s ‘ Recueil de Coquilles,’ pl. 4. f. 1, a, b, is extremely rare. ‘The only specimens I have seen are in the collections of Miss Saul and the Rey. Mr. Stainforth. 7. CRASSATELLA UNDULATA. Sowerby, Proc. Zool. Soc., 1832, p. 56; Reeve, Conch, Icon. Crassatella, pl. 1. f. 2. a. and 6. 8. CrassaTELLA ANTILLARUM. Crass. testa trigono-ovald, vix gibbosd, crassa, epidermide fibrosd indutd ; intis brunned, prope ad marginem albicante ; umbonibus subdepressis, leviter undulatis ; latere antico rotundato, postico subangulato. Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 2. f. 8. Long. 32; alt. 2} poll. Mus. Cuming. Hab. ad insulam Margaritta, Antillarum. Mr. Cuming informs me that this beautiful species was dredged up in the pearl-fisheries at the island of Margaritta in the West Indies. It is erroneously figured in Delessert’s ‘ Recueil de Co- quilles’ as the Crassatella rostrata of Lamarck. ‘The rich chocolate colour of the interior of this shell is very remarkable, approaching somewhat in that respect to that of the preceding species. 9, CRASSATELLA JUBAR. Crass. testd subovatd, valde inequilaterali, gibbosd, extis vivide radiata, radiis ferruginosis, ab umbonibus, jubarum similitudine, divergentibus ; ad utrumque latus irregulari- ter multistriata ; epidermide fusca, subquassd, sparsim indutd ; in- tis alba, ad extremitatem posticam brunned ; umbonibus plicatis, compressis ; latere antico inclinato, rotundato, postico arcuato, elongato, acuminato. Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 2, f. 11. Long. 2}; alt. 13 poll. Mus. Cuming. Hab. ad oras occidentales Nove Hollandiz. A single specimen of this fine shell was procured by Mr. Cuming in Hamburgh; it had been received from that prolific portion of the globe above noted, and has made a valuable addition to the genus. It has the general form of the C. gibbosa; the sides are profusely striated, and the entire surface is richly illumined with brownish rays, diverging like solar beams from the umbones to the margin. Zoological Society. 305 10. CrassaTetta sutcata. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. v. p- 481; Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 2. f. 6. a. and 6. Hab. ad oras Nove Hollandie. This is another very rare species; I know of two or three odd valves, but only one true pair, which is in Mr. Cuming’s collection. 11. CrassaTELLA RosTRATA. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vel. v. p. 481; Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 2. f. 10. Hab. ad insulam Ceylon. The figures which have been just published by M. Chenu in De- lessert’s ‘Recueil de Coquilles’ as the Crassatella rostrata of Lamarck, are certainly not that species, nor do they at all correspond with his description of it, particularly in that part which says intis margine crenulato; I have moreover every reason to believe that they are drawn from specimens of the new species from the island of Marga- ritta, which we have called Crassatella Antillarum. The Crassatella rostrata is a well-known species from Ceylon, and the only large one of the genus that is distinctly crenulated at the margin. 12. CrassaTELLA Gipposa. Sowerby, Proc. Zool. Soc., 1832, p. 56; Reeve, Conch. Syst., pl. 44. fig. 2; and Conch. Icon. Cras- satella, pl. 1. f. 1. a. and db. 13. CRrAssATELLA corBULOIDES. Crass. testd suborbiculatd, valde gibbosd, umbones versis profund? sulcatd, epidermide fused in- dutd ; latere antico rotundato, postico producto, subitd rostrato. Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 2. f. 9. Long. 13; alt. 1 poll. Mus. Stainforth. Hab. iy The title of corbuloides is selected for this new and very character- istic species, on account of its short gibbous form; the anterior side is suddenly beaked, like some of the Corbule, and cannot well be confounded with the Crassatella gibbosa, to which it is nearly allied. 14, CrAssATELLA RADIATA. Sowerby, App. Tank. Cat.; Reeve, Conch, Syst., pl. 44. fig. 1; and Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 3. felon Hab. ad insulam Singapore. This species, originally described by Sowerby from a specimen belonging to the late Earl of Tankerville, was found by Mr. Cuming at the island of Singapore, in coarse sand at seven fathoms’ water. 15. CrassaTELLA sUBRADIATA. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. vy. p- 482; Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 3. f. 15. a. and 6. I have little doubt but that the shell now before me, from the col- lection of the Rev. Mr. Stainforth, is the Crassatella subradiata of Lamarck. Unfortunately there does not exist any drawing of it, nor does it appear in Delessert’s ‘ Recueil de Coquilles,’ in which M. Chenu professes to illustrate all the species described by Lamarck that have not yet been figured. 16. CRASSATELLA CONTRARIA. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. v. p- 481; Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 3. f.1$. Mus. Stain- forth, Saul. Venus contraria, Gmelin. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. X 306 Zoological Society. Venus divaricata, Chemnitz. Crassatella divaricata, D’Orbigny. Hab. ad insulam Lancerotte, Canariarum. I have only seen three specimens of this very interesting shell. The above locality is quoted from D’Orbigny’s ‘ Mollusques des Iles Canaries ;’ it is the only species of Crassafella he found in that di- strict. 17. CrassaTELLa ziczac. Crass. testd subtrigond, depressd, lute- old, epidermide tenui indutd ; radiis binis interruptis ab umbonibus ad margines divergentibus, lineis roseis, fleruosis, ubique pictd ; intis subrosaced ; lutere antico breviculo, rotundato ; postico sub- angulato ; lunuld utrinque radiis roseis vivide virgatd. Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 3. f. 15. Long. 1}; alt. 1 poll. Mus. Cuming. Hab. ad insulam Corrigidor, Philippinarum. This species was found by Mr. Cuming at the island of Corrigidor, in coarse sand at six fathoms water; he possesses it in several stages of growth, all of which are covered with fine rose-coloured zigzag _ lines. 18. CrassaTELLA TRIqUETRA. Crass. testd trigond, solidd, rosa- ced, epidermide tenui indutd, transversim striata; maculis roseis irregularibus vivide picta ; intis rosaced, versis marginem albi- cante ; margine tenuiter crenulato ; lateribus subrectis, vix rotun- datis ; lunula utrinque magna, radiis roseis vivide virgatd. Reeve, Cench. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 3. f. 14. Long. $; alt. $ poll. Mus. Stainforth, Cuming, &c. Hab. ? I am unfortunately ignorant of the locality of this pretty little species ; it is of a warm rose-colour, radiately spotted with deep pink, and is of a solid triangular form. 19. CRASSATELLA ORNATA. Crass. testd trigond, subdepressd, pal- lidd, lineis spadiceis brevibus, longitudinalibus, varie pictd, trans- versim striatd ; intiis albdque brunned, margine tenuiter crenulato, latere antico rotundato, postico fleruoso, angulato. Reeve, Conch. Icon. Crassatella, pl. 3. f. 17. Mesodesma ornata ? Gray. Long. 13; alt. ¢ poll. Mus. Stainforth. Hab. ? A specimen of this shell, in the collection of Miss Saul, is the only one we have seen at present. The above title has been decided upon because there is an inaccurate figure of it in Griffith’s ‘ Cuvier’s Animal Kingdom’ with the name of Mesodesma ornata; it is not ac- companied with any description, but we believe it to be intended for this shell. March 8.—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. Mr. Waterhouse called the attention of the Members to two new species of Marsupial animals from South Australia, and forming part of a collection presented to the Society by J. B. Harvey, Esq.; one Zoological Society. 307 belonging to the genus Phascogale ; and the other, of which only an imperfect skin had been procured, Mr. Waterhouse observed, was evidently a new species of Perameles, nearly allied to the P. Lagotis of Mr. Reid, but differed from that animal in having much smaller ears, a less hairy tail, and in being of a brown colour above, pen- cilled with white. The fur is dense and very soft; on the upper part of the body it is of a slate-grey colour next the skin; each hair of the ordinary fur is brownish white towards the apex, and shaded into deep brown at the point. ‘The longer and less soft hairs are very broadly annulated with white near the point, and black at the the point. The fur on the under parts of the body is white—rather impure; and next the skin it is tinted with palish grey. On the side of the body and head a yellowish hue is observable. The ears are of moderate size, rather broad, and well clothed with hairs; on the inner side these are of a dirty white colour, slightly tinted with yellowish, and so are those on the outer side, excepting towards the margin, where they are of a brownish black hue. The tail is im- perfect ; it must have been, however, longer than in any known Perameles (excepting the P. Lagotis), the part attached to the skin measuring eight and a half inches. It is well clothed with hairs, which completely hide the skin, though they are rather short: on the upper part they are of a rich brown colour, excepting towards the apex, where they are longer and entirely white; on the under side they are dirty white. The feet are unfortunately wanting. The length of the head and body is about sixteen inches, and the ear measures about one inch in length. Mr. Waterhouse gave to this animal the name of its discoverer, a Corresponding Member of the Society, and one to whom the Society is indebted for very many valuable collections. Its principal cha- racters may be thus expressed :— PeraMeEes Harveyr. Per. pilis mollibus ; corpore supra fusco alboque irrorato, infra albo; caudd longd, supra fuscd, infra et ad apicem sordidé alba. Hab. Port Adelaide, The Phascogale presents the following characters :— PuascoGate aLBipes. Phase. pilis brevibus et permollibus ; corpore supra nigro et flavescenti-irrorato, infra albo; pedibus albis ; cauda longa supra fuscescente, infra fusco-albd, une. lin. Longitudo ab apice rostri ad caudz basin.... 3 9 ——— ad basin auris .... 0 104 saa MEESTER SR eet aS SS beh icie se a ates Cit | — CWI et sic oe 3k o's ASS he 3 2 tarsi digitorumque.......... werery UREee Hab. Port Adelaide. The fur in this little animal is shorter than in other species of Phascogale hitherto described, and extremely soft; it is of a deep slate-grey colour next the skin, but externally, on the upper parts of the body, the colour is brownish, a tint produced by the admixture of black and yellow, the hairs being annulated with the latter colour X 2 308 Zoological Society. near the point, and black at the point. The under parts of the body are greyish white, each hair being deep grey and tipped with white. The feet are white. The tail is furnished throughout with very minute hairs. It approaches most nearly to the P. murina, but differs in being rather larger, in general colouring, and especially in having the tail of a dark colour, and not white, as in that species. March 22.— William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair. The following paper, by Mr. Lovell Reeve, entitled ‘‘ Descriptions of new species of Shells, principally from the collection of Hugh Cuming, Esq.,”’ was read. Butimus smaracpinus. Bul. testd oblongo-ovatd, nitidd, viridi, apicem versus subpurpured ; fascia albd per anfractuum suturas decurrente ; apertura rotundato-ovali, peristomate albo, reflexo. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 173. fig. 6. Had. ad insulam Mindanao, Philippinarum. Long. 23; lat. 13 poll. The whorls of this shell exhibit a pleasing gradation of colour; commencing at the apex in deep purple, it passes through pale yel- low to a bright sea-green, Heix Vatroni. Hel. testd ovatd, depressa, anfractibus ventricosi- usculis, ultimo superné productiore; rubido-fuscd, radiis longi- tudinalibus obsolete pictd ; epidermide tenui, peculiariter maculosd, indutd ; aperturd subquadrato-ovali, marginibus nigerrimis, dis- Junctis ; labro acutissime reflero. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 166. fig. 23. Hab. ad insulam Ceylon, Long. 24; lat. 13 poll. I name this remarkable shell in honour of my friend William Walton, Esq., a zealous and assiduous collector; it is of a dark ruddy brown colour, and has a very black polished lip; it is, how- ever, especially characterized by its curiously speckled epidermis. SIPHONARIA cHARACTERISTICA. Siph. testd orbiculari, conicd, extis longitudinaliter costatd, costis irregularibus, interstitiis ni- gricantibus, apicem versus valde decorticatis ; intis nigerrimo- JSuscd, impressione musculari scabrd, profunde notatd ; impressione siphonali characteristice imbutd. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 138. fig. 3. Hab. In sinu Panamensi. Long. 2}; lat. 17; alt. 14 poll. This shell approaches very closely to the Siphonaria gigas of Sow- erby ; we venture, however, after a close comparison between speci- mens of each in different stages of growth, to pronounce it a distinct species. It is of a more irregular form, and the separate impressions of the muscle and the siphon are remarkably distinct. Parmopnorus corrucatus. Parm. testd elongato-quadratd, tenui, depressd, extis leviter corrugata ; vertice obtuso, prope ad partem posticam inclinato. Reeve, Conch, Syst., vol. i. pl. 139. fig. 1. Hab, ad insulam Madagascar. Long. 13; lat. 3 poll. Zoological Society. 309 Principally distinguished by the position of the vertex, which is more posterior than in any other species; the wrinkled sculpturing upon the outer surface is also a well-defined peculiarity. PARMOPHORUS INTERMEDIUS. Parm. testd ovatd, elevatiusculd, antice attenuatd ; extis radiis asperrimis, quasi serratis, ornatd ; vertice prominulo, incurvo ; margine crenulato. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 139. fig. 5 and 6. Hab. ad insulam Bohol, Philippinarum. Long. 2; lat. 2 poll. This beautiful little shell, which may be considered as intermediate in its generic characters between the Parmophori and the Hmargi- nule, is most elegantly radiated on the outer surface, and the only species of this genus at present known that is serrated at the margin. EMARGINULA conoiDEA. Emarg. testd conoided, albicante, extis striis numerosis creberrimé radiatd ; vertice centralt, acuto ; mar- gine valde crenato, sinu marginali profundé inciso. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 140. fig. 7. Hab. f Long. 7; lat. 3; alt. $ poll. A very characteristic shell, in the collection of William Walton, Esq. CALYPTREA CINEREA. Cal. testd suborbiculari, extis a vertice ra- diatd, radiis spinis parvis numerosis irregulariter ornatis ; intis cinereo nitente, cyatho magno, albo, subpellucido, lateraliter flex- uoso. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 144. fig. 4 Hab. Cape Horn. Diam, 13; alt. 1 poll. An immense number of these shells, just brought to England, were found attached to a single log of wood floating off Cape Horn. The interior is lined with a very dark, ashy, highly polished enamel, but the cup is of a pure transparent white, offering a remarkably rich contrast of colour. The exterior of the shell is irregularly covered with numerous small spines, becoming, as in most of the Calyptree, obsolete with age. April 26.— William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair. The following “‘ Description of a new Dorsibranchiate Gasteropod, discovered at Madeira,” by the Rey. R. T. Lowe, was read. Class MOLLUSCA. Ord. GastrERoropa. Fam. Nupisrancu# (Les Tritoniens, Lam.). Gen. Prpiipra. Char. Gen.— Corpus limaciforme, repens, oblongum; posticé com- presso-triquetrum, dorso abrupté (ut in Scyl/ed) cristatum s. alato- carinatum ; apice attenuato, acuto. Caput anticé (ut in Thethye, L.) veliferum ; velo semicirculari, margine fimbriato-lacero, ciliolato : ore inter labia buccalia subtus, simplici. Tentacula (ut in Doride) duo. Orificium generationis ad colii dextrum. Branchie diplo- 310 Zoological Society. morphee: s. in medio dorsi (ut in Doride) circa anum stellatim ramos, arbusculiformes, ramis pectinato-ciliatis; et per latera utrinque (ut in Tritonia Thethyeve) longitudinaliter biseriate, conico-papilliformes ; papillis apice subdivisis, ciliatis. Obs. Corpus totum glabrum, leve, subpellucidum. Oculi nulli. Spec. Peplidia Madere, nob. Hab. in mari Maderensi-atlantico, inter rupes littorales in aquis stu relictis ; rariss. A single example of this beautiful and extremely interesting mol- lusk was discovered on the 24th of April, 1841, by Dr. Lister, in a pool left by the tide amongst a reef of rocks called the Gorgulho, situate a little to the west of Funchal. It presents a combination of generic characters, by which, if it approximates in each apart by turns to Doris, Thethys, Tritonia, and Scyllea, it differs notably from all. The large dorsal star-like tuft of branchiz, and the tentacles, resem- ble those of Doris; but it differs totally in other characters : the veil before the head, though smaller and differently fringed, together with the rows of branchiferous papillee down the back or sides, bring- ing it somewhat nearer Thethys, from which it is essentially distin- guished, as it is also from Tritonia and Scyllea, by its Doridian character of the ano-dorsal five-branched rose or star of branchiz. And if agreeing with the last of these two genera in the carinate or crested tail, it is at once distinguished by the presence of the frontal veil. The whole upper surface of the animal, which is from one inch and a half to two inches and a half long, about one-third of an inch broad and half an inch high, is of a pale dull red, mottled or freckled with brighter orange-red and yellow, and thickly speckled all over with dark chestnut-brown spots and dots, which are larger and sub- confluent in two sublateral darker lines or rows, meeting behind the branchial star upon the back, and smaller on the sides and veil. ‘The tentacles above, and the foot alone beneath are immaculate, the latter being pale pellucid flesh-colour, with the extreme edges yellow. The edges of the veil, and the tips of the dorsal or sublateral branchiferous papille are fimbriato-ciliate. Of the latter, there are two rows on each side: the lower consisting each of six small and inconspicuous or obsolete papilla; the upper, each of three much larger and more elongate or subcylindric bodies, placed at equal di- stances from one another, two in advance, and the third a little behind the ano-dorsal rose. The head or apex of each of this third or last pair forks into two parts, one of which is subdivided or ciliferous, like the other pairs; the other branch of the fork is simple and cla- vate, ending abruptly in a dark red sort of knob or button. The orifice of generation is on the right side of the neck, beneath the first of the upper row of branchiferous papille. During the animal’s life it appeared simple, but on contraction after death it was found to be composed of two apertures close together ; the male organ be- ing exserted from the anterior. The ano-dorsal branchial tuft or star is very large, and placed at Zoological Society. 311 the top of a strong hump or protuberance; the vent being in its centre, as in Doris. It appears, in general, equally five-rayed ; but assumes occasionally, as it also does sometimes in Doris, the appear- ance of being composed of two bifurcated lateral, and a simple ante- rior branch or ray. Its divisions are regularly and beautifully pec- tinate. ‘The caudal fin-like crest begins a little behind it; and its edge is crisped or irregularly notched and plicate, and even obsoletely ciliate here and there, or fimbriate. In swimming, this crest is stiffly expanded into a broad fin, ending abruptly behind, as in Cuvier’s fig. 4. of Scyllea pelagica (Mém, des Moll,), but with the edge even or entire. In a glass of sea-water, in which this animal lived more than six weeks, it had the usual habits of a Doris, but these with more acti- vity: swimming about violently when disturbed or when provided with a fresh supply of water, in which operation the hind part of the body, with the crested fin-like tail, is lashed from side to side with a strong and regular sculling motion ; the fore-part, with the head or veil expanded also to its full dimensions, being at the same time beat with equal force and regularity in a contrary direction, or obliquely upwards and downwards, stroke for stroke ; these parts (the veil and crest) performing thus alike the office of true fins. At night, espe- cially when thus in motion, it appeared most brilliantly phosphores- cent; the light flashing progressively but very rapidly along the body, especially from all the branchial tufts and the edges of the veil and crest. At other times it remained quiescently adhering to the sides of the glass, or moving slowly up and down as if in search of food; seeming to use the veil as a feeler, but with the tentacles reflexed. Sometimes it crawled in the usual inverted posture along the surface of the water. It is by no means a shy or timid animal. After five or six days, it deposited in the night-time a pale orange- coloured long and narrow riband of eggs, resembling a tape-worm, and loosely coiled up spirally on the side of the glass, to which it was partially attached by one edge. ‘This egg-band was about three inches and a half long and two lines broad, narrowing a little to- wards one end, On two subsequent occasions, at intervals of ten days or a fortnight, it again deposited two similar but smaller bands ; after which, though apparently remaining in full vigour, it retained not more than two-thirds of its former bulk. Its mode of swimming perfectly resembles that of the larva of the gnat so common in our English cisterns of rain-water. The next paper read was from W. J. Broderip, Esq. In this paper the author proceeds with his descriptions of Shells brought to this country by H. Cuming, Esq. In the second volume of the ‘ Zoological Journal’ will be found my notice of the Voluta aulica of Solander, a shell which formed one of the principal ornaments of the Portland Museum, of that of M. de Calonne (in the catalogues of which it is noted as unique), of the Tankerville collection (in the catalogue of which Mr. Sowerby speaks of it as “‘ an extremely scarce and fine shell; the only speci- 312 Zoological Society. men we have seen”), and of my own cabinet, which is now in the British Museum. Mr. Cuming has laid before me some Volutes which he brought from the Philippine Islands, and which, after a careful examination, I think must be referred to this scarce species. Not one of them, however, is identical with the variety in the British Museum (var. a.), which is still, as far as I know, unique. Voluta aulica. Var. a. Without nodules or bands, spotted with large red flakes : Mus. Brit. Figured in the Tankerville catalogue (G. B. Sowerby). Var. 6. Flesh-colour, subnodulous, girt with two broad rich red bands mottled with white ; spire mottled with red and white, apex coral-red. Length nearly 4 inches, breadth 16. Var. c. Flesh-colour, nodulous, lineated longitudinally with close- set,red, somewhat undulated lines, mottled here and there with white, girt by two interrupted rich red bands; spire mottled with red and white, apex coral-red. Length 44, breadth 23th inches. Var. d. Nodulous, whitish, lineated with very close-set, delicate, pale yellowish undulated lines ; body whorl girt with two broad yel- lowish red bands mottled finely with the ground-colour. The upper band is bordered above with a row of rich dark brown spots approach- ing closely to black, each spot being placed upon a nodule : the lower edge of this band is serrated as it were, and each of the teeth is marked with a spot immediately under the upper spots, but more dashed and somewhat less intense. ‘The upper edge of the lower band is marked in a similar manner, but the spots are less defined. Above the shoulder of the body whorl is a band of similar colour, with its lower edge dashed with markings of the same colour as those which ornament the other bands, and at similar intervals. Two simi- larly coloured spots appear below the third and fourth nodule of the spire just above the suture of the body whorl, which suture almost hides one below the second of those nodules, counting from the edge of the lip. Upper part of the spiral whorls coloured after the same pattern, and brought out by the pale ground-colour of the lower part. Apex yellowish red. Length 34 inches, breadth 14. This description will convey a very faint notion of one of the most beautiful shells I ever saw. Var. e. Sharply nodulous. Dull red, blotched with flesh-colour ; a faint band, palest in the middle at intervals, girds the body whorl below the middle. ‘The tips of the nodules are of the same colour as the blotches. Length 44 inches, breadth 23. Var. f. Very sharply nodulous, the muricated nodules becoming high ridges extending almost half-way down the body whorl. Dull coral-red, with here and there a dash of whitish between the nodules. A very faint band may be traced below the middle of the body whorl, and on its darker upper and lower borders a few white spots appear at intervals as they approach the lip. Length 42ths, breadth 24th inches. Var. g. Bluntly but highly nodulous on the back, the nodules on Zoological Society. 313 the lower side rather sharper. Whitish, lineated longitudinally with close-set undulated livid lines blotched with clouds and dashes of livid red. A broad pale band girds the body whorl below the middle. Apex reddish white. Length 53; breadth 3 inches. All these varieties, with the exception of var. a, are in the museum of Mr. Cuming. Conus Vicror. Con. testd subcylindraceo-conicd, flavd, maculis albis inspersd, fasciis 2 moniliformibus latis, nigro-brunneis vel brunneo-castaneis, latis concinne ornatd ; spire mediocris, pyra- midalis, anfractibus excavatis longitudinaliter striatis, subcancel- latis, apice subacuto. Long. 12; lat. 3 poll. Mus. Cuming, Harford. Hab. ? This brilliant Cone strikes the eye at once. The bright star-like spots with which the dark necklace-bands are interrupted and re- lieved, and the yellow ground-colour which takes the form of three alternating bands, render it attractive, and_the more minutely it is examined the more it gains on the attention. The necklaces form- ing the moniliform bands, when looked at with a lens, present the appearance of some of the flattened platted chains executed in gold and silver, and the shell altogether is a choice piece of workmanship. The species to which Conus Victor bears most resemblance are Cont nobilis and Ammiralis ; but it comes much nearer to the last in shape and general character, differing, however, from it in the deeper excavation and sculpture of the spire, to say nothing of the discre- pancy in the arrangement of the colouring, which in the only two specimens that I have seen is identical. Of these, the richest in colour is in the fine collection of Mr. Cuming, and the younger, but very perfect specimen, in the choice cabinet of the Rev. A. Harford. A paper by Mr. Lovell Reeve, entitled ‘‘ Descriptions of four new species of Achatina, a genus of Pulmobranchiate mollusks of the family Colimacea,” was then read. ACHATINA LacTEA. Ach. testd oblongo-ovatd, solidd, intis ex- tusque quasi fossili, lacted, epidermide levidensi sparsim indutd ; spird regulari, anfractibus longitudinaliter striatis, lineisque mi- nutis circumdatis ; aperturd suboblongd, labro solidiusculo. Reeve, Conch. Syst. vol. ii. pl. 177. fig. 6. Long. 4,5, ; lat. 2;'5 poll. Mus. Cuming, Stainforth. Hab. Zanzibar. This beautiful shell, which is in a perfectly live state, and covered with a slight scattered epidermis, is of a rich uniform cream-colour, without the least indication of any pattern; the whorls are very fully striated longitudinally, the strie rather irregularly following the growth of the shell; and they are again characterized by having a number of fine lines running around the upper half of them in an opposite direction. The columella, the aperture, indeed the entire shell, both inside and out, is of rich cream-colour, and by this alone it cannot fail to be recognised. 314 Entomological Society. Acuatina tinctTa. Ach. testd oblongo-ovatd, tenuiculd, albicante, maculis grandibus longitudinalibus vivide tinctd, epidermide flavidd indutd ; spird partim elatd, apice obtuso, resaceo ; aperturd ob- longd, alba. Reeve, Conch. Syst. vol. i. pl. 179. fig. 18. Long. 3%, ; lat. 13 poll. Mus. Cuming, Stainforth. Hab. ? probably some part of Africa. The Achatina tincta has a white shell covered with a yellowish epidermis, and it is singularly stained in a longitudinal direction with a deep morone colour. The stains take almost the form of bands in some places, but exhibit no degree of regularity. AcHATINA KRawnslIl. Ach. testd ovatd, vie ventricosd, rufo- castaned, epidermide durd, nitente, indutd ; anfractibus, ultimo excipiente, longitudinaliter strigatis, strigis albis, nunc rectis, nunc sinuosis, distantibus, de suturis, longitudine variabili, por- rectis ; spird breviusculd, apice obtuso ; aperturd ovatd, albd, Reeve, Conch. Syst. vol. ii. pl. 179. fig. 19. Long. 23; lat. 13 poll. Mus. Cuming. Hab. Cape Natal, coast of Africa. I have named this species, at the request of Mr. Cuming, in honour of Dr. Krans, who presented it to him on his arrival from Cape Natal, where he had formed a very interesting collection of shells. It is of a dark chestnut colour, and the last and penultimate whorls are marked with small zigzag stripes running from the sutures about half-way down them ; they are distant and somewhat irregular. Acuatina picta. Ach, testd ovato-conicd, levi, luted, maculis, quasi Sasciis, viridibus, conspersim ornatd; anfractibus planiusculis, suturis maculis castaneis, transversis, vivide pictis ; spird subelatd, apice minuto, rosaceo ; aperturd orbiculari, flavidd, Reeve, Conch. Syst. vol. ii. pl. 178. fig. 10. Long. 14; lat. 4 poll. Mus. Stainforth. Hab. ad insulam Cuba, Indiarum Occidentalium. This elegantly painted shell is allied to the Achatina fasciata in form, though it is certainly of lighter texture. The ground-colour is a bright yellow ; there are a few bright green bands crossing the whorls at intervals ; and the sutures of the whorls are ornamented throughout with a banded row of stained chestnut-coloured spots, for the most part touching each other. I only know of one speci- men, and it exhibits as distinct an assemblage of characters as can well be imagined. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. May 2nd, 1842.—W. W. Saunders, Esq., F.L.S., President, in the Chair. Frederick Parry, Esq., exhibited two cases of splendid Lepidoptera from Assam and Jamaica, including specimens of Papilio Agestor, Gray, and P. Cloanthus, Westw. Mr. A. White exhibited the remarkable cocoon of the North Ame- rican Bombyx crepuscularis, Abb. and Sm., one end of which is closed with a valve. Entomological Society. 315 Mr. Ingpen exhibited a specimen of the common white butterfly which had died in the act of passing from the larva to the chrysalis state. Mr. Westwood exhibited specimens of the pupz of a small species of Cicada, from the body of each of which one or several elongated appendages (clavarie) had been produced. Likewise a numerous collection of the portable cases formed by various insects, chiefly Lepidoptera allied to Oiketicus, Guild., as well as numerous draw- ings of other kinds of cases, observing that in all the instances which had fallen under his notice the Jarva closes the mouth of the case by fixing the edges of the aperture where the front of the body has for- merly protruded to the stems or leaves of trees, whereas in a draw- ing by Abbott in the British Museum. copied by Mr. Doubleday in the ‘ Entomologist,’ pl. 1. fig. 15, the case ofa species allied to Otke- ticus is affixed by a stalk at the open end to the twig. Mr. Edward Doubleday, who was present, however, affirmed the correctness of the drawing in this respect. Mr. Shuckard mentioned that he had found specimens in the in- digenous collection of the British Museum of Anthocopa Papaveris, and of the genus Ammobates, Latr., both hitherto unrecorded as na- tives of this country. He also exhibited some fine hymenopterous insects from New Holland, including a gigantic species of Megalyra, Westw. A paper was read by Mr. Westwood, containing descriptions of some new exotic Lamellicorn Beetles :— Silphodes Indica, W. S. castaneo-fusca, lateribus rufescentibus ; elytris striato-punctatis, mediocriter setoso-marginatis ; tibiis an- ticis extiis (et inter dentes) serratis ; tarsis anticis simplicibus. Long. corp. lin. 54.—Hab. East Ind. Mus. Melly. Silphodes Madagascariensis, W. SS. piceo-castanea, lateribus pe- dibusque magis rufescentibus ; capite antice latiori; elytris minus ovatis, punctatis punctis majoribus, striisque tribus levibus, punc- tis utringue marginatis ; lateribus longe setosis. Long. corp. lin, 53.—Hab. Madagascar. Mus. Melly. Silphodes dubia, W. S. nigricans, lateribus vir setosis ; prothorace levi ; elytris sub lente irregulariter punctatis, linets tribus levibus in singulo, punctis utrinque marginatis ; tibiis anticis externe (et inter dentes) serratis—Long. corp. lin, 44.——Hab. > Mus. Hope. June 6, 1842.—W. W. Saunders, Esq., F.L.8., President, in the Chair. Mr. Bond brought for distribution amongst the members, speci- mens of Blethisa multipunctata and Callidium violaceum, and Mr. Evans specimens of Cleonis nebulosa and a rare species of Chryso- mela. Mr. S. Stevens exhibited a box of Coleoptera captured near Charl- ton, Kent, comprising several rare species. Mr. Ingpen exhibited some branches of the spindle trees growing im Lincoln’s-Inn-Fields, covered with multitudes of a species of Coccus. 316 Entomological Society. Mr. F. Bond exhibited specimens of Schizocerus pallipes 8 and Cladius difformis 8, from Stanmore, Middlesex ; also a beautiful va- riety of Pecilophasia marginata. He also presented a number of cocoons of the small Honey-Moth. Mr. Stephens exhibited larvee of Nyssia zonaria bred from eggs received from Mr. Gregson. Mr. Westwood exhibited a specimen of a species of Typhlopone, together with a female of a large species of Ant which had lost its wings, brought from Algiers by M. Lucas, to the former of which was attached the following note :—‘‘ Fourmie trouvée dans une four- miliére qui par sa présence fait fuire les vrais habitans de la fourmi- lire ;’ the wingless ant being one of the latter. This fact was of interest as determining the real nature of the genus Typhlopone, which Mr. Shuckard has regarded as composed of female Dorylide, but which Mr. Westwood considered to be true Formicide. He also exhibited specimens of a new species of Cetonitde from Madagascar, remarkable for the thick coating of coloured hairs on the hind tarsi [since figured in the ‘ Arcana Entomologica,’ under the name of Chro- moptilia diversipes, W.]. He also exhibited the pupa of a species of Eumenia, a genus of butterflies, presented to him by M. Boisduval, which was attached by the tail as well as girt round the middle of the body, thus proving this anomalous genus to consist of gigantic Polyommatide. Also a singular larva of some unknown Coleopterous insect [Passalus ?] which possesses only four feet, the third or poste- rior pair being reduced to a very minute size. The following memoirs were read :— Description of a new British Ju/us. By George Newport, Esq. Tulus pilosus, Newp. Very like Tulus terrestris, but smaller and more elegantly formed. Black, shining, segments fifty-six, deeply striated longitudinally, with the margin of each, more especially of all the posterior segments, set with fine white hairs ; anal spine compressed and elongated. The chief characteristics of this species are the fringe of delicate hairs at the posterior margin of the segments, and the number of the latter, which amounts to fifty-six ; while in Julus terrestris, with which this species may readily be confounded, there are never more than fifty-one, and usually but fifty. It occurs in the neighbourhood of London at the end of May, but is not common. Description of Depressaria Gossypiella, a small moth which is very destructive to the cotton plant in India. By W.W. Saunders, Esq., President. The insect in question, which was communicated to the author by Dr. Royle, has committed great ravages in the cotton plantations at Broach in Western India, whence it was sent by Dr. Barn, super- intendent of the government cotton plantations. In a commercial point of view, therefore, the means to be employed for its destruction are of importance. The eggs are deposited in the germen at the time of flowering, and the larva feeds on the cotton seed until the pod is ready to burst, a little previous to which it opens a round hole in the Entomological Society. Siz side of the pod through which it descends to the ground, into which it burrows about an inch, where it assumes the pupa state. Depressaria Gossypiella. Dark fuscous brown, the head and thorax somewhat lighter in colour ; fore wings with an undefined round blackish spot on the disk a little above the centre of a fascia of the same colour, crossing the wings a little above the apex, which itself is black; under wings silvery gray, darker towards the hinder margin. Length ;4,ths of an inch. Descriptions of new Australian Chrysomelide allied to Cryptoce- phalus. By W. W. Saunders, Esq., President. The name Anodonta having been previously employed in zoology, the author proposes the name of Jdiocephala in its stead, and de- scribes the following new species :— Sp. 7. Idiocephala similis, S. Black ; head, thorax and elytra deeply punctured, the latter with the surface undulating, somewhat fuscous at the apex ; body beneath with the sides of the mesosternal region and of the abdominal segments silvery pilose ; legs with a purplish iridescence. Length jth of an inch. Cabinet Ent. Club. Inhabits New Holland. Sp. 8. Idiocephala Tasmanica, 8. Head rufous brown, with three round yellow facial spots ; antenne brown, darker at the tip, basal joint yellow ; thorax rich rufous brown, margins yellow, and with two yellow longitudinal lines on the disk behind; elytra rufous brown, with the apex and margin round the scutellum yeliow, each with four longitudinal carine ; legs rufous brown. Length =\*\th of an inch. Cabinet Ent. Soc. Lond. Inhabits Van Diemen’s Land. C. Darwin, Esq. Sp. 9. Idiocephala Darwinii, S. Head black, with a large trian- gular patch in front; antenne dusky brown, basal joints rusty brown beneath ; thorax rufous brown, pitchy in front ; elytra punc- tate-striate, dark metallic green, the apex luteous; legs horn- coloured ; tarsi dusky. Length Tooth of aninch. Cabinet Ent. Soc. Lond. Taken near Sydney, N. S. Wales. C. Darwin, Esq. Sp. 10. Idiocephala semibrunnea, S. Head shining black ; face rufous brown ; antenne black, basal joints rufous brown; thorax rufous brown; scutellum shining black ; elytra brown, punctate- striate, margined with black, which ascends half-way along the su- ture ; legs horny brown ; tarsi pitchy. Length ;?,th of an inch. Cabinet Ent. Soc. London. ‘Taken near Sydney by Mr. Darwin. Monograph of the genus Nyctelia. By G. R. Waterhouse, Esq., who exhibited the extensive collection of that group belonging to the Marquis de Breme, who was present at the meeting. [This memoir has subsequently been published in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society. ] Descriptions of new species of insects collected at Adelaide in South-Western Australia by Mr. Fortnum. By the Rev. F. W. Hope. Fam. Burrestip&. Sp. 1. Stigmodera Fortnumi. Violacea, capite viridi, thorace 318 Entomological Society. punctulato lateribus flavo-marginatis, medio purpurascenti ; elytris ternisque latis fasciis flavis insignitis. Long. lin. 18, lat. lin. 8. Sp. 2. Stigmodera Parryi. Nigra, capite antic? argenteo ; thorace nigro-punctato ; elytris miniatis ad basin maculis ternis atris in- signitis, binis externe humeralibus et elongatis, tertioque infra scu- tellum posito. Long. lin. 3}, lat. lin. 1. Sp. 3. Stigmodera Guerinil. Violacea, thorace nigro marginibus auratis ; elytris antice et postice nigro-violaceis, in medio fascid latd flavd insignitis. Long. lin. 3, lat. lin. 14. Sp. 4. Conognatha Bremei. Nigra, capite eneo, medio fortiter impresso ; thorace bronzeo, disco punctatissimo lined longitudinal, in medio vix impressd, foved utrinque fortiter insculptd ; elytris nigris, binis fasciis rubris. Long. lin. 9, lat. lin. 33. Sp. 5. Conognatha coccinata, Hope. Coccinea, capite viridi an- tennisque concoloribus ; thorace leté miniato maculis ternis viri- dibus insignito ; elytris coccineis, tribus fasciis late viridibus or natis, primd basalt duobus aliis fere apicalibus. Long. lin. 54, lat. lin. 2. Fam. CanTHaRIDa&. Tmesidera, Westwood in Guérin, Mag. Zool. Sp. 6. Tmesidera violacea, Hope. Violacea, capite nigro ; thorace nigro antice capite latiori, angulis anticis rotundatis, posticis fere rectis ; elytris varioloso-rugosis ; corpore infra rubro. Long. lin. 54, lat. lin. 13. Sp. 7. Tmesidera assimilis. Nigra, antennis pedibusque concolo- ribus et nitidis ; elytris rubro-testaceis lineis partim elevatis. Long. lin. 44, lat. lin. 13. Sp. 8. Tmesidera rubricollis. Nigra, thorace rubro, elytris atris subrugosis pedibusque concoloribus ; corpore infra nigro. Long. lin. 3, lat. lin. 1. Fam. Carasipa. Sp. 9. CalosomaCurtisii. Viride, thorace fere glabro postice fortiter impresso ; elytris striato-punctatis et rugosis, punctisque impressis, in triplici serie ordinatis ; infra piceum; pedibus antennisque piceis. Long. lin. 10, lat. lin. 4. Sp. 10. Calosoma Australe. Nigro-eneum, thorace subcordato punctulato, postice utrinque fortiter impresso ; elytris nigro-eneis, confertim punctato-siriatis, punctis subeneis in triplici serie or- dinatis. Long. lin. 10, lat. lin. 33. Fam. Hereromorrnip#&, Hope. Silphomorpha, Westwood. Sp. 11. Sil. Orectocheiloides, Hope. Corpore supra nigro-piceo lateribus thoracis marginibusque elytrorum pallidioribus, infra brunneo-picea, antennis pedibusque concoloribus. Long. lin. 64, lat. lin. 22. ‘ak ; Sp. 12. Adelotopus Fortnumi, Hope. Niger, marginibus lateralibus thoracis piceis, palpis ferrugineis ; corpus infra atro-piceum, seg- mentis abdominis postice brunneo-piceis, pedibus concoloribus. Long. lin. 34, lat. lin. 13. Botanical Society of Edinburgh. 319 Fam. Harpavip2#. Acinopus, Ziegler. Sp.13. Ac. Australis, Hope. Niger, thorace magno, transverse? sub- rugoso, marginibus externis thoracis postice lete cupreis ; elytris fere glabris, marginibus subeneis et punctatis. Long. lin. 9, lat. lin. 25. Fam. Byrruip%. Sp. 14. Anthrenus Australis. Niger, capite atro, thorace medio concolori marginibus externis albis ; elytris tribus fasciis undatis albis ; corpore infra nigro. Long. lin. 14, lat. lin. 4. Fam. Mrryrip®. Sp. 15. Dasytes nigricans, Hope. After pubescens, thorace longi- oribus capillis obsito; elytris atro-brunneis marginibus externis pallidioribus. Long. lin. 13, lat. lin. 3. Sp. 16. Dasytes fuscipennis. After, antennis rubris ; thorace pu- bescente, nigro ; elytris fusco-testaceis punctatis, pedibus concolori- bus. Long. lin. 17, lat. lin. 3. Fam. PsELapuip». Articerus, Dalman. Sp. 17. Articerus Fortnumi. Sanguineus, capite elongato-ovato fronte rotundato ; thorace fere quadrato, angulis anticis rotundatis, medio impresso ; elytris thorace latioribus marginibus posticis ni- gricantibus ; abdomine postice rotundato ulrinque maculd nigrd insignito. Long. lin. J, lat. lin. 4. Mr. Evans communicated a notice relative to an exotic species of caterpillar of large size and black colour with red spots, the hairs of which are so rigid that they penetrate into the flesh when incau- tiously handled, causing much pain and inflammation. Mr. Westwood stated that he had recently acquired the greater part of Latreille’s original collection of bees from the Abbé Blondeau, by whom it had been purchased at the sale of the collection of Baron Déjean. Mr. Edward Doubleday (in allusion to Mr. Saunders’s paper) stated that in North America he had observed that the cotton plants are not attacked by any of the Tineide, but that they suffer greatly from the attacks of several species of Noctuide. BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH. February 9, 1843.—Professor Graham in the Chair. Professor Graham then read a highly interesting account of his botanical excursion in Ross-shire, during August 1842, with a party of friends :— The party left Edinburgh on the 21st of August, and met at Ding- wall—thence they walked by Garve, Auchnalt, &c. for Kinlochewe. On the low hills near Garve they found a sprinkling of alpine vegeta- tion, and Nymphea alba, beautifully in flower, in a pool near the top of 320 Botanical Society of Edinburgh. one of them, at a higher elevation than had been previously observed. The season having been remarkably dry, all the lakes were far below their usual level, and in consequence such plants as Lobelia Dort- manna, Subularia aquatica, &c. were seen, wondering at each other, in flower and fruit, on dry ground. Things, however, were now changed, for the party had scarcely a dry day during the whole of their excursion, and few such as admitted of the vegetation being carefully examined. Several days were spent among the mountains about Loch Maree, which are chiefly composed of red sandstone, with quartz tops, and by no means prolific in interesting vegetation. Cornus suecica, Saussurea alpina, Hieracium alpinum, Rubus Cha- memorus, Arbutus alpina, Azalea procumbens, Cherleria sedoides, Sib- baldia procumbens, &c. were among the rarest plants observed ; and rather unusually, all the six Lycopodie were picked nearly in one spot. Tofieldia palustris, Thalictrum alpinum and Malaxis paludosa occurred at the bottom of the cliffs, and Salix herbacea was found sparingly on the red sandstone below the summit cliffs of Ben Tarshan. Op- posite Applecross, in a bog which the tide could seldom reach, were picked specimens of Blysmus rufus two feet high. Here there is an extent of limestone country, easily recognised at the distance of se- veral miles by a marked improvement in the pasturage. On it the party met with Schenus nigricans, Gentiana amarella, Listera ovata and Epipactis latifolia, with pale flowers, but searched in vain for Dryas octopetala, which occurs profusely in similar soils in Sutherland. In an old deserted garden between Sheildag and Janetown they observed Althea officinalis, Aconitum Napellus and other introduced plants. They also saw near Janetown Ulex europeus (a rare plant in the west of Ross-shire) growing freely, and producing abundance of seed, and the elder seemed to thrive peculiarly well. ‘The mountains at the head of Loch Duich seemed to the party the finest they had seen, more magnificent even than those at the head of Loch Torri- don, which again were more imposing than the much-extolled, and certainly very superb, groups bordering Loch Maree ; but differences in the weather might have had some influence on the effect produced. Proceeding southward, the party enjoyed one fine day at Clunie, and examined with considerable attention some very promising mountains to the south-west of the inn. These are crumbling and micaceous, but want elevation to produce alpine plants, and the mildness of the western climate renders that all the more necessary. The only interesting vegetable feature was an immense profusion of Saussurea alpina; though in spring, before vegetation gets rank, it is not unlikely that these cliffs might be found more productive. A patch of snow observed on the south side of Maamsool, a mountain about twenty miles north of Clunie, made the party desirous of visiting it; but here again the weather baftled their intentions. The party took Ben Nevis on their route, but the same cause rendered them unable to examine as they wished its magnificent cliffs. They, however, picked some interesting plants, and among the rest Carew saxatilis, but only in one spot. In concluding his remarks, Dr, Graham observes :—‘‘ The scenery Botanical Society of Edinburgh. 321 we passed in the west of Ross-shire was magnificent ; and in fine weather, if ever such shall occur in that district, it may occasion less disappointment, botanically, than we experienced. ‘The disap- pearance of the forests from this and a great part of the Highlands of Scotland is a phenomenon which I cannot account for. Certainly it is not a change of climate, for in many districts the forests have perpetuated themselves by their own seedlings ; and even where they have not, solitary seedlings of Scotch fir, birch and poplar occasion- ally spring up and thrive. It could not have been that the trees were cut for the purposes of the population, for the population is, and always must have been, from want of food, very limited. Fir is the only natural agent | can think of which was capable of effecting such destruction, but the remains of the trees have no appearance of ha- ving been burnt; and I doubt whether any of my companions, after our experience ina season which has parched up all of Scotland ex- cept the district we were in, will believe they ever could have been long enough dry to burn. A letter to Professor Graham from Mr. N. B. Ward, F.L.S., on the introduction of the Musa Cavendisii into the Navigator Islands, was read :— ‘« When Mr. Williams was about to leave England in 1839 for the Navigators, he was anxious to take with him some useful plants, and particularly the Musa. He inquired of me whether I thought that it would travel safely in one of the glazed cases, and having received an answer in the affirmative, he applied to his Grace the Duke of Devonshire, who kindly gave him a healthy young plant. Mr. Wil- liams left England on the 11th of April 1839, and arrived at Upolu, one of the Navigator Islands, at the end of the following November. The Musa bore this long voyage well, and was transplanted into a favourable situation soon after its arrival. In May 1840 it bore a fine cluster of fruit, exceeding 300 in number, and weighing nearly a hundred-weight. The parent plant then died, leaving behind more than thirty young ones. ‘These were distributed to various parts of the island, and in the following May (1841) when Mrs. Williams left the island, all of these were in a fructiferous state, and producing numerous off-sets. Supposing the plants to continue to increase in the same ratio, there will be in the ensuing May (of 1843) more than 800,000 of them, and as the son of Mr. Williams is established as a merchant at Upolu, is owner of two vessels constantly employed in trading between the various islands in the South Pacific, and is more- over actuated by the same benevolent disposition which was a striking characteristic of his late father, there cannot be a doubt, but that, in a very short time, they will be common in all the islands. To estimate the importance of the introduction of this plant, we must bear in mind the great quantity of nutritious food furnished by the Banana. Humboldt has told us that he was never wearied with astonishment at the smallness of the portion of soil, which, in Mexico and the ad- joining provinces, would yield sustenance to a family for a year, and that the same extent of ground, which in wheat would maintain only two persons, would yield sustenance under the Banana to fifty, al- Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. Y 322 Geological Society. though in that favoured region the return of wheat is never under seventy, and sometimes as much as a hundred-fold. The return, on an average, in Great Britain, is not more than nine for one.” Mr. Ralf's paper on the Diatomacee, No. 3, was then read, con- taining descriptions of the genera Striatella Tessella and Tetra cyclas. “On the Development of Leaves ;’’ by Dr. Dickie, Lecturer on Botany, King’s College, Aberdeen. The author concluded by stating, “that it cannot be said that the forms of leaves in flowering plants have any dependence whatever on their venation, since young leaves are lobed, &c. previous to the appearance of the veins. The truth appears to be, that the quantity of cellular tissue in a leaf determines the development and positions of the veins, and not the opposite.” GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. June 29, 1842.—A paper “ On the Fossil Foot-prints of Birds and Impressions of Rain-drops in the Valley of the Connecticut.” By Charles Lyell, Esq., V-P.G.S. The deposit in which these impressions, long known on account of the researches of Prof. Hitchcock, occur, is situated in a trough of hypogene rocks, about five miles broad, the strata, which consist of sandstone, shale and conglomerate, dipping uniformly to the east at angles that vary from 5° to 30°. Mr. Lyell first examined the red sandstone at Rocky Hill, three miles south of Hartford, in Connec- ticut, where it is associated with red shale and capped by twenty feet of greenstone. Many of the beds are rippled, and cracksin the shale are filled by the materials of the superincumbent sandy layer, showing, the author observes, a drying and shrinking of the mud while the accumulation of the strata was in progress. The next quarries he examined were at Newark in New Jersey, about ten miles west trom New York city. The excavations are extensive, and the strata dip, as is usual in New Jersey, to the north-west, or in an opposite direction to the inclination in the valley of Con- necticut, a ridge of hypogene rocks intervening. The angle is about 35° near Newark. The beds exhibited ripple-marks and casts of cracks, also impressions of rain-drops on the upper surface of the fine red shales. Mr. Lyell states, that he felt some hesitation respecting the impressions first assigned to the action of rain by Mr. Cunning- ham of Liverpool, but he is now convinced of the justness of the inference, having observed similar markings produced on very soft mud by rain at Brooklyn in Long Island (New York). On the same mud were the foot-prints of fowls, some of which had been made before the rain and some after it. Mr. Lyell next visited the red and green shales of Cabotville, north of Springfield in Massachusetts, where some of the best Ornithich- nites have been procured, chiefly in the green shale. The dip of the beds is 20° to the east, a higher inclination, the author says, than could have belonged to a sea-beach. He observed in the same quar- ries ripple-marks as well as casts of cracks, and he was informed that the impressions of rain-drops have likewise been found. In company with Prof. Hitchcock, Mr. Lyell afterwards examined a natural section near Smith’s Ferry, on the right bank of the Con- Geological Society. 323 necticut, about eleven miles north of Springfield. The rock con- sists of thin-bedded sandstone with red-coloured shale. ‘Some of the flags are distinctly ripple-marked, and the dip of the layers on which the Ornithichnites are imprinted, in great abundance, varies from eleven to fifteen degrees. Many superimposed beds must have been successively trodden upon, as different sets of tracks are traced through a thickness of sandstone exceeding ten feet; and Prof. Hitchcock pointed out to the author that some of the beds exposed several yards farther down the river, and containing Ornithichnites, would, if prolonged, pass under those of the principal locality, and make the entire thickness throughout which the impressions prevail, at intervals, perhaps twenty or thirty feet. Mr. Lyell, therefore, con- ceives that a continued subsidence of the ground took place during the deposition of the layers on which the birds walked. It has been suggested, but the opinion has not been adopted by Prof. Hitchcock, that the eastward slope of the beds represents that of the original beach. With a view to this question, Mr. Lyell exa- mined the direction of the ripple-marks, and found that it agreed with the dip, or was at right angles to the supposed line of beach ; but he adds, though this agreement presents a formidable objection to the suggestion above alluded to, if the ripples were produced by waves, yet it does not disprove the opinion, as the ripples do not exceed in dimensions those which are produced by sand blown over a muddy beach, and often distributed at right angles to the coast-line. In- stances of this effect of the wind Mr. Lyell has remarked along the shores of Massachusetts. Nevertheless he is of opinion that the rippled layer of sandstone in question contains too much clay to have resulted from blown sand, and he is disposed to think that in most of these localities the strata have been tilted, instances of such dis- turbance having been pointed out to him by Prof. Hitchcock in the state of Massachusetts, and by Mr. Percival near Newhaven in Con- necticut. In reference to this subject, he says, that a few miles from Smith’s Ferry a conglomerate, several hundred feet thick, containing angular and rounded fragments of trap and red sandstone, the base being sometimes a vesicular trap and trap tuff, passes upwards into the very flags on which Ornithichnites occur; and from this he infers, hat there were eruptions of trap, accompanied by upheaval and par- tial denudation, during the deposition of the red sandstone. With respect to the impressions having been made by birds, Mr. Lyell states, that until he examined the whole of the evidence he entertained some scepticism, notwithstanding the luminous account given by Prof. Hitchcock. In proof of their being the foot-prints of some creature walking on mud or sand, he mentions, Ist, the fact of Prof. Hitchcock’s having seen 2000 impressions, all, like those he had himself examined, indented in the upper surface of the layer, the casts in relicf being always on the lower surface ; and 2ndly, that where there is a single line of impressions the marks are uniform in size, and nearly uniform in distance from each other, the toes in the successive steps turning alternately right and left. Such single lines, Mr. Lyell says, indicate that the animal was a biped, and the trifid marks resemble those which a bird leaves, there being generally a Y 2 324 Geological Society. deviation from a straight line in any three successive prints ; and his attention having been called to indications of joints in the different toes, he affemwaris clearly recognised similar markings in the recent steps of coots and other birds on the sands of the shores of Massa- chusetts. Prof. Hitchcock has shown, that the same impression ex- tends through several lamine, decreasing i in distinctness in propor- tion as the layer recedes from that in which it is most strongly marked, or in proportion as the sediment filled up the hollows and restored the surface to a level; and Mr. Lyell states, that he has observed a great number of instances of this fact. He also says, that he can scarcely doubt that some of the impres- sions on the red sandstone of Connecticut are not referable to birds, but he believes that the gigantic ones described by Prof. Hitchcock are Ornithichnites. At Smith’s Ferry they are so numerous that a bed of shale many yards square is ‘trodden into a most irregular and jagged surface, so that there is not a trace of a distinct footstep ; but on withdrawing from this area to spots where the same tracts are fewer, the observer, Mr. Lyell says, is forced to admit that the effect in each case has been produced by this cause. On examining the shores on some small islands about fifteen miles south-east from “Savannah, the author was struck with the number as well as the clearness of the tracks of raccoons and opossums imprinted in the mud during the four preceding hours, or after the tide had be- gun toebb. At one spot, where the raccoons had been attracted by the oysters, the impressions were as confused as when a flock of sheep has passed over a muddy road ; and in consequence of a gentle breeze blowing parallel to the line of cliffs composed of quartzose sand, the tracks had in many places already become half-filled with blown sand, and in others were entirely obliterated ; so that if the coast should subside, the consolidation of this sand would afford casts analogous to those of Storeton Hill in Cheshire, yet the im- pressions had been made and filled in a few hours. When considering the broad question whether the fossil foot-prints were made by creatures walking on mud or sand after the ebbing of the tide, Mr. Lyell reminds his readers of the fact that in the United States, as in Saxony and Cheshire, the tracks in sandstone and shale are accompanied by littoral appearances, as ripple-marks, the casts of cracks in the clay, and often by the marks of rain. In regard to the age of the red sandstone of the valley of the Connecticut and New Jersey, the author states he has nothing to add to what had been previously advanced, by which its position had been shown to be between the carboniferous and cretaceous series. In the neighbourhood of Durham, Connecticut, he had col- lected in the sandstone, fishes of the genera Paleoniscus and Cato- pterus, but no other organic remains, except fossil wood. In conclusion, Mr. Lyell Pano Ist, that the Ornithichnites of Connecticut should teach extreme caution in inferring the non- existence of land animals from the absence of their remains in con- temporaneous marine strata ; 2ndly, that when this red sandstone of Connecticut was deposited, there was land in the immediate vici- nity of the places where the Ornithichnites occur; and that but for Miscellaneous. 325 them it might naturally be inferred that the nearest land was several miles distant, namely, that of the hypogene rocks which bound the basin of the Connecticut. Now, the land that caused the sea-beach, Mr. Lyell says, must have been formed of the same sandstone which was then in the act of accumulating, in the same manner as where deltas are advancing upon the sea. In a postscript, Mr. Lyell states, that subsequently to writing the paper he had read the luminous report of Mr. Vanuxem on the Or- nithichnites described by Prof. Hitchcock, and though it agrees in substance with his own account in some particulars, yet that he has left his notice as it stood. MISCELLANEOUS. ON THE PEARL OYSTER OF CEYLON. ‘Tp may interest some of your conchological acquaintances to know that Avicula radiata of Leach is the far-famed Pearl Oyster of Cey- lon. I have got plenty of all ages destined for the Belfast Museum. I send you a sketch* of the fry which roves about near the surface of the sea; it in scarcely any respect resembles the full-grown shell.” Vide Nat. Misc., vol. i. pl. 43.—Kvtract from R. Templeton’s, Esq., R.A., letter from Colombo in Ceylon, May 19, 1842. FOSSIL REMAINS IN ESSEX. To the Editors of the Annals of Natural History. GENTLEMEN,—Fossil remains of Mammalia have been met with so often in the county of Essex that their occurrence now almost ceases to excite surprise, but a large portion of a fossil tusk of the elephant has very recently been found at Grays Thurrock, of di- mensions so large as to favour the impression, that the animal to which it formerly belonged must have arrived at the maximum size of those giants of the animal kingdom. This fine fossil in its present state is two feet eleven inches in length; it is broken off at both ends, and appears to have formed the middle third part of the tusk in length. At its larger extremity it is 194 inches in circumference, and when it is considered that no part of ‘the cavity forming the alveolus can be seen, that portion being broken off and with it more of the larger end of the tusk pro- bably ;—bearing this in mind, we may fairly infer that the tusk was quite as long as our conclusions warrant in drawing from the facts before us. At its smaller end it is broken off at that part which gives us fifteen inches circumference, and as to its length, by following the two outer curvatures of this fragment to a point, these lines meet at a distance of about three feet from the smaller circumference ; and if we allow little more than two feet from its larger end for the alveolus and other missing portions, we then have a length of between eight and nine feet when this tusk was whole. * The figure will be given in one of the Plates of our present volume.—Ep. 326 Miscellaneous. This fossil was discovered about a month ago in a bed of detritus, thirty feet from the surface, in a brick-field, at the locality before mentioned in this county; a locality rich in mammalian and other fossil remains, vide pages 262 and 268, vol. ix. of this work ; and it is now in the collection of Mrs. Mills of Lexden Park, near Colches- ter, to whose kindness I am indebted for the measurements of this relic of days long gone by; another fact illustrating the alteration in the fauna of our planet. I am, Gentlemen, yours very truly, Stanway, Feb. 4, 1843. Joun Brown. NOTICE OF THE DISCOVERY OF AN ELECTRICAL FISH ON THE AMERICAN COAST. BY D. HUMPHREYS STORER, M.D. A species of Ray possessing electrical powers has been known to the fishermen of Cape Cod and New York for many years, and called by them the cramp-fish or numb-fish. Mitchell, in his paper on the “ Fishes of New York,”’ contained in the first volume of the Transac- tions of the Literary and Philosophical Society of New York, refers to this species; he had never seen it, but, from the facts he was enabled to collect respecting it, he supposed it to be identical with the European species ‘‘ Raia torpedo,” and as such introduces it into his memoir. In my Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, I merely observed that a Torpedo was found on the coast of Cape Cod, but being unable to procure a specimen, I could not identify it. I have had the good fortune to procure a fine specimen within the last month, which was captured at Wellfleet; it was 4 feet 2 inches in length, and proves to be a Torpedo nobiliana, Bonaparte. It agrees perfectly with Mr. Thompson’s description, in the fifth volume of the ‘Annals of Natural History,’ of a specimen taken on the Irish coast in 1838. As some time may elapse before I can publish a contemplated paper on our fishes, I would avail myself of your valuable Journal to make the above-mentioned fact known to ichthyologists.—Silliman’s Journal, Jan. 1848. ON A PECULIAR SENSATION CAUSED BY SOME MOLLUSCA. BY FRANCIS M. JENNINGS. On the 2nd of May, 1842, I brought before the Cork Cuvierian Society a short notice of a curious fact I had observed in some fresh- water mollusca, viz. a power of causing a peculiar sensation when placed on the tongue ; this may be experienced by putting the Lim- neus periger, a small univalve shell which abounds in most ponds and lakes in this country, into the mouth, and allowing the foot of the animal to remain for a few minutes on the tongue, when the sensa- tion will be felt, varying in intensity according to the size of the ani- mal and the length of time it is allowed to remain. The sensation, though not decidedly painful, is yet rather dis- agreeable whilst it continues, frequently lasting from one to two hours, being exerted with greater energy during warm than cold weather. I tried a few experiments to ascertain whether the power Meteorological Observations. a27 arose from an acid secretion, capable of being emitted at pleasure by the animal, but so far without success. I hope these few observations will be the means of directing the attention of naturalists to this subject, which has hitherto, I believe, escaped their notice. Brown Street, Cork, March 4, 1843. Francis M. JENNINGS. Mr. Jennings having sent the foregoing to me to forward for pub- lication, I beg to add, that I repeated his experiment with a similar result to that he describes. I understand that Mr. Armstrong of this city, having, in collecting Ancyli, put some of them into his mouth, experienced the same painful action from the contact of these animals with his tongue. As I am not aware that the subject is rightly understood, I think it worth bringing under notice. Dublin, March 18, 1848. Rosert Batu. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR FEB. 1843. Chiswick.—Feb. 1. Very fine: cloudy. 2. Heavy rain: overcast. S. Stormy showers: boisterous. 4. Stormy: very boisterous. 5. Clear and frosty. 6. Cloudy. 7. Hazy: sleet. 8. Dense fog: hazy and cold. 9. Cold easterly haze. 10. Densely clouded. 11. Uniformly overcast. 12. Slight drizzle. 13. Frosty: hazy: sharp frost at night. 14. Frosty: cloudy: severe frost. 15. Sharp frost: snow flakes: frosty. 16. Dry air and frosty: overcast. 17. Clear and frosty: very fine: stormy at night. 18. Stormy, with drifting snow. 19. Overcast: heavy rain. 20. Rain: foggy. 21. Foggy: fine: foggy. 22. Slight rain: cloudy. 23. Very fine. 24. Foggy: cold easterly haze. 25. Slight drizzle: stormy. 26. Sleet: drizzly.. 27. Stormy and wet: barometer very low. 28. Cloudy.—Mean temperature of the month 3°°8 below the average. Boston.—Feb. 1. Fine. 2. Rain: stormy, with rain r.m. 93. Fine: stormy, with snow p.m.: stormy night. 4. Stormy: hailandsnowr.m. 5. Fine. 6. Fine: rain and snow p.m. 7. Cloudy: rainr.m. 8. Cloudy. 9. Fine. 10. Fine: rain P.M. 11. Rain: rainearly a.m.: rain p.m. 12. Cloudy. 13. Fine. 14— 16. Cloudy. 17. Fine. 18. Cloudy: snow a.m. 19. Cloudy: rainr.m. 20. Cloudy: rain early a.m.: rainp.m. 21. Cloudy. 22. Rain: rain early a.m.: rain a.M. 23, Fine. 24, Cloudy. 25. Cloudy: rain and snow r.m. 26—28, Cloudy. Sandwick Manse, Orkney.—Feb. 1. Showers. 2. At 14 p.m. wind N.W.: stormy, with drift. 3. Snow-drift: at 12 at night a storm began. 4. Cloudy: thaw: frost. 5. Cloudy: frost. 6. Bright: frost: thaw: aurora. 7. Clear: frost: thaw. 8. Bright: thaw: damp. 9, 10. Cloudy: frost. 11. Drizzly showers: clear hoar-frost. 12. Clear frost: clear hoar-frost. 15. Showers: snow-showers. 14. Snow-drift. 15. Clear: snowing. 16, 17. Snow-showers : clear. 18. Clear: cloudy. 19. Bright: cloudy. 20. Bright: thaw. 21. Cloudy : thaw. 22. Snow-showers : cloudy : frost. 23. Clear and frosty. 24. Bright: cloudy: thaw. 25. Cloudy: frost. 26. Cloudy : snow-showers. 27. Snow- showers: clear and frosty. 28. Clear and frosty : snow-shewers, Applegarth Manse, Dumfries-shire—Feb. 1. Heavy showers p.m. 2. Snow- showers. 3. Snow: frost p.m. 4. Frost and snow. 5. Fine, but frosty. 6, Frost a.M.: rain p.m. 7. Thaw: high wind p.m. 8. Mild and fair, 9. Fair, but chilly. 10. Sprinkling of snow: frost. 11,12. Fair: no frost. 13. Frost : fine. 14, Frost. 15, Frost: shower of snow. 16—18. Frost. 19. Slight frost. 20. Snow and sleet. 21. Slight rain. 22. Fair. 23, 24. Showery. 25. Fine and fair. 26. Fair, but cloudy. 27. Fair. 28. 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D * b Enact a 75 Pr’ lg slave] s ea) 95] aa ce “gd |oa —_—— Pe i Po oo —— 5.2/9 2) g PSPs | oe | 8 Bs | PS |yompurg| comys | 38 |. sane “yormpurs “OATYS 5g : 3 eg mile | Fl * Bape ie et FL SS | tsouqig |-yuing |* > | MSO) "SH HuopuOT | ‘Kauyag | -sonyumg | ~~ | PMSMD | elles 8.5 - -\- 4 == og = 4 “Urey “pul “LOL IMLOWIOY T, *LIJOULOAL | Se a | iJ Leary *KANWUO osu younpuog 7p Suoynoyy “Oo “Ao ay) Ag pup £aAMIHS-saTeaWa ‘gsunyyr yauvoajddp yp ‘aequng * AQ *AdY 2y7 ho — a vox et preterea nihil, unknown both to nature and to science. The original drawing which led to all this confusion has now assisted in dispelling it. Cnaxraprius griseus, Lath., is I conceive the Charadrius virginia- cus, Borkh. (C. marmoratus, Wagl., C. pectoralis, Less., C. affinis, Boié). The following remarks refer to some additional species of Latham not in Mr. Gray’s list :— Fauco ponticerianus, var. Lath., is the Haliastur leucosternus (Gould). Corvus melanops, Lath., is the Graucalus melanops. Gauuinuta porphyrio, var. B. Lath., is Porphyrio melanonotus, Tem. Fatco melanops, Lath., is the Accipiter torquatus, Tem. (Nisus australis, Less.) As the black round the eye which suggested the specific name of me/anops seems to be an invention of the artist, I would reject that name on the ground of its serious incorrectness, and retain the later one of torquatus. Faxco albicilla, var. Lath., is the Ichthyaétus leucogaster (Lath.), young (Haliaétus sphenurus, Gould). Faxco clarus, Lath., is perhaps the young of Astur nove hollandie (Lath.). Faxco pacificus, Lath., is perhaps a peculiar state of Milvus isurus, Gould, with the head pure white. Muscicapa erythrogastra, var. 2. Lath. Syn. Sup. i. p. 216, is perhaps a new species of Petroica, differing from P. multicolor by having a white eyebrow. (Cucuuus flabelliformis, Lath., may perhaps be the Cuculus cine- raceus, Vig., J. G.) ARDEA antigone, var. Lath., is Grus antigone (Lin.) (Grus orien- talis, Frankl.). Lantus curvirostris, Lath., is Cracticus torquatus (Lath.) (Vanga destructor, 'Tem.). Arpea maculata, Lath., is Nycticorax caledonica, young. Besides the above there are several other species which Latham originally described from these drawings, but which, having been long since identified and made known to naturalists, it is unnecessary to enumerate. XLVIII.—WNotes on the Botany of Sicily. By Joun Batt, B.A., M.R.I.A. Havine observed in a recent number of this Magazine a paper upon the Botany of Sicily, containing a list of spe- cies observed or recorded as belonging to that island, I have been induced to refer to some notes made during a very hasty Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. 339 tour, which I did not at the time conceive to be worthy of publication. On looking over the catalogue of species given by Mr. Hoge I was struck with the extreme meagreness of its contents, extending to scarce half the number of species already known as natives of Sicily, though probably a far more complete one would come far short of adequately representing the exube- rant richness of its gorgeous flora. It is indeed extraordinary that an island so easily accessible to travellers, which presents to them probably less of difficulties and inconveniences than any part of the South of Europe, and which offers so many ob- jects of surpassing interest, both those already known, the theme of the historian and the poet, and those yet in store to reward the investigations of the antiquarian or the naturalist, should be so little visited and so imperfectly known. To be told that the temple of Segesta stands in solitary grandeur amongst mountains rarely tracked by the foot of a traveller, that the guide can scarcely determine the uncertain course amidst the pathless sands where arise the colossal ruins of Selinuntium, that there are yet unexplored tracts where hundreds of new and beautiful species would doubtless reward the botanist, whilst the geology offers many most interesting problems to the future historian of the earth, seems a sort of reproach on the activity and energy of the numerous travellers who yearly quit En- gland, seeking throughout Europe for new objects of inquiry. I find that even amongst the limited number of species which it was possible for me to collect during a hurried ride round the island under an almost vertical sun, there is a great por- tion not contained in the catalogue furnished by Mr. Hogg ; and I think it may tend to show what the real extent of the Sicilian flora must be, and at the same time be interesting to botanists who may visit the South of Europe, to give a list of the known species of the single family of Grasses, to which I have paid some attention, with some remarks, attracting their notice to various points which may be studied on the spot by any one having sufficient time to spare for the purpose. I have added a few notes of my tour, pointing out localities for some of the more remarkable plants, those interesting either for their rarity, beauty, or scientific importance. The autho- rities for most of the species in the following list, not seen by myself, are extracted from the first volume of Bertoloni’s ‘ Flora Italica,’ a work well known to many of your readers as indispensable to the student of [talian, indeed of European botany ; as unsurpassed, and scarcely equalled, for the accu- racy of its descriptions, the soundness of its criticism, or the extent of research which has been bestowed upon it. The traveller landing in Sicily from Naples is at once sur- 340 Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. prised by the almost total change in the vegetation. The least curious eye must be struck by the strange forms of the dis- torted Opuntia, the dark glossy foliage of the Carubia, or the stiff motionless aloe (Agave americana), which within a short period has become universally diffused ; but to the botanist few of the new objects which meet him in every direction will be more attractive than the beautiful and varied species of Gramince. The neighbourhood of Messina, particularly the sandy tract extending to the now undreaded Charybdis and the Pelorian promontory, is peculiarly rich in plants of this class ; here will be found the beautiful Panicum teneriffe*, R. Br. (Saccharum teneriffe, Fl. Gr.), the Lamarckia aurea, Meench., Stipa tor- tilis, Dsf.; many species of Festuca of the Vulpia group, in- cluding F’. alopecurus, Pers., and F. ligustica, Bert. (whether the latter be distinct from F. geniculata, W., is I should think doubtful) ; the Avena condensata, Link, which occurs here and elsewhere on the east coast (it may be doubted whether this should not be united with A. neglecta, W.), and Afgilops tri- aristata, W. 'The genus 4 gilops requires further study and illustration ; though favoured by specimens from the Botanic Garden at Pisa, I can find no permanent character by which to distinguish 4. neglecta, Savi, from 4. ovata, nor do the remarks of Bertoloni enable me to separate 4. triaristata,W., from 4. triuncialis, L. Amongst the species of other orders, the botanist will notice several maritime Umbellifere, inclu- ding Thapsia Garganica, F\. Gr., and Cachrys Sicula, L., and among the less conspicuous plants the Gnaphalium tenuifo- lium, Psl.+, which seems to have some claims to the rank of a distinct species. The rocks near St. Alessio are covered with beautiful spe- cies, including Scadiosa cretica, L., Matthiola rupestris, R. Br. (which seems too near to M. sinuata), Dianthus velutinus,Guss., Silene fruticosa, L., Euphorbia ceratocarpa, and E. biglandu- losa, Dsf., Lythrum Grefferi, Ten., Artemisia arborescens, L., Centaurea sicula, L., and C. cineraria, L.; also Cineraria bico- lor, W. (it is to be wished that some botanist would clear up the confusion that exists as to several species of this group). The neighbouring sands abound in rare plants ; the Matthiola tri- cuspidata, R. Br., is conspicuous ; amongst the Graminee, the scarce Bromus fasciculatus, Presl, Festuca (Vulpia) ciliata, DeC., a beautiful and distinct species, /. maritima, Kunth * I have not observed the reddish tint given to the figure in the ‘ Flora Greca.’ t+ Filago Gallica, 8. DC. Prod. Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. 341 (Triticum maritimum, L., Bertol. Fl. It.); it seems quite im- possible to separate this from the group forming the genus Sclerochloa of Link. I here found a variety of Bromus ste- rilis, L., with the panicle dense and pendulous, and the mem- branous margin of the calycine valves broader and whiter than usual, giving the plant a beautiful silvery appearance ; it is very possibly a distinct species. A few miles to the southward of St. Alessio is Taormina (the ancient Taurominium) : as the traveller stands above the vast area of its theatre, his eye is distracted from the glorious prospect which extends from the southern point of Calabria on the one hand, across the Ionian Sea, to the rocks of the Cyclops and up to the snowy peak of Etna, by the gorgeous vegetation which mantles over this mighty monument of ancient art. The Acanthus mollis, Phlo- mis fruticosa, and Solanum sodomeum are conspicuous, and here the botanist first notices the beautiful little Sedum ceru- leum abundant on the walls and rocks. I should think that no spot in Sicily would better reward the naturalist or anti- quary for a halt of some days: the small town of Taormina contains many beautiful remnants of Norman architecture, and the numerous half-ruined towns and villages that are perched on the summit of lofty and seemingly scarce accessible rocks must abound in objects of interest; while the little inn at Giardini, though not very inviting, is one of the most tole- rable in the country. No one visiting the supposed site of the scenes described in the Odyssey—the island of Polyphemus, will fail to remark the singular geological phenomena there presented ; where beds of a very recent tertiary limestone are interposed between the more ancient columnar lava and an upper stream, which is not to be distinguished from that which advances into the sea from the neighbouring shore ; inducing the suspicion that the whole may have undergone material changes even since the date of the Homeric record. Indeed it is still to be determined whether the shells contained in a large portion of the Sicilian tertiary strata be not identical with ex- isting species*, thus referring the period of elevation to a more recent epoch than has hitherto been suspected. The marshy ground south of Catania contains many interesting plants, such as Hnanthe globulosa, Bupleurum Odontites, L. (nec Sm.), &c.; one group of the genus Pialaris may be well studied here, as within a confined range may be found P. paradoxa, L., P. nodosa, Spr., P. aquatica, L. (P. cerulescens, Auct.), and P. minor, W.; it may be worth inquiry whether the characters * | have been informed that several supposed extinct species have been dredged up by Mr. Forbes in the Levant. 342 Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. of the last species be not subject to variation. Of the vege- tation of Etna much has been written, yet I am satisfied that a more lengthened examination than has yet been given, espe- cially to its western slopes, would amply reward the botanist who would undertake it. Upon the Monte Rosso, the lowest of the long line of craters which have been opened by the suc- cessive eruptions, many of the species of the lower region will be found, amongst them Sedum amplexicaule, DeC. (Sem- pervivum tenuifolium, Fl. Gr.). The extent of snow at the period of my ascent prevented my examination of the upper region ; the last plants which I saw in flower were Viola dit- nensis, Psl. (which is doubtless, as DeCandolle has placed it, a variety of V. calcarata), and Erophila precox, DeC., scarcely an inch in height; this most of the foreign botanists consider distinct: I presume that the EZ. verna, 8. of Hooker’s ‘ British Flora’ is this species. The limestone tract round Lentini is covered with beautiful plants, such as Ononis ramosissima, Dsf., Phlomis Herba-venti, L., Lonicera implexa, Bert., Eryn- gium triquetrum, Vahl., and E. pusililum, L. In wandering over the barren rocks where once stood Sy- racuse, the mind is so prepossessed by the thousand confused memories of former days as to forget its accustomed occupa- tions, and at first even the most hardened botanist will hesi- tate lest in pursuing his vocation he sacrilegiously disturb the ashes of some of that illustrious race who once made this spot celebrated; he will however speedily overcome his scruples on noticing several scarce species, such as Origanum heracleo- ticum, Marrubium hispanicum and Pteris cretica; these grow in different parts of the Latomie, the enormous quarries which alone attest the extent of the ancient city ; in the same place I found the Melica minuta of Bertoloni, ‘ Fl. It. Kunth seems not to have well understood this group, as the M. ramosa, Vill. of Bertoloni seems certainly distinct from its allies; it is a scarce plant; I have seen it only in the Roman stations men- tioned in the ‘Fl. It” The Melia Azedarach, a quite tropical tree, has become naturalized about Syracuse. As the guides conduct all travellers up the stream of the Anapus, where the Papyrus grows in great luxuriance to a height of eight or ten feet, no one can avoid remarking this, the king of the Cype- raceous tribe ; as it grows in several other similar situations, I see no reason to doubt Gussone’s correctness in supposing it a native of Sicily. At or near the mouth of the Anapus I noticed Rottboéllia cylindrica and fasciculata? ; a large Glyce- ria near to G. fluitans in character, but approaching G. aqua- tica in habit, probably a new species of the genus ; two spe- Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. 343 cies of Frankenia, (F. levis and another doubtful one,) together with several litoral species. The limestone hills which le to the westward of Syracuse contain many interesting species, but have been scarcely at all examined ; I noticed Salvia triloba, L., Convolvulus tricolor, L., a doubtful Pyrus, Ophrys tenthredinifera, W., and Orchis lactea, Poir. It is only on arriving on the southern shores of Sicily that the traveller discovers the semi-tropical character of its vegetation; here the ground is covered with the dwarf palm, Chamerops humilis, L., and many species of Helianthe- mum, and waving in the breeze will be seen those singular shrubs Ephedra distachya, and E. fragilis, Dsf.* On the sea- banks grow Momordica Elaterium, and Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, and here and there tufts of the beautiful and anomalous grass Lygewm spartum. Amongst many scarce Umbellifere { gathered on the sands near Terranova Orlaya maritima, Koch, Krubera leptophylla, Hoffm., Kundmannia (Sium) sicula, DeC., &c.; also Bromus lanceolatus, B. scoparius, B. maximus, several varieties, Ammophila arundinacea, &c. It would be impossible within the limits of a brief sketch to give any notion of the great variety of the vegetation of this coast, I have no doubt but that many interesting species would re- ward any examination that may be given to it: Girgenti, from the surpassing interest attaching to its architectural remains, would naturally be chosen as head quarters ; in the same neigh- bourhood a large number of fossils of the tertiary strata might be collected with little trouble: amongst the rare plants al- ready known in the neighbourhood, I may mention Ornitho- galum arabicum, L., O. narbonense, L., Scabiosa dichotoma, Lavatera Agrigentina, and L. cretica ; the first four I observed near to the so-called temple of Juno. I suspect that the nu- merous species of the tribe of Cynaree have not yet been suffi- ciently examined ; I found a species of Carduncellus, probably undescribed ; the Cirsium Italicum, DeC. Pr., though scarce in Italy, is here frequent: there are also many Sicilian species of Euphorbia omitted in Mr. Hogg’s list; besides those already noticed there are, EH. trinervis, Bert., E. melapetala, Gaspar., E. cuneifolia, Guss., E. orientalis, L., E. spinosa, L., E. ptero- cocca, Spr., HE. Cupani, Guss., and probably many more. In the beautiful district lying between Trapani and Palermo, the naturalist who will explore the pathless mountain ranges, such as that which runs to the westward from Alcamo, will * Any botanist carrying a microscope or a powerful lens should carefully examine the structure of the inflorescence and fructification of these plants, as in the dried state this becomes impossible ; at present very little seems to be known on the subject. 5344 Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. be sure of being amply rewarded for his labour ; it would pro- bably be easy to obtain such letters as would ensure resting- places within a reasonable distance from the scene of his ope- rations; but the less adventurous or more hurried traveller may well content himself with the vicinity of Palermo, which does not disappoint the expectations excited by the magni- ficence of the first view which he obtains from the heights above Monreale. Within the amphitheatre which he overlooks, there are three different regions for the botanist to examine, the sea-coast, the plain, and the hills around: in the first, amongst other rarities, will be found Medicago oliveformis, M. tribuloides, M. Helix, &c. ; two tropical grasses, Pennisetum distylum and Dactyloctenium egyptiacum, &c. In the plain round the town grow Narcissus serotinus, Crocus longiflorus, Zizyphus Lotus, Saccharum egyptiacum, and the beautiful Lobelia tenella, Biv., which is frequent upon damp walls. On the hills near San Martino I gathered Matthiola iristis, Lychnis Celi-Rosa and L. Coronaria, Andropogon pubescens, Vis., and a new species of Dactylis, to which I propose to give the name disticha, from its peculiar habit; amongst other species from the hilly district, Professor Parlatore, a young Sicilian botanist of great promise, has discovered Lepidium bonannianum, Chamepeuce stellata, DeC., and a new Agro- pyrum, which he has named A. panormitanum. That this, which is considered the well-known district of Sicily, should present some new object to every inquirer, may give some idea of how much remains to be done by naturalists in this country ; it is not too much to suppose that the following list of Grasses, which contains about 240 species*, may be nearly a hundred short of the real number hereafter to be ascertained; I can only hope that the foregoing brief sketch may have the effect of stimulating the zeal of future travellers, more especially of those who may be able to devote a longer period to their visit than I was myself able to do. In the following list I have given localities for most of the rarer species, and where the plant rests on my own authority; and have affixed a note of interrogation where I do not actually possess specimens from the locality mentioned, even where I do not feel any doubt on the subject. Note.—I may remark, in respect to Mr. Hogg’s observa- tions on the temperature of Palermo, that in July 1841 the thermometer rose on three successive days to37° R. or 1152 F. in the shade; and I have understood that this is not much above the usual heat during the prevalence of the sirocco. * Mr. Hogg’s two lists have somewhat less than one hundred. > Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. 345 CATALOGUE OF SICILIAN GRASSES. Anthoxanthum odoratum, L. gracile, R. and S. Saccharum Ravenne, Spr. Agyptiacum, W. banks of the Oreto, Palermo, Gussone. cylindricum, Lam. Sea-coast. Phalaris Canariensis, L. Certainly indigenous on the sandy coast, north of Messina, &c., J. B. sp. nitida, Psl. Palermo, Gussone. nodosa, Spr. Vizzini, Noto, Gussone. aquatica, L. Near Catania, &c., J. B. sp. minor, W. Near Catania, J. B. sp.; Terranova, Gussone. paradoxa, L. Not unfrequent, J. B. arundinacea, Li. Phleum pratense, L. , 2. nodosum, J.B. sp. This can scarcely be separated even as a variety. echinatum, R.andS. Madonie, Gussone. P. felinum, Fl. Gr., is this plant. asperum, Pers. Behmeri, W., J. B. ——— Micheli, All. Madonie, Gussone; lower region of Etna, J. Bet arenarium, L., J. B.? tenue, Schr. Near Messina, J.B. Crypsis aculeata, Ait. — schenoides, Lam. Near Palermo, Gussone. alopecuroides, Schr. nigricans, Guss. Several places along the south coast. I suspect it will prove to be only a stunted variety of the last species. Alopecurus pratensis, L. agrestis, L. bulbosus, L., J. B.? This is perhaps a var. of the last. geniculatus, L. I do not know whether A. fulvus, Sm., has been observed in Sicily ; I cannot agree with Bertoloni in consi- dering it a form of the last; the rounded anthers and different character of the herbage seem to me constant characters, utriculatus, Pers. Catania, J. B.? Polypogon monspeliensis, R. and S. This beautiful grass is common in salt marshes, growing sometimes, as at the mouth of the Anapus, to a height of three feet. Gussone has described a remarkable variety with the arista only equalling the calycine valves, not three times as long. maritimus, R. and S. Sea-coast, Gussone. This species, though like the last, is quite distinct. Milium effusum, L. Madonie, Gussone. scabrum, R. and 8. Madonie, Gussone. This, the M. vernale, M. B., is I think certainly a good sp. It always has a much sim- pler panicle and the stem scabrous. ; — caerulescens, Pers. Near Syracuse, Gussone. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 2A 346 Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. Gastridium lendigerum, R. and S., J. B. sp. I cannot agree in the reunion of this genus with Milium. In an extensive natural order © it is surely necessary to allow great weight to habit in establish- ing generic distinctions. muticum, Spr. In several places. Observation may per- haps show that the differences are not permanent which separate this from the preceding very variable species. Agrostis pallida, DeC. Castelvetrano, &c. canina, L. nitens, Guss. Trapani, from the salt-marshes, Gussone. Sicula, Kunth (A. glaucescens, Spr.). JI am not acquainted with this species, nor does it appear that Bertoloni is so either. alba, L. Very common and variable : amongst other forms there are A. vulgaris, E. B.; A. stolonifera, L.; A. pumila, L.; and I should say the following :— > verticillata, Vill. Syracuse, J. B. I cannot find satisfactory characters, though assisted by Bertoloni’s observations. pungens, Schreb. Palermo. Cynodon Dactylon, Pers. Very common. Digitaria Sanguinalis, W. A very variable species. Panicum verticillatum, L. Fields about Palermo, Gussone. viride, L. Common. glaucum, L. Common. Bertoloni has well distinguished these plants. Crus-Galli, L. Common. zonale, Guss. Fields near Palermo and Boccadifaleo, Guss. —_—— Teneriffe, R. Br. Not unfrequent, J. B. ——— repens, L. compressum, Biy. Neighbourhood of Palermo, J. B. sp. Aira cristata, Li. grandiflora, Bert. This is I think frequent on rocky ground. aquatica, Li. agrostidea, Spr. Madonie, Herb. nost.; meadows at Bucheri, Gussone. cespitosa, 1. Nebrodes, Gussone. pubescens, Vahl. Frequent on the sea-coast, J. B. sp. flecuosa, L. Mountainous parts, J. B. articulata, Pers. South coast, Gussone; lower region of Etna, J.B. sp. The Etna plant has a slightly different appearance, but is scarcely distinguishable as a variety : itis the Aira Aitnensis, Psl. caryophyllea, Madonie, Herb. nost. ; Terranova, Jan. Tenorii, Guss., A. pulchella,W. Sicily, Gussone. This should be placed next to the last species, to which it is nearly allied, though certainly distinct. capillaris, Spr. Palermo, Gussone. —_—__—__, y. Bert., 4. intermedia, Guss. Palermo, Gussone ; Madonie, Herb. nost. Pollinia distachya, Spr. Palermo, Taormina, and elsewhere on the east coast, J. B. sp. Andropogon hirtum, L. Frequent, J. B. sp. angustifolium, Fl. Gr. Frequent, J. B. Should Bertoloni Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. 347 be correct in distinguishing this from the 4. Ischemum, L., the common French species, it will be necessary to rename the A. an- gustifolium, H. and K.,a Mexican species, which ought then to recover the name J. stenophyllus, R. and S. Syst. Nat. Andropogon pubescens, Vis. I found this species, which is nearly allied to A. hirtum, L., on dry rocky ground near the monastery of San Martino, seven miles from Palermo. It is widely spread along the coast of Barbary, and has been found in Abyssinia and Nubia by Schimper and Kotschy. Sorghum halepense, Pers. Palermo, Biv. Holcus lanatus, L., J. B.? MOMS las, J. Le Arrhenatherum avenaceum, P. de B. Melica ciliata, L. South coast, J. B. sp. Cupani, Guss. Madonie, Gussone. Bauhini, W., J. B.? These three species are very nearly al- lied ; with the assistance of Bertoloni’s remarks, both groups may be well studied in Sicily. If great difference of habit suffices to constitute a genus, these might well be separated. uniflora, W. Etna, J. B. pyramidalis, Bert. Not rare, J. B. minuta, L. Latomie, Syracuse, J. B. sp. Molinia cerulea, Meench. Etna? J. B. serotina, M. and K. Sesleria cerulea, Scop. , G. tenuifolia, Schrad. , y. cylindrica, R. and S. —, e. nitida, R. and 8. I fully concur in the propriety of uniting all these supposed species, as well as the S. elongata,W., into one. The above forms, with many intermediate ones, will be found in Sicily. The var. ¢. has been found in the mountains of Madonie and Cammarata by Gussone. Echinaria capitata, Dsf. Frequent in the south of Sicily, J. B. sp. Poa aquatica, L. —— fluitans, L. —— annua, L. —- bulbosa, Sm. Frequent, J. B. —, f. vivipara. Lower crater of Etna (Monte Rosso), J. B. sp. —-— trivialis, L. —- fertilis, Kunth, J. B. —— pratensis, L. —— nemoralis, L. Etna? J.B. —-— compressa, L. Madonie, Herb. nost. —- pilosa, L. Sicily, J. B. —~ Eragrostis, L. Frequent, J. B. —- tritica, Psl. A doubtful species. Briza minor, L., J. B.? media, 1. Not common. maxrima, L. Very common. 2 AS? 348 Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. Dactylis glomerata, L. — ——,, P. glaucescens, W. ————, y. hispanica, W. These supposed species are cer- tainly mere forms of a common type ; they are all found in Sicily. disticha, nobis*. Near Palermo, J.B. —— litoralis, W. Marshes near Catania, Gussone. — repens, Dsf. Salt marshes at Spaccaforno and Cape Passaro, Gussone. Daciyloctenium Aigyptiacum, W. Near Palermo, sp. in Herb. nost. Cynosus cristatus, L. — echinatus, L. Very common. — elegans, Dsf. Madonie, Castrogiovanni, Gussone. Lamarckia aurea, Meench. This beautiful species is not uncommon. Pennisetum distylum, Gussone. Lower part of the Monte Pellegrino, Palermo, Gussone. Festuca expansa, Kunth (Poa divaricata, W., Bert.). Salt marshes of Trapani. divaricata, Dsf. (Triticum divaricatum, Bert.). Sea-coast in various places, J. B, sp. maritima, DeC. Gall. (Triticum maritimum, L., Bert.). St. Alessio, J. B. sp. ; coast at Capaci, Gussone. —— rigida, Kunth. Common, J. B. distans, Kunth (Poa distans, L., Bert.). Palagonia, Gussone. ~, B. (Ff. thalassica and F. Hostii, Kunth, Poa maritima, Huds.). The above species form a very natural group which can scarcely be well separated into different genera. I agree with Ber- toloni in believing that there are intermediate forms connecting Poa distans, L., and P. maritima, Huds., though the opposite opi- nion is held by high authority. unioloides, Kunth (Triticum unioloides, Vahl, Bert.). Near Palermo and Termini, Gussone. —— Poa, Kunth (Triticum tenellum, L., Bert.). Sicily, J. B.? rottboéllioides, Kunth (Triticum loliaceum, Sm., Bert.). Near Messina, J. B. sp. ——_ tenuicula, Link (Triticum festucoides, Bert. 1. 808). On vol- canic sand in the lower region of Etna, J. B. sp. This is I sup- pose the 7. hispanicum of Mr. Hogg. ‘The whole group still re- quires some careful study and the examination of living specimens, as both the natural limits of the species and the synonymy are in great confusion. — Sicula, Psl. Hills of Floresta and Val di Mazzara, Gussone. —— Michelii, Kunth (Keleria macilenta, DeC., sec. Bertoloni). Sands of Vittoria, Gussone. ——— ligustica, Bert. Frequent, J. B. sp. geniculata, W. Sea-coast, Jan. —— uniglumis, Sol. Messina, &c., J. B. sp. myurus, L. —_—_— ——., 6. (F. bromoides, L.). Both are common. — ciliata, DeC. St. Alessio, J. B. sp. * It may turn out that this is the Wangenheimia disticha of Moench (Cy- nosurus Lima, L.). I have not seen specimens of a good description. Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. 349 Festuca alopecurus, Pers. I have specimens from near Messina agree- ing with the plant so named by Tenore. incrassata, Salz. Sea-shore at Girgenti and Alicata, Gussone. poeformis, Spr. Sands of Etna, Gussone ; Madonie, Jan. ovina, L. I am quite of the opinion of Bertoloni, ‘ Flora Ita- lica,’ i. 601, in uniting this with F. duriuscula, L., and the various supposed species there mentioned, but am inclined to consider the following as distinct. ; rubra, L. I am quite sure that I observed the large sea-side form of this plant on the east coast of Sicily, J. B. heterophylla, L. Woody region of Etna, Gussone. The cha- racters of this species remain very constant in cultivation. evaltata, Psl. calamaria, Sm. Woods of Etna, J. B.? pratensis, Huds. Sicily, Gussone. , B. (F. elatior, L.). Coast near Syracuse, J. B. sp. I am unable to find any permanent characters by which to separate these extreme forms, which are connected by many intermediate varieties. serotina, L. cerulescens, Dsf. Mountains near Palermo, Val Damone, Gussone. cristata, L. (Keleria phleoides, Pers.). Frequent, J. B. sp. hispida, Savi. Castelvetrano, Bronte, Gussone. Aitnensis, Psl. Lower region of Etna. This plant should be sought for, as it seems little known; Bertoloni believes it to be nearly allied to or identical with Poa cenisia, All. gracilis, Meench. (Brachypodium sylvaticum, R. and 8.). On Etna, J. B.? pinnata, Huds. (Brachypodium pinnatum, R. and S.). Fre- quent, J. B. sp. phenicoides, L., Mant. Frequent, J.B.sp. Extremely near the last species. Bromus secalinus, UL. , B. (B. velutinus, Schr.). Polizzi, Gussone. squarrosus, Li. mollis, L. It occurs both in the pubescent and glabrous form. racemosus, L. (B. arvensis, Sm.). Bertoloni is probably cor- rect in referring the B. arvensis, E. B., to B. racemosus, L.; but I believe that the plant named B. racemosus by Smith and most English botanists is the glabrous form of B. mollis before men- tioned. B. commutatus, Schrad., should probably be referred to the present species. The B. arvensis of the Italian botanists, and perhaps of Linnzus, is certainly different from the English species. intermedius, Guss. Boccadifalco, &c., Gussone. This is not unlikely to prove a variety of B. mollis. lanceolatus, Roth. Not unfrequent, J. B. sp., and certainly distinct. scoparius, L. Terranova, J. B. sp.; Palermo, Val di Maz- zara, Gussone. This species has been much confused ; it is nearly allied to the last. 350 Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. Bromus giganteus, L. Woody region of Etna, J. B.? — asper, L. I suspect that this and the preceding species, and possibly the following one also, will ultimately be placed in the same group with Triticum ciliatum, DeC. erectus, Huds. The extreme forms of this species are at least as distinct as Festuca pinnata, Huds., and F. phenicoides, L. —— sterils, Is. — ———, f. argentea. Coast near St. Alessio, J. B. sp. I know not on what authority Bertoloni has united the B. jubatus, Ten., with this species. — scaberrimus, ‘Ten. ——— mavimus, Psl. , B. (B. madritensis, Guss.). This latter is considered distinct by Professor Parlatore, who has well illustrated the Sici- lian species of this genus. A great variety of forms exist in the island, but I can only separate my specimens into two specific groups, and even of these the limits are not very well defined. The synonymy is in inextricable confusion. tectorum, L. Frequent. rubens, L. Val di Mazzara and hills about Palermo, Guss. fasciculatus, Psl. Near St. Alessio and Selinonte, J.B. sp. ; Val di Mazzara, Gussone : a very distinct species. Had I not been desirous of avoiding unnecessary change in a mere catalogue, I should have followed Prof. Parlatore in separating the Bromi seca- lint as a distinct genus, to which he has given the name Serra- falcus, in the small monograph already referred to. Stipa pennata, L. Hills of Termini and Altavilla, Gussone. capillata, L. ‘Terranova, Castelvetrano, Gussone. tortilis, Dsf. Frequent, J. B. sp. Aristella bromoides, Bertoloni (Stipa Aristella, L.). Not unfrequent, J. B. Avena sterilis, L. Fatua, L. fallax, Ten. Hills about Palermo and Caltavoturo, Gussone. pubescens, L. Sicily, J. B.? pratensis, L. Frequent, J. B. condensata, Link. In many places on the coast, J. B. sp. neglecta,{Savi. Terranova, Gussone. It is admitted that most of the characters which separate this and the preceding are variable. parviflora, Dsf. flavescens, L. (To this Bertoloni refers Trisetum splendens, Psl.) fragilis, L. (Gaudinia fragilis, R and 8.). Common, J. B. Danthonia provincialis, DeC. Lower region of Etna, J. B.? ! Lagurus ovatus, L. Very common. Arundo Donax, L. pliniana, Turr. Chiefly about Palermo. This is the A. mau- ritanica, Dsf., of Mr. Hogg. Ampelodesmos, Cyr. Common. ——— Phragmites, L. \ epigejos, Li. montana, R. and S. Etna, J. B.? Mr. J. Ball on the Botany of Sicily. 351 Ammophila arundinacea, Host. Sea-shore at Terranova, J. B. sp. Lolium perenne, L. ~, B. (L. strictum, Psl.). Sands near Messina, J. B. sp. ——— temulentum, L. — temulentum, 3. (L. speciosum, Guss.). Frequent, J. B. Rottboéllia incurvata, L. fil. In many places, J. B. sp. filiformis, Roth. Less frequent than the preceding, J. B. Nothing but a careful study of the living plants will settle the still doubtful question as to the identity of these two species. cylindrica,W. Mouth of the Anapus near Syracuse, J. B. sp.; Mondello, Gussone. fasciculata, Dsf. South coast, J. B. Psilurus nardoides, Trin. Frequent in the lower region of Etna, J.B. sp. Elymus europeus, L. In woods. I believe I have seen Sicilian spe- cimens of LE. crinitus, Schreb. Hordeum bulbosum, L. Mistretta, Gussone. murinum, L. Not common: near Syracuse, J. B. sp. pratense, Huds. Mountainous parts. maritimum, With. Frequent, J. B. sp. 4igilops ovata, L. Common. neglecta, Req., Savi. J.B. sp.? triaristata, Req.? J.B. sp. triuncialis, L. J.B. sp.? As I before remarked, I am unable to distinguish the species of ‘this genus; I believe that I have found the above four forms, and probably the . triticoides, Req., and 4. cylindrica, Host, are also to be found; the genus calls for careful examination. Secale Montanum, Guss. Frequent, J. B. Triticum estivum, sylvestre. Frequent in various situations, and to all appearance spontaneous, J. B. See Bert. Fl. It. i. 796. villosum, Psl. Frequent, J. B. sp. junceum, L. Sandy sea-shores, J. B. — scirpeum, Guss. Salt marshes at Sferracavallo, Serra di Falco and Termini, Gussone. — repens, L. SS -, B. W. -, y. Bert. (T. litorale, Host), Coast near S* Agata, Gussone. — panormitanum (Agropyrum panormitanum of Parlatore). I have not yet seen specimens of this plant. It is to be feared that many of the described species of this section are merely variable forms of two or three types. Bertoloni unites T. glaucum of Host with T. repens, L. — caninum, Huds. May not even this be an extreme form of T. repens ? Lappago racemosa, W. This is scarce in Sicily. Nardus stricta, L. Lygeum spartum, L. This singular and beautiful plant is almost con- fined to the south coast between Terranova and Sciacca. 352 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to XLIX.—Contributions to the Ichthyology of Australia. By Joun Ricuarpson, M.D., F.R.S., &c., Inspector of Hospitals, Haslar. [Continued from p. 182.] BaTRACHUS DIEMENSIS (Le Sueur ?), Tasmanian Frog-fish. No. 34. Mr. Gilbert’s list. Mr. Giuperrt says that “ this fish is an inhabitant of the mud at the head of the harbour of Port Essington, where it may be frequently seen creeping over the surface when the tide has left. It is very difficult to capture, for on the slightest ap- pearance of danger it plunges down instantaneously.” Not having at hand the journal of the Academy of Science of Philadelphia, in which M. Le Sueur describes the Batrachus diemensis, I am unable to affirm the correctness of the desig- nation which I have given to Mr. Gilbert’s specimen. The diemensis is quoted in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons’ as a syno- nym of the quadrispinis of that work, and with this the Port Essington fish agrees in having two spines on the suboper- culum similar to the opercular ones; but guadrispinis has three spines in the first dorsal, its markings are described as merely crowded dots on a pale ground, and nothing is said of the finely streaked and reticulated arrangement of the pale tint on the upper surface of the body, and in the axilla of the pectoral, which exists in Mr. Gilbert’s fish. The figure of Lophius dubius in White’s ‘ Voyage to Botany Bay,’ which is referred by Cuvier to Batrachus dussumieri, is so bad, that the only mode of discovering what it was intended for is a careful comparison of all the species which frequent Port Jackson. Teeth all very short, appearing conical and acute under the mi- croscope, but to the naked eye forming villiform bands. The band is broadest at the symphysis of the lower jaw, but laterally and on the intermaxillaries it is reduced to a single, or at most a double row of teeth. On the vomer and palatine bones the dental stripe is three or four rows deep, and it widens posteriorly. The lower lip is fringed with short, thick filaments; there are a few on the maxillary; one small one projects from the membrane on each side of the snout over the limb of the intermaxillary, and about five somewhat larger ones mark out the edge of the preoperculum. ‘The upper edge of the orbit is furnished with a short palmated filament, and there is a smaller simple one further back. One row of pores with tumid lips runs above the orbit, and another below it: they meet behind, pass on in a single line to the nape, and thence with a slight arching to the end of the soft dorsal. A second row commencing before the ventrals, runs under the pectoral to the end of the anal; a third one, not so crowded and less complete, may be detected on the mid- dle of the side; and a few pores are scattered over the body. When the Ichthyology of Austraha. 353 the skin is moistened it wrinkles, particularly behind the pectorals and on the upper part of the sides, forming many soft, forking and anastomosing ridges which enclose innumerable little pits, each of which is marked by a black spot, while the ridges have a pale yel- lowish brown colour. In drying the skin becomes quite even, and the site of the wrinkles on the top and sides of the body and head is occupied by a fine meshwork of yellowish lines. ‘Towards the belly there appear merely dark specks scattered over the yellowish ground. There are also five or six large irregular dark blotches on the sides and back. The skin is scaleless. Rays :—B. 6; D. 2—18; A.16; P. 20; C.13; V. 1/2. The pectorals are oval. The first dorsal is represented by two warty points scarcely projecting above the skin: there is no vestige of a third spine. The soft dorsal, commencing a short way behind these points, has the free compressed tips of its rays covered with thick skin ; its last ray is short, and may be merely a division of the one which precedes it. ‘The same may be said of the last ray of the anal. The opercular spines are rather flat and obtuse, and, as in quadrispinis, the upper one is twice the length of the under one. The suboperculum is armed with two similar spines, and also by a third shorter one or rather angular point beneath them. Dimensions. ; : inches. lines. Length from upper lip to end of caudal fin .......+.sesesseeseee 5 Ea BHSETOE GUELO Wi, snc sena-neesce teens asenee 6 0 a SHRUG! ooncesocodada sbanecsospsooanoscecad. 4 7 —————— gill-opening .......scscscesessreeeesees 2 3 RR is ELAN ete dan nanan awiasaie arinnn needles edcaduensivsaees 1 8 LTELOET EISSN 74 1 gp a ee 1 8 OPER GERI enw ao dee e nase ensn each anareaeidenadacneesseodeecasl 1 1 —MCMLEMIN taseweney ondeceustspece serene. cormnecedstanctsccces: 1 5 Lasrus Gouuptit (Nob.), Gould’s Wrasse. Sp. British Museum, No. 40, 12, 9, 62. The ‘ Histoire des Poissons’ contains descriptions of only four Labri of the Southern seas, viz. L. pecilopleura of New Zealand, L. ephippium and macrodontus of Java, and L. gayi of Juan Fernandez. The British Museum possesses a fish brought from Western Australia by Mr. Gould, which appears to be nearly allied to LZ. macrodontus, but to differ in the num- ber of the fin-rays as well as in some other particulars. The specimen consists of the dried skin of one side of the fish, and the bones of the head have been much cut away, so that the proper form of the profile cannot be exactly ascertained. No traces of the original colour remain, but Mr. Gould reports that it was an unform olive in the recent fish. In the denti- tion this species approaches to the genus Cossyphus, but the fins are not so extensively scaly, there are no crenatures on the preoperculum, and the general aspect is dissimilar. It differs 354 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to in various characters from any of the Cossyphi described in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons.’ Head short and obtuse. Two long obtuse nearly cylindrical teeth stand near the symphysis of each jaw (in all four above and four below), followed by a series of nine short conical ones. The edges of the jaws are naked and crenated, with some small granular teeth bursting through. [Part of the upper jaw is concealed by the dried incurved lip. The vomer and palate bone are cut away.] There is no canine tooth at the angle of the mouth. The snout, under-jaw, sub- orbitar and top of the head to the occiput, are naked. The cheek is covered by small, vertical-oval, remote, impressed scales, which form seven rows before the curve of the preoperculum, but diminish to two towards the temples, the scales at the same time increasing in size. The hinder edge of the preoperculum is free and quite smooth. The anterior border of the operculum is also smooth and is vertically striated; the rest of the bone is entirely scaly, so as to conceal its junction with the suboperculum: the scales form five rows, and increase in size towards the gill-opening. A row of still larger scales protects the suboperculum, and five rows of smaller ones, though not so small as those on the cheek, cover the interoper- culum, the lower edge of this bone being smooth. The free edge of the gill-cover is rounded, its tip being formed by the rounded, scale- less, membranous lobe. The situation of the suprascapular bone is denoted by the peculiar form of the scales, and there is a patch of smaller scales on the temple, which does not reach to the top of the head. The scales of the body are large, there being forty in a lon- gitudinal row, including two rows of smaller ones on the base of the caudal*. The lateral line is very slightly arched, and becomes quite straight under the end of the dorsal. It is formed by a raised tube on each scale, ending in a bushy cluster, the branches of which are not very distinct. Rays:—D. 1110; A. 3|10; C.14%; P.17; V.1]5. The spinous part of the dorsal is slightly arched and is lower than the articulated portion, which ends in a point formed by the penul- timate and two preceding rays, the eighth soft ray being the longest. The spines are much compressed with thin edges and a round tip, except the three last, which are more cylindrical and acute. The membrane is notched behind each spine. The soft part of the anal resembles the corresponding portion of the dorsal: the spines are much wider and more thin and rounded at the ends than the dorsal ones ; the membrane forms a broad edging to each spine. The caudal is moderately rounded. The pectoral is also rounded off. The ventral is pointed ; its greatly compressed spine is shorter than the fifth soft ray, and has only half the length of the second and third rays, which are the longest. * There are twenty or twenty-one scales in a vertical row, of which seven are above the lateral line. A few small scales exist on the base of the articu- lated portions of the dorsal and anal, but none on the spinous parts. The edges of the scales are rounded, thin and membranous. the Ichthyology of Australia. 355 DIMeEnsIons. inches, lines. Length from end of snout to end of caudal .........+00 seeiaerene 38 6 —_———— base of caudal...... Soi stsin sinters 35 6 $$ —__—-— anal fin cose sass ececeeseneeeeeeees 22 0 SS SS ANUS —.eeseccccecccccccsscccvocscoes 20 6 SERRE Ventral ...se-ceaccoessecesceerens 13 0 ————S GOLSAL co iececs. tea secerennesesesssse 12 6 ————— —_ —__—— pectoral ....esescccseceeeeeeneesane 10 3 SSSS ——— edge of gill-cover ....++.sseseee. 10 3 [aS centre of eye ...0... eeeeenereece 5 6 Height of first dorsal spine............ Seri snocesskeatcossausass Agana L 6 TOUT PANE IED wesessve cneevas arapeney is Peaske od Shes p 2 2 MTOM see pada scee actu cane seciehioleep'=acpisabuciecisc/nen es ups 1 6 GE VEMUN chepaceccesUucasincecevassdunctendvesesevexvssressous ] 9 longest soft ray of dorsal ......+.seessereeee corevenacrs 5 6 ———— first anal spine .......sceceseceseccececeeenceceaeeuseenss 2 0 _ BECOMGNGRERD) | Pasaddasia het sebas ake 6. Hab, ad insulam Ticao, Philippinarum. A beautiful variety, in which the longitudinal flesh-coloured stripes are divided into distinct patches, of the form of a crescent. Found by Mr. Cuming at the island of Ticao, in sandy mud at seven fathoms’ depth. Var. 3. Testd minore, maculis semilunaribus frequentioribus, indi- stinctis. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 206. f. 1. Hab. ad insulam Corrigidor, Philippinarum. This variety is constantly smaller and of deeper colour; the cres- cent-shaped spots are thicker, and run so indistinctly the one into the other as often to be completely clouded over. 2. ToRNATELLA soLipuLA. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. vi. part 2. p. 220; Chemnitz, Conch., vol. x. pl. 149. f. 1405; Kiener, Iconographie des Coquilles, pl. 1. f.2. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. 1. pl. 206. f. 7. Voluta solidula, Linnzeus. Bulimus solidulus, Bruguiere. Hab. ad insulas Philippinarum, &c. Several varieties of this shell, varying in colour from a bluish grey to a reddish brown, were found by Mr. Cuming amongst the Philip- pine Islands, in sandy mud at different depths, from 7 to 25 fathoms; they are, however, by no means confined to this locality. 3. TornatTeLua coccinata. Torn. testd cylindraceo-ovatd, trans- versim striatd, alba, maculis coccineis minutis profuse ornatd ; epidermide luted, leviter indutd; spird depresso-conicd, suturis profundis, apice precipue exserto, acutissimo ; columellé biplicatd, plica maxima bilobd. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 206. f. 10. Hab. ad insulam Mindanao, Philippinarum. This beautiful shell is very distinct from any variety of the pre- ceding ; the spire, which is remarkably sharp-pointed at the apex, is somewhat depressed and rounded ; and the shell altogether is covered oe ae. ——r Zoological Society. 389 with a number of small bright scarlet spots. It was found by Mr. Cuming at the island of Mindanao in sandy mud at the depth of twenty-five fathoms. 4, TorRNATELLA GLABRA. Torn. testa ovatd, transversim striatd, albd, nitidiusculd, maculis leucopheis varie denigratd ; spird sube- lata, apice acuto ; columelld biplicatd, plicd maxima vie biloba. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. i. pl. 206. f. 12. Hab. ad insulam Negros, Philippinarum. Mr. Cuming collected several of this species at the island of Ne- gros. ‘The shell is by no means a new one, but it has been hitherto confounded with the Tornaiella solidula, probably in consequence of its resemblance in colour. It differs in form, and besides being more highly polished, is stamped with a certain peculiarity of character by which it cannot fail to be recognised. 5. TorRNATELLA TESSELLATA. Torn. testd oblongo-ovatd, albd, transversim striatd, striis plus minusve approximatis, interstitiis maculis helvinis tessellatis ; spird elatd, apice precipue acuto ; co- lumelld biplicatd, plicd maxima parim bilobd. eeve, Conch. Syst., vol. i. pl. 206. f. 3. Hab. In sinum Persicum. This elegant little shell was found by Dr. Riippell at the Red Sea, on the sands at low water. It is finely striated in a transverse di- rection, and the interstices are neatly tessellated with numerous pale flesh-coloured square spots. 6. TorRNATELLA FAsciATA. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. vi. part 2. p. 220; Martini, Conch., vol. ii. pl. 43. f.442 and 443; En- cyclopédie Méthodique, pl. 452. f. 3. a, 6; Kiener, Iconographie des Coquilles, pl. 1. f. 3; Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 206. f. 11. Voluta tornatilis, Linneus. Auricula bifasciata, Martini. Bulimus tornatilis, Bruguiére. Hab. ad oras Devonie, Insule Britannice. Several of this well-known species have been recently dredged up from sandy mud at the depth of five fathoms, off the coast of Devon- shire. 7. TorRNATELLA S1EBALDII. Torn. testd ovato-conicd, transversim striata, rubicunduld, irregulariter dibaphd, spira elatd, suturis al- bis, apice acuto ; columella uniplicatd, aperturd ovatd, labro tenui, acuto. Hab. ad oras Japoniz. This shell, which was brought by Dr. Siebald from Japan, is ir- regularly stained with a ruddy brown, exhibiting the appearance of having been dyed in two distinct colours; the sutures of the spire are perfectly white, and so is also the columella. 8. TornaTrLua BuLLATA. Kiener, Iconographie des Coquilles, pl. 1. f. 4; Lister, Synops. Conch., pl. 714. Hab. Indian Seas. A small cylindrical buila-shaped shell, which we have not included in this monograph without considerable hesitation. 390 Zoological Society. 9. TorRNATELLA NiTIDULA. Lamarck, Anim. sans vert., vol. vi. part 2. p. 221; Encyclopédie Méthodique, pl. 452. f. 2. a, 6; Sow- erby, Genera of Shells, No. 24. f. 2; Kiener, Iconographie des Co- quilles, pl. 1. f. 5; Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 206. f. 5. Hab. ad insulam Bohol, Philippinarum, &c. Some specimens of this shell, found by Mr. Cuming at the island of Bohol, in sandy mud at eleven fathoms’ depth, are smaller and more cylindrical than those hitherto known. 10. Tornaretia vireata. Torn. testd rotundato-ovatd, subcylin- draced, alba, transversim belle striatd, longitudinaliter strigis la- tis, nigerrimis, sinuosis, subdistantibus, vivide ornatd ; spird brevi, suturis distinctis, apice subobtuso ; columelld uniplicatd. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 206. f. 8 and 9. Hab. ad insulam Masbate, Philippinarum. This is a beautiful shell, and very distinct from any other species ; it is of a pure transparent white, ornamented with a regular series of broad dark black stripes running down from the spire. Found by Mr. Cuming at the island of Masbate, in sandy mud at the depth of seven fathoms. 11. Tornatetya venusta. D’Orbigny, Voyage dans l’Amérique Méridionale, Mollusques, p. 399. pl. 56. f. 4 to 6. Hab. ad Peruviam, propé ad Paytam. A small fusiform shell, highly deserving of the title by which D’Orbigny has distinguished it. 12. TornareLta inscuLteTa. Torn. testd parvd, ovatd, sulcis parallelis numerosis transverse insculptd ; spird indistinctd, apice acuto; maculis subaquilis ubiqué pictd ; columelld biplicatd, plicd maxima precipue bilobd. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 206. f. 2. Hab. ad insulam Masbate, Philippinarum. It is to be regretted that Mr. Cuming did not succeed in obtain- ing live specimens of this very characteristic shell, of which he found two only, lying dead upon the sands at the island of Masbate. ‘The spire is rather prominent, but still so indistinct as scarcely to exhibit the volution of the whorls; the shell is then neatly sculptured from the apex to the base with transverse lines running exactly parallel with each other, and the whole surface is painted with light brown spots. 13. Tornaretta Oryza. Torn. testd minutd, oblongo-ovatd, ebur- ned, nitidd, transversim sulcatd, sulcis plus minusve approwximatis ; spird regulari, apice subacuto ; columelld uniplicatd ; aperturd ovatd, superne attenuatd ; labro simplici, solido, acuto. Hab. ad insulam Cabbalonga, Philippimarum. A small species, unlike any hitherto described; it is perfectly white (a fine ivory white), and deeply sulcated from top to bottom. In concluding this monograph, it may be as well to state that the Tornatelle auricula and pedipes of Lamarck should be referred to the genus Auricula. The Tornatelle are strictly marine, dwelling in several fathoms’ water; whilst the species just alluded to are inland, and amphibious, inhabiting swamps and marshy places. Zoological Society. 391 June 14.—Richard Owen, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. The following paper, by George Gulliver, Esq., F.R.S., entitled “ Observations on the Muscular Fibres of the Gtsophagus and Heart in some of the Vertebrate Animals,” was read. The present communication is a continuation of the observations on the muscular fibres of the cesophagus and heart published in the ‘ Annals Nat. Hist.’ vol. v. p. 349. The author applies the term voluntary to the striated muscular fascicles—extending along the entire length of the gullet, and even on the commencement of the cardiac extremity of the stomach in several animals, along more or less only of the tube in man and some other mammals, and wholly absent from it in many of the lower Vertebrata—because this fibre has all the anatomical charac- ters of the muscular fibre of animal life, which no completely in- voluntary muscle has hitherto been found to possess. ‘‘ If we are to judge of the office of the fibre in question from its structure, it must be concluded that in many Vertebrata the whole length of the gullet is capable of voluntary motion, in some the lower or poste- rior portion is not obedient to the will, while in others the motions of the entire gullet must be quite involuntary. «That the muscular coat of the gullet should differ in animals of different orders will not appear surprising ; but it was hardly to be supposed that a difference in the cesophageal sheath would be found in some genera of the same order. Yet such is the fact in the Fere ; and it is probable that further research into the anatomy of this order will disclose more differences in their minute structure, espe- cially as my observations on the blood have shown that there is a remarkable diversity in the size of the blood-corpuscles or red par- ticles of some of the subdivisions of the Carnivora*. “ Perhaps the extent of the muscular coat of the gullet may vary in the same subject at different periods of life. In young and middle- aged mares and geldings some of the muscular fibre of animal life may be generally traced on the gullet four or five inches from the stomach ; but in a gelding twenty-five years old this fibre could not be found on the last ten inches of the gullet ; and in an aged rabbit I found the striated muscular fascicles but sparingly on the last inch of the gullet, although in this animal generally they are most abun- dant in this situation. “A summary of my inquiry concerning the extent of the voluntary muscular fibre on the gullet is subjomed. Some of the results may be modified by more facts, which are yet required to furnish a satisfactory view of the subject. I have had no opportunity of becoming acquainted with the researches of M. Ficinus and M. Va- lentin, referred to by Dr. Baly in his translation of Professor Miil- ler’s ‘ Physiology,’ vol. ii. p. 851. QuADRUMANA. In this order, as in the human subject, the muscular fibre of animal life does not invest the lowest portion of the gullet. * See Ann. Nat. Hist. vol. vii. p.577 ; vol. viii. p.533; and Appendix to Gerber’s General Anatomy, p. 6-7. 392 Zoological Society. CHEIROPTERA. In the pipistrelle, the sheath of the gullet, excepting 1-16th of ~ an inch at the stumachic end, was formed of the muscular fibre of animal life. FER. Insectivora.—tIn the three British genera the muscular fibre of animal life covers the whole length of the gullet. Canide.—-The muscular fibre of animal life extends to the sto- machic end of the gullet. In the silvery fox none of this fibre could indeed be detected on the terminal third of an inch of the gullet, which should be examined again in another individual. Viverride.—In the African civet cat the striated muscular fasci- cles do not cover the last portion of the gullet. Felide—The stomachic end of the gullet is not clothed with the muscular fibre of animal life; but in the caracal a few irregular fibres were observed on the cardiac end of the gullet, perhaps be- longing to the muscular fibre of animal life, although they were quite destitute either of transverse or longitudinal streaks. Mustelide.—tin the otter the muscular fibre of animal life covers the gullet, excepting about half an inch of its stomachic extremity ; in three species of Mustela this fibre invests the whole gullet. Phocide.-—In the seal no muscular fibre of animal life was found on the gullet within an inch of the stomach. Urside.—In the genus Nasua, and in the sloth-bear and Ame- rican bear, the gullet is throughout clothed with the muscular fibre of animal life, which in the latter animals is very thick and red on the last portion of the gullet, and extends on the cardiac extremity of the stomach. CrTackEa. In a porpoise no muscular fibre of animal life could be found on four inches of the stomachic end of the gullet, although this fibre was abundant on the rest of the thoracic portion of the gullet. RuMINANTIA. The voluntary muscular fibre runs along the entire length of the gullet, and sometimes to a short distance on the cardiac extremity of the stomach. The striated muscular fibre on the last portion of the gullet is often mixed with a much greater proportion of the muscular fibre of organic life. RopeEnNTIA. The whole length of the gullet is clothed with the muscular fibre of animal life. MARsupPIALIA. In the kangaroo and the squirrel-flying opossum no muscular fibre of animal life was found on the stomachic end of the gullet. Brrps, REepriues, AND FIsHEs. I have carefully searched for the striated muscular fascicles in the gullet of the birds and reptiles mentioned in the table, but in vain. In Birds the fibre of the superficial coat of the gullet is often Zoological Society. 393 disposed transversely, in which respect it may be seen with the naked eye to differ from the cesophageal muscular sheath of mam- mals. Ina few fishes the striated muscular fascicles invested the entire length of the gullet, and extended some distance on the sto- mach in others, as in the pike and bull-head. In the barbel some of these fascicles were found on the gullet or termination of the pha- rynx opposite to the posterior border of the gill-cover. In Fishes the striated muscular fasciculi of the gullet appear, from the mea- surements now given, to be much smaller than the fasciculi of the muscles of the body; and a like difference, though to a much smaller degree, often exists in mammals. «In the heart of the smaller species of the lower Vertebrata di- stinct muscular fibres are often not to be found, the structure being less distinct than in the heart of many mammals ; generally composed of bands or fillets not easily separable from each other, and com- monly about =,),5th of an inch broad. These fillets are seldom clearly streaked transversely ; they are irregularly and most minutely granulated, without the longitudinal arrangement of the granules so plainly visible in the beaded primitive fibrils of the heart of Mammalia. In short, the known points of resemblance between the muscular fibre of the heart of mammals and that of voluntary muscle are generally wanting in the structure of the heart of the smaller species of the lower Vertebrata, for the latter is more nearly allied to the muscular tissue of organic life as it exists in other parts. “In some of the voluntary muscles of many of the smaller Mam- malia and Birds, as the common mouse and Fringillide, the existence of a sheath around the fibres appears to be questionable ; and in the heart of such animals the fibres are remarkably indistinct. In the common water-vole i noticed a very clear appearance of primitive fibrils, yet these seemed to be nowhere collected into fascicles. In the great pectoral muscle of various small birds, as the common swift, the transverse streaks are very indistinct, and often difficult to be seen, although they are very plain in the muscles of the leg; yet in this bird the former muscle is highly developed, and almost con- stantly in action, while the latter are but small and little used. It will be recollected that the above remarks apply only to particular muscles, and are not to be considered as at all invalidating the ad- mirable demonstration of the sarcolemma in many muscles by Prof. Schwann and Mr. Bowman, and the parallel observations of Dr. Jones Quain and Mr. W. J. E. Wilson*. As before observed, the fibres of the heart of Mammalia seem to have no intervening cellular (fila- mentous) tissue; this tissue, however, is easily observed in the heart of many lower vertebrate animals; and I have very recently seen minute wavy filaments, having all the characters of cellular tissue, in the heart of the bear, and of some other mammals which had died in confinement.”’ The term fibre, as used in this paper, corresponds to the primitive fasciculus of Fontana, Miller, and Bowmant. As in the heart there * See Phil. Trans. part ii. 1840, p. 475. + Loc. cit. p. 458. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 2D 394 Zoological Society. is often a tolerably clear appearance of fascicles, and as frequently only of the fillet-like bands, both are set down in the table annexed to the author’s paper as fibres: the larger size of the fascicles at once distinguishes them from the bands, the primitive fibrils of the muscular tissue bemg out of the question. In the snake and newt the bands composed the tissue of the auricles, while a collection of these bands into fascicles appeared and was measured in the ven- tricles ; the measurements show many parallel instances, and one in which the fascicles appeared in the auricle and the bands in the ven- tricle. Mr. Gould exhibited to the Meeting an extensive collection of Australian Halcyonide, and characterized two new species belonging to this family as follows :— Hatcyon piatyrostris. Halc. capite, dorsoque ex erugine viridi- bus ; alis cauddque virescenti-ceruleis ; guld pallidé luteold, héc colore gradatim apud nucham et partes corporis inferiores in cer- vinum, vel arenaceo-luteolum transeunte. Spot before the eye buff; head and back verditer green; wings and tail greenish blue; throat very pale buff, gradually passing into the rich sandy buff of the back of the neck and the whole of the under surface ; bill black; the base of the under surface of the lower mandible flesh-white. Total length, 74 inches ; bill, 12; wing, 3; tail, 24 ; tarsi, Z. Hab. Navigators’ Islands. For the knowledge of this new species Mr. Gould is indebted to the kindness of Mr. Cunningham, who collected it, and to Mr. Ben- nett, at Sydney, at whose suggestion Mr. Cunningham presented it, with some other interesting birds, to Mr. Gould, for the advancement of zoological science. Hatcyon sorpipus. Hale. capite, dorso, plumis scapularibus tec- tricibusque alarum fuscescenti-virescentibus, alis virescenti-ceruleis, tertiariis ad apicem viridi-tinctis ; caudd virescenti-ceruled ; tor- que collari, corporeque inferiore pallidé luteolis. Hab. North coast of Australia. ; Head, back, scapularies and wing-coverts brownish oil-green; wings greenish blue, gradually changing into green on the tips of the tertiaries; collar surrounding the back of the neck and all the under surface buffy white; tail greenish blue; upper mandible and tip of the lower one black; base of the latter flesh-white. Total length, 9 inches; bill, 21; wing, 41; tail, 3; tarsi, 3. From the collection of Benjamin Bynoe, Esq. June 28.—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. A Monograph on the Coleopterous family Phyllophoride, by the Rev. F. W. Hope, was read. Following are the characters of the new species and genera contained in this paper. Family Puyiiopporip#, Hope. Genus Phyllophorus, Hope. Foemina antennis filiformibus 11-articulatis, articulo 1™° magno, ex- Zoological Society. a terné crassiore, duobus proximis brevibus, 7 sequentibus gradatim increscentibus et feré trigonis, ultimo autem ovale, apice parum minori. Palpi haud securiformes. Caput impressum, maxillis obtusis unidentatis. Thorawr lateribus carinatis, angulis posticis subspinosis, anticis subrotundatis. H/ytra thorace quintuplo lon- giora, sulcata et rugosa, lateribus elevatis. Phyllophorus gigas. later gigas, Fab., Syst. Eleut. Genus Tetralobus, Serville. Tetralobus flabellicornis. later flabellicornis, Fab. Tetralobus cinereus, Gory, Ann. de la Soc. Ent. de France, tom. i. p. 220. pl. 4. fig. 1. TerraLosus Goryr. Tetr. Mas, fusco-cinereus, capite feré qua- drato, antict subexcavato, angulis anterioribus retundatis. Thorax marginatus, valde convexrus, ad scutellum elevatus, utringue de- pressus, angulis posticis oblique acutis. Elytra thorace triplo longiora, postice rotundata, lineis elevatis parum distinctis, temen- tosa. Corpus infra piceo-cinereum, pectore pubescenti. Pedes tomentosi, femoribus compressis, tibiis subarcuatis, tarsisque flavo- membranaceis. Annuli abdominis utrinque foveolati. Long. corp. 184 lin. ; lat. 54 lin. Hab. forsitan in Africa. Foemina differt, long. 21 lin., lat. 6 lin.; antennis serratis, arti- culo ultimo tribus antecedentibus equali, subacuto, abdomine multo convexiore. A small variety of the above species exists in the rich cabinet of M. Dupont at Paris, and has been named by him 7. Sennarius. It measures twenty lines in length, and differs also in the colour of its pubescence. Trrratosus Duronti. Tetr. nigro-cinereus, capite fer? quadraio, antice excavato, tomentoso, angulis anticis rotundatis. Thorax conveaus, subtilissime punctulatus haud foveis binis in medio im- pressus. Elytra thorace triplo longiora, ad suturam subacuminata, lineis vix distinctis. Corpus infra piceum, tomentosum, binis ulti- mis annulis foveis, utrinque fortiter impressis. Pedes, femoribus, tibiisque compressis. Long. corp. 28 lin. ; lat. 9 lin. In Museo Dom. Dupont. It is probable that the above species is from Africa. It was re- ceived by M. Dupont (in whose honour it is named) from a foreign traveller, who is lately dead. No locality is mentioned. The an- tenne are imperfect. Tetratopus Savacer. Tetr. totum corpus supra fusco-brunneum, aurantiisque capillis obsitum. Caput fere quadratum angulis anticis rotundatis, antice excavatum. Thorax convexus, angulis posticis acutts. Elytra thorace duplo longiora, auratdque pubescentid tecta. Corpus infra abdomine piceo, pectore aurantiis capillis longis ob- sito, femoribus tibiis piceis tarsisque infra auricomatis. Long. corp. 13 lin.; lat. 4 lin. The above species I have much satisfaction in naming after an American clergyman, the Rev. T. S. Savage. His zeal in the col- 2D2 396 Zoological Society. lecting of insects in Western Africa has tended to add greatly to our stock of information regarding the entomology of those countries. Respecting the Goliath Beetles, he has in store for us many important observations, having collected them in the bush: his remarks on . them may shortly be expected to arrive in this country. Tetralobus Australasie. Gory, Ann. de la Soc. Ent. de France. TreTrraLosus Forrnumi. Tetr. totum corpus fuscum, auratd pubes- centid tectum, antennisque pedibus ferrugineis, elytrisque suturd acu- minatis. Caput vie emarginatum punctatum, fronte foved antice im- pressd. Antenne ferruginee. Fasciculus antennarum e lamellis novem rubro-ferrugineis. Thorax angulis anticis lateralibus, porrectis rotundatis ; posticis acutis, disco varioloso-punctato, lined - que longitudinali parum impressad. Scutellum postic? rotundatum. Elytra striato-punctata, striis punctis fortiter impressis, intern? acuminata, externeque rotundata. Corpus infra atro-piceum aureo tomentosum, capillis pectoris longioribus. Pedes ferruginei, tarsis subtis pallidioribus et excavatis. Long. corp. 12 lin.; lat. 3 lin. The above insect was lately sent to this country by Mr. Fortnum, from the new settlement of Adelaide, and although closely allied to T. Australasie of Gory, is yet distinct; it is the smallest species that has fallen under my notice, and has been named in honour of the above assiduous collector. TerraLosus Parryr. Tetr. niger, capite fere quadrato, antrorsum foveolato, angulis anticis parum rotundatis. Oculis flavis. Tho- rax latus punctulatus. Elytra thorace triplo longiora, depressa, striata, striis valdé distinctis. Corpus infra nigrum, segmentis abdominis utrinque foveolatis, pedibus piceis, antennis ferrugineis. Long. corp. 18 lin. ; lat. 64 lin. Hab. in Nubia. In Muszeo Dom. Parry. Captain Frederick Parry lately received this species in a box with other Nubian insects. It is of a remarkably depressed form, approach- ing somewhat in this respect to Tetralobus Goryi, which latter insect, however, is certainly much more convex, and differs from it also in various other minor points. Terratopus Maneuesit. Fem. fusco-picea, antennis articulo primo concolore, reliquis ferrugineis. Caput feré quadratum, punc- tatum, oculis rubris et nitidis. Thorax valde convexus, angulis anticis rotundatis, posticis acutis, lined longitudinal: media, foved utringue compressa insignitus. Elytra vix acuminata, striato- punctata. Corpus infra rubro-piceum, antennis tarsisque ferru- gineis. Long. corp. 17 lin. ; lat. 4} lin. Hab. in Nova Hollandia. The above insect was sent to me by Capt. Mangles, the Egyptian traveller, in whose honour it is named. He received it from the vicinity of the Swan River. Since the above was written, I have discovered the male in the collection of the Linnean Society, and the following is a concise de- scription of it :— Fusco-piceus, articulo primo nigricanti, reliquis ferrugineo flabellatis. Zoological Society. 397 Caput feré quadratum, vix emarginatum. Thorax couvexus, mar- ginibus lateralibus subcarinatus. Scutellum valdé depressum. Elytra acuminata, substriato-punctata et sparsim punctulata. Cor- pus infra fusco-piceum, pectore aurata pubescentia tecto, pedibus ferrugineis et auricomatis. TrrraLosus auricomus. Tetr. aureo-tomentosus, antennis flabella- tis nigris, thorace postice producto, elytris thorace triplo longioribus, auricomatis, apicibus rotundatis. Corpus infra aureo-tomento- sum, pedibus concoloribus. Caput antic rotundatum, fronte sub- foveolatd. Antenne articule 1”° inequali elongato subsecuriformt, 2% et 3%° minutis, reliquis trigono-ramosis, ultimo sublongo compresso, apice emarginato. Thorax antic? rotundatus, con- verus, in medio disci foved utrinque impressd, angulisque posticis acutis. Elytra auricomata vir sublineata. Corpus infra tomen- tosum, annulis abdominis utringue subimpressis. Long. corp. 12 lin. ; lat. 33 lin. In Museo Dom. Guerin. Hab. in Africa. Since the above description was written a more exact locality has been given me. Hab. ‘‘ Le fort de Sedou, au bord de la riviére Casamance, dé- couvert par M. le Capitaine Mion.” TrerraLosus rosustus. Fem. flavo-fusca, antennis valdé com- pressis. Caput antice excavatum, flavisque capillis obsitum. Thorax convexus, angulis anticis rotundatis, posticis acutis. Ely- tra striata, ad apicem dehiscentia, subacuta. Corpus infra flavo- fSuscum, pectore aurato tomento obsito pedibusque concoloribus. From the remarkable compressed antenne I am inclined to con- sider this insect, which was received from the island of Madagascar, as the type of a distinct genus. The following characters may be deemed sufficient to mark its peculiarities, which are chiefly taken from the antenne, and hence it has been named Piezophyllus*. Caput rotundatum, antennis valde compressis, undecim articulatis, ar- ticulo 1™° crasso, 24° brevi, octo sequentibus gradatim decres- centibus, ultimo apice acuto. Thorax angulis anticis rotundatis, posticis acutis. Hlytra subacuminata e sutura dehiscentia late- ribus medio subsinuatis. Pedes robusti, tibiis subincurvis. Other peculiarities might be mentioned ; but as it is well-figured, however, its other characters may easily be distinguished. PiIEzOPHYLLUS SHUCKHARDI. Tetr.atro-piceus, capite fere quadrato, antice parum excavato, angulis anticis suboblique truncatis anten- nisque ferrugineis. Antenne articulo 1” fere trigono, crasso, 2% 3% brevibus, 7 sequentibus lamelligeris; antennis capite thoraceque equalibus. Thorax valde convecus, lateribus carinuld insignitis, angulisque posticis subacutis. Elytra sulcata. Corpus infra atro-piceum, pectore hirsuto, flavisque capillis longis obsito. * Piezophyllus, from xf premo, and Quaroy folium. 398 Zoological Society. Pedes picet, auricomi, femoribus tibiisqgue subcompressis. Long. corp. 24 lin.; lat. 7 lin. 9 Long. corp. 21 lin.; lat. 7 lin. I am indebted to Mr. Shuckhard for the above insect, and the species 1s most probably the Tetralobus Dumolinii of Dupont’s cabinet. The antenne and tarsi of this specimen were in too imperfect a state to describe. PiezopHyLius Spencer. TFetr. niger, antennis fusco-piceis, articulo primo nigricante. Caput fere quadratum, antice excavatum. Tho- rav robustus, valdé convexus, lined longitudinali impressa fovedque utrinque insignitus et crebrissime punctulatus, angulis posticis fere rectis et acutis, carinuld abrupte interruptd, Elytra ad apicem dehiscentia, subacuta. Corpus infra atrum, pectore auricomato pedibusque concoloribus. Long. corp. 16 lin. Hab. in agro Senegalensi. ‘This singular insect is described from the rich cabinet of Monsieur Dupont in Paris, and it appears to belong to the same subgenus as Tetr. Shuckhardi. ‘The same insect I have seen before, and as it was named after Mr. Spence, the celebrated entomologist, I have retained that name. Oxynopterus* mucronatus. Elater mucronatus, Olivier. Olivier suspects that this insect is the female figured by Veet (vid. Coleop. tab. 45. fig. 34.) ; it was originally described from the cabinet of the Prince of Orange, and certainly differs from the Fla- bellicornis of Drury, which Olivier seems to doubt. The following short Latin characters separate it at once from Tetralobus. Genus Orynopterus, Hope. Caput antice subemarginatum, antennis @ apicibus flabellatis ely- trisque in utrogue sexu acuminatis. Thorar angulis anticis feré rotundatis, posticis acutis. Hlytra striata et mucronata, pedibus veluti in Tetralobo. Each joint of all the tarsi is clothed beneath with a row of short golden-coloured plush, as in other species belonging to this genus. Oxynopterus Aupourint. Ozyn., Mas, brunneo-cinereus, capite fortiter excavato, parum tomentoso. Thorax emarginatus, postice subsinuatus, antice aurantiis capillis obsitus, depressus. Scutellum rotundatum. Elytra brunneo-cinerea, parum tomentosa. Corpus infra nigro-cinereum. Pedes concolores, femoribus tibiisque com- pressis, tarsisque piceis. Long. corp. 62 lin. ; lat. 23 lin. The above species was described by me, during my late residence in Paris, from the collection at the Jardin des Plantes. It is named in remembrance of the late Professor Audouin, who succeeded to the entomological chair held by the celebrated Latreille. The locality was not stated; I believe it, however, to be from the East Indies, although I cannot actually specify its real locality. It seems to differ considerably from mucronatus of Olivier. Oxynorrerus Cumineu. Oxyn. fusco-flavus, antennis ferrugineis. * From ¢gvyw acuo, and wregoy penna. Zoological Society. 398 Caput clypeo rotundato atro, medio disci subsulcato. Thora Suscus, marginibus elevatis, angulis anticis parum productis, pos- ticis acutis et extiis divergentibus. Scutellum postice rotundatum atrum. Elytra acuminata fusco-fiava, tribus lineis pariim elevatis insignita. Corpus infra atro-piceum, femoribus concoloribus. Me- sosternum fortiter excavatum, cornu aprosterni ad medios pedes porrecto. Long. corp. 36lin.; lat. 11 lin. Feemina magnitudine differt, thorace etiam paullo latiore antennis- que compressis. The light castaneous appearance of the elytra of the above insect must in a great measure be attributed to abrasion : when recently captured it was remarkable no doubt for a golden pubescence above and beneath, which is a characteristic of other allied species. The above magnificent species is named in honour of Mr. Cuming the conchologist, whose important discoveries at Manilla in various branches of zoology entitle him to the thanks of the naturalists of England. [t may be mentioned with regard to the above insects, that the joints of all the tarsi are clothed with a row of short golden- coloured plush; the.head and thorax are covered also with very short gray pile, and in the male the elytra are fulvous red, whilst in the female they are saturated on the disc with brown; the latter sex is also a quarter of an inch larger than the male. It is also worthy of notice that the joints of the antennz to which the leaflets are at- tached gradually increase after the third joint, the extreme being the most marked. OXyYNOPTERUS LATIPENNIS. Nigro-fuscus, antennis concoloribus, elytris acuminatis et piceis. Caput fere quadratum, antice excava- tum rugoso-punctatum. Thorax latus, angulis anticis viz productis, posticis acutis, lateribus marginibus elevatis. Elytra atro-picea tomentosa, apicibus acutis. Corpus infra nigrum, pedibus ferru- gineis.. Long. corp. 24 lin. ; lat. 8 lin. Hab. in Africa. The above species was received by me in a box of insects from the Cape of Good Hope: for some time I was induced to regard it as an Asiatic species, but since I have lately received a species nearly similar in form from Sierra Leone, it may be an African insect. It is remarkably broad for a male; the disc of the thorax also is slightly convex. A label attached to it has ‘Gold Coast’ written on it. In Muszeo Dom. Hope. Foemina adhuc latet. Oxynoprerus Javanvus. Oxyn. fusco-flavus et aureo-tomentosus, an- tennis ferrugineis. Caput atrum, antennis thorace feré duplo lon- giortbus. Thorax anticé emarginatus, angulis utrinque productis, posticis acutis et divergentibus. Elytra acuminata fusco-picea aurato-tomentosa. Corpus infra nigrum, pedibus nigricantibus to- mento supra aspersis, tarsisque avricomatis. Long. corp. 23 lin. ; lat. 7 lin. 2 Long. corp. 28 lin.; lat. 81 lin. Femina differt antennis compresso-serratis et fuscis. Hab. in insula Jave. 400 Zoological Society. The above insects, male and female, were brought to this country by Dr. Horsfield from the island of Java; at first I was inclined to consider the species as the mucronatus of Olivier, but the figure in Voet is quite different. I have no hesitation in recording it as another species, and it may be remarked here that the above insects are ina good state of preservation, and that all the species of flabellate Elaters with pubescence should be described immediately they are captured, as when dead they change considerably in colouring, often turning black and greasy, so that it is impossible accurately to describe them as in their original state. LEepropuyiLius Stracwani. Lept. (Mas) piceus, capite antice ex- cavato antennis, capite cum thorace fere duplo longioribus, ely- trisque acuminatis. Caput fere quadratum, antice excavatum ru- gosum, antenne thorace duplo longiores, lamellis elongatis et ferru- gineis. Thorax undique marginibus elevatis conspicuis, angulis an- ticis parim productis, obtusis, posticis acutis et extis divergentibus. Elytra valdé acuminata marginata picea et aurato-tomentosa. Corpus infra concolor, femoribus tibiisque compressis. Femina ad- huc latet. Wong. corp, 26 lin. ; lat. 7 lin. The above species was brought to this country by Mr. Strachan, long time a resident at Sierra Leone. His zeal in urging his friends to collect insects in that climate has been the means of considerably enriching our metropolitan collections, and to him chiefly we are indebted for our acquaintance with the Goliath beetles. I have named the insect above described in honour of this gentleman, who has exhibited such a remarkable zeal in favour of zoology. When his health declined in consequence of the bad climate, he yet made ar- rangements with his friends for enriching our collections at home. He returned to England, after resigning his laborious situation, broken in health but unsubdued in spirits, and hence we may hope that his health will shortly be re-established. The following cha- racters appear to me sufficient to form into a subgenus, allied to Oxynopterus, the above insect which I have denominated Lepfo- phyllus, from the long leaflets which compose the antenne. Leptophyllus*, Hope. Caput fere quadratum, anticé emarginatum. Antenne 11-articulate, 1™° magno, 2% subtrigono, octo sequentibus feré zqualibus et la- mellatis, undecimo triplo majori. Thorax angulis anticis rotun- datis, posticis acutis, lateribus marginatis et carinatis. Hlytra postice acuminata, pedibus unguibus feré aqualibus. The anatomical sections of this genus are so fully figured by Mr. Westwood that there is no necessity for more ample details, as they may be detected on reference to the plate. Pectocerat, Hope. Caput fortiter emarginatum. Antenne valde pectinate, novem ulti- * From aAgartos tenuis, and @vaaoy folium. t wexrdg or xnxtds combed, and xéges horn, in short, comb-horned an- tenne. Zoological Society. 401 mis articulis, dentibus gradatim increscentibus, ultimis longissimis. Thorax anticé rotundatus, angulis posticis acutis. Hlytra acu minata, pedibus simplicibus. The remaining characters may easily be seen in the accompanying plate. It appears to me that the above genus is mediate between Tetralobus and Ludius and Ctenicera. Pecrocera Cantorr. Pect. fusco-castanea, antennis valde pecti- natis brunneis. Thorar niger tomentoque aureo aspersus. Elytra Susco-castanea, apicibus acuminatis. Corpus infra pilosum, cinereis flavisque capillis obsitum. Segmenta abdominis utrinque brunneo- maculata, maculis glabris. Long. corp. 10 lin. ; lat. 24 lin. Hab. in agro Assamensi. The above insect I received from Dr. Cantor before he quitted England, and I have since received it from the Khasyah Hills: it is named in honour of the above zealous naturalist. Pecrocera Meiuu. Flavo-fusca griseoque variegata, antennis pectinatis. Thorax angulis posticis acutis, subtomentosus. Elytra postice valde acuminata, pedibusque fusco-flavis et pubescentibus. Long. corp. 124 lin. ; lat. 3 lin. Hab. circa Semlaa in agris Thibetianis. E Museo Dom. Melly descriptus. Mr. Gould exhibited a new species of Hawk, belonging to the genus Elanus, which he thus characterizes :— Exanvus scriptus. lan. fronte et lined superoculari albis ; capite et corpore subtis saturate cinereis, rufescenti-fusco lavatis ; tectri- cibus alarum fulgidé nigerrimis ; parte ale interiore notd latd nigrd, per humerum et antibrachium eductd, instar litere V (aut potiis VV, utriusque ale pagina interiore in conspectu,) im- ressd. Forehead and line over the eye white; head and all the upper surface dark grey, washed with reddish brown; wing-coverts deep glossy black ; primaries greyish brown, becoming nearly white on their webs, all but the first two or three margined with white at the tip ; secondaries brownish grey on the outer web, white on the inner and at the extremity ; tertiaries brownish grey ; two centre tail- feathers grey ; the remaining tail-feathers pale brown on their outer webs and white on the inner; lores black ; all the under surface and edge of the shoulder white; on the under surface of the wing fol- lowing the line of the bones a broad mark of black assuming the form of the letter V, or if both wings are seen at once, of a W; bill black ; cere and legs yellow; claws black ; irides orange. Total length, 15% inches; bill, 14; wing, 124; tail, 74; tarsi, 1 Hab. South Australia. Mr. Gould next called attention to a collection of Birds from India, recently presented to the Society by Walter Ewer, Esq. 402 Botanical Societies of London and Edinburgh. BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. Dec. 16, 1842.—Dr. William Hughes Willshire in the Chair. Dr. John Lhotsky read a paper ‘‘ On the Limits of Vegetation.” Jan. 6, 1843.—J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S. &c., President, in the Chair. The Rev. W. H. Coleman presented a specimen of Carex Boenn- hausiana (Weihe) found by him in Herts. Dr. John Lhotsky read a paper ‘‘ On the Sugar of Eucalyptus.” ‘Jan. 20.—Adam Gerard, Esq., in the Chair. Mr. Robert Embleton presented a specimen of Maianthemum bifo- lium (DeC.), Convallaria bifolia (Linn.), found by him at Howick in Northumberland. A paper was read from Mr. William Gardiner, jun., being “‘ Loca- lities for the rarer Alpine Hypna.” The paper was accompanied by specimens. Feb. 17.—J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S. &c., President, in the Chair. Mr. T. Clarke, jun. presented specimens of a large variety of Lastrea Filix mas, found by him at King’s Cliff Valley near Bridge- water. Mr. G. H. K. Thwaites read a paper, being a notice of the dis- covery of Grimmia orbicularis, a moss new to Britain, which was found by him upon St. Vincent’s Rocks, Bristol. The foliage is not distinguishable from that of Grimmia pulvinata ; the capsule however is abundantly distinct, being globose instead of ovate, and having a conical instead of a rostrate operculum. Both species grow upon St. Vincent’s Rocks, and are sometimes intermingled, but each retains its peculiar characteristics, so that Grimmia ordicularis cannot be con- sidered a variety of G. pulvinata. Specimens of the former species accompanied the paper. Read also a paper from Mr. T. Beesley, being ‘“ Additions to the List of Plants found in the neighbourhood of Banbury, Oxfordshire, in 1842.” March 17.—J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S. &c., President, in the Chair. Mr. David Moore of the Royal Botanic Garden, Dublin, presented a specimen of Carer paradoxa (Willd.) found by him in Ladiston Woods, Mullingar, Westmeath, Ireland, in July last. Mr. Arthur Henfrey (Curator) read a paper “‘ On the British spe- cies of Statice.” BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH. This Society met on the 9th of March (Dr. Neill in the Chair) when the following papers were read :— 1. “Remarks on the Mode of Growth of the British Fruticose Rubi, &c.” By Mr. Edwin Lees, F.L.S. 2. « Continuation of Remarks on the Diatomacee.” By Mr. John Ralfs, M.R.C.S.L., Penzance. Miscellaneous. 403 3. “ On Fumaria micrantha and F. calycina.” By Mr. C. C. Babington, M.A., F.L.S. &c.* 4. «On two new species of Jungermannie, and another new to Britain.””’ By Thomas ‘Faylor, M.D.: communicated by Mr. Wil- liam Gourlie, jun., Glasgow. 5. ‘Notice of the new fossil plant, Lyginodendron Landsburgii, Gourlie.”. By Mr. William Gourlie, jun. Mr. James Macnab exhibited a magnificent cluster of the male catkins of a palm from one of the South Sea Islands, which Lady Harvey had obtained from the captain of a vessel, and kindly allowed to be shown to the Society. its dimensions, when expanded, were about three feet by three and a half, and it somewhat resembled an ornamental grate-screen formed of shavings. April 13th.—Professor Graham in the Chair. The attention of the Society was chiefly directed to a donation by William Brown, Esq., R.N., consisting of a miscellaneous collection of plants and fruits from Canton river and Chusan, and from the Cape and Prince’s Island, including a collection of forty species of Ericee from Simond’s Bay and Table Mountain. The following papers were read :— 1. ‘‘ Two Botanical Visits to the Reeky Linn and Den of Airly, in April and June 1842.” By Mr. William Gardiner, Dundee. 2. “On the Diatomacee.” No. VI. By Mr. Ralfs, Penzance. MISCELLANEOUS. Note on a Verminiferous kind of Blood of a Dog, caused by a great number of Hematozoa of the genus Filaria. Communicated by MM. Gruby and Delafond to the French Academy of Sciences. PuysroLoeists and anatomists have long since detected the presence of certain entozoa in the nutritive fluid of cold-blooded animals, as, for instance, frogs and fish. In the mammifere, worms have some- times been found in the blood; but these worms had probably only come there after having perforated the organs in which they had developed themselves. It is of very great importance to physiology, pathology, and natural history, to demonstrate, not merely the exist- ence of entozoary worms in the blood, but moreover to prove their constant circulation in that fluid, in animals which come near to man. Now, since science is not as yet in possession of any example de- monstrating conclusively the circulation of worms in the blood of mammiferous animals, we are most anxious to communicate to the Academy the discovery which we have made of Entozoa circulating in the blood of a dog of a vigorous constitution, and in a state of apparent good health.t These worms are from 3 to 5 milliémes of a millimetre in dia- meter, and about 25 in length. The body is transparént and colour- less. The anterior extremity is obtuse, and the posterior or caudal * See last Number of Annals.—Eb. + Observations, however, of this kind will be found described at pp. 48 and 49 of the 10th vol. of this Journal.—Ep. 404 Miscellaneous. extremity ends in a very fine thread. At the fore part a small short furrow 5 milliémes of a millimetre in length is observed, which may be considered as the mouth. By all its characters, this species of hematozoa must rank in the genus Filaria. The motion of these animals is very lively. Their life continues even ten days after the blood has been drawn from the vessels and deposited in a vessel placed in a temperature of 59° Fahr. By examining a drop of blood under the lens of the microscope, we see these heematozoa swim with an undulatory movement between the globules of blcod; they curl, uncurl, and twist about with great vivacity. In order to be certain whether these worms existed in the whole circulatory current, we examined the blood of the coccygeal arteries, those of the external jugular veins, of the capillary, of the conjunctiva, and of the mucous membrane of the mouth, of the skin and of the muscles, and we were always able to detect entozoa. For the last twenty days we have daily opened the capillaries of the different parts of the skin and of the mucous membrane of the mouth, and always find these animals present. The urine and excremental matters do not contain them. The diameter of the globules of the blood of the dog is from 7 to 8 milliémes of a millimetre ; that of the Faria is from 3 to 5. There is therefore not the least doubt but that this worm can circu- late wherever the blood has to pass. We reckon, according to se- veral investigations made in order to ascertain the quantity of blood existing in the vessels of dogs of moderate size, that the dog in ques- tion has 1-500 of blood in circulation. Now a drop of this blood weighs O*!-067, and in this drop we are able to detect from four to five Filaria. This dog would therefore contain more than 100,000 of these worms in the whole of its blood. The prodigious number of the animals is the more astonishing, as the dog seems to be in good health. We should however remark, that the entozoa of the digestive canal of dogs, the Tenia, even in very great numbers, very seldom disorder the vital functions. During a year we have examined the blood of from seventy to eighty dogs without meeting with the Filaria, and dating from its discovery, we have sought for it, but in vain, in the blood of fifteen dogs. We have now the honour of presenting to the Academy— 1. A drawing of the Filaria of the blood of the dog. 2. Some blood containing some of these worms alive. 3. The dog whose blood is verminiferous ; and we can, if the Academy desire it, make an incision in the lip of the animal and show, with the microscope, the Fil/aria which circulate with the blood.—Annales de Chimie et de Physique for March. On the Cotton called “ Nurma,” in Guzerat. By A. Burn, Esq. The plant yielding what is called Nurma cotton in this part of the country, is the same as is described by Dr. J. F. Royle as Gossy- Miscellaneous. 405 pium arborenm. It is to be found growing wild, I believe, in dif- ferent parts of India; and from some experiments I made when at Kaira, I have very little doubt that it will be found to be the original stock from whence the Barbadoes, Bourbon, Egyptian, and Sea Island varieties have originally sprung. It grows in every kind of soil that is met with in Guzerat. But it obtains the greatest perfection in light sandy soils, to which a little old cow-dung manure has been added, and where it can have a proper drainage, in the black clayey soil known as “ the cotton soil” of the indigenous G. herbaceum ; it grows, but with diminished vigour, in proportion to the purity of that soil. In a state of nature, and when fully developed, the seeds ate nearly as large as a grain of wheat, and are closely covered all round by a strongly-adhering bright pea-green coloured fur, and enveloped in a fine silky wool of considerable strength, and fully an inch in length. Hedge-rows, gardens, groves of trees about the abodes of devotees and temples, are the places where this plant is found, I do not know of its being cultivated in any other_way. In these places it is a perennial, lasting for four or five years or more, and being cut down to within 2 feet of the ground in the end of June, or a little before the setting in of the annual rains; this also is the best time for sowing the seed. The natives appreciate this cotton, from its fine staple enabling them to spin finer thread than from any other kind with which they are acquainted. Muslins and long pugries for the head are made from it; but since the introduction to this country of European products of the loom, its use and its culture have been so reduced, as hardly at this day to afford sufficient evidence to save their being classified along with the fabulous stories of Hindoo history. Of the quantity produced per acre | can give no estimate, but in the first year it could not be over 100 Ibs. of clean cotton. In the second year, as the plant then comes into full bearing, it might be from 300 to 400 lbs. The great extra labour and expense over the common crops, of protecting the fields during the whole year, which the cultivation of this plant would entail, is, I believe, the main ob- stacle to any attempts being made to cultivate it. Here we have no hedge-rows, and nothing that is well calculated for such a pur- pose ; all the agricultural produce being from annuals, the ryot pro- tects them from cattle, thieves, &c., by living in his fields during the few months they are ripening, and which he could not do for a longer period. The price of this cotton in the bazaar is always double that of the common country article. However, there is never more than a few pounds procurable. I have for several years back entertained great hopes in regard to this cotton, particularly that it may be improved, so as to become of value, by attending to modes of culture. That from it new varie- ties, suited to different soils and situations as regards climate, may be obtained, is more probable than from any of the cultivated kinds, and I have hoped that circumstances might some day admit of my 406 Miscellaneous. being able to attempt its culture as a perennial, in the same way as cotton is grown in Peru. ON DIPHYA SAGITTAIRIA. M. Hollard read before the Society some facts relative to Diphya sagitiairia, a singular animal, and as yet but little known, which, living in the open sea, is blown upon the coast by stormy winds which mutilate it, as its structure is very fragile. He also presented some details on the anatomy of the Veledlide, radiated animals, the order of which is not yet determined. M. Hollard submitted to the Society several curious anatomical objects, and particularly a Tor- pedo from the Mediterranean, in which the electric apparatus was laid bare.— Bulletin des Sciences de la Société Vaudoise, as inserted in the Bibliotheque Universelle, Nov. 1842. EXPERIMENTS ON THE TORPEDO. M. Matteucci communicated to the French Academy of Sciences, on the 20th of Feb. last, the results of some experiments on the torpedo, illustrative of the theory entertained by himself and M. de Blainville on the analogy between muscular contraction and electricity. He introduced a small quantity of the aqueous solution of opium into the stomach of the living torpedo; the tincture of nux vomica was like- wise introduced into the stomach of another live torpedo. ‘The two fishes, apparently dead, were soon afterwards removed from the water, and on their backs were placed two frogs (prepared in the way al- ready described by the author) and the galvanometer. When the animal, or any part of it, was slightly touched, it contracted, and the torpedo furnished an electrical discharge, although before the expe- riment it required strong irritation to produce any effect. The brain of a torpedo, much reduced in strength, was exposed, and an alkaline solution of potash applied on the fourth lobe. The torpedo died, giving forth very strong discharges. The electrical organ was rapidly removed from a living torpedo, and prepared frogs were placed on the organ. On passing a knife into the organ, and dividing the smallest nervous filaments, the frogs leaped up, sometimes one, sometimes the other, according to the point of the electrical organ which was cut. I had never before (says the author) seen in so perfect a manner the localised action of nervous filaments, nor had I ever witnessed so clearly the curious action of the electrical lobe of the brain. I received six torpedos, which were brought to me in a state of apparent inanition ; the most active irritants failed to produce a discharge, for the animals seemed to have been cestroyed by the cold. I exposed the brain, and on irritating the fourth lobe I obtained very powerful discharges. I cut up the electrical organ of a live torpedo in all directions, and applied the galvanometer to different points; the direction of the electrical current was invariably from the points nearest the back, towards the lower part of the belly. It is impossible to admit any analogy be- tween the organ, and piles, batteries, &c. Meteorological Observations. 407 BrsriocrapuHicaLt Notice. To be published by subscription, the Genera of Birds ; comprising their Generic Characters, a notice of the Habits of each Genus, and an extensive List of Species, referred to their several Genera. By George Robert Gray, Senior Assistant of the Zoological Depart- ment, British Museum, and author of the ‘ List of the Genera of Birds,’ &c. Illustrated with Figures by David William Mitchell. The Illustrations of this work, amounting to about 200 plates, will be from the pencil of the author’s colleague, Mr. Mitchell; whose knowledge of the science, and zealous wish to facilitate its acquire- ment by others, will guarantee the faithful and spirited performance of his department of the work. It is proposed to commence the publication as soon as 100 sub- scribers are obtained, in Monthly Parts, each Part to consist of Four imperial-quarto coloured plates, and accompanying letter- press; giving the generic characters, short remarks on the habits, and a list of species of each genus as complete as possible. Each plate will contain, as far as practicable, the characters of all the groups of an entire subfamily, illustrated by a complete figure of a species not hitherto figured; or, in the few cases where this is not to be obtained, of one that has only been given in some ex- pensive work, accompanied with numerous details of heads, bills, wings and feet of the other genera, as the case may require, for pointing out their distinguishing characters. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR MARCH 1843. Chiswick.— March 1. Clear: some snow-flakes: frosty. 2%, 3. Clear and frosty : fine. 4. Cloudy and fine: frosty at right. 5. Sharp frost: cloudy. 6. Cloudy: clear and frosty at night. 7. Frosty and foggy: cold with easterly haze. 8. Light clouds: fine: frosty. 9. Dry haze. 10. Hazy: overcast. 11. Slight haze. 12. Uniformly overcast. 13. Clear: cloudy and fine. 14. Fine. 15. Hazy: cloudy and fine. 16. Hazy and mild: clearand fine. 17, 18. Mornings foggy, clear and fine. 19. Foggy: fine. 20. Foggy: very fine: rain. 21, 22. Very fine. 23, Cloudy and mild. 924. Hazy: fine. 25. Dry and windy. 26. Cold and dry. 27, 28. Cloudy and cold. 29. Dry cold haze. 30, 31. Overcast and fine. Boston.—March 1. Fine: snow early am.: rain p.m. 2,3. Fine. 4. Cloudy. 5. Fine. 6. Cloudy. 7. Fine. 8—10. Cloudy. 11. Fine. 12. Cloudy. 13. Fine. 14. Cloudy: rainearly a.m. 15. Fine: rain early a.m. 16. Cloudy. 17,18. Fine. 19. Cloudy. 20. Fine. 21. Fine: rain early a.m. 22. Rain: rain early a.m. 23, 24. Cloudy: rain early am. 25. Windy. 26. Stormy. 27, 28. Windy. 29, 30. Fine. 31. Cloudy. Sandwick Manse, Orkney.—March 1. Snow-showers: frost. 2—5. Cloudy: thaw. 6. Clear: aurora. 7, 8. Clear: hoar-frost: aurora. 9. Clear: cloudy. 10. Cloudy: damp. 11. Damp. 12. Showers. 13. Snow: showers. 14. Snowing: clear. 15. Snow: showers: clear. 16. Cloudy: snow: rain. 17. Rain : drizzle. 18. Showers: clear: aurora. 19. Cloudy. 20. Cloudy : damp. 21,22. Damp. 23. Damp: showers: damp. 24. Damp. 25—29. Bright: clear. $0. Cloudy: rain. 31. Drizzle: rain. Applegarth Manse, Dumfries-shire— March 1—4, Frost: fair. 5. Slight frost : thaw p.m. 6. Thaw and drizzle. 7. Fair and fine: spring day. 8. Frost. 9. Frost: dulle.m. 10. Rain. 11. Very damp. 12. Wet a.m.: cleared up. 13. Fair and fine: drizzle. 14. Frost: threatening. 15. Frost: fine. 16. Drizzle. 17. Moist, but not rain, 18—20. Fair and fine. 21. Fair and fine: shower p.m. 22. Wet a.m.: cleared. 23, 24. Wet a.m. 25, 26. Fair. 27— 29, Fair: slight frost. SO. Heavy rain: thunder. 31. 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Pes ‘a Bo Seaton -yuing |* * | HSIHD| ‘SH *4OPUCT | <éouyaQ | -satgung | * * 5 pee fe | so 2.0 : i S £ = 4 UR yy “PUTA, 19} IULOULIO YT, *1OJIULOIL oe Pee ‘AANYUQG) ‘asunYT yoUNpuDY 7p SuosNO]D "+ “Ady 9y7 Ag pup fAUIHS-saATMaWACT ‘asunpyy ypunsajyddp yo ‘requng ‘Ay ‘Ady a7 &9 SNOLSog yw \waA ‘AN 29 fwopuo'T Lvau ‘MOIMSIND JD Ajovd0g jounjnoyLopy ayy Jo UapLvyy ayZ WD ‘uosdwoyy, “yy 49 ‘ uoWaqoy “Ay ‘Aunzosoagy qunjsisspy ayy hg ‘NOGNO'T ‘Ajav00g yohoy ay] fo siuaupindpy ay] Jo apn suoywasasgy) vA Top0L0I}a] 7 THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. No. 72. JUNE 1843. LVI.—Notes on the Salmon. By Joun Buacxwatt, F.L.S. To Mr. Shaw of Drumlanrig belongs the merit of having suc- cessfully developed the natural history of the small fish denomi- nated Parr, whose ceconomy, prior to the enunciation of his dis- coveries, was involved in obscurity, and was the occasion of much perplexity and hypothetical reasoning among British ichthyolo- gists. By a series of well-conceived and skilfully conducted experiments he has not only proved that the parr is neither a hybrid nor a species sui generis, but has clearly established the mteresting and important truth that it is the young of the salmon. Residing in the immediate vicinity of the river Conway, for some years past my attention as a naturalist and a fly-fisher has been directed to the finny inhabitants of its waters, and to the salmon in particular. In the course of my researches several remarkable facts relative to the latter species in its earlier stages of growth have come under my observation; Ist, that young males, exhibitmg all the characters of the parr, frequently have the lobes of milt fully matured, while females of the same size have the lobes of roe m so backward a state that it is necessary to employ a magnifier im order to distinguish the ova ; 2nd, that these males shed their milt im the ensuing winter months; 38rd, that the males of salmon-smolts are found to have shed their milt before they descend to the sea, though the lobes of roe in the females are then of very small dimensions ; and 4th, that smolts may be made to assume the barred appearance of parrs by care- fully removing their silvery scales. Perceiving that Mr. Shaw, in his “ Experimental Observations on the Development and Growth of Salmon-fry,” published in the fourteenth volume of the ‘Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh,’ had noticed the phenomena enumerated above, which serve, however, in some measure, to corroborate the accuracy of his views, I put aside my notes in which they are recorded, and probably never might have recurred to them again had not an abstract of a paper “ On the Growth of the Salmon,” by Mr. John Ann, & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 25K 410 Mr. J. Blackwall’s Notes on the Salmon. Young, given in the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History,’ vol. x1. p. 157, induced me once more to turn to them, under the impression that they comprised evidence in favour of a conclusion opposed to that arrived at by the latter observer. Concurring with Mr, Shaw as regards the history of the sal- mon from its rupturing the external capsule of the egg to the pe- riod when it acquires the migratory dress and descends to the sea, Mr. Young has endeavoured to determine, by observations made upon marked individuals, the growth of this species after its first arrival in the salt water. In the months of April and May 1837, he marked a consider- able number of descending smolts by making a peculiar perfora- tion in the caudal fin by means of small nipping-irons; in the course of the ensuing months of June and July many of them were recaptured ascending the river as grilse, and weighing se- veral pounds each, more or less, according to the difference in the length of their sojourn in the sea. Again, he marked a number of descending smolts in April and May 1842, by clipping off the adipose fin, and in June and July he caught some of them return- ing up the river, the adipose fin bemg absent. One of these spe- cimens, marked in April and recaptured on the 25th of July, weighed seven pounds, and another, marked in May and recap- tured on the 30th of July, weighed three pounds and a half. Many small grilse, marked ‘after they had spawned in winter and were about { to redeseend into the sea, in the course of the en- suing summer were recaptured as finely formed salmon, ranging from nine to fourteen pounds in weight, the difference still de- pending upon the length of their sojourn im the sea. A specimen marked as a grilse of four pounds in January 1842, was recaptured as a salmon of nine pounds in July. A salmon which had spawned, weighing twelve pounds, was marked on the 4th of March, and was recaptured on its return from the sea on the 10th of July, weighing eighteen pounds. Such are the experiments detailed in the report of Mr. Young’s paper, and the inference deduced from them and others of a si- milar kind is that the growth of the salmon in its transition from a smolt to a grilse, from a grilse to the perfect state as to form and aspect, and also in the perfect state, is extraordimarily rapid during those portions of its existence which are passed in the sea, but Mr. Young entertaims the opinion that salmon rather dimi- nish than increase while they remain in fresh water. Now, though it is an undoubted fact that great deterioration in the condition and, consequently, in the weight of salmon uni- formly takes place while they are engaged in perpetuating their species, yet that the growth of young individuals which do not accompany their congeners to the sea is steadily progressive, ob- | | | | Mr. J. Blackwall’s Notes on the Salmon. 411 servation and experiment plainly show. Salmon-fry from seven to eight inches long, having all the characters of the parr, may be taken in the Conway and its tributary streams m small numbers in the month of June, after the smolts of the season have entirely quitted those rivers, and, occasionally, I have obtained specimens of still larger dimensions, weighing four ounces. The physical cause, whatever it may be, which prevents these fish from acquiring the migratory dress and instinct of their species, evidently does not prevent them from increasing in growth and improving in condi- tion, even the males which have shed their milt presenting every appearance of renovated health and vigour. Mr. Yarrell, in his ‘ History of British Fishes,’ vol. 1. p. 21, states that a large landed proprietor in Scotland, in April 1831, put a dozen or two of small salmon-fry, three or four inches long, into a newly-formed pond between three and four acres in extent. No fishing was allowed in this pond till the summer of 1833, when several of these salmon were taken, weighing from two to three pounds, perfectly well-shaped, well-coloured, and well-fla- voured. As these fish must have been in their second year when put into the pond, it follows that they attained to the weight of two or three pounds in rather more than three years. In the Supplement to the second volume of Mr. Yarrell’s work other examples of the growth of young salmon in fresh water are given (pp. 5, 6), from which it appears that in one instance there was an increase in weight of eleven or twelve ounces in sixteen months, and in another instance an increase of fourteen or fifteen ounces in twenty-seven months. I shall now proceed to inquire into the growth of the salmon during its sojourn in the sea. Karly in the month of June, salmon in high condition, ranging from three to five pounds in weight, ascend the Conway in con- siderable numbers if the state of the water be favourable ; but that they cannot be identical with the smolts of the same year is ma- nifest, because the inversion of established physiological principles is involved in the opposite supposition ; for as great numbers of erilse weighing from half a pound to a pound come up the same river in August, full two months later than the former, there is no escaping from the unphilosophical conclusion to which such a hypothesis leads; namely, that young salmon decrease in size as they increase in age. To avoid the awkwardness of this dilemma, it is only necessary to admit the identity of the small grilse which ascend the Conway in August with the smolts of the preceding spring ; and this view of the subject, which, if correct, completely subverts the theory of the all but preternatural growth of the sal- mon in salt water, derives support from the gradual increase of 2K 2 412 Mr. J. Blackwall’s Notes on the Salmon. this species im size when restricted to fresh water, and from some circumstances attending the loss of its teeth from the vomer. Adult salmon of average dimensions are known to have one or two teeth only at the anterior extremity of the vomer, though smolts have the same part amply provided with teeth extending along a great portion of its length. In the summer of 1840 I examined numerous specimens of salmon in various stages of growth, for the purpose of ascertainmg the period at which the teeth begin to disappear from the vomer and the order in which they are shed. Specimens weighing from two to five pounds, taken in the months of June and July, had from three to seven teeth on the anterior part of the vomer, the number, allowing for the difference in condition, beg almost always inversely as the weight ; and individuals of a larger size, captured at the same time, usually retained one or two teeth only, situated quite at its ante- rior extremity. Other specimens weighing from half a pound to a pound, taken in the month of August, were found to have the vomer well supplied with teeth except at its posterior part, from which some had been lost variably. The situation which the lost teeth have occupied is distinctly marked by dark spots m small grilse, but as they merease m size these spots become more obscure and, ultimately, are obliterated. As the teeth disappear from the vomer gradually and nearly in regular succession, those at the posterior part being shed first, it follows that the youngest fish, generally speaking, will have lost the fewest ; consequently, the small grilse which ascend the Con- way in August may be safely regarded as identical with the smolts which descended the same river in the preceding spring. Having attempted to show that the growth of the salmon du- ring its first visit to the sea is not so rapid as has been supposed, I may state that I see no reason for believing that it is accelerated im an extraordiary degree at any subsequent period of its life. The salmon which come up the Conway annually exhibit every gradation in weight from half a pound, or under, to twenty-five and thirty pounds ; this would hardly be the case were the belief m thei extremely rapid growth well-founded, neither would m- dividuals of large dimensions bear so very small a numerical pro- portion as they are known to do to those of a medium size. In pursuing researches of this description it is desirable that measurement should be attended to as well as weight, for salmon of the same weight precisely often differ remarkably in their di- mensions according to the condition they are m; and the neglect of this cirewmstance, I am inclined to think, has contributed greatly to encumber the question with difficulties. I feel unwilling to offer any comments upon Mr. Young’s ex- Mr. J. Blackwall’s Notes on the Salmon. 413 periments, not being in possession of all the particulars given by the author in connexion with them; but I may be permitted to remark, that condition, considered with reference to weight, must have exercised no small share of influence in the case of the grilse marked by him after they had spawned in winter, and recaptured in the ensuing summer as finely-formed salmon weighing from nine to fourteen pounds ; in the instance of the specimen marked as a grilse of four pounds in January 1842, and retaken as a sal- mon of nine pounds in July; and also in that of the salmon weigh- ing twelve pounds, marked on the 4th of March, after it had spawned, and recaptured on the 10th of July, weighing eighteen pounds. For the following table of the dimensions and weight of salmon differing in condition I am indebted to my brother, Mr. 'Thomas Blackwall. Length in inches. Girth in inches, Weight in pounds, 23 coneoneadnen 15 osedesesersa 3 26 Sielsueisisioeeicts 12 shlsmsehiaieiaes 5 Phe Gagne Sac006 — Sodmcg00R600 5 26 eecescccccce 13 celsclvesieiees ° 7 29 eceecccccecs 14 eeevetcveces 7 29 pecan | GY “oe: Tae ws gt SSE Gans Sa59cre 15 Secdaaoabe see 9 28 Hs ihc HS oun uaoudl Sup 114 395 Sodebudeadad 153 ose veccccres 113 ied ea Pe dee LT ets 154 34 sbeservccese 18 ebintsae-sicleiaee 16 SCE Tsdcus coevee eT ce Saletnialels 183 39 Se cieieeleleipin.s 5 183 eccecereence 183 36 Sisieisie\sisisisiee 20 sislaisisieiaiviaie.e. 20 42 eiepaaisacisisn 18 Sa sisisaewlsials 21 i) 1) B8goasnes= as 204 olole\e\ejalejeion.e 25 34 EOOHOOOCOC s 13 BS 300NDN006 — The salmon which ascend the Conway are frequently infested externally by the Caligus curtus of Miiller, and internally by En- tozoa, three perfectly distinct species beg sometimes found in the intestines of the same individual. These internal parasites abound in salmon newly arrived in the fresh water ; but in various specimens which I have examined in March, when they had spawned and were about to return to the sea, scarcely any were to be seen. My observations, however, are too limited to warrant the deduction of any general conclusions in relation to this curious subject, which certainly merits further investigation. P.S. I have ascertamed by repeated dissections of the young of the Salmon Trout, Salmo trutta, that the males of that species shed their milt before they descend to the sea, but that the fe- 414 Dr. Bellingham on the Bottle-nose Whale. males do not spawn till they return from their first visit to the salt water, though some inequality in the development of the ova may frequently be perceived towards the end of April and the beginning of May in specimens measuring from six to seven inches in length which have assumed the migratory dress. Young salmon trouts weighing from half a pound to a pound are ob- served to ascend the Conway in considerable numbers every year in August, and adults of large dimensions are, at all times, very much scarcer than those of a medium size. From these facts I am led to infer that the salmon trout, in its ceconomy and rate of growth, bears a close resemblance to the salmon. Oakland, May 8th, 1843. LVII.—Short description of a Bottle-nose Whale stranded upon the coast of the co. Louth in the autumn of 1840. Communicated to the Nat. Hist. Society of Dublin, by O. B. Betiinenam, M.D.* A specimen of Hyperoodon Butzkopf became entangled on the evening of Oct. 6, 1840, upon a bed of rocks, which run some distance into the sea, and are partially uncovered at low water, off Salterstown near Dunany Point, co. Louth, and next morning was found nearly dead by some fishermen, by whom it was towed to Johnstown Beach. It was a male, and measured 23 feet 7 inches in length ; the greatest circumference behind the pectoral fins 13 feet 8 mches ; snout measured 2 feet 7 inches, and the tail 6 feet across. The skin was smooth, polished, and of an olive-black colour. Eyes small, dark, and somewhat larger than those of the ox ; immediately behind each eye was an opening about 5 inches in length and 2 broad. There were 2 small teeth in the extremity of the lower jaw, buried at least 2 inches in the gum. No remains of food were found on examination in the stomach or intestines. The blubber yielded upwards of 120 gallons of oil. Observations —The Hyperoodon Butkzopf of Lacépéde, Hy- peroodon bidens of Fleming, Ceto-diodon Hunteri of Jacob, Bottle- head of Dale, and Bottle-nose Whale with two teeth of Hunter, is so little known to British naturalists that the most triflmg parti- culars respecting it possess interest. This is the third specimen of this species which within the last four years has been stranded upon the same part of the coast of the co. Louth; two of these * A drawing of the animal, made by Lieut. Raye, R.N., was exhibited to the meeting. M. Miiller on Substances inclosed in Mochastones. 415 have been noticed by my friend Mr. Thompson, President of the Belfast Natural History Society, m a communication to the 4th volume of the ‘ Annals of Natural History’ the head of one is in the museum of the Royal Dublin Society, that of the other is in the museum of the Natural History Society of Dublin; the skeleton of the third and largest (prepared by Lieut. Raye) has been presented by Sir Alan Bellingham to the Natural History Society. The drawing of a recent animal by Lieut. Raye adds considerably to the value of his communication. Lieut. Raye’s figure of this specimen resembles much more closely Dale’s than Hunter’s, particularly in the shape of the body and its proportional thickness, as well as in the manner in which the forehead rises from the snout : it differs from Dale’s figure in the snout being much longer in proportion, in the lower jaw being longer and larger than the upper, and in the dorsal fin being placed nearer the posterior extremity of the body. The teeth are conical, pointed, and evidently only rudimentary ; and I could not learn that the palate was studded with any of those little horny eminences of tubercles which have been de- scribed, and are considered by Cuvier as rudimentary vestiges of whalebone. LVIII.—On Substances inclosed in Mochastones*. By Karu Muve.ier, Physician at Detmold. Translated and commu- nicated by the Rev. M. J. Berxeiryy. [With a Plate. | § 1. General Observations. SINcE in the present day the naturalist is busied with constantly increasing zeal in bringing to light the relics of an Antediluvian Flora, even the slightest contribution is welcome which adds a Ink to the great chain of those plants which are denominated fossil. Moreover, although in many of these remains it is scarcely possible from fragments to determine in what part of the fossil flora they should take their place, such notices are at least a con- tribution to the history of those minerals in which they are found, and so far a mite towards the history of the original condition of the world. On these grounds I venture to make some remarks on a sub- ject which has at present, alas! received little attention. * This word is evidently used with considerable latitude, and by no means confined to the bodies so named in this country. ¢ From the Regensburg Flora, May 21, 1842. 416 M. Miller on Substances inclosed in Mochastones. § 2. History. As far as I know, this matter was first noticed by Blumenbach in his ‘Specimen archzologie telluris terrarumque impr. Han- noy. ser. Goetting. 1818,’ in which he pomted out the organic nature of the so-called Dendrites, and even recognised amongst them genera which exist at the present day. At a later period the subject was considered worthy of especial notice by Macculloch, who however laboured only to prove again ther organic nature (Transact. of the Geolog. Soc. of London, u. 510; Leonh. Taschenb. f. Mineral. xii. 595*). In this state the matter rested, and we merely find it men- tioned occasionally im imtroductions to geology under the head Chalcedony. § 3. On their Organic Nature. This question springs in part from the scarcity of the substance which gives rise to it, which is found only here and there in col- lections of minerals, and then preserved merely as a curiosity ; 0 part, from the prevailing doubt as to their vegetable origin. People are easily induced to consider them as dendritic growths of metallic substances, as indeed has been done by many mine- ralogists and botanists; but I have never heard of an explanation how such growths take place. I must indeed add, that amongst these inclosed bodies others are found whose organic origin cannot be denied, though I have never found the former with such a form or texture under the microscope, without whose help no judgement can be formed. While some allow their organic nature, we hear others too fre- quently speak of them as belonging to the category of sports of nature. But, it may be asked, what is a sport of nature? The dendritic formations in marly slate are brought forward as proofs of the existence of fortuitous forms in nature. How far they are related to the bodies in question I cannot say, not having paid especial attention to them. Even they however depend on fixed laws, under whose activity they are produced, since their forms so constantly recur. But how is it possible in the remotest degree to speak here of sports of nature, when so many forms so frequently recur in these inclosed bodies ? To prove their vegetable nature without the help of the micro- scope, Macculloch advised treating them with sulphuric acid, which turned them black. This method should seem however to be less practical than it appears at first, for many morganic inclosed sub- * It is to be regretted that M. Miiller had no opportunity of seeing Mr. Bowerbank’s admirable memoir, who however appears to have observed no- thing which he considered as referable to the vegetable kingdom.—M. J. B. M. Miiller on Substances inclosed in Mochastones. 417 stances may also become black under its influence. One cireum- stance indeed goes far to prove their vegetable nature, namely, that those portions of the mineral, whether it be chalcedony or quartz, where the bodies are exposed, do not admit of being polished, but being stained by the polishing-oil always remain tarnished. § 4. On the Inclosed Bodies themselves. The number will probably be found considerable, when they shall have been rescued from the curiosity-drawer and have been observed and described. Something complete can be expected only from the labours of many. It is to be wished, for instance, that the botanists about Oberstein would turn their attention to this subject, where of a certainty many a treasure is thrown away as useless amongst the chips which are made by the agate- grinders. I was permitted to examine a large quantity of closed sub- stances, and what I discovered amongst them will for the most part appear from what follows. 1. Intricate deposits of different colours, mostly black or red- brown. They are very frequent, and resemble, under the micro- scope, mould; that is, they are compressed, transparent, without distinct cellular structure adhering after the manner of vegetables, and plainly converted into coal. Since other vegetable substances frequently accompany these, it is clear that they are really mould which was formed before the mineral had received its present physical form. Found at Ober- stem. 2. A moss in fructification. It was surrounded by such a mass of mould that it was impossible to discover anything accurately as to its structure, or to come to the least decision as to its genus. The capsule had the form of that of a Hypnum. The peristome was not present. The fact however is of importance as aweighty argument against the devotees of sports of nature. Found at Oberstein. 3. In a bright, clouded chaleedony, in which traces of water were still visible, fragments of a Chara occurred. They consisted of fine, much-branched, glaucous green stems entangled with one another, and among which some branches occurred which were incrusted as if with lime. I could not discover any whirled frag- ments. The occurrence of water in chalcedony was interesting, which was confirmed by the late Prof. Zenker. Found at Oberstein. In another reddish chalcedony I found a great mass of erect stems disposed with exceeding regularity. They were almost all in the same position, quite simple, and strongly incrusted with lime (?). The upper surface of the stone, where they were ex- posed to view, was sprinkled with black dots, which is very na- 418 M. Muller on Substances inclosed in Mochastones. tural, as such places, as said above, become black from the oil used in polishing. Found at Oberstein. 4, Plate X. fig. 1—A Conferva in a green jasper [Prase]. Threads simple, short, curved, containing spiral threads (7). b—d. I am obliged to place a note of doubt here, since I am not quite sure whether what I saw was a spiral as in Zygnema: I have figured what I did see at b. It is a very difficult task to examine objects like this. We can examine only that portion which hes close to the surface, and it is then always matter of chance whether one falls in with anything of interest. I was unable to prepare thin sections, as the speci- mens were not my own property. I was besides obliged to make my observations mostly by means of concentrated lamp-light, in order to transmit more light through the whole stone, and may therefore have been subject to some optical deception. I could not ascertain the exact place in the system of Algze to which the Conferva belonged, being unable to ascertain its inner structure. The thickness of the threads, which are distinct though congregated, seems to place them in the series of true Confervacea, as Conferva, Zygnema, &c. In conformity with the intention of these notes, I am content to draw attention to the fact, im the hope that later inquiries, should I be so fortunate as to meet again with similar objects, may throw more light upon the matter. Found in Scotland. 5. Plate X. fig. 2, a—Mass lobed, glaucous green, compressed. A remarkable formation, resembling altogether a compressed dried Nostoc, which it resembles alsoin colour. Indeed I know not with what else to compare it. The vegetable has certainly once been a frons plicata, since we find the single folds lying one over the other. They are not of equal thickness ; their colour is also here and there darker, where the layers of folds are darker. The outline is very delicate and distinct. Under the microscope the whole appears like a compressed ma- cerated mass. I could not perceive the moniliform sporidia which are peculiar to the genus Nostoc, probably in consequence of their having been separated from one another by enormous pressure. The great distinctness of the frond seems to bespeak its affinity to Nostoc, as the lower Alge, Palmella, Coccochloris, Microloa, &e., under such pressure would scarcely have preserved their out- line, their mass being too gelatinous, while in most species of Nostoc it is of a firmer consistence. From want of globules it is unpossible to name it. Fig.2, b—g.—In certain portions of the frond under small mag- nifying powers appear some darker specks. If these are followed M. Miller on Substances inclosed in Mochastones. 419 up gradually with higher powers they appear as represented at b—g ; they are of the same colour as the frond and he scattered upon it, as if pressed to it. They are tender, scale-like mem- branes (?) jagged at the border. It is surprising to find structures like these, which are the last one should expect to find upon what, judging from habit, I have considered as a Nostoc. Many no longer retain their original orbicular form ; and more are frequently torn into many divisions as at (e). If we inquire what this formation probably is, it is very pleasing to be able to give a certain answer : they are forms which belong to the great family Desmidiacee amongst Algze, and indeed to the genus Micrasterias. It has the greatest affinity with Micrasterias lacerata, Kutzing, and I leave it for a while to the judgement of algologists. Since hitherto Micrasterie are known only as hydrophytes, the Nostoc must also be a water Alga. Found at Idar in the princi- pality of Birkenfeldt. 6. Fig. 4—9.—More or less round, pinnate, moss-like fronds, with a yellow-brown substratum, in the middle of which is gene- rally a circle with a dot in its centre. Under the microscope the texture appears as in the foregomg, macerated, and we can there- fore judge only from habit what the production may be. If we examine first the circle in its centre, with its own central dot, it appears that this is the point to which the object was fast- ened, and from whence as a centre the other branches proceeded. It must have been gelatinous, more or less globose, as appears from the gradually fading colour and the very thin compressed membrane ; it must have been conglobated, so as to receive its present orbicular form. The feather-like lines were branches, whose branchlets were also gelatinous and conglobated. This again then belongs to the family of Algz, being most nearly allied to Chetophora amongst the Nostochinee, whose frond, as in Chet. endiviefolia, exhibits a similar branched structure. Found in a clear chalcedony from Oberstein. 7. Fig. 10.—Red organic masses, appearing to the naked eye as small, more or less isolated dots, occurring in a clear chalcedony. The cireumjacent parts are yellow. This yellow field is bordered by similar red dots, only larger and more distinct and tolerably isolated. Under a weak magnifying power they appear like more or less oval balls, generally very regular, sometimes much torn and crushed, the one dark red, the other reddish yellow. As in fig. 2, a higher magnifying power surprises the inqui- rig eye, when these dots, which still appear superficial and isolated, are found to exhibit the forms represented in the figures c—s. 420 M. Miller on Substances inclosed in Mochastones. c, d, f, g, h, i, k, 1, nv lie mostly at the side of the yellow field at (a); the remaining figures in the midst of the chaleedony, which they completely fill. The first appear as large, globular and spiral, the latter as more or less oval ; these again as reddish yellow, those as almost tile-red bodies. Both have the same peculiarity, that they assume the form of a mushroom: e, f, m, 0, p. There occur also frequently thin, skinny, banded remains, as at g. Their size is very variable. At the first glance all these bodies have so much resemblance to the fruit of Characee, that one might feel satisfied in considermg them as such in reality. The banded spiral divisions bespeak as much ; yet it does not appear probable, as the bodies, so fre- quently confined to a small space, lie collected together in heaps. No single organic remain is found amongst them, and it is be- sides inconceivable that, supposing them to be the fruit of Chare, not a single vestige of the stem should remain. That amongst them clearly younger individuals and of a similar formation are perceptible, may afford an argument that they could be assigned to the animal kingdom. I have not observed extre- mities, feet, &c. I cannot venture to say more on this matter, but perhaps the same bodies may be found by some other observer under other peculiar circumstances, whence we may fortunately be able to draw some conclusion. Found in Siberia. 8. Figs.3 & 11.—Fig. 11. Lhave given in fig. a—k the magni- fied representations of the very isolated red dots at (a) in a chal- cedony likewise from Siberia. They may be thought very con- fused, but they are true copies of what I saw. The single dots are of such a size that their outline can be distinguished by the naked eye. I have figured almost every dot which lying near the surface could be distinctly observed, and almost every one bore the marks of powerful destruction. In spite of this nroad on these so remarkable and beautiful red bodies, it is not difficult to form a clear notion of the original form from the dividual fragments. The body was circular, as appears easily, and the figures f, d, g seem to give perfect assurance of the fact, smce only a round body could be pressed so flat, as is the case in both these instances. Some other dots which I found showed the same form and struc- ture, so that I considered it superfluous to figure them here for further confirmation. I give exactly what I found. The circular body was moreover furnished with an epidermis, as is clear from d, g, h. This seems to have been dark red. It was filled with a loose marrow (/—A) inclining from orange to purple-red. Where this was extremely compressed the colour is of course lighter, in consequence of the mass being thinner. This is illustrated by b—e. M. Miiller on Substances inclosed in Mochastones. 421 In the centre of the globular body was a conformable dark red nucleus e—h, k. Finally the whole mass was gelatinous ; as is indicated by the thick indistinct outlines of all the figures and by the body marked (‘), from whose central opening the nucleus appears pressed, which betokens clearly a gelatinous nature. The nucleus is found of various sizes, probably merely from dif- ference of age. At (k) one is seen almost isolated. Fig. 3.—These figures also belong here, and are remarkable and interesting enough. This chalcedony came from Oberstein, whereas the other came from Siberia. The globules marked in outline are here more aggregated than in fig. 11, but they ex- hibit the same structure and colour. What these bodies are I dare scarcely conjecture. Here also there are no organic remains; and would we compare them with some vegetable organ, the most appropriate should seem to be some kind of berry. I must however repeat what was said under fig. 10: the collection of the bodies into a small space, and the absence of other organic remains, are against such a supposition. Have we however before us some pristine inhabitant of the water belonging to the animal kingdom? If so, the black nucleus must represent some organ ; possibly the stomach. We must here also wait patiently for further researches, and content ourselves with the little which I am able with my feeble powers to offer. May they only lead to further mquiries ; if so, [ shall be satisfied. § 5. In what state are the Inclosed Substances found ? If the worthy Goeppert, in the introduction to his work on fossil plants, assumes three conditions (vid. Flor. 1840, p. 482), this section may be regarded as indicating a fourth. For here clearly the plants have undergone no chemical change. They were in- closed in the original soft mass of the chalcedony, and so, when this hardened, became impervious to atmospheric air and other chemical agents. As also amber and copal present their insects well-preserved, so here the mineral offers us its plants. The whole alteration consists merely in the highly compressed state in which most of the objects are found. The substance of the plants is still precisely what it was at first. In conclusion I have only to state, that all the objects examined are in the admirable mineralogical collection of M. Siegismund of Jever, a most excellent and obliging naturalist. 422 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to LIX.—Contributions to the Ichthyology of Australia. By Joun Ricnuarpson, M.D., F.R.S., &c., Inspector of Hospitals, Haslar. [Continued from p. 359.] JULIS AURICULARIS (Cuv. et Val.), Kar-marked Julis. No. 18. Lieut. Emery’s drawings. I am inclined to consider the beautiful drawing here quoted as a representation of the Julis auricularis (Hist. des Poiss. xiii. p. 489) discovered in King George’s Sound by MM. Quoy and Gaimard, the naturalists of the expedition commanded by Captain D’Urville. Lieutenant Emery’s specimen was pro- cured at Abrolhos on the same coast. It measured fourteen inches in length, the head forming two- ninths of this measurement, and slightly exceeding the height of the body. ‘The ventrals are acute, but not longer than the rounded pec- torals, which equal the sixth part of the whole length. ‘The dorsal and anal rise equably as they run backwards to the height of one- third of the body. The caudal is much rounded. Lips flesh-coloured ; from thence on the upper part of the head to the dorsal fin, and down to the middle of the eye, duck-green. Cheeks and operculum scar- let, terminating by a horizontal line even with the angle of the mouth, beneath which the colour is pale reddish lilac. Tip of the gill-flap smalt-blue, with a red spot and a black posterior edging. The pectoral region from the gill-opening to the anus and up to the level of the point of the gill-cover is white, which ends squarely be- hind. The ground-colour of the remainder of the body is vermilion- red, which takes a lakish tint on the flanks. The whole side is re- gularly streaked by sixteen stripes, a little narrower than the inter- vening spaces, and of a pistachio-green colour, except the two upper ones, which are smalt-blue. A rectangular black mark crosses the middle of the first two dorsal rays; the border of the fin is marked longitudinally by six waving gallstone-yellow lines, and the part be- neath is crossed obliquely by crowded lines of the same colour. ‘The anal wants the black spot, but is otherwise coloured exactly like the dorsal. Four coarser undulating gallstone-yellow lines cross the ex- tremity of the caudal, and there are five round spots of the same hue on the proximal half of the fin; its ground tint being pale blue ; each of its rounded corners is occupied by a narrow pale lilac crescent. The bright gamboge-yellow pectoral has three black streaks along its upper edge, and the ventrals are striped with deep lilac and yel- low. The iris is painted with blue and scarlet concentric rings. The specimen described by M. Valenciennes had lost its original colours, though some tracings of the markings remained, which do not correspond well with the drawing here described. Figure 13 of Lieutenant Emery’s drawings represents a fish which was also taken at Abrolhos. It resembles the above so closely in its form and in the general arrangement of its the Ichthyology of Australia. 423 markings, that [cannot venture, on the authority of the figures alone, to consider it as more than a variety or perhaps a sexual dress. Its dorsal and anal fins are however lower, and scarcely increase in height posteriorly. The ground-colour of the whole body beneath the lateral line is sulphur-yellow, and the longitudinal lines are buff- coloured, much fainter on the breast than elsewhere. A broad stripe of scarlet covers the snout, includes the eye, and, narrowing as it goes, runs backwards to the caudal fin. The back above it is brown- ish red, with two lines of a paler tint, occupying the place of the smalt-blue ones of the preceding variety. A bright king’s-yellow tints the cheek and gill-cover, and fades to white on the throat. ‘The gill-cover is tipped with black. The dorsal and anal are coloured like those of the preceding fish, except that there are only four lon- gitudinal lines on their borders, and that the black mark on the dor- sal is triangular. The pectoral is buff-coloured and unspotted, the ventral edged with buff, and the caudal crimson, crossed in the mid- dle by three waving buff-coloured stripes, and having its angles pale lilac as in No. 18. JULIS? RUBECULA. Sparus rubecula, Solander, Pisc. Austr. p. 6; Parkinson, Bib. Banks. fig. 2. 36. no. 20. Parkinson’s drawing, quoted above, represents a fish which was taken on Cook’s first voyage, in Totzranue or Ship Cove, one of the harbours of Queen Charlotte’s Sound. The species is not noticed by the authors of the ‘ Histoire des Poissons,’ but I think that its general aspect points it out to be a Julis, though the figure indicates a greater number (eleven) of spinous dorsal rays than any member of that genus is known to possess. Solander describes the colours of the recent fish, but does not mention the number of the rays, or the form of the pharyn- geal teeth, so as to clear up the doubts occasioned by the unfinished state of the drawing. The length of the sketch is eleven inches, and the height of the body or length of the head is exactly equal to a fifth part thereof. The caudal has a slightly concave margin, or rather its acute, falcate angles project a fifth part beyond the straight intermediate mem- brane. ‘The dorsal rises slightly in its course backwards and ends acutely, but not in a slender point. The anal has a similar form, and the points of both fins reach the base of the caudal. Eleven spinous rays are indicated, occupying a third part less space than the soft part of the fin, and having the membrane behind their tips notched. ‘The rounded pectoral just exceeds a sixth of the length of the fish. The ventrals are shorter, and terminate nearly their own length before the anus. The lateral line, traced continuously on the third row of the large scales which cover the body, follows the curve of the back till it passes beyond the dorsal, when it descends sud- denly in a short oblique line, and then runs straight to the base of 494 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to the caudal. The profile of the head blends gradually with the curve of the back, the gill-cover appears to be much rounded off poste- riorly, and the conical teeth are slightly curved and diminish rapidly in size as they recede from the symphysis. There is no canine tooth at the angle of the mouth, and no scales are depicted on the head. « Syarus rubecula. (‘Kurakura’ aboriginorum.) Habitat prope ‘Cape Kidnappers.’ Corpus vivide rubrum, subtus pallidum. Pinna dor- salis saturate rubra, superne punctis fusco-sanguineis adspersa. Pinne pectorales rubicunde, immaculate. Pinnz ventrales pallide incarnate, apice rubescentes. Pinna analis ex aurantiaco-rubra. Pinna caudalis saturissime aurantiaca, fascia lata, nigra ad basin.” ‘« Varietas pallidior. Totus piscis pallidior, pinna dorsali incarnata, punctis lineisque sanguineis adspersa, pinna caudali flavicante, alias simillimus.” (Solander, Pisc. Austr. p. 5.) In the figure the tint of the head is dark lake-red, that of the body lighter, and of the caudal yellow, with a lilac edging and a well-defined even black bar across its base. Several other members of the genus described in the ¢ Hi- stoire des Poissons’ have one or more black bars on the tail or caudal fin, but they differ materially from rubecula in other characters. Among these are Julis cingulum and J. caudima- cula. Mr. Gilbert’s collection contains a species obtained at the island of Timor, which approaches very near to caudima- cula (C. & VY. xiii. p. 465), and it may be only a variety of that fish, but it offers a different distribution of colours, though it has the same black bar across the tail. As it has not ac- tually been detected on the Australian coasts, a description of it is foreign to the precise object of this paper. The Cre- nilabrus chabrolit of Lesson, which is the Cossyphus maldat of the © Histoire des Poissons,’ has also a black bar on the trunk of the tail, but farther removed from the caudal fin than in rubecula. he fish also differs from the latter in the pre- sence of conspicuous scaly fillets at the base of the dorsal and caudal, in the elongation of the ventrals, in the rounded cau- dal, in the brilliant streaks on the head, the rows of spots on the body, and in its very different general aspect, which is peculiar to the genus Cossyphus, while the rubecula has more the character of a Julis. The Labrus ephippium is another of the family which has its tail encircled by a black or deep blue ring. It has nine spinous rays in the dorsal, is well cha- racterized by a saddle-shaped black patch on the back, and is supposed to be a native of the Javan sea. As the distance between Timor and the islands leading to Java is not great from the north-west coast of Australia, and their parallels of latitude differ little, we may expect to find much similarity in their ichthyology. the Ichthyology of Australia. 425 JULIS 2? RUBIGINOSUS. Sparus rubiginosus, Parkinson, Banks. Bib. fig. 2. 38. no. 4; Solander, Pisce. Austr. p. 7. This fish was discovered on the coast of New Zealand on Cook’s first voyage. Parkinson’s figure was done after a spe- cimen taken at Mattaruhow, and Solander has given the fol- lowing account of the colours of one obtained off Kidnapper’s Cape :— “ Sparus rubiginosus. Corpus pallide rubiginosum, macula oblonga transversali in singula squama. Caput rubrum subtus pallidum. Iris rubro-argentea ; pupilla nigra. Pinna dorsalis livido-rubicunda, maculis sub-ocellaribus e viridi lutescentibus. Pinnz ventrales et pectorales rubicunde, immaculate. Pinna analis similis pinnz dor- sali, sed prope basin serie jam unica ocellorum rubicundorum. Pima caudalis basi et lateribus e nigricanti-violacea, in medio olivacea. Habitat oceano prope Kidnappers.”—(Pisc. Austr. p. 7.) Solander mentions, without describing, a variety taken at the same place. Parkinson’s figure exhibits a fish having the same profile ot the head and body with the Julis decussatus (Cuv. et Val. xiil. p. 433) figured in Bennett’s ‘ Fishes of Ceylon’ (No. 14), except that the height of the body is a trifle less, being contained thrice and one-half in the total length, caudal included. ‘The mouth is small with thickish lips, which are represented shut, so that the teeth are not seen. The caudal is lunate on the margin, with the points acute and projecting about a fifth part of the length of the fin beyond the central rays. The spinous part of the dorsal is nearly even, or rather higher anteriorly, and contains nine or tenrays, which occupy somewhat less space than the jointed rays, of which about eleven or twelve are indistinctly indicated. The membrane is notched between the spines, the dorsal and anal terminate rather acutely, and their tips reach the base of the caudal. The pectorals are rounded and longer than the ventrals, which do not reach to the anus. The scales are large, and their uncovered discs have the form of vertical rhombs. There are several rows of small ones on the base of the tail. The lateral line is continuous, and has a sudden descending flexure opposite to the end of the dorsal. Four rows of spots are shown on the fore half of the anal, and three on the spinous portion of the dorsal. The colours of the New Zealand Labrus pecilopleura, as described in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons,’ are not very dissi- milar to those ascribed by Solander to the rubiginosus; but the pecilopleura is not so high a fish, its caudal fin is square, its dorsal low, and its pectorals rather large. JULIS? NOTATUS. Sparus notatus, Parkinson, Bibl. Banks. fig. 37 ; Solander, Pisce. Austr. This is also a New Zealand fish, taken on the same voyage. Parkinson’s drawing in outline is from an example captured Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 426 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to in Toteranue, a cove of Queen Charlotte’s Sound. Solander’s description of one taken off Tolaga, in lat. 384° S. long. 1817°, is as follows. : *« Sparus notatus. Habitat Tolaga. Piscis interdum pedalis, vi- rescens, inferne albus. Squame dorsi et laterum postice fusces- centes. Macula magna nigricans utrinque paulo pone medium. Iris flayo-argentea: pupilla nigra. Pinna dorsalis sordide e cinereo- virescens, maculis fuscis et rubentibus. Obs. pone maculam lateralem fasciee due obsoletissime, fuscescentes, seu nebulose. Pinnz pecto- rales pellucentes cum pauxillo flavedinis et rubedinis. Pinnze ventrales luteze, marginibus albis. Pinna analis lutea, basi albido-nebulosa, maculis duabus nigris. Pinna caudalis lutescens vel rubescens. Obs. in capite infra oculos interdum linez vel macule oblonge czruleo- virides. Juniores pinnam dorsalem habent altius coloratam.” (Pisc. Austr. p. 16.) Parkinson’s figure shows that this species resembles the Julis decussatus still more exactly in the form of the body than the pre- ceding one, but the snout is a little more obtuse. The oval black spot on the flank gives it some resemblance to a Cossyphus, but the position of the spot below the lateral line distinguishes it from the described species of that genus. The caudal ends squarely, or with a very slightly concave line, the angles neither projecting nor yet rounded off. The dorsal rises very gently from the first spine to the end of the soft part, which is moderately rounded, and does not quite reach the base of the caudai: it contains nine spinous rays. ‘The anal is lower. The pectoral is obliquely rounded, its upper angle being acute. ‘The ventrals do not reach the anus. The scales are rather large, and their exposed discs have a vertical acutely oval or hexa- gonal outline. The lateral line is continuous, and bends suddenly under the end of the dorsal as in the preceding species. A Sparus stellatus and Labroides asellinus are mentioned in the ‘ Pisces Australiz,’ but as their colours only are noted, and nothing is said of their forms, we cannot say whether they ought to be ranked in the Wrasse family or not. Opax viTratus, Solander’s Odax. Coregonoides vitiatus, Solander, Pisce. Austr. p. 1 and 39. Callyodon coregonoides, Parkinson, pl. 44. no. 2. This fish was discovered on Cook’s first voyage at Matta- ruhow, on the coast of New Zealand. Solander has the fol- lowing notices of it in his ‘ Pisces Australize.’ “Coregonus vittatus. Totus piscis castaneo-umbratus, subtus multo pallidior, et uti alibique argentum mixtum esset. Vitta ex incarnata argentea, utrinque per medium piscem, sub basi mandibule inferioris incipiens, sub oculos ducta per basin pinnarum pectoralium in media latera, ad basin pinne analis extensa. Sepe maculz parvee violacez in seriebus longitudinalibus per dorsum et latera disposite. Iris e viride argentea. Pupilla majuscula, violacea, nigra. Caput the Ichthyology of Australia. 427 lxye, subconicum. Dentes quatuor, duo in utraque maxilla, granu- losi seu denticulis obtusis arcte imbricati. Pinnz abdominales in antica parte abdominis, pone thoracem ut potius piscis abdominalis quam thoracicus, etsi dentibus convenit Callyodontibus. Pinnz omnes e fusco-castanez : pectorales et caudalis extus sordide rubi- cunde.’’ (p. 1.) «Pisces adulti sesquipedales, a junioribus valde variant et pro- portione et colore. Adulti crassi sicut cum capite parvo subtus (h. e. gula) gibbosiusculo, abdomine late rotundato. Color adultorum fusco-cinereus. Vitta lateralie maculis magnis sordide carneis in- terrupta, non continuata. Br.5; D.34; A.14; C.14; P.14; V.5. Pinna dorsalis postice altior; radius postremus subduplex. Pinna analis itidem postice altior: radiis primis minutis. Pinne pectorales oblongo-rotundatee. Pinnez ventrales in thorace sed pone pinnas pectorales site. Obs. Figura nostra exhibet piscem crassiorem, precipue gulam.” (p. 39.) The figure here referred to is eleven inches and a half long, and represents a fish with a fuller head and more obtuse snout than Odaz semifasciatus or pullus of the ‘ Histoire des Poissons.’ ‘The eye is farther from the profile than in either of these, and the body is less slender, its height being just equal to the length of the head and to one-fifth of the total length, caudal included. The dorsal undu- lates in its height: its first four rays are equal to each other, after which the fin gradually lowers to the thirteenth or fourteenth spine and then rises again, so that the posterior quarter of the fin is higher than the four anterior rays. The caudal is slightly concave, with its angles scarcely rounded. Parkinson has added the following note respecting the colours:—‘‘ The stripe on the side silvery, the spots on the P. D. and P. A. transparent. The membranes of the tail trans- parent, the spots on the side purple-gray.” The back is tinted dark liver-brown, fading on the belly, with roundish spots below the lateral line ranging from the pectoral to the caudal. George Forster’s sketch of Odax pullus (202. Banks. Libr.), discovered in Queen Charlotte’s Sound, New Zealand, seems, from a query appended to it, “an Callyodon coregonoides ?” to have been considered by some annotator to be a represen- tation of Solander’s fish. The general proportions of the fish and the numbers of the fin-rays correspond, but the figure does not indicate the characteristic lateral stripe of vittatus, nor does the dorsal exactly correspond in shape, being even for two-thirds of its length, and then rising agreeably with the phrase in J. R. Forster’s notes as quoted by Schneider (Searus pullus, p. 288), “pinna dorsi longitudinalis, primum equalis dein adscendens.” No spots are expressed in Forster’s pencil sketch, nor are any mentioned by Schneider. The cau- dal is described by the latter as sublunate, and also by M. Valenciennes, who adopts the species ; but his plate (No. 408) in the ‘ Histoire des Poissons’ exhibits an even dorsal, a~ 2F 2 428 Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. greatly rounded caudal, and a much more slender head than that of vitfatus. This plate is probably a representation of a fisk procured by MM. Quoy and Gaimard at Port Western in New Holland, and unless the artist has erred in the form of the dorsal and caudal, it can scarcely be the same with Forster’s pullus, and is still more evidently distinct from Solander’s vittatus. {To be continued. | LX.—Descriptions of British Freshwater Conferve, mostly new, with observations on some of the Genera. By ARTHUR Hitt Hassauu, Esq. Genus DraPpARNALDIA. Draparnaldia repetita. Filaments branched, consisting of a repeated series of cells, each of which is composed of five or six cells or utricles which gradually decrease in size from the first or lower cell, which is rounded below, to the last or upper one; a tuft of minutely divided filaments, similar to those of other Draparnaldie, arises from the superior cell of the series usually only on one side, but sometimes on both ; the different series are not placed in a straight line imme- diately above each other, but are arranged somewhat in a zigzag or waved manner. I have only once met with the above species, and then but in small quantity ; it is therefore no less rare than it is curious. Each series of cells is an epitome of the entire plant, which consists but of an aggregation of these series. A sketch of it was forwarded to Dr. Greville, who did not hesitate to agree with myself in the opinion of its distinctness. Draparnaldia elongata. Filaments very slender, ciliated ; cells fasciated, usually three times as long as broad. I once met with a considerable quantity of the above spe- cies in a horse-trough near Cheshunt: it is however by no means common. Draparnaldia sparsa. Filaments highly mucous, very slender, sparingly branched; branches acuminate, not usually ci- liated ; cells rather broader than long. This is by no means an uncommon species during the spring and early part of the summer, being attached frequently to dead leaves and sticks. In the fineness of the filaments, in the shortness of the cells, as well as in the excessive mucosity of its filaments, it seems to evince some relation to the genus Chetophora (a bad name, as the species of the genera Batra- chiospermum and Draparnaldia are likewise cheetophorous). Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. 429 Draparnaldia condensata. Filaments of considerable dia- meter, sparingly branched ; branches furnished with cilia ; cells two or three times broader than long, and usually en- tirely filled with endochrome, which renders the demarca- tion of the cells but little apparent. This is one of the finest and most distinct species of the genus. The only locality at present known for it is in a large fish-pond, opposite Mr. Bosanquet’s school for girls, in the parish of Wormley, Hertfordshire. Genus VAUCHERIA. Vaucheria aversa. Vesicles sessile, germinate, sometimes ter- nate, in form resembling a bird’s head, the beak or summit of each vesicle being turned in opposite directions, so that a distinct horn or anther is required for each; anther de- pressed ; spores circular, not filling the entire cavity of the capsule. I have only once met with the above species, but then in considerable quantity and in great perfection. It differs from Vaucheria sessilis in the form of the vesicles, and the beaks are turned from and not towards each other as they are in all other species. Vicinity of Cheshunt. Vaucheria polysperma. Filaments minute; vesicles subsessile, varying in number from one to five, but usually there are three ; in form the vesicles resemble an old-fashioned bill- hook, their beaks are long and point in the same direction ; spores circular, not filling the entire cavity of the vesicles. This species, which is by no means uncommon, may be di- stinguished from all others known to me by the fineness of its filaments, which are not half so large as those of our other British species. | at first thought that it might be identical with the Vaucheria ornithocephala of Agardh, but in that spe- cies the vesicles are represented to be pedunculated, and are either two or four in number. It is remarkable to cbserve that in this Vawcheria there are no distinct horns or anthera, the base of each vesicle before its complete formation appearing to discharge the office of an anther. Vicinity of Cheshunt. Vaucheria hamata (syn. Ectosperma hamata, Vaucher, Hist. des Conf. d’eau douce, p. 26. pl. 11. fig. 2.). Vesicles soli- tary, pedunculated, the peduncle being divided at its sum- mit into two short pedicels, one of which bears the spore and its capsule, the other the curved horn. 430 Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. “ It differs from all the other Vaucherie by the manner in which it carries its grains. The peduncles which sustain them are very much elongated; they bear at their extremities two little threads, the one curved, into which is inserted the anther ; the other, shorter and straighter, carries the grain. This Conferva expands its grains at the commencement of spring. I have seen it germinate in such a manner as that I doubt not that these grains are really the seed.”— Vaucher. This is an abundant British species: I have met with it re- peatedly in the vicinity of Cheshunt and other places during the springs of the past and present years. Vaucheria repens. Filaments terrestrial; capsules sessile, so- litary and avicular, or in the form of a bird’s head; anthers curved and placed in close approximation with the capsules. I have as yet been able only to find but one specimen of this species, which is to be distinguished from Vaucheria Dill- wynii, the only species near to which it approaches, by the form of the capsules, which in the latter species are spherical. In a foot-path near Roydon, Essex, February 21st, 1843. Genus ZYGNEMA. Obs. Having recently had the opportunity of re-examining two of the three species of non-conjugating Zygnemata de- scribed in a previous paper, viz. Zygnema angulatum and Z. intermedium, as well as many other species not yet described, I have been able not merely to confirm the general accuracy of the statement formerly made of the production in certain species of spores without conjugation of the filaments, but also have ascertained two other particulars in reference to these most interesting productions. The first of these relates to the fact, that union of the fila- ments does in some rare cases occur even in those species, in which the rule is, that the spores should be formed without conjunction ; and this is nothing more than from analogy might clearly have been expected, nor does it in any way affect the importance or truth of the fact of the formation of spores in separate filaments. The second particular is one of much interest, and has re- ference to the circumstance, that in some few instances more than two apparently perfectly formed spores—three, four, or even five—are placed in adjacent cells, and consequently that no empty cells intervene between them, as we should expect to find in all cases, were it an essential,that every true spore should consist of the mingled contents of two cells. But this is only an apparent exception to the law of the formation of spores by Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. 431 the intermingling of the matter of two cells, which is appli- cable not merely to the Zygnemata but also to true Confervee (Vesiculasperme) and the genus Bulbochete ; for although the mixing of the endochrome of two cells be necessary, i¢ does not follow that the whole of this should go to constitute a single spore IN ALL CASES, So that, consistently with the above law, we may arrive at a satisfactory explanation of the juxtaposition of more than two spores, by supposing, that in these compa- ratively rare instances, each spore does not consist of the full amount of the contents of two cells; that where three seeds are adjacent that these are made up of the matter of five cells, that on either side of the terminal spore being empty ; that where there are four, of the matter of six cells ; and where five, the greatest number I have ever noticed, that these are con- stituted by the mingling of seven cells. ; The above explanation will apply not only to the non-con- jugating Zygnemata, but also to the group of Vesiculasperms, where there are more than two adjacent spores, an occurrence not of greater frequency than amongst the non-conjugating Zygnemata. In one species of Zygnema which I have recently met with, and which is described in this paper, yoked and unyoked fila- ments occur plentifully, the conjugated being however by far the most abundant: the two forms of species would appear to be especially related through this species. * Spores produced both with and without union of the filaments, but most frequently in the latter way. Zygnema varians. Filaments of less diameter than those of Zygnema inflatum, Vaucher ; cells usually four, five or six times as long as broad; spores elongated, formed either with or without union of the filaments, but generally in the former way, and lodged in cells, which become considerably inflated for their reception ; extremities of cells inverted. This species comes very close to Vaucher’s Conjugata in- flata, a species recently found by Mr. Jenner, but differs from it in the size of its filaments, number of spires, form of the inflated cells, as well as in the greater frequency with which union of the filaments takes place. This species was first noticed by me in the vicinity of Ches- hunt, since which time I have seen it amongst Confervze sent by Mr. Ralfs, and within the last few days avery perfect spe- cimen was forwarded to me by Mr. Jenner. ** Spores produced by conjugation. Zygnema maximum, Annals Nat. Hist. for 1842. This plant appears to be subject: to considerable variety. 432 Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. In most species of Conjugata, at the period of reproduction, a number of contiguous cells of one filament unite with the op- posed cells of another filament, but the arrangement is differ- ent in specimens of this species in its ordinary state ; in these it is usually only every second or third pair of cells which conjugate, and as soon as this conjugation is about to take place a very curious phenomenon occurs: the spherical gra- nules contained within the spiral coil of the pair of cells which have united increase in size and deepen in colour, while at the same time those contained in the intermediate cells which have not conjugated become much smaller than they were previous to the union. The filaments with the cells thus united appear to the unassisted eye to be striated or banded. The above account, as well as the description given in the ‘ Annals’ for September, apply to the species in its ordinary condition. Two varieties of it however occur: in the first the filaments do not differ in any material respect from the ordinary ones, but all the cells of each filament unite to form spores, as in other Zygnemata ; this they do also in the second variety, but in it there are fewer spiral coils, usually six or seven, and these are filled with much larger granules than those of either of the previously mentioned conditions. ‘The filaments of this va- riety, which may possibly be a distinct species, from the small number of the spires and large size of the granules, resemble in all save diameter those of Zygnema nitidum. In all the varieties, the spores are slightly oval, and are less than the calibre of the cell which contains them, the cavity of which they therefore do not fill. Zygnema interruptum. Filaments of considerable length, and intermediate in diameter between those of Z. maximum and Z. nitidum ; cells at the period of conjugation rather longer than broad, previous to this however they are frequently not half so long as broad; spiral coils numerous; spore oval, equalling in breadth the diameter of the cell, but not producing any inflation of it. This fine species comes next to Z. maximum in size. It is estranged from Z. nitidum by the larger diameter of the fila- ments and the greater number of its spiral coils, these being not less than eight or ten; while from Z. belle, to which it bears considerable resemblance, it may be distinguished by a comparison of the filaments, which are considerably the largest in Z. interruptum; the number of spiral tubes is also somewhat greater in this. As in Z, maximum, in its ordinary condition, it is only every second or third pair of cells which unite, the granules, as init, become likewise largest in the cells which have conjugated. Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. 433 Zygnema rivulare. A variety of this species, described in the ‘ Annals’ for September 1842, is sometimes met with during the autumn in water-courses, which differs from the ordinary condition of the species in having cells varying in length from twice to four times their diameter, and in being of a deep green colour. The species in its ordinary state is generally found attached to stones, and in streams near the margin where the current is slow. In specimens procured from such places the filaments are of a yellowish green colour, and the cells much longer. There is no question of the specific identity of the variety with the species proper. Zygnema estivum. Filaments of less diameter than those of Z. quininum ; cells usually about four times as long as broad, but sometimes much longer and occasionally shorter. A single spiral tube occupies the cells, passing from side to side in right lines. This species is by no means uncommon, and was for a long time confounded by me with the Z. quininum of Ag., from which it differs in its smaller filaments, longer cells, and pe- culiar zigzag disposition of the single spiral tube. Cheshunt. Genus MouGeoria. Mougeotia brevior. Filaments about equal in diameter to those of Mougeotia genuflexa ; cells usually twice as long as broad, but sometimes nearly four times as long. Conju- gation angular, without the intervention of tubes. I do not think that there can be any question of this being specifically distinct from M. genuflexa, to which species its filaments however bear considerable resemblance, owing to the endochrome being of the same yellowish green colour. Vicinity of Cheshunt. Mougeotia dubia. Filaments about equal to those of MZ. genu- flexa in diameter ; cells usually either four or eight times as long as broad, but mostly only four times. Conjugation angular and without the intervention of transverse tubes. This species may possibly be merely a variety of M/. genu- flexa, a doubt which I[ have indicated in the provisional name. Vicinity of Cheshunt. Mougeotia flava. Filaments about equal to those of MZ. major ; cells varying in lengthfrom rather better than twice to nearly five times their diameter, but being generally three or three and a half times as long as broad. Conjugation an- gular, without the intervention of tubes. 434 Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. The above appears to be one of several species which have all been confounded under the name of M. genuflexa. Vicinity of Cheshunt. Mougeotia quadrangulata. Filaments of less diameter than those of MM. cerulescens; cells usually six times as long as broad; sporangium quadrangular. This very interesting species I for a long time confounded with the M. cerulescens of Capt. Carmichael, an error which I was enabled to correct through the kindness of Mr. Ralfs, from whom I have received more than one fine specimen of that production. The present species differs from M. cerulescens in having finer filaments as well as in the form of the sporangium. In M. cerulescens the sporangium is somewhat cruciform, while in M. quadrangulata it is quadrangular. Found in the early part of the spring of the past year (1842), at High Beech, Epping Forest. Mougeotia parvula. Filaments as slender as those of V. bom- bycina; cells usually six times as long as broad; endo- chrome imperfectly divided into two roundish masses ; spores circular, lodged in the transverse tubes. I at first regarded the above species as the Zygnema ordi- narium of the Rey. M. J. Berkeley, but that gentleman informs me that the filaments of his species exceed in diameter those of Z. elongatum, a much more robust Conferva than mine. Vicinity of Cheshunt. Vesiculifera vernalis. Filaments more robust than those of V. Mulleri; cells usually six times as long as broad; spores circular, contained in inflated cells, which are somewhat narrower at one extremity than the other. This species, which I have twice found since the commence- ment of the present year (March 4th, 1843), once at High Beech and again near Waltham Abbey, approaches very closely to V. Mulleri, from which it may be known, however, by its stouter filaments as well as the less regularly spherical form of the seed-bearing cells. Genus SPHZROPLEA. Since the publication of my papers on the Vesiculasperms, in which some remarks occurred relative to the reproduction of the genus Spheroplea, | have received some very interest- ing observations respecting one of the species of that genus from Mr. Ralfs of Penzance, which I cannot do better than transcribe in the writer’s own words. “ T believe you to be quite correct about the Vesiculasperme, Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. 435 and the specimens I sent from Ilfracombe, V. princeps, were an example of its truth. Subsequently to calling your atten- tion to the vegetating spores, I found these to elongate and divide into two joints, the rudiments of the filaments, but I cannot agree when you consider the Spheroplee to have spores similar to those of the Vesiculasperme. In the Conjugate and Vesiculasperme, the mass as it approaches to maturity becomes denser and appears of a more homogeneous texture. In Sphe- roplea, on the contrary, the granules are larger and more di- stinct in its advanced state, and my experience distinctly proves these granules to separate and move about with a very rapid motion resembling that of animals. ‘This motion I first had an opportunity of seeing in Draparnaldia tenuis, and found it to agree with Agardh’s description in all respects, excepting that I did not see them rupture the cells to escape. “ At Ilfracombe in June last, for the first time, I gathered Spheroplea crispa, and examining the specimens within a few minutes after they were gathered, I perceived to my surprise some of the round masses, after escaping from the top of the filaments, separate into several largish granules, of which each of these masses was composed, and these then to dart about with rapid motion ; and in order to have witnesses, I called up the people of the house were I was lodging and told them to look into the microscope and tell me what they saw, and they said that numerous minute insects were darting about amongst the filaments of the plant. On my mentioning the circum- stance to Mr. Borrer, he informed me that many years ago he had observed the same thing to take place in the Conferva bicolor, and that Mr. Dillwyn, on his relating it to him, said that he supposed ‘the plant had taken physic for worms ;? and this tended to confirm me in the opinion of the identity of Spheroplea crispa with the Conferva bicolor of ‘English Bo- tany’. “ Subsequently on gathering the plant at Dolgelly, I ob- served the granules, which are slightly angular, move, but only slowly, and a few days after, when I gathered some in order to show the motion of the granules to my friend the Rev. T. Sal- wey, I was unable to detect any motion at all.” In a second communication Mr. Ralfs further observes, “ I omitted in my last to give Mr. Berkeley as another observer of the motion, &c. of the granules in Spheroplea crispa. When I found it at Ilfracombe I immediately sent off a specimen to Mr. Berkeley, and it was not until the next day that I disco- vered the activity of the granules, of which I the same day informed Mr. Borrer on sending him a specimen. Some time afterwards I received an answer from Mr. Berkeley with 436 Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. sketches of his and my plants, and against his sketch is written “ the granules separate into most active Zoosperms.” Thus (supposing the Conferva bicolor to be the same) we have three different observers noticing the motion in this plant, neither of us being aware at the time of its having been noticed by the others.” If there be no fallacy connected with the above highly in- teresting remarks, and it can scarcely be supposed that there is any, Since the singular motion of the granules into which each of the larger masses found in SpA. crispa is said to se- parate, is not only attested by so many able observers in our own country, but was likewise especially witnessed in this same species by Agardh himself, for the Conferva zonata, one of the three species more particularly submitted by him to ex- amination is assuredly none other than the Conferva bicolor of ‘English Botany,’ and this again, it is equally certain, is the Sph. crispa of the Rev. M. J. Berkeley as well as Conferva lucens of Mr. Dillwyn. It would appear that I have erred in regarding the large condensed masses of endochrome found in the cells of C. zonata as true spores, an opinion which I at no time entertained without a degree of misgiving. Nevertheless I still think that I am correct in ascribing the formation of these masses to the intermingling of the eontents of adjacent cells in the same filament, whereby fecundation may be supposed to be effected, and which intermingling I have shown to occur so invariably in the Vesiculasperme*. The only undoubted species which can at present be referred to the genus Spheroplea is the Conferva zonata of Weber, and this would appear to present a threefold relation with other freshwater Conferve ; first, with the Conjugate in the excessive mucosity of its filaments ; secondly, with Vesiculasperms in its attenuated filaments and in the intermingling of the contents of two cells; and lastly, with the branched Confervez in the other particulars of its reproduction, amongst the species of which group it should find its station. The following species, if not to be regarded as a Spheroplea, should be referred to the genus Lyngbya, and which differs but slightly, and perhaps not in any material respect, from Spheroplea. Spheroplea? vermicularis. Filaments very mucous, floating, of a light green colour, in diameter but little exceeding those of Vesiculifera bombycina; cells usually not quite so long * I am now able toadd my own testimony to the correctness of the above remarks. In my specimens, however, the synspores did not escape at the top of the filament, but by apertures in the cells occasioned by their bursting. Mr. Hassall’s Notices of British Freshwater Conferve. 437 as broad, but sometimes much longer and slightly inflated ; endochrome at the pericd of reproduction becoming mould- ed into spherical masses similar to those of Spheroplea zonata. This species may generally be met with throughout the year in boggy pools at High Beech, Epping Forest. Genus MELOSEIRA. The reproduction of this genus does not hitherto appear to have been at all understood ; I believe, however, from the oc- currence of vesicles on the filaments similar to those of the Vesiculasperme, that it will find its true position with these. In the tapering of the filaments, in the absence of gloss on them, and in the possession of strongly marked points, the Meloseire likewise resemble the Vesiculasperme, from which they differ principally in the excessive fragility of their fila- ments, by which they evince an affinity with diatomaceous productions. The only species in which I have noticed these vesicles is in the Meloseira varians of Agardh; a production which I was led, from the presence of the vesicles, to describe as new in the paper upon the Vesiculasperms under the name of V. com- posita. Kutzing however figures them with his Meloseira orichalcea, a species which I was so fortunate as to find in considerable quantity in the vicinity of Cheshunt in the au- tumn of the last year. Since these descriptions were written I have had the plea- sure of receiving some of the plants described from Mr. Ralfs and Mr. Jenner, the habitats for which I subjoin :—Drapar- naldia sparsa, Penzance, Mr. Ralfs: Mougeotia quadrangulata, Penzance, Mr. Ralfs; Fisher’s Castle, Tunbridge Wells, and Broadwater Forest, Mr. Jenner: M. parvula, Penzance, Mr. Ralfs ; near Cross-in-hand, Waldron, Mr. Jenner: Vesiculi- Sera vernalis, near Tunbridge Wells, Mr. Jenner; Penzance, My. Ralfs : Sp. vermicularis, Penzance, Mr. Ralfs. The following species described in this paper were re- corded on the wrapper of the ‘ Annals’ for August 1842 :— Draparnaldia sparsa, D, elongata, D. repetita, and Sp. ver- micularis. 438 Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polygastrica. LXI.—On the Saceuli of the Polygastrica. By Joun WitL1AM GrirritH, M.D., F.L.S. &c. To the Editors of the Annals of Natural History. GENTLEMEN, Ip you will find a place in your valuable Journal for these obser- vations on the Polygastric Animalcules, I shall feel obiged by your inserting them. Your obedient servant, Joun Wiiui1am Grirritru, M.D. 9 St. John’s Square, May 8th, 1843, The real nature of the sacculi, vesicles, or stomachs which are seen in the bodies of the Polygastrie division of Infusorial Ani- malcules is a point which has occupied considerable attention, and is at the present time by no means satisfactorily determimed. The extreme minuteness of these bodies renders their examimation a matter of very considerable difficulty, and what has hitherto been discovered concerning their digestive cavities has been principally, if not entirely, recognized by the introduction of foreign colour- ing matters into the sacs ; which colourimg and other matters bemg moulded by the compressing force or elasticity of the contaimmg sac or substance forming the walls of the cell in which they are contained, assume its shape, and are readily distingmshed from the transparent parts of the animalcules by their opacity or altered refractive properties of light. Great difficulty is also experienced in conducting the manipulations which are required for examining such minute atoms, and an unusual share of patience and care, The rapidity of their movements is also, without extreme caution, liable to mislead the microscopic observer. It is well known that when the animaleules denominated Poly- eastrica are examined under the mieroscope, certain sac-like bodies are observed in different parts of their bodies; these are some- times filled with various coloured particles, similar to those float- ing in the water in which they live, sometimes merely with fluid or semifluid matters. These bodies, called by Prof. Ehrenberg stomachs, are variable in number and situation, and in some cases entirely absent. ; An opinion that these sacculi were ova was formerly entertained by Gleichen, but this has long since fallen into disrepute ; and justly so, masmuch as the different matters which constitute the food of these mimute animals has been, and can readily be, traced mto the vesicles, which is sufficient to indicate thew connexion with the digestive and not the reproductive system. The Vorti- celle, among many others, are particularly well adapted for the examination of these sacculi, on account of their large size, fixed position, or nearly so, and their great abundance. Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polygastrica. 439 Prof. Ehrenberg’s view, that these vesicles are real stomachs or blind pouches leading out of an alimentary tube, is well known, and has been received for some time. It was founded upon the fact, that colouring and other matters upon which they feed, after having been drawn into the oral orifice of the canal, are next con- ducted to these cavities, where they remain a certam time; they are then propelled onwards, sometimes into other similar cavities, sometimes through the tract of the canal to the opposite extre- mity of the tube, whence either they or the undigested remains are expelled, or they are ejected by the same orifice at which they entered. Lately doubts have been thrown over these views, and many accurate observers are opposed to the doctrmes of Ehren- berg. Haying had considerable opportunities of observig these interesting objects under a great variety of conditions, 1 am convinced that the views of the different authors which I shall presently mention are each generally correct, and that with slight modifications they are readily reconcilable to one another. _Pro- fessor Rymer Jones* says, “The positions of the mouth and anal aperture we are well assured by frequent examination to be such as are indicated by the illustrious Professor at Berlin ; but with regard to the tube named by him intestine and the stomachs ap- pended thereto, our utmost patient and long-continued efforts have failed to detect the arrangement depicted in his drawings. In the first place, as regards the function of the sacculi, which he looked upon as organs in which digestion is accomplished : m car- nivorous animalcules which devour other species, we might expect, were these the stomachs, that the prey would be at once conveyed into one or other of these cavities ; yet, setting aside the difficulty which must manifestly occur in lodging large animalcules in these microscopic saes, and having recourse to the result of actual ex- perience, we have never in a single instance seen an animalcule when swallowed placed in such a position, but have repeatedly traced the prey into what seemed a cavity excavated m the general parenchyma ot the body. In the second place, the parenchyma has no appearance of bemg pedunculated, and consequently, in a certain degree fixed in definite positions: durmg the last two howrs we have been carefully examming some beautiful specimens of Paramecium aurelia, an animalcule, which from its size is pe- culiarly adapted to the investigation of these vesicles ; and so far from their having any appearance of connexion with a central canal, as represented in the figure copied from Ehrenberg, they are in continual circulation, moving slowly upwards along one side of the body, and in the opposite direction down the other, * © A General Outline of the Animal Kingdom.’ Although these views have been previously extracted into this Journal (vol. iii. p. 105.), as Pro- fessor Owen’s observations obviously apply to some part of them, the subject would be incomplete without them. 440 Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polygastrica. and resembling in every respect the coloured granules which have been described as visible in the gelatinous parenchyma of the Hydra. With respect to the central canal, we have not in any in- stance been able to detect it, or even any portion of the tube seen in the figures, much less the branches leading from it to the ve- sicles or stomachs, as they are called. Even the circumstances attending the prehension of food would lead us to imagine a dif- ferent structure ; witness, for example, the changes of form which Enchelys pupa undergoes when it devours an animalcule almost equal to itself in bulk, and is seen to assume a perfectly different shape as it dilates its mouth to receive the victim, with which its whole body becomes gradually distended. Such a capability of taking in and digesting a prey so disproportionate would in itself 20 far to prove that the minute sacculi were not stomachs, as it ev idently cannot be in one of these that digestion 1s accomplished. js Professor Jones then says he considers “that there is an analogy between the organization of the so-named Polygastrica and of the Hydra viridis. We also says, “that the vesicles becoming co- loured by the coloured food given to the animalcules cannot be considered as a proof of their bemg stomachs, as in the experi- ments of Trembley, the granules circulating in the body of the Hydra became dyed with the juices of the animals with which it was fed precisely in a similar manner.” M. Meyen says* he never admitted the observations of M. Eh- renberg, because in the first place “I never could see the intes- tines which form the communication between the stomachs, and likewise because I have observed, many years since, that the sup- posed stomachs were moving in the interior of the body of many species with great rapidity, in the same manner as the granules which circulate in the jomts of the Chara. I have often seen Vorticelle with nie or ten large globules of indigo in the belly, which always moved round a centre, and thus showed in the most evident manner that they could not have a communicating canal be- tween the stomachs provided with an oral orifice and an extremity directed to the mouth.” M. Meyen considers that the mner sur- face of the first part of the canal is provided with cilia, which roll up alimentary and colouring matters into the form of a ball. When the ball has acquired the size of the stomach, it is expelled by its other extremity and pushed into the cavity of the animal. If solid substances do not exist in the surrounding liquid, then the balls are less solid, and appear in the forms which they pre- sent in the Infusoria existing in colourless liquids. “ In this case the balls are composed of a small number of particles, and prin- cipally of a considerable mucous mass which unites them.” * Annals. of Nat. Hist. vol. iii. p. 100; also inserted in Pritchard’s ‘ Gen. Hist. of Animalcules.’ Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polyygastrica. 441 The observations of Mons. Dujardin on this subject will be found in vol. ii. p. 170. of this Journal. The objection (which M. Dujardin considers well-founded) ad- vanced by M. Bory de St. Vincent, again presented by Dr. Foeke and Prof. Rymer Jones, the latter of whose words we have just quoted, rests on the inner motion of the globules or sacculi, which “can in no way be reconciled with the hypothesis of an intestine connecting all these globules together, and which, on the con- trary, proves their entire independence.” The reader will be able to estimate the validity of this objection when he has perused the remainder of this paper. The following are the observations of Mr. Addison on this sub- ject**:—“ A singular fact} is stated with regard to the animalcules; it may be witnessed in all of them by the liquor potasse. It pe- netrates the transparent tunic composing the body of the animal- cule by imbibition, and soon causes it to burst open or explode, and the so-called stomachs of the creatures are forcibly discharged or thrown out one after another, thus becoming objects for minute microscopical scrutiny. The stomachs (?) swell and burst in like manner, precisely as the granules discharged from the lymph cor- puscles of the frog. These stomachs he believes to be granulated vesicles performing their functions by imbibition, and not by as- similating or digesting food voluntarily taken. The vital powers of the animalcules are totally inefficient in opposing the imbibi- tion of the poison, and their stomachs may be seen enlarging in the interior of the body prior to the rupture of the integument.” Dr. Carpenter says, Ehrenberg’s account of the numerous glo- bular particles has been objected to by other observers, on the ground that these particles are seen to undergo a regular move- ment, as if they were floating in the midst of a fluid filling the general interior cavity of the body, and that they are sometimes discharged through the anal orifice. Of the validity of this ob- jection his own observations have satisfied him. I cannot (says he) “ doubt that these particles are cells which float in the fluid of the body, and elaborate the materials of its nutrition im the same manner as do those of the chyle and blood of higher animals.” Professor Owen’s observations§ answer some of the objections which have been raised to Ehrenberg’s views. He says (speak- ing of the Enchelys pupa swallowing another animalcule nearly equal to itself in bulk, and thereby undergoing a total change in the form of its body), “but this may only imply great dilata- * Prov. Med. and Surg. Journal, Aug. 20, 1842. + These are not Mr. Addison’s words, but an extract from his paper read before the British Association made by the editor of the journal. t Brit. and For. Med. Review, Jan. 1843. § Hunterian Lectures, 1843. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 2G 442 Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polygastrica. bility of the cesophagus or common canal, such as we observe in the boa constrictor, which becomes in like manner deformed after gorging a goat or other animal much thicker than itself ; doubtless the little sacculi successively receive and digest, like the stomach of the boa, the dissolved parts of the swallowed prey. Then agam it is objected that the sacculi are not fixed m definite positions, but are seen constantly, though slowly moving, and apparently rotating through the general cavity of the animal. But the pe- ristaltic wave-like undulations of a common connecting canal, by drawing them successively in and out of focus of the observer, 1s quite sufficient, and very likely to occasion the deceptive appear- ance of thew circulatory movements. If these stomachs were ac- tually separate and closed sacs imbedded in the transparent gela- tinous plasma of the animalcule and endowed with a circulatory movement, it is inconceivable that they should commonly present the characteristic arrangement which Ehrenberg has described and figured in particular species ; as for example in the Vorticella, a circular arrangement, or the wavy disposition im Leucophrys ; yet such a constancy in the arrangement of the assimilative sacs in these genera is the result of my experience. Add to this, if they have not orifices of communication with the alimentary tract, the difficulty of accounting for the rapid and ready transmission of the coloured aliment into their interior without the surroundmg parenchyme being stained.” In support of the views of Prof. Ehrenberg I refer the reader to vol. ii. p. 121. of the ‘ Annals,’ wherein is contained an account of a discussion between this indefatigable observer and Prof. Jones. It will there be found that Ehrenberg considers the objection of Prof. Jones’s not having been able to detect the stomachs in one or two instances as not sufficient to brmg into doubt “ the mass of rélations which have been gradually established after many years of observation.” Moreover, Prof. Ehrenberg says that Paramecium Aurelia is unfavourable to such observation, and that he himself has not been able to recognise the alimentary canal in all the species of the various genera. The Berlin Prof. says he had. seen the circular motion of Prof. Jones, and states that “the great contractility of the body of the animalcules was, to less practised observers, not seldom a cause of enigmatical phzeno- mena, of which continued patient observation of the object would gradually bring the explanation. Thus at times the intestinal canal of the animalcule extends at the expense of the ventral sacs so far, that it occupies the whole space of the body, and then the devoured substances, very similar to the ventral sacs, circulate in the whole body.” He then gives three sketches of Loxodes Bur- saria, wherein the first represents the animaleule in its ordinary state, with the alimentary canal and sacculi; the second, where Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polygastrica. 443 the direction of particles in the alimentary canal is depicted ; and the third, where the currents or motions of particles are indicated in the distended intestinal canal. In addition to this, I refer to the Proceedings of the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences at Berlin for Feb, 1841%*, wherein is related an account of the observations of Dr. Werneck, which agree in support of those of Prof. Ehrenberg ; nay, go further, for Dr. Werneck renders more probable than heretofore, that the ali- mentary canal exists in all the Polygastrica. I extract the following observations from the report of Prof, Ehrenberg on Dr. Werneck’s discoveries as made to the Academy : “ Indeed what I, from caution, mentioned as only a supposition, viz. that probably even in the monads (Bodo socialis) a distinct anus, consequently an intestine, existed, whereby then the division of the Anentera would be destroyed, is shown by Dr. Werneck to be decided. He also has discovered the anus in Bodo grandis, Prorocentrum micans, Cyclidium Glaucoma, whereby the family of Pseudopoda only would remain without an alimentary canal. But he has also seen in a Navicula (undulata) among the Bacillaria group, a convoluted canal, which he considers as the alimentary tube, filled with infusoria. Most interesting are the represen- tations (Dr. Werneck’s) of many varieties of testinal canal with their sacculi or globular pouches or recesses, which present ex- actly the same appearances as those laid before the Academy in 1830, but lately denied by Prof. Rymer Jones and Meyen after imperfect examinations.” I shall now make some observations on the various state- ments I have enumerated, and poimt out in what particulars they disagree with my own experiments. In the first place, as regards our not being able to see the alimentary tube, this I cannot imagine to be any impediment or ground for our disbe- heving its existence. Doubtless the whole substance of the ge- latmous bodies of these minute beings is very elastic, and the walls of the tubes in which the alimentary matters are conveyed are always in apposition except when alimentary matters separate them. ‘The outline of the intestine in many of the Infusoria de- picted by Ehrenberg has been, without doubt, drawn from the course which that illustrious observer has noticed the granules of colourmg matter and food to take. In fact, he says, “In many this direct observation is impossible, although the result, viz. the colouring of the filled stomachs, is evident+.”” The solid particles cannot arrive at the sacs m which they are contained and accu- * Bericht iiber die zur Bekanntmachung gecigneten Verhandlungen der Konig]. Preuss. Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin, im Monat Februar 1841. t Die Infusionsthierchen als yollkommene Organismen, page 2. 2G2 444 Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Poiygastrica. mulated without passing through some communicating canal ; this canal is part of the intestinal tube. The minute alimentary particles which arrive in the sacs entire could not be conveyed in that state by solution and imbibition. Moreover we camnot, I think, wonder at our not being able to detect the walls of the tube; first, because, as | have previously mentioned, the elasticity of the substance of the animalcule would keep the walls in con- tact except where actually distended; and secondly, the mmute size of such a canal, and our being obliged to view it through the substance of the animalcule which intervenes between the sacculi and the upper surface of their bodies as lying under the field of the microscope, is well caleulated to prevent this. Could we make a delicate transverse section of their bodies, we might then perhaps be able to perceive the tube. M. Dujardin’s objection to the ex- istence of an intestine in Infusoria, “that no fibres remain when the animal is decomposed by diffluence,” is undoubtedly futile ; it must indeed require a subtle imagination to expect we can see or even contemplate the size of the fibres of the mtestine of the Polygastrica, whose diameter, did they exist, must be almost be- yond the power of calculation, much more of vision. That the masses of colouring matter which have been received into the sac- culi revolve or circulate, as it has been called, is a truth which is very readily proved. Currents are established by the oral cilia ; particles floating or suspended in these currents are drawn into the mouth of the minute creature, these then enter the body one at a time, and apparently accumulate in one of the sacs (2. e. really accumulate in the upper portion of the alimentary tube) ; this then moves down one side of the animalcule; others are filled in the same manner. ‘The circulation, as it has been called, of these alimentary boluses may then, after having been distinctly followed down one side, be seen returning in an ascending direction. In some cases when these masses have arrived near the oral extre- mity they can be detected approximating the depression by which they entered, until at last their contents are gradually ejected ; when the masses are solid, this ejection often takes place par- ticle by particle; when in the liquid or semifluid state, m a fine stream; the sac can be seen emptying itself of its con- tents; it then disappears. In some of the animalcules this movement of particles may be very readily detected ; it is very tardy in others, and seldom visible at all times. The addition of reagents to the liquid in which they live produces effects some- what similar to vomiting or purging ; the motion of the alimentary boluses is increased, and their ejection is easily viewed ; weak so- lutions of potash or ether produce this effect. Now in all these cases of movement I am convinced that it is not the sacculi or stomachs which move: we must recollect the sacs are made visible Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polygastrica. 445 to us by their contents, and in many cases there are no stomachs visible when they are empty, and it is their contents which we see circulating or moving in their proper canal or alimentary tube, and not the sacculi themselves. ‘The motions of these masses may not inaptly be compared, but merely for the sake of illus- tration, to those of the alimentary masses in our own intestines ; the revolution of these (if viewed under similar circumstances) would produce the appearance of circulation; when the masses have arrived at the termination of the canal they are ejected, but here the portion of tube or stomach is not ejected. This compa- rison exemplifies to my mind the true nature of the sacs m the Infusorial Polygastrica. We certainly cannot admit, as in the explanation of Prof. Ehrenberg, that the rotation of the globules or balls of aliment- ary matter takes place in a cavity formed from a distended por- tion of the alimentary tube. We sce this rotation when the intestinal tube is very slightly distended and when the balls of food are very small; but I believe it to be capable of expla- nation in the mamner I have stated; the appearance of one of the sacculi when really distended is so readily recognised that it could hardly be mistaken ; but the stomachs (i. e. their contents) have been seen to rotate, by observers, when neither the animal- cule nor its stomachs are at all distended ; and undoubtedly this is a real rotation, not an optical illusion from any peristaltic action. Moreover the rotation of these bodies is so constant as to be considered as their ordinary state; whereas, did it arise only in distended states of a stomach or the alimentary tube, it would be rare, or at least only to be seen when the animalcule takes in a large portion of aliment; and I think that any one who has distinctly seen (as I often have) various floating alimentary particles taken in at the oral orifice separately, then aceumu- lating into a small ball, and this ball descending in the body of the animalcule, and “ circulating” as I have described, will be convinced that this explanation is correct. I cannot believe they are recesses from acommon tube; I have never been able to detect a horizontal or retrograde course which would be pursued by the boluses, were such the case. The alimentary canal is most commonly in a convoluted form, or coiled; and there is doubtless a difference in the extent and arrangement of the tube in those which feed upon other animal- cules and those on vegetable matter. The fact of the portions of food contained in their sacculi being gradually approximated to the surface of the depression, and there being separately emptied, is, I think, a clear conviction that there can be no single stomachal cavity, and also, that the rotation of particles does not take place im a single dilated tube. Moreover it must be recol- 446 Dr. Griffith on the Sacculi of the Polygastrica. lected that the different portions of the imtestinal tube or sacculi are not stained, they are coloured from their cavitary contents, their walls are colourless. M. Meyen’s opinion concerning the cilia I have not been able to verify; but the rollmg up of the alimentary matters, whereby these masses rotate on thei axes, is never to be seen. The account given by Mr. Addison con- cerning the action of liq. potassce is, as has been observed, very remarkable. The best mode for the observer to perceive the true effects of potassa on the Polygastrica is to use it slightly diluted, for when used of the strength of the ordmary liquor potassee, the effect takes place so suddenly as to lead to the in- accurate interpretation of the appearances that gentleman has given. The effect of the addition of this reagent, is solution of the external covering of the animalcule, whereby the internal elastic parts of the body, being liberated from the compression of the external tunic, at first rush out, but are soon dissolved in the same manner, when the alimentary matters remain. This phee- nomenon is the result of the chemical action of the potash on the substance of the highly elastic animalcule, most certainly not of any imbibition or endosmosis. What are the conditions of the fluids requisite for the production of this physical pheno- menon? Difference in their density; the liquid in the cavity towards which the fluid flows must be the most dense. The cavity of the body, supposing such to exist, must contain a fluid of greater density than that mm which it floats or is suspended ; in most of these Infusoria it 1s so at all times, and their medium * being of extremely low specific gravity, almost equal to that of distilled water, the most favourable conditions for the action of imbibition are combined ; yet no endosmosis and consequent bursting takes place. But we are told that when solution of potash, a liquid of much greater density than that of the medium in which these minute atoms are immersed, is added to their ocean, imbibition does take place, their bodies burst; whereas we have added the conditions requisite for the opposite effect, viz. that of exosmose, and that this does not occur, the “bursting” of the body of the animalcules proves. I believe the greater part of the confusion which has existed on this subject has arisen from considering the alimentary matters in different portions of the intestinal canal as the dilated portions of that canal them- selves. That these particles (stomachs) are cells which float in the fluid of the body and elaborate the materials for its nutri- tion, in the same manner as do those of the chyle and blood of higher animals, may certainly be correct, but we have not the slightest evidence of any analogy between them. The globules of the blood and lymph are contained in those fluids, from whose * T allude to the water in which they ordinarily exist. Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacez. 447 liquid parts doubtless the whole fabric of the body is renewed or nourished. Now if the sacculi of the Polygastrica perform the same func- tions, as regards the fluid in which they are suspended, as do the suspended particles in the chyle and blood, where is the fluid in which these sacculi are suspended? It has certainly never been demonstrated ; and the only experiment upon which such a view can have been based, is that of the action of imbibition, and which is undoubtedly an error. Moreover, were this view cor- rect, the cavity of the animalcule would be that in which the blood, so to speak, of the animalcules is contained ; and what a re- markable anomaly would be the introduction of a large animalcule into the cavity in which the blood is contained, as would undoubt- edly be the case in the carnivorous Infusoria, were such a view correct! Again, foreign alimentary solids have been traced into and detected im the sacculi; but solid alimentary matters have never been traced into, or detected within, the blood or chyle globules. In conclusion we must remark, that all the phenomena relating to the digestion and circulation of the Polygastrica may be ex- plamed—1. By the existence of an internal convoluted aliment- ary canal, whose existence is made known to us by its con- tents and the course they take. 2. These contents, sometimes solid, sometimes fluid, or semifluid, distending different parts of the canal, in which they are detained, produce the appearance of vesicles or sacs, which have been denominated, and probably perform the real office of stomachs. 8. That the portions in which the contents are delayed are not blind pouches leading from a common tube seems positive, from the circular direction assumed by these contents, which indicate its direction. 4. There is, without doubt, a difference in the length and direction of the alimentary tube in the Polygastrica as well as in other animal beings, depending upon variations in the nature of their food. 5. When solution of potash is added to the liquid in which these atoms exist, it dissolves the external tunic, and liberates for a short time its contents; these are next partly dissolved, when nothing is left but the alimentary matter. LXII.—On the Diatomacee. By Joun Ratrs, Esq., M.R.C.S., Penzance*. [With Plates. ] On commencing the study of the Diatomacee I experienced con- siderable difficulty in determining several of my plants from the descriptions in our British works, and soon found that in this * Read before the Botanical Society of Edinburgh. 448 Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacez. division of the Algze (except in the Schizonemata, to which genus Mrs. Griffiths and Mr. Harvey have more particularly directed their attention,) we had latterly made much less progress than in the others, and indeed that we were now far behind the conti- nental observers. Having during the last two years paid much attention to the subject, and examined specimens from as many habitats as pos- sible, I conceive that I have acquired some useful mformation respecting this imteresting tribe, and intend from time to time to draw up my observations on such genera and species as have fallen under my notice. But I must ‘preface what I have to say re- specting them, by mentioning the names of those friends who have in various ways assisted me in this pur suit. I wish to take this and every opportunity of acknowledging the invaluable assistance I have at all times received from Mr. Borrer, and without which I should not have been able to have studied these microscopic plants with any success. To the Rev. M. J. Berkeley I have been indebted for his obser- vations on many species, and also for portions of specimens taken from the collections of dried Algze published by Jurgens and Des- maziéres. Not having access to Ehrenberg’s work on the Infusoria, my thanks are due to Mr. Dalrymple for numerous extracts and. co- pies of many of the figures, as well as his assistance in identifymg several of his species. The Diatomacee (Bacillaria, Khrenb.) form one of the four great series into which the Algze are divided, and comprise plants be- longing to two very ¢ distinct families, Desmidiee (Desmidiacea, Ehrenb.) and Cymbellee (Naviculacea, Ehrenb.) * The Desmidiee have a membranous covering destitute of silica, and their form is consequently altered in drying. When in per- fection they are generally of an herbaceous green colour, and most frequently have the frustules divided into two portions, resem- bling each other in form but sometimes differmg much in size. This division is marked in Desmidium mucosum merely by a shal- low groove passing round the joint, and im Desmidium Swartz by notches in the angles, by which it is rendered still more appa- rent ; whilst in Euastrum (Eutomia, Hary.) the two portions are connected only by a central chord. To this family belong the following genera, so far as regards our British flora: Desmidium, Staur astrum, Pentasterias, Tossar- thra, Xanthidium, Scenedesmus, Micrasterias and Huastrum+. * See Pritchard’s History of the Infusoria, p. 173. + If Closterium be considered to belong to the vegetable kingdom it may find a place in this family ; for my own part, I think the view taken by Meyen is the correct one. For some interesting observations by him on this subject, see Pritchard’s ‘ History of the Infusoria,’ p. 179. Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacez. 449 The Cymbellee have a siliceous covering, their form therefore is not altered in drying, nor are they destroyed by fire. When in perfection they are generally brownish, and not unfrequently become greenish when dry. They are usually either of a qua- drilateral or a prismatic form, and often marked with striz and puncta. The striz are useful in forming the generic and specific cha- racters, and are best examined by subjectimg a portion of the spe- cimen to a red heat, which, by destroying the internal colourmg matter in all, as well as the mucous connecting portion in Diatoma and its allies, and the covermg in Schzzonema, renders the figure and markings of the frustule more evident. The method of examination here described has been advan- tageously employed by Ehrenberg and other naturalists in the comparison of fossil with recent species, since it deprives the latter of all but the siliceous covering ; but I am not aware that it has been used by any British algologists in the investigation of recent specimens*. As the presence of silica is an invariable characteristic of the Cymbellee, its absence in Hydrurus justifies Mr. Harvey’s removal of it from the Diatomacee, but we must on the same account ex- clude some plants placed among them in his ‘ Manual of British Alge.’ ‘Al the genera placed by Mr. Harvey in his ‘Manual’ under Dia- tomacee will be included in Cymbellee, with the exception only of Desmidium. Diatoma, 4g. (Bacttiaria, Lhrenb.) Filaments flat or compressed, free ; frustules quadrangular, par- tially separating and cohering by the angles, generally by the alternate ones. This genus is distinguished from Hzilaria, Striatella, Achnan- thes and Isthmia by its unattached filaments, from Biddulphia by the angles not bemg produced, and from Fragilaria by the con- nexion of the frustules at their angles in a zigzag chain. The second section (Tabellaria) appears to be distinguished from Ehrenberg’s genus Tessel/a by a transverse canal mterrupting the strie. The corrections in the nomenclature are made on the authority of Mr. Shuttleworth. In this as well as other genera of the Diatomacee sufficient at- tention has not been paid by British botanists to the lateral view, which not only assists in ascertaining the shape of the frustule, but often affords good specific distinctions. * In this, as well as in other instances, my residence at a distance from the sources of information must excuse my omission of references, 450 Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacee.. The different use of the terms length and breadth by botanists serves to perplex the student ; for when they are applied to Dia- toma and to Fragilaria they have exactly opposite meanings, al- though the only difference between the genera is, that m Fragi- laria the separation of the frustules is complete, whilst in Diatoma they still adhere at their angles. Those naturalists who regard the Diatomacee as belonging to the animal kingdom have been more consistent ; they consider each frustule as an individual, and apply the same terms to the same parts in Fragilaria as in Diatoma. In the followmg remarks I shall employ the terms length and breadth in the sense in which they are used in our British works and in Agardh. Thus the length of the frustule will be the breadth of the filament, and its breadth a portion of the length of the latter. The ends of the frustule will form part of the margin of the fila- ment, and its sides will be those surfaces which were in contact before any separation: thus in Plate VIII. fig. 5, where a repre- sents the ends, 6 the sides, and ¢ the front. The British species of this genus form two very distinct groups, considered by Mr. Shuttleworth, and I believe rightly, to belong to distinct genera, which are called by him Diatoma and Tabellaria. 1st, Diatoma.—In this group no strie are seen on the front surface, and there is no transverse canal*, whilst the lateral sur- faces have transverse strive, the ends of which appear along the margins of the frustules when these are in their usual position. PLE, ig: 6: 2nd, Tubellaria.—In this group two or more longitudinal striz, interrupted in the centre by a canal, are seen on the front surface, but there are no striz on the lateral surfaces. Pl. VIII. fig. 7. The figures in Dillwyn’s ‘ Conf.’ t. 28. fig. B. and D, and in Berkeley’s ‘ Alg.’ t. 6, which have been supposed to represent changes of form, seem to be rather oblique views of the sides of the frustules united in chains. IT am happy to find that Mr. Borrer and Mr. Shuttleworth have arrived at the same conclusion, and still more that in a letter re- ceived from Mr. Berkeley in April last, he expresses his own belief that these changes are merely various views of the thread. * Inner or lateral surface striated, without a transverse canal, and destitute of strie on its front surface. (Diatoma.) 1. D. vulgare, Bory. Frustules convex, three or four times as long as broad. D. vulgare, Kutz. in Linnea 1833, p. 582. f. 66. D. tenue, Grey. Crypt. Fl. t. 354; Berk. Brit. Alg. t. 6!; Hook. Br. Fl. v.il. p.406; Harv. Man. of Br. Alg. p.202. D. tenue, a.moniliforme * J here gladly adopt Mr. Shuttleworth’s term canal in preference to rib, by which I had previously designated it in my correspondence. Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacez. 451 (young), Kutz. in Linnea 1833, p. 580. f. 60? D. tenue, 6. in- termedium, Kutz. p.580. f.61? D. flocculosum, Ag. Consp. Crit. Diatom. p. 53. exc. syn. Dillw. Bacillaria vulgaris, Eh. p. 197. pl. 15. f.2; Pritchard’s Hist. of Infusoria, p. 217. f. 168. Puate VIII. fig. 8. a, front view; 6, side view. Pools and streams. King’s Cliff, Northamptonshire, Rev. M. J. Berkeley; Henfield, Sussex, Mr. Borrer; Shoreham, Kent, and several stations about Lewes and Tunbridge Wells, Mr. Jenner; Shrews- bury, Mr. Leighton; Oswestry, Shropshire, Rev. T. Salwey ; Ches- hunt, Herts, Mr. A. H. Hassall; Treland, Mr. D. Moore. This species is distinguished from D. tenue by the greater breadth of the frustules, by their convexity, and by the lateral striae being more apparent along the margin. The frustules have two puncta at each end, and the margin between them is slightly rounded. These puncta are wanting, or much less distinct in the other species. As the frustules are thicker than in the other species, it is more easy to obtain a view of the lateral surfaces. These are also con- vex, so that the striee, even before the separation of the frustules, appear to occupy part of the front surface: It is brownish when recent and turns green in drying. 2. D. tenue, Ag. Frustules plane, four times or more longer than broad ; sides mostly parallel. D. tenue, Ag. Consp. Diatom. p.52. D. tenue, 6. normale, Kutz. in Linnea 1833, p. 580. t. 17. f. 63. D. elongatum, Berk. Brit. Alg.t. 6; Hook. Br. Fl. p.406; Harv. Brit. Alg. p. 202. D. sulphurascens, Ag. Consp. Diatom. p.53? Conf. flocculosa, Dillw. Br. Conf. t. 28. f.C? Bacillaria pectinalis, Eh. Infusoria, p. 198. pl. 15. f.4; Pritchard’s Infusoria, p. 218. Puate IX. fig. 1. a, front view; b, side view. Pools andstreams. Near Tunbridge Wells, M7. Jenner; Shrews- bury, Mr. Leighton; Cheshunt, Mr. 4d. H. Hassall; Bangor and Dolgelley, N. Wales; Penzance: Aberdeen, Dr. Dickie; Steven- ston, Ayrshire, Rev. D. Landsborough. This is a very protean species. Sometimes the frustules are thrown quite back until the ends touch, so as apparently to form a filament, the width of which is much less than the length of the frustules. In this state it forms the D. elongatum of Berkeley’s ‘ Brit. Algee,’ and the D. tenue of Agardh’s ‘ Consp. Crit. Diatom.’ Indeed Agardh in his ‘ Conspectus’ forms a section of Diatoma upon this very circumstance of the frustules being longer than the breadth of the filament. Sometimes the frustules are thrown back in pairs, and then ap- pear like filaments united longitudinally ; but with a little atten- tion the observer will understand this arrangement, and he will derive assistance in tracing it from the connected angles having 452 Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacez. a kind of mucous hinge which is easily seen in this state of the plant. Having submitted my observations to Mr. Berkeley, I had the pleasure of finding that he concurred in my views, and that he has long considered the longitudinally connected species as very doubtful. The frustules are sometimes, on the contrary, broader and not thrown back. This state I believe is the Diatoma sulphurascens of Agardh’s ‘ Conspectus.’ It differs from Diatoma elongatum in having the sides straight, and thus before the frustules separate they are in contact along their entire length. Different however as D. elongatum appears to be, | am doubtful whether it may not be a form of this species. 3. D. elongatum, Ag. Frustules plane, several times longer than broad ; front surface with the ends dilated. D. elongatum, Ag. Syst.p.4; Kutz. in Linnea 1833, p. 582.t.17.f.65. Bacillaria elongata, Eh. Infusoria, p. 198. pl. 15. f.5; Pritchard’s Infusoria, p. 218. f. 169. I notice this very doubtful British species chiefly in order to call attention to it, and because it has been confounded with the last, of which I am by no means certain that it is not a variety. I have seen no authentic specimens, and am only acquainted with it from the descriptions and figures in Kutzing and Pritchard. Mr. Borrer informs me that he believes he saw a few scattered frustules of it among other Algze gathered at Hentield, Sussex ; and in a mass of Diatomaceous plants sent me from Shropshire by Mr. Leighton, I observed what I supposed might be fragments of this species. As the frustules are narrowest in the centre and dilated at the ends, and before separation are in contact only at the angles, this would seem to be a sufficient distinction, but I have received some specimens of D. tenue which lead me to doubt whether the frus- tules do not become dilated at the ends in the same way as often occurs in Frustulia Uina. Ina specimen of D. tenue gathered near Tunbridge Wells by Mr. Jenner, I found mixed up with the com- mon state a few threads with somewhat longer frustules, some of which had the sides parallel, and others m the same chain exactly resembled the figures of D. elongatum, Pl. IX. fig. 2. T observed the same appearances in a less degree in a plant found by myself near Bangor, N. Wales, and considered by Mr. Shuttle- worth to be the D. tenue of Agardh. A specimen sent me by Mr. Hassall, gathered in Scotland by the Rev. D. Landsborough, presented still more curious forms. Although most of it seemed to be the true D. ¢enue, a few frus- tules not only presented the form described above, but some of them were dilated at one end only ; and the next frustule was either Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacez. 453 of the normal form or dilated at the opposite end. In one chain I perceived in union four frustules thus formed, which answers to the description of Bacillaria cuneata, Eh., but the frustules were longer than in Pritchard, f. 170, or in Kutzing. I subjom Ehrenberg’s specific character of Bacillaria cuneata:— “ Bacillaria striata, testula pyramidali cuneata, truncata subqua- drata, alternis apicibus dilatatis, intus lete flavo-viridis, p.198. pl.15. f. 6. Diatoma tenue, yy. cuneatum, Kutz. in Linnea 18383, p. 580. b7s £62)" I am also informed by Mr. Dalrymple that Ehrenberg states that “this characteristic little form is apt to be overlooked, and not unfrequently taken for Bacillaria pectinalis (Diatoma tenue).” ** The front surface with two or more strie, interrupted in the centre by a canal ; lateral surfaces without strie. (Tabellaria.) 4. D. flocculosum, Ag. Frustules varying from square to twice as long as broad ; striz three to seven; canal inflated. Diatoma floc- culosum, Ag. Syst. p.4; Kutz. in Linnea 1833, p. 584. t. 17. f. 67; Hook. Br. Fl. v.11. p. 406; Harv. Br. Alg. p. 202. Conf. flocculosa, Dillw. Conf. t. 28.; Eng. Bot.t.1761. Bacillaria tabel- laris, Ehrenb. Infusoria, p. 199. pl. 15. f. 7; Pritch. Infusoria, p- 218. Prare IX. fig. 3. a, common form; 8, side view ; ¢, end view. Common in pools, rivulets, &c. Frustules generally a little longer than broad, often nearly equal in length and breadth, sometimes twice as long as broad. The strie are generally five or six, m the narrower specimens only three. The inflated canal is much broader than the imcrassated ends. It is brown when recent, whitish when dry. Mr. Borrer considers the plant figured m ‘ Eng. Bot.’ as di- stinct from that figured by Dillwyn. The chief difference appears to be, that in the front view the inflated canal and incrassated ends are more strongly marked in the latter. I have gathered near Swansea specimens exactly resembling Mr. Dillwyn’s fig., but I am unable to find any good specific difference between them and the ‘Eng. Bot.’ plant, and after they were dried I could perceive no distinction. 5. D. fenestratum, Lyngb. Frustules four times or more longer than broad; canal inflated; strie two. D. fenestratum, Lyngb. Hydr. Dan. t. 61. E.3; Ag. Consp. Diatom. p.53; Hook. Br. FI. v. ii. p. 406; Harv. Br. Alg. p. 202. Prate IX. fig. 4. a, front view; b, side view. Pools and rivulets. Sussex, Mr. Jenner; Cheshunt, Mr. Hassall ; Barmouth, N. Wales, Rev. T. Salwey ; Dolgelley and near Pont-Aber- glas-lyn, N. Wales, and Penzance, Cornwall. This species varies much in the length of its frustules. The 454 Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomaceee. longer specimens, when the strize are obscured by the endochrome, somewhat resemble D. tenue ; but m this species the frustules are generally broader in proportion to their length, and the lateral strize which give a punctated appearance to the margins of D. tenue are wanting. The shorter frustules are very similar to D. flocculosum; there are however not more than two strize on each side, and the canal, which is much less inflated, is but little broader than the meras- sated ends. This species, ike D. tenue, is often found with the frustules thrown quite back, In this state it is figured by Lyngbye and by Agardh placed in the same section as D. tenue. It is brown when recent, and becomes paler when dried. 6. D. marinum, Lyngb, Frustules varying from nearly square to six times as long as broad; canal not inflated; strize two. D. mari- num, Kutz. in Linnea 1833, p. 584; Ag, Consp. Diatom. p. 53; Hook. Br. Fl. vol. ii. p. 405 ; Harv. Br. Alg. p. 201. D. tenieforme, Ag. Consp. p. 54. D. brachygonum, Hook. Br, Fl. p. 406. Con- Serva tenieformis, Eng. Bot.t. 1883! Tessella interrupta, Ehrenb. Infusoria, p, 202? Pritch. Infusoria, p. 220? Prats IX. fig. 5. a, front view; 0, side view. Common on marine alge. Dark brown when recent, greenish when dry, gradually becoming paler. This species is very variable in the length and breadth of its frustules ; they are generally two or three times longer than broad ; but most specimens contain some frustules nearly square, and others from four to six times longer than broad. The lateral view shows the frustules nearly plane, sometimes slightly convex, and the canal not inflated. The colouring matter is darker, and the granules are larger than im the other British species, so that the strize can scarcely be seen when the plant is recent. The mucous substance which forms the connecting medium be- tween the angles of the frustules is more developed in this than in the other species ; it 1s consequently more difficult to obtain them in a state of separation so as to observe them laterally. The best method of separating them is to submit a portion to a red heat, which destroys both the connecting hinge and also the internal colourmg matter, and thus has the further advantage of rendering the strize more perceptible. On a front view the longer frustules resemble those of D. fene- stratum ; but D. marinum, besides its much deeper colour, is more rigid; its frustules are broader; its striz also are nearer the margin, and most frequently have a bend towards it near the end of the frustule. I am indebted to Mr, Borrer for a specimen of Conf, teneformis, ca Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacez. 455 and can find in it nothing different from the common form. I have seen no specimen of D. brachygonum, Carm., but there is nothing in the description to distinguish it from D. marinum. Analysis. Frustules with two or more striz on their front surfaces, 1 interrupted in the centre by a canal ..,........000 wcsene 4 Frustules without strize on their front surfaces......,....- 2 9 Frustules convex, thickest in the centre ......s..eseeeeees vulgare. * | Frustules plane, the ends the thickest ...... .. See saguee =e 3 Frustules linear ......... Mdvasees web eeesahawsecawdateemnhydeis tenue. 3.4 Frustules before separation in contact only at the angles of the dilated Cds .pscrrescensnspennsscarpsces dauienaaksess elongatum. 4 Marine ; canal not inflated.....rsesvecsescceressees seccesevers MATINUM. Aqnatic: Canal Inflated .,.cessspsccegesrneesse+cecessepagsascs 5 Frustules not more than twice as long as broad; strie 5 RewetA GG CaCI IGE elatsdvanascuocsechcnencsseespese=sresses flocculosum, Frustules four times (or more) longer than broad ; strize PW ODUCRCIN SINGS weacesysasanecnegicehecsmaatses weakly sper esd: fenestratum. I shall place for the present m an appendix a recently disco- vered plant, the characters of which, on account of its minuteness, I have not yet been able to determine with any certainty. 7. D. minimum. Frustules very minute, about twice as long as broad, nearly colourless. Tetraspila minima, Shuttleworth in lit. On Conferva uncialis, Penzance. This species is certainly distinct from any of those described above. I can find no striz on either surface ; but, if these exist, its pale colour and small size well distinguish it from Diatoma ma- rinum, the only other marine species I am acquainted with. STRIATELLA, 4g. (Hhrenb.) Filaments attached bya stipes ; frustules cohering by the angles, longitudinally striated, This genus differs from Achnanthes by its frustules cohering at their angles and having longitudinal striz. Its character ap- proaches closely to that of hea Eh., from which it differs only in the stipitate filaments. Filaments attached by a stipes at one of the lower angles of the basal frustule. 1. S. arcuata, Ag. Stipes shorter than the frustules ; filaments elon- gated ; frustules with seven or more longitudinal series of short transverse strie. Ag. Consp. Diatom. p. 61; Harv. Br. Alg. p.199; Eh. Die Infus. p. 229. t. 20. f. 6; Pritch. Infus. p. 2238. f. 203. Diatoma striatulum, Grev. in By. Fl.ii. p.405. Achnanthes arcuata, Kutz. Syn. Diatom. p.574. Ach. unipunctata, Berk. Br. Alg. p.39. t.15.f.1. Conf. striatula, Eng. Bot. t.1928. Pragilaria striatula, Ag. Syst. p. 7. Prate IX. fig. 6. a, front view; 6 and e, lateral views. 456 Mr. J. Ralfs on the Diatomacez. On marine alge: not uncommon. Ardrossan, Ayrshire, Rev. D. Landsborough. Ireland, Mr. D. Moore and Mr. W. Thompson. Devon- shire, Mrs. Griffiths ; Sussex, Mr. Jenner ; Aberystwith, Penzance. Filaments, when recent of a dark olive-brown, become greener im drying ; they are rigid, thick, elongated, very fragile, and do not adhere to paper ; the frustules irregularly separate, and co- here by their angles. Stipes very short and thick. Frustules vary from nearly equal in length and breadth to twice as broad as long, with numerous longitudinal series of short transverse strize, which are fainter towar rds the ends of the frus- tules. The lateral surfaces are linear-elliptic with close transverse strize, and are divided by a line passmg down the centre, a small space at each end being destitute of striz. The endochrome some- times forms a central spot. 2. S.unipunctata, Ag. Stipes slender, much longer than the frustule, which has several longitudinal striz. Ag. Consp. Diatom. p. 61 ; Harv. Br. Alg. p. 199. Achnanthes unipunctata, Grey. Cryp. FI. t. 287; Kutz. Syn. Diatom. in Linnea 1833, p. 573. Diatoma unipunctatum, Ag. Syst. Alg. p.6; Grev. in Br. Fl. vol. ii. p. 405. On marine alge: autumn. Ireland, Mr. D. Moore. Torquay, Mrs. Griffiths ; Little Hampton, Mr. Borrer ; Penzance. Filaments mimute, pale yellowish brown, consisting of but few frustules, which cohere at the alternate angles. Stipes slender, long ; frustules generally rather longer than broad; the angles slightly truncated, with two series “of longitudinal striz, one series occupying the middle and the other the ends; the latter is more strongly marked and its strize are of different lengths, longer in the centre and shorter towards the lateral margins of the frustule, and all are terminated by puncta, which in consequence of the different lengths of the strize are arranged in a curve. En- dochrome pale, generally collected into a central spot of a deeper colour. Lateral surfaces lanceolate, without striz. P.S. Since my description of Diatoma marinum was written, I have received from Mrs. Griffiths some mteresting varieties of that plant. In some specimens longitudinal series of transverse strize were more or less evident on the central portion of the frus- tules. Mixed with this variety I found another, in which the lon- gitudinal strie, extending from the ends towards the middle, are serpentine. I find this species generally attached at the angle of the basal frustule by a short stipes. As therefore it differs m no respect from Striatella, it should be removed to that genus ; and as all the species of Str iatella ave mar ine, its old specific name tenieformis, which has a prior claim, might be conveniently restored. Bibliographical Notices. 457 The different states of this species may be characterized as fol- lows :— Striatella tenieformis. a. Frustules without transverse striz. (. striata. Frustules with longitudinal series of transverse striz ; the two longitudinal striz on each side have a single curve near the base.” Pl. IX. fie, 5. GB. y. serpentina. Frustules with longitudinal series of transverse striz, the longitudinal striz on each side undulated. Pl. IX. fig. 5. y. a. Common. 3. Torquay, Mrs. Griffiths. y. Torquay, Mrs. Griffiths ; Hastings, Mr. Jenner. In the variety y. there is also in general a narrow longitudinal space without any markings, and appearing like a white band oc- cupying the centre. In the remarks on Striatella unipunctata I observed that there were two series of strize. I have smce examined this subject more _ minutely, and find the same structure in Tabellaria, Striatella, Tessella and Tetracyclus. The appearance of longitudinal strize is in fact produced by siliceous plates arising mternally from the margins of the filament, and extending towards but not reach- ing the centre. The interior is thus divided into chambers open- ing into acentral space. When viewed laterally, this central space has the appearance of a canal, especially as the inner edge of each plate has a concave outline. This appearance is more striking in Tabellaria, Striatella tenieformis and Tetracyclus lacustris, where all the plates are nearly equal; but in Striatella arcuata, S. uni- punctata and Tessella catena they are shortest near the angles, and gradually longer as they approach the middle. In the latter the outlines of two plates are frequently seen at one time when viewed laterally, in consequence of the unequal size of the plates, Plate IX. fig. 6. c. (To be continued. ] BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Sulphur, under the Command of Capt. Sir Edward Belcher, R.N. &c., during the years 1836-42. Published under the authority &c. Edited and superintended by Richard Brinsley Hinds, Esq., Surgeon R.N. attached to the Expedition.—Mammalia, by John Edward Gray, Esq., F.R.S. No. I. London, Smith, Elder and Co., 4to. 1843. By the attention of the author or publishers, we have now before us the first part of the ‘‘ Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Sulphur.” This is one of the series of zoological works arising from our Voyages of Discovery, published under the patronage of ‘‘ the Lords Commis- sioners of the Admiralty :” as such we wish it success, and as public Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. 2H 458 Bibliographical Notices. property we feel ourselves at liberty to speak freely of it. Long before the British Government gave assistance to works of this kind, we were of opinion that it ought to have been granted: we had the example before us of many continental works sumptuously published at an expense which few private individuals could have defrayed, while in this country our splendid examples were all completed at the risk either of wealthy gentlemen, or by the enterprise of publishers to whom a limited patronage had been secured, but frequently resulting in inconvenience to both parties. ‘The beautiful volumes of the Northern Zoology were, we believe, the first to which a Government grant was given in this country, and the work was singularly fortunate in having men employed on it who were not only naturalists of the highest standing, but were also artists, or capable of judging of art. The more recent grants have been given to the publications of Smith, Elder and Co., the publishers employed to bring out the results of one or two of the later voyages, and they are now continued with that for the work before us. ‘The plan in all these later works has been, we believe, to delegate the different departments to men who have made them their particular study; the publishers having the control of the expense and risk, and we presume the benefit of the Government grant, and for this the public receive the work at a price said to be cheaper than that at which it otherwise could have been published. We have always considered that the Government should maintain a greater control over these works, or should give a portion at least of their grant in a sub- scription for a certain number of copies ; the public are comparatively little benefited by the small reduction of the price of the Numbers, for we do not consider ten shillings for nine plates (one of them uncoloured) and a very limited letter-press so great a bargain. The present work will, when completed, cost at least six pounds sterling unbound, and can only be expected to be found in the possession of ‘a few interested in the subjects, or in one or two of our principal libraries ; while by the Government giving their grant in the furm of a subscription, and sending their copies to provincial libraries whose funds would not allow them to devote so much to one work in a single branch of science, the extension of a taste for natural history would be spread, the knowledge of it diffused, and the public would at the same time receive some value for their grant. There are many pub- lishers both in England and in Scotland who would at once take the risk, and bring out these works in the first style of art, were the sale of one hundred or one hundred and fifty copies guaranteed to them by Government *. The voyage of the Sulphur embraced a range so extensive, that many interesting objects might be expected to have been dis- covered ; accordingly in the first Number, devoted to Mammalia, and under the direction of J. E. Gray, Esq., we have figures of Brachy- * We do not know the amount of the grant for the present work, but to the former publications of Smith, Elder and Co., we believe the liberal sum of 30001. was given. A subscription for 150 copies of the present work would not exceed the amount of a proportional grant. | | a Ae YS Oe Bibliographical Notices. 459 teles frontatus, from the shores of the harbour of Culebra; Pithecia leucocephala and pogonias contrasted on the same plate, the latter considered as new; and P. irrorata, allied to the P. hirsuta of Spix; Lemur coronatus from Madagascar, differing from L. rufifrons, Benn., in having the black streak on the head expanded between the eyes and continued to the end of the nose, the under part of the base of the tail being also black; Phyllophora megalotis and nigra, previously not figured, from tropical America; Phyllostoma elongatum, from tropical America, also not before figured ; Carollia verrucata, from tropical America—all these are described. But we have also figures of Sturnira Spectrum, Neosia nigrescens, Centurio Senex from Amboina ; and Diclidurus Freyreissii, of which we pre- sume the descriptions will appear in the following numbers. The plates in this number are well executed, superior to some of the modern works in drawing, at the same time inferior to others as artistical pictures ; the colouring is also careful, but wants harmony: where trees or foliage are introduced, the slightest wash or tint, without an attempt to finish, would harmonize with the colouring of the animals and take off the rawness incident to the severe contrast of the white paper, in the same way that the tint of the sky has assisted to do in several of the plates. In plate 2 we see no reason why the head looking round the tree should have the sole benefit of the blue ; a tint upon the branch and other parts would have improved the picture. Let Mr. Hawkins, in the next number, insist that justice be done to his careful lithographs. The same remarks apply to the other plates except 7 and 8, where nothing pictorial is at- tempted, and where the figures should stand as exact representations without other assistance. A History of the Molluscous Animals of the counties of Aberdeen, Kin- cardine and Banff ; to which is appended an account of the Cirripedal Animals of the same District. By William Macgillivray, A.M., Professor of Natural History in the University of Marischal Col- lege, Aberdeen, &c. Lond. 1843. Duod. pp. 372. We are not going to review this volume, but we are anxious to in- troduce it to the notice of our readers. The name and reputation of the author led us to expect a work of interest and originality—not fashioned on a mould that others had cast and approved—but bear- ing the impress of a mind that could track a course of its own, and much more willing to follow it than walk at greater ease in a beaten path. And we have not been disappointed, for indeed we have rarely spent a pleasanter hour than the one which we last night devoted to the perusal of this little manual. It is the work of a good work- man—the best local fauna in our language—a sure and pleasant guide to the naturalists of the counties illustrated—with many a fact that concerns all those who are interested in the study of the British Mollusca. It boots little to us that it contains descriptions of some thirty new species—two or three of them really fine additions to our native list, and which we greet heartily—but we admire these new descriptions of many an old friend and acquaintance, and these ad- 2H 2 460 Bibliographical Notices. ditional traits of their habits and structural peculiarities. Mr. Macgil- livray has observed much, and what he has observed he has told well. There is, perhaps, a claim made to a greater degree of originality in these than a critical survey would altogether allow in equity ; but what is not new has been elaborated and kneaded together by one whom personal experience had taught to know the genuineness of the materials he was handling. Let any one examine the family and generic characters of the book with care, and we think the justice of our remark will be allowed: they are excellently well done. We are, however, inclined to blame some unnecessary innovations in nomenclature ; to differ from our talented author in the application of some few names; to wish that the sources whence the characters of the genera were taken had been more often and precisely quoted ; and to smile good-naturedly (are we not fathers ?) on the paternal storgé which pullulates forth with rather a too frequent and rash growth in the mention of all and every the leetle Macgillivrays— God bless them—Miss and Marion, Isabella and Anne, ‘“‘ my son” John, and not torgetting Paul-Howard and the rest of the family. We end as we began—by our hearty recommendation of the book to our readers. To all who concern themselves in making a ‘ popu- lation return’ of the molluscan natives the work is indispensable ; and for the value of six shillings they have here matter which some ped- dling dilettanti might have been excused had he published as much for a guinea sterling. Annales des Sciences Naturelles:—Zoologie, M. Milne Edwards. Botanique, MM. Ad. Brongniart et Guillemin. Paris; Fortin, Masson and Co. Jan. 1843.—Zoology.—Some Observations on the Onguline, by M. Deshayes. M. Duvernoy, in his account of the animal of Ongulina, proposed the removal of that genus from the neighbourhood of the Lucine to that of the Mytilacee. M. Deshayes, in this paper, ap- proves such a change, pointing out that M. Duvernoy’s animal is a true Lucina, and that the structure of its branchiz, separated at their an- terior margin and united elsewhere, is after all rather a specific than a generic anatomical distinction. M. Deshayes’ arguments are sound throughout this paper.—On the Ravages of Scolytus pygmeus among Ash and Oak Trees, and on the proposed Remedies, by M. Robert. The author proposes two antidotes to the destruction caused by this pestiferous insect: Ist, to varnish the bark of trees affected; and 2nd, to make longitudinal and oblique incisions at regular distances in the bark.—M.‘Poiseulle on the Flux of Liquids in the Living Capil- laries.—On the habits, development and metamorphoses of Caridina Desmarestii, with reflections on the metamorphoses of Decapodous Crustacea generally, by M. Joly (commencement). Botany.—On the Temperature of Plants, by Professor Rameaux. A summary of what has been done on this subject, with an account of the author’s own observations, and elaborate tables. —M. Decaisne on Drymispermum, Pseudais, and Gyrinopsis.—Count Jaubert and Ed, Spach on the Argyrolobie of the Northern Hemisphere.—The Linnean Society. 461 Ninth and Tenth Decades of the Third Century of New Exotic Cellular Plants, by Dr. Montagne. The portion of these valuable papers in this Number is occupied by descriptions of the Lichens of Guiana. Works just PuBLISHED. Arcana Entomologica ; or, Illustrations of New, Rare, and Interesting Insects. By J. O. Westwood, F.L.S., Sec. Ent. Soc. London, &c. The first volume, containing 48 coloured plates, of this work, which was established with the view of describing and figuring some of the many interesting and splendid novelties with which our entomolo- gical collections have, within the last few years, been so greatly en- riched, is now completed. The plates comprise 176 coloured figures, of which nearly 160 are representatives of insects now for the first time given to the scientific world, or of which no previous figures existed. ‘The work is to be continued in each alternate month. Manual of British Botany. By Charles C. Babington, M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S. &e. Containing generic and specific characters of British plants, in one volume, 12mo, as a travelling companion. PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES. LINNAZAN SOCIETY. December 20, 1842.—E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. A. H. Hassall, Esq., exhibited an Apple in which decay had been artificially induced by inoculating it with decayed matter from another apple containing filaments of Entophytal Fungi. «Some further Observations on the Nature of the Ergot of Grasses.” By Edwin John Quekett, Esq., F.L.S. This paper contains the results of experiments made by the author with the view of determining the mode in which the sporidia of the fungus which he regards as the cause of Hrgot are introduced into the infected grass. In March 1840 twelve healthy grains of rye, of wheat and of bar- ley were placed in a shallow glass vessel containing a sufficient quantity of distilled water to moisten them, and covered with a glass shade. When germination commenced an ergot of wheat of the pre- ceding year was immersed in the water, the sporidia on its surface were detached, and the ergot itself was then removed. The same experiment was performed with sporidia obtained from an ergot of Elymus sabulosus. Several days afterwards, when the leaves had attained a length of three or four inches, the young plants were conveyed into the country and planted side by side in a garden. At the period of harvest there remained alive only four plants of the rye (one of which had been infected from the ergot of H/ymus, and the 462 Linnean Society. remaining three from that of wheat), three of the barley and four of the wheat. Of the rye scarcely a single ear produced healthy grains, the palez being generally quite empty ; but nine of the ears contained ergots, some furnishing only a single specimen, and others as many as six. The ears of the barley were filled with healthy grains, and only one apparently diseased grain was detected ; while in the wheat the ears were full and without disease. As in these experiments no grains from the same sample were sown which had not been subjected to the influence of the sporidia of the fungus, Mr. Quekett made in the following autumn another experiment with the view of supplying this deficiency. Twelve grains of rye, of wheat and of barley were again made to germinate under similar circumstances to the last, and the sporidia obtained from the surface of one of the ergots of rye produced in the first ex- periment were diffused in the water in which they grew. ‘These were planted in October on the same estate, but not within half a mile of the former spot; and twelve healthy grains of each kind which had been carefully kept apart from the others were planted in the same locality. Very few of the plants arrived at maturity, and in August last there remained of the infected plants only two of rye, two of wheat, and one of barley ; and of the uninfected plants one of each kind. On each of the plants of rye which had been subjected to the influence of the sporidia an ergot was discovered, and the ears as be- fore were almost entirely devoid of healthy grains ; while the plants of wheat and barley subjected to the same influence produced perfect ears and healthy grains. The three plants of rye, wheat and barley planted at the same time without exposure to the sporidia of the fungus presented no unhealthy appearance. Mr. Quekett argues that all the grains of rye subjected during germination to the influence of the sporidia of the fungus in both sets of experiments having produced plants infected with ergot, while the plants derived from grains not so subjected escaped disease, a convincing proof is afforded that their infection could not have been the effect of chance, but must have resulted from the artificial mtro- duction of the sporidia ; and that the infection of the rye only, while | the wheat and barley escaped, is to be attributed to the greater sus- ceptibility of the rye to infection, as proved by the much greater fre- quency of the production of ergots in that species of grain. January 17, 1843.—E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. William Taylor, Esq., F.L.S., presented specimens of the seeds, oil, and oil-cake of Camelina sativa, Crantz, accompanied by some observations strongly recommending its cultivation in preference to that of flax for the production of oil. February 7.—E. Forster, Esq., V.P., in the Chair. The Rev. William Hincks, F.L.S., exhibited a specimen believed to belong to Neottia gemmipara, Smith. The specimen, which was from the collection of Dr. Wood of Cork, was obtained by him from Linnean Society. 463 very near the original locality named by Mr. Drummond. Mr. Hincks stated that he had taken some pains in comparing the specimen, not only with the description, but also with the original sketch made by Mr. James Drummond on a blank leaf of the pocket-book in which he noted down the occurrences of the tour upon which he made the discovery of this curious plant. The specimen now exhibited was marked by Dr. Wood when fresh, and he had no doubt of its identity ; and the result of Mr. Hincks’s examination was a confirmation of this opinion. Read an ‘“‘ Essay on the Distribution, Vitality, Structure, Modes of Growth and Reproduction, and Uses of the Freshwater Conferve.”’ By Arthur Hill Hassall. The principal part of Mr. Hassall’s observations on the growth of Conferve have been already published in various Numbers of the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History.’ At the period of their publication he was not aware of the ob- servations of M. Morren, M. Dumortier and M. Mohl on the growth of Conferve by the subdivision of their cells; but he states that his views of the mode in which this subdivision is effected differ consi- derably from those of M. Morren. He does not believe that when the endochrome of a cell has become separated into two masses, leaving a transparent space between them, this space is occupied by a formative intercellular matter such as M. Morren describes. On the contrary, he states that the first indication of the partitions which are to divide the parent cell into two consists of a solution of the continuity of a portion of the periphery of the cell, the divided edges of which become inflected and gradually approach the centre, where they coalesce. March 7.—The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. J. O. Westwood, Esq., F.L.S., presented specimens of the aérial processes of the roots of Sonneratia acida, L., sent by Mr. Templeton from Ceylon, and described by him as affording a wood of an ex- tremely light and close texture, admirably adapted for lining insect- boxes, on account of the facility with which it admits, and the tena- city with which it retains, the finest pins. March 21.—The Lord Bishop of Norwich, President, in the Chair. J. Janson, Esq., F.L.S., exhibited living flowering plants of the ‘“‘hungry rice” of Sierra Leone, Paspalum exile, Kipp., described at p. 235, raised from seeds brought from Sierra Leone by Robert Clarke, Esq. Read a memoir “On Pectinura, a new genus of Ophiuride, and on the species of Ophiura inhabiting the Eastern Mediterranean.” By Edward Forbes, Esq., F.L.S., Professor of Botany in King’s Col- lege, London. Professor Forbes states that in his late researches in the gean Sea he found ten species of Starfishes of the order Ophiuride, several of which are undescribed. In the present memoir he confines him- 464 Linnean Society. self to those belonging to the genus Ophiura, and to an allied genus, hitherto uncharacterized, to which he gives the name of Pectinura. This genus is founded on a small starfish brought up by the dredge from the depth of 100 fathoms on the coast of Lycia, and is charac- terized as follows :— PECTINURA. Corpus orbiculare, squamosum, granulosum, ad peripheriam radiatum ; radiis simplicibus, squamosis, in corporis discum subprolongatis; squamis radiorum lateralibus adpressis, in marginibus superioribus spiniferis ; ossiculis ovarialibus binis in corporis lobos non productis. P. vestita, disco orbiculari, radiis convexiusculis; squamis superioribus rotundatis : lateralibus 8 spiniferis.—Lat. disci + unc. Professor Forbes states that he should scarcely have ventured to establish a genus on the single specimen of this species which he possesses, and which is somewhat imperfect in the rays, had he not had an opportunity of examining a large foreign species, which shows it to be a well-marked genus, having a rather closer affinity with Ophiura than with Ophiocoma. It differs from the former in having the disc clothed with granules, in the absence of the pectinated scales embracing the origins of the rays, and in the ovarian plates (not soldered into one as in Ophiura) not encroaching on the body ; and from Ophiocoma by the lateral ray-plates overlapping each other and the posterior ray-plates as in Ophiura, and instead of having the spines on a transverse ridge or keel having them articulated to their superior margins, so that when the animal is dead they lie close to the rays and do not bristle out as in Ophiocoma. Of Ophiura Professor Forbes found three species, O. texturata, O. albida, and a new species to which he gives the name of O. abyssicola, on account of its being found in deeper water than any recorded starfish, at the depth namely of from 150 to 200 fathoms. A com-~ parison of the characters of this new species with those of its de- scribed allies, has enabled him to revise the characters of the genus Ophiura as follows :-— Orurura, Lam., Agass. Corpus orbiculare, squamosum, lve, ad peripheriam radiatum ; radiis simplicibus, squamosis, in corporis discum prolongatis, ad origines squamis pectinatis adpressis; squamis radiorum lateralibus adpressis, in marginibus superioribus spiniferis ; ossiculis marginis ovarialibus simplicibus, in corporis lobos productis. The following are the specific characters of the AZgean species :— O. texturata, Lam. Squamis pectinatis ad radiorum origines plus quam 20-dentatis, ossiculis ovarialibus lyratis, radiis carinatis ; squamis supe- rioribus transversé oblongis : lateralibus 7 spiniferis. O. albida, Forbes. Squamis pectinatis ad radiorum origines 16-dentatis, ossiculis ovarialibus scutatis, radiis convexis ; squamis superioribus tri- angularibus : lateralibus 4 vel 5 spiniferis. O. ABYSSICOLA, squamis pectinatis ad radiorum origines binis 5—9-den- tatis, ossiculis evarialibus pentagonis, radiis carinatis; squamis supe- rioribus quadratis: lateralibus 3 vel 4 spiniferis.—Lat. disci 2, une, Entomological Society. 465 ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. July 4, 1842.—W. W. Saunders, Esq., F.L.S., President, in the Chair. Mr. F. Smith exhibited a number of British Vespide, Crabronide and Apide, accompanied by specimens of their nests, &c. Mr. Westwood exhibited a specimen of a new Goliath Beetle from the East Indies (Cyphonocephalus smaragdulus, W., Arc. Ent.), and some rare Papilionideous and Cimicideous insects from the collection of the Bristol Institution, communicated by G. H. K. Thwaites, Esq. Likewise a new and singular genus of Coleoptera, but of doubtful family, from the collection of M. Dupont. Likewise Orchestes Quercus and its parasites reared from mined leaves of oak from Wey- bridge. Mr. S. Stevens exhibited a box of British moths taken in June in the Hammersmith marshes, including the following rare species: Leu- cania obsoleta and Vectis, Nudaria senex, Melia sericea, Chilo gigan- tellus and phragmatellus, &c. The Rev. F. W. Hope exhibited a number of new and rare Co- leoptera from Cape Palmas. Mr. W. W. Saunders exhibited numerous gall-like nidi of an insect upon a twig of Leptospermum from New Holland. Likewise specimens of Triphena pronuba stuck upon thorns by the butcher- bird, remarking that this species of moth was the only one selected by the bird at the time they were observed. Mr. Hope however stated that he had occasionally observed Libellule and Geotrupides also similarly affixed. Mr. J. F. Stephens exhibited a specimen of Calosoma sycophanta recently captured at Herne Bay, Kent. Mrs. North of East Acton exhibited a minute wasp’s nest found in the interior of a hive of bees, which had in consequence been de- serted by the inhabitants. Mr. Ingpen exhibited a fossil wing of a large species of Limnobia obtained by the Rey. P. B. Brodie from the lias near Gloucester, and similar to some found in the Wealden strata of Wiltshire. Mr. Raddon exhibited a specimen of Goliathus Drurii, Westw., taken at Frisa, on the west coast of Africa, 5° 20” lat. N. and 6° west long.: its food was stated by the natives to be the common bamboo canes, in which it lodges for a considerable time, entering at the but and ascending nearly eight feet, when it is generally found in. the state of a grub. Mr. Hope read several extracts from a letter received from Mr. Savage at Cape Palmas, by whom a considerable number of Goliath Beetles (G. Drurii, Cacicus, princeps and torquatus) and other rare insects had been transmitted to Mr. Hope. A paper by S. S. Saunders, Esq., Consul of Albania, containing further observations on Mygale Ionica, was read (since published in the Transactions of the Society). August 1.—The President in the Chair. Mr. W. W. Saunders exhibited various interesting Lepidoptera from Van Diemen’s Land. 466 Zoological Society. Mr. Westwood noticed the peculiar construction of the scutellum of the large species of Goliath Beetles, which does not allow the elytra to be elevated beyond a very little distance above the back. Mr. F. Smith exhibited a specimen of Macropis labiata g, taken by Mr. 8. Stevens during the excursion to Weybridge in June; also specimens of the male, female and two kinds of neuters of Formica sanguinea. Mr. 8. Stevens exhibited some Egyptian beans greatly eaten by Anobium paniceum, and Mr. Saunders stated that a cargo of the Pady or Divi Divi, a South American legume, had been very greatly in- jured by a species of Bruchus. Mr. Ingpen exhibited some radishes from Battersea fields, the stems of which were greatly swollen in parts, probably resulting from the punctures of some insect. Mr. Westwood exhibited some Dipterous larve which feed on the heads of lettuce seed. He also read a memoir entitled ‘‘ Descriptions of some new Exotic Reduviide of large size :”— Ectrichodia imperialis, W. H. purpurascens, hemelytris atris, abdo- minis marginibus detectis fulvo purpureoque alternatim maculatis ; antennis 6-articulatis, radiculd basali haud computata.—Long. corp. unc. 13.—Hab. Cape Palmas, Mr. Savage. Mus. Hope. Platymeris ducalis, W. Nigra nitida, hemelytris maculd laterali, femoribus fascid latd subapicali, abdominis maculis lateralibus rufis, pronoto scutelloque spinigeris.—Long. corp. unc. 12.~—Hab. Cape Palmas, Mr. Savage. Mus. Hope. Ectinoderus,W. Subg. nov. Pronotum maximum anticé supra basin pedum anticorum dilatatum in medio transverse impressum, posti- ceque in lobos duos supra basin hemelytrorum protensum. Pedes antici valde elongati, femoribus crassis tibiisque rectis. Antenne 4-articulate, articulo 1”° longo, tribus ultimis sensim brevioribus et tenuioribus (inter art. 1 et 2 et 2 et 3 articuli minimi apparent). Abdomen subrotundum depressum lateribus detectis. Ectinoderus longimanus, W. Obscure luteus, capite antennis et hemelytrorum membrand nigris, femoribus fascid medid apiceque tibiisque anticis (nisi ad basin) nigricantibus hemelytrorum corio et abdominis lateribus luteo nigroque variis.—Long. corp. unc. 14. —Hab. Singapore? Mus. Westwood. Obs. Mr. Cuming has brought another species of this subgenus from the Philippine Islands. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. June 28, 1842.—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. A paper by G. B. Sowerby, Esq., containing descriptions of new species of Shells belonging to the genus Cyclostoma, was read. The species described in this paper were collected in the Philip- pine Islands by H. Cuming, Esq., by whom they were exhibited. CyCLOSTOMA ACUTIMARGINATUM. Cycl. testd suborbiculari, conicd, tenui, levi, subpellucidd, badid, albido-marmoratd, spird subacuminatd, submammillari, anfracti- Zoological Society. 467 bus quatuor, raptim crescentibus, supra infraque rotundatis, mar- gine carinato, acuto, prope suturam marginemque coloribus articu- latis ; aperturd magnd, orbiculari, peritremate reflexo, albo, in- crassato, prope ultimum anfractum subinterrupto, superne produc- tiore, minime reflevo ; umbilico mediocri, profundo. Long. 0:9 ; lat. 1-1 poll. Operculo corneo, multispirali. Hab. supra foliis Palmarum apud Catbalongan Insule Laman Philippinarum. An elegant species, remarkable for the sharpness of its edge (in which it resembles a Carocolla), as well as for the beautiful arrange- ment of the colouring. Cyctosroma Luzonicum. Icon. Sowerby, Species Conchyliorum, Pars 24, Cyclostoma, f. 133. Cycl.testd suborbiculari, albidd, castaneo-variegatd, spird depressius- culd, obtusd ; anfractibus quatuor ad quingue, rotundatis, concinneé spiraliter striatis, fascid albidd infra suturam fusco-articulatd ; suturd profundd ; aperturd circulari, peritremate crasso, reflexo ; umbilico maximo. Long. 0°7; lat.1:3 poll. Operculum cor- neum, tenue, anfractuum marginibus lamellosis. The first specimens of ,this species were brought from Lucon by J. K. Smith, Esq. Mr. Cuming has collected the following varie- ties, viz :— a. Shell variegated, with a brown and white articulated band close to the front of the suture, median band variously mottled. Found under decayed leaves on Mount Isarog in the province of South Camarinas, island of Lucon. b. Shell variegated, upper or posterior part of the two last volu- tions with four or five rather prominent elevated strie. Found under decayed leaves in the island of Masbate. ce. Upper part of the volutions of a pale colour, with a brown and white articulated band next to the suture; median line articulated with brown and white, in front of which the shell is dark brown, becoming paler toward the umbilicus. Found under decayed leaves at St. Jaun in the province of Cagayan, island of Lucon. d. Shell dark chestnut-brown, articulated with white in front of the suture ; median line brown and white mottled; umbilicus and peritreme white. Found under decayed wood at Calauang in the province of Laguna, island of Lucon. e. Shell brownish, with an articulated band next to the suture, and two median bands, the posterior of which is white and the an- terior dark brown; spire more elevated than in the former varieties. Found in earth under decayed leaves at Sinait in the province of South Ilocos, island of Lucon. f. Shell rather smaller and with a more elevated spire than in varieties a. to d, variously mottled. Found under decayed leaves in the woods at Dolores in the province of Pampanga, island of Lucon. g. Shell rather paler coloured than most of the varieties, but ha- 468 Zoological Society. ving the inside of the aperture of an orange-brown. Found under decayed leaves on Mount Isarog, with var. a. h. Similar to var. e, but altogether paler, and from the same locality. CycLosTOMA CANALIFERUM. Icon. Sowerby, Species Conchyliorum, Pars 24, Cyclostoma, f. 195, 196. Cycl. testd orbiculari, subdepressd, crassiusculd, albicante, brunneo- marmoratd, spird depressd, obtusd ; anfractibus quatuor, rotun- datis, spiraliter striatis et superné carinifcris, prope suturam brunneo albidoque articulatis et cingulo centrali brunneo ornatis ; suturd canaliculatd, margine canalis elevato ; aperturd circulari, peritremate incrassato, refleco, umbilicum patulum versus lamelloso- patente. Long. 0°8; lat. 1:4 poll. Operculum corneum, anfrac- tuum margine lamellari, levatiusculo. This species bears a general resemblance to the last; it may be distinguished by the flexuose lamella proceeding from the peritreme and overlying the umbilicus, so as nearly to cover it when adult ; and also by the narrow channel at the suture. I received the first spe- cimens of this shell from J. K. Smith, Esq. Mr. Cuming has col- lected two different varieties. a. Shell depressed, pale in colour, J. K. Smith, Esq. 6. Shell with a more prominent spire and much darker colours. Found under decayed leaves on the island of Burias, H. Cuming, Esq. c. Shell with the spire prominent as the last; of a rich dark brown, with a white median line and angular flashes of white on the upper side. Found under decayed leaves in the province of Tayabas, island of Lucon, H. Cuming, Esq. CyYCLOSTOMA VALIDUM. Cycl. testa orbiculari, crassiusculd, pallidd, brunneo-variegatd, spird elevatiusculd, anfractibus quinque rotundatis, spiraliter striatis, et nonnunquam obtuse quatuor- ad quinque-carinatis ; suturd distinctd ; aperturd circulari, peritremate incrassato, reflexo, umbilicum versus patente; umbilico mediocri. Long. 1°5; lat. 1°8 poll. Operculum corneum, tenuiculum, margine anfractuum lamellari. The young shell of this species appears to have been of compara- tively large size at its first development from the egg, the edge of its aperture being usually distinguished by a broad and dark brown oblique band at about the middle of the third volution from the apex. Mr. Cuming has brought several varieties, as follows :— a. This is the largest and coarsest variety, and its colours are the least brilliant; the lower part, near to the aperture, appears to be constantly worn away, probably from age ; the peritreme also is ex- tended far beyond its first formed edge. It is found on the leaves of trees at Tanauan, in the island of Leyte. b. Shell of a dark brown, with sometimes angular flashes of nearly white over the upper part of the shell; the median edge is obtusely Zoological Society. 469 keeled. It is found under decayed leaves in the province of Taya- bas, island of Luc¢on. c. Shell of a light brown colour, variously mottled with very dark brown. Found under decayed leaves in dense woods at Cat- balonga, and at Basay, in the island of Samar. d. Smaller than the last, and generally paler in colour, with less of the dark brown. Found under decayed leaves at Cagayan in the province of Misamis, Island of Mindanao. Cyciostoma STAINFORTHII. Cycl. testa tenui, albicante, pyramidali, carinatd ; spird acuminati- usculd, anfractibus quinque ad sex, lateribus subventricosis, ultimo longe maximo, margine mediano carinato, lineis spiralibus fuscis quatuor ad sex ornato ; suturd subobsoletd ; apertura magnd, sub- orbiculari, latere columellari rectiusculo ; peritremate albo, subin- crassato, reflexo, supra anfractum penultimum subinterrupto, um- bilico mediocri. Long. 0°7; lat. O°8 poll. Operculum corneum, tenue, marginibus anfractuum lamellosis, levatiusculis. A very elegant species, which I have the pleasure of dedicating to my kind and liberal friend, the Rev. F. J. Stainforth. Mr. Cuming has brought the following varieties :— a. Shell nearly white, variegated with brown mottlings and from four to six dark brown spiral lines. Found upon the leaves of trees on the island of Ticao. 6. Shell smaller, and altogether paler. Found on leaves of trees on the island of Masbate. c. Shell of a pale rosy brown colour. On leaves of bushes on the island of Siquijor. ~~ d. Shell of a pale colour, mottled with dark brown. On leaves of bushes in the island of Siquijor. e. Shell nearly white. From the same locality as c. and d. Ff. Shell larger than var. e. and nearly white. On leaves of trees in the island of Panay. Cycitostoma TvuBa. Cycl. testa suborbiculari, depressiusculd, tenui, levi, albicante ru- Fescente-fusco-variegata et nubeculata ; spird brevi, subdepressd, acuminata, anfractibus quinque, planiusculis, primis carinatis, ul- timo maximo, rotundato; aperturd maxima, circulari,, expansd, albicante ; peritremate albicante, tenui, lato, revoluto, supra an- Fractum penultimum interrupto ; umbilico magno. Alt. 1°5; lat. 2°3 poll. Hab. sub foliis putridis prope Montem Ophir, Malacce. This species is remarkable for the extent of the reflected lip of the aperture. Mr. Cuming has brought two varieties, differing only in size. CycLosToMA PHILIPPINARUM. Sowerby, Species Conchyliorum, Pars 2%, fig. 180 to 183. Cycl. testa globoso-conicd, pallida, fusco-marmorata, spirad subacumi- natd, anfractibus quinque subrotundatis, superneé longitudinaliter 470 Zoological Society. sulcatis, ultimo infra levigato ; aperturd subrotundd, peritremate obtuso, reflexo, superne producto, latere umbilici subsinuato ; um- bilico parvo. Alt. 0°6; lat. 0°5 poll. Operculum tenue, corneum, leve. Of this species, which is very variable in size and colouring, the first specimens I met with were brought from Manilla by J. K. Smith, Esq. Mr. Cuming has collected the following varieties, viz. a. Shell small, light brown, elegantly marbled with dark chestnut- brown. Found in the earth at the roots of plants at Puerto-galero, in the island of Mindoro. b. Shell rather larger than a, of a pale colour, with very slight dark brown mottlings; apex rosy. From Bai, in the isle of Negros. c. Nearly similar to 6, but the apex scarcely rosy, Found under decayed leaves at Piddig, in the province of North Ilocos, island of Lucon. d. Shell larger, with a pale band round the circumference, and a dark one beneath. Found under decayed leaves at Sinait, and in earth at Bolinao. e. Shell very darkly coloured, size of d. On leaves of bushes at Calauang, and on leaves of trees at St, Christoval, in the province of Batangas. Ff. Shell smoother and paler than the other varieties ; apex black- ish. Found on leaves of bushes at Daleguete, island of Zebu. g. Shell larger than the other varieties, dark brown, with a white and brown articulated band close to the suture, and a nearly white circumferential band. Found on leaves of bushes at the island of Luban. CycLosToMaA ALTUM. Cycl. testa acuminato-turritd, crassiusculd, fuscd, lavi, tenuissime striatd, apice obtusiusculo, anfractibus 7 ad 8 rotundatis ; suturd distinctd, tenui; aperturd circulari, labio subincrassato, reflexo- patente, duplici, margine externo magis, interno minus expanso, intis canali parvd ad basin columellarem munito ; umbilico medi- ocri extis carind obtusd marginato ; operculo corneo, tenui, multi- spirali. Long. 1°; lat. 0°3 poll. Hab. supra truncos arborum in montibus insule Negros, Philip- pinarum. This species is remarkable for having a double lip, the inner or newer portion of which is not quite so much expanded as the outer. It may be regarded as the first link of affinity, connecting Cyclosto- ma with Pupina by the intervention of the next species, C. Pupini- forme. Cyctostoma PuPINIFORME. Cycl. testa subcylindrico-turritd, crassiusculd, obscura, fusca, levi, tenuissime striatd, apice subabrupte acuminato, anfractibus senis, rotundatis, suturd validd ; aperturd circulart, peritremate discon- tinuo ; labio externo subincrassato, revoluto, flavido, ad basin colu- mellarem canali angustissimd spirali interrupto ; deindé superne latiori, demim supra ultimum anfractum leviter expanso, canali Zoological Society. 471 angustd tenuique inter anfractum ultimum et partem posticam labii positd; umbilico parvo, carind obtusd marginato, hdcce carind externam partem canalis angustissime basis columellaris effor- mante. Long. 0°7; lat. 0°25. Hab. supra truncos arborum apud 8. Juan provincie Cagayan in- sule Lucon, Philippinarum. This species, which is related to the last and to Cyel. tortuosum of Gray, approaches very nearly to the genus Pupina, appearing to differ only in having a dull unpolished external surface, while that of Pupina is extremely brilliant. It proves the genera Cyclostoma and Pupina to belong to the same family. The next communication is from Dr. L. Pfeiffer, and contains the following descriptions of shells belonging to the genera Helix and Bulimus, also collected by H. Cuming, Esq. in the Philippine Islands. Hexix zonrrera, Sow. Hel. T. imperforatd, subglobosd, tenui, Fulvd, zonis variis opacis lutescenti-albidis ornatd, obsolete angu- lata ; anfractibus 4 convevis, supremis depressis ; columelld pland, rectd, elongatd ; aperturd lunato-rotundatd, intis nitidd ; peristo- mate simplici, expanso, albo, cum callo columellari angulatim juncto. Diam. 1°60; alt. 1°10 poll. Hab. ins. Leyte. fb. T. tenuissimd, luteo-virente, basi unicolore, ad peripheriam fascid latd nigricante et angustiore albidd, supern? fasciis pluribus albidis interruptis ornatd. Hab. ins. Leyte. y. T. rufo-nigricante, fasciis variis sordideé albidis. Hab. ins. Samar. é. T. crassiusculd, cinnamomed, fasciis lutescenti-albidis. Hab. ins. Samar. Differt ab H. pulcherrimd, cui valdé affinis, spiré depressa, anfractu ultimo minus inflato, et columella neque excavaté neque dentata. Hexix Norrisir, Sow. Hel. T. imperforatd, globoso-depressd, so- lidd, glabrd, fulvo-citrind, zonis opacis candidis et infra suturam maculis irregularibus albis notata ; spird semiglobosd ; anfractibus 45 convevis, ultimo ad columellam subexcavato ; columella latd, albo-callosd, arcuatim prolongatd ; apertura fere orbiculari, intis lacted ; peristomate crasso, latissimeé expanso, Diam. 1°80; ait. 1°15 poll. Hab. insula Lucon, ad Montem Triga. Species intermedia inter H. pulcherrimam et zoniferam, ab illa spira depressa et columella arcuata, ab altera columella excayvata, nec angulata diversa. Hexrx tuzonica, Sow. Hel. T. imperforatd, conico-globosd, cras- siusculd, oblique striatd, rufd, apice sanguined, epidermide liberé Sere omnino tectd, medio fascid latd albidd ornato ; spird conoided ; anfractibus 5— 54 convexiusculis ; columella obliqud, dilatatd, tuberculosd ; aperturd lunato-orbiculart, intis lacted ; peristomate incrassato, late reflexo, albo vel purpureo late limbato. 472 Zoological Society. Diam. 1°60; lat. 1°15 poll. Hab. Provincia Cagayan insule Lucon. Differt ab H. pulcherrimd testa crassa, conoided, anfractibus plu- ribus et sensim accrescentibus, columella vix excavata et labro in- crassato. Hexix Minpanaensis, Sow. Hel. T. imperforatd, globoso-conicd, solida, oblique rugoso-striatd, apice obtuso, pallida, luteo-fuscd, opacd, maculis variis rufis pellucidis ornatd ; spird conoided ; an- fractibus 44 conveviusculis, ultimo medio obtuse angulato, infra angulum fascia lata, hydrophana, albidd signato ; columella lividd, subrecté descendente, medio subintorid ; apertura tetragono-ovatd, intis plumbed ; peristomate subincrassato, parim reflexo, livido- Susco, margine supero arcuatim dilatato. Diam. 2°20; alt. 1°65 poll. Hab. insula Mindanao. Forma et magnitudo sicut H. Pan. Ditfert anfractu ultimo angu- lato, colore et forma columellze et aperture. Ab H. Harfordii differt forma conica, maculis non hydrophanis, sed in ipsa testa positis, et margine dextro aperture sinuato. Hetix carsonartia, Sow. Hel.T. imperforatd, subtrochiformi, levi, purpureo-nigricante, epidermide fuscd, hydrophand, oblique strigatd, apice rubrd vel violaced ; suturd lineari ; anfractibus 5 planiusculis, ultimo carinato, basi plano; columella subrectd, dilatatd, fusci- dulé ; aperturd subtetragond, intis lividd ; peristomate simplict, vie incrassato. Diam. 1:20; altit. 0°95 poll. Hab. Insula Zebu. ‘ Daleguete.’ Variat carina obtusiore, basi convexiore. Hexrx (Carocouia) Panayensis, Brod. Hel. T. imperforatd, de- pressd, orbiculari, carinatda, crassiusculd, superne griseo-fuscd, mi- nutissime granulatd, basi radiatim striatd, nitidissimd, olivaced ; spird depresso-conoided ; anfractibus 6 planulatis, ultimo non de- flexo ; aperturd angulato-lunari, intis albidd ; peristomate superné simplici, bast incrassato, ad columellam expansiusculo. Diam. 1°60; altit. 0°85 poll. Hab, Insula Panay. ‘ Dingle.’ Var. (Cagayan ins. Lucon). Spird elatiore, anfractibus ultimis tu- midis, superné saturate rufa, basi nigricans, deorsiim pallescens. Hexix Moricannp1i, Sow. Hel. T. umbilicatd, semiglobosd, basi pla- niusculd, nitidd, albido-flava, fasciis rufis 2-3-cinetd ; anfractibus 54 convevis, ultimo margine dextro subitd deflexo ; umbilico an- gusto, pervio ; aperturd transverse pyriformi, basi paralleld ; pe- ristomate connexo, margine superiore expanso, basali late reflexo, ad basin dente unico crasso instructo. Diam. 1°35; altit. 0°70 poll. Hab. Insula Bohol. ‘ Jacna.’ Differt ab H. zonali, Fér., cui persimilis, basi plana, aperture parte suprema deflexé, indé horizontali, et marginibus peristomatis junctis. Zoological Society. 473 Hetix saGiTtirera, Pfr.an Nanina? Hel. T. subperforatd, tenui, pellucidd, oblique striata et obsolete rugosa, fulvd, maculis seriatis sagittiformibus et ad carinam obsoletam fascia unicd rufa ornatda ; suturd impressd, ad anfractum ultimum subcanaliculata ; anfrac- tibus 44 planiusculis, ultimo inflato ; apertura perobliqua, lunato- ovatd, intis lacted; peristomate simplici, ad columellam sub- incrassato, vix reflero, margine superiore deflexo. Diam, 2; altit. 1°10 poll. Hab. Sinait insule Luc¢on. Affinis H. Lamarckiane, Lea. Differt forma minus depressa, an- fractibus spire lente crescentibus, ultimo vix carinato, et colore. Varietas: testa distincté carinata, superné intensé rufa, infra carinam fascia nigricante diluta circumdata, basi olivaceo-fulva, maculis sagittiformibus obsoletis.—Bolinao insule Lucon. Hex rutvipa, Pfr.an Nanina? Hel. T. subperforata, subglobosd, tenui, pellucida, pallide fulvescente, superné confertissimé et mi- nutissime granulosa, basi glabrd, nitidd ; spira elatd ; anfractibus 54, supremis planis, 14 ultimis rotundatis ; aperturd lunari ; pe- ristomate simplici, margine columellari subincrassato, ad perfora- tionem obsoletam reflexo. Diam. 1°25; altit. 0°85 poll. Hab. Insula Mindanao. Herrx Janus, Chemn. xi. 3016. 17.—Helicella, Fér. pr. 233.—An Nanina? Hel. T. sinistrorsd, perforatd, orbiculari, tenui, dia- phand, oblique regulariter et confertim striata, superne fuscd, basi converd, rufa, nitidiusculd ; spird laté depresso-conoided ; anfrac- tibus 7 planulatis, ultimo carinato ; apertura lunari; peristomate tenut, acuto, margine columellari reflexiusculo. Diam. 1°30 ; altit. 0-80 poll. Hab. in monte Ophir, peninsule Malaccan. H. Mackensiana, Saul in Revue Zool. 1841, p. 347, eadem esse videtur. Hex porpuyria, Pfr. an Nanina? Hel. T. perforata, depressd, solida, oblique rugoso-striatd, rufd, maculis et strigis creberrimis, flavido-albidis subprominulis marmorata, carinatd, infra carinam rufo-fasciatd, basi olivaceo-fulvd, nitidiore ; anfractibus 44 pla- nulatis, regulariter crescentibus, ultimo circa perforationem aper- tam excavato ; aperturd subrhombed ; peristomate simplici, tenui, margine columellari arcuatim reflexo. Diam. 1°80; altit. 1-00 poll. Hab. Insula Burias. Hetrx Samarensis, Pfr. Hel.T. umbilicatd, depresso-conoided, tenui, oblique striatula, fulvido-albd, fasciis rufis ornata ; basi planulata ; suturd lineari ; anfractibus 44 planiusculis, ultimo basi subcari- nato ; umbilico angusto, pervio ; apertura horizontali, ellipticd ; peristomate simplici, margine supero expanse, basali late reflezo, edentulo. Diam. 0°90; altit. 0°50 poll. Hab. Insula Samar. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist, Vol. xi. Zt 474 Zoological Society. Hewix Burteri, Pfr. Hel. T. imperforaté, globosd, tenui, levi, apice obtuso albé ; spird semiglobosd ; suturd mediocri ; anfrac- _ tibus 44 planiusculis, ultimo inflato, pallide lutescente, lineis par- vis confertis, crispulis vel interruptis ornatd ; columella subrectd, lata, profunde intrante ; apertura rotundato-lunatd ; peristomate simplici, vix expanso. Diam. 1°25; altit. 1:00 poll. Hab. Mountains of the Igorrotes.—Forma affinis H. versicolori Bornii. Heuix Becxrana, Pfr. Hel. T. umbilicatd, orbiculari, tenui, oblique striata, fuscd, vix nitiduld ; spird parim elatd ; suturd lineari ; anfractibus 6 planiusculis, ultimo deflexo, ad peripheriam angu- lato ; angulo ad aperturam obsoleto ; basi planiusculd ; umbilico mediocri, pervio ; aperturd fere horizontali, subtrapezoidali ; pe- ristomate simplici, margine columellari brevi, basali reflexo, quasi in tuberculum incrassato. Diam. 0°85 ; altit. 0°40 poll.—Nueva Ecija. Hexrx Cuminett, Pfr. Hel. T. imperforatd, depressd, obtuse? subca- rinatd, apice violaceo, obtusd, oblique striatd, nigricanti-rufd, epi- dermide rufd, superne maculis irregularibus, basi fasciis multis stramineo-cinereis ornatd ; anfractibus 4, supremis planiusculis, ultimo subinflato ; columella recté descendente, late callosd ; aper- turd latd, subquadrangulari ; peristomate late expanso, margine inferiore incrassato. Diam. 1°60; altit. 0°90 poll. Hab. Insula Zebu.—Affinis H. Zebuensi, Brod. Hetix scropicutata, Pfr. Hel. 7. umbilicatd, lenticulari, tenui, ob- lique rugosd, fulvido-albidd, fusco-zonatd, carinatd ; spird parim elatd, apice obtuso nitidd, glabrd ; suturd lineari; anfractibus 45 convexiusculis, ultimo deflexo ; carind subacutd ; umbilico angusto, pervio ; aperiurd transverse pyriformi; peristomate simplici, continuo, superne expanso, basi late reflexo, unidentato ; dente ob- tuso, extiis scrobiculum formante. Diam. 1°15; altit. 0°45 poll. Hab. Insula Bohol. Affinis H. rote, spira elatiore, carina simplici, subacuta, et costis deficientibus diversa. Buimus previcuuvs, Pfr. Bul. T. imperforatd, ovatd, apice obtuso, oblique obsolete striatd, nitidd, albd, epidermide lutescente decidua obductd ; anfractibus 6 angustis, convexiusculis ; columella sub- recta, in laminam tenuem expansd ; aperturd perobliqud, trans- verse semiovali ; peristomate simplici, expanso. Long. 1°15 ; diam. 0°75 poll. Hab. Insula Romblon. Affinis Bulimo stabili, Sow., forma abbreviata, anfractibus con- vexiusculis et apertura diversis. Burimvus Cumineu, Pfr. Bul. T. imperforatd, ovatd, tenuissimd, oblique striatuld, pellucidd, albido-virente, ad suturam linea rufa Zoological Society. 475 circumdatd ; anfractibus 45 conveviusculis, ultimo obsolete angu- lato, spiram pauld superante ; columella pland, subexcavatd, fuscd ; apertura lunato-ovali ; peristomate rit sda margine dextro late expanso, basalt subreflexo. Long. 1°35; diam. 0°95 poll. Hab. Insula Camiguing. Buuimus tienarivs, Pfr. Bul. T. imperforatd, conoideo-globosd, so- lida, oblique striata, subepidermide lignaria nitide nigricante, sur- sim pallescente, apice obtusiusculo, nitide fulvo ; spird conoided ; anfractibus 5 convevis, ultimo spird pauld breviore ; columella subrectd, extrorsiim lat? expansd, fusco-plumbed ; aperiurd lunato- ovali, intiis nitide cerulescente ; peristomate simplici, reflexo, saturate plumbeo, margine dextro valde arcuato. Long. 3°05; diam. 2°20 poll. Hab. Provincia Cagayan insule Lucon. a. Fere unicolor, epidermide palliddé, saturatius strigatd, fascia unicd angustd, nigra supra, latiore albidd infra medium anfractus ultimi. fi. Epidermide albo-strigatd, fasciis pluribus angustis nigricanti- rufis, unica latiore albidd infra medium anfractus ultimi. y- Minor, spira subelongata ; color sicut in a. Buimus suexans, Pfr. Bul. T. imperforatd, elongato-globosd, apice obtuso, solidiusculd, obliqué distinct2 striatd, unicolore, rufa ; an- Sractibus 5 convexis, ultimo spiram equante ; columelld latd, albd, introrsim arcuatim prominente ; aperturd magna, irregulariter subovali, ad basin columelle sinuatd, intis pallide livida ; peristo- mate viv reflexo, rufo-marginato. Long. 2°20; diam. 1°50 poll. Hab. ‘ Mountains of Igorrotes.’ Buuimus Nympua, Pfr. (Achatina?) Bul. T. ovato-turritd, solidius- culd, levi, sulphured, epidermide hydrophand, ligned crebre et late strigatda, lined suturali rufa et ared columellari nigricante ornata; apice obtuso, nitide roseo; anfractibus 6 vix convexiusculis, ultimo % longitudinis equante, obsolete angulato ; columelld recta, plana, viv truncatula ; apertur ad magna, ovali, intis albd ; peristomate subsimplici, albo, margine dextro valdé arcuato. Long. 2°00; diam. 0°95 poll. Hab. acu: Lucon, ‘San Miguel.’ Var. Testa rufa, surstm pallescente, apice roseo; epidermide al- bidd, peristomate rufo. Mt. Triga. Differt a Bulimo (Achatina) Boholensi forma ventricosiore, anfractu ultimo brevi, apertura lata, peristomate non expanso. July 12.—William Horton Lloyd, Esq., in the Chair. The following ‘‘Descriptions of two new species of Oniscia, a genus of pectinibranchiate Mollusks,”’ communicated by Mr. Lovell Reeve, was read. Ontscia Dennison. Onisc. testa trigono-ovatd, decussatim costatd, costis tuberculo squamdve ad juncturas instructis ; anfractibus su- 212 476 Zoological Society. perne angulatis, superficie alba, fusco-maculosd, leviter striatd ; labro columellari rutilo, albo-granuloso, latissime effuso ; labro ex- terno valde incrassato, interne denticulis albis irregulariter ornato. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 253. f. 5 and 6. Hab, ———? Long. 2; lat. 141, poll. In dedicating this very chaste and beautiful shell to its fortunate possessor, J. Dennison, Esq., we memorize the name of a gentleman whose collection is perhaps unequalled in excellency and preserva- tion. The very rare and valuable specimen before us is closely allied to the Oniscia cancellata (Cassidaria cancellata, Lamarck), so much so indeed that we at first hesitated to consider it a distinct species ; the rich and rosy appearance of the columellar lip is, however, re- markable, and as this part of the shell exhibits its chief generic cha- racter, may not so decided a variation of it be considered of specific importance ? OnisciA Srrompirormis. Onisc. testd trigono-pyriformi, albd, transversim irregulariter costatd et nodosd ; anfractibus superne angulatis, angulis valde nodosis ; labro columellari albo, granuloso, leviter effuso ; labro externo denticulato. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 253. f. 1. Hab. ? Mus. Cuming. Long. 7; lat. $ poll. An interesting small species, figured in ‘Conch. Syst.’ together with the former, and which appears to be very distinct from any hitherto described. A series of birds’ skins, being the remaining portion of the collec- tion presented by Walter Ewer, Esq., part of which was exhibited at the previous meeting, was laid on the table. These birds were col- lected in the north-western province of the Bengal presidency, in north latitude 29° to 31°, and east longitude 77° to 80°, and are chiefly inhabitants of the plain. Mr. Ewer, however, observes, that there are perhaps also a few from the Himalaya mountains in the collection. The following is a list of the species :—~ Neophron percnopterus, Temm. Haliaétus Macei. Ponticerianus. Circaétus brachydactylus, Vieill. Aquila Vindhiana, Frankl. Morphnus cristatellus. Astur Hyder, Sykes. Accipiter nisus. Falco Chicquera, Lath. Circus rufus, Briss. pallidus, Sykes. Elanus melanopterus, Leach. Milvus Cheele. Ketupa Leschenaulti, Less. | Merops Philippinus, Linn. viridis, Linn. Hirundo filifera, Steph. riparia? Linn. Halcyon Smyrnensis, Linn. Alcedo rudis, Linn. Bengalensis. Graucalus Papuensis, Cuy. Collurio erythronotus, Vig. Lahtora, Sykes. Phenicornis peregrina, Vig. brevirostris, Vig. rubeculoides, Vig. Turdus albicollis. Zoological Society. Turdus pecilopterus, Vig. saularis, Auct. > Oriolus Galbula. Malacocercus striatus, Sw. Hypsipetes psaroides, Vig. Izvos cafer. leucotis, Gould. Lanthocincla albogularis, Gould. leucocephala, Gould. erythrocephala, Gould. Enicurus maculatus, Vig. Myophonus Temminckhi, Vig. Megalurus palustris, Sykes? Anthus Chendoola, Frankl. Pyrrhulauda cruciger. Sazicola bicolor, Sykes. Phenicura ruticilla, Sw. Motacilla alba. Prinia inornata, Sykes.' Timalia hypoleuca, Frankl. Parus atriceps, Horsf. Emberiza cristata, Vig. Pyrgita domestica, Cuv. Fringilla leuconota, Temm. Ploceus Philippinus, Cuv. Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. Pastor Galla. Lamprotornis spilopterus, Vig. Dendrocitta Sinensis, Vig. vagabunda, Vig. Garrulus bispecularis, Vig. lanceolatus, Vig. striatus, Vig. Pica erythrorhyncha, Vig. Nucifraga hemispila, Vig. Fregilus Graculus, Cuv. Corvus culminatus, Sykes. Eudynamys orientalis, V. & H. Centropus Philippensis, Cuv. Cirkeer, Gray. Paleornis torquatus, Vig. flavicollaris, Frankl. Picus oceipitalis, Vig. Mahrattensis, Lath. Bucco caniceps, Frankl. Philippinensis, Auct. Yune Torquilla, Linn. Sitta castaneoventris, Frankl. Pomatorhinus erythrogenys, Vig. Phasianus albocristatus, Vig. Perdix Chukar, Vig. Francolinus Pondicerianus. vulgaris. Coturnix Cambaiensis. Pterocles exustus. Cursorius Coromandelicus. Cidicnemus crepitans, 'l'emm. Vanellus Goensis, Auct. cristatus, Meyer. Keptuschka, Temm. Gallinago stenurus. Tringa pugnax, Linn. Temmincki, Leisler. Totanus glottoides, Vig. Herodias Gazetta. Botaurus stellaris, Steph. Anas pecilorhyncha, Gmel. Dafila acuta, Leach. Mareca Penelope, Selby. Fuligula rufina, Steph. cristata, Steph. Nyroca leucophthalma, Flem. Rhynchaspis clypeata, Steph. Chauliodes strepera, Sw. | Querquedula Crecea. Tadorna rutila, Steph. Anser Indicus, Steph. Mergus albellus, Linn. merganser, Linn. | Podiceps minor, Lath. Sterna aurantia, Gray. Plotus Levaillanti, 'Temm. Phalacrocorax Javanica. Cormoranus, Temm. An abstract of a letter from E. Blyth, Esq., curator to the mu- seum at Calcutta, was then read. It contains the following list of birds, with observations upon them, which are found both in India and Europe :— Inhabits the mountains. Aquila chrysaétos, Vig. Inhabits the mountains. Falco peregrinus, Gmel. 478 Zoological Society. Falco Tinnunculus, Linn. Common. Pernis apivorus, Auct. Moderately common, Circus rufus, Auct. Moderately common. cyaneus, Auct. Moderately common. cineraceus, Auct. Moderately common. Otus brachyotus, Flem. Not rare. Strix flammea, Linn. Common. Hirundo rustica, Linn. Found in the Himalayas. riparia, Linn. Inhabits the Himalayas. Sazicola Rubetra, Temm. Not uncommon. rubicola, Temm. Not uncommon. Sylvia Hippolais, Lath. Not uncommon. Suecica, Lath. Not uncommon. Turdus viscivorus, Linn. Inhabits the Himalayas. Pyrgita domestica, Auct. Very common. montana, Auct. Inhabits the Himalayas; is found also at Chusan on the east, and Affghanistan on the west, in both places re- presenting the house-sparrow. Corvus pica, Linn. Is found, according to report, in Affghanistan. I have seen the true British species from Chusan. There is a distinct but nearly allied species at Bootan, which may also be that of Aff- ghanistan. Corvus Coraz, Linn. Inhabits the mountains, but not the plains ; it is there replaced by a smaller species*, often mistaken for the common raven. Fregilus Graculus, Selby. Abounds in the Himalayas. Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. Is seen commonly in the bird-shops at Calcutta, being brought from the hills. Cuculus canorus, Linn. Rare; but the nearly allied species, Cuculus micropterus of Gould, is less so. Yunex Torquilla, Linn. Not rare. Charadrius minor, Meyer. Very common. Cidicnemus crepitans, Temm. Inhabits the peninsula of India. Ardea. All the European species of Heron are to be met with. Botaurus stellaris, Linn. Ciconia alba, Ray. Rare. nigra, Ray. Rare. Platalea Leucorodia, Linn. Very common. Ibis Falcinellus, Temm. Very common. Numenius arquata, Lath. Common; but the Numenius pheopus (Lath.) is not found here. Totanus fuscus, Leisl. Common. calidris, Bechst. Common. ochropus, Temm. Not very common. glareola, Temm. Excessively abundant. hypoleucos, Temm. Not very common. Recurvirostra Avocetia, Linn. Not very common. Himantopus melanopterus, Temm. Very common. * Mr. Blyth probably alludes to the species to which Col. Sykes gave the name culminatus. Geological Society. 479 Limosa melanura, Leisl. Very common; but the Limosa rufa (Briss.) is not found here. Scolopax Rusticola, Linn. Abounds in the hills. Gallinago, Linn. Not rare. -— Gallinula, Linn. Not rare. Tringa pugnax, Linn. Common. subarquata, Temm. ‘Tolerably common. Temmincki, Leisl. Very common. minuta, Leisl. Very common. Phalaropus platyrhynchus, Temm. Rare. Tadorna rutila, Steph. Common. Bellonii, Steph. Very rare. Anas clypeata, Linn. Moderately common. Chauliodus Strepera, Swains. Moderately common. Dafila acuta, Linn. Common. Querquedula circea, Very common. Crecca. Very common. Mareca Penelope, Selb. Not common. Fuligula rufina, Steph. Very common. Nyroca, Steph. Very common. cristata, Steph. Not common. ferina, Steph. Not common. GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. June 15,1842.—A communication was made by Dr. Grant, F.G.S., ‘© On the Structure and History of the Mastodontoid Animals of North America.” The chief object of this communication was to point out the structural differences and zoological distinctions of the Mastodons and Tetracaulodons of North America ; and the inquiries were in- stituted in consequence of the favourable opportunity afforded by the temporary exhibition, in this metropolis, of Mr. Koch’s large collec- tion of organic remains from the State of Missouri, consisting prin- cipally of the relics of these two genera. After pointing out the important applications of the study of these remains, and the geological relations of Mastodontoid animals, and the discordant opinions of zoologists as to their specific distinctions, Dr. Grant entered into extended details regarding the general struc- ture and the peculiarities of the skeleton in the three principal Mastodontoid genera, Mastodon, Tetracaulodon, and Deinotherium, which are compared with those of the elephant and other allied ge- nera. The fifth section of the memoir is occupied with the descrip- tion of the development, forms, structure and changes of the dental system of Mastodontoid animals ; and each tooth and tusk of the three principal genera are described and compared, and the principal modifications they exhibit according to difference of age, sex, and species. After pointing out the necessity of including the entire se- ries of successive teeth, in the dental formule of genera, where the teeth are constantly displacing and succeeding each other through 480 Geological Society. the whole of life, the author announces the dental formule of the four Proboscidian genera of Pachyderma to be Elephas, Inc. Q can. aH mol. se > 34. 2 0 6 —6 Mastodon, Inc. pcan. aH mol. 6-6 = 26. 2 0 6 Gest Tetracaulodon, Ine. >> can. mol. Ga 28. : : 0 0 5 —5 — SS ae Deinotherium, Inc. gy can. 7, mol. eam, 22 For the determination of the dental formule of Mastodon and Te- tracaulodon, Dr. Grant relied entirely on the splendid collection of jaws, crania, and teeth in Mr. Koch’s possession, which afford ample means for the solution of that problem. For the dental formula of Deinotherium he has been indebted solely to the casts and fragments of that genus in the British Museum. After explaining the uncer- tainties and fallacies to which naturalists have been exposed in the identification of species, from not having ascertained the entire dental series in any Mastodon, the sixth section of the memoir describes the distinctive characters and the distribution of the Mastodon angusti- dens, M. latidens, M. Elephantoides, M.minutum, M. Tapiroides, M. Andium, M. Borsoni, M. Humboldtii, M. Turicense, M. Avernense, M. giganteum, M. Cuvieri, and M. Jeffersoni. The seventh section of the memoir is devoted to the examination and description of the generic characters of Tetracaulodon, as established by Dr. Godman, and as founded onthe number and form of the teeth, the peculiarities of their microscopic structure, the form of the jaws, the tusks, the alveoli of the tusks, the intermaxillary fossa, the infra-orbitary fora- mina, and other influential characters. The eighth and last section of this paper is occupied with an account of the distinctive characters and the distribution of the known species of this genus ; viz. Tetra- caulodon Godmani, T. Collinsii, T. Tapiroides, T. Kochii, T. Haysii, and T. Bucklandi. June 29.—* Notice on the Discovery of Insects in the Wealden of the Vale of Aylesbury, Bucks, with some observations on the distri- bution of these and other Fossils in the Vale of Wardour, Wiltshire.” By the Rev. P. B. Brodie, F.G.S. In a former notice Mr. Brodie announced the discovery of insects as well as a new genus of Isopods in the Wealden beds of the Vale of Wardour, and in this communication he gives an account of ad- ditional localities in the same Vale, where he has found both the in- sects and crustaceans, and of the strata belonging to the Wealden se- ries, in which he has obtained fossil insects, in the Vale of Aylesbury. Vale of Wardour.—The precise spot noticed in the former paper is a quarry at Dallards, and the first point to which the author now calls attention, is situated about two miles to the south-east of it. The fol- lowing section is given of the beds at the new locality, the dip being slightly to the south :— Geological Society. 481 ft. in. 1. Top. Debris of rounded fragments of greensand and Portland stone, with their usual fossils, a few inches thick. 2. Chert, full of Cyclas; it also contains occasionally BS APOMIGES) den siay ta sister ae: ae = gh > Mea tateleGs a 3. Hard, brownish white limestone, with Ostree and casts of other shells, some resembling those of Cy- clas major. The upper layers muchdisturbed .... 2 0 . Black earthy clay, a few inches. Purbeck stone, varying in character but containing Ryelidesy. ee suyorale sw ci teed Wastes as agate 3s 5, 6 Oo . 6. Fissile, soft stone full of Modiol, palates and other remains of fishes, also bones of a species of tortoise 1 0 7. White limestone, containing Isopods and elytra of Palee pte tid ate, cre cin cials a= spas ni oc iets eee alae a0 Hardstone. In an escarpment in the banks of the adjoining river are two beds of limestone, from the upper of which Mr. Brodie obtained small ely- tra, and from the lower Cypris, and from both carbonized wood, also a species of Cyclas. Under these strata is a very oolitic limestone, in which the author found a small Melanopsis and a seed-vessel. A mile distant Mr. Brodie procured from a bed of limestone, about five inches thick, Cyclades, Isopods, and a small fish of the species which occurs at Dallards; and in a bed of clay, bones of a tortoise. The hard crystalline limestone of the Lady-down beds are noticed as yielding, but rarely, Cyclades and Cyprides. In the neighbourhood of Tisbury, in a soft, gritty, slightly oolitic stone, the author found Isopods of a larger size than elsewhere, likewise an elytron of a cole- opterous insect. Though the number of beds of limestone vary in different parts of the Vale of Wardour, yet Isopods and insects cha- racterise the whole of them; and as respects lithological characters, notwithstanding the great varieties which occur at different localities, there is throughout the district that general peculiarity of aspect which is so remarkable in freshwater formations of very different ages, and which serves to identify detached quarries with each other. Vale of Aylesbury.—In Buckinghamshire the Wealden beds possess a certain similarity with those in Wiltshire, but with clearly marked local differences. At Quainton Hill Mr. Brodie could not discover any traces of fishes, insects, or Isopods. In a quarry near the village of Stone he obtained the following section :— 1. Rubble, several feet. Oe Hard white stone; no fussils’). 202 2202. 2. 20'S feetz 3. Greenish stone, with Cypris................ 2 feet. 4, Black clay, containing bones of a Tortoise .... 1 foot. 5. White and blue limestone (Pendle), yielding Modiole in abun- dance ; also a few Cypris and Cyclas; likewise bones and palates of fishes, coprolites, and, but rarely, remains of insects; fragments of carbonized wood are common; and Mr. Brodie obtained a speci- men of Sphenopteris Mantelli, and another minute but beautiful species 482 Geological Society. of Fern. This limestone bears a close resemblance to one of the beds at Dallards. In his general observations on the fossils from these different local- ities, the author states, that though he has greatly added to the num- ber and variety of insect-remains since his former communication, yet he has not found any of the larger kinds, almost every specimen re- quiring a high magnifying power to be seen distinctly. Next to the Coleoptera, the most prevalent orders are the Homoptera and Tri- coptera; and Mr. Brodie observes, that this fact accords with the habits of the two latter orders, the first living on plants, remains of which are found abundantly in the Wealden, and the second hovering over the surface of streams. From the fragmentary state of these remains, and from the wings never being expanded in the more nearly perfect specimens, he considers it probable, that they were carried for some distance down the streams which flowed into the Wealden estuaries. A few of the insects which have been exa- mined by an eminent entomologist, have been pronounced to possess, with one exception, a decidedly European character, to differ from those at Aix, and to be less tropical than those found at Stonesfield. Since the reading of his prior communication, Mr. Brodie has ob- tained Isopods an inch and a half in length and an inch broad. These crustaceans, so interesting from the analogy to Trilobites, presented by allied genera, are rarely found in single specimens, butin groups, and therefore present this additional agreement with the habits of re- cent species. The fossils appear to have been deposited tranquilly at the bottom of the water which they inhabited, being always found imbedded with their legs downwards, and they are generally well-pre- served. Thewhole of the freshwater remains of these Wealden beds, including the testacea, afford the natural characters of such deposits by yielding abundance of specimens, but few genera. Associated with the above-mentioned organic remains of the Vale of Wardour, Mr. Brodie has obtained three species of small fishes quite distinct, he says, from those found at Lady Down and Chicks- grove. With asingle exception they were all procured at one spot. None of the localities mentioned in the paper afforded the least trace of the ‘ dirt-bed,” or of Cycadeoidea. A letter, addressed to the Secretaries by C. Kaye, Esq., “ Ona Collection of Fossils discovered by the writer in Rocks in Southern India.” The localities from which Mr. Kaye procured his suites of speci- mens are Pondicherry, Trichinopoly, and Verdachellum. Pondicherry.—From a limestone in the neighbourhood of this city, Mr. Kaye obtained Nautili in great abundance, belonging to at least three species; Ammonites in even greater numbers and well-pre- served, and although assignable to thirteen distinct species, the au- thor has not been able to identify a single specimen with any Euro- pean Ammonites of which he has seen a description. Baculites like- wise occur in such quantities as often to constitute the entire mass of large blocks ; and Hamites in a yreat variety of forms, besides numerous genera of conchifera and mollusca; likewise Echinide, Miscellaneous. 483 Polyparia, fishes’ teeth, and considerable masses of calcareous wood bored by Teredines. All these fossils were discovered by Mr. Kaye and a friend within the last two years, and are entirely new to European paleontologists. In the neighbourhood of Pondicherry and bordering on the lime- stone is a bed of red sand containing an immense quantity of the sili- cified wood long known to collectors. Trichinopoly.—The spot in this district from which Mr. Kaye pro- cured his specimens he was not able to visit. The fossils occur also in a limestone, preserve their shelly matter with occasionally the colour, and belong principally to marine genera, but some are con- sidered to be of freshwater origin. Cephalopods appear to be of very rare occurrence, Mr. Kaye having obtained from the locality only one fragment of a large Ammonite. Wood bored by Teredines is also found in the limestone. Verdachellum.—From a calcareous rock near Verdachellum, forty miles from Pondicherry, Mr. Kaye procured a variety of marine shells, including a considerable number of Ammonites, considered by him to be distinct from those found near Pondicherry ; also a few imperfect Nautili and a few Echinide, corals, &c. Among the testacea are several considered to belong to species found in the Trichinopoly deposit, and a few believed by Mr. Kaye to be identifiable with Pondicherry shells. This limestone is likewise bordered by a red sand which contains specimens of silicified wood. The formation was discovered only a short time before the writer quitted India, and he consequently considers his collection as defec- tive; but he regards the deposit whence it was obtained as of interest, affording, by its position and organic contents, a link between the other two localities. MISCELLANEOUS. NOTE ON SAXIFRAGA STELLARIS AND S, LEUCANTHEMIFOLIA, LAP. I Have gathered in the C#tzthal in the Tyrol the plant described as S. leucanthemifolia (Lap.) by Reichenbach and other German botanists, andam quite of the opinion of Bertoloni (Fl. Ital. iv. 482) that it is only a state of S. stellaris, L. ‘The plant in question has the leaves more oblong and dentate nearly to the base, the panicle somewhat more spreading, the bracts (as in S. stellaris) for the most part lanceolate, but the lower one sometimes obovate and dentate ; the petals are slightly unequal, but this occurs (perhaps always) in S. stellaris ; the capsule is quite the same, as are the seeds. As the description of the latter in DeCandolle’s ‘ Prodromus’ may give rise to mistakes, I may mention that the seeds of S. sfellaris are oviform- semilunulate (not ovato-subglobose), light brown (scarcely fuscous) with longitudinal striz, which are beautifully fringed with elevated semitransparent points. In a paper in the ‘ Ann. Nat. Hist.’ ii. 35, I mentioned a variety of S. stellaris found on Curslieve in Mayo, which is much more different from the ordinary form; it is much 484 Miscellaneous. larger, hairy, and somewhat viscose, the panicle widely spreading, lower bracts foliaceous, and the seeds appear more elongated, but this probably depends on their maturity : I found no flowering spe- cimens. I should think that this may probably be the same as S. Clusti, var. «. of DeCandolle’s ‘ Prodromus.’—J. Bau. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF SOME AMERICAN BIRDS. To the Editors of the Annals of Natural History. GrenTLEMEN,—Having received a small collection of birds formed in the summer of 1840 by Murdoch M‘Pherson, Esq., at Fort Simp- son on the Mackenzie, in lat. 62° 11’ N., I send you a list of the species for insertion in the ‘ Annals,’ as it may interest the cultivators of American ornithology, by showing that several of the species have a higher range than has hitherto been recorded. 1. Merula wilsonii, Fauna Boreali-Americana, i. p. 182. Turdus wilsonti, Audubon, pl. 144; Ornith. Biography, 1. p. 362, and vy. p. 456. 2. Tyrannula pusilla, F. B. A. ii. p. 144. 3. Sylvicola petechia, F. B. A. ii. p. 215; Aud. pl. 145. f. 1. pl. 163. f. 2; Ornith. Biogr. i. p. 260, and v. p. 458. 4. Sylvicola maculosa, F. B. A. pl. 40; Aud. pl. 50; Orn. Biogr. i. p. 260, and v. p. 458. 5. Vermivora peregrina, F. B. A. pl. 42. p. 221; Aud. pl. 154; Orn. Biogr. ii. p. 307. 6. Vireo olivaceus, F. B. A. ii. p. 233; Aud. pl. 150; Orn. Biogr. li. p. 290. 7. Setophaga ruticilla, F. B. A. ii. p. 223; Aud. pl. 40; Orn. Biogr. i. p. 202. 8. Fringilla iliaca, F. B. A. ii. p. 257 ; Aud. pl. 108; Orn. Biogr. ii, p. 58. 9. Fringilla pennsylvanica, F. B. A. ii. p. 256; Aud. pl. 8; Orn. Biogr. i. p. 42. Mr. M‘Pherson says that this bird sings the first five notes of “‘O dear, what can the matter be ?” 10. Fringilla leucophrys, F. B. A. ii. p. 255 ; Aud. pl. 114; Orn. Biogr. i. p. 88. 11. Fringilla hyemalis, F. B. A. 1. p. 259; Aud. pl. 13; Orn, Biogr. 1 Dado 1b. Fringilla socialis, Aud. pl. 104; Orn. Biogr. ii. p. 22. I remain, Gentlemen, yours &c., Haslar Hospital, May 8th, 1843, JoHN RICHARDSON. FRUCTIFICATION OF CHETOPHORA TUBERCULOSA. The true fruit of Chetophora appears hitherto to have been ob- served only by Mr. Berkeley, who communicated specimens to Capt. Carmichael, who made a drawing from them, which, with his other manuscripts, is in the hands of Sir W. J. Hooker. Mr. Berkeley also published a figure of it in his ‘ Gleanings of British Alge.’ Dr. Miller of Detmold has been so fortunate as to meet with similar fruit in Chetophora tuberculosa, and has given figures of it in the Miscellaneous. | 485 place cited above. He has made moreover a very curious observa- tion, viz. that the fruit is accompanied by, and at length connate with, a red globule of a similar form but smaller size, which he con- siders as the male fructification. As the female capsule advances to maturity, the male approaches it, becomes elongated, and at length is united with it, emptying the pollen-globules into the female fruit. This process being accomplished it falls off. Whatever may be thought of this, his account of the development of the spores formed within the capsule, which are about five in number, and disposed round an aperture occasioned probably by the pressure of the male capsule, is not less wonderful. From each of the seeds a hyaline thread is developed, formed of the globules which press forward from the inside of the seed; this at length becomes green, and consists of a very tender hyaline tube filled with a moni- liform row of globules. Finally, the uppermost globule is elongated into a new tube, which is of a paler green than the rest of the thread. The capsule is now no longer visible, and the whole resembles a Rivularia which soon assumes the true form of Chetophora tuber- culosa. The above observations are at least curious, and if there has been no error, are of much importance. We recommend them to the consideration of some of our practical algologists, hoping that they may be able to throw some light upon the matter.—VFlora, 1842, p- 513. LECIDEA WAHLENBERGII. To the Editors of the Annals of Natural History. GENTLEMEN,—I have pleasure in being able to add to the number of British Lichens already published, the ‘‘ Lecidea Wahlenbergii,” Ach., which I found last July upon the black soil among the loose rocks on the west side of Ben Nevis, Inverness-shire, above Loch Nevis. A single specimen is all I could find, but that in fine order. I should wish you to make this public in the ‘ Annals and Mag. of Nat. History.’ Yours obediently, 2 Beulah Place, Harrogate, Yorkshire. FrepD. BAInBRIDGE. LETTERS FROM RAY TO SIR HANS SLOANE. [A volume of original letters, just published by the Camden So- ciety, with notes and illustrations by Sir Henry Ellis, contains several from our illustrious countryman John Ray, some of which, as being interesting to the lovers of natural history, we shall take the liberty to extract.—Ep. ] _[MS. Sloan. Brit. Mus. 4056. fol. 132. Orig.] Sir,—Not long since one Mr. Pratt, a gardener, a person (as himself told me) well known to you, who now lives with Sir Thomas Willughby, son and heir of my worthy friend and benefactor Francis Willughby, esquire, being heer with me, and hearing that you were returned from Jamayca, and had brought over with you, among other naturall rarities, diverse seeds, not common, by yourself discovered 486 Miscellaneous. in that and the neighbouring Islands, engaged me to write to you, to entreat you, if you have not already disposed of them, to commu- nicate some part to S' Thomas, who I know will be very thankfull to you for them. Mr. Pratt will take care of them, and part of the product you may command. Being advised by Dr. Robinson that my first letter in answer to yours miscarried, I wrote a second, which I hope came to your hands. I should be glad to hear what progresse you have made in order to the publishing your curious Observations and Discoveries, whereby you will much oblige the learned Naturalists of this Age, and erect a lasting monument to your own memory. Black Notley, I am, Sir, your very humble servant, Jan. 8, —89. Joun Ray. For Dr. Hans Sloane, to be left at Mr. Wilkinson’s, at the Black Boy, over against St. Dunstan’s Church, in Fleet Street, London. [Ibid. fol. 136. Orig.] S1r,—Monday last I received your kind Letter, attended with a rich Present of Sugar to my wife. They were both very gratefull and acceptable ; onely the latter was too great and inadequate to any merit of mine to be received without some shame; as well the quality as quantity concurring to render it valuable. You have so highly pleased and obliged my wife, that she is much in commen- dation of your generosity, and returns you her humble service and hearty thanks; wishing that you were heer to partake of some of the effects of your kindnesse. I have been importunate with you to hasten the publication of your Discoveries in the History of Nature, as well for the advance- ment of reall knowledge and gratification of the learned and inqui- sitive, as for your own deserved honour; that some other man might not prevent you, and by some means or other intercept what is yours. I am glad you make such progresse, and cannot but approve your deliberation and circumspection ; and agree with you that the clear- ing up of difficulties and reconciling of Authors, and reducing and settling the severall histories and relations of species, will be a thing of eminent use, and of as much advantage to the Reader as pains to the Author. The little plant you sent formerly you now conclude to be the Callitriche Plinii of Columna, and so it may be, I having never seen that ; I find it overseen and omitted by me in my History ; I suppose because, being seminiferous, I deferred it when I entred the Lenti- cule ; thinking to put it in in another place, and afterwards forgate it. Those instances you would have added to my Discourse con- cerning the Wisdome of God, I know are so considerable, that J am sorry my Book wants them, which might have recommended it to the Reader. If I had thought you would have been willing to spare time to peruse it, you should have had a sight of the Copy before it had been committed to the Presse. Iam this morning sending away my Discourses concerning the Primitive Chaos and Creation of the World, the General Deluge, Meteorological Observations. 487 and future Conflagration, with Additions for a second Edition. If you please to revise and correct it before it be printed, I will order Mr. Smith to deliver the Copy to you for that purpose. Mr. Beaumont is a person that hath been very diligent in search- ing out and collecting, and curious in observing of petrified Shells and other bodies, and I suppose well qualified to write concerning them. I heard that he once threatened to write something in con- tradiction to Mr. Burnet’s Theory of the Earth; which piece I could wish to see. I am now upon a methodical Synopsis of all British Animals ex- cepting Insects, and it will be a general Synops. of Quadrupeds. It will take me up more time to finish then I thought when I first set upon it; indeed so much as, if I had foreseen, I should hardly have been induced to undertake it. But now I must goe on. The Remainder is, great thanks for your extraordinary kindnesse, attested by reall effects; and profession of readinesse to shew my- self gratefull if any occasion of serving you offers to, Black Notley, Sir, your affectionate friend and servant, May 25, —92. Joun Ray. For Dr. Hans Sloane, at the Dutchesse of Albemarles in Clerkenwell, London. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR APRIL 1843. Chiswick.—April 1, Rain. 2. Cloudy: clear and fine. 3. Slight rain: clear. 4, Rain: cloudy and windy. 5. Fine. 6. Overcast: slight rain. 7. Rain: clear and fine. 8. Clear and fine, 9. Easterly haze. 10. Clear and fine. 11. Frosty: clear and dry: frosty at night. 12. Sharp frost: clear: cloudy: clear and frosty at night. 13. Cloudy: frosty atnight. 14. Uniformly overcast, 15. Hazy. 16. Hazy: fine. 17, 18. Light haze: dry air: clear and fine. 19. Dry easterly haze. 20, 21. Very fine. 22. Showery. 23, 24. Cloudy and fine. 25. Rain: clear, 26. Cold rain: very fine: rain at night. 27. Cloudy and fine. 28. Slight rain. 29, 30, Cloudy and fine.—Mean temperature of the month 036 above the average. Boston.— April 1. Rain: rain early am. 2. Rain: rain early a.M.: rain p.m. 3. Cloudy. 4. Cloudy: rain early a.m.: stormy with rainr.m. 5. Windy. 6. Cloudy: rainam. 7. Cloudy. 8. Fine: rain p.m. 9. Cloudy. 10. Fine: snow a.M.: snowr.mM. 11—13. Fine. 14. Windy: rainearly a.m. 15, 16. Cloudy. 17—21. Fine. 22. Cloudy: rain early a.m. 23. Fine: rain early a.m. 24, Fine. 25. Cloudy. 26. Fine: rainrp.m. 27, Fine: raina.m. 28, Windy. 29. Fine: rain a.m, 30. Cloudy. Sandwick Manse, Orkney.— April 1, Damp: fog. 2. Bright: damp. 3. Bright : fog. 4. Cloudy. 5. Damp: drizzle. 6. Rain: clear: aurora. 7. Cloudy: rain. 8. Cloudy : snow-showers. 9. Snow-showers: hail-showers. 10. Snow-drift : showers. 11. Snow-showers. 12. Snowing: drift. 13. Snow-showers: snow- ing. 14. Bright: cloudy. 15. Cloudy. 16. Clear. 17. Clear: cloudy. 18, Cloudy : damp. 19. Cloudy. 20, Damp: cloudy. 21. Damp: fog. 22. Damp: rain. 22. Damp. 24. Bright: cloudy. 25,26. Rain. 27. Bright: cloudy. 28. Rain. 29. Fog: cloudy. 30. Fog: bright : fine. Applegarth Manse, Dumfries-shire—April 1,2. Heavy rain. 3. Fair and fine. 4, Rain. 5. Fair and fine: aurora. 6,7. Rain. 8. Rain: thunder: hail, 9. Fair: frost. 10, 11. Hail: frost. 12. Frost a.m.: snow: rain. 13. Frost. 14—-16. Fair and temperate. 17. Fair and temperate: fine spring day. 18— 20, Fair and temperate. 21. Fair and temperate: showers. 22. Rain nearly all day. 23. Raina.m. 24. Rainearly: very fineday. 25. Heavy rain: flood. 26. Fair. 27, Fair: hoar-frost. 28. 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Aouyig | ~jung eee =. © aw “WIRY “PULA, “JOJAWOWLIY J, F12.62 |£89.62 |€98.62| 869.62] 18.66 | 962-62 | F98.6z | S68.6e | Uva_y cF.0€ | Z8.0€ | €1.08 | 86.62 | ¢F.6% | $82.6 | 626.62 | 998.62 | ‘og 01-08 | 28.62 | 62.62 | 68.6 | 08.6 | £Z9.6a | 622.6z | 12.62 | *6z £8.63 | 89.62 | 09.62 | SF-62 | 6.62 | 699.62 | 622.62 | 008.62 | *8z 09-62 | 92.66 | 29.62 | $2.6 | £8.66 | $29.62 | 268.66 | 968.62 | *Ze 06.6 | GE.66 | 19.62 | 68.62 | 02.6% | 929.62 | £29.62 | 029.62 | "9% 88-62 | 22.62 | 8¢.62 | 62-62 | 82.6% | gt9.6 | 020.08 | FZZ.60 | “ez 94.6 | 00.08 | 62.66 | 06.62 | 09-62 | £66.62 | Z10.08 | 090.08 | "Fa 86.62 | 66.62 | $8.62 | 82.6% | 99.62 | Sz0.0€ | €F0.08 | FOL.0€ | “Ez $6.62 | 08.62 | 02.62 | 69.62 | 92.6 $18.62 | 686.62 | 928.66 | *zz 94.62 | $2.6 | 99.62 | Z9.6z | 2z.62 | £8.60 | 6F8.6z | 206.66 | “Iz D £2.62 | 28-62 | 19.6% | 09.62 | $3.62 | 0690.63 | 822.6% | 982.62 | ‘0% 68.62 | 98-62 | 12.62 | 18.62 | #F-62 | 99/.6% | 696.6% | 266.62 | “61 28.6 | 66-62 | 88.62 | 06.62 | 09-62 | 086.62 | OF 1.08 | OST.0E | “SI 80.08 | €0-0€ | 06.62 | 98.6 | 0F.62 | £98.62 | 850.08 | £96.62 | *ZT 16.62 | 08-62 | 18.62 | 08.62 | §9-62 | 818.6% | 266.6% | 896.62 | ‘OT £8.62 | 08.62 | $8.62 | 68.62 | 19-62 | 160.08 | 801.08 | SET.0g | ‘ST PL.06 | FP.6G | £4.02 | GS.66 | OF-66 | F16-66 | 900.08 | F16.62 | “FI O 96.62 | £6.66 | 82.6% | G8.6z | SF.6z | 262.6% | 686.62 | 088.62 | “ST 8.6% | ¢2.63 | 19.62 | $8.6% | 69-62 | 628.62 | 646.62 | 026.6% | °T £6.62 | F6.6@ | 88.6% | 88.62 | €9-62 | 126.62 | 86.62 | 010.08 | *T1 08.62 | 82.6% | 18.62 | 82.62 | FF-62 | 268.6% | 126.6% | 886.62 | “OL LL.6% | $2.6% | 02.62 | 20.6% | SZ-6% | 86¢.6z | £02.66 | 9€0.62 | *6 89.62 | 9£.62 | 0S.6z | 60.62 | 06.82 | FFS.6z | 629.6% | 19.6% | *8 ZI.62 | $1.62 | G1.6% | 64.62 | 96.8% | OSF-62 | £99.62 | 98¢.62| °Z © ££.62 | Zt-66 | 08.62 | $F.6% | 98.6% | OFO.6 | SF8.6% | 028.62 | *9 ¥2.62 | $9.62 | 02.62 | 08.62 | 21.6% | 02.62 | £16.62 | F92.6a | °S GS.6 | ZS-6% | 02.6% | 12-62 | 96-82 | 08.6% | £9.64 | 968.64 | *F 09.6 | 8-62 | 06.62 | 08.64 | 22.62 | 32.66 | 862.62 | 0F8.6z | “Ss ZE.6 | 12.62 | $3.62 | 02.66 | 86.8% | GSF.6z | 6F9.6z | 018.62 | °% 91.62 | 22.6% Bote eh06 £0.62 | F8F-6% | 009.62 | OFS.6% | “I ee Sees ‘urd |ture | urd | ‘ure é : Se | pdy : 7 om] ‘UI | “xeW [oS S| TE or ig SR Sa ee Be | ere *yommpurg | ‘aarys BS! ils « Pes ‘KauyiQ | -savywng | °° HOUMstyO, its =o Z ° es *1ajoWOIeg cia e > "RANWUGQ) ‘asunpyy younpung yy Suoysno[D *— "Ady 2y7 Ag puy {auUIHs-saTusIWAG ‘asunyy yjunoajyddy yo ‘xequug *A\ ‘Ady 277 49 S. 4: 915. AC Tt Ce: ites raat aga Wy ee bs The pectoral is small and situated low down; it is composed of seyenteen rays and ashort incumbent one, and there is a long pointed scale beneath it. The acute point of the fin reaches nearly half-way from the gill-opening to the ventrals. ‘The dorsal fin commences exactly midway between the mouth and base of the central caudal rays: its margin is lunate with acute points, and the anterior point is thrice as high as the posterior one. The first three rays are sim- ple without visible joints, short and closely incumbent; the rest are 2K 2 492 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to more or less divided at their tips. The fourth and fifth are the tall- est, and form the anterior tip of the fin. The bases of the rays are covered by a scaly fillet, which runs to a point posteriorly and rises a little from the back. The ventrals stand opposite to the middle of the dorsal, or midway between the mouth and tips of the central caudal rays. There are eleven rays, the outer one being strong, flat and bony, but divided at the tip, the others becoming gradually smaller as they are more and more interior. There is a long acute scale above the fin, and a scaly plate between the fins. The anal is small, with a wide notch in its edge, and is composed of eleven rays, in- cluding three short, graduated, incumbent ones. A scaly fillet rising obliquely from the base of the anterior rays nearly covers the poste- rior half of the fin. The caudal fin is very deeply forked, its acute and widely separated lobes being five times the length of the central rays. The divergence of the points exceeds the height of the body, and nearly equals the distance between the tips of the dorsal and ventrals ; it consists of nineteen rays, with nine shorter, graduated, incumbent ones above and eight below. The exterior simple ray which reaches to the point of the lobe above and below is broad and bony, and is crossed at regular distances by oblique lines, which are nearly obsolete on the bases of the more interior branched rays, and are less conspicuous on the exterior short incumbent ones. There are no distinct traces of colour remaining, except some dark shades along the back. ‘The sides and belly have a bright silvery lustre, and the sides of the head a somewhat golden hue. Dimensions. inches. lines. Length from intermaxillary to tip of upper lobe of caudal.... 19 0 -—__—__-—_ ——_——— tips of central rays ......++e00. 15 1 ———————_—_— basse of ditto......esessecsesvees 14 6 — ——_——_——_—-——_ beginning of anal ............ 11 6 $$$ ventrals weccssrcececcccecseesene 8 0 a GOrsali eae cists teem Seaes cea 7 5 —————_-———__-- pectorals ......ccccecsecseceeeees 3 5 SEEEERIEEReEeieD — tip of gill-cover .........0+ sae enes 3 Length of Orbit ...cc...ccascoocscscetacccerseccavessccaccreccsesanes 0. Ht Distance between angle of orbit and orifice of mouth ......... 0 7 Height Ofbody es..cene..ctoessosewecseancanersacdedesaueacet secede 5 abe —— dorsal fin....eceeeceeeeeee eaeie sass Me aluewaenee nee speunceee 2 7 ength*ofidittod \i.2-t0205 scene Sopagoododbonoansc0n7 ae sdanteenemaeeeats 2 2 pectoral rays ....... guseeden Seale nessa sities cme eed ance 2 2 Ventral! TAYS- Wa.-s-0ccess Acnobacencocpqnaccdep oasosdacec 1 8 AM Al fit Yenccnewas sp senebeseccessharandenceds econieecasbeeese ] 5) DWepthyotidivtoy icioncdewosamnaraves ceancunesens shi sete ceenaemmetaact 0 95 Length of caudal lobes . ...:.......-eccrecsoosesassecccccsassnsevesies 5 6 Divergence of points Of ditto .......scccccssscseecececcsessecsescees 5 6 Depth of caudal fovle is. Geecccsc. cen -crse sseceoes cose sdeewasmeasaitte 3 6 Obs. This subgenus and many of the other species described in this paper have already been named by me in a Report on the Ich- thyology of New Zealand, read at the Meeting of the British Asso- ciation in June 1842, and in the Appendix to Dr. Dieffenbach’s ac- count of New Zealand. the Ichthyology of Australia. 493 MEGALOPS SETIPINNIS, Forster’s Megalops. Clupea setipinna, Forster, fig. 242. Banks. Biblioth. (A reference to Clu- pea cyprinoides, Brouss., is added to the fig. by Dryander.) No. 3. Mr. Gilbert’s list. Mr. Gilbert informs us that this fish is named the “ fresh- water herring” by the settlers at Port Essington, and “ o7- roree” by the natives. It inhabits all the freshwater streams, swamps and lakes of Cobourg Peninsula, and may be taken readily with a hook and line. In the latter end of the dry season, when the waters have become shallow, it is caught in great numbers in clap-nets by the Aborigines ; and when the swamps have altogether dried up, this fish is found living in the mud at the depth of several feet, where it remains until the ponds fill again; then it reappears in multitudes and of full size, although the mud may be covered merely by a few inches of water. It is an indifferent acquisition to the table, being not only full of bones like the English herring, but soft as if putrid, however early it may be cooked after it is caught. The Banksian library contains a pencil sketch made by Forster of a fish taken by him in a freshwater pond on the island of Tanna in August 1774, which is a tolerable represen- tation of the form of our fish*. Broussonnet confounds For- ster’s fish with Bloch’s Clupea cyprinoides, a native of the Caribbean Sea, noticing however the difference of the fin-rays in Forster’s and Bloch’s specimens. He mentions the habit the fish has of burying itself in the mud. The Atlantic and the Pacific species are again confounded in Schneider’s posthumous edition of Bloch under the name of Clupea thrissoides (p. 424), and in quoting the numbers of the rays from Broussonnet, Forster’s name is transposed and placed against the rays of Bloch’s species. The Megalope filamenteux (Lacep. v. pl. 13. f. 3, Russell, 203), which is stated in the ‘Reégne Animal’ to have sixteen rays in the dorsal, has a smaller eye with a larger space between it and the edge of the intermaxillaries, and also larger fins, especially pectorals, than setipinnis. Although the term setipinnis refers more to a generic character than to a specific distinction, I do not think myself authorized to change it. The profile of Mr. Gilbert’s specimen is a pretty regular and ele- gant ellipse, whose vertical diameter at the ventrals is equal to one- fourth of the axis from the snout to the extremity of the central caudal rays. ‘The caudal is deeply forked. The length of the head, measured to the extreme edge of the gill-cover, is exactly equal to * The size of the eye and shortness of the snout correspond with Mr. Gil- bert’s specimen, but the dorsal is placed too far forward, probably from in- advertence. 494 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to the vertical axis of the body. The belly is rounded, and not serrated like Chatoéssus. ‘The under jaw exceeds the snout in length, so that the mouth opens obliquely upwards when the jaw is moderately de- pressed. ‘The maxillary bone is large and strong, and consists of three pieces; a long and slightly arched one, which carries the teeth on its anterior edge, and receives the two shorter pieces into its posterior are, so that the form of the whole bone is a long oval, whose tip reaches backwards beyond the middle of the eye. The intermaxillaries, maxillaries, and lower jaw are armed on their thin edges only with very narrow bands of minute teeth, which have more resemblance to the asperities of a fine file than to the pile of shorn velvet. The whole surface of the palate-bone is rough, and when examined with a lens appears like shagreen, or as if densely pow- dered with very fine sand. The eye is large, and is situated the breadth of itself from the scales on the nape, and half that distance from the end of the snout, and a diameter and a half from the extreme edge of the gill-cover. It just touches the profile of the forehead, but is nearly its own height above the inferior outline of the head. The crest of the preoperculum is defined in the dried specimen by an arc of irregular pits, from whence fine furrows radiate over the broad and delicately thin limb of the bone. Similar streaks are visible on the suborbitars, and are con- nected with a chain of pores which surround the orbit. The scales are large, there being only forty in a longitudinal row, exclusive of one or two small ones on the base of the caudal, and there are nine in a vertical row between the dorsal and ventrals. The lateral line runs straight along the middle of the side, and each of its scales, which are of the same size with the rest, is marked by six or seven slightly undulating and mostly forked furrows, which radiate from an irregular eminence at the back of the uncovered surface. The area of the scales resembles frosted silver with a thin, narrow margin imitating the polished metal, and yielding silvery, greenish and purplish reflexions. The top of the head and summit of the back retain a dark olive tint, which gradually fades away above the lateral line. The belly appears to have been white. The head is nacry with metallic lustre, and yields golden reflexions. The vertical fins are dark gray, thickly powdered with minute dark dots, as was the case with Forster’s fish. The colours are described from the specimen after being washed and while still wet. Rays:—1st spec. B. 21; D.19; A. 25; V. 10; P. 15; C. 203. Qnd'do.. 22; 18; .25¢onal0;\6 oa Forster's spec. © 22; -175- » 25; 105) . 16; 202(Brous.) The first specimen is the left side of a fish, and the second one the right. A difference of one ray in the branchiostegous membrane of the right and left sides of the same individual is common among the Salmonide, and it is very probable that Forster did not reckon the two very short incumbent rays at the beginning of the dorsal which I have included in my enumeration. The dorsal, standing directly over the ventrals, commences exactly the Ichthyology of Australia. 495 midway between the tip of the snout and base of the anal ; its first four rays are graduated and closely incumbent on the base of the fifth, without intervening membrane. ‘The fifth is nearly as long as the sixth and seventh, the more posterior ones again decrease in length till the sixteenth, but the seventeenth and eighteenth are a little longer, and the nineteenth is prolonged and tapers to a point, which, when turned back, falls but little short of the base of the caudal. It is about one-fourth longer than the sixth ray, is broader than the rest, and is grooved behind so as to show very clearly its binate structure: it has a short anterior branch, which is not longer than the preceding ray. ‘The anal is placed much further back than the dorsal and has more rays, but is otherwise very simi- larly constructed. Its last ray resembles the last one of the dorsal in form, being forked, with the posterior portion wider, grooved and tapering, but not much prolonged beyond the preceding rays. There is a small fold of the skin above the upper ray of the ventral, pro- ducing an acute ridge about half as long as the fin. No such ridge can be perceived at the pectoral. Dimensions. inches. lines, Length from snout to tip of caudal .........+6 eeoudabuusetervate 9 2 base of Catidal waikin ewe: 7 P —— — —__ AUUUB Meee ES Sek ctu vaecas etaben ehectedeves 9) 0 -———_—____ beginning of dorsal or venirals ......... 3 7£ ede of SiCOver: j/o165: c.e0ntss <0: depbuk 1 9 $$$ MAP reeiceccscccscccsececseccsceessenecsers 1 6 RANER ETC OL OMCs Le 28 gies pashan s8S 38a ice als onpis <8 biogenesis «alten ccinliak » 0 63 PERE COISEN sic ncesas capensis cnaesn phase opecnst\naremsahtiecns xs 1 0 Height MERTEN docket ony treasGenenaensesdechesrarenesegte se: ] 5 BAGEPERY Machtetenescctsccstanttcetshe. ices bistactseerce 2 2 MEME GE ANGE Ei), aceher dibs adi ucccleuts eiesssceovussuecsusdten. 1 3 Height of its fifth and sixth rays ........cccccsssseseeeeeneesenees ] 3 = last FAY ciccssscccccceccescccsereeseenceneeeuesseseesens 0 6 Petigth of.caudal lobes .vccsssvisssccesssvesseseeeveveversieenserpecs 2 2 CARUSUCENLEAL FAYE. xo0sb 6 sbin<0 asst abs ennnchsbagen test 0 6 ICCB os opt on oN ESS ven esnssons as ash gthsh% oo s5hbsos bien I 5 Son MOREMIS: vans copavassnsesses ss peecesesots reake weetet este x 1 RHOMBUS LENTIGINOSUS (Nod.). Rh. lentiginosus ; cum pinnis verticalibus ellipticus ; pinna caudze rhomboidali, pinnis ventralibus invicem et a pinna anali discretis ; oculis approximatis sinistris; squamis apice ciliatis, singulis macula lunata verticali notatis ; linea laterali super pinnam pectoralem cur- vata, dein recta. nae —=Bro75 De. 7d ,A. 59; C, 152; P.1jll;.V..6. No. 35. Mr. Gilbert’ s list. This fish, which as far as I can ascertain is hitherto unde- scribed, inhabits all parts of the harbour of Port Essington, and the whole coast of Cobourg Peninsula. The Aborigines name it “ wooneerung.’ . Its profile, excluding the vertical fins and extremely short trunk of 496 Dr. Richardson’s Contributions to the tail, is an ellipse, whose axis is twice the length of its vertical diameter. The ellipse is not however quite regular, being more taper in its posterior half. This is compensated by the greater, though graduated length of the dorsal and anal rays bordering that part of the fish, so that instead of the rhomboidal outline usual in the genus, these fins produce an ellipse more regular than that of the body, and having a vertical diameter equal to the entire length from the end of the snout to the tip of the rhomboidal caudal. The tolerably large orifice of the mouth is in the anterior apex of the ellipse, and runs backwards and downwards with a moderate curve: when it is shut, the oblique end of the lower jaw projects a little beyond the intermaxillaries. The whole edge of the lower jaw and the upper jaw near the symphysis are armed by short awl-shaped teeth set rather remotely in a single row. On the lateral parts of the upper jaw the teeth are minute, short and crowded, but also in a single row. The roof of the mouth is toothless. The perfectly smooth chevron of the vomer projects considerably, while the arti- cular heads of the maxillaries are but just visible within the mouth. On the lower dilated and truncated end of the left maxillary there is a small cluster of scales. ‘The right maxillary is scaleless. Each limb of the lower jaw is traversed by two furrows divided from each other by an acute ridge, and the uppermost furrow on the coloured side is lined by a row of small ciliated scales, which do not exist on the other side. The head is flattened on the pale side, and the nostrils of that side are much nearer the dorsal or mesial line than the left ones are. The eyes are on the left side close to each other, and not much out of the same vertical line, the upper one being but a very little poste- rior to the under one. The orbits are bordered posteriorly at a little distance by a line of slightly raised tubes with porous mouths, the line belonging to the under eye being a semicircular one, while the upper one encloses an acutely triangular area whose apex terminates in a slight but evident ridge, which runs to the occiput and is covered with scales like the adjoining parts. The disc of the lower limb of the preoperculum is roughened by irregular tubular elevations, co- vered with epidermis and a very few interspersed scales ; the upper limb is smooth, the rest of the opercular pieces and the whole cheek is densely scaly. The interoperculum has an oval form, and is longer and wider than the suboperculum. ‘The edges of all the pieces of the gill-cover are smooth. A flexible cartilaginous tip extends from the suboperculum under the operculum to the membranous edge of the gill-cover, as is usual in most acanthopterygian genera. Rays :—Br. 7; D. 73; A. 59; P. 1,11; C.152; V.6—6. The (left) pectoral is obliquely rounded ; its second articulated ray is the longest, and but just exceeds the first and third; the under ones are regularly graduated to the lowest, which is half the length of the uppermost ones. ‘There is a short, slender spine incumbent on the base of the upper ray. The membrane is very delicate and perfectly scaleless. ‘The dorsal commences over the posterior nasal orifices, and the membranous edge of its first ray turns towards the the Ichthyology of Australia. 497 right side, and originates at the margin of the nostril. The rays between the thirty-fifth and fifty-fifth are equal to each other and longer than the rest, which shorten very gradually each way; the first being about half the length of these, and the last only about one-third of their length. The tips of ten or twelve of the most an- terior rays are more tapering and theirmembrane more notched. A single row of scales reclines against the fore-side of each ray, on both sides of the fin. The anal* is formed like the dorsal. The trunk of the tail, included between the caudal and these fins, is very short, and consists of little more than the swelling base of the caudal. The ventrals are not connected with the anal, and are not even in the same plane with it, but are attached one on each side of the edge of the belly. The outline of the fin is rounded ; all its rays are jointed, its outer one is bound down nearly to its tip; the membrane is scaleless and is notched between the rays. ‘The caudal is rhom- boidal, its central ray is the longest, and all its rays are scaly. The scales of the head and body are of moderate size. A longi- tudinal line between the gill-cover and caudal contains seventy, and a vertical line at the broadest part of the fish forty-four. Each scale is bordered on its exterior tip by a small elliptical disc, which appears under the microscope to be thickly tiled with subulate teeth, the ex- terior ones being the largest and forming a rough fringe; next the rough disc there is a semilunate spot, which in the dried specimen contrasts strongly with the shining greenish epidermis of the rest of the exposed disc, and was most probably more gaily coloured in the recent fish. ‘The concealed basal half of the scale shows many of the usual fan-like furrows with corresponding shallow crenatures on the margin. ‘The lateral line is boldly curved over the pectoral fin, and perfectly straight from thence to the tip of the caudal. A curved line of similar construction proceeds from the posterior end of the cranial ridge upwards to the base of the tenth dorsal ray. All the | colourless side of the specimen, posterior to the jaws, has been re- moved in the preparation of it. Divensions. inches. lines, Length from tip of upper jaw to extremity of caudal .......... 9 5 BasciOf GuHtat' ...23.capecasccess files —— ANUS svsecscvcccseosssecerens Ato, 0 — PeCLOral IAc. hetdec.na-vee voces. 2 14 Wential he xeon doseees st baavead ee 7 ————————————— anterior angle of lower eye . 0 5% SS ee OD 6 Penstiy from Hip Ol PectOrals \...5..c) 74, |Mamns cete:221 7 iicewcdecsesiscseseces 1-142 to 1-77 |Scarcely any fluid in tes- tes. Died of pulmo- nary consumption. Nov. 9./Ditto, cet. 56) ...cccceseecccoeesees 1-150 to 1-78 |Died of chronic pericar- ditis. No spermatozoa. * I take this opportunity of remarking, that all my microscopic measure- ments have been invariably given in vulgar fractions of an Knglish inch, however they may have been set up in type for the sake of convenience, Zoological Society. 515. Table (continued). Date. Name of Animal, Size of Tubes, State of Testes, &e, os Nov. 11.}Man, xt. 58 ..sssvcesesseseseeyes| 1-150 to 1-80} Died of pericarditis, en- larged heart, and old pleuro-pneumonia. A few spermatozoa in epididymis. Dec. 7.|Ditto, at.'42 sesccorses ssereverges| L-133 to 1-86 |Died of phthisis. Some spermatozoa in epidi- dymis. Nov. 14.|Ditto, cet. 73 .seceseseceseeeseeeee| 1-133 to 1-73 |Died of phthisis. Tubes filled with dark, round, and very mi- nute particles; these chiefly aggregated to- gether in irregular masses, and occasion- ally in the form of round or oval corpus- cles with delicate cysts, No spermatozoa. Nov. 17.|Ditto, at. G0 ..seccseessseeseeeeee| 1-146 to 1-82 |Died of phthisis. Semi- nal tubes in the same condition as the pre- ceding. Dec. 10./Ditto, wt. 86 ....:sseeeseseeseeeee+/1-160 to 1-100/Died of pneumonia. Had fatty matter in liver, lungs, and testes; no spermatozoa ; tubes in the same condition as in the two preceding. Aug. 25.|Child, act. 8 cscssesereresccccovenes 1-422 Died of pulmonary con- sumption. Dec. 1./Child, et, 18 months ............|1-400 to 1-266|Child puny and emaci- ated. Died of pneu- monia. July 15.|Child, zt. 4 months ......60e,.. 1-308 Died of tubercles of me- senteric glands. Oct. 25.\Child, et. 6 weeks ............,-.{1-333 to 1-230|Body much emaciated. Died of pneumonia. Aug. 25.|Child, still-born ....sccseseceveres 1-307 Well-nourished fcetus ; born at the full period of utero-gestation. Oct. 14.|Ditto ..seccecesee eessveevevsceeees| 1-363 to 1-210|Foetus weighed 7 lbs. Oct. 23.|Ditto ..sssrcceees peleistesisisscieseal es 1-300 to 1-222) Foetus weighed 6 lbs. Bees PG. DIttO!) Cccscctccceeensssesecues .eese+/1-400 to 1-266) Weight of feetus 541bs. June 15.|Vespertilio Pipistrellus, Geoff. ..)1-200 to 1-171/Seminal matter contain- ing abundance of mo- lecules, but no sper- matozoa. June 15.|Erinaceus Europeus, Linn. ...| 1-109 to 1-75|No animalcules. Died of disease. April 30.)/Sorex tetragonurus, Herm. ......| 1-109 to 1-85 |Semen and spermatozoa very abundant. Many male shrews found dead, with marks of injuries, apparently from fighting ; and in Date. July 16. Feb. 15. Dec. 30. =r) Nov. cs Oct. Oct ak or Jan. 6. May 20. April 30. May 28. .|Felis domestica, Briss. (nine .|Arctonyx collaris, F. Cuv. ......| 1-100 to 1-60 |Tubes large. Sperma- .|Ursus Americanus, Pall. .,....|1-200 to 1-125)No spermatozoa. Semi- .|Cervus Elaphus, Linn. .........)1-117 to 1-105] Perfect spermatozoa very .\Cervus Dama, Linn. «s+++++e+.+.| 1-160 to 1-100) Perfect spermatozoa very Dittowe. ee: Both Sendets oaeeevele ..{1-160 to 1-100)Spermatozoa abundant ; .|Ditto, foetus 6 inches long ......|/1-666 to 1-363|Tubes full of corpuscles |March 26. June 22. Dec. 31. Zoological Society. Table (continued). Name of Animal. Size of Tubes. State of Testes, &c. all. these the testes were very turgid. Canis familiaris, Linn. .+.+e0s-| 1-125 to 1-85 |A mongrel. Spermatozoa abundant. Ditto; a still-born puppy ...... 1-250 Felis Leo, Linn. (3 years old) ...|1-200 to 1-150|Died of disease of the brain. Molecules ab- undant, and a_ few cells containing sper- matozoa. months old) .....+00+6 tae 1-141 to 1-85) Spennatonea aaa tozoa rather plentiful. Some cells and nume- rous molecules. Died in confinement. nal tubes full of dark- coloured pulp, in which were only visible some altered epithelial cells and numerous oily glo- bules. Died in con- finement. Mustela vulgaris, Linn. .........{1-171 to 1-109|Molecules plentiful in se- men ; no spermatozoa. Mustela erminea, Linn. ...... .«.| 1-120 to 1-80 [Spermatozoa plentiful ; scarcely any molecules. Cervus Wapiti, Mitch. .........|1-160 to 1-100|Many perfect spermato- zoa; molecules scanty; animal 24 months old. Died of diseased kid- neys. abundant; many in different stages of de- velopment. numerous; many in cells. none in cells. about 1-2800th of an inch in diameter: no molecules. Ditto, 14 inches long ............/1-333 to 1-285) Ditto. Antilope picta, Pall. ......... ...| 1-120 to 1-80 |Semen and spermatozoa abundant. Ditto (died a few hours after | |i-571 to 1-363/Contents of tubes as in birth) \.....ceeseeees eniaea other immature ani- mals. Capra Hircus, Linn. (12 weeks | |1-266 to 1-171|Semen containing abun- Old) sssecseereccevececeoes sseee dance of molecules, and rudimentary sper- matozoa in cells. Zoological Society. 517 Table (continued). Date. Name of Animal. Size of Tubes. State of Testes, &c. Feb. 24.|Ovis Aries, Zinn. (just born) ... Nov. 2./Camelus Dromedarius, Zinn. ... 1-571 Tubes very small. 1-120 to 1-75 |Died of dropsy. Sperma- tozoa plentiful ; some rudimentary in cells, with corpuscles; mo- lecules scanty. Dec. .| 1-120 to 1-60 |A few spermatozoa. Nov. 1-150 to 1-92 |But few spermatozoa. Jan. 18./Mus decumanus, Zinn. ......... 1-46 to 1-42 |Spermatozoa very abun- dant ; tubes large. Jan. 1-120 to 1-109|No spermatozoa. Jan. ...|1-153 to 1-120) Ditto. Nov. 3. 1-80 to 1-66 |Spermatozoa abundant. Noy. 11./Ditto, three-fourths grown .,.... 1-120 to 1-86 |A few free spermatozoa ; a great number imma- ture in cells; mole- cules pretty abundant. Feb. 17.|Ditto (blind sucking young one).|1-400 to 1-222 May _ 5. Strix flammea, Linn. ........+¢++|1-230 to 1-133|Died in confinement. Testis one-third of an inch long and one tenth broad. 1-75 to 1-46 |Testis one inch long and three-fourths broad ; semen andanimalcules very abundant; no molecules. 1-250 to 1-166|Testis black, one-fifth of an inch long and one- eighth broad; no sper- matozoa; molecules very abundant. 1-80 to 1-50 |Testis brownish white, three-fourths of an inch long and four- tenths broad ; sperma- tozoa abundant; no molecules. 1-75 to 1-60 |Testis one-fourth of a inch long and one-fifth broad, containing a little black pigment ; spermatozoa abundant. 1-68 Spermatozoa abundant; testis same size as the Nightingale’s. 1-333 to 1-222/Testis one-twelfth of an inch in diameter; no spermatozoa. 1-250 to 1-200|Testis one-twelfth of an inch in diameter; no spermatozoa; many molecules, 1-166 to 1-109)Testis one-seventh of an inch long and one- tenth broad; nume- rous cells, about 1- March 16.|Corvus frugilegus, Zinn....... aes Feb. 25./Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. .ssssease RAMEN Ss DIRE ccttrccvessadece ces ctvavedcast April 27.|Philomela luscinia, Sw. .....+4+. April 6.|Sylvia Phragmitis, Bechst. ...4.. Jan. 9.|Fringilla domestica, Linn. ...4.. HED AIDIttO! “Weaccscneseae March 4,|Ditto ..... 518 Zoological Society. Table (continued). Date. Name of Animal. Size of Tubes. State of Testes, &c. 1000th of an inch in diameter ; great abun- dance of molecules; no perfect spermatozoa. May — 3.\Fringilla domestica, Linn. ......| 1-80 to 1-66 |Testis one-third of an inch iong and one- fourth broad ; sperma- tozoa plentiful ; mole- cules not abundant. Feb. 28.|Fringilla Coelebs, Linn. .,.......| 1-90 to 1-71 |Testis one-tenth of an inch in diameter ; nu- merous cells contain- ing rudimentary sper- matozoa, but none per- fect ; molecules very numerous. 1-80 to 1-60 |Testis one-third of an inch long and one- fourth broad, contain- ing a little yellow pig- ment; spermatozoa very numerous; mole- cules not abundant. May 22./Cuculus canorus, Linn. .,....«..| 1-100 to 1-66 | Testis one-fifth of an inch in diameter, of an in- tense yellow colour; numerous _ staff-like bodies in semen 1- 2666th of an inch long and 1-25,000th broad. Died in confinement. Nov. 26./Picus minor, Linn. ...s000e+004-{1-571 to 1-368|/Testis size of a rape- seed; no spermatozoa or molecules. May 31./Cypselus Apus, lem. ......+4 ...[1-130 to 1-100)Testis one-third of an inch long and one-fifth broad; spermatozoa numerous ; molecules scanty. Dec. 5.|Columba Livia, Briss. ......... 1-444 to 1-285/Testis about as big as a hemp-seed ; no sper- matozoa; a few mole- cules. May 12.|Sterna Hirundo, Linn. .........)[-240 to 1-200)Testis one-tenth of an inch in diameter; no -spermatozoa; mole- cules plentiful. May 4./Emberiza Citrinella, Zinn. ... Molecules of the Semen.—The molecules mentioned in the prece- ding table are minute, smooth, circular particles, much resembling, both in chemical and physical characters, the ‘ minute oil-like spherules” which I have depicted in the juice of the supra-renal bodies (Appendix to Gerber’s Anatomy, p.103). The ‘‘ minute shi- ning globules and smaller molecules,” described by Professor R. Zoological Society. 519 Wagner in the semen of some Mammalia, and the “ apparently spherical and dense particles” observed by Dr. Davy (Researches, Physiological and Anatomical, vol. i. p. 332) in the fluid of the hu- man testicle, and which particles he conjectures may be the ova of the spermatozoa, are perhaps identical with the molecules of the semen. ‘They are commonly rather smaller than the particles of the supra-renal gland. I have made many measurements of the mole- cules of the semen, and find them generally to be 1-20,000th of an inch in diameter, but almost always varying from 1-35,000th to 1-8000th, and of course not at all approaching in size and other re- _ spects to the well-known corpuscles and cells of the semen. The molecules, especially those of larger size, refract the light strongly ; the smaller ones appear dark and opake in the centre when the focus of the object-glass is elongated, and bright and transparent when the focus is shortened; while the smallest of all, like those of the supra-renal gland, often seem quite black or opake, and ex- hibit very lively vibratory motions, particularly when diluted with water or acetic acid. That the molecules are connected with the perfecting of the se- men, would appear from the fact that they are most abundant in birds and reptiles when the testicles begin to enlarge, and either wholly disappear or become scanty as soon as the testicles are per- fectly ripe and the spermatozoa most completely evolved. But very minute vibratory particles are often observable in the seminal tubes of foetal animals. The figure of the molecules, like that of many other particles equally small, is apparently spherical, and, as already mentioned, they may present either a dark or bright central spot. But, as no- ticed in the Atlas to Gerber’s Anatomy, p. 59, it is difficult to de- termine the exact shape of particles so exceedingly minute; and the elaborate researches of Dr. Barry. (Phil. Trans. 1841, part 2) have rendered it probable that some of the particles which I have formerly mentioned (Appendix to Gerber’s Anatomy, and London Medical Gazette for May and November, 1839) as “‘ minute spherules” and ‘* spherical molecules,” are in reality discs. Pigment.—In the foregoing table the black and yellow colour of the testicles of certain birds is noticed. I have carefully examined the black matter of the starling’s testicles, and found it to be com- posed of very distinct pigmentary ramifications, made up of most minute particles, many of which, when floating in the field of vision, exhibit exceedingly active motions. In the winter the testicles are quite black, and the pigment, perhaps from the small size of the tubes, seems to be contained within them; but when the testicles are enlarged in the spring, they present a lighter or brownish white colour, from the accumulation of semen, and the pigmentary ramifi- cations are evidently situated in or close to the coats of the tubes, the boundaries of which may be easily seen with a common hand- lens to be marked out by the black pigmentary dots. Spermatozoa of the Cervide and Camelide.—Professor Wagner Physiology, by Willis, p. 34) regards the spermatozoa as essential 520 Zoological Society. elements of the seminal fluid ; and that the spermatozoa are essential to prolific semen seems now to be generally allowed. I merely mention the subject in connection with the statement of Sir Everard Home (Lectures on Comp. Anat., vol. v.; well commented on in Dr. Davy’s Researches, vol. i. p. 339), that the seminal animalcules have no real existence, and especially that he and Mr. Bauer had searched for them in vain, and with the best instruments and oppor- tunities, in the seminal fluid of the fallow deer during the season of the rut. I now exhibit to the Society drawings of the spermatozoa of the fallow deer, wapiti, and red deer, and shall be happy to show my preparations of the animalcules to any one who may be curious about them. I have repeatedly had opportunities of examining the spermatozoa of the fallow deer, and though they are most abundant at the time of the rut, they may be found commonly enough at other seasons. After the rut was passed in January and February, I found the spermatozoa plentiful in the red and fallow deer at Windsor. The animalcules were even then in various stages of development ; some coiled up two or three together, in cells, with granular matter ; others were still more rudimentary; many appeared just ready to escape from the cells, while a still greater number were free and lively in the seminal canals. In the body of the spermatozoon of the red deer there is occasionally an appearance of internal granules or vesicles, as shown in the drawing. As the Camelide, like the oviparous Vertebrata, have oval blood- corpuscles, it was interesting to ascertain the form of the sperma- tozoa of this ruminant family. In the dromedary I found that the seminal animalcules were much like those of other Mammalia, and so nearly resembling the animalcules of the Cervide, that there was a difference only of size, the spermatozoa of the dromedary being slightly smaller than those of the deer. Chemical characters of the spermatozoa.—It is remarkable that the spermatozoa of Mammalia are but little or not at all affected by many chemical agents which quickly act on various other animal matters. ‘These spermatozoa preserve their form and appearance when treated severally with nitric, muriatic, acetic, oxalic, tartaric and citric acids ; with concentrated solutions of earthy, alkaline, and metallic salts; and with liquid ammonia. But the spiral spermatozoa of birds are quickly dissolved, destroyed, or reduced to the most minute particles, by the acetic and other vegetable acids, while these animalcules are not much affected by muriatic acid, nor by caustic ammonia and saline solutions. Yet the cylindrical or club-shaped spermatozoa of birds are more nearly allied in chemical characters to the spermatozoa of Mammalia. The seminal animalcules of the common swift (Cypselus Apus), for exam- ple, remain perfectly entire and distinct after having been subjected to the action of citric or acetic acid. It may be incidentally men- tioned that the spermatozoa of the snake (Natrix torquata) are not affected by acetic acid. The matter in the seminal canals of Mammalia and Birds, when it Zoological Society. 521 contains plenty of corpuscles, of which indeed it is almost entirely made up in immature animals, from the embryo upwards, is rendered ropy by alkalies and by saline solutions. This action of these solu- tions, which is very remarkable on all animal fluids containing a great quantity of fresh primary or isolated cells, appears to take place from the effect on them of the reagents, as I have elsewhere described with respect to the lymph-globules (Gerber’s Anatomy, Appendix, pp- 91, 96, and 97). In sume recent experiments, however, these globules were not destroyed, but only a little misshapen or made rather fainter, after having been kept some days in solutions of mu- riate of ammonia and other salts. «Descriptions of new species of Delphinula, a genus of Pectini- branchiate Mollusks (Family Turbinacea),” by Mr. Lovell Reeve. DevpHINuLa Tyria. Delph. testéd subdiscoided, squamed, an- Sfractibus argenteo-albis, superné et inferne Tyrio-purpureis, laxeé convolutis, umbilicum levem lacco-purpureum formantibus, an- gulatis, squamis minutis, in seriebus parallelis dispositis, tota- liter tectis ; angulo serie unicé majore funiculato ; spird depresso- pland. Icones Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 211. f. 6. Long. 24; lat. 12. Mus. Cuming, &c. Hab. Ad oras Nove Hollandie. This is the first discovered large species of Delphinula that is abso- lutely destitute of spines or nodules. The surface of the shell, which is entirely covered with small scales ranged in parallel series, is of clear silvery white; the upper and lower portions of the whorls are tinged with a rich Tyrian purple, and the umbilicus, which is smooth, is of a lighter lake purple. DELPHINULA IMPERIALIS. Delph. tesld subdiscoided spiniferd et squameo-lirata, anfractibus olivaceo-viridibus, ultimo pal- lidé purpureo, laxé convolutis, umbilicum amplum formantibus, subangulatis, angulo spinis gracillimis, squameformibus, nigris, superné inflexis, coronato ; anfractuum parte alterd spinis bre- vioribus, contrarié inflexis, in seriebus dispositis, interstitiis squamis nigris, minutis sigillatim impositis, ornatis ; spird depresso-concavd. Delphinula melanacantha, Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 211. f. 4. and pl. 212. f. 10. Long. 24; lat. 12 in. Mus. Cuming. Hab. Ad insulam Mindanao, Philippinarum. A magnificent specimen of this remarkable shell was dredged up by Mr. Cuming in fathoms’ water at , one of the Philip- pine Islands, and we need only refer to our figures of it in the ‘ Con- chologia Systematica,’ in addition to the above description, to show how distinct is this species from any other of the genus. The shell is of a palish-green colour towards the apex, but the last whorl is purple and elegantly surmounted with a row of tall, black, slender, scale-like spines, bending over towards the point of the spire. Be- low these are five other distinct rows of black spines; they are, Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol.xi, Suppl. 2M 522 Zoological Society. however, shorter, and bend the contrary way, whilst the entire sur- face of the shell is ornamented with a number of very fine ridges of minute scales. We gladly avail ourselves of the opportunity of re- storing to this shell the name by which it is commonly known amongst collectors, though not hitherto published. DeLpHInuLa IncISA. Delph. testé globoso-discoided, liris pur- pureis angustis, subflexuosis, interstitiis albis profunde incisis, totaliter tectéd ; anfractibus tuberculis grandibus, complieatis, di- stantibus, in seriebus duabus dispositis, ornatis ; apertura rotun- dda, margine inferiori lacunata ; spird depresso-pland. Icon. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. 1. pl. 212. f. 11. Long. 1,95; lat. 15 in. Mus. Cuming. Hab. Ad insulam Burias, Philippinarum. This shell, which we believe to be at present unique, in the col- lection of Hugh Cuming, Esq., is well-characterized, by having a double row of large, pinched, stunted tubercles; and the tubercles, as well as the entire surface of the shell, is covered with a number of purple flexuous ridges, the interstices being white and unusually deeply cut. DeLpHINuLA FoRMoSA. Delph. testé rotunda subdiscoided, le- viter nodiferd, aureo-ochraced, cocceo-tinctd, anfractibus peran- gulatis, angulo squamis grandibus, triangularibus valde compres- sis, coronato ; anfractuum parte inferiori syuamarum minorum seriebus duabus, squamulisque ochraceo-coccineis minutis in se- riebus parallelis, subflexuosis, dispositis, ornatd ; umbilico amplo purpureo-lacco vivide colorato ; spird plano-convexd. Icon. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. i. pl. 212. f. 9. Long. 1,3;; lat. 1 in. Mus. Cuming. Hab. Ad insulam Capul Philippinarum. A very richly-coloured shell, found by Hugh Cuming, Esq., at Capul, one of the Philippine Islands, in seven fathoms’ water, The upper portions of the whorls are clothed with a rich golden yellow colour, deeply tinged with scarlet or crimson; the lower part of the whorls are of a peculiarly soft white, and the umbilicus in all the specimens we have seen is coloured with a deep purple lake, entirely free from any indication of the yellow that ornaments the obverse portion of the shell. DELPHINULA ACULEATA. Delph. testé subdiscoided, aculeatd, albida, anfractibus perangulatis, angulo spinis sguameformibus flexuosis, dorsim coccineis, coronato, anfractuum parte inferiort spinarum seriebus duabus, aculeolisque squamaformibus in seriebus parailelis dispositis, ornatd ; spird depresso-pland. Icon. Reeve, Conch. Syst., vol. ii. pl. 212. f. 8. Long. 15}; lat. =, in. Mus. Cuming. Hab. Ad insulam Ticao Philippinarum. This shell is not much unlike that of the preceding species ; it dif- fers, however, in having the angle of the outer whorl crowned with a row of irregular, thin, flexuous, scale-like spines, the back of each being ornamented with scarlet, the only portion of colour in the Zoological Society. 523 shell ; the surface is remarkable in being covered with a number of sharp prickles, particularly within and around the umbilicus. Mr. Reeve also described a new species of the genus Murez. Murex Starnrortuit. Mur. testd subsolidd, globoso-ovatd vix fusiformi, multivaricosd, superficie pallido-aurantid, epidermide tenui indutd, transversim liratd, liris fusco-lineatis ; spird bre- viusculd, apice subobtuso ; anfractibus quinque, suturis indistinc- tis; anfractu ultimo varicibus octo ornato, ceteris, varicibus decorticatis, feré obsoletis ; varicibus per totam longitudinem den- sissimé frondosis, frondibus acutissimis, recurvis ; canali brevi, latiusculo ; aperturdé rotundd, fauce crenulatd, politd, utrinque vivide aurantia. Long, 2,5; lat. 14 in. Mus. Inwood. ab. P The very beautiful and characteristic shell above described has been handed to us by its fortunate possessor, Henry Inwood, Esq., accompanied with a request that it be named in honour of one of our most assiduous collectors, the Rev. Mr. Stainforth. And it is with no little pleasure that we have executed the task; for a shell more chaste in its colour and development, or more striking in its specific character, we do not remember to have seen. It is of a solid and somewhat globose structure, and is profusely ornamented with va- rices; there are eight distinct varices on the last whorl, and the re- mains of a similar number are visible on each of the former; but in the specimen before us, and which we believe to be unique, they are so decorticated as to have become almost obsolete. Each yarix ap- pears to have been formed by the sudden development of a number of coatings laid successively one upon the other. The edge of each of these coatings is then ornamented with a row of fine prickly branches, recurved back over the shell, and they only remain perfect to the last coating in consequence of those of the previous or under coatings having been necessarily in part removed or absorbed ; unless indeed the under coatings are too rapidly developed, the one oyer the other, to allow of their marginal branches attaining the regularity and beauty of the last. The varix altogether has thus the appear- ance of being thickly studded from top to bottom with these delicate prickles : so delicately indeed are they formed, that it is only on the last or marginal yarix of the shell that they remain in perfect order ; in tracing them back round the body whorl, they may be observed to have become gradually more and more eroded. Should a speci- men of this shell be found with all the varices in the same beautiful order as the marginal varix in this, it would indeed be “ fair to look upon.” The canal is rather short; the outer lip is strongly crenu- lated, and the crenulz extend within the mouth of the shell, the whole of them, together with the broad columella, being covered with a highly polished orange enamel. A letter from George Robert Gray, Esq., addressed to the Curator, was next read. This letter refers to the members of J. E. Gray’s genus Tetraogallus, or Mountain Partridge, a rare species of which is at 2M 2 524 Zoological Society. present in the Society’s menagerie, having been brought from North- ern Persia, and presented to the Society by E. W. Bonham, Esq., H.B.M. Consul at Tabrez. Mr. G. R. Gray is of opinion that there exist three species of the genus Tetraogallus, each peculiar to one of the three following localities, viz. Caucasus, the Himalayan and the Altai Mountains. The bird in the Society’s menagerie, Mr. G.R.Gray observes, is well figured in plate 76 of Jardine and Selby’s ‘Illustrations,’ and the specimen figured is, like that belonging to the Zoological Society, from Persia. It is peculiar in having the head, neck and breast of a slate colour, passing into pale reddish brown on the upper part of the back; a dingy white streak extends from the nostril to the an- terior angle of the eye; the chin and throat, as well as an oblong patch on the side of the neck, are white; the breast is of a dark slate colour, and has short wavy black lines, especially just below the white of the throat. ‘The figure referred to represents the typical Lophophorus Nigelli, which is most probably identical with the Tetrao Caucasica of Pallas; and if this supposition be correct, the earlier specific name given by the author just mentioned should be retained, as Tetraogallus Caucasicus. Mr. G. R. Gray also believes the Chourtka alpina of Victor to be the same species as the bird under consideration. In plate 141 of Messrs. Jardine and Selby’s ‘ Illustrations,’ a Te- traogallus is represented, which the authors suppose to be the male of the bird figured in plate 76; this is also delineated under the name of Tetraogallus Nigelli by Mr. J. E. Gray in the ‘ Indian Zoology.’ This bird Mr. G. R. Gray, however, considers a distinct species, which is peculiar to the Himalaya Mountains, whence he has seen many specimens, all agreeing in colour. For this species the name Tetraogallus Himalayensis is proposed. It is distinguishable by its silky white neck and breast; a deep chestnut-brown line runs down, and partly surrounds the base of the neck, and the breast is variegated in front with black, each plume having a transverse band on the middle, which partly appears below the white tips of the other feathers. The third species, Perdix altaica of M. Gebler, the distinctness of which there can be no doubt of, has the breast-feathers grey-black at the base; and this colour extends along the shafts, and forms an arched spot on each side of each feather: the under tail-coverts are white. It should be named Tetraogallus altaicus. August 9.—Richard Owen, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. The following paper, ‘‘ On the Blood-Corpuscles of the Ibex,” by George Gulliver, Esq., F.R.S., was read. Before my discovery of the singularly minute size of the blood- corpuscles of the Musk Deer*, those of the Goat were the smallest known. I have since found that the corpuscles of the Ibex are slightly smaller than those of the Goat, and therefore intermediate in size to the corpuscles of the Goat and those of the Musk Deer, * See Annals of Nat. History, Dec. 1839. Zoological Society. 525 as will be shown by the following measurements, which are given in vulgar fractions of an English inch; the average size of those of the Ibex from Candia (Capra Caucasicu, Guld.), = 1-7020 inch, and of the pale globules of the blood, = 1-3200 inch ; of the Common Goat (Capra Hircus, Linn.), = 1-63866 inch, and of the pale globules of the blood, = 1-3032 inch; and of the Napu Musk Deer (Moschus Java- nicus, Pallas), = 1-12325 inch, and of the pale globules of the blood, = 1-3200 inch. I may add that Mr. Siddall, who has lately at my request mea- sured the blood-corpuscles of the Ibex and of the Goat, has obtained almost exactly the same results as those above specified. Mr. Gulliver also communicated a paper ‘‘ On the Blood-Corpus- cles of the British Ophidian Reptiles.” ‘To this communication are added some observations on the figure of the blood-corpuscles of other oviparous Vertebrata. “«The observations were made on perfectly fresh blood, and the corpuscles measured as they floated in the serum. “Though the blood-discs of Birds and Reptiles preserve their shape very clearly when rapidly dried on a slip of glass, they generally appear in this state slightly but distinctly smaller than when sus- pended in the serum of recent blood; whereas, when the blood-discs of Mammalia are dried in precisely the same way they are commonly slightly larger than in the wet state, as I have noticed more particu- larly in the ‘ Philosophical Magazine’ for January and February 1840, pp. 25 and 105.” «In Mammalia the envelope of the corpuscle is more delicate, more susceptible of contraction and of modifications of form, and apparent- ly softer, than in Birds and Reptiles ; so that the corpuscles of Mam- mals are more liable to shrink a little soon after removal from the circulating channels, than the corpuscles of Birds and Reptiles ; and it may be that this softness of the blood-disc of Mammals allows it to spread out in some degree, even when dried ever so quickly. But it is more probable that the corpuscles preserve their usual size and form when dried almost instantaneously, and that the shrinking or modifications of shape which the corpuscles may undergo in liquid, coagulating, or slowly-dried blood, may be influenced as much by changes in the surrounding fibrine as by 2 contractility inherent in the corpuscles. The envelope of the blood-dise of Fishes is much more delicate and evanescent than the same part in Birds and Rep- tiles ; hence in the blood of Fishes, even soon after death, the nuclei will be observed in great abundance, while the envelopes have par- tially or entirely disappeared; and the form of the entire corpuscles is not so easily preserved by drying as in the other oviparous yerte- brate animals.” The following average dimensions of the blood-corpuscles of the Slow Worm, Snake, and Viper, deduced from measurements of the small, large, and common-sized discs, are all expressed in vulgar fractions of an English inch. L.D. stands for Long Diameter, and S.D. for Short Diameter. March 19, 1842.—Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis, Linn.) : L.D. = 526 Zoological Society. 1-1178 inch, §.D. = 1-2666 inch; and of the pale globules of the blood (abundant) = 1-2626 inch. Sept. 9, 1841.—Common Snake (Natrix torquata, Ray): L.D. = 1-1371 inch; S.D. = 1-2157 inch; thickness = 1-8341 inch; nu- clei, exposed by dilute acetic acid, L.D. = 1-3835 inch; 5.D.= 1-6817 inch; and of the pale globules of the blood (tolerably nume- rous) = 1-2322 inch. «The pale globules were generally granular and opake, though some of them were thin and transparent at the edges, as if growing into discs. In the blood there were many circular discs of a deep red colour, and generally 1-2666th of an inch in diameter. The regular discs were rounded at the edges, and almost all flat; but a very careful search might occasionally detect one or two with slight gibbosity of the surfaces opposite to the nucleus. March 24, 1842.—Viper (Coluber Berus, Linn.) : L.D. = 1-1274 inch; 8.D. = 1-1800 inch; and nuclei, exposed by acetic acid, L.D. = ]-3227 inch; S.D. = 1-4986 inch. “The discs were clearly gibbous on the surfaces opposite to the nucleus. ‘The pale globules were very numerous, and their common diameter was 1-2666th of an inch. « Figure of the Corpuscles.—From the preceding measurements it results, that although the blood-discs of the Viper and Snake pre- sent the form of an ellipse rather less than twice as long as it is broad, in the Slow Worm the elliptical figure of the discs is more elongated, since its length is considerably more than twice its breadth. «As M. Mandl states, all observers had agreed that the long dia- meter of the oval blood-corpuscles of vertebrate animals was never more than one and a half or twice the short diameter, when he de- scribed the corpuscles of the Crocodilide as forming a singular ex- ception to this rule; because he found that the long diameter of the blood-dises of Crocodilus Lucius was between two and three times as much as the short diameter. I am not aware whether M. Mandl had examined any other species of this family; but, as described in the ‘ Proceedings of the Zoological Society,’ Nov. 10, 1840, I found that in Crocodilus acutus and in Champsa fissipes the corpuscles had the most common oval form, the length being rather less than twice the breadth*. “In the ‘ Proceedings of the Zoological Society,’ June 9, 1840, I showed that the blood-corpuscles of some birds differ greatly in figure from the corpuscles of other congenerous species. The cor- puscles of the Snowy Owl (Syrnia nyctea), for example, are singu- larly elongated ellipses, while the corpuscles of the Common Brown Owl have the usual oval form; and a similar peculiarity, though in a less degree, was observed in comparing the corpuscles of the Pas- senger Pigeon (Columba migratoria) with those of other allied species. * Jn an alligator, the species of which was not determined, I found the blood-corpuscles of the same shape. The animal came from Tampico Bay, Vera Cruz, and died at the gardens of the Society in the beginning of Oc- tober 1842. Zoological Society. 527 ‘Subsequently I have mentioned, in the ‘ Appendix to Gerber’s Anatomy,’ that the corpuscles of Birds may present, comparatively, either the figure of a very broad or of a very narrow ellipse. Of the latter shape, examples may be found in the corpuscles of the Great Butcher Bird (Lanius excubitor), Nightingale (Philomela luscinia), Snow Bunting (Plectrophanes nivalis); and of the former shape in the corpuscles of the Java Sparrow (Lowia Javensis), and several other granivorous birds. « The nucleus of the blood-corpuscles of Birds, when exposed by acetic acid, has almost always a more elongated form than the un- changed envelope, as mentioned in the book just quoted. But to this rule I have since found a few remarkable exceptions. In the Common Fowl (Gallus domesticus), for instance, the nucleus is a very short ellipse, and even sometimes nearly or quite circular. For the difference between the shape of the nucleus, when exposed by acetic acid, or by soaking the corpuscles in water, a figure may be consulted which I have given to illustrate this subject in my ‘ Con- tributions to Minute Anatomy,’ Lond. and Edin. Phil. Mag., August 1842, page 109.” A paper was then read from Mr. Gould, in which he gives the characters of two new genera of Birds, one belonging to the family Sylviade and the other to the Psittacide. ‘“« Having observed,” says Mr. Gould, “‘ during my late visit to Australia, much difference to exist in the habits of the birds usually placed in the genus Platycercus, I was naturally led to investigate the matter as fully as circumstances would admit, and on examina- tion of the two birds known as Pl. erythropterus and Pl. scapulatus, I found that the difference of their habits from those of the typical Platycerci was accompanied by a sufficient difference in their ana- tomy to warrant their separation into a distinct genus. Indepen- dently of the variations indicated in the generic characters given below, these birds are remarkable for possessing a tolerably well- developed os furcatorium, which bone is entirely wanting in the true Platycerci and Euphemi ; in their habits they approach nearer to the Lories, are of a dull and sullen disposition, and do not readily become tame and familiar like the Platycerci ; they are also essentially arbo- real, procuring their food among the branches of the trees; while the Platycerci resort to the ground and feed principally upon grass seeds.” These two birds he therefore proposed to erect into a new genus, under the appellation of APROSMICTUS. Gen. Char. ut in Platycerco.—Rostrum attamen debilius, ceromate plumis tenuibus instar pilorum nares adumbrantibus instructo. Ale longiores et minis concave. Cauda magis quadrata. Tarsi breviores. Digiti longiores. Types.—Platycercus scapulatus and erythropterus, which will now stand as Aprosmictus scapulatus and A. erythropterus. The other birds which Mr. Gould proposed to form into a new 528 Zoological Society. genus are the Petroica rhodinogaster of Messrs. Jardine and Selby, and the Petroica rosea of himself. ‘These birds are much more ar- boreal in their habits than the true Petroicas, which are expressly adapted for the ground, while these are equally so to the thick brushwood, to the deepest gullies among which they usually resort. For this group he proposed the designation of ERYTHRODRYAS. Gen. Char. fere ut in Petroicd.—Rostrum attamen brevius, ad basim magis depressum, et vibrissis tenuibus anticé ductis naresque ad- umbrantibus instructum. dle breviores, magis rotundate; pri- mariis primo et secundo brevissimis, quinto longissimo. Tarsi breviores. Diégiti longiores ; externi inter se feré zquales. Ungues acutiores et magis incurvati. Type.—Erythrodryas rhodinogaster (Petroica rhodinogaster, Jard. and Selb.). To this genus also belongs the species characterized by him in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society for 1839, p. 142, under the name of Petroica rosea, which will now stand as Hrythrodryas rosea. August 23.—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. Mr. Prince exhibited, on the part of Mr. Gould, two new species of Australian Birds. ‘These Mr. Gould characterizes as follows :— Astur cruENtTus. Ast. capite et occipite plumbeis ; torque nuchali castaneo dorso, alis, cauddque eplumbeo-fuscis ; fusco colore apud dorsum magis prevalente, plumbeo apud ceteras partes ; remigum primorum pogoniis internis ad basim albescentibus et plumbeo- fasciatis ; corpore inferiore ferrugineo, fasciis crebris, angustis et semicircularibus ornato. Male.—Crown of the head and occiput dark slate-colour ; sides of the face grey ; at the back of the neck a collar of chestnut-red ; back, wings and tail slaty brown, the brown hue predominating on the back and the slate-colour upon the other parts; inner webs of the primaries fading into white at the base, and crossed by bars of slate- colour; the interspaces freckled with buff; inner webs of the tail- feathers marked in a precisely similar manner ; chin buffy white; all the under surface rust-red, crossed by numerous narrow semicircular bands of white; irides bright yellow; cere dull yellow ; bill black at the tip, blue at the base ; legs and feet pale yellow; claws black. Total length, 144 inches; bill, 2; wing, 7; tail, 6; tarsi, 25. Hab. Western Australia. This species is intermediate in size between Astur approximans and Accipiter torquatus, but is of a more grey or blue colour on the back, and has the transverse lines on the breast narrower and more rufous. LopivaNneLuus Personatus. Lob. vertice et occipite nigerrimis ; facici lateribus nuchd, uropygio, et corpore inferiore albis ; dorso et plumis scapularibus pallidé fuscescenti-cinereis ; paleis penden- Zoological Society. 529 tibus flavis ; rostro ad basim flavis ad apicem nigris ; pedibus e carneo-rubris. Crown of the head and occiput jet-black’; sides of the face, back of the neck, rump, and all the under surface pure white ; back and scapularies light brownish grey ; wing-coverts grey ; primaries deep black ; secondaries white at the base on their inner webs, cinnamon- grey on their outer webs, and largely tipped with black ; the extreme ends of the feathers being cimnamon-grey, particularly the two cen- tral ones ; irides primrose-yellow ; wattles lemon-yellow ; bill lemon- yellow at the base, black at the tip; legs and feet carmine-red; the scales in front blackish green. Total length, 12 inches; bill, 12; wing, 83; tail, 4; tarsi, 22. Hab. North coast of Australia. This species is of the same size, but more elegantly formed than the Lod. lobatus, the fleshy wattles more extensively developed, the crown of the head only black, and not the back and sides of the neck, as in that species. Mr. Waterhouse exhibited several species of Mammals, collected in Borneo by the Society’s Corresponding Member, James Brooke, Esq., and recently forwarded to England by that gentleman. Among these specimens was a fine example of the Paradoxurus Derbianus, Gray, an animal which has also received the names Paradowurus Zebra, Hemigalea Zebra, and Viverra Boiei. Two specimens of Gymnura, a specimen of the Prionodon gracilis, and two species of Squirrel, also formed part of the collection. The Gymnuri differ much in colouring from the G. Rafflesii. In- stead of having the fur black, and with longer interspersed white hairs, the Bornean specimens are entirely of a yellowish white colour, with the exception of the long bristly hairs interspersed with the ordinary fur, which are some of them black. In other respects the Sumatran and Bornean specimens of Gymnura agree so closely that Mr. Waterhouse did not regard the difference in colouring as indi- cative of specific distinction. The existence of the Prionodon gracilis in Borneo is noticed by Muller, who applies to the animal the name Linsang gracilis. Be- lieving the skull of this animal had never been described or figured, Mr. Waterhouse called attention to the peculiarities in its structure. In some of its external characters, especially in the structure of its feet, with their truly retractile claws, the Prionodon evinces an affinity to the Cats, which would lead the naturalist to seek for some corresponding points of resemblance in the skull; this, however, presents all the characteristics of the Viverride: it is of the same elongated form ; the lower jaw is long and slender, and the rami are curved, so that the angular portion and symphysis are raised. Com- pared with other Viverride, the Prionodon skull is remarkable for the thinness of the bones and the very slight development of the muscular ridges. In general form it approximates more nearly to Paradocurus than to Viverra or Genetta. The zygomatic arch, which is slender, is thrown more boldly outwards than in the last two mentioned genera, and the posterior portion of the cranium does not 530 Zoological Society. exhibit the sudden contraction immediately behind the posterior root of the zygomatic arch which we observe in the Viverras and Genets. The post-orbital process of the temporal bone is but little prominent, being in the form of an obtuse angle; the skull differing in this respect from that of Paradoxurus, as well as in having the palate continued considerably beyond the line of the posterior mo- lars. The muzzle is much compressed. ‘The temporal ridges are rather widely separated and but slightly marked, though, judging from the dentition, the animal was adult. The ant-orbital opening is larger than in Genetta and less advanced, and hence the branch of the superior maxillary which forms its upper boundary is narrower, as in Paradoxurus. In the form of the lower jaw there is a close ap- proximation to Paradoxurus ; the only important difference consists in the smaller antero-posterior extent of the coronoid process. The teeth in Prionodon differ much from those of Paradoxurus ; indeed, were the dentition alone to be considered, these two genera would be placed at opposite extremes of the Viverrine group, the last-mentioned genus evincing the nearest approach to an omnivo- rous diet, whilst the Prionodon possesses teeth the most unfitted for mastication, The incisors are arranged closely together, and in a straight line ; the incisor oneach side of both jaws, nearest the canines, is rather larger than the others, which are slightly notched at the extremity. The canines are rather long, very slender, and moderately curved. . F 3.30 ; The false molars, which are Ta, are much compressed, high, and - to sharply pointed. The foremost false molar, both of upper and lower jaws, is small, and has a small tubercle on the hinder part of the principal cusp. The second and third false molars of the upper jaw have each two small notches, and a corresponding number of small tubercles on the posterior margin and at the base of the principal cusp; and there is an indistinct tubercle in front, near the base: the second, third, and fourth false molars of the lower jaw have also the double notch behind, but differ in having a distinct, though small, anterior cusp. The first and second false molars of both jaws are separated from the other teeth and from each other by interspaces, of which the broadest is that which separates the second and third of these teeth in the upper jaw, the space here being nearly a line in width. The carnassier of the upper jaw very nearly resembles that of the Cat, but the central cusp is higher, and the inner tubercle is proportionally smaller. The carnassier of the lower jaw may be best described by comparing it with the corresponding tooth in the Genet, from which it differs only in having the cutting edges rather more produced, in being more compressed; the inner tubercle is more pointed, and the heel proportionately smaller. As regards the true molars, the present animal differs from other Viverride in possessing but one of these teeth on each side of the upper jaw; its 1-1 9 : 2 true molars are therefore ;—, and this certainly does not arise from immaturity in the animal. ‘The form of this tooth closely resembles Zoological Society. 531 that of the foremost of the two upper true molars in Genetta, but is proportionately rather smaller and the tubercles are somewhat more developed. ‘The true molar of the lower jaw is a mere rudimentary tooth, and differs from that of Genetta and other Viverride, not only in its small size, but in being of a compressed form : its cutting edge is divided by notches into three parts. In the possession of but one true molar in the upper jaw, Priono- don would appear to approach the Fe/ide; but the structure of this tooth, it must be observed, is essentially the same as in the Viver- ride, and it is combined with a small true molar in the lower jaw, which is never found in the Cats. On the whole, Prionodon approaches most nearly to the Genets as regards its dentition; but in the general structure of the skull, Mr. Waterhouse observed, it evinced an affinity with the Paradozuri, to which group it appeared to be linked by the Paradorurus Derbianus, or Hemigalea Zebra. Links are nevertheless wanting to prove that Prionodon should be regarded as an offset from the Paradoxurine group. : Ga of the two Squirrels alluded to is the Sciurus ephippium, de- scribed in Dr. Miiller’s great work on the Zoology of the Dutch Pos- sessions in the Indian Archipelago. The other closely resembles the Sc. Prevostii or Rafflesii, and may be a variety of that species; it differs in being smaller; the cheeks are freely pencilled with rusty red, instead of being grey as in Rafflesii, and the sides of the muzzle are of the same reddish hue, not having the white patch which is observable in Sir S. Rafiles’s Sumatran specimen ; the outer side of the thighs has a grey tint, produced by the admixture of black and white; the hairs being of the former colour, but white or yellowish white at the point. In the type of Raffesii the same part is furnished with uniform white hairs, excepting the hiader part of the thigh, which is black. The tail is uniform black in that animal, but the Bornean specimen has the hairs tipped with white in such a way as to produce rings; these rings, however, do not extend to the apical portion of the tail, about two inches of which is uniform black. The hairs covering the ears are partly black, but chiefly of the same rich rusty red as are all the under parts of the animal. The Sumatran animal has black ears. Dr. Miiller, in the work before quoted, de- scribes specimens of a squirrel from Borneo, which he regards as a variety of Sc. Rafflesii, and which agree closely with the specimen from Mr. Brooke’s collection; this, however, has the hairs on the upper parts of the body of an uniform glossy black colour; Dr. Miil- ler observes they are generally terminated with yellowish points in the specimens he met with. Sept 13.—William Yarrell, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. The first paper read was from J. O. Westwood, Esq. It contains descriptions of some Coleopterous Insects from tropical Africa, be- longing to the section Heteromera, and is the continuation of a paper on the same subject, communicated to the Society August 24th, 1841, an abstract of which will be found in the ‘ Proceedings’ of that date. 532 Zoological Society. Genus CaLostEcia. Corpus magnum oblongum. Caput mediocre, clypeo margine an- tico recto, angulis anticis valdé porrectis basin labri recipientibus. Antenne crasse breves, articulis 7-10 preecedentibus majoribus, ulti- mo majori apice subacuto. Mandibule ad apicem bidentate dente- que altero majori in vel versus medium marginis interni armate. Mazille lobo interno in dentem corneum obtusum hamatum termi- nato. Palpi mavillares articulo ultimo securiformi. Mentum latum lateribus rotundatis, basi valde constrictum. Labium quadratum. Palpi labiales articulo ultimo oyali. Prothorax subquadratus anticé paullo latior, lateribus versus angulos anticos serratis. Hlytra oblongo-ovalia levia metalli-colorata. Pedes crassi, femoribus om- nibus ante apicem bispinosis ; tibiis intus, ante et pone medium sinuatis. CALOSTEGIA PURPURIPENNIS. Cal. nigra subopaca levis, elytris purpureis sub lente tenuissime striato-punctatis. Long. corp. lin. 17; lat. elytror. feré lin. 6. Hab. in Ashantee. Mus. D. Hope. NycropatTes M@RENS. Nyct. niger subnitidus, capite thoraceque sub lente tenuissime punctatis, elytrisque tenuissime striato-punctatis, pedibus longis, tibiis subincurvis, thoracis angulis posticis acutis. Long. corp. lin. 83; lat. elytr. pone medium lin. 33. Hab. in Guinea. In mus. nost. communic. D. Raddon. Totus niger partm nitidus. Caput margine antico (clypeo incluso) subsemicirculari, clypei utrinque incisione parva in linea obliqua im- pressa desinente distinguendo; lineaque alteraé impressé longitudi- nali utrinque ad marginem internum oculorum. Superyficies capitis regulariter punctata punctis parvis. | Antenne@ articulo primo crasso longitudine 44, 24° minuto, 3%° longo, ceteris longitudine feré aequa- libus at sensim latioribus, 5 ultimis compressis setosis, ultimo ovali, basi truncato, apice rotundato. Mandibule subtrigone apice acute, intus edentatze sed spatio mediano membranaceo. Mazille lobo in- terno in uncum corneum terminato. Palpi mavillares articulo ultimo securiformi. Mentum subquadratum anticeé paullo latius, anticé carina curvata instructum: labium breve transversum ciliatum. Palpi labiales breves articulo ultimo dilatato-ovali apice truncato. Prothorar ca- pite multo latior, margine antico truncato, lateribus rotundatis, an- gulis posticis acutis; marginatus, margine antico tamen in medio interrupto; superficies tota crebre punctata, punctis minutis et non approximatis. H/ytra basi thorace latiora, humeris rotundatis ; sensim latiora, apice utrinque pariim sinuata; dorso gibboso super- ficies sub lente quasi coriacea; singulo striis 9 e punctis minutis formatis oculo nudo vix conspicuis, strié interna prope scutellum abbreviata. Pedes longi, graciles, femoribus anticis crassioribus ; omnibus apice inermibus; tibiis anticis pone medium parum intus curvatis, apice externé intus setoso, extus obliqué truncato, tibiis 4 posticis subrectis, medio vix subincurvato, apiceque subinflexis ; calcaribus omnibus minutissimis. Nycrosatres conrusus. Nyct. niger levis subnitidus, elytris lati- oribus, pronoti lateribus in medio sinuatis et sanguineo-marginatis. Zoological Society. 533 Long. corp. lin. 1; lat. elytr. pone med. lin. 5. Hab. in Africé eequinoxiali. Mus. Soc. Linn. Lond. D. Banks. Caput nigrum, sub lente tenuissime punctatum carina longitudinali utrinque versus marginem internum oculorum. Anxfenne articulis apicalibus latioribus. Pronotum transversé quadratum, angulis an- ticis obliqué truncatis et partim rotundatis, lateribus in medio sinu- atis tenuissime marginatis, angulis posticis acutis fere rectangulis ; sub lente tenuissime punctatum ; lateribus laté et obscuré sanguineis, colore sanguineo ante medium intus acuté producto, dorso nigro ; margine postico in medio versus scutellum partim producto. Llytra nigra nitida levia, latiora quam in congenericis, preesertim pone me- dium, apicem versus attenuata ; sub lente seriebus 8 longitudinalibus punctorum minutorum. Pedes longitudine mediocres, graciles, tibiis simplicibus feré rectis. Individuum in mus. D. Hope vidi lineas 94 tantum habens, statu- raque parum minus robusta ; vix tamen species distincta. Nycrogares punctatus. Nyct. niger obscurus, prothoracis angulis anticis rotundatis, lateribus in medio incisis angulisque posticis acutis, elytris punctato-striatis, antennis sensim dilatatis. Long. corp. lin. 93; lat. elytr. pone med. lin. feré 4. Hab. in Guinea. In mus. D. Hope, comm. D. Westermann. Syn. Helops punctatus, Fabr., Syst. Eleuth. i. 161. Caput obscurum sub lente tenue punctatum; clypeo posticé im- pressione transversa e vertice separato, carinaque utrinque ad mar- ginem oculorum. Antenne mediocres sensim ad apicem incrassatze compressx, linea tenui media impressa postica. Prothoraxr subqua- dratus angulis anticis rotundatis, lateribus in medio sinuatis, tenue marginatis, angulis posticis acutis et parm extus productis ; margine postico versus scutellum posticé producto. lytra thorace haud multo latiora pone medium parim latiora, singulo seriebus 8 longi- tudinalibus punctorum impressorum magnitudine irregularium, stria- que altera abbreviata versus scutellum; striis 1 et 2 ad basin con- nexis; striz 5 et 6 longe ante apicem conjunguntur; strie 3 et 4 propiores, 2 et 7, et 1 cum 8va connexis. Pedes longitudine me- diocres, tibiis simplicibus et feré rectis. Mesosternum anticé biden- tatum, prosterni apicem acutum recipiens. I give the insect here described as the true H. punctatus, Fab., on the authority of a specimen received by the Rev. F. W. Hope from Copenhagen, from M. Westermann, who has such excellent oppor- tunities of determining those Fabrician species which were described from the cabinets of Lund and Schestedt, as was the case with the present species. This is the more important, as the Fabrician de- scription is so slight as to be applicable to scores of species of He- teromerous insects. Nycrosates Hypocrita. Nyct. niger subobscurus tenuissime punc- tatus, prothoracis lateribus subrotundatis integris angulis anticis acutis, antennis longioribus apice pariim latioribus. Long. corp. lin. 82; lat. elytr. pone med. lin. 34. Hab, in Guinea. In Mus. D. Hope, comm. D, Westermann. 534 Zoological Society. Syn. Iphthinus Hypocrita, Dej., Cat. sine descr.; Iphthinus Gui- neensis, Westermann, MSS. Niger subobscurus. Caput (presertim in clypeo) et prothorax punctata; clypeus e vertice linea impressa curvata vix separata, ca- rina utrinque partm elevata ad marginem internum oculorum. da- tenne graciles articulis 3 vel 4 ultimis partim latioribus compressis. Prothorax subquadratus, lateribus subrotundatis marginatis integris angulis posticis acutis ; margine postico feré recto tenue marginato. Elytra parim convexiora quam in reliquis; singulo sulcis 8 profun- dis longitudinalibus et punctatis, inter se connexis ut in specie pre- cedenti; pone medium paullo latiora et postice acuminata. Pedes longiores, simplices, tibiis partm curvatis. NycroBATES TRANSVERSALIS. Nyct. niger subobscurus subpunc- tatus, capite parvo, oculis magnis, antennis apice haud incrassatis, prothorace transverso angulis anticis rotundatis, lateribus integris, elytris striato-punctatis. Long. corp. lin. 94; lat. elytr. lin. 4. Hab. apud Sierram Leonam. In mus. D. Hope et Waterhouse. Caput sub lente punctatum, presertim in clypeo magno transyerso- ovato, e vertice linea forti impressa semicirculari diviso; oculi magni, angulis internis intus productis, spatio parvo intermedio tan- tum relicto ; carinz duz interoculares subobsolete. Antenne breves subdepresse, articulis 7 ultimis subzqualibus apicem versus haud incrassatis. Prothoraz latior quam longus lateribus tenué margina- tis subrotundatis integris angulis posticis vix acutis ; margine postico feré recto; dorso tenue punctato. H/ytra fere parallela, thorace la- tiora, angulis humeralibus oblique truncatis longitudinaliter sulcatis, sulcis sub lente punctatis, striaque altera abbreviata versus scutellum. Pedes graciles simplices, tibiis fere rectis. NycropaTEs BREVICORNIS. Nyct. niger, capite et pronoto tenuis- sime punctatis, antennis brevibus, prothorace quadrato lateribus parallelis, elytris punctato-striatis, pedibus brevibus. Long. corp. lin. 11; lat. elytr. lin, 44. Hab. in mus. D. Hope. Caput sub lente tenuissime punctatum, clypeo e vertice vix sepa- rato, carinisque interocularibus obsoletis, oculi margine interno ro- tundato. Antenne vix capite longiores articulis 6 apicalibus com- pressis subequalibus. Prothorax quadratus lateribus feré rectis et parallelis angulis anticis rotundatis, posticis vero acutis margine postico in medio paullo rotundato-producto ; disco tenuissime punc- tato lined tenuissima punctorum mediana. Hlytra subparallela elongata, prothorace partim latiora, singulis seriebus 8 punctorum profundé impressorum, striaque basali interrupté punctata versus scutellum. Pedes breves simplices, tibiis feré rectis. Nycropates rotunpicouuis. Nyct. niger subopacus, capite pone oculos utrinque sulcato, thorace rotundato varioloso-punctato, ely- tris profundé punctato-striatis. Long. corp. lin, 7; lat. elytr, lin, 23. Hab, in Sierra Leona. In mus. D. Hope et Waterhouse.. Zoological Society. 535 Caput punctatum, clypeo magno e vertice impressione pani sepa- rato, Oculi majores, carinis interocularibus obsoletis, sulco utrinque ex angulo interno oculorum ad prothoracem ducto. Antenne breves, articulis 6 ultimis majoribus subeequalibus subtriangularibus latis depressis ultimo majori. Prothorar rotundatus lateribus rotundatis, angulis posticis subobtusis, disco varioloso punctatissimo ; margine postico magis marginato quam laterali, et in medio partm versus scu- tellum rotundato. /ytra lateribus feré parallelis, angulis humera- libus rotundatis, singulo striis 9 punctorum profundé impressorum, striis 4 et 5, 3 et 6, 7 et 8, 2 et 9, ad apicem conjunctis. Pedes breves simplices, tibiis rectis, femoribus anticis crassioribus, Genus NEsroricvus. Corpus breve rotundatum valdé gibbosum. Caput mediocre, breve margine antico (clypei) et lateribus (ante oculos) elevatis, vertice partim concayo. Labrum breve transversum, angulis anticis rotun- datis, ciliatum. Mandibule trigone crasse, extus rotundate, intus sinuate, cavitate parvain medio. Mazille lobo externo majori, sub- articulato, vald@ setoso, interno setoso inermi. Palpi mazillares crassi, articulo ultimo maximo securiformi. Mentum oblongum, anticé paullé latius angulis anticis acuté productis. Labrum subquadratum angulis anticis rotundatis, setosum. Palpi mazillares breves articulo ultimo ovato, apice subtruncato. Antenne prothorace feré longitudine zquales articulo basali detecto, 3"° 4 duplo longiori, hoc ad 10¥™ latitudine parim crescentibus compressis, longitudine equalibus, articulo 11™° precedenti partim longiori subrotundato. Prothorar transversus, anticé angustior, lateribus subrotundatis, angulis pos- ticis acutis. Scutellum triangulare. Hlytra valde convexa ovali- rotundata, thorace fere duplo latiora. Pedes simplices longitudine feré zquales, tibiis rectis, tarsis subtis setosis, marginibus acutis. Mesosternum obtusum paulld porrectum. Venter 5-annulatus, Nesroticus rLavorictus. Nes. niger nitidus levis, elytrorum hu- meris apicibusque signaturis flavo-notatis. Long. corp. lin. 8; lat. elytr. lin. 44. Hab. Gold Coast, Africee tropice. In mus. Westw. comm, D. Raddon. Niger nitidus levis sub lente haud punctatus capite excepto. La- brum piceum. Antenne nigre articulo ultimo apice brunneo. Verter tenuissime punctatus. Thorax lateribus tenuissime marginatis, Hly- tra valdé convexa nitida, singulo lineis 8 punctorum minutorum im- presso; fascia tenui transversa flava versus basin ad suturam inter- rupta, et cum striga marginali, alteraque media longitudinali versus basin elytrorum extensé connexa ; singulo elytro etiam versus apicem signatura tenui subtriangulari ejusdem coloris notato. Genus Occosoma. Corpus breve latissimum. Caput mediocre carina utrinque e Mmargine antico et interno oculorum feré ad basin mandibularum ducta. Antenne longitudine capitis et prothoracis, graciles, vix ver- sus apicem crassiores, articulo 34° longissimo, 4% et reliquis sub- ~ 536 Zoological Society. zequalibus setosis. Mandibule crasse, extus rotundate, apice sub- bifidee, margine interno feré recto. Labrum transversum emarginatum. Mandibule \obis duobus membranaceis ciliatis. Palpi mazillares articulo ultimo magno securiformi. Mentum obconicum basi trun- catum et angustatum angulis anticis acutis, in medio longitudinaliter carinatum. Labium cordatum. Palpi labiales articulo ultimo ma- jori ovali, apice acuminato. Prothoraz latior quam longus, conyexus, lateribus in medio rotundato-angulatis, angulis anticis et posticis acutis. H/ytra prothorace multo latiora, convexa, rotundata, inter- rupto-costata. Pedes mediocres graciles setigeri. OGcosoMA GRANULARE. Ogcos. nigrum sericeum prothorace punc- tis duobus rotundatis discoidalibus, elytris irregulariter et inter- rupto-costatis, antennis pedibusque cinereo-setosis. Long. corp. lin. 6; lat. elytr. lin. 4. Hab. in Gambia. In mus. Westwood. Caput et thorax nigra, sericea, (se.sub lente) tuberculis minutissimis alterisque majoribus sparsis nitidis obsita; hoc lateribus sub medio angulato-rotundatis, marginatis. H/ytra nigra et magis nitida, mi- nutissime granulata, tuberculisque numerosis majoribus elongatis et irregularibus, costas duas in singulo elytro quodammodo formanti- bus; lateribus marginatis et deflexis latera abdominis cingentibus. Pedes sat breves graciles, tibiis posticis parm curvatis. Genus MrcacanTHa. Corpus robustum, crassum, convexum. Caput breve, punctatum, lateribus ante oculos elevato-tuberculatis. Oculi reniformes. La- brum transversum, angulis anticis rotundatis. Mandibule crassze, apice partum bidentate. Mazille lobo interno membranaceo, externo magno valde setigero. Palpi mazillares articulo ultimo securiformi. Mentum crateriforme. Labium cordatum. Palpi labiales breves, articulo ultimo crasso ovali, apice subtruncato. Antenne sat longe, articulo 3%° vix 4 longiori, 7™° ceteris partm crassiori, hoc et reli- quis praecedentibus paulld latioribus. Prothorar rotundatus anticé et postice subtruncatus, capite multo latior. lytra_brevia oblongo- ovalia, thorace latiora, convexa, punctato-striata. Pedes satis elon- gati, femoribus anticis crassis ante apicem interné dente valido cur- vato armatis ; tibize anticee ante medium paulld extus curvatee ; inter- mediz intus subserratz ; postice rectee. Focemina differt capite et prothorace paulld minoribus, hoc minus rotundato, pedibus anticis brevioribus et gracilioribus, dente fe- morum anticorum multd minori, tibiisque anticis minus curyatis, tibiisque intermediis haud serrulatis. MecacantHa TENEBROSA. Meg. nigra subnitida punctata, elytris striato-punctatis, angulis humeralibus distinctis. Long. corp. lin. 95-105; lat. elytr. lin. 42. Hab. Ashantee. In mus. D. Hope. Caput nigrum punctatum, clypeus brevis vix e vertice separatus. Oculi intus subapproximati, lunula tenui levi subnitida et subelevata interjecta, tuberculi anteoculares magni, basin antennarum tegentes. Prothoraz tenué punctatissimus lateribus rotundatis, angulis anticis Zoological Society. 537 acutis, posticis subacutis. H/ytra sat profundeé 8 striato-punctata ; stridque altera valdé abbreviata versus scutellum ; striis 4 et 5, 3 et 6, et 2 et 7, posticé conjunctis. Pedes et corpus infra nigra subni- tida. An Helops dentatus, Fab. ? Mr. Reeve then communicated to the Meeting “ Descriptions of four new species of bivalve shells by Mr. Hanley.” Soren acumrnatus. Sol. testd albidd, epidermide tenui griseo- viridescente indutd, elongatd, latitudine longitudinem tripliciter superante ; postice rotundatd ; antice acuminatd extremitate rotun- datd ; marginibus arcuatis, ventrali prope in medio incurvated ; dentibus in utraque valvd duobus, angustis, uno valdé minore. Long. 2; lat. 23 poll. Hab. in flumine Hoogley, Indiarum Orientalium. This shell, which has been found in great abundance at the mouth of the river Hoogley, is somewhat allied to the Solen acutidens of Broderip ; it is well distinguished by its anterior acumination. Psammosia costata. Psam. testd subellipticd, antic? angulatd ; postice breviore angustatd, extremitate rotundatd ; pallida, radiis angustis roseo-lividis ornatd ; transversim irregulariter costatd, costis rudibus, planulatis, antice subfurcatis ; intus vel purpured, vel aured. Long. 1; lat. 13 poll. Hab. ad oras Nove Zealandiz. The coarse and somewhat prominent ribs render this shell easily distinguishable from the rest of the Psammobie. Cyruerea Errossa. Cyth. testa ovali-subcordiformi, subequilaterali, crassa, nitidd, convexd, transversim profund? sulcatd ; sulcis sub- remotis, interstitiis planulatis ; albido-lividd, lineis angularibus, saturatioribus, venulatd ; ano impresso, lanceolato ; vulva effossd lateribus candidis, fasciis spadiceis undulatis, transversim picté ; disco interno purpureo, marginibus crenatis. Long. #; lat. 14 poll. Mus. Stainforth. Hab. ? The very singular manner in which this and the following species are excavated on the anterior side forms their prominent and distin- guishing characteristic. Cyrnerea Excavata. Cyth. testa rotundato-ovatd, subaquilaterali, postice expansd, antice propter marginis ventralis obliquam curva- tionem angustata ; crassd, levi, nitidd, depresso-convexd, pallide fulva, venis lividis angularibus, plus minusve distinctis, marmoratd ; ano lanceolato ; vulvd valdé excavatd, lateribus planulatis, candidis, spadiceo leviter venulatis ; disco interno roseo ; marginibus tenuiter crenulatis. Long. 1; lat. 14 poll. Mus. Stainforth. Hab. ? This shell resembles the preceding by its anterior excavation, but differs both in shape and in the absence of the transverse grooves. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Vol. xi. Suppl. 2N 538 INDEX to VOL. XI. ACANTHOPHORUS, descriptions of new species of, 366. Achatina, new species of, 313. Acroperus, description of some species of, 91. Actinocrinide, new species of, 200. Agassiz’s Nomenclator Zoologicus, noticed, 57; Poissons d’Eau douce de |’Europe centrale, reviewed, 49. Agrypnus, new species of, 365. Alaus, new species of, 365. Alcyonidium glomeratum, remarks on, 112. Alge, description of a new genus of, 161. Allman, G.J.,on the occurrence of White’s thrush in Ireland, 78; on a new genus of Alge, 161. Alona, description of the new genus, 92. Ampedus, new species of, 365. Amphacanthus, new species of, 172. Animalcules, A General History of, no- ticed, 140; on the sacculi of, 438. Animals, on the blood-discs in, 95, 278. Annales des Sciences Naturelles, review of the contents of the, 297, 460. Annelide, on the metamorphosis of an, 43. Anodonta, a new genus of insects, 66. Antennulariaarborescens, remarkson, 111. Apocyrtus, new species of, 247. Aprosmictus, description of the new genus, 527. Apteryx australis, monograph on the, 213. Araneidea, on defective and redundant organization among, 165. Asplenium, new species of, 236. Astacus fluviatilis, on the habits of, 106. Astracrinide, new species of, 205. Astur, new species o:, 371, 532. Atherina, new species of, 17S. Austin, Messrs., on some new genera and species of Crinoidea, 195. Australia, discovery of the remains of a mastodontoid Pachyderm in, 7, 329; on the ichthyology of, 22, 169, 422,489. Babington, Ch. C., on a new species of Carex, 168; on Fumaria micrantha, Lag., and F. calycina, 258. Bacillaria, on some species of, 449. Bainbridge, F., on the occurrence of Leci- dea Wahlenbergii in Scotland, 485. Baird, Dr. W., on the natural history of the British Entomostraca, 81. Ball, J., on the botany of Sicily, 338; on Saxifraga stellaris and S. leucanthemi- folia, 488. Barry, Dr. M., on the pitted tissue of plants, and on muscle, 278; on fissipa- rous generation, 382. Batrachus, new species of, 352. Bats, on some new genera and species of, Dive Bebeeru tree of British Guiana, account of the, 384. Belemnites, observations on the, 299. Bennett, Dr. J. H., on parasitic vegetable structures in living animals, 126. Bertoloni’s, A., Flora Italica, noticed, 211. Birds, on certain species of Siberian, 113 ; new species of, 143, 371, 477; Austra- lian, on the nomenclature of some, 189, 333; of Ireland, 283; on the fossil foot-prints of, 322; geographical dis- tribution of some American, 484; on the semen and seminal tubes of, 514. Bone-bed, on the occurrence of the Bristol, 502. Botanical excursion in Ross-shire, account of a, 319. Botanical Society of Edinburgh, proceed- ings of the, 319, 402. Botanical Society of London, proceedings of the, 153, 402. Botany of Sicily, notes on the, 338. Bowerbank, J. S., on the structure of the shells of molluscous animals, 155. Blackwall, J., on an ichneumon whose larva is parasitic on spiders, 1; on defective and redundant organization among the Araneidea, 165; on the growth of the salmon, 409. Blood, notice of the occurrence of hema- tozoa in the, 403. Blood and fibre, observations on, 877,378. Blyth, E., on some Indian birds, 477. Brandt, Prof. J. F., on Siberian birds de- scribed by Latham, 113. British Association for the Advancement of Science, notice respecting the, 75. British Entomostraca, natural historyof, 80. INDEX. Broderip, W. J., descriptions of new shells, 311. Brodie, Rev. P. B., on the discovery of fossil insects, 480, 509. Brown, J., on fossil remains in Essex, 325. Brown, R., on the relative position of the stigma and parietal placentz in plants, Bryum, new British species of, 208. Bulbochete, description of the genus, 361. Bulimus, new species of, 308, 474. Buprestidz, descriptions of new, 317. Burn, A., on the cotton called “ Nurma,”’ 404, Byrrhidz, characters of new, 319. Caccabis, new species of, 372. Callichroma, new species of, 367. Calostegia, new species of, 536. Calyptrza, new species of, 309. Camptocercus, description of some species of, 91. Cantharidz, new species of, 318. Capros, new species of, 170. Carabidz, descriptions of new, 318. Caranx trachurus, description of, 25. Carex, description of a new British, 168. Carpenter, Dr. W. B., on the minute structure of the hard parts of Inverte- brata, 380. Cassia, new species of, 15. Chetophora tuberculosa, on the fructifica- tion of, 484. Chalcidites, descriptions of new, 30, 115, 184. Chameleo, new species of, 46. Chorinemus, new species of, 24. Christison, Prof., on the Assam tea-plant, 74. Chrysomelide of New Holland, descrip - tions of the, 59, 66, 317. Chusan, descriptions ofnew insects from,62. Chydorus, new species of, 89. Cladocrinites, new species of, 197. Clarke, G., on the Ledoicea Sechellarum, 153; onthe African grain called Fundi, 234. Climate of South Devon, &c., reviewed, 295. Closterocerus, new species of, 185. Coleoptera, descriptions of new genera and species of, 61, 247, 281, 535; fossil, 510. Columbus Palumbus, history and habits of, 283. Combretum Guianense, description of, 12. Conferve, freshwater, descriptions of new British, 428; on the growth, reproduc- tion and species of the branched, 359, 463. Conus, new species of, 256, 315. Corvus frugilegus, history and habits of the, 275. 539 Couch, J., on a fish nearly allied to the genus Hemiramphus, taken in Corn- wall, 232. Crassatella, monograph of, 302. Craw-fish, on the habits of the, 106. Crinoidea, descriptions of several new genera and species of, 195; observa- tions on the, 129. Crotalaria, new species of, 14. Crucifere, on the nature of the stigma of, 42. Crustacea of Ireland, 102. Cryptus bellosus, remarks on, 60. Curculionides, new species of, 247. Cyclostoma, new species of, 466. Cyrtandracee, structure of the stigma and placentz in the, 38. Cyrtulus, description of the new genus, 256. Delafond, M., on the occurrence of Fila- riz in the blood of a dog, 403. Delphinula, on some new species of, 521. Depressaria Gossypiella, description of, 516. Desmidium, remarks on the species of, 372. Devonshire, notice respecting the indige- nous plants of, 296. Diatomacee, on the, 447. Dickie, Dr. G., on the presence of iodine in plants, 74. Dicyclus, new species of, 115. Dinotherium australe, observations on, 329. Diphya sagittaria, notice respecting, 406. Draparnaldia, new species of, 428. Drosera obovata, notice respecting, 78. Duck, remarks on the soft-billed, of La- tham, 369. Dujardin, M., on the anatomy of Gordius and Mermis, 297. Echeneis, new species of, 498. Echinocrinus, new species of, 207. Echinodermata, History of British, re- viewed, 127. Ectinoderus, new species of, 466. Ectrichodia, new species of, 466. Edmonstone, E. jun., on the botany of Shetland, 70. Elanus, new species of, 401. Electrical fish, discovery of an, on the American coast, 326. Eleutheria dichotoma, notice respecting, 299. Emblema, description of the new genus, 144. Entedon, new species of, 117, 184. Enteromorpha intestinalis, on the growth and reproduction of, 233. Entomological Society, proceedings of the, 58, 314, 465. Entomostraca, on the natural history of the British, 81. PING? 540 Epilobium virgatum, occurrence of, 76. Ergot of rye, observations on the, 236, 461. Erythrodryas, description of the new ge- nus, 528, Euporus, new species of, 368. Eurycercus, description of the genus, 88. Falco, new species of, 371. Farcimia spathulosa, remarks on, 112. Felidz, descriptions of new species of, 118. Feroniide, new genera and species of, 281. Flora Italica, noticed, 211. Fibre, observations on, 377, 378, 391. Filariz, occurrence of, in the blood of a dog, 403. Finches, on two new genera of, 144. Fishes, of Australia, 22, 169, 352,422, 489; new, 232. Fissiparous generation, observations on, 382. Forbes’s, Prof. E., History of British Star- fishes, reviewed, 127; on the occur- rence of Maianthemum bifolium, 158; on a new British starfish, 280; on Pec- tinura, and on the Mediteranean species of Ophiura, 463. Forster, T., on the permanent varieties of Papaver orientale, 235. Fossils collected in Southern India, on some, 482. Fossil Mammalia, notice respecting some, 5, 7, 78, 325. Fruit, on the production of decay in, 155. Fumaria micrantha, observations on, 258. Fundungi, on the African grain called, 234. Galathea, on the Irish species of, 104. Gasteropod, description of a new, 309. Gastrancistrus, new species of, 186. Geological Society, proceedings of the,147, 322, 479, 502. Geophaps, characters of the new genus, 146. Goniaster, description of a new British species of, 280. Gonibregmatus, description of the new genus, 501. Goodsir, J., on the occurrence of vegetable organisms in the stomach, 125. Gordius aquaticus, on the structure of, 297. Gould’s, J., Birds of Australia, noticed, 58 ; on some new Australian birds, 148,527; on a new species of Perameles, 232 ; on two new species of kangaroo, 385; on two new species of Halcyonide, 394 ; on a new species of hawk, 401. Graham’s, Prof., account of a botanical ex- cursion in Ross-shire, 319. Grant, Dr., on the structure and history of the mastodontoid animals, 479. Grasses, catalogue of Sicilian, 345; on the nature of the ergot of, 461. Grasses of Scotland, reviewed, 47. INDEX. Gray, J. E., on two new species of reptiles, 46; Figures of Molluscous Animals, reviewed, 56; on the habits of Tarsipes Spensere, 76; on new genera and species of Mammalia, 117. Gray, G. R., on the nomenclature of some Australian birds, 189, 333; on the soft- billed duck of Latham, 369; on some new species of birds, 371; on the mountain-partridge, 523. Gregson, Mr., on the habits of Nyssia zonaria, 68. Griffith, Dr. J. W., on the pitted tissue of plants, and on the blood-discs in animals and the starch particles in ve- getables, 95, 278, 377; on the sacculi of the Polygastrica, 438. Grimmia orbicularis, occurrence of, in Britain, 402. Gruby, M., on the occurrence of Filarie in the blood of a dog, 403. Gulliver, G., on the muscular fibre of vertebrate animals, 391; on the semen and seminal tubes of Mammalia and birds, 514; on the blood-corpuscles of the ibex, 524; of the British ophidian reptiles, 525. Halcyonidz, new species of, 394. Hall, C. R., on the structure and mode of action of the iris, 381. Halmaturus, new species of, 387. Hamaticherus, new species of, 367. Hanley, Mr., on some new species of shells, 537. Haro, Dr. A., on the ergot of rye, and on a new species of Asplenium, 236. Harpalide, descriptions of new, 319. Hassall, A. H., on some new British fresh- water Conferve, 428; on some species of marine zoophytes, 111; on the pro- duction of decay in fruit, 155; on the growth of Conferve, 359, 463; on the growth and reproduction of Enteromor- pha intestinalis, 233. Helix aspersa, on the structure of the shell of, 156. Helix, new species of, 308, 471. Helodimorpha, description of the new ge- nus, 67. Heterormorphide, descriptions of new, 318. Hinds, R. B., on new shells, 16, 255. Holothuriadz, observations on, 134. Homeeocladia anglica, remarks on, 77. Hooker’s, Sir W. J., lcones Plantarum, no- ticed, 211; London Journal of Botany, noticed, 300. Hope, Rev. F. W., on coleopterous in- sects from Chusan and Canton, 62; on new species of insects, 317, 364; on new genera and species of Phyllopho- ridz, 394. INDEX. Howell, J. W., on the structure of the stigma of the Papaveracee, 42. Huber, P., on the habits of a Tenthredo, 241, 376. Hydaticus, new species of, 364. Hydrous, new species of, 364. Hyleus, notes on the genus, 60. Hymenolaimus, characters of the genus, 370. Ibex, on the blood-corpuscles of the, 524. Ichneumon, description of an, parasitic on spiders, 1. Ichthyolites, on some specimens of, 513. Ichthyology of Australia, 22, 169, 422,489. Icones Plantarum, noticed, 211. Idiocephala, new species of, 317. Ilex Paraguyensis,on the presence of theine in, 237. Insects, new, 317, 364; fossil, on the dis- covery of some, 480, 509. Invertebrata, on the minute structure of the hard parts of, 380. Ionthodes, new species of, 367. Ireland, on the Crustacea of, 102; on the birds of, 283. Iris, on the structure and mode of action of the, 381. A Iulus, new British species of, 68, 316. Jennings, F. M., on a peculiar sensation caused by some mollusca, 326. Jones, T. W., on the corpuscles of the blood, 378. Julis, on some new species of, 422. Juncus diffusus, occurrence of, in Scotland, 78. Jussieua, new species of, 13. Kangaroo, description of two new species of, 385. Kay, J. E. de, Natural History of New York, reviewed, 209. Kaye, C.,on some fossils collected in South- ern India, 482. Kerivoula, new species of, 117. Kippist, Mr., on a new species of Paspa- lum, 235. Labrus, new species of, 353. Lamellicornidz, new genera of, 68, 315. Lamprotatus, new species of, 184, 185. Landsborough, Rev. D., on the history and habits of the rook, 275. Lapemis, new species of, 46. Latham, Dr., on Siberian birds described by, 113, 189. Lecidea Wahlenbergii, occurrence of, in Britain, 485. Lee, J. E., on some saurian dermal plates from the Weald, 5. Leefe’s, Rev. J. E., Salictum Britannicum Exsiccatum, noticed, 301. Leighton, W. A., on a new specific cha- racter in the willows, 21. 541 Leptophyllus, new species of, 400. Leuciscus, new species of, 489. Linnzan Society, proceedings of the, 252, 461. Lissopterus, description of the new genus, 281. Lobivanellus, new species of, 532. Lodoicea Sechellarum, observations on the, 153. London Journal of Botany, notice of the contents of the, 300. Longicornes, descriptions of new, 366. Loven, S., on the metamorphosis of an annelide, 43. Lowe, Rev. R. T., on a new dorsibran- chiate gasteropod, 309. Lyda inanita, on the habits of the, 241, 376. Lyell, C., on the fossil foot-prints of birds, 322. Lutra, new species of, 118. Macgillivray’s, Prof. W., History of Mol- luscous Animals, noticed, 459. Maclagan, Dr. D., on the Bebeeru tree of British Guiana, 384. Macrothrix, description of some species of, 87. Maianthemum bifolium, occurrence of, in Britain, 77, 158. Mallodon, new species of, 366. Mammalia, descriptions of new genera and species of, 117; on the semen and seminal tubes of, 514. Mantell, G. A., on some ornithoidicnites, 513. Marsupialia, new species of, 306. Martin, W., on the habits of the horned screamer, 141. Mastodontoid animals, on the structure and history of, 479, 502. Matteucci, M., on some-experiments on the torpedo, 406. Mecistocephalus, description of the new genus, 499. Megacantha, new species of, 540. Megalops, on some species of, 493. Meloseira, observations on the genus, 437. Melyride, characters of new, 319. Metascelis, new genus of Lamellicorns, 68. Meteorological observations, 79, 159, 239, 327, 407, 487. Microscopical Society of London, proceed- ings of the, 155. Microspora, a new genus of Conferve, 363. Miquel, Dr. F. A. G., on some plants from Surinam, 12. Missourium, observations on the, 147. Mitra, new species of, 255. Mocha-stones, on substances inclosed in, Ald. Mollusca, of Massachusetts, observations on the, 55; on the structure of the shells 542 of, 155; on a peculiar sensation caused by some, 326; of the counties of Aber- deen, Kincardine and Banff, noticed, 459. Mougeotia, new species of, 433. Mosia, description of the new genus, 117. Mosquito Shore, Narrative of a Residence on the, reviewed, 53. Mosses, on two new species of British, 208; occurrence of, in agate, 417. Mueller, Dr. K., on substances inclosed in mocha-stones, 415; on the fructifica- tion of Chzetophora tuberculosa, 484. Murcott, J. J.. on drying plants for the herbarium, 33. Murex, new species of, 528. Musa Cavendisii, on the introduction of the, into the Navigator Islands, 321. Mustela, new species of, 118. Myriapoda, on some new genera of, 498. Nasmyth,A.,on the minute structure of the tusks of the mastodontoid animals, 502. Nassa, on some new fossil species of, 508. Natural History of New York, reviewed, 209. Naturalist’s Library, Mammalia, reviewed, 56. Nautilus, pearly, history and observations on the, 119. Necrophleophagus, on the genus, 501. Neill, Dr. P., notice respecting, 158._ Nesioticus, new species of, 539. Newport, G., on a new British Iulus, 68, 316; on the habits of the Nomada, 69 ; on some new genera of the class Myria- poda, 498. Nicolucci, G., on the nervous and circu- lating systems of the aquatic salaman- der, 290. Nomade, on the habits of the, 68. Nomenclature of zoology, observations on the, 259. Nostochine, on anew genus of, 161. Nyctobates, new species of, 536. Nyssia zonaria, on the habits of, 68. Ochrosopsis, description of the new genus, 59. Ocyphaps, characters of the new genus, 146. Odax, on some species of, 426. Ogcosoma, new species of, 539. Omaloderus, new species of, 188. Ongulina, account of the animal of, 460. Oniscia, on two new species of, 475. Ophiura, on the species of, inhabiting the Eastern Mediterranean, 463. Ophiuridz, observations on the, 129. Orbigny, M. a’, on the Belemnites, 299. Ornithoidicnites, on some specimens of, 513. Owen, Prof., on the claims of Tetracaulo- INDEX. don to generic distinction, 147 ; on the Apteryx australis, 213 ; on the remains of a mastodontoid Pachyderm in Austra- lia, 7, 329. Oxynopterus, new species of, 398. Pachyderm, discovery of the remains of a mastodontoid, in Australia, 7, 329. Pachylarthrus, new species of, 116. Pagurus Bernhardus,notice respecting, 102. Prideauxii, notice respecting, 238. Palzemon, on the Irish species of, 110. Palamedea cornuta, on the habits of, 141. Palinurus, on the Irish species of, 105. Papaver orientale, on the permanent va- rieties of, 235. Papaveracez, on the structure of the cap- sule of, 42. Parmophorus, new, 308. Parnell’s, Dr. R., Grasses of Scotland, re- viewed, 47. Paspalum, new species of, 235. Peach, C. W., on the sea-cup, 28. Pearl-oyster of Ceylon, notice respecting the, 325. Pectinura, a new genus of Ophiuride, 463. Pectocera, new species of, 401. Pentacrinide, new species of, 198. Peplidia, new species of, 309. Peracantha, description of species of, 94. Perameles, new species of, 232, 307. Periechocrinites, new species of, 203. Petrogale, new species of, 385. Pfeiffer, Dr. L., on some new species of Helix and Bulimus, 471. Phascogale, new species of, 307. Phaseolus, new species of, 14. Pheasant, history and habits of the, 288. Phos, new species of, 257. Phyllarthrius, a new genus of longicorn insects, 366. Phyllophoridz, monograph of the family, 394. Piezophyllus, new species of, 397. Plants, descriptions of new, 12; on the drying of, 33; on the position of the stigma and placentz in, 35; on the pre- sence of iodine in, 74; occurrence of rare British, 76,77, 78; on the pitted tissues of, 95, 278; indigenous in De- vonshire, 296. Platycrinida, new species of, 199. Platygaster, new species of, 188. Platymeris, new species of, 466. Platyterma, new species of, 186. Pleuroxus, a subgenus of Entomostraca, 93. Poéphila, characters of the new genus, 144. Poissons d’Eau douce de l'Europe cen- trale, par M. Agassiz, reviewed, 49. Pollen granules, on the structure and func- tions of the, 182. INDEX. Polygastrica, on the sacculi of the, 438. Porcellana, on the Irish species of, 103. Poteriocrinide, new species of, 195. Pritchard’s, A., History of Animalcules, notice of, 140. Promeces, new species of, 368. Pselaphide, descriptions of new, 319. Psittacidz, on a new genus of, 527. Pteromalus, new species of, 116, 184, 186. Ptilinopus, descriptions of two new species of, 145. Quekett, E. J., on the nature ofthe ergot, 461. Radiata, notice respecting a new genus of, 299. Rainey, Mr., on the cause of the ascent and motion of the sap, 379, 383. Ralfs, J., on Homeeocladia anglica, 77 ; on the species of Desmidium, 372; on the genus Spheroplea, 434; on the Diato- macee, 447. Ranella, new species of, 255. Ray, J., letters from, to Sir Hans Sloane, 485. Redfield, W.C., on some ichthyolites,513. Reduviide, descriptions of new, 466. Reeve, L., on the pearly nautilus, 119; monograph of Crassatella, 302 ; on new shells, 308, 813; on the genus Torna- tella, 387 ; on two new species of Onis- cia, 475; on some new species of Del- phinula, 521; on a new species of Mu- rex, 523. Report on the Invertebrata of Massachu- setts, reviewed, 54. Reptiles, new species of, 46 ; on the blood- corpuscles of the, 525. Rhipicera, new Australian species of, 66. Rhodocrinites, new species of, 202. Rhombus, new species of, 495. Richardson, J., on the distribution of some American birds, 484; on the ichthyo- logy of Australia, 22, 169, 552, 422, 489. Ring-dove, on the history and habits of the, 283. Rook, on the history and habits of the,275. Ross-shire, account of a botanical excur- sion in, 319. Royal Society, proceedings of the, 378. Royal Society of Edinburgh, proceedings of the, 70, 157, 384. Ryania, new species of, 15. Salamander, aquatic, on the nervous and circulating systems of the, 290. Salictum Britannicum Exsiccatum,noticed, 301. Salmon, on the growth of the, 157, 384, 409. Salmonide, embryology of the, 49, 384. Sap, on the cause of the ascent and motion of, 379, 383. 543 Sarcina, description of the new genus, 126. Saunders, W. W., on the Chrysomelide of New Holland, 59, 66; on Depressaria Gossypiella, 316; on new Australian Chrysomelide, 317. Saurian dermal plates, occurrence of, in the Wealden of the Isle of Wight, 5. Saw-fly, observations on the habits of a, 241, 376. Saxifraga stellaris and 8. leucanthemifolia, notice respecting, 483. Scomber, new species of, 23. Sea-Cup, observations on the, 28. Sea-Urchin, on the structure of the, 129. Secale cornutum, observations on, 236. Seriola cultrata, description of, 169. Shafter’s, Dr., Climate of South Devon, re- viewed, 295. Shaw, J., on the growth and migration of the sea-trout, 384. Shells, descriptions of new, 16, 255, 308, 311, 318, 466, 537; on the structure of, 155s Shetland, on the botany of, 70. Shuckard, Mr., on the parasitic habits of Nomade, 69. Sicily, notes on the botany of, 338. Silphodes, new species of, 315. Siphonaria, new, 308. Sipunculide, observations on, 154. Sloane, Sir Hans, letters from, to J. Ray, 485. Smith, F., on new British species of Hy- leus, 60; on the habits of the Nomade, 68. Smith’s, Lieut.-Col. C. H., Mammalia, re- viewed, 56. Sowerby, G. B., on new species of Cyclo- stoma, 466. Spheroplea, observations on the genus, 434. Spiders, on an ichneumon parasitic on, 1 ; on defective and redundant organiza- tion in, 165. Squirrels, new species of, 533. Starfish, on a new British species of, 280. Starfishes, History of British, reviewed,127. Stenhouse, J., on the presence of theine in Ilex Paraguyensis, 237. Sternodonta, new species of, 368. Stevenson, Mr., on an apparatus for catch- ing insects by lamp-light, 66. Storer, Dr. H., on the discovery ofan elec- trical fish on the American coast, 326. Striatella, on the British species of, 455. Strickland, H. E., on Siberian birds de- scribed by Latham, 113; on the no- menclature of some Australian birds, 333; on some concretions in the ter- tiary bed of the Isle of Man, 507; on 544 the bone-bed of Bristol, 502; on the lias bone-bed of Gloucestershire, 511. Sula melanura, notice respecting, 238. Surinam, descriptions of plants from, 12. Sylviadez, on a new genus of, 527. Tarsipes Spensere, on the habits of the,76. Tautoga, new species of, 358. Taylor, Dr. T., on two new species of Bri- tish mosses, 208. Tchitrea, new species of, 371. Tenthredo, on the habits of a, 241, 376. Tetracaulodon, observations on the, 147. Tetralobus, new species of, 395. Tetramerocrinites, new species of, 203. Tetrao medius, notice respecting, 70. Tetraogallus, observations on the genus, 523. Tetrastichus, new species of, 188. Theine, on the presence of, in Ilex Para- guyensis, 237. Thompson, W., on the Crustacea of Ire- land, 102; on Pagurus Prideauxii, 238; on the birds of Ireland, 283. Thwaites, Mr., on the genus Hyleus and on Cryptus bellosus, 60. Tornatella, monograph of the genus, 387. Torpedo, experiments on the, 406. Trichormus, description of the new genus, 163. Trichostomum, new species of, 208. Triphoris, description of the genus, 16. Triton aquaticus, on the nervous and cir- culating systems of the, 290. Turdus Whitei, notice respecting, 78. Turtle-dove, history and habits of the, 287. Vaucheria, new species of, 429. Vegetable organisms, occurrence of, in the stomach, 125; parasitic in living ani- mals, account of some, 126. Vespertilionida, new genera and species of, 117. INDEX. Voluta, new species of, 312. Vulpes, description of a new species of, 118. Walker, F., descriptions of Chalcidites collected by Mr. Darwin, 30, 115, 184. Ward, N. B., on the introduction of the Musa Cavendisii into the Navigator Islands, 321. Waterhouse, G. R., on new species of coleopterous insects, 247, 281 ; on two new species of marsupial animals, 306 ; on some new species of Mammalia, 533. Wernerian Nataral History Society, pro- ceedings of the, 69. Westwood, J. O., on a new genus of la- mellicorn beetles, 68, 3153; on some exotic genera of the sacred beetles, 61; on three new species of Rhipicera, 66; on the habits of Lyda inanita, 376 ; on some new Coleoptera, 535. Whales, capture of bottle-nosed, 238. Willows, on a new specific character of, 20. Wilson, J., on the occurrence of Tetrao medius in Scotland, 70. Wilson, W., on the structure and functions of the pollen granules, 182. Xanthidium, on a new species of, 155. Young’s, T., Narrative of a Residence on the Mosquito Shore, reviewed, 53. Young, J., on the growth of the salmon, 157. Zoological Society, proceedings of the,141, 213, 302, 385, 466, 514. Zoology, propositions for rendering uni- form and permanent the nomenclature of, 259. Zoology of the Voyage of H.MS. Sul- phur, reviewed, 457. Zoophytes, marine, on three speciesof,111. Zornia, new species of, 14. Zygnema, observations on the genus, 430. END OF THE ELEVENTH VOLUME. PRINTED BY RICHARD AND JOHN E. TAYLOR, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. pe ALERE © FLAMMAM,. Ann. k Mag. Nat. Hest. Vol. V1. P11. Birds Hye Yew. 3 a.teob = aes Sie ae yy wees J Basire. Litho. RS PhS ia yi | ES a 7 . aS 7 = v4 i Lh ae fx he 7 | y RD A y British Entomostraca. SDC Sowerby Se. ) a = - . Armn.kMag. NatList.VolNPLil.. SD.C. Sowerby, Sc. British Entomostraca . HON OO NOT TRNTY RO HHTT AN ya) Nr ; e BBY SDC Sowerky fe. yA VATICAN sent (fh (yo 0 | (0) tt init 0 U0 0 = AAI (.000,0.0-0 QQ) th gud Ge: Lh ONG: 0-0. ith ‘Ah = ee al De ei ca Oat Or 0 no © 0 20 00 Q [ 910.01,0.0 0.0. Ann d&Mag Nat Hist Nol il PW. OCauarc On the Lidted Tilsue of Plants. aaa ell | oma Wi SUTIN, MMU NY v ® | Ann. & Mag Nat. [ist Voli PV. Carer Gibson. Trichormis tHCUTVUS. SLC Sowerhy fe Ann.d Mag. 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